Time was of the essence for Tanyu. Having Rowlet scout around for new Pokémon, while it made things easier, certainly wasn't getting him anywhere fast. He had a few hours left, and he'd been wandering around for quite a while. A sigh escaped his lips as he looked up at the circling Rowlet. About to resign his efforts in the current area, he proceeded to recall Rowlet, only to be stopped short as he noticed the sudden focus in the owl's eyes.

His senses went on alert as he too felt something in the area. Just then, a loud hissing sound could be heard from the brush, attracting Tanyu's attention to it. As he turned to face the noise, he saw a pair of black beady eyes staring at him. Rowlet hovered above and watched as a Meowth stepped out from the brush, her eyes fixed upon her trainer. Tanyu fixed his eyes on the feline, noting the coloration of her fur was the same as the one he'd seen in action.

A smirk crossed Tanyu's face at the sight of the Scratch-Cat. Curiosity lingered in the little feline's eyes as she took note of the expression on Tanyu's face. Her eyes shifted to Rowlet, the situation she found herself in immeditately clicking. Glancing back at Tanyu, Meowth extended her claws, prepared to defend herself.

"Well now...looks like she knows the drill," Tanyu smirked, beckoning Rowlet to battle. "Let's do this Rowlet!"

Pokémon

Moon's Rising

'Ewalu

Meowth shifted her legs shoulder-width apart, arms at her side with claws extended, ready for a scrap. She studied her opposition carefuly, fully aware of the fact that she didn't have much of an advantage when it came to things that could fly. However, that wasn't going to stop her.

She seems so calm, like she knows this is going to be tough. Either that...or that cat's got something up her sleeve. I wouldn't put it past a Meowth to be like that. Still, I like the look in her eyes. Let's find out exactly what she can do! Tanyu thought, shifting his feet to a stance of their own while relaxing his shoulders in the process. "Rowlet, let's test the waters. Leafage!" Tanyu commanded.

Rowlet shot high into the air and spread his wings wide, releasing multiple glowing leaves from his frame. The sharp leaves began spiraling, forming a tornado before tearing off towards Meowth. The Scratch-Cat stared the assault down, claws at the ready as it neared. With a growl, she lashed out at the incoming leaves, slicing through each of them in a flurry of slashes, a few scraping her on the fly. As she was occupied, Rowlet raced in, his beak aglow with white energy.

Reacting quickly, Meowth caught her adversary between her paws and swung hard, using his momentum against him to send him flying away from her. Clasping her paws together, a crimson energy formed around them for a few moments before being released in a wave towards Rowlet.

"Ascend quickly!" Tanyu called out, Rowlet obeying as instructed, causing the red wave of energy to disperse as it hit nothing but air.

I recognize that attack, Tanyu thought nervously, watching as Meowth looked up at her flying adversary. Gothitelle use it a lot...Flatter. I can't let that hit, Tanyu thought to himself, watching as Meowth geared up for another assault. "Rowlet, Leafage again!"

Once more, bright glowing leaves raced towards Meowth, forcing her to dodge due to the closer proximity of this assault. As she evaded the assault, she found herself in a vulnerable position as she jumped up to avoid the leaves directed at her feet. Rowlet rammed home a Tackle that sent her slamming into the ground. As she landed on her back, a flurry of leaves rained down upon her, causing her to cross her arms over her face, hissing as the leaves scraped against her fur and skin.

All the while, she gathered energy into her paws, Rowlet decided to dive straight down. A smirk crossed Meowth's features as he closed in. In a swift movement, she swung her arms out and released a swift wave of scarlet energy towards Rowlet, hitting him dead on, sending him into a fit of confusion while power roared through his body at the same time. Tanyu knitted his brow in irritation.

Classic rookie move, Tanyu thought, reminding himself that he had to work with Rowlet on a more strategic approach.

As Meowth got up, she panted and winced at the scrapes she'd retained. Rowlet was doing his best to remain airborne, albeit the confusion certainly wasn't helping. Growling low, the claws on Meowth's paws suddenly began to take on a black and violet aura. Tanyu's eyes went wide. He knew exactly what Meowth was up to and he couldn't let her do it. Reacting fast, and hoping what he'd done was enough, he unclipped a ball from his belt and expanded it before thrusting it towards Meowth.

As she leapt up towards Rowlet, she was suddenly aware of the oncoming sphere and turned around to try and avoid it, only for it to strike her side and open, absorbing her inside. The ball closed and hit the ground, twitching violently as if Meowth were trying to escape. After several twitches, the ball finally went still.

Gotcha you crafty little furball! I know what you were up to, Tanyu grimaced, picking up the ball and sighing in relief. After a moment or two, a grin spread out over his features. Looking over at Rowlet, he saw that his friend was now flying in aimless flight patterns, still confused out of his mind.

