Chapter 18: Gumshoos and Yungoos to Bash!
Last time on "Pokémon Alola Journey", Kaito had a dream about the mysterious yellow Pokémon that saved him and his Pokémon Egg yesterday. Now having another question in his mind, the Alola boy decided to see whether he could find clues about this mysterious Pokémon.
Heading to Prof. Kukui's house where Ash and Prof. Kukui were living together, Kaito overhears about Ash's desire to use Z-Moves as he greets the two. When he asks the two about the mysterious Pokémon, the Alola Professor confesses that he doesn't know anything about this Pokémon.
Not even Rotom knows anything about the Pokémon, leaving Kaito puzzled until Prof. Kukui suggests to meet with the Kahuna of Melemele Island, Hala. But as the boys and the Professor meet with the Kahuna helping at an accident, the Fighting Type user invites the three to his home the next day.
And when that day came by, Hala reveals that he was the one who created Ash's Z-Ring, which was taken by Tapu Koko. It was also at that time when Hala asked both Ash and Kaito the question involving the Alolan Raticate and Rattata, getting them to figure out on how to clear them away without a battle.
But as the boys think about the ways to get the Alolan Rattata and Raticate out of the way, the other classmates aids the two, until Rotom explains about how Yungoos and Gumshoos were the enemies of the Alolan Rattata and Raticate, allowing everyone to figure out the answer to Hala's question!
"THAT'S IT!" Kaito, Ash, Lana, Lillie, Kiawe, Mallow, and Sophocles all cried out together.
"MARU!?"
At their outburst, Togedemaru let out a scared cry before she began to panic. At her panic, she began to run around, not knowing on who would get in her way! In her panic run, she accidentally knocks both Bounsweet and Popplio away, much to their surprise.
Buizel caught Popplio into his arms while Rockruff caught Bounsweet onto his back. For Pikachu, he held onto the panicky Togedemaru, who continued to struggle until she recognized the one that was keeping her!
Knowing that it was Pikachu holding her, the Roly-Poly Pokémon happily nuzzled Pikachu on the cheek, much to the Electric Type's dissatisfaction. Bounsweet just thanked Rockruff for the catch gratefully while Popplio nuzzled her crush by the nose, with Buizel nuzzling back.
Watching the scenes occur, the Alola boy scratched the back of his head before giving a sheepish smile.
"Huh... Togedemaru cares for Pikachu deeply while Pikachu cares a little... Rockruff and Bounsweet just get along while Buizel and Popplio have the strongest bond out of the other Pokémon. Who knew?" Kaito thought before he smiled to see his Water Type partner bonding with Popplio more.
Later...
"I see... You two are saying that if we ask Yungoos and Gumshoos to help us, we can all solve the problem together?" Hala asked.
After Pokémon School was over, Kaito and Ash headed back to Hala's house together with their Pokémon to explain about the answer to him. And they managed to explain to the Fighting Type user about Yungoos and Gumshoos, who seemed to look satisfied with the answer they gave off.
"Yes, sir!" Ash and Kaito piped up together, causing the Fighting Type user to smile in satisfaction.
"Now that's a thoughtful and wise answer, Ash. Kaito. It's my answer, too." Hala said with a chuckle.
"All right!" Ash exclaimed with a grin.
"Bingo!" Rotom buzzed before his screen showed confetti being blown into the air to show a small celebration while Buizel, Rockruff, and Pikachu congratulated the two boys with their cries.
"That's a relief..." Kaito said sheepishly before Hala explained his reason for this question.
"Now, I must be honest and tell you two my question was to test whether the two of you had what it takes to go through the actual trial itself." Hala explained, causing Kaito to tense before the Alola boy frowned.
"The actual trial? I guess this means I'll be joining Ash with this trial after all..." Kaito thought before Ash confessed with a frown.
"Huh? Then... we should be honest and let you know that we found the answer together with all our friends. I hope that wasn't wrong..." Ash said sadly, before Hala shook his head with a chuckle before he spoke again.
"No, not at all! When we're searching for life's answers, we should always look to our friends for help. That in itself is a very important life lesson!" Hala explained before he stood up. Kaito blinked before he gave a small smile.
"Life's answers, huh..." Kaito repeated silently, while Buizel folded his arms with a curious expression. Rockruff just watched quietly to see the Kahuna standing up before he turned to the two boys.
"Then, shall we go?" Hala asked, allowing the boys to stand before they made their decision.
"Right!"
"Yes."
Later...
Soon, the Kahuna led the boys to a cave of where Yungoos and Gumshoos live in right now, which was also the same place where their first trial in Alola would begin. At approaching the cave, Kaito held his arms a little, feeling a little nervous for some reason.
