2-Pokémon Quiz-
Readers, if the Pokémon you guessed is Popplio, you are right!
Episode 4: Challenge of the Guardian
"Elio's House, Route 1, Hau'oli Outskirts, Mele Mele, Alola"
The Sun was rising its shine on Mele Mele Island as a new day has started. But in Elio's House no one is waking up as they stayed awake very late at night during the Battle Festival. Elio was still sleeping in bed and with his Pokémon sprawling around him.
Amoka: (Yawn)…
The Puppy Pokémon woke up but still sleepy as he looked around the bed. His saw his Trainer and friend Elio soundly sleeping. He then saw the newest Pokémon Cascade sleeping on Elio's right as she snuggled on her Human friend chest. He then saw Nebby soundly sleeping on Elio's belly. Amoka then went back to get more…
Amoka: Ruff?!
Amoka suddenly raised his head as he saw Nebby sleeping here. Here, as in Elio's room, and not with Lillie. He went over the mysterious Pokémon as he shook her awake. Nebby eyes fluttered open as she turned to the confused Puppy.
Amoka: Ruff! Ruff!
Nebby: Coo? Cosmog!
Nebby only waved her appendage at him to say good morning. Amoka knew he had to wake Elio and tell him about this. He licked his cheek to get a reaction.
Elio: Mmm…
The Puppy Pokémon then resorted to nuzzle at his Trainers neck as it's the only way to wake him up now.
Elio: Ow! Ow! Ow!
Elio's eyes opened up a little as he sleepily looked at Amoka.
Elio: Good morning, Amoka.
Amoka: Rockruff!
Amoka pointed his nose as Elio looked in front of him and saw Nebby giving a smile at the boy.
Elio: Oh? Good morning, Nebby.
Elio slowly got up as he rubbed his sleepy eyes until he realized something.
Elio: Wait… Nebby?!
This woke up Cascade as Elio looked at Nebby in shock who's now sitting on his lap when the boy sat up and she tilted her "head" at him.
Nebby: Mog?
Everyone were now awake as they now looked at their little visitor who was now playing with Cascade while Amoka and Meowth were watching nearby.
Laura: How did little Nebby managed to shuck up in your room with nobody noticing, Elio?
Elio only shrugged as he was still surprised of finding Nebby sleeping with him and his other Pokémon.
Elio: I don't know. Last time I saw her she was in Lillie's bag whe we were getting back home after the festival ended. By the way, did you call Lillie? She must be very worried.
While the two were talking, Cascade and Nebby were playing tag as Cascade was it. She chased after the cloud-like Pokémon and was about to tag her, when suddenly, she dissapeared into thin air! Cascade fell face first on the ground as Nebby appeared behind her, laughing while Amoka and Meowth were in shock at just seeing what Nebby did, but Elio and Laura weren't watching as they were conversing.
Laura: I did. The poor child sounded worried sick when sick when she couldn't find Nebby. She's currently heading here and should be arriving soon.
Amoka's nose twitched as he picked up a familiar scent. He then recognised the scent and ran to the door mount. However, when he got out he collided with someone very soft and fluffy.
Lola: Buneary!
Amoka looked down and saw that he was standing on top of Lola, Lillie's Buneary. He quickly got of her as Lillie helped her back up.
Lillie: Are you alright, Lola?
Lola: Neary.
Amoka: Ruff...
Lola turned around as she saw the Puppy Pokémon lowering his head in apology. Amoka took a little liking to Lola and feels a little bad for bumping into her like that. But then he felt something brushing his fur. He looked up and saw that Lola was gently caressing his head with a sweet smile, saying that it's alright. A small blush appeared on Amoka's face as he became happy that Lola wasn't a little upset with him.
Amoka: Ruff!
The front door then opened as Elio and Laura came out and saw Lillie and Lola with Amoka.
Elio: Hey, Lillie! Goodmorning!
Lillie: Goodmorning, Elio. Miss Laura. Thank you for finding Nebby, I'm sorry to have bother you.
Elio quickly cut Lillie of that.
Elio: Wow. You're not a bother, Lillie. Besides, Nebby was sleeping with me when I woke up.
Amoka: Ruff?
Elio looked down as he saw Amoka looking up at him and his eyes clearly saying "really?".
Elio: Sorry, when Amoka woke me up.
Lillie: So, is Nebby doing fine then?
Laura: Yes, she's currently playing with Kahula right now.
Laura fully opened the door as she invited Lillie into the house. The 13 year old blond girl saw Nebby wrestling a little with Meowth, who playfully let her overpower him as she's on top of him. Lillie smiled in relief, seeing that Nebby's doing fine, before changing to a serious look.
Lillie: Nebby! You're big trouble, missy!
Nebby stopped playing whe she heard her name and saw Lillie. She happily flew in the girls arms, ignoring the upset look in her face.
Lillie: Don't you have any idea how worried you made me?
