POKEMON : LEGENDS RISINGS

by Salcover

Connor, a Trainer from Paldea, heads to Alola to compete in Professor Kukui’s newly established Pokémon League. Alongside his rival Fer and Champion Nemona, he faces powerful opponents, including Akin, a Trainer with ties to Kukui, and Kani, a former Team Skull member with a troubled past. As rivalries ignite and secrets unravel, the League becomes more than just a tournament.

CHAPTER 1. THE GREAT ANNOUNCEMENT

In today's world, there isn't a single piece of news that doesn't fly. People around the world are on

their cell phones almost all day long, while others turn on the television even if it's just to have it in

the background at lunchtime.

That's why the news that was going to be released today was not going to be a secret to practically

anyone.

A tall, dark-skinned, well-built man appeared on the screen of one of the most famous television

networks on this planet: Jubilife TV.

This man, dressed in an unbuttoned teacher's coat with no shirt underneath, a cap with a rainbow

design, green glasses, and shorts, quickly attracted attention. No wonder.

-Alola, Trainers from all over the world! - he commented with a very noticeable but not very

scandalous emotion. - Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Professor Kukui, Professor of the Alola

region. - He gave the camera a calmer look and crossed his arms while bowing his head.- You're

probably wondering why I'm in the Sinnoh region then, and why I'm making an announcement. It's

not surprising.

— At the same time as the speech was being given, in the region of Paldea.—

A boy of about fourteen, with red hair and blue eyes, was lying on the floor with his head and back

resting on a miniature Clodsire. His dull, bored gaze was directed toward the ceiling.

There was not a shred of any kind of emotion in them other than reluctance.

At that moment, the tranquility would be shattered by the footsteps of his boisterous sister ascending

the stairs to the redhead's room. His door was unceremoniously opened and slammed against the

wall.

-Alexandra! - Those eyes filled with anger. - What are you doing?

-Dwarf, you have to watch TV.

-I'm not interested in watching 'The Passion of Unfezant' with you. I already told you to find a

boyfriend- he said, turning his back on his sister.

-Professor Kukui is on TV.

Those loud footsteps were heard descending back downstairs, to the living room. Once the redhead's

sister reached the armchair, she jumped down.

The little boy arrived a few seconds later and leaned against the back of the sofa. His eyes revealed

the figure of the teacher.

-I've had a dream ever since my first trip across the world. Ever since I arrived in Kanto and faced the

region's champion. - He closed his eyes. - Until the last time I passed through Paldea. - He grabbed

his cap with a smile. - I've even grown envious of the Galar region. - His eyes opened and turned to

the television. - Young people from all over the world. Those looking for a chance to shine, even those

of you who have already done so. I have decided to create the greatest Pokémon League of all. One

where young people from all over the world can participate to see who will rise to the top and, in

doing so, take another step closer to their destiny. I plan and hope that this, the first Alola League, will

be the greatest in the world, and if possible, in history! That is my greatest dream, and I will be

grateful to every last person who gives this little dreamer a chance. Trainers from all over the world,

my home region of Alola welcomes you.

After this speech, there was a contact phone number and a website where people could sign up for the

event for free. There were also directions on where to sign up in person for locals who wanted to do

so.

In the background, a small melody played along with a "Chibi" style drawing of Professor Kukui next

to a small Rockruff.

A little later, a journalist from the Kalos region named Alexa and her Pokémon, Heliolisk, sat down on

a chair across from Kukui, who also sat down. This journalist began an interview with the professor,

but in the redhead's house, they didn't pay much attention to that part.

-Connor? Are you speechless?

Mouth agape, the teenager repeated specific parts of his speech over and over again in his head. To

advance his own destiny, to be one step closer to his dream. That's how he interpreted the opportunity

to participate in this League. A smile spread across his lips.

-I have to start training. Call the tamer.

-Huh? - She raised an eyebrow, not entirely happy with that order. - You get along better with Mom's

boyfriend than I do. You call him.

In the same region as the previous scene, but at a point further away from this one.

Inside a house on a farm, a family of three was watching television. The two parents looked at each

other.

-Have you heard that, Salva?

-Of course, it's great news! A League prize comes with winning a lot of money.

The two heads turned toward a white-skinned boy with black hair and fringe sticking up, and brown

eyes. The boy smiled and nodded.

-I'll have to show Kukui why he could trust me. I'm going to defeat everyone in the League!

-As long as you win, it's good enough for us.

Kanto region, near Cerulean City.

A vast Pokémon ranch stretched as far as the eye could see. Pokémon from every region lived

peacefully in this well-maintained place, even Pokémon you'd rarely find outside their natural habitat.

There, with the SmartRotom playing the interview of the Alola professor, a rather tall teenager with

somewhat curly hair and red eyes was supervising that place.

This one, with a rather calm expression, looked at the sky for a second.

-Alola… I haven't been able to visit that region yet. Maybe this is a good excuse.

After rethinking his thoughts out loud, the calm boy lowered his head and returned to his usual work

while listening to what Professor Kukui was explaining to Alexa.

_

The region where the event was to be held was not silent that day. Many young townspeople rushed to

sign up for this great opportunity. The response was positive, and many were even happy because

tourism, which was already good, was going to be even better.

However, some more traditionalists disagreed and thought that this would take away the great charm

that Alola offered away from the Pokémon gyms.

The latter was the conversation between a young woman who was picking up her little Dewpider from

the arms of the Pokémon nursery manager.

-My dad is really mad... I think this is more than good for Alola! Besides, my cousin will finally be

able to show off what he learned on the island tour.

-I also think it's a very good thing, - the manager commented. - I wouldn't like gyms and things like

that, obviously, but an event that brings so many people together... It benefits us all.

With a smile, the girl left the establishment. Then, the door leading to the nursery field opened.

A boy with green eyes, square glasses covering them, his bangs swept over the right side of his head,

and wearing a distinctive denim overalls appeared.

-Hey, boss... Can I take a few days off? - he said, smiling broadly as he bared his teeth and closed his

eyes.

-It's about the Pokémon League, right, Akin? - The newly appointed manager whistled, and the

manager laughed. - I'll have a lot of work... but I can't stop you. Of course, the least I expect is

publicity for the business.

Akin opened his eyes and nodded.

-Of course!

Sunny weather is a daily occurrence in Alola. It's the perfect climate for a vacation, or so outsiders

think.

A heavy rain lashed a section of a not-so-busy city. There was no one on the streets, although it looked

as though it had been empty for some time.

In the window of an abandoned store, there was inexplicably a television on, playing this great news

to a single person.

In the rain, a short figure stood shielding his head from the rain beneath his black sweatshirt.

Underneath this sweatshirt was a black long-sleeved T-shirt with a white stripe running down his

stomach, and beneath that, sweatpants with two stripes running from top to bottom on each side of his

legs. White shoes and a skull pendant completed this outfit.

Beneath the hood, thick brown hair and green eyes protected her from the water.

After the speech, the television turned off and a rather playful ghost Pokémon emerged from inside

like a burst of electricity.

Rotom started laughing and crawled into a socket, moving and traveling through the current.

-A Pokémon League… here, in Alola… -he smiled- Well, this could be my big chance.

CHAPTER 2. JOURNEY

Today is the day. The big day when airports around the world would be visited by the coaches inspired

by that professor.

The dawn light tinges the streets of Paldea with color, awakening more than one person by entering

unannounced through the window. But not the young redhead.

Sleep was Connor's biggest challenge. Alexandra's brother had spent the night awake, devising

strategies he probably wouldn't use.

In his small room, there was a companion, his first Pokémon, who was currently there to help his

trainer in any way she could: Primarina. This water creature calmed Connor's stressed mind with a

sweet melody, soothing his torments.

Closing his eyes slightly, a memory invaded his memory.

_

It was about a time when he was at a small martial arts tournament held near his neighborhood. Our

blue-eyed protagonist lunged at his larger opponent and tried to knock him down.

However, his will wasn't enough to win. With a headlock, Connor ended up crashing to the ground

and losing the fight. Rage coursed through his body, and he left without a satisfying victory.

Laughter and mockery were not long in coming.

-So much shouting for nothing.

-Who does he think he is with those voices? He'll never get anywhere like that.

Connor bowed his head and gritted his teeth. But amidst that maelstrom of negative thoughts, amidst

that echo of laughter and mockery, there was applause.

He raised his head. An adult had stood up to applaud. It was someone with a very strange and...

summery appearance?

-Unbelievable, kid. Despite the odds against you, you launched yourself like you were doing a sword

dance. For a second, I thought you were going to take him down.

-Excuse me, sir… who are you?

-I'm Professor Kukui, Professor of Alola, - he said cordially, a friendly smile plastered across his face.

- I'm currently traveling around the world.

-Uh-huh…- he raised an eyebrow. - So why are you here? If you're a Pokémon professor... shouldn't

you be studying Pokémon?

-That's right. - He winked and raised his index finger. - But... seeing things like this, I can't help but

relate. - He slapped his chest with his hand. - You see, I also train physically. You could even say I

practice certain martial arts - he said with a laugh. - And that helps me in my Pokémon research. I can

withstand attacks with my mountainous body, which is why I don't wear a shirt.

