Two days later.
Today marked Melemele Island's annual Grand Trial Festival.
Accordingly, Alola's tourist count had visibly swelled.
"I guess arriving early was the right call——"
After landing Salamence in a secluded beach corner, Aiden surveyed the endless sea of people—and sighed.
First-time in Alola, unfamiliar with the terrain, he'd chosen the safest lodging: Hano Grand Resort on Akala Island.
Hence his island-hopping via Salamence.
Alola comprises of four islands. For locals, Pokémon-assisted flight or surfing was standard transport—creating a robust "Poké-Ride" service industry.
Aiden had wanted to try surfing atop a Mantine… but he couldn't swim. So——
To avoid embarrassment—he'd reluctantly abandoned that dream.
"Come to think of it—last night chatting with Cynthia, she seemed curious about Alolan mythology."
Recalling Salamence, Aiden turned inland—murmuring to himself.
As a mythologist, her interest was natural. Yet——
Alola's myths held shockingly little renown.
Not merely due to regional isolation—Alola itself had scarce records.
Only fragmented texts from ancient Alolan royalty hinted at fragments.
For Pokémon-world civilizations? It was highly irregular.
But Aiden guessed why.
Alola's deities——beyond the four native guardians—were beings from beyond this world. Even parallel universes.
Even Solgaleo and Lunala—the Sun/Moon gods—were fundamentally Ultra Beasts.
Alola's subterranean Ultra Aura? Likely residue from their ancient clash with the four guardians.
As humanity's first contactors, ancient Alolan royalty sealed these records—as a form of protection.
After all—that Ultra Space was far deadlier than our "peaceful" Pokémon world.
Like Lillie's father, Professor Mohn—who vanished researching interdimensional portals. Presumed lost forever.
(Though per anime lore—he'd likely lost his memory, now living with a Nihilego in Galar's Crown Tundra?)
If Aiden revisited Galar… perhaps he could reunite the family early.
And incidentally—track down that big turnip-head——
Compared to Alola's extraterrestrial myths, that Legendary was the true legend.
Musing to himself, Aiden climbed the winding mountain path.
After a stretch—the slope gentled. Ahead emerged a rustic village seemingly fused with nature.
No clear boundary between settlement and wilderness. Several houses nestled beside groves—birds perched on eaves, intently watching the village center.
Aiden followed their gaze.
The plaza now held a towering square bonfire. Villagers bustled about—decorating the perimeter.
Not yet dusk—the festival remained in preparation.
Scanning the crowd, Aiden soon spotted Professor Kukui.
He chatted with a white-haired elder in a yellow coat.
As Aiden approached—he caught snippets:
"Mm. This year's Grand Trial Festival—same as always. Full-power battles to attract Lord Tapu Koko's attention!"
"Indeed. Though—tonight may have a very special guest. The celebration should be livelier than usual."
"All the better! I'm already looking forward to it!"
Predictably—discussing the festival.
Aiden nodded inwardly. His arrival drew both men's attention.
"Seems my 'guest' arrived early."
Kukui grinned—introducing Aiden to the elder:
"Mr. Hala—this is Aiden, Gym Leader from Paldea."
"Don't let his youth fool you. A capable elite Trainer—he can hold his own against Champions. Also the last Type Master Tournament champion."
"Oho! Though I don't grasp outside Trainer rankings—if Kukui vouches for you… you must be a worthy opponent!"
The elder—Hala—beamed warmly at Aiden.
"Hello. I'm Hala, Island Kahuna of Melemele—and tonight's Grand Trial champion."
Aiden recognized him instantly.
Alola's League diverged from the standard rules—embracing heavy localization.
The classic "collect eight badges, defeat Elite Four/Champion" path was replaced by Alola's unique Island Challenge.
Beyond Acting Champion Kukui—no Elite Four or Gym Leaders existed. Instead: four Island Kahuna, plus their appointed Trial Captains.
Hala—Melemele's Kahuna—commanded local respect not just as an elder, but also as a formidable battler.
The festival's climax—"Full-Power Battle"—featured challengers facing Hala in succession. Their passionate clashes would (hopefully) draw battle-loving guardian deity Tapu Koko to join the celebration.
Hence Kukui's claim: the festival was prime Tapu Koko spotting opportunity.
To interact closely—and inquire about converting the Eevee Z-Crystal—Aiden clearly needed to participate. Showcase his battling prowess.
"Beyond Mr. Hala—tonight's battle features another heavyweight guest."
Kukui added pointedly.
"Though… Teacher Azure likely doesn't know the 'Masked Royal'?"
"——Never heard of him."
Aiden shook his head.
This was a lie.
He knew full well the "Masked Royal" was Kukui's alter ego.
Kukui slapping on a wrestler's mask—claiming to be some "Masked Royal"? Ridiculous.
But as all anime fans know: wear sunglasses or a hat to obscure your face—and to others, you're indistinguishable from a random passerby.
