"Wait...are you trying to use this as a way to get back on my good side?" Tanyu inquired in a serious tone.

"That depends," Lydia paused, standing up to head to the kitchen. Turning around, she replied; "Is it working?"

Tanyu fixed her with a critical stare, analyzing her body language to determine the sincerity of this action. A smile spread over his features.

"You're on your way, I can tell you that much," Tanyu stated, standing up to follow her into the kitchen for what smelled like the most delightful thing in the world to him.

It wasn't long before the meal was finished and the mother and son duo were in their rooms, snuggled up in their beds, ready to sleep the night away while paying a visitation to dreamland. Tanyu sighed as he stared up at the ceiling in his room. Glancing over at the two spheres on his desk, he tapped them both and released his companions. The owl and feline came out of their homes and looked around at the room they found themselves in. Tanyu sat up and addressed them.

"Thanks for the awesome battle you guys," Tanyu praised them.

Rowlet gave a hoot of excitement while Meowth simply shrugged and offered a cocky smile.

"We'd better get some rest if we're going to start our true journey tomorrow. So sleep tight you two," Tanyu stated, pulling the covers over himself, turning to fall fast asleep. As he did, Rowlet fluttered to the other pillow and sat upon it, dozing off while Meowth hopped up onto the bed and curled up at the foot.

Pokémon

Moon's Rising

'Umi

Po Town, a place barricaded by towering walls that all surround a dilapidated mansion at the far end of the town. The town was simply put, trashed. Cars sat in the grass, their tires removed, rendering them useless, save for serving as a way to hook up speakers and blast music. Within the cluttered confines of the mansion, were several rooms, each occupied by individuals of a particular group by the name of Team Skull.

Sitting on a paint splattered couch was a tall, lightly tanned woman sporting what appeared to be a top with an X-shaped cut at the bottom to reveal her midsection. Her eye-shadow was black and white, identical to the rest of her attire which happened to be primarily black with white zig-zags going down the sides of her somewhat baggy pants. Her hair consisted of the brightest pink and yellow imaginable with subtle hints of orange and purple in the mix to balance it out. The hair was put between what appeared to be a head decoration on either side that looked like the eyes of a skull. A zig-zag pattern parted the center of her hair.

Most intriguing of all was the tattoo on her abdomenal area which was in similar shape to the necklace she bore which was also in the shape of an S. A pair of white sneakers finished off the ensemble. The woman had a well toned frame, indicating that she was very fit, her assets being a testament to that fact.

"Yo big sis!" Came a voice to her right, prompting her to open her golden optics to glance in the direction of the sound. "You'll never guess what we just found out yo!"

"Let me guess, you figured out that playing 'kick the Pyukumuku' was a bad idea? Oh! You stopped trying to pick up random Togedemaru without being shocked," The woman said with a smirk.

"Nah, it ain't that sis. Besides, we ain't played that game in a long time yo! Nah, what we found out was something far better!" Said the young man addressing her.

The woman turned to the darkly clad ruffian beside her and raised a brow. "Oh? And what might that be?" She queried, curious about what he had to say.

"Well, some of the otha brotha's on Melemele just got wind of some sweet news. A new set of trials are startin' up! Two new rookies just started, and one of them is the grandson of the Kahuna himself! How's dat for sweet news Plumeria?" He grinned.

Plumeria stroked her chin and smiled at the revelation. "That is pretty sweet. Maybe we'll get some actual entertainment for once. I know Guzma will be thrilled to know there's new blood to kick around," Plumeria added. "Although, I don't exactly agree with his brutal methods," she muttered.

"WHY WON'T THIS STUPID THING WORK!?"

The sound of an irritated scream echoed through the mansion, followed by something colliding with a wall. Plumeria palmed her face and let out an exasperated sigh. "That's the third microwave he's broken probably...great..."

"Okay Rockruff, hit me with everything you've got! My body is ready! YEAH!" Came the loud voice of Kukui from inside his home.

Lillie and Tanyu stood outside the lab, listening to the commotion that was going on inside, Lillie dawning a bewildered expression as she heard a loud crashing sound. Palming her face, she shook her head.

"I swear, that man never stops. I just washed that coat of his too! If it's torn apart, he'll have to buy a new one because I'm not very good at stitchwork," Lillie huffed.

"Peew!" Nebby chimed, poking its head out of the bag.

"And just what is that supposed to mean!?" Lillie exclaimed.

Tanyu watched as Lillie ranted to herself before opening the door to the lab. What they all saw, was the good professor, wrestling with a canine on the ground. Lillie groaned at the sight while Tanyu dawned an amused look.