Nebby though cood at her before pointing appendage at Elio. The Kantonian boy knew why she was pointing at him.
Elio: I guess she really likes me that much. But how did she managed to get in my bedroom without anybody noticing? Do you know, Lillie?
The girl could only sigh as she does know how Nebby got in Elio's room.
Lillie: (Sighs)... Yes. You see, Nebby is a Psychic Type, so she can use the move Teleport.
Elio: Well, that explains it. Alright then! Now that Nebby is okay we can start breakfast!
Laura: Lillie dear, did you eat wen you get up from bed?
Lillie: Actually no. I was so worried that Nebby was missing, I've been checking everywere around the house. And when I couldn't find her I went outside to look. That's when the Professor called and told me Nebby was at your House. I guess I didn't have any time to eat.
Lillie remembered how she started to panick when she found that Nebby wasn't with her. She looked at every nook and cranny of the House before going outside, calling Nebby's name with Lola following her all the way. That's when Professor Kukui called to her with a phone in hand.
Laura: Then how about you stay here and I'll treat you for breakfast then?
Lillie: Huh? Um, no! I don't want to bother you, miss Laura!
Laura only continue to gave Lillie a warm smile.
Laura: Nonsense, Lillie. Today you are our guest here. I'll be telling the Professor that you'll be eating with us. I can even prepare a special Pokémon food for Lola. Anyway, is there something that you like to eat?
Lillie was taken aback by the mothers hospitality. But she smiled a little as a little blush appeared on her face.
Lillie: Um... thanks. I like grilled cheese please.
Breakfast was ready as Laura with a little help from Elio and Lillie set the table. Laura prepared a pancake with a little mayo on it. For Elio was a steamy sandwich from the microwave, and Lillie was a hot grilled sandwich with melted cheese. Laura served drinks by filling the cups with Sitrus juce. As for the Pokémon they each have their own specialised food for them. They started eating as Lillie seemed to enjoy her grilled cheese sandwich.
Lillie: Mmm! No matter how many I eat these they are so good!
Elio: Sounds like grilled cheese sandwinch is you favorite choice for breakfast.
Lillie blushed a little when Elio mentioned that.
Lillie: Yeah. I have tried one until Professor Burnet made one for me. What is your favorite breakfast, Elio?
Elio: Oh, just something a little similar. Hot sandwich straight from the microwave.
Lillie then turned to Lola as she was eating with Amoka, Meowth and Nebby.
Lillie: How's the food, Lola? Does it taste good?
Lola: Buneary!
The Rabbit Pokémon really liked the Pokémon food Laura cooked.
Laura: I can give you the recipe if you want, Lillie.
Lillie: Thanks! I love preparing Pokémon food!
Sun, Lillie and Laura were done eating breakfast as the 12 year old girl has Lola in her arms while Nebby was back inside the bag. Elio also has Amoka in his arms while Kahula was resting on his right shoulder.
Lillie: Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Laura.
Laura: Your welcome, dear. You can visit us any time if you want to.
Lillie: I apreciate it.
Lola: Bun!
Ring! Ring!
The telephone of the House suddenly started ringing as Laura went and pick it up.
Laura: Hello, this is Laura speaking... Oh, well good morning, Hau!
This caught Elio's and Lillie's attention once they heard Hau's name.
Laura: Hm... Hm... Yes. Elio, Hau wants to speak with you.
Elio went and grabbed the phone from his Mother while still holding Amoka with one arm and Cascade went to his other shoulder.
Elio: Hi there, Hau! What's up?
Hau: Morning, Elio! Well, remember about the Sparkling Stone Tapu Koko gave you? You know, the one you gave to Tutu? Well he's done with it and wants you to come here in Iki Town since he wants to talk with you about something. The Professor also seems to becoming here as well!
Elio: Well, okay then. Tell Hala I'll be coming then.
Hau: Got it!
Elio ended the call as he turned to Laura and Lillie.
Lillie: What did Hau called for, Elio?
Elio: It's about Kahuna Hala. Hau told me that he wants me to come to Iki Town to get the stone back, the one I got from Tapu Koko. He also wants to me about something. Ah! You should also come as well, Lillie.
Lillie was surprised to hear that.
Lillie: Huh? Why?
Elio: Apparently the Professor is coming as well.
The girl understood now.
Lillie: I see.
Laura: Well, you two should better get ahead on the road. And be careful out there, okay?
Elio and Lillie: Okay!
Amoka: Rock, ruff!
Lola: Buneary!
Kahula: Pop! Popplio!
The Pokémon agreed as well. Nebby also heard everything from inside the bag as she peeked outside. She then suddenly started to glow in a white color!
Laura: Come back home so...
Elio, Lillie and there Pokémon suddenly glowed white as well and in a blink of an eye, they dissapeared right in front of Laura and Meowth. The two were shocked at what just happened.
Laura: Huh?