"What is this feeling...? It's like something wild is going to happen if I were to go deep in here." Kaito said to himself, before Buizel climbed up to his shoulder.
"Bu bui. Bui!" Buizel said comfortingly before Rockruff climbed up onto his Trainer's right shoulder.
"Rock! Rockruff ruff!" Rockruff barked softly, causing the Alola boy to smile at the two before he spoke to them with a grateful tone.
"Calm down, huh...? I guess you're both right..." Kaito said softly, earning nods from the two as Hala gave a glance towards the Alola boy. Smiling a little, he cleared his throat before he explained the cave where the trial would take place.
"There are several Yungoos and Gumshoos living in this cave. They are all very strong, but there is one Gumshoos who is so amazingly powerful, it is called the Totem Pokémon." Hala explained, surprising both boys while Ash questioned the Kahuna.
"Totem Pokémon?" Ash repeated in question.
"Yes. There are several Pokémon in Alola who have that name. Most of them are following the lead of the island guardians, as they assist Trainers who undertake the Island Challenge." Hala explained before he turned to both Ash and Kaito.
"So, Ash. Kaito. Your trials are to take on the Totem Pokémon in Pokémon battle and be victorious! And then, with the aid of the Totem Pokémon, I want the two of you to chase away the Rattata and Raticate." Hala said before he started heading inside the cave.
The boys and their Pokémon followed with Kaito raising a question.
"Hold on, Kahuna Hala... Why would a Totem Pokémon help us in these situations? You may have said they help trial-goers a little, but why...?" Kaito asked. The Kahuna smiled before he explained.
"Never fear, young Kaito! If you and Ash earn the Totem Pokémon's respect during your battle challenge, it will assist the two of you in your time of need. I will be watching. I will be your referee during your trial." Hala explained, causing Kaito to frown.
"So... I guess this doesn't leave me with any options but to go along with this, huh..." Kaito said to himself silently before he continued following Ash and Hala to where the Totem Pokémon would be living in, as the three of them arrived at a large space where the battle could take place.
"Whoa! It's huge!" Ash exclaimed in amazement. Pikachu cried out his awe too, along with Buizel and Rockruff.
Kaito did the same as he widened his eyes in surprise before Hala called out for the Totem Pokémon.
"Totem Pokémon Gumshoos! You have two trial-goers! Do your duty and grant them their trial!" Hala called out loud. Ash stepped forward, introducing himself loudly as he was ready to take the challenge.
"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town! I'm asking you for a battle!" Ash called out.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu shouted out along.
"I'm Kaito Shirogane from Melemele, the island we all live in right now! I... I'd like to ask for a battle, too!" Kaito called out, although his request for battle came out hesitantly.
"Bu bui!"
"Rock! Rockruff ruff!"
Both Buizel and Rockruff called out, following their Trainer's request for battle. But just as the three spoke out their calls, Pikachu was the first to hear something coming. Buizel and Rockruff caught on, before Rotom heard something, too!
"I can hear something!" Rotom buzzed, causing both boys to turn and see two Yungoos climbing down with a glare. Two Gumshoos followed their pre-evolved forms as the four of them hissed and glared at the boys and their Pokémon, as if they were challenging them!
"The Totem Pokémon...? But, I thought that the Totem Pokémon would be much bigger than those four..." Kaito admitted with a frown, before Hala spoke up.
"Yes, Kaito... The Totem Pokémon is supposed to be bigger and just one. Those four are the Totem Pokémon's allies. You and Ash will still have to battle them, however. We shall now begin the Pokémon battles that make up this trial!" Hala called out.
"Is there any data?" Ash asked, turning to Rotom. Kaito listened in as well before the Pokémon Pokédex explained.
"But, of course! Yungoos, the Loitering Pokémon. Gumshoos, the Stakeout Pokémon. Both are Normal Types. Yungoos have sturdy fangs and jaws, and when they evolve into Gumshoos, they gain a certain tenacity and patience." Rotom buzzed.
Ash grinned before he turned to his Electric Type partner. while taking out another Pokéball to call out Rowlet.
"If that's the case, then Pikachu! I choose you! You too, Rowlet!" Ash called out before Pikachu got ready to battle. Rowlet on the other hand, didn't respond when he came out of his Pokéball! Rotom noticed the condition he was in before he buzzed.
"It's asleep." Rotom buzzed, causing both Ash and Pikachu to fall over. Kaito, Buizel, and Rockruff on the other hand sweat dropped at the Grass-Flying Type asleep when it was needed as Ash and Pikachu ran over to him with annoyed looks on their faces.
"Wake up!"
