Pokémon Adventures #15: Wrapping Up Melemele Island

I woke up laying across my bed wearing the clothes I wore yesterday. These adventures were causing me to go through clothes like crazy. A whole new day and more stains from pollen, rain, mud, dirt, sand, and general Pokémon shenanigans.

“Pika!”

“Torrrr.” Smokey purred.

“Good morning you two,” I said with a smile giving them both pats on their heads.

I looked over on my desk and saw clean, folded clothes with a note from my mother. She had cleaned my laundry and folded them for me.

“She’s the best,” I said.

“Pika! Pika!”

“Torracat!”

I turned to Smokey and Storm. “You two go downstairs and don’t cause any trouble for Mom. I’ll be right down.”

They both gave a nod and rand downstairs. Immediately I heard meows and sounds of commotion that sounded like Lucky and Smokey chasing each other around the house.

I laughed to myself and then stepped into the shower to clean off. I changed into clean clothes and I made my way downstairs.

“Good morning, sleepy head,” My mom said with a bright smile.

“What time is it?” I asked still rubbing my eyes a little.

“Oh. Well, almost 11 am,” My mom said.

“Still morning then,” I said returning her smile.

I sat down at the kitchen table. Smokey was still chasing Lucky around the house. Storm on the other hand was up on the counter watching over my Mom cut vegetables.

“So what do you have planned for today? Maybe another trip to Verdant Cavern?” My Mom asked.

“No, I don’t think so. I’ve seen enough of that place for a while,” I said. “I might swing by Professor Kukui’s lab to see if they are there. If not, I might head to Iki Town to spend some time with Hau.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“Would you want to come along?” I asked my Mom.

“No, no! I had some fun yesterday, but I don’t think exploring caves and battling Pokémon is my thing. I’ll leave that up to you,” She smiled. “I also need to go to Hau’Oli City to pick up some groceries and other things.”

“Sounds we both have busy days ahead,” I said.

“That we do,” she replied. “Well let’s have lunch and then we can start our day.”

“I never turn down food,” I said.

“Yeah I know.”

She finished preparing sandwiches, fresh vegetables, and fruits for lunch. We spent a few moments talking about all kinds of things as I prepared for the journey. I fed little bits of my meal to both Smokey and Storm while Lucky had hidden away in Mom’s room. Eventually we finished eating and I collected the dishes and cleaned them in the sink.

Mom was ready to leave the house before I was.

“Ok I’m off, lock up when you leave,” My Mom said.

“Ok see you later,” I waved her goodbye.

I took a few moments putting stuff into my bag and preparing for the day. Eventually Smokey and Storm tuckered themselves out and I put them into their Pokéballs. Lucky remained in Mom’s room and refused to come out.

I shut off all the lights in the house and locked the front door as I stepped out into the Alolan sun. It was another beautiful sunny day on Melemele Island. The island breeze was blowing filling the air with the scent of salt water and plenty of Wingulls and Pikipeks flying high in the sky.

I ventured my way towards Professor Kukui’s lab making the familiar trek that I had made the day before. Again I came to the door of the run-down building and saw the same note that I read yesterday. It looks like Lillie and Professor Kukui was still in Hau’Oli City working on the boat.

I took a moment to scan the beach area. There were a few people enjoying the waves and tanning on the beaches. Little kids were running up and down on the sand while some others were building a sandcastle. I gave a small smile watching these young kids playing in the sand and the waves. I sat on the front porch for a little while and just laid down in the sun. I placed my bag down on the porch and laid back on it using it as a pillow.

I starred up into the sky looking at a few wispy clouds in the sky. I took a deep breath and got a taste of the salt in the air. The sounds of the waves hitting the beach and the distant yells of beach goers filled my ears as my eyes grew heavy.

 

“Ledy! Ledyba!”

I felt a heavy pressure on my chest as my eyes blinked open. I was face to face to a red, bug Pokémon.

“Ledyba!”

The Pokémon jumped off my chest and floated there. The wings on its back buzzed as it looked down at me. It took me a second to realize what had happened. I had taken a nap on the front porch of the Pokémon Lab by accident.

The Pokémon before me hovered there for a few seconds, but once I began to sit up, it decided to run off. It flew off towards the tall grass in between my house and the Professor’s lab. I looked around. The beach was almost completely empty and the sun was getting ready to set. A couple jogged past the lab to focused on their conversation to notice me.

I turned around the quickly searched through my bag. All my stuff was there including my Pokéballs, the Rotomdex, and all my battling supplies. I had to be more careful. I had never really fallen asleep in public before, but the warm sun and the crashing waves almost hypnotized me. That being said, I needed to stay alert. There were criminals and Pokémon thieves out there. I couldn’t be leaving myself out to be an easy target.

I stood up slinging my bag over my shoulder and brushing sand off my pants. It was obvious that Lillie and Professor Kukui were not coming back before tomorrow’s journey, so there was no point of hanging out here anymore. Besides, I had almost wasted the last day on Melemele Island and I wanted to check in with Hau.

