Azophi hated to admit it, but finding and winning battles actually was almost as simple as Hau had made it sound. The west end of Hau’oli’s beaches was divided into slapdash battlefields marked by furrows dug into the sand. Lots of had gathered there, milling about and chatting as they watched other matches and waited their turn. They even divided themselves by level more or less, with the more experienced using the dry sand closest the boardwalk as an added challenge while the rookies took to the squares closest to the ocean to take advantage of the flatter and firmer terrain. And since it was still early in the season, there were plenty of newbie challengers for Azophi to square off with.

Nerium was in his element this close to the water. His usually clumsy flippers were an advantage on the shifting sand, and he could pull water from the waves as well as his mouth for some attacks. Anything that couldn’t swim well was easy pickings pinned against the shallows, and nothing could escape Disarming Voice.

Hau even had a few complimentary things to say about the performance.

By the time Nerium was flagging and Azophi withdrew him for a rest, they’d mowed through a good chunk of the trainers and earned a pretty tidy sum. Then Makani suggested another spot: an empty lot just a few blocks north near the city’s other Pokemon Center.

As much as Orris was, predictably, a huge pain in the ass, Hau had been right about him packing some punch under all that floor and flab. With some cajoling and promises of pokebeans waiting for him, he stepped into the ring and absolutely smashed the first few opponents. He had an unexpectedly good moveset and Azophi barely needed to instruct him. He also decided on his own when he’d batted enough to earn his reward, but that was fine for now.

Arumas was less self-directed and rather slow, but he absorbed hits las if they were gentle pats. Besides which, the combo of Sluge and Bite made up for it on their own.

Azophi skipped back to the Kāhilis to the tune of battle winnings jingling into their battle account.

“I need a break! Want to get some malasadas?”

“Sure!” Said Makani, offering Azophi a high five. “You did great out there!”

They both turned to Hau. Nothing. Damn, Azophi thought for sure that would work.

“My treat.” One last ditch attempt.

Hau finally glanced their way. “The malasada place on Sunset Boulevard is the best one.”