Meowtg: Mreow!?
-Iki Town, Mele Mele, Alola-
Everything was calm above the air in Iki Town when suddenly, Elio, Lillie, Amoka, Lola and Cascade appeared out of thin air. Their eyes blinked in confusion until they suddenly started falling.
All: Aaaaaaaaaaa!
Bam!
The two children landed hard on the ground that made dust appear. But when it clear it showed that Elio and Lillie are okay, and so are the Pokémon held in their arms.
Elio: Cough, cough! Lillie, are you alright?
Lillie: I'm okay, Elio. But where are we?
The children checked their surroundings and saw to their surprise that they are in Iki Town. The wooden stage they used to battle last night was in front of them.
Elio: Iki Town!? How did we get here?!
Lillie: I have an idea.
Lillie looked down her bag as she Nebby peeking outside. She was also giggling as she acted like she did something mischiveous.
Lillie: Nebby used Teleport. She brought us here.
Elio: Huh? So that's how teleporting feels like?
?: Groooaaan...
Elio and Lillie looked down when they heard that groan and saw to their surprise that they have landed right on top of Hau and Mele, as the two had swirls in their eyes.
Elio and Lillie: Hau!
After getting off him, the helped the boy stand back up as he dust himself clean.
Hau: Where did you guys come from? Not from an air ride I'm sure of that.
Lillie brough out the culprit from her bag as she showed it to Hau.
Lille: It's Nebby. She can use Teleport and she's using it a little often when she learned it.
Nebby: Cosmog! Cos!
The little cloud Pokémon was obviously laughing as she clearly enjoys using Teleport. Lillie couldn't help but sigh at the Baby Pokémon's playfulness.
Hau: Well you can't blame her for enjoying it. Mele here likes using her illusion powers alot. Mom keep mistaking her for me when she asumes my form.
Mele: (Giggles)...
Mele can't help herself. Using her Illusion Ability to cause mishchief is something her kind loves tondo, or so says Professor Kukui to her.
Elio: Anyway Hau, you told me that Hala wants to talk with me, right?
The Alolan boy then suddenly became a little embaressed as he scratched his head.
Hau: About that, I think you'll have to wait.
Lillie and Elio: Huh?
The two children became confused at that. What happened that caused Hala change his plans?
Hau: Come on in, I'll show ya.
Hau brought the two of them inside the Kahuna's House since that's how close Nebby teleported them. What they didn't know is that a certain Pokémon was watching them while hidden in the trees.
-Kahuna's House, Iki Town, Mele Mele, Alola-
The inside of the House was quite exotic as it was quite spacious. It has plants, colorful mats and tapestry hanging on the walls, comfortable couches and nice tables, and at the end of the room is the Kahuna's Throne, with Kahuna Hala sleeping on it.
Hau: Tutu has been up all night working on that Stone you found, Elio. After that he immediatly falled asleep.
Both Elio, Lillie and their Pokémon sweatdropped at that. But they couldn't blame the old Kahuna since he remained awake all night long.
Elio: So... now what? Do we wake him up or do we have to wait then?
Hau: That would be a problem cause before Tutu falled asleep, he began eating his favorite pudding. Once he eats one and fall asleep, it will be difficult to wake him up.
The kids then noticed that the Kahuna has a cup of chocolate pudding on one hand while the other one has a spoon.
Elio: Well, what do we do when we wait? It will take some time before Professor Kukui arrives.
Hau: You got me, pal. Maybe we can play a game or something, like Hide and Seek?
Just then, Nebby came out of the bag and floated in front of the three kids.
Lillie: Nebby! Don't come out of your bag all of a sudden like that! Good thing nobody's here.
Lillie then went ahead to grab Nebby. But then, Nebby was surrounded in white light as the giggling Pokémon dissapeared out of thin air again. Lillie, Elio, Hau and their Pokémon are now surprised at their new predicament.
Amoka: Ruff...
Lola: Neary...
The three children and their Pokémon frantically started to look for Nebby as they all looked around every corner of the main room.
Lillie: Nebby!
Elio: Are you there, Nebby? Hello?
Hau: Nebby! If you come out I will share my Malasadas with you!
Amoka: Ruff! Rockruff!
Lola: Buneaaary!
Mele: Zoooor!
Cascade: Poooop!
But tried as they might, they couldn't find Nebby anywhere, while Hala continues sleeping.
Lillie: She's not here.
Elio: Could Nebby have Teleported back to my House?
Nebby: (Giggles)...
Everynone perked up when they heard the ghostly laugh of Nebby echoing everywhere in the House.
Hau: Nebby is still here! She must be in one of the rooms.
Elio: Okay, let's split up! Lillie, Cascade and I will go to the kitchen. Hau and Mele. Amoka and Lola. You guys are gonna check othe other rooms.
