Chapter 58: Den of Dragons

Following the map, Ash and co. found a narrow passage. On the surface, it was rather bland and simple, just a straight path to the other side. But they couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. After a long silence, Illima spoke up.

"I've heard of this place. A long time ago, it was the site of the final travel for many Alolans. Here, Dragons reigned supreme, testing the stength and resolve of the challenger. But after the Trial Captain died, the Dragon's grew restless and out of control, attacking anyone without mercy. No one dared to take over, and its long been abandoned."

Ash stepped forward and glanced at the ancient pedestal in front. Although most of the words had faded away in time, a single phrase could be made out: "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."

"Are you sure this the way we need to go."

"According to the map, it is. Whatever this map leads to lies at the end, hopefully the Moone Flute."

Nodding, Ash stepped forward.

"I'll go ahead and clear the path. You guys stay back in case they try anything funny."

"Be careful, Ash."

After a good luck kiss from Lillie (much to Gladion's anger), Ash entered the tunnel. Slowly he made his way forward, the feeling of being watched only growing stronger until...

"Jangmo!"

Ash barely had enough time to look up as a Jangmo-o leapt down on him, Dragon Claw armed and ready. He leapt aside just in time and drew out a Pokeball.

"Shelgon, I choose you!"

"Gon Shelgon!"

Snorting, the Jangmo-o bent down and charged, aiming to use Headbutt.

"Counter with Zen Headbut, Shelgon!"

Just as his opponent got close enough, Shelgon gave a charged headbutt, causing his opponent to reel back in pain and give him the opening he needed.

"Drragon Claw!"

While his opponent tried to recover, Bagon dealt a swift jab to its abdomen, finally causing it to collapse to the ground unconscious.

"Alright, Shelgon! Come on, we need to keep moving."

"Gon!"

Slowly, they continued forward, their minds on high alert after that sneak attack. Sure enough, they hadn't made it 10 feet before they were once more ambushed, thi time by a Hakamo-o, whom charged at them with Close Combat.

"Flamethrower, Shelgon!

Before the Fighting-Dragon could land a single blow, the Endurance Pokemon let loose a large burst of flames. Even with its resistance, The heat was so intense the Dragon type couldn't get through and was pushed into the canyon wall.

"Use Dragon Breath, followed by Zen Headbutt!"

The Flames died down, but the Hakamo-o didn't have time to fight back before being struck by a wave of dragonic energy. While it tried to push through, Shelgon flung itself at it, striking it directly on the head and ending the battle. With that, they continued down the corridor until they reached the end. There sitting on a small pedestal, sat a Dragonium Z Crystal, to Ash's disappointment.

"Ah man, so much for this being easy. Ah well, another Z Crystal for my collection."

"Ash, behind you!"

Ash had just barely enough time to look up and see a massive fist charging towards him, allowing him to leap out of the way as the pillar was smashed and the Z Crystal went flying. Looking up, he saw an strong Kommo-o glaring at him, beating its chest in a move to intimidate him, but Ash wasn't backing down.

"Alright Shelgon, hit him with Zen Headbutt!"

Once more, tiny Endurance Pokemon charged forward, hoping to hit its opponent off guard...

Only to be stopped dead in his tracks by an ear splitting noise, recoiling in pain and dropping to the cavern floor. The Totem Pokemon smirked as it kept rubbing its scales together, causing further duress to its opponent.

"Fight through it and use Dragon Claw!"

Shelgon managed to push through, running up and dealing several jabs to Kommo-o's leg. The giant dragon didn't even flinched, picking the poor dragon up with one arm and hurling it across the cavern, smashing it against the wall. Then, before it could recover, it rushed forward and began to pummel it with Close Combat, driving poor Shelgon to tears.

"Shelgon, hang in there! I know you can do it!"

Hearing its trainers kind words, Shelgon began to foucs, trying to find some way to fight back...

And then it starting glowing, to everyone's shock. Even Kommo-o stepped back in awe as the tiny dragon grew larger and larger until it was finally a mighty Salamence.

"Salamence!"

"Alright, Shelgon, you evolved! Way to go!"

With renewed energy, Salamence began its counterattack, striking its opponent with a direct Dragon Tail, sending his opponent flying into a wall. The Totem Pokemon staggered to its feet, ready for another round of Clanging Scales, only to be hit by a full force Dragon Breath, forcing it to its knees.

"Alright Salamence, finish him off!"

Salamence nodded, swooping in and grabbing his opponent before soaring into the sky. Once they were at a suitable height, Salamence began its rapid descent, spinning as the ground approached. Then, as suddenly as he had grabbed it, Salamence dropped let go of its opponent and flew back to Ash as its opponent hit the ground, the fight sucked out of it as it fell unconcious. Smiling, Ash grabbed the Dragonium Z Crystal on the ground.

"Alright, I got a Dragonium Z!"

"Pika Pika!"

"Mence Salamence!"

Just then, a low rumbling was heard as the cavern wall fell back, revealing...

"The Moone Flute!"

Excited, Ash grabbed it, holding it out for the others to see as they approached.

"We've got them both now. Where do we go next?"

Gladion checked the map, and lead them to an ancient staircase. The stone was cracked and crumbling, as if it had been there since the dawn of time.

"Up this flight of stairs is the Altar of the Sunne and Moone. Whatever answer we're looking for, we'll find it there."

Nodding, the group made their way up, wanting nothing more than for this nightmare to end.

On a coast in a secluded part of the Poni Wilds, a lone figure burst out of the water and landed in the grass. Greninja panted, struggling to catch his breath. Although he was tired, having swam nearly full stop from Kalos, he knew he couldn't stop for long. Ash was somewhere on this Island, and whether he knew it or not he would need his help.

His breath regained, he began to meditate, focusing on his bond with his trainer in order to find him. Focusing...foucsing...focusing...

His eyes shot open, his target located. Like a bullet he shot off, running like wild towards Ash's location.

Be safe, Ash. He thought. I'm coming.