"Pika!"
Both Ash and Pikachu called out to their Grass Quill friend, who hooted in surprise before he noticed the glares Yungoos and Gumshoos were giving off! At their looks, Rowlet hooted again in surprise.
For Kaito, he turned to both Buizel and Rockruff. The two of them had determined looks on their faces, causing Kaito to give a small smile and question them.
"I guess I don't have to ask you two to battle, huh? Are you willing to do this with me?" Kaito asked.
"Bu bui!"
"Rock!"
The two Pokémon nodded to the Alola boy, causing Kaito to nod back. With that said and agreed, both Buizel and Rockruff ran forward to face the other two Yungoos and Gumshoos, with Ash facing the first two!
Yungoos + Gumshoos VS Ash + Kaito: Pikachu, Rowlet, Buizel, Rockruff
"All right, Pikachu! Thunderbolt, let's go! Rowlet, use Tackle!" Ash shouted out.
"Buizel, use Aqua Jet! And Rockruff, you use Crunch!" Kaito called out.
At the orders, Pikachu shot an Electric Type attack while Rowlet flew down to strike! Buizel surrounded himself with water to head charge ahead while Rockruff prepared to crunch down his opponent!
But just as the four were about to reach their four opponents, two of the Gumshoos countered back with double Sand-Attack! The four Pokémon all were stunned by the sudden counter as they were knocked back!
The Aqua Jet was countered, with Thunderbolt being fired out of control! The Tackle and Crunch attack were negated as well before both Rowlet and Rockruff were hit by double Take Down attacks from the two Yungoos!
The two Gumshoos followed by using double Take Down attacks as well! Both Buizel and Pikachu yelled in surprise and pain when they were hit by the double attack as they fell besides their two comrades.
"Oh no! Buizel! Rockruff!" Kaito called out in concern. And it started to get worse when the four Yungoos and Gumshoos began to strike again coordinately with their quadruple Hyper Fang attacks! Kaito noticed this and widened his eyes.
"Hyper Fang... And four of them! Buizel, get out of the way with Aqua Jet! And Rockruff, you use Sand-Attack, too!" Kaito called out.
"Pikachu, dodge it! Rowlet, up in the air!" Ash shouted out.
Surrounding himself with water, Buizel flew out of the way from the Hyper Fang attack range, while Rockruff kicked sand onto the Yungoos and Gumshoos that were attacking him and Buizel!
For Pikachu and Rowlet, the Electric Type flipped back out of the way while Rowlet flew up into the air to make the Hyper Fang attack miss its mark.
"Rowlet, Leafage!" Ash shouted out. At the order, the Grass Quill Pokémon spun with leaves coming out of his glowing wings! The leaves trapped the Yungoos and Gumshoos that Ash was battling against while Kaito thought up another way to stun his opponents.
"He's using Leafage to trap his opponents... In that case, Buizel! Use Ice Punch on the ground multiple times! Let's let our friends here feel the cold!" Kaito called out. Understanding what his human brother was saying, Buizel's two fists glowed before he punched on the ground several times!
The ice that came from his Ice Punch attack began to spread, eventually growing bigger and bigger on the ground!
"Now, Rockruff! Use Howl!" Kaito called out.
With the howling, Rockruff boosted his attack strength, making his physical attacks even stronger. But while Buizel was making the battle a bit more slippery and with Rockruff gaining more power, the two Normal Types were ready to try and stop them!
So with the attempts to strike their opponents, both Yungoos and Gumshoos charged at the two, both readying to use Take Down. Unfortunately, they didn't count on running into the ice that was spreading because of Buizel's Ice Punch attack!
The two Normal Types yelped as they slipped and slid on the ice as Hala watched in amusement.
"Hm! How amusing... Using the Ice Punch to make a slippery field while Rockruff prepares to make the finishing touch. Ingenious..." Hala commented with a chuckle.
"We're not letting you attack us freely! Now it's time to make the finishing touch! Buizel! Rockruff! You two ready?" Kaito called out. His two Pokémon responded to his call with their cries before they began to prepare their attack on their still slipping opponents.
For Ash, he was handling against his two opponents well when Rowlet surrounded both Yungoos and Gumshoos with his Leafage attack.
"You're not the only ones that can hide in your moves! Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Ash shouted out, causing Pikachu to charge at Gumshoos with the Steel Type attack! But as he turned for Rowlet, he noticed something was weird.
"Rowlet... Now what?" Ash started before he blinked in surprise. In his eyes, he couldn't see Rowlet anywhere! But just as he glanced at Yungoos, he noticed Rowlet behind Yungoos, amazing the Kanto Trainer.