With that the group split up as Elio with Lillie and Kahula entered the kitchen, which is almost as large as the main room. They opened drawers and cabinets until Elio found Nebby in a cabinet filled with cookwares.
Elio: Found ya! Lillie, I found Nebby!
Lillie and Cascade quickly went to where Elio found Nebby. But then when Elio turned around, Nebby teleported again to everyone's dismay.
Hau and Mele entered the bathroom which is curiously filled with Pyukumuku's. They are small ovoid Pokémon with a black body. They have beady little pink eyes and a white mouth roughly the shape of a star. There are two lines of pink spikes running down on each side of their backs, the middle ones are longer than the rest. They also has a white puff form as their tail.
Hau: Where are you, Nebby?
He and Mele looked around the bathroom until Mele noticed something fluffy on the bathtub.
Mele: Zorua!
Hau heard Mele as he turned to where she was looking. Saw the two fluffy appendages as Nebby peeked out of the bathtub.
Hau: There you are, Nebby!
Hau quickly went to get her, but failed to notice that Nebby teleported again. He stuck out his hands in the bathtub and instead of grabbing Nebby, he grabbed a Pyukumu that looked angrily at him.
Hau: Eh?
The Pyukumu then punched Hau's face with a white fist-like appendage out of its mouth. Mele was quite surprised at the scene.
Amoka and Lola entered Hala's bedroom which also serves as his workshop since there's a lot of bracelets of different colors. Amoka noticed that all of them has the same markings from the stone Elio got from Tapu Koko. His nose then picked up a scent and recognised it as Nebby's.
Amoka: Rockruff!
Lola turned around whe she heard Amoka said that he located Nebby.
Lola: Buneary?
Amoka: Ruff!
He pointed his nose up which Lola followed and saw that Nebby was high above a shelf and was watching them.
Nebby: Cosmog.
Lola: Buneary!
The Bunny Pokémon went ahead since she can reach Nebby with her jumps. She jumped on the workdesk before jumping again and reach the shelf were Nebby is. But just when Lola was about to grab her Nebby teleported once again, and Lola was moving to fast and she fall of the shelf.
Lola: Neary?!
Amoka: Ruff!
Amoka quickly jumped ahead and used his body as a cushion to break Lola's fall. Though he succeded he lost his breath because of the force of her landing.
Amoka: Ruff...
The seach for Nebby continues as everyone tried their best to catch the teleporting puffball.
Lillie: Nebby, please come back here!
Elio: Nebby, just stay there!
Amoka: Ruff, ruff!
Lola: Near! Buneary!
Cascade: Poop! Poplio!
Hau: Au! My face!
Mele: Zor...
But try as they might they weren't able to grab her, and now they all are in the main room again, exhausted.
Elio: Any luck?
Everyone only shake their heads as they were to tired to respond.
Nebby: Cosmog?
The group turned their heads when they heard that and saw that Nebby was on the belly of Hala as she was curiously watching the sleeping Kahuna.
Amoka: Ruff!
Lola: Neary!
Cascade: Pop!
Mele: Zorua!
The four Pokémon then started charging all at once to catch Nebby. They were too loud however as Nebby turned to them when she heard them and then teleported away just when they jumped at her. The Pokémon instead collided with Hala's belly and immediatly bounced off. They all fell on the ground.
Hala: (Snoring)...
Hala continued snoring as the Pokémon colliding on his belly wasn't enough to wake up the heavy sleep. Both Elio, Lillie and Hau hung their heads as they definetely no longer knows what to do anymore.
?: Alola!
Coming into the Kahuna's House was Professor Kukui.
Kukui: I see you're all... Eh!?
The Professor didn't expect to see the exhausted state the three children as well as their Pokémon are.
Kukui: What happened to you, kids?
Lillie: (Sigh)... it's Nebby, Professor. She wouldn't just stop teleporting.
Elio: We tried to look all around the House, but we didn't managed to catch her.
Hau: Everytime we do find her, she teleports away before we could grab her.
Lillie: We've been doing this for an hour.
Elio: We're completely exhausted now.
Lola, Amoka, Kahula and Mele: (Groans)...
The Professor already saw how tired the three children are, as well as their Pokémon, who are slumped on the ground.
Kukui: I see... Normally Nebby, despite pulling a few mischief, would never pull up a stunt like that.
Lillie: She started like ever since this morning.
The Professor tried to think of an explanation for Nebby's behavior, until a thought came in mind.
Kukui: This may be just a guess, but don't you think that Nebby is actually playing with you?
Elio: Playing?... Huh!?
Elio just remembered something, right before all of this started.
Hau: You got me, play. Maybe we can play a game or something, like Hide and Seek?
Everything became clear to Elio now.
Elio: That's it! Nebby is playing with us!
Everyone were surprised as they turned to Elio.
Lillie: She is?
Elio: Yeah. Remember what Hau said? He said that we should play a game, like Hide and Seek. Nebby is playing Hide and Seek with us by being the hider and us the seekers.
