Calem's Alola Adventure

Chapter 18

By: Gandire

Lillie and Hapu are already speaking with the sea chief by the time Calem leaves the pokemon center the next morning. The chief says, "Exeggutor Island, huh? I see, you're going after the flute. Well, if the new Kahuna asks, who am I to refuse?"

Hapu says, "Well then, Lillie, I wish you the best of luck."

Lillie says, "But what about Calem?"

Calem swallows some of Nanu's sea sickness medicine while Hapu says, "Ah, forget him. You'll be fine on your own."

Calem ignores her comment as he joins them. "Ready when you are."

Lillie jumps, "Ca-Calem, when did you get here?"

Calem looks towards the chief and with a flat tone says, "Exeggutor Island, huh?"

The chief tilts his head. While rubbing his chin, he says, "Do I really sound like that?"

"No, I'm just not that energetic of a person."

The chief laughs and says, "Well, alright then. All aboard, everyone!"

Calem climbs onto the S.S. Magikarp while Lillie thanks Hapu. The journey takes an hour, but the first fifteen minutes feel like three for him. Upon arriving, the chief says, "Hah… Here we are at Exeggutor Island! This place used to be a trial site, but that was a long time ago. Anyway, it's a full day's trip to the flute and another to get back, so I'll fetch you tomorrow evening. Feel free to take your time and look over the island."

Calem and Lillie thank the man and set off to explore the island. Most of it is a plain covered in tall grass and coconut trees. Off at the far end is a large mountain. Lillie walks a head of Calem with her hands held behind her back. "Trainers really can go anywhere as long as they have their pokemon, can't they. The appeal is really starting to grow on me."

Calem says, "In some cases, they've even gone to alternate worlds."

Lillie sighs, "If I want to rescue my mother, I'm-"

"We," Lillie turns to Calem in surprise at his correction. "You're not alone in this, Lillie. Nous sommes la aussi."

Lillie gives a bright smile as she thanks him. "You're right… Okay, we are going to travel to another dimension. I feel like being a trainer opens the door to any future." A coconut tree she walks past shakes and roars. She runs back to Calem screaming. "What is that?"

The tree uproots itself and roars again. Calem cranes his neck as he looks up and sees faces on the coconuts. "A… ridiculously tall Exeggutor?"

Rotom says, "Alolan variant, grass/dragon type. Alola is the beszzzt environment for this pokemon. Localszzz take pride in its appearance, saying that this iszzz how one should look. As Exeggutor grew taller and taller, it outgrew its relizance on psychic powerszzz while awakening the power of a sleeping dragon from within. Good luck! Bzzt!"

Calem throws a dusk-ball while saying, "Mimikyu, play rough!" The ghost pokemon ignores Exeggutor's outrage and scurries up his neck where she attacks each head in turn. Exeggutor falls after the final head gets smacked by a shadowy hand.

Exeggutor gets up with a snort. The battle's outcome leaves him frustrated to the point of stomping his feet as he walks away. The mini-earthquakes he generates makes walking impossible for a few minutes until he's gone.

Lillie stares at the pokemon's back in shock. "I think that the good weather in Alola has let it grow a bit more vigorously than I'd prefer." Her surprise changes into a smile and, after covering her face with a palm, begins to giggle.

Rain begins to fall as Calem and Lillie reach the mountain's edge. They duck into a small cove and wait for it to pass. As they sit down, Lillie says, "Rain in Alola, huh… My skirt got a bit wet…"

Calem, uncertain as how to reply, waits for her to continue.

"Looking out at the rain like this… reminds me of this one time when I was little. I'd seen it in a movie… this man singing and dancing in the rain. It captivated me so much that I had to try it for myself. My mother spotted me out in the rain, and she was so shocked that she ran right out after me without even bothering to get an umbrella… And then… she smiled… and she danced with me in the rain. Of course we both ended up catching a cold. She let me sleep in her big bed with her. I was so happy that I kept waking her again and again, just to be sure it wasn't a dream… But… then she changed. All she would think about was the ultra beasts, and Null, and Nebby… They both ended up suffering so much… and I couldn't do anything… But you know what, Calem? Whenever I feel like there's nothing I can do, you seem to show up and… you do something. Every time, you've shown me that it's possible… to do something."