-Training your muscles helps you with… Pokémon… - He softened his tone of voice on the last word.

Kukui looked at him, the boy trying not to be too obvious about what was happening. But he didn't

succeed.

-There are many ways to understand Pokémon, and this is one that works for me. Tell me, what's your

name?

-I'm Connor.

-Connor, do you have your first Pokémon yet?

Raising his head in surprise, Kukui reached into his pockets and pulled out three Pokeballs. From

them, three creatures emerged: an owl, a cat, and a sea lion.

Connor's blue eyes fixed on the beauty of the water type, who stared at the boy.

_

With his mind calmed, Primarina stopped singing. The teenager smiled at the marine diva.

-Thank you.

She went downstairs, making the same fuss as her sister, and went to the kitchen. There, she prepared

breakfast for him and six bowls of specialized Pokémon food.

Without finishing his toast, he went out to the street, where there was room for his entire team.

He placed the food bowls on the floor and then allowed the five Pokeballs he had with him to release

the Pokémon inside.

Rhyperior was the first to come out, followed by Ceruledge, Baxcalibur, Tauros of Paldea, and

Luxray.

-Today is the big day, you're as nervous as I am, right?

All the Pokémon screamed in excitement, Primary however, sang.

Although the emotion was palpable in all of them, there was one in which it stood out with much more

emphasis.

The rock colossus, Rhyperior, screamed with euphoria as his drill revolved carelessly. Everyone

turned to look at him, and Connor carefully approached until he touched his body with his hand.

-And you the most, right? We still have that promise. - The rock type and the kid looked into each

other's eyes. - And this time I promise you we'll win.

The two closed their eyes. Rhyperior bent down as best he could and touched Connor's head with his

forehead. Afterward, they separated.

-Now eat. We'll have to go to the airport soon.

As quickly as they began to eat, the food bowl was already empty. Except for Ceruledge, Connor had

to help him. The ghost Pokémon bowed in thanks.

They finally finished eating. The redhead entered his house, leaving everything in a mess and

uncleaned, and tried to flee the crime scene.

-Ahem! - a female voice stopped Connor. - Young master, where do you think you're going?

-Mom! I don't have time to pack everything. I have to go to the airport.

-And you weren't even thinking of saying goodbye!?

-He had left a note…

The vein in the older woman's forehead popped out. Connor flinched.

-I'm leaving… - he shrugged, hoping it would work.

The woman gave a long sigh and shook her head.

-I've won heaven with you and your sister. - She crossed her arms as she looked at her son. - Be

careful and have fun. And if you can win, all the better.

-Thanks, Mom!

Connor ran out the door and put each Pokémon inside their respective Pokeballs except for Tauros,

who was used as a mount.

As she was about to leave, the window overlooking her sister's room opened. Alexandra leaned out

and leaned against it.

-Hey, dwarf. Show Grandma what you're made of.

Despite these words, Connor didn't turn his head. The boy clung to Tauros's fur and didn't give any

orders until the seconds passed.

The Tauros he was riding on began to run along the saddle rail.

The distance between Cabo Poco and Mesagoza was the distance traveled by the redhead's mount. He

entered through the large main gate and carelessly raced through the streets, scaring some citizens

who were simply strolling.

-Let's go!

Tauros snorted and increased his speed.

They finally arrived at the building where their trip would take place. Connor quickly stored the

Pokémon in his Pokeball before it crashed into the automatic doors and ran to punch bills.

Once everything was in order and his suitcase was ready to be packed onto the plane, Connor

breathed a sigh of relief and looked out the window at the steel contraption that would transport him

to another region.

The boy was lost in thought, imagining how his team would compete against all kinds of strong

coaches from around the world.

-Connor! - a familiar voice shattered his concentration. - I knew you were supposed to be around here.

It was none other than Nemona, the Pokémon champion of the Paldea region. Next to her was her

little Pawmot, waving his hand.

-Nemona! It's been a long time.

-I bet you do. - She leaned closer, gathering her hair. - I'm sorry about how I look. I was so nervous

yesterday, so I couldn't sleep, and this morning I almost fell asleep.

With her hair pulled back in a ponytail except for two green strands, her look was the same as always.

Except for her clothes. Instead of wearing the orange academy uniform, Nemona wore much more

comfortable clothing. Leggings and a T-shirt, over which was a sports sweatshirt.

-I was able to rest a little thanks to Primarina's voice. Thank goodness I have her with me.

Otherwise... I wouldn't know what I'd do.

-Oh! Wow, they are the champion and the runner-up.

The two trainers were guided by the sound of the third; both recognized that voice. It was the young

farmer Fer.

-That's not fair. I want a nickname like that too, really cool, - commented the same person who had

interrupted. - Maybe three-time champion or something?

Everyone started laughing. Next to the trainer who came from the farms of Altamía Town was a rare

Pokémon from the region.

It was a Decidueye, the final evolution of Rowlet, the starter Pokémon from the Alola region.

When Connor received his first Pokémon, he decided to embark on his journey as a trainer and

challenge the region's gyms. On one of these trips, he met Fer. They had both encountered Professor

Kukui on their journey and received a starter Pokémon from him. Their first encounter was in

Artazon, where they became established rivals.

The more they traveled, the tougher their battles became. Neither was significantly superior to the

other, and there was always a different winner than the last time.

One day, their progress through the Pokémon gyms was stopped by a girl asking for help. She was a

short, fairly white girl. Her hair was unusual; it came in two distinct colors, red and blue,

respectively.

-Please... you have to help me. My friends are about to do something crazy… - He closed his eyes and

held his hands to his chest. - Because of me...

-Let's stop it! We're going to stop them! - Fer commented euphorically.

-Yes, we will - Connor added.

The two of them split the workload. Fer would fight Giacomo and Ortega, while Connor would fight

Mela and Atticus.

The battles were tougher than they ever imagined. Facing Mela, Ceruledge was exhausted and

catching his breath; facing Atticus, Luxio was recharging his electricity while resisting the poison in

his body.

Against Giacomo, Mudbray roared to the beat of the music when he saw victory; against Ortega,

Doublade showed respect for his rival.

It was the turn of, from what they had heard, the most fearsome.

With ogre makeup and a physique that anyone would envy, Eri appeared alongside her Annihilape.

The battle was a disaster. Both trainers fought together, but to no avail.

-Brionne, use disarming voice!

The Pokémon performed a chant in which its musical notes seemed to come alive in the form of an

attack. However, for this Pokémon, it was merely an appetizer.

-Rage Fist! - the fearsome one shouted.

Annihilape, after receiving that attack, screamed angrily. His fists grew larger, the anger he felt

building up in them.

The monkey lunged mercilessly and hit the sea lioness in the cheek, she instantly lost consciousness

and fell in front of Connor, who watched the scene in astonishment.

While Fer tried to do something by ordering his Pokémon to launch a flurry of leaves, Connor knelt

down, observing the difference in level between them. Until now, his defeats against Fer or a leader

like Laureano had been painful. However, in neither case did he feel a sense of inferiority as such.

The monkey's fists arrived against Dartrix and, without being able to do anything, he knocked him out

in the same way he did with Fer's friend's initial.

-I'm sorry, - Eri said sadly, a strange gleam in her eyes. As if she wanted to shed a tear. - I need to win

so we can all live peaceful lives.

Behind him, a huge car with a Revavroom engine was deployed.

-The AutoStar is ready.

About to leave for Plateau City, she was interrupted by the appearance of a third.

Wearing the Orange Academy uniform and clutching her armband, a young student walked up to

stand face to face with the young woman in makeup.

-I'm Nemona, the new school representative. Nice to meet you - she said with a smile. - Anonymous

rumors have been circulating that you're planning to lay siege to the academy, and the superintendent

sent me to stop it. - She looked at Fer and Connor and waved. - Although when I went to investigate,

the other squads had already gone ahead.

Both trainers stared at each other and a battle began.

Pawmot and Annihilape began by bumping fists, and an explosion of yellow and dark colors filled the

scene. Fer was fascinated, supporting Nemona throughout this arduous encounter. While Connor's

eyes widened, the difference in strength wasn't just between one person... it was between two. That

was the first time the boy felt... useless.

Dodging Annihilape's blow as it backed away, Pawmot countered with its fist while storing up

electricity. It struck the ghost monkey in the cheek, discharging its electricity. The shock affected the

Pokémon, and it ended up on the pavement, unable to continue, its back on the ground. Meanwhile,

the rodent ended up on its feet, although badly injured after this battle.

-That was quite a battle! - she commented excitedly while laughing.

Eri and the rest of Team Star met in the school principal's office with Superintendent Geeta, along

with Nemona.

Connor and Fer said goodbye to Nemona, since they had been accompanying her to Mesagoza for

this meeting. They began walking down the endless stairs leading to the plaza when they ran into the

same girl who had asked for their help with Team Star a few days earlier. She was on her way to the

Academy.

-T-thank you very much for your help… -she started running after saying that.

-Don't worry! Fer can fix the next problem!

Connor continued walking, saying nothing.

-Thank you? I had no chance of winning if it weren't for Nemona...

From that moment on, training became more intense for Connor's team.