Even the Melemele Island Kahuna seemed impressed with Rowlet's stealth skills.
"Oh... Rowlet snuck behind them without a sound." Hala pointed out, as Ash grinned with the little skill his Grass Quill Pokémon had.
"YES! Rowlet, Tackle, let's go!" Ash shouted out.
With the Leafage wearing off, both Normal Types looked to see their opponents preparing to end their match as they both watched in horror. They had no way to dodge this as the Iron Tail and Tackle attack knocked them both into the air!
They yelled in pain before thudding onto the floor.
"Buizel, Aqua Jet! And Rockruff, you use Rock Slide!" Kaito shouted out.
With water surrounding the Sea Weasel Pokémon, Buizel charged at Yungoos, before he bashed onto the Loitering Pokémon several times before one last hit knocked the poor Normal Type away.
As for Rockruff, he howled loudly, calling forth some boulders to deal some serious damage to the Stakeout Pokémon! The two Normal Types yelled as they landed besides their defeated teammates, before they showed that they were unable to continue.
"Yungoos and Gumshoos are all unable to battle!" Hala called out.
Winner: Ash and Kaito
"All right!" Ash cheered as Pikachu and Rowlet danced together for their first victory. Buizel and Rockruff did the same together until Kaito realized something amiss.
"Hold on... I don't think the battle's over yet!" Kaito called out, stopping the short celebration. Before anyone could respond to Kaito's words, there was a loud roar coming from up ahead deeper in the cave!
Everyone turned to see another Gumshoos running out and confronting the group! But it was no ordinary Gumshoos, as this Gumshoos was even bigger than the two Gumshoos that Ash and Kaito had fought separately!
"There! This Gumshoos is truly a Totem Pokémon!" Hala pointed out while the boys watched with widened eyes.
"It's so big!" Ash exclaimed in disbelief.
"So this is what the Totem Pokémon looks like in real life... Whoa..." Kaito breathed out in amazement. Even Rotom was surprised with the size of Totem Gumshoos as he took several pictures of the giant Pokémon.
"Unreal! This one is three times the size of the previous Gumshoos!" Rotom buzzed in amazement.
Totem Gumshoos VS Ash + Kaito: Pikachu, Rowlet, Buizel, Rockruff
With everyone expressing their surprises, Totem Gumshoos let out a loud roar, creating a shockwave that knocked both Rowlet and Rockruff back! The two yelped in surprise at the power Totem Gumshoos was giving off while Buizel and Pikachu stood in their ground.
The Totem's allies ran to the side to watch their ally battle as Totem Gumshoos gave a glare to both Buizel and Pikachu, before he jumped into the air! The Mouse Pokémon and the Sea Weasel Pokémon watched in surprise until the boys called out to them.
"Pikachu! Back away! Then use Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted out loud.
"Get some distance, Buizel! Ice Beam!" Kaito called out.
Watching Totem Gumshoos lung towards them with a Frustration attack, both Buizel and Pikachu dodged out of the way barely! Then, with the timing right, the Mouse Pokémon shot the Thunderbolt attack onto the giant Normal Type.
Following Pikachu's lead, the Sea Weasel Pokémon followed suit with an Ice Beam attack. But as their attacks have landed and dealt some damage, the Totem Pokémon was far from done as it withstood the two attacks out of anger!
"What!?" Kaito yelped in shock as Totem Gumshoos bashed both Pikachu and Buizel into the air with Frustration again!
"Pikachu!?"
"Buizel, no!"
Both boys called out to their starters until Totem Gumshoos rapidly appeared right behind them!
"That Gumshoos' speed is immeasurable!" Rotom buzzed in shock as he and the boys watched Totem Gumshoos begin to attack again! But a determined hoot and an angry bark from Rowlet and Rockruff caught the Totem Pokémon's attention!
Seeing this as a chance to strike back, the boys called their second Pokémon to attack.
"Now, use Tackle!"
"Rockruff, use Crunch!"
Both Rockruff and Rowlet charged with their physical attacks. But their cries caught the Stakeout Pokémon's attention as he grabbed a rock from the ground and smashed the two away with a Rock Smash attack!
The Puppy Pokémon and the Grass Quill Pokémon both cried out in pain and was blown back until Ash caught Rowlet into his arms while Kaito did the same for Rockruff. But despite the fact that they caught their Pokémon safely, they both fainted from the Rock Smash they had taken!
Buizel and Pikachu both turned in surprise to see their friends get defeated in their stead as Ash smiled gratefully at his unconscious Pokémon.
"Thanks a lot, Rowlet... You got Pikachu out of a jam! Take a rest. Return!" Ash said as he recalled his unconscious Pokémon back into his Pokéball.
