I walked into the grass nervously, crossing my fingers that we'd make it to Iki Town without any mishaps. I glanced down frequently at the little Pokémon by my side. Popoki seemed to want to stick close to me, his little nose twitching as he sniffed the air. I figured he must be on guard for another potential ambush.
His diligence was rewarded shortly after when a rustling in the grasses altered us to the presence of another Pokémon. I stopped dead in mpaty tracks, uncertain of what to do.
I'm a Pokémon Trainer now, right? Doesn't that mean I have some training to do? Or something...
Thankfully for me, Popoki didn't seem to need much direction or training. With a tiny growl, he pounced ahead, startling the lurking Pokémon. It wasn't a Yungoos this time, but instead some kind of greyish rat thing that looked equally repulsive. Popoki swatted at it with his foreclaws, leaving a nasty gash on the creature's side, but it insisted on fighting back. It slammed its body into Popoki's side, knocking the poor Litten down into the dirt.
"Popoki!" I cried out, fearing for my new little companion. He didn't seem to be too badly hurt, though. He just shook his head and swiped at the rat again, growling a bit more loudly this time. After that assault, the rat clearly had enough and went scampering back into the grass.
With the foul beast gone, I knelt down to inspect Popoki for injuries. His side seemed a bit tender, but otherwise he wasn't much worse for wear. I patted him on the head. "Thanks for helping me out, buddy." He purred at my touch and nuzzled my hand. "Let's get back on the road."
We continued on our way towards Iki Town, carefully skirting around the grass as much as we could. It seemed those little ferocious Pokémon live everywhere you look! I even happened to spot a couple children battling a Yungoos with an oddly-coloured Meowth. Such an odd contrast to the otherwise serene beauty of this island.
Popoki and I managed to make it a fair ways towards the town without any more dangerous encounters when a lanky youth approached us. He had tan skin, wild hair, and a wide smile. "Hey, which Pokémon are you gonna choose as your partner? Have you decided?"
"Ummm..." I looked down at Popoki.
"Man, I just couldn't wait for us to pick our Pokémon together, and..." his gaze dropped to the Litten by my side. "Aww, geez, don't tell me you've already got one."
"Sorry, Hau." Kukui popped up behind us, nearly giving me a heart attack. Does that guy just not make any sound ever?! "It's my fault Cynter got her Pokémon early, so don't blame her, okay." The professor turned his attention towards me, gesturing at the youth. "By the way, this is Hau, another prospective Pokémon Trainer. You'll both be starting your trainer journey together!"
"It's nice to meet you, Hau." I extended my hand, but instead Hau surprised me by pulling me into a tight bear hug.
"Alola Cynter, and mahalo for not taking Rowlet!" The exuberant trainer released me from his grasp and beamed at the small bird Pokémon at Kukui's feet. "I've wanted a Rowlet for so long, so I'm super excited that we'll get to be partners!"
The Rowlet hooted up at Hau and hopped up towards him. It seemed like the Pokémon and its Trainer were already becoming friends. I couldn't help but look back down at Popoki and wonder. Meowth and my mom always seemed close, but I figured that was because they'd been together for a while by the time I came back home. Perhaps Pokémon and their humans really do bond quickly?
While I'd been woolgathering, I hadn't seen that Hau was looking back at me with a wicked grin. "So, what do you think, Cynter? Shall we start off our journey together with a Pokémon Battle?"
A battle? Already? A bubble of anxiety flared up in my gut. Sure, Popoki handled that rat thing with ease, but we've hardly had a chance to train or prepare or anything. Hell, he hadn't even gotten had a chance to rest up after that! Frantically latching onto that excuse, I shook my head. "Popoki had to fight this rat thing on the way here, so I'm not sure he's up to--"
"Oh, you've already had wild Pokémon battle together?" Hau exlaimed. "Niiiiice."
"Here, let me heal him up for you quick." Kukui pulled a small bottle out of his pocket and sprayed Popoki's side with it. The Litten mewed and shook itself, but the spray seemed to help him. "Pokémon Potion," Kukui explained, putting the bottle back in his pocket. "Never leave home without it."
"Great! Now we can have a proper battle together. Rowlet, let's go!"
I guess I don't have much of a choice. "Already, Popoki, let's give this battle a shot."
The two Pokémon squared off, each looking the other up and down. Although both had been under the care of Kukui only recently, they didn't seem to have much of a problem battling each other so quickly. Perhaps they didn't have much history together, or maybe they were eager to show off their bonds with their new trainers?
I wracked my brain, trying to remember what little I knew about Pokémon battling. Hadn't Kukui mentioned their types when he introduced me to the Pokémon earlier? Popoki was a Fire-type, and Rowlet Grass... surely there was something here I could use to my advantage. "Hey, Popoki, use a fire move!"
Popoki meowed to acknowledge my request, then spit out a small burst of flame at Rowlet.
"Yeowch! That hurts!" Hau yelled back at me. "Come on, Rowlet, don't let them treat you like that! Use your Leafage!"