After that great battle, fate brought the two rookie trainers together with the Orange Academy

representative. Occasionally, they would spend time together at a picnic or travel together to a city to

continue their challenge.

Everything continued like this until the most important day in his little career arrived.

The three had qualified for the Paldea Pokémon League, which was held at the Levincia's gym. All

battles took place at night, taking advantage of the beautiful Night Luminary. Gym Leader and

content creator "Iono" streamed the event live on her social media.

There were three protagonists at this event: the charismatic Fer, the emotional Connor, and the

powerful Nemona.

With each victory, Fer took the opportunity to show off for the cameras or strike his best pose.

Sometimes he told a joke.

Connor lived his battles to the fullest, with each victory his confidence grew and the boy celebrated it

like no one else.

And Nemona… crushed her rivals with dizzying ease.

The semifinals weren't long in coming. The moment when, inevitably, two of these three coaches

would have to battle each other arrived. It was then the turn of the great battle between Fer and

Connor. A battle that would end in a similar result to their first matchup.

With five Pokémon defeated by each of the teens, things reached their climax. On the battlefield, both

kept their last Pokémon and, at the same time, their first. The same Pokémon that was given to them

by Professor Kukui.

-Spirit Shackle!

Gaining altitude with a solid flap of its wings, Decidueye reached the top. Once there, its archer's eyes

locked onto its target. One of the ghost's wings lifted while its hand grasped the vine falling from its

hood, creating the appearance of a bow. With its free hand, it grabbed one of its arrow-shaped

feathers to complete the attack.

The tip of this movement turned dark, as if it were overflowing with energy of this color.

After this, the arrow was launched.

-Sparkling Aria!

Primarina closed her eyes as she slowly leaned all her weight onto her tail. Slowly, she opened her

arms and held them close to her mouth. A sweet melody captivated the audience, and she silenced the

crowd with her beautiful voice.

As she raised her body, the pearls holding her hair in a ponytail began to float and freed her hair,

which moved like waves of water in a calm sea.

A good amount of water formed in front of her hair and, shortly after, exploded into different colored

bubbles that formed a beautiful light under the moonlight.

The water spheres were launched against the arrow, the first ones were useless, but the arrival of

several against the feather ended up destabilizing and diverting its trajectory.

However, despite having thwarted his attack, the sea lion did not stop singing.

The bubbles flew toward Decidueye and exploded near him. However, Fer's Pokémon managed to

dodge the first one with great flight control, and the second one by spinning around just before it

reached him.

A display of skill in the air was present on this Pokémon, who easily freed himself from the singer's

stalking.

-I'm sorry, Fer. But I'm not going to let you steal Primarina's show.- he said with a grin from ear to ear.

-Oh, it's not like this is a contest - he replied.

-Moonblast!

The moonlight covered the diva in a pink aura, which gathered elegantly in front of her. Connor's

Pokémon formed a sphere, which he mercilessly launched at the opposing owl.

Fer was waiting for him with a smile.

-Phantom Force!

Decidueye launched himself straight into the sphere, which was almost larger than him. Apparently,

this sea creature was making the most of the scenery and the time.

But just as he was about to connect with that Fairy-type move, Decidueye covered himself with his

enormous wings and closed his eyes. A black flame quickly consumed him, turning him translucent

and, in turn, intangible, as the Moon Force attack passed through him harmlessly.

Everyone gasped, especially Connor, who could hardly see the rival Pokémon due to the darkness of

the night.

-I hope the viewers liked it! Now Primarina will have to manage to fight in close quarters. Leaf Blade!

Decidueye's eyes opened, and he returned to his normal form just a few feet away from Primarina.

The seal was surprised, and Connor barely had time to think of a counterattack when the archer's

wings opened, and his feathers were used to slash the Water Pokémon's body several times.

With each movement of Decidueye's wing, there was a green flash. Primarina closed her eyes and,

wounded and disheveled, began to scream in pain.

Primarina's grace disappeared at this moment.

-Hypervoice!

With her eyes narrowed and her teeth clenched, Primarina opened her mouth once more. This time,

the pleasant melody turned into a roar that kicked up water particles around her.

Decidueye frowned and stopped for a moment, which was the time Primarina took to jump away.

-Primarina loves to show off more than to fight... if you've gotten me to this point, I have to make you

pay- he said in a more "comical" tone toward his friend.

Fer started laughing and closed his fists as he pointed ahead.

-Decidueye, you're the closest thing to an "avenger" here. Go and prove it with a big Leaf Storm!

The owl lowered its head and its eyes were covered by its hood.

The creature took a deep breath and formed the arc with its wing again. One of its feathers was

launched like an arrow, moving with such speed that Primarina didn't have time to react before it

embedded itself in the ground beside her. That was simply a warning.

His hand moved quickly, scooping up handfuls of feathers, throwing them, and repeating the process.

A hail of arrows was falling over Primarina, which he clearly wouldn't be able to avoid. Connor

smiled.

The stage was filled with previously used water, water that Primarina didn't hesitate to use. With her

voice, all the water rose and followed the movement of the sea lion's hands, which formed a wall of

water in front of her.

-Ice beam!

Suddenly, a curious mist formed around the singer's mouth. Shortly after, a beam of ice moved toward

the wall of water and froze it in record time.

The arrows crashed against him. It may have been a temporary countermeasure… but he would

eventually give way.

And that's what happened. But there was no one behind him.

Primarina moved across the wet terrain with his body, to a safe area after the recent attack.

-Ice beam once again!

It didn't take long for Decidueye to look into her opponent's eyes as she was already preparing her

next move.

Just as Fer was about to give an order, ice threatened his Pokémon's body. Decidueye closed his eyes

and let out a moan as he felt the sudden change in temperature freeze his feathers and envelop them in

a thick layer of ice. His flight became impossible, and he began to fall.

-Now yes… Moonblast!

With her hair loose and a beautiful chant, the moonlight served as a focal point for the marine diva.

The Pokémon smiled as it generated a pink sphere with the power the satellite had granted it.

The stage glowed a beautiful pink from that sphere of energy, which was launched at a defenseless

Decidueye who accepted defeat by closing his eyes.

A loud explosion erupted, leaving everyone speechless. Primarina gathered her pearls with her chant

and restored her original hairstyle. When the smoke cleared, Decidueye lay on the ground with her

eyes closed, unable to move. The singer bowed to conclude the encounter.

Fer was disqualified and everyone began to applaud after such a splendid fight.

Fer walked over to his starter Pokémon, who barely opened his eyes.

-With honor to the end, right? - the brown-eyed man said shortly before lying down on the ground

next to his Pokémon. There was a long sigh. - I think Dad's going to be mad.

Approaching the boy, the other protagonist of the encounter extended his hand. Fer stood up and

shook it eagerly.

Decidueye stood up and, looking at Primarina, bowed his head in respect.

-I almost beat you at your own game. Now let's see how you fare against Nemona.

-It seems we're all pretty sure she'll be the other finalist. - Once he let go of his friend's hand, he

clenched his fist. - This time... I plan to show my true strength.

And so it was. To no one's surprise, Nemona crushed her opponent and went straight to the Paldea

Pokémon League finals.

The stage had been set for the situation, and leaders, academy members, former rivals, and friends of

the protagonists of the match were about to witness a fight that would never be forgotten.

Above all, it would be a fight that would live long in the boy's memory.

Pawmot, the delegate's star Pokémon, dodged the colorful bubbles that Primarina launched at him

with some very precise acrobatics.

The diva didn't have enough time to ask the Moon for its energy, and before she knew it, she was

witnessing Pawmot turn his back on her and jump backward.

Shocks were seen in the Paldean rodent's defibrillators, electricity guiding the spectators' eyes to

where the Pokémon with the type advantage was heading.

The Electric-type's feet touched the ground, Primarina spun around, but was immediately struck by

the opponent's palms. Her hair stood on end, and a look of terror appeared on her face just before

Pawmot unleashed all of its electricity into the poor mermaid's body.

Electricity lit up the area as it coursed through the water-type body, the screams muffled by the sound

of the shocks.

Finally, Primarina fell back unable to continue.

The scoreboard obscured Primarina's image. On Connor's side, only one Pokémon remained. On

Nemona side, there were still two more Pokémon besides Pawmot.

This fight was all about beating Connor up. And those wide-open eyes staring down at the ground

made it clear he knew it.

Without saying anything, Connor gripped his last hope tightly and threw it angrily toward the center

of the field.

An impressive Pokémon emerged from it, a robust creature with enormous arms entered the scene.

-Rhyperior… - he swallowed and nodded. - I trust you. This... is for her!

The Pokémon looked back, frowning. After that, it nodded and looked straight ahead.

-Stone Edge!

The large Pokémon wasted no time; it brought its hands together and slammed them down on the

ground. Emerging from the ground, rocks sought to strike the small body of the electric rodent with

their sharp edges.

-Go ahead Pawmot, show off your incredible speed!

The girl's Pokémon jumped before the rocks collided with it. The Pokémon landed and began racing

toward its new opponent.

-Hammer Arm! - he shouted desperately.

Eyes wide open, Rhyperior raised his fist and, aiming at Pawmot, brought it down, striking like a

hammer.