I started off towards Iki Town. As I passed the tall grass, I gave the Ledyba a little wave and it just stared at me with a curious look as I walked by. I did a small pass by the house and I saw that the lights were still off. I guess Mom was still in Hau’Oli City doing some shopping.

I continued on my way up Route 1. There were a few people walking back and forth, but nothing compared to the crowds of people in Hau’Oli City. I enjoyed walking along these trails. It kind of reminded me of Viridian Forest and all the Bug Pokémon hiding in the trees. In Alola there seemed to be flowers, trees, and bushes growing everywhere filling the world with greenery. I definitely understood how this place was a major tourist destination with all the beautiful foliage and amazing beaches. That and the wonderful weather.

I eventually made it to Iki Town without much trouble. By this time the sun was setting and the torches were being lit. A few townspeople were walking about, but the town seemed mostly empty and quiet. I walked up to Kahuna Hala’s house and knocked on the door. No response. After a few seconds, I knocked on the door again a little louder. Still no response.

A woman nearby saw me standing there, “Excuse me, Miss? Are you looking for Kahuna Hala?”

I turned to the woman, “Actually I’m looking for Hau, have you seen him?”

“Not recently, I believe he left a day or so ago. Kahuna Hala mentioned that he was heading to Hau’Oli City to prepare for a journey to Akala Island,” she replied.

“Oh. Well thank you,” I said.

“If you want to see Kahuna Hala, I believe he went towards Mahalo Trail just a few hours ago,” she said.

“Thank you so much,” I said.

“Yeah it helps when you’re a nosy neighbor like me in a small town like this,” she gave a smile and then headed towards the neighboring house. She opened the door and went inside.

“Well I guess I should head towards Hau’Oli City,” I said to myself. “But maybe I should go talk to Hala first.”

I decided to head to the back of Iki Town and towards Mahalo Trail. I bounded the steps that I had made only a few weeks prior. This was where I first met Lillie and ended up saving Nebby. Well Tapu Koko saved the both of us, I guess. This was where it all started. It’s so weird having these nostalgic feelings for a place I’ve been to only once. I’ve lived in Alola for a very short amount of time and I’m already missing Melemele Island.

I let out a small sigh as I finished climbing the stairs up Mahalo Trail. Those stairs weren’t easier to climb the second time around, that’s for sure. There standing next to the destroyed bridge was Kahuna Hala. He gave a small turn and saw me standing there at the end of Mahalo Trail.

“Well if it isn’t Alexis, Alola!” He said with a large smile.

“Alola, Kahuna Hala,” I said returning the smile.

“What brings you up here?” He asked.

“Well I stopped by your home looking for Hau, but your neighbor told me he went off to Hau’Oli City already,” I replied.

“Yes, he was very adamant that he needed to do a little training by himself. He was taking the long way around by heading up Route 3 and then down Route 2 to Hau’Oli City,” Hala said.

“I didn’t really think about doing any training before leaving,” I admitted.

“Don’t worry Alexis, your Pokémon are strong and they have a deep bond with you. Sometimes that’s all you need to succeed,” Hala said. “However, there are much stronger trainers and Pokémon out there. So maybe consider a little bit of training with your Pokémon. Teaching them new moves and new strategies will help keep your opponent on their toes.”

I nodded. “Thanks for the advice.”

“My guidance is always free whenever you need it,” Hala said. “Hau usually just ignores it. He does his own thing, you know?”

“Yeah I could see that,” I said.

“Is there anything else I can do for you today?” Kahuna Hala asked.

“No I guess not,” I said. “I was just checking on a few things before I leave. Since you were up here, I thought I’d come up here and see what you were doing.”

“Well I came up here to examine the process of reconstructing the bridge, but it looks like it’s going to be a slow process,” Hala said. “For now we are cut off from The Ruins of Conflict.”

“The Ruins of Conflict?” I asked.

“There are ruins on the other side of the river here that are a monument to Tapu Koko,” Hala explained. “They are very ancient and some say that Tapu Koko actually lives within the Ruins of Conflict. I would go there every now and then to meditate and think when I was stressed or unsure what to do when faced with a problem.”

I looked down at my feet.

“Kahuna Hala, can I ask you something?”

He gave a solemn nod.

“Do you really believe all those things you said about me? About my destiny and my connection to the Island Guardians?” I asked.

“I’m not sure what your destiny is, Alexis,” Hala said. “However, it’s not every day that Tapu Koko shows itself to people. That and the fact that you defeated Ilima’s trial and my trial with such ease. You have talent that I recognize and many others recognize it as well. Professor Kukui provided you with the Rotomdex because it should belong to someone who is exceptional. Tapu Koko senses something in you.”

I blushed a bit.

“I know that this a lot of added pressure,” Hala said. “No one expects you to become a hero overnight. It takes time and you have a lot of growing to do. Don’t stress out about it.”

“Thanks Kahuna Hala,” I said in a small voice.

“Some people train all their lives preparing for destiny and it never shows up. Others are just trying to live their lives and destiny shows up like a thunderstorm,” Kahuna Hala said. “I believe you are that second kind of person.”