Sadly for Hau and his new friend, the small leaves that Rowlet spat out at Popoki hardly seemed to even slow the Litten down. It only took one more burst of flame before the Rowlet was knocked out cold.
"Our first battle, and our first defeat..." Hau sheepishly ran his hand through his messy hair. "That was fun, though, thanks!"
Was it, though, really? Popoki certainly seemed pleased by the outcome, strutting around like a wrestler in the ring. I was proud of winning my first battle, but I don't know if I'd go so far as to call it fun.
"You're pretty good for a newcomer, Cynter." Kukui clapped me on the shoulder. "Sure you didn't do any Pokémon training in Kanto on the sly?"
"No, I just... Fire beats Grass, right?"
"Haha, yeah, I guess you had an advantage against me from the start." Hau held out a Poké Ball and recalled his Pokémon. "I guess we should head on up to Iki Town then, huh?"
"Yep, it's just up the stairs. Though, that reminds me." Kukui handed me a Poké Ball of my own. "That's Popoki's ball; I forgot to give it to you earlier."
I looked at the ball, then down at Popoki, then back at the ball, then back at Popoki. "Thanks, Professor. I think I'll let him walk with me a bit longer, though."
"Come on Cynter, I want to show you Iki Town! Last one there's a rotten egg!" Hau turned around and ran up the stairs ahead of us. Kukui and I looked at each other, then followed at a bit more of a sedate pace.
At the top of the stairs was my first Alolan village: Iki Town. It was pretty small compared to the towns and cities I was used to from both Kanto and Sinnoh, but it had a unique charm. The brush was trimmed back, so there'd be no need to worry about Pokémon attacks, but a few palm trees and shrubs artfully decorated the spaces at the edge of the paths and around the few houses. Ahead and to the left was a large open space, and behind it was a tall house with a sloped roof. It was beautiful, in a quaint way. Looking at it almost made me feel as if I were going back to a more primitive time.
Kukui watched and followed my gaze. "This town is where folks come to worship the Pokémon that watches over Melemele Island, Tapu Koko." He stroked his chin. "Doesn't look like the Kahuna is around at all, though."
Hau sighed and scratched his head. "Yeah, Hala wandered off a little bit ago. You know how he is. Anyway, I need to go show Rowlet to my mom! See you later, Cynter!" And, like the kahuna, Hau ran off without another word.
"Why don't you go up to the ruins?" Kukui suggested. "It's just a bit past the village and up the hill. Popoki will take care of you in case you run into trouble, and seeing the ruins might help teach you a bit about Alolan culture."
"Sure, that sounds nice." And it did. Some nice empty ruins and a rewarding cultural experience would be a calming end to a hectic day. I didn't really know all that much about Alola, after all.
"I'll stick around here in case the Kahuna comes back. Enjoy your visit, and say hi to Tapu Koko if you happen to see him, alright?"
I grinned. "I will." Since I didn't actually expect to see any mythical, guardian Pokémon today, it was an easy promise to make.
Before heading to the ruins, I decided to look around the town for a bit. It was warm and peaceful and the setting sun made me feel almost a bit sleepy. Just like in other regions, it seemed most of the people in town had Pokémon that they kept with them, for work or as companionship. I sat and watched a young girl play with a small dog Pokémon before moving in towards the center of the town and the big clearing I'd seen. It had a small stage in the center and was flanked by carved stone statues on all sides. The large building I'd seen appeared to be the home of the local "Kahuna" Hala.
Iki was a rather small town without all too much to see and do, so it didn't take me all too long to finish taking in the sights and continuing on my path towards the ruins. The northern exit of the town led back into wild lands. A path had been carved out of the rock, with cliffs to either side. As I progressed onward, the land rose in a winding path, and my thighs began to burn as I marched up and up. At least the path was kept clear of grass and other plant life, so there were no wild Pokémon waiting to ambush us.
As I reached another tall set of stairs, groan, I happened to catch a glimpse of a young woman on the trail in front of me. Unlike the others I'd met on the island so far, she looked a bit more northern, like me, with fair hair and skin. She also wore a wide brimmed hat, likely to shield her paleness from the harsh sun. She didn't seem to notice me, but instead was intent on something in her bag as she continued onward.
After I finished catching my breath I continued onward up the steps in the same direction as the girl. It had taken me several minutes to rest and make my way upwards, so I expected her to be long gone by the time I made it to the top. Instead, she was only a short ways beyond the stairs, intently watching something happening on the bridge ahead. She turned at the sound of my my steps on the dusty path.
"Please help me!" she cried desperately, reaching her hands out to me. "You're a trainer, right? You have to save Nebby!"
I looked beyond towards the bridge to see what was happening. It appeared that a strange blue Pokémon was stuck in the middle of the bridge being viciously attacked from above by three bird Pokémon.
"I'm not a trainer. I can't..." the girl continued. "I can't do anything, but you can, please! Save him!"
"Sure, no problem." I laid my hand on her shoulder and felt her visibly relax in my presence. There's no way that she could know I'd just gotten my first Pokémon less than an hour ago and had no idea what I was doing. But, well, Popoki was able to take care of the rat and Hau's Rowlet. How difficult could a few birds be?