However, Pawmot stopped dead in his tracks, landing on one foot and leaping backward. The rhino's

brute force crushed the ground and shattered it, but it was no use.

-Ice punch!

The fighting type's legs positioned themselves on top of the rock colossus's large arm, beginning to

run until they were close to its face.

The girl's Pokémon's fist emanated a stream of cold air, visible to the spectators. Then, the fist

connected with the rock Pokémon's cheek. His eyes widened in shock as a layer of ice slowly covered

him.

-Shit… Now it's close… Horn Drill!

The body of the Pokémon that had just received the blow trembled, its eyes focused on its opponent

and, overflowing with a rarely seen bloodlust, the horn on its face began to spin at full speed.

With a quick stretch of its neck, the Rhyperior lunged at its opponent's body. The drill spun at an

enviable speed, so much so that the air could be seen swirling around it, leaving a trail in its wake.

However, Nemona did not seem at all worried.

-Repeat the ice punch.

As calmly as his trainer, Pawmot moved his arm as the horn was about to pierce his chest.

The fist connected with the face of Rhydon's evolution and, with sheer brute force, caused it to change

the direction the drill was pointing.

Pawmot fell to the ground while Rhyperior backed away trying to maintain his balance.

-It's okay to let yourself go in combat, but…- the girl pointed forward with a smile. - You also have to

think and not just charge in recklessly. Isn't that how you won the semifinals?

Connor didn't listen.

-Rock Wrecker!

From the holes of the gigantic palms of the last hope, a gigantic stone was forming while a terrifying

red aura accompanied it.

That rock, when complete, was violently thrown at Pawmot.

-Hey, - she said, laughing, - listen to me at least. Close Combat!

Nemona smile was contrary to the look of despair that Connor carried with him.

He thought this hit would be enough; after all, it was his Pokémon's most powerful. Pawmot was

Nemonas star; if he takes it out, the next few blows should be easy. All of this was happening in the

boy's head during the second it took for the rock to reach the defibrillator Pokémon.

This agile Pokémon's modus operandi had been to dodge moves rather than confront them head-on. It

stood to reason that this time it would be the same.

However, Pawmot launched himself against the enemy attack.

A punch was thrown into the air, and the rodent's hand connected with the stone. Little by little, it

began to crack. Pawmot gritted his teeth and increased his strength. The rock shattered into a dozen

fragments before the astonished eyes of Rhyperior and Connor.

Pawmot bent his knees and jumped onto the first fragment. After that, he jumped onto another one,

and so on, steam rising from his body. He was warming up for the next blow.

With one last leap, he charged at the motionless Rhyperior. His eyes opened, reflecting the creature's

appearance in their irises.

A fist collided with the rhino's head. Another with its chest. Soon after, a flurry of blows hit all over its

body, a flurry of punches so massive that it couldn't see them coming, only feel them.

Eyes rolling back and helpless, Connor's Pokémon fell onto its back. Pawmot returned to the ground

as the steam slowly faded away.

The end of the Pokémon League arrived, and to no one's surprise, Nemona succeeded, crushing her

rival once again. She acknowledged the praise, while Connor knelt before his weakened Pokémon,

who was resting with his eyes closed.

-Sorry, Rhyperior... we couldn't... we couldn't make it. - He returned it to its Pokeball as he stood up

from the ground. His blue eyes had lost their shine.

-Hey Connor, that was an amazing fight! I can't wait to see us fight again in the future. - the new

regional champion commented with a smile from ear to ear.

Connor smiled out of obligation and, showing his competitiveness, shook his hand and thanked him

publicly. But something inside him had changed; he had lost more than just a fight.

It was at this moment that Connor felt that sense of inferiority again. This is when the little redhead

stopped training, his motivation disappearing along with his victory.

The plane took off, bidding farewell to the Paldea region and embarking on a journey toward Alola, a

region full of new possibilities for everyone.

Connor spent a few minutes of his time in the enormous vehicle reflecting.

The reunion with Nemona had revived that moment in his mind a year ago. That feeling of being

inferior and of not having been able to accomplish "that." Could it be different this time?

His eyes were slowly closing, fatigue taking over his body. But just as he was about to fall asleep, a

ray of sunlight entered through the airplane window and interrupted his rest.

Connor slowly opened his eyes. A beautiful sunrise appeared on the horizon, the sun rising again to

illuminate this part of the world as it did every day. And right in front of this beautiful sunrise lay the

desired archipelago. His next destination.

The redhead's smile reappeared with its own light. This was a new adventure, a second chance. And

he still held onto some secrets.

CHAPTER 3. REGISTRATION

The flapping of Wingulls' wings over the sea, waves breaking near the shore, Pokémon splashing, and

people in the water. Laughter and a tropical climate as pleasant and welcoming as few others.

That was the first vision the participants of this great League had as their bodies left the airport.

Hauoli City, the largest city in Alola located on the first island: Melemele.

This was, without a doubt, the most visited island during tourist season. And the citizens knew it,

which is why it housed the largest shopping center in the entire archipelago and also the newly

established Pokémon League organizing office; the place to sign up for the latter. The first destination

of many, the second, the beach across the street.

Hundreds of coaches had remained in the venue talking amongst themselves.

Among them was a boy wearing a denim overall who wrote his name on a piece of paper and said a

cordial goodbye to the lady in charge of this procedure.

Followed by his beefy starter Pokémon, Incineroar, he headed toward the exit. But he didn't expect

what was about to happen.

The automatic door opened to admit a rather curious pair of people. Connor and Fer, to be exact.

They both ran through the reception area, pushing each other, until in one of these attacks they both

ended up on the ground right in front of the boy from Akala's Pokémon Daycare and his Incineroar.

-Ah... look what you've done, you brute! - the redhead said, still on the ground.

-But you pushed me. - the guy in the blue sweatshirt commented.

The automatic door opened, and behind them were her first two Pokémon, Primarina and Decidueye.

Primarina placed her head under her trainer's arm and, with some strength, helped her up.

Meanwhile, Decidueye flew up for a second and grabbed Fer by the back with its strong legs, helping

him up to his feet in the same way. The two Alolan starters looked at each other and shook their

heads.

Incineroar and the boy in the overalls looked at each other in confusion.

A third time, the automatic door let a person through, it was the Paldea champion along with her

signature Pokémon.

-Always making a fool of yourself, huh? - Nemona smiled as she crossed her arms. - You're taking a

joke so seriously.

-Alola! - the Incineroar boy chimed in. - Forgive me for bothering you. But... what happened?

-Him! - Connor pointed at Fer. - He say "the last one to arrive is a Kalense."

There was a second of silence.

-So… what's wrong with it?

-Everything! - they both said.

Nemona laughed.

-It's just that in Paldea we have a long-standing rivalry with those from Kalos- the girl commented.

-Huh? Paldea? I thought you were from Alola. You guys have starter Pokémon from around here.

The two trainers looked at each other and then looked at their signature Pokémon. They explained

that, at one point in their lives, they crossed paths with Kukui, and he gave them each a starter

Pokémon. Kukui's eyes began to glow, while Incineroar's opened wide.

-So it's you!

Everyone blinked in disbelief.

Just over a year ago, the lights of sunset bathed the sky over Melemele Island.

A little further from Hauoli, there was a small village with a much more traditional appearance. The

vegetation was much more abundant except for the center of this village, where four lit torches stood

at either end of a wooden battle arena.

In this place, called IkiTown, there was a young boy with green eyes lying on the boards of that stage

while he watched the sky.

-Hey, Akin. What are you doing there alone?

A familiar voice caught the boy's attention. It was none other than the region's teacher, Kukui himself.

He had appeared with one hand in his pocket and the other raised in greeting. Beside him was a small

fire kitten licking its paw.

-Professor! I didn't know you were coming back today. - The boy sat down and, with a single leap,

jumped down to the ground and approached the man.

-Yes, but I won't be staying here long. I'm planning to go to Galar next week. You could say I'm

constantly doing "Round Trip."

They both started laughing at the teacher's bad joke. The Litten, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow

and shook his head.

They both sat down again in the town square.

-Hau has received his first Pokémon from his grandfather and has started the island tour, so I'm here

bored while counting stars.

-That will be impossible for you. - The adult's gaze turned to the sky. It had darkened since their

reunion, and in the firmament, a multitude of stars loomed before them. - Especially here, in Alola.

The region with the most beautiful sky of all.

A shooting star, a common sight in that area, appeared before them as Akin remained silent.

-Have you been able to see anything interesting in Paldea?

-Yeah, some pretty different Pokémon gyms than usual. There's even a restaurant that, when the

leader's time to battle, turns into a battle arena. It's usually outdoors, though. - He smiles. - Also, I've

come across two pretty promising kids. I decided to give them a chance and have awarded them

Rowlet and Popplio respectively.

The boy with glasses looked back, there was Litten resting.

-And Litten… nobody wanted him?

-Litten is a special case, - she sighed. - Everyone who came near him would growl or paw at him.

Anyway… - she looked at him with a smile while he slept. - I knew he wouldn't want to stay with

anyone from so far away.