"Wooo! That was a good one Rockruff!" Kukui exclaimed excitedly, standing up to stretch. He turned his head at the sound of his door and smiled at the sight of Tanyu and Lillie.

"Hey Tanyu! Glad you could come!" Kukui stated, adjusting his glasses which were somewhat crooked after his little wrestling match with Rockruff.

"Professor...what are you doing?" Tanyu deadpanned, watching as Kukui picked up Rockruff and ruffled the fur on his head before sending him away.

"Rockfuff and I were just havin' fun testing out new moves, yeah!" Kukui said with a grin.

"Neat..." Tanyu said bluntly, looking over at Lillie who seemed a little disgruntled. Then again, with the new stains on Kukui's coat, he couldn't blame her. "Anyway, I came because you told me last night that you have more information on the island challenge. Mom was reluctant to tell me anything, as usual, so I figured I'd get it from you."

"Eager are we? Yeah, that's the spirit. Well cuz, I've got all the info you need," Kukui stated.

"Professor? When are you going to find a shirt to go with that lab coat?" Lillie inquired with a raised brow.

Kukui simply laughed and crossed his arms. "Ainokea about that cuz, I'm just fine like this," Kukui said with a smile, turning to Tanyu who seemed rather amused by the conversation at hand. "Right, I was gonna tell you about the challenge!" Kukui said enthusiastically.

He's either easily distracted, or waaaaaay too excited about this, Tanyu thought as Kukui stood there for a moment, studying him.

"First thing's first. The island challenge goes like this. Each island has a Kahuna. They're the strongest trainers on that island and are the one's who will really put you to the test. As I mentioned last night, there are four islands. Now for some new information, oh yeah! Seven trials total. Each of the seven trial captains have a different trial for trainers to go through. Some trials take longer than others to complete, but at the end of the trial, you recieve a Z-Crystal for completing it," Kukui prattled on.

"That's different...I was thinking there'd be gyms and such," Tanyu blinked, getting a slight laugh out of Kukui.

"We don't have gyms here cuz, the trials are your gyms. Here in Alola, we provide trainers with a much different experience," Kukui added. "Now, here's the kicker. After your trials are done, you face off against da Kahuna! These trainers are incredibly strong, and have been at this for years. They'll be the one's to determine your growth and if you pass the trial or not," Kukui smirked.

"That sounds like an awfully long process," Lillie interjected.

"Peeeew!" Nebby exclaimed from behind, giving Lillie a jolt.

"When did you get out!?" Lillie groaned, getting a giggle out of the little puff ball. Sighing, Lillie let Nebby roam the lab as it was one of the few safe places for it.

"Rajah dat Lillie! It's long, but it's worth the fight. At the end of it all, the one who has conquered every trial, including the Kahuna's themselves, will be named the Island Challenge Champion. But it doesn't stop there cuz! This year, we're gonna have something we've never had before. It's being finished as we speak and when it's done, it'll be huge!" Kukui grinned.

"And what exactly is it?" Tanyu asked curiously, excitement bubbling up inside of him as he waited for more answers.

"I no can tell you that now cuz! I'll let this last part be a surprise for the time being," Kukui added with a grin.

Tanyu frowned. Of course there wouldn't be more spoilers. He was just going to have to figure this out on his own.

"So how many trials are on this island?" Tanyu asked curiously.

Kukui held up his index finger. "Just one Tanyu. And you'll be taking it very soon," Kukui added with a smirk.

"Sweet. Because I'm ready whenever," Tanyu replied, cracking his knuckles.

"Guzma, did you break another appliance-again?" Plumeria asked in a firm tone as she banged on his door.

The door opened to reveal a white-haired man with yellow rimmed sunglasses atop his head and a gold chain with the symbol for Team Skull attached to it. His attire was consistant of a black open top with similiar designs to what Plumeria wore. A white t-shirt was underneath. His forearm also had a tattoo on it, only his was purple.

"Eh? No, I was trying to fix it. I guess I hit it a little too hard," Guzma snickered, causing Plumeria to roll her eyes. "So what's up big sis?"

Plumeria sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. "Just got word from the fam that Kukui has some new blood undergoing the trials. There wasn't much more to be said, but it sounds like we could get some form of amusement out of this," Plumeria added.

Guzma gave a wicked grin as she mentioned the new trial-goers.

"Well, we don't wanna be rude. How 'bout we send some of the fam to 'greet' them. Show them how it is here in paradise!"

Now that Tanyu has all the details, well...most of them I should say, he can finally get started. Team Skull makes a brief appearance, but don't worry, they will be showing up again real soon. This will be the point where you may want get ready to deviate from the guide, if you use it to follow along (not sure who does that), because it's going to get a little dicey here. Anyway, thanks for reading!

Ciao!