Mustering my confidence, I nodded to Popoki and we headed out together onto the bridge. One of the birds saw us coming and flew closer. "Get 'em, Popoki! Use your Fire attack thing!" He spat out a few small fireballs at the closest of the birds, and although they weren't as effective as they were against Rowlet, it was good enough. One ember happened to catch on its wing, and it screeched and flew off for the hills.
One down, Popoki and I continued further onto the bridge. It creaked and groaned under our weight, but I couldn't stop now. Two more birds were still diving and pecking at the small Pokémon, presumably named Nebby, and more were on their way. As we approached, I came up with a plan. "Popoki, I want you to attack the bird furthest away, see if you can drag them off. I'll see if I can shield Nebby enough to pick him up, then we dash back to land. Got it?"
I had no idea how much of the plan Popoki understood, but it wasn't exactly like I had the time to make a diagram or anything. I'd just have to trust the Pokémon more or less understood was I was going for.
Popoki dashed ahead and started attacking one of the birds on the right side, spitting Fire like a tiny lighter. The others were distracted and began to direct their attention towards him. The plan was working! I crept forward crouching over the small Pokémon. Close up, it really was something to behold, a sort of blue fluffy cloud with winking sparkles. It was one of the most unique Pokémon I've ever laid eyes on! Sadly, it seemed as if I wasn't quite sneaky enough. The other approaching birds veered towards me instead of Popoki. I learned forward, shielding the small, cloudy sparkle Pokémon from the screeching birds, and I felt their talons digging into my back.
Then everything went white and I was falling.
My heart leapt into my throat as I stared at the sky above, the stars blinking into existence in the evening sky as I plummeted downward, Nebby still clutched in my arms.
As I fell, one of the stars seemed to grow brighter, then it suddenly streaked across the sky, headed... for me? No, this was no falling star, it was... a Pokémon? Faster than I could process, it swooped down, grabbing me and Popoki from the air, then placing us gently back on the ground near the girl.
I stared at the Pokémon, my mind and body still numb with shock. Like Nebby, it was a highly unusual Pokémon, unlike any species I'd ever encountered previously or seen on TV. Its body was almost human-shaped, with a dark body and yellow and orange adornments. It started back at me for a moment, electricity crackling around its body, before it leapt upward, disappearing as fast as it came.
From the bridge failing to the strange Pokémon's appearance, not even a minute must have passed.
Now that everything was over, I broke out in a cold sweat, my arms and legs shaking. I could have died! In fact, I almost did! The bridge that led out to the ruins was completely destroyed and it was a hair's breadth away from taking me with it. The bridge was very high, suspended over a chasm of water and rocks. There's no way I would have survived a fall from that height. Popoki seemed to be similarly terrified. His body was flopped up against mine from when the Pokémon had dropped us off, and I could feel his chest heaving with deep, shaky breaths.
"Oh, Nebby, you tried using your power again, didn't you?"
I turned and looked over at the girl talking to her Pokémon. Unlike Popoki, the strange cloud creature didn't seem all too perturbed by the fall, though it seemed as if it had at least limited flying powers. The girl was looking at the Pokémon with a mixture of concern and annoyance on her face. "The last time you did that, you couldn't move for ages! What were you thinking?"
"Pew!" The Pokémon garbled a response that sounded like a cross between a dial-up modem and bells tinkling.
"Oh, you know I can't stay angry with you." She sighed and smiled down at her Pokémon. "I know you were just trying to protect me... since I can't protect anyone, not even myself. I'm sorry, Nebby."
"Pew pew!"
"Oh, what is that you have there, Nebby?" The girls started forward towards her Pokémon then suddenly seemed to remember that I was there. "Oh, thank you so much for saving Nebby! I hope you'll please forgive me for putting you in such a dangerous situation, I had no idea..."
"It's okay, I'm not hurt, just..." Terrified? Scarred for life? Unable to stand? More confused than I've ever been in my whole life? Instead of finishing the sentence, my voice just kind of trailed off.
"I'm Lillie. Let me help you up." Lillie extended her hand and with her assistance, I was able to get back on my feet.
Poor Popoki seemed to be still recovering, so I picked him up as well, holding him in my arms as I faced Lillie. "Nice to meet you. My name is Cynter."
"I suppose this stone must belong to you?" Lillie held something out to me, a small, sparkling stone. I pocketed it without even thinking about it. "I know this is going to sound strange, but I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about Nebby here. He's... a secret, okay?"
"Umm, sure, okay, that's fine." The less I thought and talked about this whole event, the better it would be anyway.
Lillie smiled and nodded. "Would you mind seeing us back down to the town? I'm afraid we might get attacked again."
I felt like I wouldn't be able to challenge a crumbling leaf let alone fight a Pokémon battle at that point, but I couldn't exactly decline, could I? "Alright. It's not to far anyway, and at least it's downhill."
"Thank you so much for all of your help." Lillie smiled at me then turned her attention back to the little cloud Pokémon. "Nebby, get in the bag. It's time to go home."