He explained how whenever they turned on the TV in the lab, Litten would imitate the beefy Pokémon

of the best trainer in all of Alola, Royale Mask, and his mighty Incineroar.

Litten screamed and bristled, increasing the intensity of his fire every time he saw him.

-Litten wants to face that Incineroar, I knew perfectly well that it wouldn't want any trainer who

wasn't from Alola.

-No wonder. Royale Mask is a great guy! If I had the chance, I'd fight him too.

Kukui raised an eyebrow and let out a couple of soft laughs. Litten perked up an ear and let his eyes

open slightly.

-Huh? - he asked, confused by that laugh.

-It's nothing. - He looked at Akin. - The only reason I took Litten was so he could say goodbye to his

friends. But I had a trainer in mind for him from the very beginning.

In a silence where the future nursery worker didn't understand these words, Litten stood up and

turned to look at the younger one. They stared at each other for a few seconds, and a meow from

Litten ended this story.

_

Back in the present, Incineroar was hugging Primarina and Decidueye tightly. They both smiled

nervously as they tried not to gasp at such a display of affection.

-So this is that Litten… "the blue-eyed one commented- The world is smaller than it seems, huh…

A burst of applause came from the excited Paldea girl. She clenched her fists and smiled broadly.

"Don't you see? It's so great! The three of you are linked by the same person, and your Pokémon are

linked to each other. And it's all come together here. I can't wait to see your battles. I hope the

Pokémon League starts soon!" He started running toward the receptionist.

-... What?... - Akin commented, blinking a couple of times.

"You'll get used to it," Decidueye's trainer commented.

"Yeah," the Primarina man said.

"She seems like a really nice person," he commented with a grin from ear to ear. "Heh. She's really

funny, too."

Connor and Fer looked at each other, both raising an eyebrow.

-By the way, if after signing up you'd like me to guide you around the area a bit, I'd be happy to.

"If you offer, I won't say no," the darker man commented, giving him a thumbs-up.

Nemona appeared with lightning speed, panting and already signed up for the championship. The

other two from Paldea also headed to the reception.

-My name is Connor Matamoros and my stay will be at the "Tide Song Hotel" in Heahea City.

The receptionist signed in and Connor signed to confirm his attendance.

-My name is Fer Ortiz and my stay will be at the Æther Foundation.

These words caught Akin's attention.

Once signed up for this great event, the quartet began walking toward the exit.

-Fer, sorry for listening without permission…

"What are you saying? What's the point, man? Don't you see our initials are friends?" He gently patted

Akin on the back.

"Ah," he started laughing, "So how come you're staying at the Æther Foundation?"

"That's it," Connor replied. After saying this, he leaned closer to Nemonas ear. "What is the Æther

Foundation?"

"It's the organization that's in charge of protecting and caring for the region's Pokémon, trying to

spread respect for the species," Nemona replied to Connor.

"Oh," he returned to the conversation between Akin and Fer. "So, how come you're staying there?"

"They offered me a scholarship. They're paying for my travel, my food, and my lodging. In return, I

have to work there." He shrugged. "I'm used to doing fieldwork, after all. So it's perfect for me. For

Mudsdale and Revavroom, it's the best way for them to train."

"Oh. Well..." He looked away with a somewhat forced smile. Incineroar glanced sideways, his

expression much more serious than before.

Noticing the change in the atmosphere, the three looked at each other. Nemona, a little calmer, raised

her hand and was about to ask.

However…

A simple footstep broke the noise of every Alola trainer. Everyone in this region turned their heads

and fell silent.

Followed by curiosity and the growing tension in the office, those from other regions did the same,

including the protagonists in this sack.

At a leisurely pace, a short boy with long brown hair walked down the center aisle, headed to sign up

for this great championship.

With each step, the skull pendant he carried swung back and forth like a pendulum.

The aura this boy gave off was almost as dark as the clothes he wore.

And not only that, beside him walked a four-legged Pokémon that many, even those not from Alola,

recognized and feared instantly: Absol, the Catastrophe Pokémon.

-My name is Kani. And my stay is going to be camping wherever I can.

"Oh. Excuse me, kid, but we need your first and last name," the receptionist commented, somewhat

nervously.

-Last names? Sorry, comrae. I don't have one.

-W-well, without a last name, I can't write it down. I'm so sorry…

The little boy's eyes narrowed and he let out a long sigh.

-Kani… Inak…

The receptionist blinked a couple of times.

-Boy… is your name backwards?

-Comrae, have you asked the others if their last names are correct?

The receptionist noted down that strange name.

_

A little less than a year ago, the islanders were out basking in the sun when the newspaper from

"Pelipper Post Office" was delivered to the doors of homes throughout the archipelago.

The stir wasn't long in coming. Everyone immediately started talking about the most shocking news of

the year.

The Æther Foundation, the most prestigious and beloved organization in the entire region, had been

besieged by a single individual. The facilities had suffered the heavy consequences of battles in which

no mercy was shown in the surrounding area, many of them destroyed and rendered useless.

However, this was not even close to what caused the stir among the people of Alola.

What had everyone talking about the same topic for hours was none other than the title of this article.

"The assassination of President Lusamine at the hands of a member of Team Skull?"

And, just above this headline, the image of that boy with green eyes, brown hair, and small stature.

_

The Paldea trio and Akin were on the Hauoli Promenade listening to the news. Paldea's men went

cold upon hearing this, while Akin remained staring at the ground, not saying much.

"A-a murderer?" Connor gritted his teeth, and when he was about to look in the direction where Kani

was, he turned his head and squeezed his eyes shut, starting to sweat.

"It's presumed," Akin said. "Besides, it's just stuff the press made up, since... well, the president of the

Æther Foundation disappeared without a trace, and he was the one who attacked the foundation that

day..."

-And what else do you want!? Why the hell is he free?

"Connor," the older one interrupted, her gaze more serious than usual. "Don't judge before you speak.

Don't you remember Team Star?"

Connor crossed his arms and looked away.

Fer put her hands on her hips and looked directly at Kani, the boy was feeding his Absol.

"He doesn't look like a killer to me. He's too small and flimsy."

"That doesn't matter, he could have used his Pokémon as weapons and... tch." Connor fell silent at the

sight of Nemona.

"I think the same, Fer... and I'm not the only one. If he's managed to be free, it's thanks to none other

than the former head of the international police, Nanu, also a Kahuna of Ula-Ula Island."

"You seem to know him," Connor commented. "Don't you?"

"Yes," he nodded.

Going back, once again, to a somewhat distant stage of Alola...

Coming out of a cave filled with vegetation, light filtering through holes in the ceiling, a year-old Akin

and a boy with brown skin, greenish hair, and summer clothes leaped out, both holding a crystal.

"We did it, Hau!" the one in the bib commented. "We've defeated the rulers of the Verdant Cave."

"You can say that." He placed his fists on his hips as he closed his eyes and moved forward with a

rather wide smile. "When that Raticate attacked you, I thought Litten wouldn't tell."

The little fire starter came out of the cave with some wounds and sighing, after which he curled up on

the ground and tried to sleep.

-And when that Gumshoos attacked you… I thought Crabrawler wouldn't do it either.

The newly appointed crab, however, leaped out of the cave and began practicing Shadow Boxing

despite having a swollen eye from the fight.

Litten got scared and jumped at Akin's leg with all his fur standing on end.

Akin and Hau started laughing.

The two walked along Route 2 in Alola for a short distance until they reached the nearest Pokémon

Center. There, they left their Pokémon in the care of the nurse, who kindly welcomed them. Afterward,

they ordered drinks at the center's cafe and sat down to talk about their recent battle.

While they were talking, someone arrived at the building, he seemed to be in a hurry.

Hau, curious, looked.

-Oh, he's a member of Team Skull.

"Team Skull!?" The boy with glasses raised his head excitedly. "I want to hear some of your rhymes."

Team Skull. A team that everyone had an absurd vision of and didn't take very seriously.

In front of the nurse was one of their members, a rather small boy who had come running. However,

his face wasn't covered by a scarf. Instead, he was holding a small, injured Nidoran in his arms,

unable to open his eyes.

-Please, I just found this comrae hurt. You have to heal-

"Oh, yeah." A rather deep, male voice interrupted him. It was the owner of the café, leaning on the

counter and pointing at him. "Do you think we're going to believe this? You're one of those idiots

from Team Skull. You were probably just being silly, and that Pokémon got collateral damage." He

makes a face of disgust. "And because he doesn't accept the consequences, he says it was someone

else."

"Pathetic," one of the customers added.

-As usual.

-And he wants us to feel sorry for him.

People started laughing louder and louder as, little by little, these taunts became the leitmotif of the

building.

Kani's hands began to shake, her eyes widened, and her teeth ground together.

Seeing little Nidoran, who could barely breathe properly and couldn't move his body, the boy gulped

and blew air through his nose before raising his head and looking the nurse in the eye.

-Heal the Pokémon… please.

-After the little Nidoran was cured, Kani left the Pokémon Center insulting everyone and giving them

the finger.

"You see? That confirms he's not a bad person," Fer replied, head held high, as if to say he was right.