I gave a little nod.

“I hope that helps,” Kahuna Hala said with a small laugh.

“Ummm… honestly I’m not sure,” I said.

Hala gave a smile, “Just remember to have some fun on your Island Challenge and take some time to relax and take in the sights. It’s not all about battling.”

“I will. Thanks again Kahuna Hala,” I said.

“No problem, Alexis.”

“I better head towards Hau’Oli City to meet up with Professor Kukui, Lillie, and Hau.”

“Sounds good. Keep an eye out on Hau for me,” Hala said.

“I will. Alola!”

“Alola!”

He gave a little wave and I turned around heading down Mahalo Trail. Lucky for me, going down Mahalo Trail is much easier than going up. I took only a few moments until I was down in Iki Town again. I quickly passed through it giving one last look towards the wooden stage in the middle of town. The stage was where my first Pokémon battle happened, where I first got Smokey as a LItten, and the place where I completed the Grand Trial by beating Kahuna Hala in battle.

I walked down Route 1 towards my house and saw that the lights were on. Mom was home. I quickly stopped in and talked to her. I gathered up some things for my journey and told her I was heading towards Hau’Oli City. She gave me a hug and wished me luck on my journey. I gave her a hug back, petted Lucky behind his ears and headed out towards Hau’Oli City.

It only took a few moments to reach Hau’Oli City because we live on the outskirts of the city. I passed along many common landmarks. There was the Pokémon Center, the Trainer School, the clothing shop, the hairdresser, and many other stores. Since it was now evening, there weren’t a lot of people on the streets at this time. Most people were in the restaurants or shops enjoying a night on the town. It was almost like that this place was a large party all the time. I wondered how people got any real work done here.

I eventually made it to the harbor. I recognized the three people standing on the docks immediately. I gave a wave as I ran down to them.

“Lillie! Hau! Professor Kukui!”

“Hey Alexis!” Lillie ran over to me and gave me a hug which I returned.

“We thought you weren’t going to show up,” Hau laughed.

“I had some stuff I needed to attend to before we left Melemele Island,” I said.

“Well I’m glad you’re here now,” Professor Kukui said. “We are almost done preparing for the journey tomorrow.”

I looked over at the boat and it looked like the boat equivalent of the Professor’s Lab. It looked worn down and I wasn’t sure that it would make the journey.

“Is this thing going to make it all the way there?” I asked.

“You mean this boat? This boat is one of my prized possessions. Of course it will make the journey,” Kukui said.

“It’s just that it looks pretty old,” I said.

“Hey now! Don’t you go calling my boat old! She’s not old. She’s classic. Well seasoned,” Professor Kukui said.

“I like to say that it has a sense of history,” Lillie smiled.

“Either way, we shouldn’t have a problem making it to Akala Island,” Professor Kukui said.

“Ok Professor, I believe you,” I said.

“Why don’t we head to the Malasada shop for a late snack?” Hau suggested.

My stomach rumbled at the mention of food and everyone had a chuckle.

“I think my stomach agrees with that,” I laughed.

“You three go on ahead,” Professor Kukui said. “I’ll finish up here. For tonight I’m sure you can find a hotel room for Island Participants, and we’ll meet up here at daybreak tomorrow, ok?”

“Sounds good Professor,” I said.

“Great plan!” Hau said.

“Ok see you all tomorrow,” Professor Kuki gave a small wave.

Lillie, Hau, and I all headed towards Hau’s favorite Malasada shop and we found a table for the three of us. We all ordered our own Malasada and began chowing down on the delicious food. Hau was telling Lillie and me about the past couple of days and his journey around Melemele Island. I told them both about my journey with my Mom and Buck to Verdant Cavern and seeing Rockruffs and a Lycanroc. Lillie filled us both in about the preparations and all the work that was done on the boat in the past couple days.

“Man, I hope there are some cool Pokémon on Akala Island. I can’t wait to add some new, powerful Pokémon to my team, right Alexis?” Hau said.

I gave a nod. “Yeah I do need to round out my team some more. I love Smokey and Storm a lot, but you can’t win every battle with just two Pokémon.”

“Do you think you’ll run into the next Island Guardian like you did with Tapu Koko?” Lillie asked me.

“I don’t know,” I said. “I don’t think so, but I also didn’t think I would meet Tapu Koko so who knows.”

“Well I hope I can show Nebby some of the ruins on Akala Island,” Lillie said.

“I can’t wait to see what kind of Captains are on Akala Island,” Hau said.

“Yeah I’m sure we’re in store for some tough Pokémon battles,” I said.

“I’m sure we can take them,” Hau said with a laugh.

“Yeah I’m sure we can,” I nodded with a grin.

We were there for a few more minutes catching up and thinking about tomorrow’s adventure. Eventually we all grew tired and we headed towards the hotel we had stayed in before. Lillie and I got a room together and Hau got his own room next door. We retired to our respective rooms, and it wasn’t long before we were all asleep dreaming of tomorrow’s journey to Akala Island.