"Alright, that's enough of that," Tanyu stated, recalling the confused owl to his sphere. "Gotta work on strategy with you," Tanyu sighed heavily, clipping his two companions to his waist. Glancing down at the time, Tanyu smiled. Sweet, I have time to get there and relax before it starts. Gonna heal these two before it starts, but first, let's get a look at Meowth, Tanyu thought, reaching for his dex and scanning the ball Meowth was in.

"I knew it!" Tanyu said with a smirk.

Torches were lit in Iki Town as the evening hours began to set upon the island. Many of the residents were gathering around the ceremonial arena where many a battle had been fought. The arena was always constantly rebuilt after multiple trials. Today was just another test for the old arena. An all-too-eager Hau waited on his side of the arena for Tanyu to show up. Lydia stood with Kukui and another woman who had come to watch the opening ceremony. She had golden eyes and white hair and just like Kukui she was beautifully tanned.

"Good to see you made it out here Burnet," Lydia said with a bright smile.

"Shootz, there was no way I was gonna miss this. I may be tied up with work, but I made sure to be pau early so I could see Hau and your son in action," Professor Burnet grinned. "That, and my husband might destroy the house with all his 'tests' that he does. I have to at least check to make sure nothing is too damaged," she laughed.

"Auntie Burnet!" Hau exclaimed upon seeing her, giving her a wave after having just noticed she'd arrived.

Burnet waved to Hau and smiled. Her eyes shifted over to Lillie whose focus was now on the entrance to Iki Town. Between the two torches that were posted on either side, stood Tanyu. His eyes were locked with Hau's the moment he arrived. Hala, who had also been looking on, stepped forward into the center of the arena as Tanyu made his way closer. Tanyu stepped up and met them in the center.

"Welcome Tanyu. I see you've completed your task of collecting another Pokémon," Hala observed, getting a nod from Tanyu.

"Excellent! Then let us proceed," Hala beamed. "I appreciate your willingness to battle my grandson. He's more excited than he ever has been. I expect a no-holds-bar battle from the two of you," Hala grinned, getting a nod of confirmation from the two.

"Give it all you've got you two, yeah!" Kukui beamed. "Show ya moves!"

Hala smirked at the enthusiasm that he felt in the air. Closing his eyes, Hala began to speak.

"For all life on our islands. And for those who undertake this island challenge with joy in their hearts," he began. "We pray for your protection...for them and all Melemele," He continued, a deafening silence filling the air, so much so that the crackling of the torches was all that was heard. "May this battle be an offering to our island's guardian deity-Tapu Koko!" He shouted, thrusting one arm out towards Hau.

"Before you stands Hau-grandson of the Kahuna!" Hala introduced, prompting Hau to make his way towards his side of the arena. "And before him, Tanyu, one who has met with Tapu Koko!" Hala bellowed, gesturing to Tanyu who moved to his side of the arena.

All eyes were on the two combatants as they prepared to clash.

"Tanyu! Hau! Bring forth the power of your companions!" Hala declared, raising a hand for the match to begin.

"Pichu, here we go!" Hau exclaimed, firing the electric mouse into battle.

"Meowth, it's time! Battle's on!" Tanyu thundered, sending Meowth surging onto the battlefield.

Pichu's cheeks sparked with electricity as he beheld his adversary. Meowth shifted her attention to the electric rodent, a disinterested look on her face. With a smirk, she crooked a claw at Pichu, almost as if she wanted him to attack first.

"Pichu, let's show them what we're made of! Thunder Shock!" Hau belted out.

"Get in there with Fury Swipes!" Tanyu ordered.

Extending her claws, Meowth tore down the warpath towards Pichu who fired off a blast of lightning from his body. Leaping aside, she raced forward, claws outstretched as Meowth closed the distance between them. Pichu fired off another blast, forcing Meowth to chance course and dart around the outer edges of the arena.

"Good, keep her at a distance! Keep it up!" Hau cheered.

Hmmm...Hau's not bad. He knows Pichu won't be able to take a direct confrontation very well so he's playing to his strengths. I have to get around that somehow, Tanyu grimaced, watching as Meowth avoided one bolt after another. I guess there's always that option, Tanyu thought, preparing his strategy.

"Meowth, Flatter!" Tanyu exclaimed.

Meowth dive-rolled away from another oncoming lightning blast and crossed her paws, gathering scarlet light around her arms before releasing it in a fast-moving wave towards Pichu. The waves clipped Pichu's tail as he tried to evade, sending him into a confused fit.

"Uh oh!" Hau panicked, pulling at his hair a little as Pichu wobbled around.

"Take him down! Punishment!" Tanyu cried out.

"Not good!" Hau said with wide eyes.

Meowth growled loudly as her body encased itself in dark aura. Her claws seemed to elongate as darkness enveloped them. In a swift motion, she rushed towards Pichu and lashed out with both sets of claws, slashing at the confused mouse multiple times, using her final swing to send him flying backwards, skidding across the arena, out cold. Meowth, breathed heavily, static crackling across her frame as the Static ability kicked in.

