Izzy's Alola Journey

The Guardian Diety Tapu Koko Appears! Challenge, our z-move!

At the Pokémon School, Izzy's classmates are playing with their Pokémon. Raya tells her Gothita to make a balloon with her telekinesis, while Athens puts Sandslash in a wheel to charge his computer program. Meanwhile, Sun walks up to Uma and recommends to her that she should add some Berries to the Pokémon food in her new recipe. However, as Uma thanks Sun for the suggestion, Grubbin jumps up in front of Sun, scaring her frozen on the spot. Uma comments that it is a shame that Sun is afraid to touch Pokémon, to which Sun denies. Saburo walks in, feeling tired after making a delivery to Ula'ula Island. Professor Sequoia then enters and greets the class, with Izzy and Sylveon behind him. Saburo notices the new Z-Ring that Izzy is wearing. Professor Sequoia reveals that Izzy will be a student in the Pokèmon Academy and tells the class not to hesitate to help her out with any questions that she has. Izzy introduces herself to her new classmates and her intention of becoming a Pokémon Master, saying she is glad to be here.

Soon afterward while Izzy is talking to her new classmates, Athens and Uma notice the Z-Crystal on Izzy's Z-Ring, with Saburo identifying it as a Fairium Z. He asks where Izzy got it, as she has not taken part in any trial of the island challenge. Izzy explains that Tapu Koko had given it to her, which surprises the class. Izzy then explains that she had heard Tapu Koko's voice, so she had took off after it, and when she found Tapu Koko, the ring had come floating down to her. Saburo wonders how Tapu Koko had obtained the Z-Ring, but Izzy says it simply felt like Tapu Koko had been telling her the ring was for her. Sun explains to Izzy that she has read about Tapu Koko, and that it is very well known as the guardian who likes to help travelers, but also likes to play tricks and can punish people if it thinks it is necessary. Upon hearing that on rare occasions, Tapu Koko can provide gifts to people, Uma realizes that Tapu Koko must really like Izzy. Athens checks with Saburo who reveals that he got his Z-Crystal from clearing the Akala Island's grand trial. Izzy becomes excited that she can now use Z-Moves just like Saburo, but Saburo objects strongly, telling Izzy about the duties of Z-Move users. Izzy says she doesn't understand what Saburo said, but reassures Saburo that he will do his best. Professor Sequoia tells the class that Drew Wall will be their teacher for the next lesson. Later, Drew Wall, wearing a vulpix costume, teaches the class about the different appearances and types of the Pokémon in different regions as Athens comments on certain Pokémon's typings being totally different. Wall explains that the reason Vulpix is different in Alola is because of the local climate. He then says that the Alolan Vulpix they are looking at is a regional variant, and explains the biology of Vulpix - they are usually Fire types. This surprises Sun who mentions that in Alola, Vulpix are Ice types. Izzy is surprised about the typing of Alolan Vulpix and runs forward to stroke its head. Sun tries to warn Izzy about this, but she ends up getting thrown up a ladder before Sun explains that the pokémon has a mind of its own.

At Professor Sequoia's house, Sequoia treats Izzy and Sylveon to dinner, where both of them finish their food very quickly. Izzy and Sylveon pet Eevee, and Sequoia explains that it has taken a liking to Izzy. As Izzy continues to pet Eevee, Sequoia receives a phone call from Uma and agrees to proceed with a welcome party planned for Izzy on the following day. The next morning, Izzy and Sylveon are late to school, and rushing to make it on time. As they arrive, they are greeted with confetti and Gothita's bubbles, and Uma explains that they had planned a surprise party for Izzy. Athens and Sandslash start by issuing a challenge to Izzy and Sylveon, which Izzy mistakes for a battle. However, she soon finds out that it is actually a balloon popping challenge. Athen uses Sandslash's spikes to gain the lead, and Sun tells Izzy that she can also use moves to burst the balloons. Izzy commands Sylveon to use Stored Power, but it is absorbed by Sandslash's Psychic Mindset Ability. She then uses Mud Slap to burst the remaining balloons, easily winning the challenge for Athens. Raya and Gothita then challenge Izzy and Sylveon to a race, unknowingly being watched by a yellow Pokémon from afar. Although off to a strong start, Sylveon starts to fall behind, and Gothita eventually wins the challenge with its superior psychic speed.

Next, Izzy is up against Saburo in a Mudsdale race, with Sequoia and Drew Wall watching them from the balcony. Wall asks the professor if he will take part in the party, to which Sequoia replies that he is the fifth surprise. The race ends with Saburo winning in a photo finish. Sequoia walks up to Izzy for her surprise, but Uma says that it is time for lunch first. As they all eat, Izzy hears a Pokémon's cry and Tapu Koko appears, much to everyone's surprise. Izzy thanks it for bestowing her the Z-Ring, but Tapu Koko grabs Izzy's headband and flies around with it.

[authors note: btw this is what izzy looks like for reference]

It then flies off towards the forest, with Izzy on its heels.

Tapu Koko and Izzy race to the forest and everyone else follows behind. In the middle of the forest, Tapu Koko returns Izzy her headband, and reveals it will to battle her. Tapu Koko's Electric Surge activates, causing Electric Terrain to come into effect, and it lunges at Sylveon. Sylveon manages to dodge Tapu Koko's Dazzling Gleam and proceeds with Fairy Wind, but this has little effect. Tapu Koko charges at Izzy and activates her Z-Ring. Izzy realizes Tapu Koko wants her to use a Z-Move. Izzy prepares to launch her first Z-Move, as everyone watches nervously. Izzy and Sylveon make the required pose and Sylveon fires a strong Twinkle Tackle, causing a huge explosion. However, Izzy's Fairium Z shatters as the explosion settles, and Tapu Koko flies away. Uma is impressed at how powerful Izzy's first Z-Move was, but Saburo notices that Izzy's Z-Crystal had disintegrated. He explains that it was still too early for Izzy to fully utilize Z-Moves, as she had not taken a trial. Upon hearing this, Izzy decides to participate in the island challenge to prove her worthiness, and her classmates agree that they will be cheering for her.

Back at Sequoia's house, Izzy receives an Alola Pokédex from Professor Sequoia while having dinner, as Izzy looks forward to her island challenge.