"Rockruff, I need to thank you too, for saving Buizel from that crisis. Get in your Pokéball and rest, too." Kaito said hesitantly, only to meet a weak growl from the Puppy Pokémon.
The Alola boy blinked, seeing Rockruff shake his head in denial before he tried to get out of Kaito's arms and continue the battle.
"I don't think Rockruff wants to quit that easily!" Ash pointed out as Kaito frowned. He knew how stubborn Rockruff was, but he knew the damage Rockruff had taken from Rock Smash was strong.
"Rockruff, no. You can't continue battling with the condition you're in right now. Come on. Let Pikachu and Buizel handle this." Kaito said sternly, only to get another shaking head from the Puppy Pokémon.
Buizel watched as his human brother became even serious before Kaito continued to convince Rockruff to get in the Pokéball for some rest.
"Rockruff, I'm serious! This is not a request, but an order! If you take another hit from Totem Gumshoos right now, it could be even worse than the damage you took! Please..." Kaito started, before he turned his demand into a plead.
Rockruff frowned weakly to see his Trainer making a plead before he sadly shook his head again. Hala watched as Kaito bit his lips before he sighed in defeat.
"You're never gonna quit even if I force you into the Pokéball, huh..." Kaito groaned to himself, getting a determined bark from Rockruff in the process. At the Rock Type's choice, Buizel and Pikachu came over to their friend, smiling at him for the decision Rockruff just made.
Ash smiled along, before he tried to convince Kaito to let his Puppy Pokémon continue battling.
"Come on, Kai... You can see Rockruff doesn't want to give up yet! And neither does Pikachu and Buizel! So, come on! Let Rockruff battle a little more!" Ash said as Rotom floated to the Kanto Trainer with a reminder.
"But, it's just as Kaito says. If Rockruff takes a serious damage like that Rock Smash from earlier, then Rockruff won't be able to battle in this trial any longer!" Rotom buzzed, causing Ash to turn to the Rotom-dex.
"Well if that's the case, then we'll just have to be careful! We don't want to lose another friend in this trial, just like with what happened with Rowlet!" Ash said seriously before Kaito sighed. Shaking his head, the Alola boy made his decision.
"All right, fine. I'll let Rockruff continue." Kaito groaned, earning a happy bark from the Puppy Pokémon in the process, though it sounded a bit strained. Buizel gave an approved smile to his human brother before he and his allies glared at the Totem Pokémon.
Totem Gumshoos looked patient as he didn't seem to mind of letting Kaito discuss with Rockruff on what to do with him right. With the discussion ending, the Staking Pokémon was ready to fight again as it faced the boys and their Pokémon.
Clenching his fist, Kaito took a deep breath before he called for another move.
"Let's try this carefully... Rockruff! Use Rock Slide! And Buizel, you use Aqua Jet!" Kaito shouted out. Rockruff charged first before he howled, summoning more boulders to damage Totem Gumshoos, only for the Stakeout Pokémon to counter with Sand-Attack!
The rough sand struck the boulders, smashing them into pieces! Buizel followed through with an Aqua Jet attack, only for his attack to be countered by the Totem Pokémon's Frustration attack!
Buizel was bashed back onto Rockruff, surprising the Alola boy as Ash tried to help his friends.
"Pikachu, Electro Ball!" Ash shouted out. But just as he made the order, Totem Gumshoos was already countering Pikachu's upcoming Electro Ball with a Sand-Attack! At Electro Ball being deflected, Pikachu turned to see his move get deflected in surprise.
But just as he turned, a Hyper Fang attack knocked Pikachu back and onto the ground!
"Pikachu, NO!" Ash yelled in desperation.
"Buizel, Rockruff! Stay strong, both of you!" Kaito shouted out.
The three Pokémon challengers managed to recover from the blows they've taken each from Gumshoos' Frustration and Hyper Fang attack before they glared at the Totem Pokémon, who was ready for some more.
Ash gritted his teeth while Kaito remained focused before an idea came to Kaito's head. He turned to Ash, tapping him onto the shoulder, catching Ash's attention.
"What is it...?" Ash started to say before he heard an idea coming from Kaito's mouth, as the Alola boy whispered his idea into the Kanto Trainer's ear. At hearing the idea, a grin came to Ash's mouth as he agreed with the idea.
"Hey, that sounds awesome, Kai! Let's do it!" Ash called, before he allowed Kaito to make the next move.
"Right... Let's go. Rockruff, use Sand-Attack, now!" Kaito called out. Rockruff barked before he kicked sand fast. Multiple times he kicked sand, to create a large dust to trap Totem Gumshoos inside, making the Stakeout Pokémon confused on where his enemies were.
