Chapter 2 – Aloha Hawaii!
The island of Oahu is one of the largest islands of Hawaii, which the archipelago itself is part of the United States. Many anthros who came to Hawaii for vacation have visited Oahu as their first port of call.
Tails and Blaze landed safely at a clearing in Hawaii Kai. The weather was very warm, yet fresh at the same time. Fortunately, he had brought in plenty of zinc to use for the two weeks they were going to spend in the islands.
"Ah, now that's the life," he relished as he surveyed the scenery. "Sandy beaches, tropical breezes, cool waters to swim in, and of course, lots of hula dancing, the perfect getaway from our usual routine."
"You said it, Tails," agreed Blaze. "This is an absolute paradise."
Tails looked around for the dragons. "Now, where could they be?" he asked. "Surely, they should have been here by now."
"Over here!" called Lily as she waved her paw to them. Tails and Blaze took notice of the dragons making their way towards them.
"Perfect timing, my friends," smiled Blaze. "So, what do you think of Hawaii?"
"It's absolutely beautiful!" exclaimed Lily. "And I can see there's the beach down below! Whee!"
"Well, at least someone's thrilled," laughed Tails.
"Definitely a breathtaking sight," said Draco. "I wonder what we'll be seeing when we head for the main city."
"Oh, you'll soon find out," said Blaze. "This is going to be a whole new experience for you, and in time, you'll discover your full potential."
"Full potential?" asked Draco.
"Sounds like we're in for some challenges," said Torden, already feeling very thrilled at the thought. "And I am ready for even the most difficult fights ahead!"
"Well, you're in luck," said Tails. "Once we reach the main city, you'll learn about the island challenge that only a few has ever taken, which consists of battles and obstacle courses."
Torden was delighted to hear that, while the other dragons listened with interest.
"What about you, Cynder?" asked Lily. "How is this place?"
"Well, as you know me," began Cynder. "I prefer the cold weather to the searing heat any day, but as long we're close to the beach where I can go fishing, it seems like a place for me to enjoy."
"Okay, everyone," said Blaze. "There is no time to admire the scenes. We better head onward to Honolulu, the state capital."
"Right," said Tails and the dragons, and they all followed Blaze towards their next stop.
The Pyre Squad, a trio of dragons who are members of the evil Obsidian Devourers, arrived at the Hawaiian Islands, looking for Cynder's group to cause trouble for them yet again. With Sardius being the new leader of the Obsidian Devourers, they hope to make a good impression on him as they were well aware that he was not as forgiving as the deceased Queen Vildouleur. They were also certain that if they capture the group, it will give Sardius the resolve that he needed in order to be able to strike back on and accomplish their goal of world domination.
"The meddling dragons have got to be around here somewhere," said Ciara.
"What chance do we have to be able to take them out?" asked Scorcher, doubtfully. "They've grown much stronger, know who we are, and they can toast us by powering up with their Elemental Brooches."
"I'm getting tired of being humiliated by those traitors," said Cronk. "Let's try to find other rotten schemes to restore the glory of the Obsidian Devourers."
"Hold it right there!" exclaimed Ciara. "Do you think you're going to let those fools demoralise us? Think about how big our names will be if we catch them! We could climb our way up to the highest rank!"
"You're definitely right about that, Ciara!" said Scorcher and Cronk with sudden determination.
"Good boys," said Ciara. "Now enough of this moping and let's keep searching for them!"
"It looks like we don't have to continue our search anymore," said Cronk. "Look over there, you two!"
Ciara and Scorcher looked at the direction Cronk was pointing, and they saw Cynder's group with Tails and Blaze.
"Well, we have certainly lucked out!" laughed Scorcher. "They're here after all!"
"Though of course, we'll have to find a way to outsmart them," said Ciara. "If only they won't be able to recognise us, we'll be able to catch them off guard."
"Like if we ever use disguises or something," said Cronk. "That probably would never…"
All of a sudden, Cronk stopped, and when an idea suddenly struck into his mind, he grinned maliciously. "Friends, I think I have found the solution!"
"You do?" asked Ciara. "Well then, Cronk, go on and tell us what you've found."
Cronk beckoned Ciara and Scorcher to come down to his level and up close so he could whisper his idea to their ears. As they listened carefully, they started to smile devilishly.
"What a brilliant plan!" laughed Ciara. "I absolutely love it!"
"For a small dragon, you got such a dastardly way of thinking!" complimented Scorcher.
Cronk chuckled evilly. "I know," he said, feeling very pleased with himself.
As Cynder and her friends followed Tails and Blaze into the city of Honolulu, they were awed at the sights. At the same time, they were from the couple the customs and traditions held by the Hawaiians.
"Everyone here greets by saying 'Aloha!'" said Tails. "Watch how I do the greeting and you follow."
"Okay, then," said the dragons, and they focused on Tails as he stood in front of them.
"Aloha!" he exclaimed as he made a gesture that had him separating his hands in wave motion from top to bottom where they reunite. "Now, you guys try it!"
"Aloha!" repeated the dragons in unison as they attempted the same hand gesture.
"That's it, you got it!" exclaimed Blaze.
"Okay," smiled Tails. "Now, what I'd like you to do is do the greeting to the next person passing by."
Blaze noticed someone coming close. He was an anthropomorphic horse, wearing Hawaiian-style clothing and a pair of sandals. "I know, try greeting that horse-man over there," she said.
So the dragons approached the horse, who focused on them in anticipation.
"Aloha!" the dragons greeted. The horse was very impressed with the way they did the Hawaiian greeting and gesture.
"Well, Aloha to you too!" he smiled. "You seem to be new here."
"They're here to attempt the island challenge," said Blaze.
"Ah! So you have heard about the island challenge, haven't you?" asked the horse. "Only a few have tried to take it on, because it's very demanding, but you all seem to be capable enough."
"So, how do we register?" asked Draco.
"That's real easy," said the horse. "All you have to do is meet up with the trial captain, and I believe he must be at Pearl Harbour, which is where you all have to register."
"Pearl Harbour, if I recall correctly, it must be not far from here," said Blaze.
"You are absolutely right," said the horse. "It's just around the corner, so you'll make it there in no time."
The horse took out a notepad and wrote on the first page with his pen. He then tore the page out and passed it to Tails, who took a quick look at it and noticed that it had information on the trial captain's physical description and the exact location.
"Thank you very much, sir," said Tails. "We sure are enjoying our visit in Hawaii."
"Anytime at all," smiled the horse. "And I'm glad to hear that you're taking a liking to our peaceful state. Aloha!"
"Aloha to you too!" said the group and they waved to the horse until he was out of sight.
Author's Note: As usual, the Pyre Squad are up to their old tricks! What could they be planning this time? Find out soon!