Day four of their time in Alola.
The one-sided fighting game from the previous afternoon had eventually given way to something more cooperative, and Cynthia had discovered — somewhat to Steven's surprise — that she was genuinely good at the dungeon-crawling title. By the end of the evening she had been enjoying herself thoroughly.
Steven had, at some point, mentioned that he hadn't really played many games growing up.
Cynthia had studied his face for a long moment.
"You're telling me this is just talent?"
"Possibly," he had said.
She had punched him in the arm for that. Not hard — the kind of punch that technically qualifies as affection while still making the point clearly. Steven had taken it, and said nothing more on the subject.
He woke her early.
Breakfast, then the water crossing to Melemele Island, and by mid-morning they had arrived at the Pokémon School. The campus was quiet and orderly in the way that school grounds are when classes are in session — which they were. Professor Kukui, as it turned out, was mid-lesson.
Steven and Cynthia took a walk.
The school grounds were compact but well-maintained, with a clear view of the surrounding island. They walked slowly, speaking about nothing in particular, Cynthia pointing out a Wingull perched on one of the fence posts, Steven noting the geological composition of the exposed rock along the northern edge of the grounds.
"Alola! Champion Steven, Champion Cynthia!"
Professor Kukui spotted them on his way out after class — both of them walking along the path near the tree line, unhurried, Cynthia's hand in Steven's. He came toward them with his characteristic ease, hands in his pockets.
"Alola, Professor Kukui," Steven said.
"Alola," Cynthia added, smiling.
"What brings you two back to Melemele? Not that I'm not happy to see you — just didn't expect it." Kukui tilted his head, curious.
"We wanted to ask about Z-Moves," Steven said. "And Z-Rings, specifically. I came across an Ice Z-Crystal yesterday and I'd like to understand the process properly."
Kukui's expression brightened.
"Z-Moves — now there's a topic." He folded his arms, settling into the explanation naturally. "The core concept is Z-Power — the natural energy that exists between a Trainer and their Pokémon, amplified and channelled through a Z-Crystal into a single, overwhelming attack. The move retains the original type, but the scale is something else entirely." He paused. "The burden it places on both the Trainer and the Pokémon isn't trivial, though. It's not something you'd use carelessly, or often."
Steven nodded. "And the Z-Ring — how does one obtain it?"
"That's where the Island Challenge comes in," Kukui said. "Complete a grand trial under one of the island Kahunas, and you earn the right to a Z-Ring." He glanced between the two of them, then grinned. "As it happens, I'm free right now. Principal Oak's science class has the next slot. I can take you to Kahuna Hala if you'd like."
"We'd appreciate that," Steven said.
Kahuna Hala's home was a short walk from the school — a simple, solid structure that matched the man who lived in it. Kukui knocked.
The door opened to a broad-shouldered man in his fifties, with close-cropped white hair, heavy brows, and a beard that made it difficult to read his expression at a glance. He looked at Kukui with the comfortable attention of someone used to unexpected visitors.
"Kukui. What brings you by?"
"Island Kahuna Hala, sorry to drop in unannounced," Kukui said pleasantly. "I have some people I'd like to introduce."
"Alola, Kahuna Hala," Steven and Cynthia said together.
Hala's gaze moved to them — unhurried, taking its time. He opened the door wider and gestured them in.
They sat. Hala listened as Kukui made the introductions: Steven, newly appointed Champion of the Hoenn Region; Cynthia, newly appointed Champion of the Sinnoh Region.
Hala nodded slowly. "I've heard the names. Seeing you in person —" He paused, briefly. "To hold a Champion's title at your age requires more than strength alone. Talent, discipline, opportunity — all three."
He leaned back slightly. "So. What brings two Champions to my door?"
Kukui deferred with a glance. Steven spoke.
"I'd like to undertake the Island Challenge, Kahuna Hala. I recently came into possession of an Ice Z-Crystal and I'd like to understand Z-Moves properly — both how to use them and what they ask of the Trainer and Pokémon."
"For the Z-Ring," Hala said.
"Yes," Steven said. "I won't pretend otherwise."
Hala's gaze shifted to Cynthia.
"And you, Miss Cynthia?"
"The same," Cynthia said. "I'm curious about Z-Moves and I'd like to experience them. The Island Challenge seems the right way to approach it."
Hala was quiet for a moment. Then:
"Before I answer — there is something I'd like to ask you both." He folded his hands. "You may or may not be aware that the Alolan Raticate have been causing difficulties for the island's residents. They gather in large numbers alongside Rattata, select the best of the local crops, and strip what they find. The farmers have been troubled by this for some time."
Steven glanced at Kukui. He and Cynthia had spent most of their time at the villa on Akala Island since arriving — this was news to him.
Kukui gave a small nod and filled in the context: the Alolan Raticate were notably food-driven, drawn to the most nutritious and flavourful produce, and their groups were organised and persistent. Unlike their counterparts elsewhere, their aggression was channelled almost entirely toward acquiring food.
Hala waited until Kukui had finished, then said: "If this problem fell to you — how would you address it?"
Steven went quiet and thought.
The straightforward answer — using Pokémon battles to drive the Raticate off — would only produce a temporary result. They would return. Any lasting solution would have to account for why the Raticate were drawn to these particular crops in the first place, and what might redirect or offset that behaviour over time.
"Do Alolan Raticate have natural predators?" Cynthia asked.
Hala looked at her.
"If they do," she continued, "restoring that balance might be more effective than any direct intervention."
A faint smile crossed Hala's face — the first clear expression he had shown since they arrived. He looked at Steven.
"You didn't answer," he said, "but your face told me you were thinking seriously. And neither of you reached immediately for the obvious solution." He let that observation settle. "Most people suggest battles."
He stood.
"Miss Cynthia's answer is sound. A good one." He turned toward the door. "You are both qualified for the Island Challenge. Come with me."
Kukui exhaled quietly beside Steven.
"That question gave me trouble when I sat where you are," he admitted.
Cynthia looked at him, surprised. "You too, Professor?"
"Everyone who comes through Hala goes through some version of it," Kukui said with a small, rueful laugh. "Miss Cynthia had it figured out faster than most."
Steven said nothing, but conceded the point internally.
Hala led them along a path that wound up toward the island's higher ground, stopping at the entrance to a cave set into the rock face.
"Yungoos and Gumshoos live inside," he said. "They are strong. One in particular is of exceptional strength — a Totem Pokémon. The Island Challenge will be conducted here."
He turned and looked at the two of them.
"Only one of you will undertake the trial. The other may accompany, but cannot assist."
Steven and Cynthia looked at each other.
"Cynthia," Steven said, "you should go first. The question was yours to answer."
"You go first," Cynthia said.
"You answered correctly —"
"Steven."
"I'm just saying that by any reasonable measure, you —"
"If you don't go," Cynthia said pleasantly, "I won't speak to you."
Steven considered this for approximately two seconds.
"Right," he said. "I'll go first."
Hala had waited through this exchange without comment. Now he gave a single, composed nod.
"Then follow me."