"In this world, nothing is impossible. If you can dream it, you can do it."

"The first time we met… Nebby was being attacked, and all I could do was look on in horror… And at Aether Paradise… all I could do was wait for you and the others to save me… Whenever I'm in any sort of trouble, you're always there… I… Um, Calem… What are you going to do… once you finish your island challenge?"

"Je me demande… I'm not sure. I want to see Professor Kukui's Pokemon League first. I want to see all the trainers come together and battle. I want to see the League Champion emerge on top. Once I see all that… well, I guess my Alola adventure would end, but I get a feeling that that is when I'll know what to do."

"So, you don't really know either? I'm relieved to hear that, honestly. It makes me feel that you and I, we're not so different after all. Right now, I think… I'd like to become a trainer, too. And travel together with you, Calem…" She grows silent and her face gradually turns red as she realizes what she said.

The rain stops and Lillie runs out from underneath the cove. The stars twinkle as meteors rain across the sky. Lillie's expression can't be made out from the darkness, but her tone is happy, "Maybe there really are good omens sometimes, wouldn't you say?"

Calem doesn't answer, he can't answer. Instead, he recalls what Lana said about shooting stars being the spirits of flying pokemon. The tranquility of the thought brings a gentle smile to his face.

Calem and Lillie decide to camp inside the cover for the night. Calem glances towards Lillie as he lays down to sleep. The words he repeated to Lana return to him. The feelings of those saved really can't be imagined.

He wakes up the next morning to find Lillie missing. According to Rotom, "She went on ahead, bzzt!" Maybe she's trying to feel like a real trainer? Calem considers running after her, but doesn't. She'll be fine with her repels.

Lillie is already at the top by the time Calem reaches her. She's out of breath, but looks at him with triumph. For him to have not caught up to her partway, she must have woken up super early. "Calem!" In her hands she holds a golden flute with a sun carved onto it. "The sun flute, now we've got both of them! I don't know if this will summon the legendary pokemon, but we can at least try! If nothing else, we'll have sounded the flutes in offering like the ancient people used to do. Thank you for coming this far with me, Calem!"

Calem smiles, but doesn't say anything. Lillie starts to walk off saying, "Come on, let's go back and meet the chief. We have to hurry if we want to make it on time."

"It's already too late for that. We'll never make it back in time walking." Before Lillie can comment, Rapidash bursts from his quick-ball. The silver flames on his back blaze as he stands up on his rear legs and neighs.

Lillie gulps, but nods.

Calem helps Lillie onto Rapidash's back. She rides side-saddle right behind him. As soon as she wraps her arms around him, he says, "Hold on as tight as you can and clench your teeth."

Lillie tightens her grip before the idea to ask why dawns on her. Before she can say anything, they leap off the mountain side. The way she lifts off of Rapidash's back makes her realize that she would have been left behind if she wasn't holding onto Calem.

An accidental glimpse over his shoulder reveals how far off the ground they are. The few Exeggutor she can make out are no bigger than grains of rice. She wants to scream, but then she remembers Calem's advise to clench her teeth. Despite turning blue, she tightens her grip around Calem and buries her face into his back. She doesn't look up until after Rapidash comes to a complete stop. They've reached the waiting area.

The chief arrives to pick them up a few hours later and ferries them back to Poni Island. He sees them off with, "Look at you, trial-goer! You going to the altar to play the flutes?"

Lillie says, "That's right. We're setting off first thing tomorrow!"

"Well, good luck. The path there is like nature's own trial! Make sure to tell Hapu before going."

Calem and Lillie make their way to the pokemon center for the night. After eating and getting ready for bed, Calem calls Serena, Lana, Gladion, Mahina, Acerola, and Hau to let them know of tomorrow's plans.

The two head off for the altar the next morning after breakfast. At the edge of the crossroad leading to Vast Poni Canyon is a row of Team Skull thugs. Calem grabs a pokeball and he steps forward to meet them.

