"I mostly grew up here," Io replied. "My family is big on researching and I took it up too. I worked with Professor Oak here in Alola for awhile then studied abroad in the Orange Islands with Professor Ivy. They both have in-depth studies on regional variations of Pokemon." Io smiled brightly, he always exuded confidence when talking about his research along with his mentors, but he also knew that not a lot of people found it as fascinating as him. "I'm not much of a trainer though, I mean, I have Pokemon, I just don't battle as much as others. Never really found my footing in that area..."

Io further led the way towards Ten Carat Hill as he turned to his new partner in crime, hoping he hadn't bored him to death. "What about you, why come all the way to Alola to be a trainer?" The region within itself wasn't anything special as Ioane could tell. The Pokemon League was brand new, having been open only in the past few years, and the trials themselves were probably one of the only exciting things the region had going on compared to others.

As they neared the entrance to the hill Io took notice of the tall shrubbery and bushes, "We should be a little more cautious now, Pokemon are seen aro-"

But before he could finish his sentence what he worried about most was already happening. From the bushes jumped out four Ratatta's ready for action. "Not good!"