"I think it's more complex than that... it's just that I'm not good at complicated things," Connor denied,

a little more relaxed. "Someone who swallows that to heal a Pokémon (even though it exploded later)

is also a murderer..." He quickly shook his head. "Ah! I'm not made to think."

Connor's three companions began to laugh at this statement. Connor was a little annoyed, but when

he saw that Primarina was laughing too, he decided to give in and laughed with them.

Attention is diverted for a second from the group of Paldea and Akin.

Somewhat apart, the young member of Team Skull who had caused such a stir was feeding one of his

berries to his companion. It was a peaceful situation that was soon shattered by an unwanted guest

who approached Kani's back.

-I see no one has the guts to stand up to you... well, I will.

A tall, dark-haired teenager, wearing summer clothes like shorts and a tank top with a Pokeball

symbol, prostrated himself before him.

Kani turned around until she was looking him straight in the eyes.

"Oh. It's you, comrae," he said in a mocking tone combined with a mischievous smile.

-You're going to end up paying, damn it.

"Wow, an unexpected vigilante." He crosses his arms. "I hope this isn't a trick to clean up the

perverted image you've earned in the girls' restroom," he says, a smile spreading across his face.

These words left the curious spectators cold, who stared at the dark-skinned man.

With so many eyes fixed on him, the teenager gulped and frowned, trying to move forward. But his

foot misplaced the ground and he ended up stepping on the rind of a Nanab berry.

His balance was lost and his foot slid forward, landing his back on the ground.

There was silence; it had been a very ridiculous scene. So much so that the silence was broken by a

peculiar laugh coming from the wearer of the skull pendant.

A blush appeared on the face of the one who had slipped, who quickly got up and, without seeking to

exchange words, made a fist aimed at the mouth of the man who was laughing so much. However, the

fist stopped mid-flight, just before it hit the wrong face.

A girl with red and blue hair, wearing glasses and a very striking Eevee backpack, got in the middle of

the argument.

With her arms stretched out and her eyes closed, the girl began to tremble.

-D-don't hurt people... -she opened her eyes and tried to look at the bully, but he quickly turned her

face away.

Behind her, Kani blinked a couple of times, in disbelief. His faithful dark-type companion had adopted

a defensive stance, but the opportunity to defend himself didn't arise when the intruder appeared.

"Hey, kid. It's obvious you're not from around here. So get out of here and let me beat the shit out of

this jerk."

She shook her head and, a little more determined, raised her head and looked directly into the boy's

eyes.

"You see, dude," the boy commented from behind the two-toned girl. A mocking smile spread across

his face. "You better get going before my bodyguard beats you up."

The green-eyed boy's comment caused a strong surge of anger to ignite within the "bully." However,

he looked the Eevee-backpack girl straight in the eyes and stopped.

"I'll humiliate you in the tournament. You can count on it." He turned around and gritted his teeth.

"Asshole."

As she left, the "bodyguard's" legs began to tremble. The girl released all the terror she'd harbored

with a deep sigh as she placed her hand on her chest.

"Hey. Bicolor." Kani caught the attention of the girl who had just defended him. "Thanks," he said

with the same carefree smile he'd displayed earlier. "If I had gotten into a fight, I would have been in

trouble with the organization."

"Oh... Y-you're welcome." The girl slowly turned her head and looked to the side. "And... I'm Penny."

-I'm not much of a name person.

With their hands raised and Absol closing her eyes and bowing her head in gratitude, the duo began

walking towards the city.

Noa watched him walk away, holding her hand close to her chest. Afterward, she closed her eyes and

lowered her head.

-Boss!

The figure of a tall, strongly built girl with white-dyed hair appeared. She was quite pretty and would

easily catch the attention of any boy or girl in the room.

-Riri… I told you not to call me that. You know Team Star doesn't exist anymore…

"Ah. I'm sorry. It's just that seeing you stand up to that bully made me think back to how we first met,"

he said with great emotion.

Penny looked around; everyone was focused on them. The shortest one tried to hide behind her friend

and escape the spotlight.

Back with Connor's group, the three from Paldea instantly recognized those two people. Despite the

fact that the taller girl wasn't wearing makeup and was dressed in somewhat more casual and less

flashy clothing, everyone recognized her. No wonder.

Well, that girl was the one who once fought on equal terms with the Paldean champion: Eri,

commander of Team Star's Caph Squad.

Nemona and Fer were excited, while Connor remembered that first moment when he felt like an

insignificant fly. However, he hadn't come all this way to get depressed remembering how he was

squashed.

This was the occasion in which this young man would not only take the path of redeeming himself

from his defeats, but also of finally fulfilling a promise.

Giving Eri a quick glance, he smiled.

With nothing much to say about the day, dusk fell. At the tourist office, they inquired about which boat

each of them should take to go to the island where they had booked their accommodations.

There, Akin said goodbye to the three new friends he had made that day.

"Hey, Incineroar. That was a great surprise, wasn't it?" The Fire-type starter nodded quickly. "It was a

good idea to get back to battling, after all. I can't wait for you to battle your old friends!" he said,

jumping up and hugging his Pokémon, who flexed his muscles and roared in the air.

CHAPTER 4. AT THE FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN

Ula Ula Island, the largest in the archipelago, was bathed in the soft light of the full moon.

The flapping of wings and a few black feathers announced the arrival of one of its many inhabitants.

A swift and powerful bird flew over the island, heading northwest, toward a place where the beautiful

moon was eclipsed by endless rain clouds that never disappear.

This intimidating-looking Pokémon, a Staraptor, placed its strong paws on the ground and let its

human partner, Kani, down.

Walking in the rain, the boy began to climb a path whose only lighting came from a few streetlights in

a deplorable state due to poor maintenance.

Kani's steps led him toward a great wall that seemed to contain a vast village within it. However, he

stopped in front of a small facility nearby.

It was a small police station with its lights on. Kani stared at it, then continued walking toward the

town.

In front of the enormous gate in that great wall, the boy stood still again. His brow furrowed as a loud

crash, caused by lightning, rang out.

-I remember seeing you before. Your looks aren't too hard to forget.

Just a few steps from the town gate stood a young woman the same age as the protagonist of this

scene.

She was a short girl with black hair pulled back in two small pigtails, while letting a bit of her bangs

fall over her right eye, which were a beautiful blue. She wore a black leather jacket with three studs

on both sides, right over a pink dress.

Around her neck, she also wore a silver necklace, a small circle with two spikes pointing diagonally at

the top and another one just at the bottom pointing downwards.

-Yours aren't either. Although it's easier to remember the spectacle you put on at the reception and on

the promenade.

Kani frowned even more as he watched her approach him. As he started walking, he discovered a

Pokémon beside her. A small rodent from the Galar region, a tiny Morpeko, who was spending his

time eating a berry.

"What are you doing here?" he said, taking his hand out of his pocket and preparing a Pokeball. "This

is my home. I live here with my family. I won't hesitate to beat you up, do you understand?"

With a rather serious expression, the girl raised her hands in a sign of peace. Kani raised an eyebrow

and lowered her hand.

-Aren't you looking for a fight? That's news to me.

"I was just curious about this town. I've decided it's where I'll stay during the Pokémon League."

Kani opened her eyes wide and showed a smile to hide the annoyance she felt.

"You've got to be kidding. Having the ability to visit Malie City, or Hauoli City... You're coming here?

To Po Town?"

-You don't seem to have much affection for your home.

Kani's smile disappeared.

-What do you know about Po Town?

"From what the locals have told me, it's an abandoned place that was besieged by 'the unsavory Team

Skull,'" he commented, intoning differently and making quotation marks with his fingers, which

surprised the boy. "It's a place in ruins, full of graffiti, and you have to make a living however you

can. Besides, it's always raining and the sun never shines."

Kani fell silent and raised his head to stare at the girl. His green eyes met her light blue ones.

"And yet you still want to stay here? You're so weird. You're scary, girl."

The young woman approached the village gate and crossed her arms as she stared at him.

-In Galar, where I'm from, there's a similar place. It's a virgin Dynamax energy zone, and therefore

rarely visited by tourists or trainers. It's a town that's being severely affected by the energy shortage...

and is at risk of disappearing along with its people.

"And that town is your home. Isn't it?" the boy added to the conversation.

The girl turned to the man with the skull pendant and held out her hand.

-Marnie, from Spikemuth.

Kani looked at the girl's hand, but instead of shaking it, he began to take off his sweatshirt and threw

it in the face of the girl in the pink dress.

"The locals haven't told you that they're the ones who send out their Pokémon every free moment they

have—and they have a lot of them—and order them to do Rain Dances on us. Here, I'm used to it." He

began to open the door in the wall. "Oh, and don't think I'm flirting with you. I prefer less flat ones."

Marnie, accepting Kani's "gift," put on her sweatshirt and covered herself with the hood.

"Don't you have a filter?" he said with a serious expression again. The same one he'd had until then.

"I lost it. But you don't seem to care too much," he said, having opened the door, then turned and

showed a mocking smile at the black-haired girl. "What's wrong? Didn't they program you with more

facial expressions?"

Marnie looked away, a little embarrassed by those words.

-I'm… practicing my smile.

-...Practicing?

The Galarian looked down, her little Morpeko looked at her and gestured with his fingers.