Hau: Is that what she's been doing? But everytime we find her she just teleports away. You're supposed to lose of you are found!
Kukui: Maybe Nebby is playing the game in her own way. Maybe you to grab her before she teleports away.
The kids though about what the Professor said. This entire time when they found Nebby, they made her aware of their precense which gives her enough time to Teleport to another location of the House. Now they know what they have to do.
Elio: Well, now we know how we must catch Nebby then?
Lillie: The problem now is to find her again.
Elio: That wouldn't be a problem, Lillie.
Elio lowered himself as he patted Amoka's back. The Puppy Pokémon looked at him curiously.
Elio: Amoka, you memorized Nebby's scent, right?
Amoka: Rock!
The Rockruff nodded as he already knows Nebby's scent everytime he tried to find her.
Elio: Well, try to see if you can find her again. And this time, do it quitly.
The Puppy Pokémon nodded again as he started to use his talent. He smelled the air as well as the ground as he tries to sniff out Nebby's new hiding place. He walked around the main room until he reached the throne of the sleeping Kahuna. He smiled something beneath the sheets that's covering the sides of the seat. He signaled the others with his paw that Nebby is beneath the throne. Elio nodded before looking at Lillie. The girl in white dress knew what he wanted her to do as she slowly went to the other side of the wooden throne. Once Lillie was in position, Elio nodded at Amoka and the Puppy Pokémon dived under the sheet.
Nebby: Cosmog!
Coming from under the throne was indeed Nebby as she jumped out of her hiding place dou to Amoka surprising her, but then she ended right into Lillie's hands who caught the fluffy Pokémon.
Lillie: Gotcha!
She brought the caught hider closer to her. Nebby was surprised that she has been caught, but then she started laughing.
Nebby: (Giggles)...
Lillie only smiled at her mischievous young Pokémon as went to the others who approached her.
Elio: Finally, we caught Nebby!
Hau: Yeah! And you know what? It was actualy a little fun playing Hide and Seek despite not knowing that we were playing.
The children agreed that it was actualy nice that they spend their time playing together, especialy Lillie as her face shows that he enjoyed it more than the others.
Kui: If you wouldn't mind, then Nebby could do a Baton Pass and give me a turn to play then?
The kids were surprised that Kukui wanted to play, but seeing that grin appearing on his face made them realize that he was just joking with them. They all couldn't help but start laughing.
Everyone: (Laughs)...!
Just then, the sleep bubble on Hala's nose popped as he awoke.
Hala: Snort... Huh...? Did something happened?
Everyone were now sitting on their seats as Elio waited for what the Kahuna wanted to talk to him, as well as returning his stone back.
Hala: Here, Elio. As promised.
Hala give Elio back his stone, but to the boy's surprises he saw that it has been turned into a wrist-ring. And also has the marking on the Sparkling Stone.
Elio: Huh? What is this?
Hala: A Z-ring. I refined it from the stone you gave me this entire night. As you can see, they are a part of Alola's traditions.
Hala then showed Elio that he has a Z-ring as well, wearing it on his wrist.
Hau: I have one too, you see!
Hau then pulled one from his pocket, showing it to Elio. Though Hau's looked orange, unlike Elio's and Hala's which are simply white. Elio looked back at his Z-Ring before asking another question.
Elio: But, what does a Z-Ring do exactly?
Hala: It alows you to use Z-Moves, my boy!
Elio: Z-Moves?
The Kantonian boy has never heard of that before.
Kukui: I think that's my que to explain.
Everyone turned to the Professor, who began explain Elio about Z-Moves.
Kukui: Z-Moves are a special kind of Move that can only be used if a Trainer has a Z-Ring and a Z-Crystal. Simply put, it's the combined power of the Pokémon and its Trainer.
Elio was surprised to heard that a special Move like that existed.
Elio: It combines... their powers?
Kukui: That's right! The Z-Ring is the one that's make it possible, as it allows to transfer the Trainer's energy to their Pokémon. But to use a Z-Move there has to be a Z-Crystal on it. There are each crystal of each Elemental Types, and the Pokémon must know an offensive Move of the same Type as the Z-Crystal. Once they all have it the Trainer must do a special dance to transfer their energy to the Pokémon. Just like the Z-Crystals, there are one for every Type. And once it's succeeded, the Pokémon can unleash an attack the likes you have never seen before!
Elio has now become really interested about these Z-Moves and how powerfull they are.
Elio: Oh wow! Now I really want to see a Z-Move! In fact, I want to use one too!
Hala: You can only earn a Z-Crystal if you won a Trial or Grand Trial.
Now Elio becomes curious by that.
Elio: Trials?
Hau: They are test that you have to pass when you're participating during the Island Challenge!
Elio: Island Challenge?... Ah!
Elio then remembered now that Hau mentioned this before during the Battle Festival.
