1. Ash's Story (Part 9: Alola)

Chapter 4: The Guardian's Festival

Iki Town was already glowing when we reached the festival grounds.

Lanterns hung from wooden posts, food stalls filled the air with sweet and smoky scents, and families moved between vendors with their Pokemon walking beside them. The whole place felt smaller than the celebrations I had seen in other regions, but every smile and every decoration made it feel close to the island's heart.

Children ran past us with flower necklaces, while an old woman laughed as her Machamp carefully carried crates without disturbing the fruit inside. A group of dancers practiced near the wooden stage, and every step matched the slow drumbeat rising from the center of town.

After the strange meeting with the Ultra Recon Squad, the festival's brightness felt almost unreal. I could still hear their words about the Blinding One in my head, but the people around us were not afraid. They were celebrating because this was their home, and that made the light feel stronger.

Near the edge of the square, a vendor offered malasadas while a little Rockruff tried to sit politely and failed every few seconds. Another stall had carved wooden charms shaped like the island guardians, and Selene paused so long in front of the Popplio-colored ribbons that Elio noticed even while carrying the frame.

"Buy one later," Elio called. "Or Popplio will decide you are ignoring fashion."

Popplio lifted its head proudly, pressing closer to Selene's ribbon choice with a bright, confident look. Its meaning came through clearly: "That one suits me."

I bought a small bag of malasadas for Pikachu and Grubbin, though Grubbin needed help understanding that the paper was not the food. Pikachu took one look at Grubbin chewing the corner of the bag and gave me a flat look that meant training would include manners soon, while Grubbin clicked its jaws with offended determination: "If it smells like food, I must investigate."

Elio was near one of the stalls, helping lift a wooden frame into place with two workers. His shirt was dusty, and Litten sat beside a toolbox, watching the work like a tiny supervisor with serious eyes.

Selene waved at him. "You actually made it."

Elio wiped his forehead and laughed. "Barely. The last delivery tried to become three deliveries, and then the stage needed repairs. I am counting this as training."

Trenor looked at the crowd with Stoutland beside him. "It is not large, but it feels like everyone here knows why they came."

"That is the point," Hala said, approaching us with a warm smile. "Alola is made of four islands, and each island is watched over by a guardian deity. Tonight's festival is our humble thanks to Tapu Koko for protecting Melemele and those who live upon it."

"That is remarkable," Selene said, her voice quiet with awe.

Hala chuckled. "While we call it a festival, it is only a modest affair. Still, every one of us pours our hearts into it."

Lillie held her wrist closer to her chest. Mohn's old Z-Ring rested there, and I could tell she had been waiting for the right moment. She had worn it carefully all day, but she had not acted like it belonged to her yet.

"Kahuna Hala," Lillie said, "may I speak with you about something private?"

Hala's eyes softened when he saw the Z-Ring. "Of course, child. Come inside, and we shall speak where the crowd cannot rush your heart."

Hala's house was quieter than the festival outside.

The drums and voices still reached us through the walls, but they sounded distant enough that Lillie could breathe. She unclasped the Z-Ring and placed it carefully on the low table before Hala.