Plumeria waves her hands to signify she doesn't want to fight. "We heard you have a way to save our boss, Guzma." She then turns to Lillie, "You're really going to do this? To be honest, I've treated you really badly. Even if I was just doing the work the president told me to do, I shouldn't have done all that. Even if I apologize now, I know it's probably too late for you to forgive me, though. See, Guzma… he really likes the president. She's the only adult who ever seemed to see how strong he was."

Lillie says, "The president… My mother is- She's selfish. She lavishes her love only on those she deems worthy, not caring whether it is wanted or not. But I will save her. I still have something I need to tell her. And I think I can save Guzma as well."

Plumeria says, "You know… deep down, you're kinda like the president. You've gone in a different direction, but I can tell you have the same strength in your convictions. Bring Guzma back, if you can. I know you've got no reason to help… but no one can make up for what they've done if they're gone. Calem, you're the real deal. You didn't just take on Team Skull, you defeated the darkness of Aether Paradise. Take good care of our little princess here." She then tosses him a Posionium-Z crystal. "Take it, it's my way of saying sorry. Well, I'm out of here."

Once they're alone, Lillie says, "I suppose even Team Skull is not all bad…"

Calem says, "No one is really all bad. Not Lysander, or Team Flare… Those guys in Team Skull just gave up."

They continue to the Vast Poni Canyon and find Hapu and Mudsdale waiting for them by a dead tree. Lillie smiles and says, "I called her last night before going to sleep."

Calem shrugs, "She is the island kakuna. Knowing these things is probably part of her job."

"Kahuna." Lillie says while waving to Hapu.

As they get close, Hapu steps towards them. She ignores Calem and says to Lillie, "Did everything go well?"

"Yes, it did! Calem had to help me out of all sorts of trouble, like usual."

Hapu says, "People have to help each other out, same for pokemon, too. That is what my grandfather always used to say… Just, not everyone helps 'cause it's the right thing to do. Sometimes it's just in their interest ta do so. Either way, I'll need to confirm this strength that makes you smile so." Her expression hardens as she turns to Calem. "This is the first grand trial of Kahuna Hapu and I'm sullying it against you…"

Rapidash snorts as he bursts from his quick-ball.

Hapu says, "If that's how you want to play, Mudsdale, earthquake." The attack is just as they predicted.

Rapidash leaps into air to avoid the attack. Mudsdale stops stopping his feet and tries to run for cover. Rapidash hops from the canyon walls and pounces on Mudsdale's back. Mudsdale snorts as he falls to his side, but Rapidash continues with, "Hypnosis!"

Mudsdale, who is getting up, stares straight into Rapidash's eyes and falls over. Rapidash neighs with pride as he hops up on his hind legs. Calem pats his pokemon's side, "Nice going."

Hapu calls back her Mudsdale with a sigh. "Well, a loss is a loss. Even if I hate to admit it, this battle has taught me a few things. The ground type Z-crystal, groundium-Z is yours." She then turns to Lillie, "Well, character aside, Lillie, you sure found yourself a strong trainer to befriend. Well, just walk straight through the cave and you'll find the altar!"

Calem and Lillie nod to each other and enter the cave. The only excitement at the beginning of their trek is the rope bridges. Each time they reach one, Lillie says, "I'll- I'll overcome this challenge. I'll become just as strong as you so I can save my mother!" And then holds her breath as she runs across them.

The path within the cave leads out onto the mountain's side. Lillie walks to the ledge and upon looking down, "Pfft."

Calem says, "Not high enough?"

Lillie says, "After jumping off that cliff with Rapidash?"

"But rope bridges make you want to scream?"

"Hey! Those are different!"

The cliff side leads into a second cave that brings them up and out onto another ridge. Lillie, upon seeing the rope bridge they'll need to cross, pales. "Calem, you make this journey seem like nothing at all."

Calem steps onto the bridge and looks over the side. This bridge is much higher than the ones inside the cave. It also shakes with the blowing wind. Anyone would be nervous. "Lillie, how easy someone makes it to a destination doesn't matter. That they get there is the important part."

Lillie nods. She gulps upon looking down, but shakes her head to drive away the fear. "I'm not going to be afraid of heights anymore! I've overcome my fears enough to cross even a high bridge like this one! Watch this!"