Aiden respected this fundamental rule.
"Haha! You'll meet him tonight. A truly formidable Trainer."
Kukui's knowing smile widened. He clapped Aiden's shoulder—
THUMP. THUMP.
Aiden's eye twitched.
He wasn't battle-averse—but Kukui's boxing-trained hands packed heat. Those two claps felt like Incineroar elbow strikes.
No wonder he spars daily with the Tiger God.
Thankfully, Aiden had adapted to Pokémon-world human physiology. Otherwise—those blows might've felled him.
After inward grumbling—Aiden blinked. He looked up at Kukui's cheerful face.
"Professor Kukui."
"Since I'll be commentating the tournament… streaming Alola's scenery now should be fine, right?"
Kukui blinked—then nodded vigorously.
"Of course!"
More like—he'd been hoping for this!
Aiden actively promoting Alola? Far more effective than any amateur effort.
—
The moon was high in the sky.
Waves lapped distant shores. Palm fronds swayed in sea breezes—rustling softly.
Combined with cricket chirps from thickets—a symphony of nature.
Perched on a log at the plaza's edge, Aiden watched the roaring bonfire—and children circling it, chasing each other gleefully.
Living beyond modern cities held clear perks.
No light pollution. Alola's summer starry sky stretched infinitely—how soul-soothing.
As the festival neared—nearby wild Pokémon sensed the town's vibrancy. They emerged from grasses—maintaining respectful distance—gracefully joining the celebration.
"It's about time."
Aiden checked the night sky—rose—and retrieved his Rotom Phone.
I was originally planning a vacation vlog… but since I'm recording anyway—why not stream it live?
Skips the tedious video editing too.
He smoothly switched to live mode—initiating the stream.
Though night in Alola—time zones meant that Kanto neared afternoon, while Paldea/Galar approached dawn.
It was outside his usual streaming hours.
Aiden expected few viewers.
Yet—mysterious audiences materialized instantly—flooding the chat:
[??? Teacher Azure suddenly live?! Thought I was still asleep?!]
[Why's it dark where Teacher Azure is? Shouldn't Paldea be daytime?——]
[Is this the legendary "outdoor stream"? Noob question: When do Legendaries appear?!]
Skimming the comments—Aiden realized he'd forgotten to update the stream title.
He tapped his phone—explaining:
"Teacher Azure's expanding overseas operations~ Alola's hosting a fun festival—streaming it for y'all!"
As he spoke—he changed the title to:
Teacher Azure's Alola Outdoor Stream: Immersive Grand Trial Festival Experience!
Chat instantly erupted in question-mark storms:
[??? NO—Teacher Azure's finally corrupting the League's last pure land?!]
[Has Teacher Azure's dirty hand reached Alola already?!]
[Teacher Azure—you've done all the dirty work! Don't tell me you're teaching locals the correct usage of Incineroar and Mareanie——]
Aiden's eyebrow lifted—briefly speechless.
"You're reaching. Teacher Azure's here to revitalize Alola—boost the new League's visibility!"
"Though admittedly—Alolan Pokémon are quite distinctive."
He panned the camera toward nearby cliffs.
Above Iki Town's forests—strange coconut-like creatures with multiple heads stared intently at the crowd.
[WTF IS THAT?!?]
[Looks like Exeggutor… but——how's its neck THAT long?!]
[Teacher Azure—am I hallucinating?!]
"That's Alolan Exeggutor. Alola's intense sunlight seemingly awakened the hidden power within them—thereby transforming them."
Aiden recited Pokédex lore—then flashed a sly smile.
"By the way—Alolan Exeggutor possesses Dragon typing. When angered, it uses the move 'Dragon Hammer'—bashing foes with its hard heads."
"Beyond it—other… stranger dragons lurk nearby."
He shifted focus to a serpentine Pokémon with white fur.
"That's Drampa—a rare, gentle Dragon-type. Loves playing with children."
[THAT'S A DRAGON?!?!]
[Lance: Impossible! Absolutely impossible! How can a Dragon-type not fly?!]
[Alola definitely has a pattern—Pokémon all look weird——]
"Human-defined 'Dragon-type' stereotypes don't work in reality. Dragon typing itself may not be limited to one biological form?"
Aiden shrugged casually.
Beyond Alolan Exeggutor and Drampa—Turtonator and the Ultra Beast Guzzlord also carried Dragon typing.
But those two? Far harder to encounter.
"Almost forgot—the focus tonight isn't Alolan Pokémon."
"Melemele Island's annual Grand Trial Festival… might prove quite entertaining?"
Aiden smoothly pivoted—walking toward the plaza.
Time grew late. Tourists and locals had settled into seats—patiently awaiting the start of the festivities.
As tonight's challenger, Aiden's seat sat near the front—convenient for his upcoming challenge.
But before reaching the bonfire—he spotted a familiar figure nearby.
Aiden blinked—halting mid-step.
Isn't that… Moon?!
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