With the Totem Pokémon looking a bit confused, that was when the boys made their next move with Kaito's plan on progress.
"Now Pikachu! Use Quick Attack!"
"Buizel, follow Pikachu with Aqua Jet!"
Rotom didn't seem to understand the boys' motives as he buzzed in fear and confusion.
"HUH!? I don't think using Quick Attack or Aqua Jet will have any effect at all!" Rotom buzzed in worry.
"Oh, it will have an effect, Rotom-dex! Just watch! Do it, Buizel!" Kaito shouted out. At his human brother's call, Buizel wasted no time charging at Totem Gumshoos with his speedy Water Type attack as Pikachu charged ahead first with Quick Attack!
"Pikachu, use that Sand-Attack! NOW!" Ash shouted out with a smile.
"You too, Buizel! Into the Sand-Attack!" Kaito called out.
Rotom watched in disbelief before he turned to see the two charging Pokémon using Quick Attack and Aqua Jet's speed to confuse Totem Gumshoos, causing the Rotom-dex to finally understand on what the boys were doing for their attacks.
"Pikachu and Buizel are so blended in with that Sand-Attack, they can't be seen!" Rotom buzzed in surprise. As Quick Attack and Aqua Jet in the Sand-Attack began to confuse Totem Gumshoos even more, the boys found their chance to make consecutive attacks!
"Pikachu, now!"
"Do it, Buizel!"
Finally, with their opponent bewildered by their combos, both Pikachu and Buizel began to bash onto Totem Gumshoos multiple times, dealing twice the damage as they were hitting the giant Normal Type at the same time.
And with the sand wearing off, by the time both Pikachu and Buizel were done with their consecutive attacks, the damages Totem Gumshoos felt began to wear in as it groaned before landing on the ground with exhaustion.
"All right, Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!"
"One more time! Buizel, use Ice Beam! And Rockruff, you use Rock Slide!"
The final orders were given before the Pokémon all launched their attacks. Electricity, ice, and boulders all made their hits onto Totem Gumshoos, who roared in pain before he attempted to shrug them all off.
"Ah!"
"No way!"
Both boys got ready to strike again with their Pokémon in case if the Totem Pokémon was going to attack again. But just as Totem Gumshoos looked like he was about to counter, it groaned weakly before it fell onto the ground again.
The dust cleared to show the now unconscious Totem Pokémon, which Hala noticed as he declared the two trial-goers as winners of this trial.
"This trial is over! I declare the challengers, Ash Ketchum and Kaito Shirogane, the winners of this battle!" Hala declared, causing Ash to grin before he let out a cheer for his first Island Challenge trial victory.
Winner: Ash and Kaito
"YEAH!" Ash yelled before Pikachu jumped into his chest, as the Mouse Pokémon was happy with the victory they gained together.
"You two did it!" Rotom buzzed, causing Kaito to snap out of his daze before he watched Buizel and Rockruff cry out happily before they jumped into his arms, causing the Alola boy to yelp in surprise before he felt the two nuzzling him affectionately for their win together.
A few seconds later, the Alola boy started to find himself slowly smiling before he hugged his two Pokémon back with a happy smile.
"We did it... We did it! Buizel! Rockruff! We actually won!" Kaito laughed as his two Pokémon made happy cries back. The three cheered together with Ash and Pikachu until they all heard a pained groan from their defeated opponent.
The boys and their Pokémon all turned to see the Yungoos and Gumshoos all running over to their Totem Pokémon ally as Ash was the first to run over to the giant Normal Type in worry with Pikachu on his left shoulder.
"Ah! Totem Gumshoos!" Ash said as he ran over to the giant Staking Pokémon. Kaito blinked in surprise while Rotom tried to warn Ash of the danger the Totem Pokémon could still be despite of it being defeated.
"Ash, that's dangerous!" Rotom buzzed out. But the Kanto Trainer was already checking up on the giant Normal Type in worry as he tried to help the Totem Pokémon up. Hala watched in amusement as Ash checked up on the Staking Pokémon.
"Are you all right, Gumshoos?" Ash asked in concern. Gumshoos just gave a soft push to Ash before he revealed two Z-Crystals in its large paws before offering them to Ash. The Kanto Trainer blinked in surprise, as did Kaito when he walked over to see.
"Those are... the Normal Type Z-Crystals! The Normalium-Z!" Kaito said in surprise while Buizel and Rockruff watched in awe on their Trainer's shoulders. The Totem Pokémon offered one to both Ash and Kaito, although the boys were surprised with this.