Calem steps off the bridge for her as she takes a deep breath and does her Z-dance. She climbs up onto the bridge and looks around for any danger. With the way clear, she sprints forward only for three Murkrow surrounding her.

Calem says, "Lillie, don't stop!"

Lillie clenches her fists and pushes past the flying pokemon. She darts between the two in front of her and doesn't stop until she reaches the opposing ledge. Her face brightens with glee upon turning around and seeing Calem on the other side. "Calem! I did it! I made it all the way across! I cleared my trial!"

Calem crosses the bridge to catch up to Lillie. The three Murkrow step aside and let him pass without any problem. They were just messing with Lillie. They could tell she was nervous, but never had any intention of harming her. Well, that's fine. They made her trial that much more valuable in overcoming.

Lillie says, "I've completed my first trial!"

Calem says, "Don't forget that feeling. Whenever your journey begins to feel impossible, don't forget that you can get past it."

Lillie giggles and nods.

Calem looks back at the bridge and then looks down. Below them is the dead tree marking the entrance to the cave. He sets down his bag and says, "Let's break for lunch."

"Shouldn't we press a little further?"

Calem shakes his head. "This is a good spot. Trainers should always make sure to be in top form when they can. There is no telling what will happen later."

The cave path leads downward only for a rope ladder to lead upward again. Another rope bridge awaits them outside. Midway across it they meet a girl staring at the mountain scenery. If the ring on her finger is any indication, she's a trial captain. She uses her two hands to make a portrait of Calem and says, "Oh! Now that's a great composition! I could paint a picture of you- the visitor to Poni!" She doesn't seem to have heard any of the negative gossip about Calem shared among the other captains. She continues, "Guess I didn't introduce myself though. I'm Mina. I'm the captain. I mean, I sort of am. I actually just wander around doing my art, so I don't have an actual trial or anything… But Vast Poni Canyon sure is a wonder, huh? Once you've been through this place, you can really get to understand why that Ilima boy designed his trial the way he did, right?"

Calem shrugs, "I guess? The last half was pretty much the equivalent of a creator."

"Anyway, here. Take this Fairium-Z as a token of our acquaintance."

Calem looks the Z-crystal over. "Does finding you count as your trial?"

"Hmm, as the captain and all, I still need to come up with a trail. I was thinking it could involve painting pictures and picking flowers, but your idea doesn't sound bad…" She walks past them and waves, "See you later then! Alola, alola!"

Once Mina is gone, Calem says, "She will be the most hated captain in Alola if she makes that her trial."

The bridge leads to a downward slope that requires them to cross by hanging from a tree. Calem says, "Lillie, don't worry. I'm right here if anything happens."

Lillie nods despite her shaking and presses forward. She collapses onto her knees upon reaching the ground again and releases a weak laugh in an attempt to hide her fear. With a thumbs up, she says, "See? I made it."

Three trainers block the next leg of the Vast Poni Canyon. Behind them are the gates signifying a trial area and totem pokemon. Calem is given the impression of warriors guarding the dungeon of an evil dragon. He could fight them with Mawile, but from the intensity Noibat gives off, he wants to fight the totem. The guards give him a good warm up.

Lillie heals Noibat after defeating the third trainer. After a short break, Lillie says, "We're almost to the altar now, Calem."

Calem looks back at the path they trekked. He then looks into the cave ahead of them. No, the entrance looks like a cave, but it's really a fissure within the mountain. Further in he can see sunlight shinning down from above. "Yeah, looks like we just have one final trial to overcome."

"And you're not the slightest bit afraid. With pokemon that are full of energy, trainers really can go anywhere in the world…"

A stone tablet awaits at the shaft's entrance. The carved script reads, Ahead lies a sacred ground of trials. None who do not take part in its trials will be allowed to walk upon this earth. Those lacking the courage to defeat the totem guarding this land will be denied entry. But those who believe in their pokemon and walk beside them shall gain great power!"

The shaft itself is a straight line with a shrine housing a Z-crystal at the far end. Calem grips Noibat's luxary-ball as he steps forward. "Lillie, stay at least seven steps behind me." He calls out his dragon pokemon upon feeling a piercing gaze.

"Dragon pulse!" Noibat releases a shockwave of air from his mouth at a Jangmo-o who attacks from the side. The attacking dragon pokemon takes the attack full on and falls.