Marnie closed her eyes tightly, then looked at Kani and, with her two index fingers, raised her lips in

such a way that it looked like a smile.

Kani raised an eyebrow again.

"I was thinking that if we treated you hospitably, we'd clean up Team Skull's vision a bit. But I'm

realizing you're crazy, and I don't know if your testimony will help us."

Marnie frowned and crossed her arms.

_

The next day, the sun illuminated a beautiful day across the entire region. By midday, this star was at

its highest point, shining equally on every corner of the archipelago, positioning itself directly above

the small artificial island in the center of the region.

This island was the main facility of the Æther Foundation, which passed into the hands of the former

director of the Alola branch of the Æther Foundation, now president of this same organization.

Fer was working on the artificial island reserve, a place where Pokémon reside with ecosystems

adapted to each type.

This brown-skinned lad had his Mudsdale out, which he was using as a draft horse to plow the land.

On the other hand, his Revavroom was used as a tractor engine that was guided by the taillight of his

companion Ampharos.

Meanwhile, the fierce Aegislash unsheathes his fearsome blade to cut the weeds from the grass.

Finally, Spidops was stalking any Pokémon that entered the work area, catching them and removing

them from the place while Decidueye remained high above, flying over the reserve and watching that

everything went according to plan and there were no unexpected visitors.

This great work by the young coach, who never stood still while picking the planted berries, was

noticed by all the workers, especially the president of the foundation.

An older, pale man with green eyes covered by bean-shaped glasses, short blond hair with a receding

hairline and a goatee approached him, stroking the hair on his chin.

There was a small, irrelevant conversation, and while this was going on, a very well-dressed young

woman came out of the mansion in Æther Paradise.

She was wearing a long-sleeved white dress with a skirt and some floral decorations around the waist

and elbows. The girl spotted the new guy talking to Fabio, and as soon as he left, she decided to

approach him.

A girl of slim build, long blond hair with two braids on the sides of her face and unconvincing steps,

approached the new star worker.

The girl, being so close, opened her mouth and raised her hand, but hesitated. Her hand closed before

touching Fer's shoulder.

-H-hello.

Fer stood up and turned around, and when he saw the girl, he smiled.

"Hey, hi. Are you another one who accepted the foundation's scholarship?" He looks her up and down

and puts his fingers to his chin. "Hmm... You're not going to work very well in that dress. Besides, it'll

get dirty easily."

The blonde quickly shook her head with her mouth open, then let out a laugh.

-No, no. You're mistaken. I... live here.

-Oh! Sorry. -he said between laughs

"Don't worry," she shakes her head and smiles a little more, relieved by the man's personality. "I was

just curious. You arrived yesterday and you've already made a name for yourself. This..."

-Fer. Nice to meet you.

-Oh. Lillie. -They both shook her hand.

"So I'm famous now, huh?" he said, raising his head proudly. "Good. I'll have to make a name for

myself, too, because I'm so good at fighting."

-I suppose you're going to participate in the Pokémon League, right?

"Right. This will be my second Pokémon League, so I'm already more experienced than most," he

said, returning to work.

"I hope you have luck," she said with a smile. The girl looked around. "Hey... do you mind if I stay

and talk to you? Not many people my age come around here and... I don't usually talk to anyone."

-No problem! That's how I entertain myself too.

Lillie looked for a rock that was comfortable and close enough to sit on, and there, they both began to

talk.

Fer's antics made Lillie laugh, though she didn't have many stories... or rather, she seemed to be

hiding them. After a while, Lillie looked up at the sky and glanced at Decidueye.

-I have a question. Do you mind?

"Come in. Anything that involves me is welcome," he said in a humorous tone, taking care not to

sound too pedantic.

-If you're from Paldea, how did you manage to catch a Decidueye? They're rare Pokémon even here in

Alola.

-Oh. That…

Returning to the year before this one, this time we go back to Artazon, in Paldea.

From the top of a windmill, a rather extravagant man jumped down. He was a rather pale man with

green hair, some of it strung like spikes.

This man grabbed a whip that looked like a branch and lashed out at the ground with it, shouting

"Long live the vanguard!" just before starting a fight at the foot of the mill.

His powerful Arboliva ended up knocking out the Pokémon of an amateur trainer with a combat art

rarely seen before.

This was seen by a slightly younger Fer, who was selling the fruit from his land to one of the town's

shops.

Marveled by this, Fer returned home and told his parents how exciting the meeting had been.

"Hey, when can I become a trainer?" he asked his parents, innocently.

"Trainer?" his father asked. "Don't be silly. You go work in the fields, it's your grandparents'

inheritance."

"Please, Salvador. Behave yourself," said the mother, then looked Fer straight in the eyes. "Son, the

job needs all the help it can get right now."

-Oh… sure. I understand. -she said, forcing a smile.

And like every day, he returned to his routine. Fer helped his father with the needs in the fields and

then went to town to sell.

Day after day, this monotony became his torture. Every step he took in the village brought him into

view of a new sculpture of the Gym Leader named Brassius. Every day, he witnessed people

challenging this artist.

Every day I felt more and more envious of the freedom people had to do what they wanted and not be

tied to a destiny they weren't going to enjoy.

The sparkle in his eyes faded, his parents didn't notice because his smile didn't disappear.

However, once during those visits to the village, there was one person who was able to observe those

dull eyes, atypical in young people of that age.

That same day, Fer was late getting home. He had decided to take a walk on the way back to the

countryside.

When he deigned to return, there was an unexpected visitor sitting in his living room and chatting with

his parents.

"Oh," the man stood up. It was none other than Professor Kukui of Alola. "So you're Fer. Let me

introduce myself." He winked. "I'm Kukui. Professor of Alola. I'm taking a little trip around Paldea."

"Fer, son! Professor Kukui told us that the Paldea Pokémon League offers a scholarship for trainers,

and the higher your progress, the higher the reward," his father commented. He quickly approached

with a smile, placing his hands on his sons' shoulders. "Why didn't you say so sooner?"

"Well... uh... I didn't know that." He shrugged.

"Well, I want you to become a trainer right now! The pitch can wait! Prove you're better than your

brother, like I used to tell you since you were little."

-Salvador!

That shout made the situation awkward. Fer's parents looked at each other; there were no words, but

the communication between them was clear and concise.

Meanwhile, Kukui walked over and touched Fer's shoulder with a smile.

"I'm taking the boy outside. I'm going to give him his first Pokémon, like I promised."

Hearing those words, the dark-haired man's eyes lit up.

Once both were out, the two walked away from the field, until they reached its gate.

"Professor! Thank you so much for convincing my parents! But… how did you know? How did you

know I wanted to become a coach and couldn't?"

"Oh," he grins broadly and pushes his glasses up with his index finger. "I have a great intuition for sad

eyes. And a great eye for great trainers." He relaxes his smile and looks directly into Fer's eyes. "So...

I asked around town."

Fer started to laugh.

-Thank you so much, really! When I grow up, I want to be just like you. -looks at the professor's abs-

In every way.

Kukui started laughing back.

"The only thing is, I have to apologize. Now you'll have the pressure to go far so your parents can

make money."

- Are you kidding? You said I'll be a great trainer. I have no problem with that. I'll go far!

-Then I have no choice but to witness you choose your first Pokémon.

He threw two Pokeballs into the air. Out of them came a small Rowlet and a small Litten.

The owl Pokémon turned its head almost upside down, its eyes narrowed. After a blink, it watched Fer

stare at it, and a smile spread across his face.

_

-At the end of my journey through Paldea, I lost in the Pokémon League semifinals to my best friend.

It was an incredible battle! But… my parents didn't like it very much, and I had to go back to working

in the fields… until now, thanks to Kukui, I have a new opportunity. Again.

Lillie, who had been listening to Fer's story, couldn't help but feel sick upon hearing that last part of

the story.

-Your parents... you have a complicated relationship with them, right?

"You could say so." He turns around, rolling up his sleeves. "However, I don't care. I came here to

enjoy my way of life. Money's just an excuse. I'm going to give it my all to achieve my goal of

becoming a great coach, win or lose."

At these words, Lilly's mouth fell open, stunned. The girl looked down at the floor and smiled, then

turned it to the boy.

"Thank you, Fer. Your words touched me." The girl stood up and grabbed her hat to keep it from

blowing away in the wind. "I... have something to accomplish, too."

-Is it with your parents too?

-... Yeah... something like that. -her smile paused for a second, then returned- Sorry for wasting your

time.

-On the contrary, I like that someone listens to me.

-By the way. When you told me about Professor Kukui… -he let out a small laugh- I was thinking you

looked familiar… he told me about you.

"Really!? Kukui told you about me?" he said excitedly, quickly changing to a more self-centered

expression. "I mean... of course he talked about me." They both started laughing. "Is he a friend of

your family or something?"

-Let's just say I was his… student.

With the sun at its highest point, the long-awaited day would begin.

A spectacle rarely seen before, a competition completely open to any young participant was about to

take place.

As on the previous day, those who had been targeted at the Melemele reception had now mobilized

again to that point.

It was there, where on a large stage prepared for the big moment of the presentation, which was

complemented by two large screens, a person already known throughout the world due to the stir he

had managed to create, appeared walking.

