Chapter 56: Trial on a Golden Scale

(Mount Lanakila, Alola)

Project Mew's flying base landed on top of the snowy mountain, the bay door opening, allowing the Alolan Ninetales to depart onto her home. An adorable Alolan Vulpix saw her and ran up to her, nuzzling against his mother's chest. The Ninetales smiled, happy to be reunited with her child at last as the helicopter base took off.

On board the base, Danika watched the reunion with a smile.

"Another successful mission, eh Quillon?"

Her partner remained quiet, not that Danika seemed to notice.

"That Goh kid should be starting his first trial mission soon. Are you interested?"

"Why would I be?"

"Maybe because you gave him another chance? Come on, you can't tell me you're not the least bit curious about how well he'll do."

Quillon scoffed, and left the room.

"I could care less. I only gave him a second chance because I felt sorry for him, nothing more."

Danika sighed, shaking her head.

"Typical Quillon."

After the ordeal with Lavender Town, Ash, Goh and Lillie said goodbye to Gary and headed back to the institute. They were looking forward to a well earned rest, but it wasn't long before they received another call to adventure.

Goh was just giving his Pokemon food when his phone buzzed. Curious, he pulled it out to find an urgent message. When he saw who it was from, he shouted in excitement.

"Hey, guys! I just got my first mission from Project Mew!"

This got everyone's attention, and the other three crowded around Goh's phone to see what was in store.

"What is it?"
"Let's see, it looks like I can choose which one to do."
Goh pressed the green option, pulling up a menu detailing the task. He quirked an eyebrow when he read the description.

"Collect Volcarona's golden scales? Huh?"

This confused the others as well.

"Golden? Volcarona's aren't gold."
"Shiny Volcarona are. I saw one in a book once."

"But scales? Volcaronas don't have scales. Do they?"

"I guess we'll find out. Maybe we should talk to Professor Cerise about it."

The Professor, however, didn't have any more of a clue than they did.

"It's a strange quest, to be sure. If I had to guess, it's meant to be challenging."
Goh sighed, but understood.

"I guess the first step would be to figure out the best place to find one."

"I'm afraid that's easier said than done. Larvesta and Volcarona are incredibly rare, and a protected species. The capture of them is strictly monitored, and any poachers could face a hefty penalty."

Just then, Ash had an idea.

"Hey, wait a minute! Do you guys remember our trip to Unova and the Colossus Resort? Professor Xander's daughter is a Pokemon Ranger, maybe she can help us."

"Hey, that's a great idea! If nothing else, she might help point us in the right direction."

"And it says here that the preservation isn't too far from the ruins."

"Wait, Colossus Ruins?"

Goh waved Chloe's question off as the four of them headed out the door.

"I'll explain on the way."

After landing in Castelia City, the quartet set off for The Desert Resort. Goh and Chloe shared a sandsurfing board, as did Ash and Lillie. Once they reached the Desert Resort, Chloe hopped off, thrilled by the joyride.

"That was amazing! Thanks for sharing with me, Goh!"

"Not a problem. Come on, let's find Kira!"

"Did someone say my name?"

Surprisingly, Kira emerged from the ruins, surprised to see Ash and his friends there.

"Hey, I remember you three! And who's this?"
"I'm Chloe Cerise, it's nice to meet you!"

"Same here, my name's Kira. So, what brings you back to Unova?"

Goh explained all about Project Mew and his trial mission. Kira had to shake her head sadly.

"Sorry Goh, but I can't let you go and catch one. It's the breeding season, and the Ranger Corps is adamant about not letting anyone catch them until it's over. Shane was devastated when I wouldn't let him in."

Goh's face fell

"But…They didn't say anything about collecting their scales for research. So, as long as you promise not to catch any of them, I suppose I can let you in."
"Really? That's awesome! Thanks, Kira."

"Come on, the preserve isn't too far from here."

Surprisingly, the Volcarona preserve was in an old mine, just north of an old abandoned town.

"Really? Seems like an odd place to hole up.'

"That's why the committe chose it. Back in the old days, this miniing town was the site of a huge gold rush. This town we just passed housed the miners and their families. But once the gold dried up, they all left for greener pastures. Now the only people who come up here are Pokemon Rangers and select trainers."