Elio: I hear you mention mentioned that there are 4 of them. What is the Island Challenge anyway?
Hala: That, Elio, is the reason what Kukui and I wanted to talk about.
Now this really caught Elio's attention now as he wants to know what are the Island Challenges are all about.
Hala: The Island Challenge is a rite of passage for young Pokémon Trainers here in the Alola Region. Trainers can partake in these rites ones they reach 11 years old. Here the young ones must travel through the Island and face the Trials that are head by the Trial Captain.
Kukui: The Trail Captains are the ones chosen by the Kahunas themselves. They supervise the Trials and guide the challengers. There their talents and skills are tested, but also their knowledge as well.
Hala: And once hey finished all the Trails, they can take on the Grand Trial, which is battling the Kahuna of the Island.
Elio was finding this very interesting. It's just like taking on the Gyms back home, only there's no Gym Badges.
Hau: Just so you know, the Kahuna's are chosen by the Island own Guardian Deity.
Elio was now surprised to hear that. Normally Legendary Pokémon doesn't come into contact with anyone, wheter it's Human or Pokémon. These Deities are completely different.
Elio: Wow! Really!? Then that means that Tapu Koko chose you, Hala?
Hala: That's right, Elio. Anyway, the goal of the Island Challenge is for Trainers to become the strongest. Once they cleared all 4 Island Challenges from each Island, then they get to become the Island Champion.
Elio: Island Champion... it's just like back home, only it existed for a very long time!
Then a question crossed the boy's mind.
Elio: But... what is the reason for telling me this, Hala?
The Kahuna then gave the boy a smile as now is the time to tell him.
Hala: Because my boy, I want you to participate in the Island Challenge.
Now this got not only Elio, but also Hau and Lillie surprised as they looked at Hala.
Elio: You want me... to take on the Island Challenge?
Hala: Correct. It wouldn't be right to not let other Trainers from different lands to participate. What's more is that Tapu Koko himself give you that stone, which means he saw in you someone that could become a strong Trainer.
Elio was processing all of this as Amoka looked at his friend while he was sitting on his lap.
Elio: Me, a strong Trainer?
Amoka: Ruff.
Lillie was looking at the boy that helped her attentively, while Hau was excited at the thought.
Hau: It's not a bad idea, Elio! Besides, you wanted to become a Pokémon Master, right?
Elio knew that was true as he thought about the reason of why he wanted to become a Pokémon Master.
Elio: That's right. The reason I, as everyone elses, want to become a Pokémon Master is to challenge the Legendary Trainer who holds that Title. The one who took on the Elite Four and defeat its reigning Champion. We all, I wanted to battle him.
Having made a decision, Elio looked up and was about to speak, when suddenly.
?: KOOOKOOOOO!
Everybody jumped in the room jumped when they heard that call, altough Elio, Lillie and Hala recognized that voice.
Hala: Could that be?
Everyone got of their seats and quickly went outside.
-Iki Town, Mele Mele, Alola-
Once they got outside, they saw something descending from the sky. It was Tapu Koko. The group and their Pokémon were surprised to see the Island Guardian at their doorstep.
Hau: No way! It's Tapu Koko!
Kukui; But, what is he doing here?
The Pokémon were watching the Island Guardian awe as Tapu Koko was silently watching the group in front of him. It is then that the Kahuna Hala stepped in.
Hala: Greetings, Tapu Koko! To what pleasure do we owe this surprise visit?
Tapu Koko didn't remained silent until he suddenly dissapeared. Everyone was surprised until Tapu Koko appeared again right in front of Elio before grabbing his hat and dissapeared again.
Elio: Hey!?
The Tapu appeared again and put Elio's hat on Amoka before he could react. The Puppy Pokémon tried to get the hat off of him as it was blocking his eyes, until Tapu Koko grabbed the hat and dissapeared again. He kept appearing and vanishing around the group as they're having difficulty following him.
Hau: Where is he? Is Tapu Koko teleporting too?
Lillie: No, that's not Teleport. He's just moving so fast that we can't keep up and see where's he going.
Tapu Koko then stopped and stood in front of the group again, wearing Elio's hat atop his large crest. And then he he flew into another direction and entered the Forest Area. Elio then decided to follow him with Amoka in tow.
Elio: Hey! Wait up!
Kukui: Elio, you shouldn't go alone there!
Hau: Wait for us, pal!
The Professor and Hala, Hau and Lillie, as well as their Pokémon followed Elio and Amoka as well as they entered the Forest Area.
-Forest Area, Mele Mele, Alola-
Elio and Amoka kept running after Tapu Koko while the others are not far behind.
Hau: Elio, slow down a litte will ya?
Elio and Amoka has then reached a spacious area of the Forest, but they have lost sight of Tapu Koko, until the Island Guardian appeared in front of Elio and put his hat back on his head. He then moved far behind of the area before doing a battle stance. Elio was surprised at this while the others catched up to them. The group saw the position Tapu Koko was in and the message was very clear.