Her feet moved step by step as her robe flapped in the wind, her eyes under her glasses being hidden

by the reflected light.

Following in his footsteps, four more people followed him.

Professor Kukui, directly responsible for everything being as it is being told right now, followed by the

four Kahuna, the highest authorities on each of their respective islands.

First, an older man proud of his belly, Hala the representative of Melemele.

Second, a very attractive woman with dark skin, Olivia, the representative of Akala.

Third, a man dressed somewhat more formally, with a tired and carefree look, Nanu, the

representative of Ula-Ula.

Fourth, a girl somewhat younger than the rest of her classmates and also shorter, with a more rustic

appearance, Hapu, the Poni representative.

Each of them took their place at the back of the stage, and in the center, aligned with the torches on

the sides, was the star of the event. The man who shone with his own light, the man who could

overcome the very sun that had previously prevented the spectators from seeing his eyes behind the

glass.

Kukui took the microphone with a smile from ear to ear.

"Alola, people from all over the world!" she said, leaving a small interval during which the crowd

shouted euphorically. "This is fascinating, if I do say so myself. I was really hoping for a large number

of participants... but this is completely beyond my understanding! To begin with..." she said in a

calmer tone as she looked at the entire crowd and gave them a warm smile. "I'd like to thank you,

down to the last person standing there, thank you for helping me fulfill my dream. Unfortunately for

many, and me first and foremost, many of you will be left behind in the early rounds, and for those

people, the tournament will be over very soon. Many people have made the effort to come from far

away, and I wish it weren't that way... but unfortunately, it's not possible for all of you to make it this

far." She closed her eyes with a smile. "It's not the most motivating thing you could hear, but it's the

harsh reality." So I want to ask you all… -he lifts his head next to his arm- to give it your all from the

start, don't hold anything back, any fight could be the final match! I want every fight to be a spectacle

that rivals any fight between champions! Help me create the greatest event that has ever existed and

will ever exist! I'm counting on each and every one of you!

A deafening scream came from all the participants, a moment that Kukui took advantage of to observe

the horizon with a smile like that of a small child.

This man's emotion had spread to everyone present.

"Thank you all very much!" he continued when the euphoria had subsided. "Next, it was time to

explain how the Pokémon League works..."

"Registration closed yesterday with a total of 10,240 participants. We want to drastically reduce the

number of participants today with the first phase."

« The Playoffs: The first stage of the Pokémon League. Each challenger will be randomly assigned a

destination, and an eight-round Express Tournament will be held there. Each round will consist of a

one-on-one battle, with the winner immediately advancing to the next round without wasting time.

There will be forty simultaneous Express Tournaments with 256 trainers each, so out of 10,240

participants, only forty will advance to the next phase. »

"The second day will be a day of rest and preparation for the next stage, which will begin on the third

day of the Pokémon League."

« The Group Stage: This is the second stage. The forty winners of the qualifiers will be divided into

eight groups of five trainers each. Once the groups are formed, each member will battle against the

other trainers in their group, and will receive a different score based on whether they win, lose, or

draw the match. The two trainers with the highest scores will be chosen from each group, leaving a

total of sixteen participants for the third and final stage of the Pokémon League.»

"The fourth day, as you might expect, will be a day of rest and preparations again."

« The Final Tournament: There's no more mystery, the sixteen participants will battle it out in a

four-round tournament. The winner of this tournament will also be crowned the first champion of the

Alola Pokémon League. »

"With that said, I wish you all the best of luck!" Grinning from ear to ear, Kukui clenched his fist.

"What a great start to the first edition of the Alola Pokémon League!"

At the same moment these words were heard, the sky transformed into a transportation hub for

various flying Pokémon, such as Vikavolt, Toucannon, Pelipper, and Drampa. Dozens of these species

flew over the space where each participant was gathered, each carrying a small bag from which they

quickly dropped its contents.

Thousands of small sheets of paper were showered upon them, which they quickly grabbed. The

contents of these sheets contained the name of the location they would have to travel to in order to

begin the first phase of the playoffs.

With the excitement of a fully charged Pikachu, Nemona leapt to grab whatever was falling from the

sky. Upon landing, she read its contents.

"Haina Desert, in Ula-Ula." He clenched his fist with excitement and began to laugh. "I'm not wasting

any time. It's time to board the boat!"

Meanwhile, Fer tossed his Pokeball into the air and allowed his Decidueye to come out and catch one

of the tickets falling from the sky. The owl quickly caught it and flew down even faster, landing right in

front of his human companion, who carefully took the card from its beak.

"Wela Volcano, Akala." He opened his eyes wide and smiled broadly as he looked at his Pokémon

friend. "Are we having a volcano fight? Is there any more epic scenario?" He laughed before putting

his destination in his pocket.

Surfing the skies using its tail and some psychic powers, an Alolan Raichu grabbed a piece of paper

while pretending to catch a wave.

A streak of electricity shot out from his body as he fell vertically, stopping just before hitting the

ground and giving this role to Akin.

-Seaward Grotto, Melemele. -he nodded- Thank you Raichu!

-So you also had a chance at Melemele.

The green-eyed man recognized that voice; it belonged to someone very close to him. Turning around,

he saw the image of a Crabominable accompanied by a dark-skinned young man wearing summer

clothes, green hair tied back in a knot, and a big, kind smile.

"Hau!" Raichu quickly moved forward and hugged the dark-haired boy, who returned the hug with a

cheerful laugh.

-Oh, oh! I missed you too, Raichu!

-Have you also been affected by the Seaward Grotto?

"Luckily not! It's on Ten Carat Hill," he said, backing away from the rodent and running toward Akin,

bending his knees and starting to move his hands. "So we won't have to fight each other until later! It

would be ugly to make each other lose in just the first phase." He brought his hands to his head as he

stretched.

They both started laughing.

The papers kept falling and the coaches kept picking them up.

At this, a tall boy with brown hair, whose green eyes were protected by glasses, approached slowly

and lifted a paper.

-Royal Avenue, Akala.

The girl in the pink dress who spent the night before this one in Po Town was leaning against a wall

while her Morpeko rested on her shoulder.

-Malie Park, Ula Ula.

A curly-haired, red-eyed boy raised his hand, dropping one of these papers into his hand.

"Battle tree, Pony." With the same coolness with which he took the paper, he stuffed it into one of his

trench coat pockets. He then grabbed his cap and turned around, walking toward the pier without

wasting any time.

Drawing everyone's attention, the redheaded Primarina boy, the Paldean boy who received the starter

from Professor Kukui, had surprised everyone by running under the rain of papers.

Connor gasped as he watched them one by one come out of the bag of those Pokémon that soared

through the skies.

"I can't choose just any old one… my destiny mustn't be just any old one." He grinned from ear to ear

as he panted. "My destiny," he leaped with all his might as he raised his hand, "I must achieve it

myself!" He snatched one of the slips of paper in mid-air. Gravity took effect, and the redhead

plummeted to the ground. Connor took a deep breath, not caring that everyone around him was

watching what had just happened. Once he caught his breath, he opened the slip of paper. "Poni

Cannon… in Pony." He began to laugh. "Even I wouldn't need this explanation." With a quick inhale

and a slow exhale, the boy's nerves calmed. Connor picked up a Pokeball and gripped it tightly. "Here

we go…"

In that fleeting glance at his Pokeball, the malice of a few bursts of laughter cloud the atmosphere.

Connor felt the sharp glances directed at him and also realized that he was the protagonist of those

taunts.

However, he was not the one who defended his honor because he saw it as unnecessary.

Short steps that headed towards the redhead's destination, the focus quickly changed sides.

"Is this how you plan to win? By settling for whatever they give you and laughing at this poor fool for

having any personality?" The skull pendant gleamed in the sunlight. Kani hid his hands in his pockets

with a mocking smile. "Poor Professor Abs, there are plenty of conformists in his tournament."

The commotion was quick to arrive, along with Connor's confusion. That boy who had given him such

a bad impression yesterday... Had he just defended him?

The Paldean swallowed his pride and a mouthful of saliva, about to thank Kani, who continued

walking despite the insults coming his way. Connor raised his hand, but just as he was about to say a

word, the shorter man passed by without even sparing him a glance. The Primarina trainer followed

him with his eyes, gritted his teeth, and then sighed as he squeezed his eyelids shut.

The hand under the Team Skull member's hoodie descended until it reached a solitary piece of paper

on the floor. The boy grabbed it carefully and kept his gaze fixed on it.

As he read his fate to himself, footsteps stopped just a few feet away from him.

Fer's eyes fell on the female figure that approached Kani. It was a recent acquaintance of his.

Starting with her feet, they were protected by athletic shoes. Moving up her legs, they were uncovered

to her knees, where the white skirt ended. She wore a white short-sleeved sweatshirt and a red

backpack with straps. The most striking feature was her face, which seemed fragile, alongside her

beautiful green eyes and blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. However, her fragility wasn't reflected in

her expression.

"Crybaby..." she turned around with a smile. "What fate has befallen you?" Kani asked.

He adjusted his backpack, closed his eyes, and then opened them.

"On Mount Lanakila," Lillie replied.