"So the Volcarona are in there?"

Kira held her arm out, preventing Goh from entering the mine.

"Not so fast. The mine's a pretty dangerous place, so stay close to me."

"Got it. Come on, guys!"

"Right!"

Cautiously, the five of them entered the mine, keeping an eye out for any dangers they may face.

The mine was dimly lit, with only torches and a few helpful Chandelure along the way to provide light. Goh squinted, trying to see the path ahead of them. Luckily, Kira knew the path well, and guided them along without issue.

"Stay close to me, guys. This place can be pretty dangerous if you're not careful."

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"Case in point."

Just then, an older man in an explorer's outfit came running down the tunnel towards them, a Ferrothorn lumbering its way towards him.

"Medicham, use Force Palm!"

The Psychic and Fighting type leapt up, getting in between man and Pokemon before dealing a swift slap to the Grass and Steel type, sending it spiraling away. After Kira returned her Pokemon, she ran over and helped the stranger to his feet.

"Are you alright?"

The man nodded, dusting himself off as he got to his feet.

"I am now, thank you. My name's Nito."

"What're you doing down here? This area is restricted to Pokemon Rangers and qualified trainers."

Nito laughed, and rubbed the back of his head.

"Ah, well, I'm an archeologist, you see. I thought this was an old cave, so I came in to do some investigating, and then…well, you saw what happened."

Kira sighed, really not wanting to deal with incompetent "explorers".

"Fine, stick with us for now. I'll deal with you afterwards."

"Thanks! Honestly, I don't think I could find my way back on my own."

Kira rolled her eyes, but continued to lead the way with Nito now joining them. However, Ash couldn't help but feel uneasy about the arrangement, something Lillie was quick to notice.

"Ash, what's wrong?"

"I don't know, but I'm getting some bad vibes from this Nito guy."

After a lot more walking, they came to a larger area, which was much more well lit.

"This must've been the main mining area."

"Good deduction, Goh. After this mine was declared a nature preserve, the Volcarona gathered around here as the main living area."

"But where are they? I don't see any."

As if the universe itself decided to answer Goh's question, a shiny Larvesta slithered in from another tunnel before going down a different one.

"Well, that answers that question."

Curious, the group of six followed the Bug type down the tunnel. When they arrived, they found a whole cluster of shiny Larvesta in a nest.

"Ah, how cute."

Nito stepped forward, a wicked grin on his face.

"Yes, and they'll make me a great profit on the black market!"

Nitto moved to grab them, but Kira was quick to stop him.

"I knew I shouldn't trust you! If you think I'm going to let you lay a finger on these poor Pokemon!"

Nito scowled, and shoved her off of him.

"As if I'd give you a choice! Galvantula, use Sticky Web!"

Before anyone could react, The giant bug spat out a thick web, trapping everyone but Goh against the wall.''

"Guys, are you alright?'

"Worry about yourself! Galvantua, use Electro Ball!"

Goh just barely managed to dodge the attack before pulling out a Pokeball, ready to fight back.

"Alright, you're asking for it! Go, Raboot!"

"Raboot!"

"Raboot, use Blaze Kick!"

Raboot moved quickly, kicking the bug away and leaving it burned, much to Nito's exasperation.

"Get up, you useless bug! Use Thunder Wave!"

Raboot tried to move out of the way, but it was no good, and he became paralyzed by the electric shock.

"Raboot!"

"Now wrap him up with String Shot!"

Before Raboot could react, he was strung caught in the thick, sticky web.

"Don't give up, Raboot! Use Fire Pledge!"

Fighting through the pain, Raboot used the fire pillar to break free from his silk cocoon, before hitting Galvantula with it.

"Galvantula, you stupid bug! Get up and finish this!"

"Hit with Ember, Raboot, and don't let up!"

Galvantula tried to get to its feet, only to be hit again by the embers, making it cry out it pain.

"Oh, for crying out loud, use Discharge!"

Despite its own pain, Galvantula managed to unleash a surge of electricity, knocking Raboot back and stopping the embers long enough for him to be re-ensnared by String Shot.

"Raboot, break free with Ember!"

But the paralysis was too much for Raboot to overcome, allowing him to be flung into the wall with great force. Despite the pain he was in, he staggered to his feet, determined not to let the pain get the best of him.