And that's what I didn't want to happen, Tanyu muttered mentally. At least that threat's down. That Pichu really gave Meowth a run around.

"That's definitely a Sugimoto tactic alright," Kukui grinned. "Chee! He does what you do sistah," Kukui laughed, getting a smirk out of Lydia.

"He most certainly does," Lydia replied, fixing her eyes on the battle. "He's thinking like a strategist. It must've been something he learned when he was with them," Lydia observed, watching how calculating her son was being. He's being exactly like me.

Kukui gave her a knowing glance before looking back at the battle. Tanyu certainly seemed like a cunning strategist. What Lydia had told him was definitely true, and the calmness Tanyu displayed was a testament to that.

"Pichu is unable to battle! Meowth wins!" Hala declared.

"Man Tanyu! That got me all fired up big time! I wanna see more of what you can do. I knew you'd be strong the moment we met. This is so fun!" Hau grinned, returning Pichu to his ball.

Tanyu couldn't help but smile at the happy-go-lucky boy before him. He was having the time of his life, and so was Tanyu. A smirk formed on Tanyu's features as he returned his focus to the battle.

"You're not so bad yourself. I'm getting excited over here myself," Tanyu admitted. It's been a long time since I've felt this alive. After a few years in that hell hole, I'm doing what I've always dreamed of. Battling with Pokémon that are mine, and not someone else's.

"Ready Tanyu!? Because here I come! Popplio, you're on!" Hau bellowed, launching the sea lion into battle.

The friendly blue sea lion erupted from her ball and landed on the arena, facing Meowth with a confident look. Tanyu wasn't fooled however, as he knew that behind that innocent smile, was a pretty tough contender. Water-types were always known for being rather slippery.

"Popplio, use Water Gun!" Hau commanded.

"Meowth, Fury Swipes!" Tanyu countered.

Popplio opened her mouth, gathering aquatic energies into her mouth before launching a high pressure beam of water towards Meowth who artfully dodged the first stream and began her advance. Another stream raced her way, causing her to jump to avoid it, only for the paralysis to take hold and cause her to land on her stomach on the arena floor.

"Water Gun again while she's down!" Hau shouted.

Meowth looked up, only to be blasted in the face with a jet of water, sending her scooting across the arena towards the edge. Struggling to get back up, she extended her claws and snarled at Popplio, tearing off after the sea lion with a vengeance. She managed to get in close to Popplio after avoiding a stream or two and slashed across her face, however, due to the closer proximity she was slammed hard with a Pound attack to her back, putting her on the ground, out of the fight.

"Meowth is unable to battle! Popplio wins!" Hala exclaimed.

Tanyu narrowed his eyes. The result was as to be expected. Meowth was already tuckered out from the previous fight, however he was able to assess Popplio's abilities before releasing Rowlet to battle her. Silently, he reached for Meowth's ball and returned her, grabbing Rowlet in the process. Expanding Rowlet's ball, he fixed Hau with a serious stare.

"Hau, this has to be the most fun I've had in a long time. I want to battle you more! So let's give this last round everything we've got. Rowlet, take to the skies!" Tanyu roared, firing Rowlet into battle.

Rowlet burst forth with a loud battle cry, spreading his wings wide as he circled the battlefield. Popplio looked up to see her adversary high above her. Hau and Tanyu exchanged glances, knowing that this would be the an all-out battle.

"Rowlet, Leafage!" Tanyu called out, not wasting any time.

"Water Gun!" Hau exclaimed.

Rowlet scattered leaves from his body, the leaves whirling about in tornado-like fashion before raining down upon Popplio. The sea lion fired a Water Gun straight at the ground, using it as jet propulsion to avert the danger that was on the way. As she scurried away, Rowlet took the opportunity to dive, beak aglow with white light.

Popplio stuck out a flipper and swatted at Rowlet who was sent sprawling away. Shaking off the blow, Rowlet regained his bearings and calculated his next approach.

So that's not going to work. Hmm...gotta work this from another angle, Tanyu though as Rowlet circled the arena in search of an opening. Well, if one direct assault doesn't work. Let's see how he handles two at once! "Rowlet, use Peck!"

"Don't let him get close! Water Gun!" Hau exclaimed.

As Rowlet rocketed downward, deftly avoiding the streams of water as he shot towards Popplio.

"Leafage, quick!" Tanyu commanded hastily.

Rowlet's body soon became surrounded by glowing emerald leaves as he flew, causing an alarmed expression to appear on Popplio's face. The leaves battered Popplio's body, sending the sea lion skidding along the ground, sliding to a halt in front of Hau. Hala's hand went up as he saw that Popplio was unable to continue.

"Popplio is unable to battle! Rowlet wins, meaning the match goes to Tanyu!" Hala declared.

There you have it! After a hard-fought battle, Tanyu has won the ceremony match! Also, just so you are all aware, both Rowlet and Popplio have their hidden abilities. Anyway, it's time for things to really get started! See you all in the next chapter of Sun's Awakening!

Ciao!