Calem scratches Noibat's side as the pokemon lands upon his shoulder. An even fiercer gaze hits both of them once Jangmo-o scurries away. "Stay sharp, we're not through yet."

"Noi!"

Calem walks seven steps when a pokemon roars at him from above. Noibat leaps from Calem's shoulder as he flies off to face the attacking Hakamo-o. Noibat darts underneath the fighting pokemon's guard to deliver wing attack against his chest.

Hakamo-o regains its balance by flipping around in air and lands on his feet. He roars and holds up his fists as he charges forward. From the way he bends his knees…

"Fall back!" The wind from sky uppercut ruffles the fur on Noibat's face. "Dive!" Noibat ducks underneath the dragon claw follow up. "Air slash!" Hakamo-o takes the hit with his stomach and runs away.

An even fiercer set of eyes drill into Calem as Noibat lands on his shoulder. Even Lillie feels them as she says, "You and Noibat aren't even flinching. You two really can come and go as you please."

Calem ignores the gaze and pat's Noibat's side. "We trust each other." They reach the shrine at the far end of the shaft and find a Z-crystal on it. A pokemon roars as Calem reaches for it.

The ground shakes as a large Kommo-o drops from above the shaft. It pounds the ground with his fists as he lands across from Calem. While he maintains his balance, Lillie falls over. Without removing his eyes from the new pokemon, Calem pockets the dragonium-Z while saying, "Noibat."

"Noi!" The flying pokemon charges the fighting pokemon with air slash.

A flaming aura surrounds Kommo-o as he swats at Noibat. The flying pokemon uses his small size to evade the fists. Lillie gasps each time Noibat disappears behind one. She's probably imagining the same thing as Calem. A single hit will end Noibat's challenge.

Calem says, "Lillie, falling back to regroup is okay, but never give up. If there's a chance, take it. Noibat, hurricane!"

Noibat squeaks out a cry and flies circles around Kommo-o. Each lap is faster than the previous. After the third lap, he begins to pick up loose dirt and leaves. Kommo-o roars out and thrashes his arms and tail, but he can't hit the small flying pokemon.

Kommo-o's movements grow wilder as damage from the attack and annoyance from being unable to hit Noibat builds into frustration. His anger peaks with a roar as he uses outrage. A lucky back hand knocks Noibat into a cavern wall.

Kommo-o stops thrashing about as the hurricane surrounding him dies down. Confused and unable to find his opponent, he growls at Calem and Lillie. "Lillie, don't be afraid."

"But-" the rest of Lillie's words are overshadowed by Kommo-o's roar.

"Don't look away!" Calem says despite Kommo-o pouncing for them. Just as Lillie screams, a large black bat rams into Kommo-o's side. Noivern bites into the fighting pokemon's side with super fang as he crashes him into the wall. Noivern then leaps away while unleashing a dragon pulse.

Kommo-o shakes his head as he gets up. He roars at Noivern and charges with a headbutt. Noivern loops around the outstretched head and uses air slash on the fighting pokemon's backside.

"Super fang!" He loops up and latches his fangs onto Kommo-o's neck.

Kommo-o thrashes around, but can't get Noivern to release him. After a minute of ramming himself into the wall, he collapses.

Noivern lands at Calem's side and nuzzles his head against Calem's neck. Calem rubs the dragon pokemon's head, "Great job and congratulations on evolving."

Lillie says, "Congratulations, Noivern!"

Noivern chirps and returns to his luxury-ball for rest.

A/N: Sorry for the delay, the past two weeks were crazy. It all culminated with my car breaking down on me. Stupid alternator… Anyway, I guess this chapter could be interpreted as Calem x Lillie? What would that even be called, Calie? Well, you can blame the developers for that. This story's lead pairing is obviously someone else. She's so obvious, that there's no need to even state it.

Now, about the way Calem and Lillie interacted. The outcome wasn't intentional, but it really feels like a more experienced trainer mentoring a rookie trainer. I suppose that that's the role the avatar will fall into once the game ends. Reading back, their interactions are quite refreshing.

Well, thanks for reading everyone,

Leave a review,

-Gandire