"Raboot, are you alright?"

"Enough messing around! Finish him with Bug Buzz!""

"Hang in there, Raboot!"

Suddenly, Raboot began to glow, his body expanding as Goh stared in awe.

"No way, Raboot is evolving!"

When the glow died down, Raboot was now a Cinderace, standing tall and proud.

"Alright! Now show that overgrown Bug who he's messing with!"

Cinderace nodded, and began kicking a small pebble with his foot, bouncing it from one foot to the other as it ignited. The more he bounced it, the larger the flame got before it was a good sized fireball, which he sent flying right towards Galvantula. The attack connected, easily knocking out the Bug type.

"Way to go, Cinderace!"

Nito, realizing he was outmatched, took off running.
"Stupid Bug, you're dead to me!"

"Hey, get back here!"

"Let him go, he can't do anything. Cinderace, that was awesome!"

"Cinderace!"

But no sooner had Cinderace flash a thumbs up did he collapse to one knee, the battle having taken its toll on him. Goh ran over to him and helped him to his feet.

"You alright, pal?"
"Race."

A newly freed Kira walked over, spraying him with a Paralyze Heal to help him recover.

"Take a nice long rest, buddy. You deserve it."

Just then, they felt another glowing going on behind them. They turned around just in time to see the Larvesta evolve into shiny Volcarona.

"Woah, so cool!"

The three new Volcarona flew off, but not before sprinkling golden dust from their wings. Goh, getting an idea, took out a container and scooped some up.

"Do you think that's what Project Mew was looking for?"

"I don't know, but there's only one way to find out!""

And so, with the container in hand, the group of five made their way out of the old mine, tired but proud.

"You did great, Goh! Project Mew is sure to give you a token after this."

"After all I did, I should get more than that!"

But when they got to the entrance, they found a nasty surprise waiting for them. Nito was there, and he brought friends.

"Alright, boys and girls. We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Hand over the Larvesta and nobody gets hurt. Maybe."

"No way! Pokemon are our friends, not tools!"

Nito grinned wickedly.

"Guess you want to do things the hard way, then. Let them have it, boys!"

The poachers sent out an army of Pokemon, from Eelektross to Conkeldur to Krokorok to Zweilous. Our heroes took out their own Pokeballs, ready for an all out brawl when…

"Urshifu, use Wicked Blow!"

"Surgiing Strikes, Urshifu!"

Before a single attack could be called, the poachers' Pokemon were bombarded with a flurry of fists from two bear-like Pokemon. Running up behind them were Danika and Quillon.

"You're all under arrest for Pokemon Poaching."

Nito and his gang, knowing they had no chance of winning, abandoned their Pokemon and tried to make a run for it, only to be caught by the police not 10 feet away. As the police herded them off, the two chasers approached the gang.

"It's a good thing we were in the area. You hadn't reported anything regarding your mission, so I figured we should investigate."

Quillon scowled at the poachers as they were hauled into the police vans.

"Poachers, they make me sick. Did you retrieve your objective?"

Goh handed him the container of golden particles. Quillon looked it over before nodding in approval.

"Excellent, well done. You'll receive a token for your success, as well as another for helping deal with the poachers. We'll contact you with another mission at a later date."

And before anything else could be said, Quillon walked back to the base.

"Not much for small talk, is he?"

"You get used to it. Seriously, though, good work."

"Thanks, Danika. By the way, what'll happen to their Pokemon? Based on how that Nito guy treated his Galvantula, I doubt they'll be back for them."

"They'll be taken to a Pokemon Center to be healed, then released into the wild. Hopefully their next trainer will treat them better."

Goh nodded, glad that the Pokemon would be taken care of. Her business finished, Danika started back towards Project Mew's flying base, but before she entered she turned back towards Goh.

"Goh, don't think for a second that the missions will get any easier. The challenge this time may have been unintentional, but these challengers will only get harder, in more ways than one. If you want to be a Chaser, then you'd better bring your A-Game."

Goh smiled, and flashed her a thumbs up.

"Count on it!"

Danika smiled and returned the gesture before stepping into the hoverbase. Goh watched it take off, deep in thought.

"Just you wait, Mew. I'll find you yet!"