"For us? Really?" Ash asked, as Kaito just blinked in surprise. Seeing them hesitant to accept, the Totem Pokémon forced one onto Ash before giving Kaito the second Normalium-Z, allowing the boys to accept their prize for their trial victory.
"Wow, thanks a lot..." Ash said in surprise.
"I... don't know what to say about this..." Kaito said in disbelief before he looked at the Z-Crystal that's in his left hand right now. For Hala, the Island Kahuna was a little surprised by this as he didn't expect the results to be like this.
"Well, would you look at that!" Hala said as Ash raised his Z-Crystal high into the air with a grin.
"I got a Z-Crystal... and it's all mine!" Ash cheered as Pikachu joined in with the cheering for their first achievement!
Kaito just watched before he raised his Z-Crystal up in the air with a smile, too.
"Same here... The Normalium-Z belongs to us now! Our new Z-Crystal is in our hands!" Kaito called out, before Buizel and Rockruff joined their Trainer with the cheering. Rotom pictured both boys and their Pokémon, recording the time when they completed their first trial together.
"A splendid victory indeed!" Rotom buzzed with joy.
"For a Totem Pokémon to give challengers the Z-Crystals is a very rare thing. There's no doubt that both Ash and young Kaito must be some unusual boys." Hala thought as he watched the boys cheer for their first trial victory together.
As the boys were making a small celebration together with Hala watching, no one noticed Tapu Koko gazing at the boys from above as it seemed to have witnessed the victory Ash and Kaito had pulled off together as a team with their Pokémon.
It then flew off, hoping to get another chance to see how well the boys were doing with their work together as a team. As soon as it left, Kaito stepped up before he cleared his throat for a request.
"Um... Gumshoos? There's something we were hoping to ask you and your friends to help us with something. We were wondering if you'd help us chase off the Rattata and Raticate." Kaito explained.
As soon as he asked however, the Totem Pokémon gave a grin, as if he was expecting to hear a request like that. It gave a small nod, with the allies of Totem Gumshoos agreeing to help, too!
"Great!" Kaito said gratefully.
Later...
Soon, the boys and Hala reunited with Prof. Kukui and Officer Jenny and her team, only to hear that the Rattata and Raticate have infiltrated a store that contained many fruits and berries for the Normal-Dark Types to eat!
Prof. Kukui and Officer Jenny stood next to the storage door where they were ready to open the door and to let the Loitering and Staking Pokémon do their work.
"Ash, Kaito. Are you two ready?" Officer Jenny asked, earning nods from the two boys.
"Yeah! Thanks for helping out!" Ash said, earning affirmative calls from the five Pokémon together. Soon, with the Totem Pokémon and his allies being ready, the Alola Professor and the officer were ready to open the storage doors.
"Time to open it up!" Prof. Kukui called out as he and Officer Jenny opened the doors! As soon as Totem Gumshoos and his allies got in, all the Alolan Rattata and Raticate turned to the Normal Types with horrified looks while some glared!
Soon, the small war between two sides began, with Yungoos and Gumshoos easily overpowering the Rattata and Raticate! With its allies tearing the group apart, the Totem Pokémon followed suit with a wild Sand-Attack! The Normal-Dark Types all panicked at themselves being defeated.
"Wow, I'm impressed! Those guys are doing a great job!" Officer Jenny said in amazement.
Everyone else watched to see the Alolan Rattata and Raticate be defeated by the five Normal Types, before they all had enough! The Rattata and Raticate all ran out of the storage, panicking from being overwhelmed by the Totem Pokémon's powers, along with his allies!
Soon, the troublemakers were gone out of sight, and the war went to the Normal Types! The five of them all roared in triumph, while Pikachu, Buizel, and Rockruff all watched in amazement.
"Just as the data indicated!" Rotom buzzed with a smile.
"Pika!"
"Bu bui!"
"Rock! Rockruff ruff!"
The three Pokémon all cried out their agreements before Officer Jenny turned to the two boys with thanks as she saluted them gratefully.
"I can't thank you two enough!" Officer Jenny said gratefully.
"It's all because of the Totem Gumshoos' team!" Ash explained, with Kaito nodding in agreement. The officer just smiled before Hala called to the boys, catching their attention.
"Young Ash. Young Kaito." Hala said deeply, causing the boys to turn. The Kahuna smiled a little before he spoke his words to them.
"As Kahuna of the island of Melemele, I'm very happy to verify that you two have indeed passed the trial." Hala said, causing Ash to grin while causing Kaito to smile in relief. The two said their thanks to the Island Kahuna as the Alola Professor came over to them.
"Thank you very much, Kahuna..."
"Thank you very much!"