Lillie: Is Tapu Koko challenging Elio to a battle?
Hala nodded at this as he's familiar with Tapu Koko's behavior.
Hala: Tapu Koko is a very fickle Pokémon. Not only he gives gifts to people that he likes, but sometimes battle Trainers as well, and participate in Alola Sumo too.
Kukui: I remember that. Didn't Tapu Koko went overboard when he accidentaly throw you into that fruit stand?
Hala silently glared at Kukui for mentioning that embarrasing moment. Kukui realised his mistake and nervously looked away from the Kahuna's glare.
Elio: Tapu Koko... wants to battle me?
Elio was processing this as he looked down at Amoka, who also was shocked by the Tapu's challenging them. But the thought of challenging a Legendary changed that as both became exited about this.
Elio: Okay! Tapu Koko, I accept your challenge!
Amoka: Rockruff!
Lillie was worried however as she still doesn't like Pokémon battles much, and now Elio and Amoka are going to fight an Island Guardian.
Lillie: Be careful, Elio.
Tapu Koko: Kokooo!
At this shout, yellow energy waves came out of Tapu Koko's body and the entire forest area in yellow light that's emiting sparks of electricity everywhere.
Elio: Huh? What is this?
Kukui: Elio, Tapu Koko's ability is Electric Surge! It creates a dome around the area that power up Electric Type moves!
Elio understood as he now knows that he must be more carefull then.
Elio: Alright then! Keep your guard up, Amoka!
Amoka: Ruff!
The battle began as Tapu Koko attacked first. He charged at Amoka and before anyone could react he was tackled by the Deity. Amoka rolled by the impact as Tapu Koko flew behind him. Elio was shocked by the Tapu's speed until he saw that the Pokémon has covered himself in a rainbow energy sphere and charged at Amoka, planning to deal even more damage to the Rock Type.
Elio: Amoka, dodge!
Amoka managed to dodge the attack in the nick of time as it left a trail on the ground. The attack discipated as Tapu Koko waited for his opponent next move.
Elio: He's strong! Let's our strongest move, Amoka! Us Rock Throw!
White orbs appeared circling around Amoka's tail before turning into rocks. Amoka fired them at the Tapu who watched the attack coming... until he pulled together the structures encircling his shoulders to form a bird-like mask, which was then hit by the Rock Type attack and exploded. Elio and Amoka waited as the smoke dissipated, showing no scratch on the mask. It was pulled back to reveal the unharmed Tapu koko.
Tapu Koko: Kokooooo!
The group was surprised to see that Tapu Koko took no damage from the attack.
Hau: Now way... Rock Throw didn't even scratched on him.
Lillie: How will Elio fight Tapu Koko if he can't harm him?
Elio thought the same thing as he cannot find a way to deal with the Guardian Deity's power. Just then, something was glowing in his pocket as Elio noticed it. He took it out and saw it was the Z-Ring Hala gave him that was glowing. Tapu Koko then immediatly sped towards Elio. Elio reacted quickly as he covered himself with his arms and waited for the impact... only to feel nothing as he opened his eyes and saw Tapu Koko just floating in front of him. The Guardian Deity then raised his beak-like hand and put something on the Z-Ring. Elio looked at it and saw that there's a white crystal that has a black circle surrounded by two curved lines that almost connects the other.
Elio: Huh? What is this?
Tapu Koko immediatly went back to his previous position while Elio watched the strange crystal in his Z-Ring, not knowing what it was. But Kukui and Hala does.
Kukui: A Z-Crystal!
Elio turned his gaze from the Z-Crystal as he looked at Tapu Koko.
Elio: Do you want me... to use a Z-Move?
Tapu Koko nodded his. This make Elio excited as he's about to use a Z-Move today.
Elio: Okay! Tapu Koko, please teach us how to use a Z-Move!
Everyone were now attentively looking at this as seeing an Island Guardian teaching someone a Z-Move was something that doesn't see everyday. Lillie stilled watched worriedly at the battle.
Lillie: Oh, Elio.
Nebby was also watching the scene as well.
Elio: Alright! Let's go!
Elio crossed his arms together as the Z-Crystal started to glow white and the Normal Type symbol flashed in the air. He was copying the same movements as Tapu Koko did as they moved their arms forward while keeping them crossed. Amoka did the same thing with his paws as well. They then move their arms down to their right sides before bringing their left arms to their left. They then ended the pose by clenching their fist and pressed the right fist to the belly while the left pressed the forehead. White aura energy surged from Elio's body and flew to Amoka. The Puppy Pokémon becam covered in the white aura and the symbol of the Z-Ring appeared in front of him before vanishing.
Elio: Now goooo!
Amoka now started running and then he became surrounded in a strong orange aura that increases his speed. Kukui and Hala were shocked that Elio and Amoka pulled it off.
