Chapter 66: The Final Trial Part 2
"Both of you, send out your next Pokemon!"
"Salamence, I choose you!"
"Go, Flygon!"
The two dragons glared at each other as they circled the air above their battleground. Illima hummed as he observed the stare down.
"Hmm, interesting. As Dragons, they both have the advantage over the other. This battle could very well come down to who lands the first strike."
"Flygon, use Sandstorm!"
The bug-like Dragon spun around rapidly, summoning a Sandstorm so massive that it made visibility almost zero. Despite this, Salamance remained vigilant.
"Keep on your toes, Salamence! He can attack you from anywhere!"
"Hit him with Steel Wing, Flygon!"
From behind his opponent, Flygon readied his attack, ready for a sneak strike, but...
"Use Dragon Tail now!"
...Salamence, who had sensed his opponent already, swung his tail wildly, smacking Flygon back. But Flygon was far from done.
"Rock Tomb, Flygon!"
"Use Protect!"
Flygon glowed momentarily, summoning rocks from out of nowhere to pelt his foe. But Salamence was prepared, summoning a force field to bounce the rocks harmlessly off of. Hapu was getting frustrated.
"Hyper Beam, Flygon!"
"Salamance, use Dragon Breath!"
The two dragon's breathed massive beams of energy, clashing in the middle in a brilliant display of power. The attacks pushed each other back and forth, each one trying to overpower the other, until a massive explosion consumed the battle field, blinding every one. When the dust settle, Flygon was down and out.
"Flygon is unable to battle! The round goes to Salamance!"
"Alright! Three down, one to go!"
Hapu smiled, enjoying the battle.
"Alright Ash, this is it! Mudsdale, I choose you!"
Hapu's ace snorted as he pawed the Earth, ready to charge. Salamance remained undeterred, flying just above his opponent to mock him.
"Hit him with a Dragon Claw, Salamance!"
"Use Rock Slide, Mudsdale!"
Salamance flew through the air, dodging the cascade of rocks as he prepared his attack. Try as he might, some rocks did strike him, but he soldiered through and struck Mudsdale, who barely even flinched.
"Payback, Mudsdale!"
Mudsdale leapt up and hit Salamance with all his might, forcing the dragon back.
"Follow up with Heavy Slam, Mudsdale!"
Mudsdale leapt up high, coming down with such force that he might crush his opponent on impact. However...
"Use Dragon Pulse, Salamance!"
Just as Mudsdale was ready to deal the final blow, Salamance hit him with a massive wave of draconic energy, sending him flying before landing with a hard thud. Mudsdale managed to get to his feet, but it was clear that he couldn't go on for much longer.
"Mudsdale, use Close Combat!"
"Zen Headbutt, Salamance!"
Knowing that no matter what this was it, the two combatants threw everything they had into their latest attacks, each one pushing against each other in a battle for supremacy. Eventually, it all took its toll, and...
Mudsdale fainted, making Ash's Island Trial Challenge complete.
"Mudsdale is unable to battle. The winner is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"
"Oh yeah! Way to go Salamance!"
Hapu smiled sadly as she returned Mudsdale to his Pokeball.
"Good job, Mudsdale. Take a nice long rest."
She then walked over to Ash, handing over the Z Crystal.
"Congratulations, Ash. The Groundinium Z is yours."
"Ah yeah! I just got a Groundinium Z!"
"Pika!"
Illima and Lillie joined them, Lillie giving Ash a quick kiss on the cheek to celebrate.
"Congratulations, Ash. You've completed the challenge!"
"I knew you could do it. Now what's next?"
Ash fell silent. Truth be told, he hadn't thought that far ahead. Normally, he'd start preparing for the league, but Alola didn't have one.
"I guess, if there's nothing else to do, Its time to head home. But..."
"But what?"
Ash smiled. In his heart, he knew what he wanted.
"...But I guess there's no reason I can't stay for a while longer. It is a beautiful region, after all, and its been a long time since I travelled just for fun."
Everyone had a good laugh at that.
That night, Ash called his mother to let her know what his decision was. While he had been traveling, she had returned home from her vacation.
"Don't worry, Mom. Professor Kukui said I could stay with him and Burnett for a while. Besides, I can take care of myself."
"I know. Its just... I worry about you. You're my only son, and knowing the danger you get up to sometimes... just promise me you'll be careful, okay?
"I will, Mom. I love you."
"I love you two, sweetie. And I want to meet your new girlfriend sometime, understand?"
"Loud and clear!"
"And don't forget to change your underwear every day!"
"MOM!"
With that, the call ended and Ash hung up the phone. H then turned to his partner.
"You ready for some R&R, buddy?"
"Pika!"
Ash smiled. It was about time he had some fun.
A/N: Phew! This arc is finally, FINALLY, over. But don't worry, we still have plenty of action coming up.
