Chapter 4 – The Last Trial
It did not take long for Captain Kala to lead the dragons to the trial location. They have arrived at the Waimea Canyon State Park, home to what many considered to be one of the greatest canyons on Earth.
"Here we are, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific itself," said Captain Kala. "This is where you'll be doing your next and final trial."
The dragons took a look at the scenery and they were awed at how breathtaking it appeared. The wind swept across the canyon and it felt very fresh. While the dragons were enjoying the panoramic view, Charonus looked around curiously at his surroundings.
"This place sure reminds me of the Vast Poni Canyon," he whispered. "It just has that atmosphere that gives me that vibe."
"I can't believe that we're almost done with the Island Challenge," said Draco. "It feels as if we have come a long way since we started at Oahu Island, right, Cynder?"
"Yes, indeed," said Cynder. "Not to mention we're only a few days away until our two-week trip in Hawaii is over."
"All that's left after that is the tournament, so we better be in top shape and give it our best," said Percival.
Cynder nodded in agreement, and then she turned to Captain Kala. "So, what are we going to do for this trial?" she asked.
"You'll have to go on a hike through the canyon," replied Captain Kala. "Once you reached the bottom, you'll arrive at a battlefield I have prepared where you'll face and battle the Totem Beast that dwells there."
"Oh, boy," said Torden. "This is getting me pumped up as I could only wonder what the next and last Totem Beast is like."
"I will strongly advise not to underestimate it," said Captain Kala. "It is a very strong creature, rightfully so as I have trained it to be just as tough, and your skills will really be put to the test, so remember everything you have learned throughout your Island Challenge."
"We'll give it our best shot captain," said Cynder. "I always see to it that my teammates are focused and ready."
"As for Charonus, Darky, and myself," said Bowser. "We're just here to support our friends while they do their trial."
"If that's the case, then you're still free to accompany them as long as you don't try to assist them in their fight with the Totem Beast," said Captain Kala.
Bowser, Darky, and Charonus nodded understandingly.
"Alright then," said Captain Kala as she checked everyone. "Let the trial begin!"
So the dragons began their hike down the Waimea Canyon. It was a very arduous trek, but they took their time taking a look at their surroundings and checking out the wildlife that appeared from time to time. Charonus even provided them with bottles of water and soda drinks whenever they were thirsty.
Eventually, after a rather long climb down the canyon, the dragons finally reached the bottom, and there they could see the arena as Captain Kala, though the Totem Beast was yet to make an appearance. The dragons looked around for it, but still nothing as the place was very quiet, with the exception of the whistling sound of the wind blowing gently.
"We made it so far," said Torden. "But where is the Totem Beast?"
"I'm sur it's going to show up soon," said Cynder. "It shouldn't take any longer than a minute now."
"Why do I get the feeling that the Totem Beast will show up from behind?" asked Draco, feeling a sudden chill.
"Because you're still a scaredy-zard, Draco, that's why," said Torden.
"Torden, there's no need to be like that," said Bowser crossly. "I'm getting the same vibe that we might not actually be alone."
"Rooooooooaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrr!" boomed a voice. The dragons jumped with shock, and when they turned around to the direction the voice came from, they saw something huge looming above them. It was a bipedal reptilian creature covered in silver plating with gold linings around them. Parts of it, particularly on its arms and around its head were red. The same kind of plating can be seen on the tip of its tail and they were arranged to give it an elaborate appearance. Finally, there were some white tufts of spiky feathers on its shoulders. The huge creature jumped off where it roosted and it made its way towards the stunned dragons.
Charonus recognised the creature very quickly. "Tha-that must be a Kommo-o!" he gasped. "It's certainly much bigger than a regular one, which means that it must be of the Totem variant."
"One thing for sure is that it's going to be one tough customer," said Cynder. "Don't let your guard down, everyone!"
"Charonus and Darky, let's stand aside," said Bowser. "We better leave the six to do their battle with the Totem Kommo-o."
Doing as Bowser as said, Charonus and Darky stood by his side while the dragons got themselves ready for the fight against the last of the Totem Beasts. As soon as the battle started, it let off its Z-Power aura, and then it summoned a pair of powerful creatures to back it up. One looked a little like itself, except that it appeared smaller, younger, and not had fully developed. The other was a giant red mantis with a pair of pincers for arms, recognised by many as a Scizor.
"You two better watch out for the Hakamo-o!" warned Charonus. "It may be younger than the Kommo-o, but it can pack a punch!"
"Thanks for the tip, Charonus," called Cynder. "We'll keep that in mind."
The battle began, and the dragons found themselves struggling with the combined might of Scizor, Hakamo-o, and the Totem Kommo-o. They dished out their fire breath attacks while they protected themselves and fought back using an array of powerful moves like Sky Uppercut, Flash Cannon, Metal Claw, and Clanging Scales. Soon, the dragons realised that their opponents proved to be extremely strong, but they were determined to defeat them and finish the trial.
"We're going to have to resort to using our Elemental Brooches, guys," said Cynder as she took out her Shadow Brooch. "Are you all ready?"
"Okay, we're ready!" exclaimed the dragons, and they took out their brooches. With that, the six dragons glowed brightly as they began transforming, and in a few moments, they have reached their powered forms. Bowser, Charonus, and Darky watched anxiously and hopefully as the dragons resumed their fight with the Totem Kommo-o and its backing duo.