Kukui: The Normal Type Z-Move!
Hala: That's Breakneck Blitz!
Amoka was looking like he was flying as he was heading straight for Tapu Koko. That Tapu only watched before the attack collided with him, creating a loud explosion and a gust of wind that everyone had to brace themselves for. Lillie had hold on her hat to prevent from flying. The impact then dissipated as Elio watched in awe at what he just pulled.
Elio: That's a Z-Move? Wow...
But then he noticed that the white Z-Crystal shattered in the ring. The boy was surprised before he saw through the clearing smoke the sealed form of Tapu Koko, which unsealed and show that the Legendary didn't took any damage again, despite the Z-Move did a lot of damage on the ground, as it let a trail of destruction from where Amoka ran and impacted with. The Tapu just stared at Elio before shouting at the sky.
Tapu Koko: Kooookoooooooo!
He then flew high up into the sky and disseared, as Elio and Amoka watched them leaving.
Elio: Tapu Koko...
He then smiled at the direction the Tapu went.
Elio: Man, he sure us an incredible Pokémon!
Amoka: Rockruff!
The Puppy Pokémon agreed with his friend at that. They then noticed the others coming to them.
Hau: Elio! I can't believe you guys used a Z-Move first before me! And more importantly, I can't believe how powerful you guys are!
Lillie: Elio, are you and Amoka alright?
Lillie was worried about them, but Elio just gave her a smile in reassurence.
Elio: Were fine! Just a little tired though.
It's true as Elio and Amoka looked kinda drained.
Kukui: It's not surprising since a Z-Move uses a lot of power from the Trainer and Pokémon.
Hala then stepped as he looked at the Z-Ring.
Hala: My boy, what about the Z-Crystal Tapu Koko gave you?
Elio only showed the empty slot on the Z-Ring, which Hala then understood.
Hala: So it shattered. That means this was just a test. You have to pass an Island Trial to earn your own Z-Crystal.
Elio thought deeply about it before he made his decision.
Elio: Alright, then I'll just get myself one!
The group were surprised to hear this as Elio continued.
Elio: I'll take all of the Island Challenges. And once I become Island Champion, me and Amoka will have a rematch with Tapu Koko, and we will win!
This sure surprised everyone.
Kukui: You want to fight Tapu Koko again!?
Hala: (laughing)... Well if Tapu Koko wanted a challenger, he must have found one in Elio and Amoka!
Hau then stood in front of Elio with Mele on his shoulders.
Hau: Hold it! If someone's gonna be Island Champion then that's gonna be me!
Mele: Zor!
The Tricky Fox Pokémon supports her Trainer. Lillie then stood in front of them with Lola in her arms. The two boys turned to her.
Lillie: I may not like Pokémon battles yet, but I want to let you know that I'll support you guys!
Elio and Hau smiled at Lillie as they are thankfull for her support. Now they all just have to be ready for their journey around Mele Mele Island and take the Island Challenge. And then, they'll face off Kahuna Hala in the Grand Trial.
-Elio''s House, Route 1, Hau'oli Outskirts, Mele Mele, Alola-
The night has come as Elio and his Pokémon returned back home. He told his Mom everything from what has happened today. From trying to find Nebby again, being told of the Island Challenge, fighting Tapu Koko, and ultimately deciding to participate in the Island Challenge.
Laura: (Giggles)... I knew that you'll be interested in the Island Challenge the time that your heard of it.
Elio was taken aback by that.
Elio: Wait, you knew that this was going to happen?
Laura: Of course, silly! I'm your Mother after all. Now you and your Pokémon should take care of one another. And don't forget to have fun and make friends! That's one of the things being a Trainer is so wonderful!
Elio was very happy to hear that from his Mom.
Elio: Thanks, Mom! Just wait, you'll see me as the new Island Champion!
Amoka: Rockruff!
Cascade: Popplio!
Elio's Pokémon agreed with him as well as Laura and Meowth proudly watched them, knowing that they can do this.
RING! RING!
The phone of the House was ringing as Elio was the first to pick it up. It was Lillie, and she sounds worried.
Elio: Hello, this is Elio speaking.
Lillie: Elio! Nebby has dissapeared again!
Elio: Again!?
-Hau's House, Iki Town, Mele Mele, Alola-
Hau has gone immediatly to sleep in his bedroom. Mele was sleeping inside his shirt as she loves to cuddle with her Trainer. They are both unaware however that a mischievious cloud Pokémon teleported inside their room and started cuddling with them.
Nebby: (Giggles)...
-Pokémon Quiz-
Trainers! Which small Pokémon can change their shape using illusions? The answer will appear in the next chapter!
I hope that situation of the Coronavirus be solved soon, for everyone's sake. I also hope the new series episodes continues along with other famous shows. I was happy to see Ash caught Pokémon that I believed was too cool for him. I hope he gets the power of Mega Evolution now.