"Good for you, Ash! Kaito!" Prof. Kukui said, congratulating them of their success. The boys smiled at the Professor with thanks before the Fighting Type user spoke up again, with more words to say.
"Your next step is the island's Grand Trial, you two. Ash! Kaito! I'm really looking forward to it, and your Z-Moves in battle with my very own eyes!" Hala said, showing the bright expression on his stern face.
"I'm really looking forward to it, too! Right, buddy?" Ash said before he asked his Electric Type partner.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried out in agreement.
Kaito just smiled before he held his left arm with his right hand. The Alola boy was of course, happy that he was able to help the people of Melemele Island with driving away the troublemakers like the Alolan Rattata and Raticate, but he wasn't sure about the Grand Trial.
"The Grand Trial, huh... I guess this means I'll be having a real tough battle if I want to, especially since it's against Kahuna Hala, the Kahuna of Melemele Island." Kaito thought before he noticed Hala looking at him, causing the Alola boy to blink in surprise.
"Kahuna Hala... I'm not sure if I really want to..." Kaito started to say before Hala spoke up with a calm tone.
"Kaito... are you not certain of whether you want to take the Grand Trial or not?" Hala asked, earning a hesitant nod from the Alola boy. Buizel and Rockruff both looked up to their Trainer in worry as the Alola boy spoke up.
"The truth is, I don't know if I'm ready for a battle against you or not. I mean, I may have defeated Totem Gumshoos with Ash together, but... I'm just not sure whether I want to continue the Island Challenge, since I know it puts my Pokémon in a dangerous situation-" Kaito started to say.
But just as he spoke, the Alola boy stopped himself, leaving the Fighting Type user confused as Kaito cleared his throat.
"I mean... it puts my Pokémon in a tough situation, like with what happened to Rockruff when he was knocked away by Totem Gumshoos." Kaito said, causing his two Pokémon to frown at him while the Fighting Type user began to think.
"Hm... I see. If that's the case... then I'd like you to come visit me whenever you think you're ready for your Grand Trial. Think about your future on what you wish to do and then proceed through your life." Hala said wisely, causing Kaito to blink before he looked down a little.
"The future, huh..." Kaito said to himself silently. He remembered of receiving the Sea Gauntlet and how he had met the mysterious Pokémon, which people called it, the Thunderclap Wanderer. Right now, he wanted to solve these mysteries while he can.
However, with no evidence to prove on what is right or wrong, the Alola boy could only find himself sitting in the corner, with no hints or answers to the mysteries that he want to solve. That left him with little options to go on before he sighed.
"I'll... think about it, Kahuna. There's just... a lot of things in my mind right now." Kaito said sheepishly before he scratched the back of his head.
"I understand. Whenever you think you're ready." Hala said with a nod, allowing Kaito to nod back at the Island Kahuna before he parted ways with the Fighting Type user, along with Ash and Prof. Kukui.
But while the Alola boy parted ways with his everyone, he didn't notice that in the edge of the forest, a familiar yellow Pokémon was watching him move with its eyes as it gave a caring smile to the human boy.
It gave another glance at the Alola boy before it jumped high, before landing on a tree branch. As it jumped across one tree to another, it believed in one thing about the Alola boy. Both itself and Kaito would meet each other again someday.
And that someday, would be when Kaito truly remembers him.
To be continued...
Kaito's Team:
Buizel (M): (Ice Beam, Agility, Rain Dance, Aqua Jet)
Rockruff (M): (Crunch, Sand Attack, Rock Slide, Howl)
Next chapters:
Chapter 19: The Grand Trial! Kaito VS Hala!
Chapter 20: The Malasada and Fun Lover, Hau!
Chapter 21: Akala Island! A Mysterious Girl!?
Chapter 22: Queen of the Waves! A Water Match!
Chapter 23: A Full-Powered Pokémon Festival!
Next chapter preview:
Kaito: Mm... Now what? Am I supposed to take the Grand Trial next? I never did like battles, even if they are important.
Ash: You still don't like battling? How come? When we were fighting against Totem Gumshoos, you and your Pokémon were doing great back then!
Kaito: That's because it was part of the trial... A trial to help get those troublesome Alolan Rattata and Raticate out of the people's sight.
Hala: Kaito... Could it be that you're afraid of what would happen to your Pokémon should they be put through a tough situation or so?
Kaito: That's one of them... So what are you saying that I should do, Kahuna Hala? Should I take the Grand Trial or not?
Hala: Well, it's not my place to force you to. You do need to participate in it if you truly don't want to.
Events that occurred:
- Kaito and Ash defeats Totem Gumshoos, earning them both a Normal Type Z-Crystal
- Buizel is revealed to have learned Ice Beam