Welcome to episode 8 of Island of Challenge! You know the drill. Who knows what will happen in this episode? It already seems that Alicia and Seth are on track to making it to their first gym! As the sun leaves its high noon position and lowers itself down towards the horizon at five pm, excitement is building! Stay tuned for more!

Team Distant Past

Diego and Jax were taking a break. They had about five more kilometers before they reached the next step of their goal. In the distance, was a tall and imposing mountain. In order to make it to the gym, they'd have to scale that mountain and reach settlement Foxtrot.

From there, they would go to the flying gym. They heard that like most Pokémon gyms, there was a gym puzzle or challenge that people were required to complete. But because of the building restrictions, things would be a bit more interesting.

During their break, they stopped for a light meal before charging on. Jax estimated that if they kept at it, they'd reach the mountain before dark and would be able to climb the hard, rugged path next morning.

Diego decided to use their break time for himself. He pulled out his sword and made a few practice swings, sword fighting seemed natural to him, even something necessary for survival. But this wasn't medieval times, sword fighting was simply a sport practiced with wooden mockeries that at worst could give someone a concussion if their opponent was crazy enough.

He spun the sword with a flourish before bringing it to his side and taking a seat. He balanced it on his lap and looked over it, feeling the familiar tug towards its beautiful blade.

Speaking of wooden mockeries, his sword blade was made from wood. It was a polished wooden sword that seemed to glow with a violet hue, reminding him of the night sky. Despite its wooden base, it was still sharp and strong, he'd tested it himself.

But of course, the only reason he'd been allowed to bring it was because the developers thought it was real wood, and that it added to Diego's mystic persona. They also didn't believe him when he tried to explain it was a real sword.

Diego laughed to himself. Mystic persona? He was anything but mysterious. Sure he didn't know much about himself, and his memories were a mess, but the last thing he wanted was to come off as a cold anime character.

He returned the sword to its scabbard and walked over to Jax and the rest of the Pokémon. Jax was finishing a nanab berry as the Pokémon ate from various colored pokéblock.

"Wassup Link?" asked Jax as he approached.

Diego snorted. "Not funny."

"Your laugh says otherwise."

"It wasn't a laugh," Diego said. "It was a sound I made because you caught me off guard. That joke wasn't funny and you know that."

Jax laughed and punched him in the shoulder. "It seems you didn't lose your muscle memory though, because your skills are sharp as ever, unlike your sword. I thought you said it was real."

"It is a real sword."

"But it's made from wood."

"Just trust me on this one," said Diego. "I assure you that my sword is as real as can be. Now let's get going, we have to get to the base of the mountain before dark."

He planted a foot on a nearby rock and pulled out his sword, pointing it forward, the blade glinting in the sun.

"Onwards, to new horizons!"

Team One

"This way!" shouted Seth, frantically reading this map as he and Alicia ran through the cave wall. A swarm of Zubat chasing them.

"Be quiet!" hissed Alicia as quietly as she could. "If it wasn't for your rambunctiousness, we wouldn't be in this mess!"

"My what?"

The Zubat squeaked and squealed at the loud noise, pinpointing their targets as they ran. Alicia slapped a hand over her face as she and Seth tore down the tunnels.

It had all started out when Seth had been training Empress like always. He was getting her to practice a new move, Aqua Jet. Seth had explained to Alicia that he wanted to take the time to teach her Aqua Jet because it'd prove to be a very useful move in the future. Alicia had only rolled her eyes and told him to hurry up, stating that she and Posiedon didn't need any extra training.

However, all the noise of he and Empress practicing only attracted wild cave Pokémon. At first, there were a few Zubats and Geodudes, both easily taken care of by Empress and Posiedon.

But then the swarm came. At least twenty Zubats came flying at them, screeching and attacking with powerful sonic waves. There were way too many Zubats for them to fend off, so they returned their Pokémon and fled.

But the Zubats had been relentless, and the noise of them running as well as the noise of their bickering attracted more Zubats.

"Why are we even running?" asked Seth. "It's not like they're going to tear us apart like Houndooms if they catch us, so what's with the worry? I bet their fangs can't even hurt us!"

"Do you want to find out what happens?"

Seth glanced back and saw how pointy Zubat fangs were.

"No thank you, this way!"

Seth slowed down and turned down a side tunnel, Alicia following him. She silently raged in her head about having to follow someone rather than leading, but she didn't have the map.

"Both of you get down!"

The voice came out of nowhere as they almost crashed into a trainer and his Claydol when they came around the corner.

"Power Gem!" shouted the man. Seth immediately recognized him as Ajax.

Ajax's Claydol levitated a group of stones and fired them at the Zubat, taking out multiple at once. Using Psyshock, it eliminated three more. The other Zubats turned and fled with such a haste they neglected to properly use echolocation, causing all of them to crash and fall into a heap.

"It's you!" said Seth, getting up. "Thanks for your help."

"No thanks are needed, simply doing my duty."

"Wait a minute," said Alicia, dusting her clothes from the cave dust. "Why are you still here? Don't tell me you haven't defeated the Barbaracle."

"I have defeated the scourge of this cave m'lady," said Ajax with a courteous bow. "But there are other matters I have to deal with in this cave. I heard the rabid shrieks of the Zubats, so I rushed over here as fast as possible."

"Good," said Alicia. "We're almost there, right Seth?"

Seth looked at the map and nodded.

"If we're almost there, then don't stand and gawk! Get a move on, you're escorting me there so I can absolutely crush the gym."

"More power to you I guess," said Seth.

Soon, they rounded a slightly bright corner and found the light at the end of the tunnel. They had finally made it out of the cave. The sky was turning dark, and it'd be the evening in an hour.

Unlike most cities, the Insulae Region was truly dark at night. But the timing didn't matter to them. They had reached Settlement November.

Large white tents were strung around a small marked field, Pokéstar Studio flags hanging off of them. Some of them were resting tents, some were research tents, and others were studio tents for airing, editing, and other studio stuff. There were berry trees growing in small patches.

"So which one do you think is the gym leader's tent?" asked Alicia.

"Probably the biggest one. If not, we can just ask around."

Alicia said nothing and strode up to a tent. The tent flap was currently open, so she ducked down and entered.

"Come look at this," said Alicia.

Seth entered and looked around the tent. Inside of the tent were two inflatable mattresses, one on each side. There was a flower pot in the middle and various small furnishes on each side. There was a board in the middle with a sign on it.

"It looks like the gym leaders are already in the cave," said Alicia. "I suppose going through the cave once again is going to be our gym challenge."

"How perfect," said Seth. "I just hope there's food after this."

Team Regional

Claire and Zeke were headed along the path to the normal gym. The plains had ended and the grasses had shortened significantly. There was a long earthen road that was going to take them directly there.

The road also had less wild Pokémon. While it disappointed Claire, Zeke was able to convince her that endless battles wouldn't be efficient for their progress.

So they continued on the road. They'd been at it for almost an hour and were planning on going forward like this until seven. Afterwards, they'd stop for the night and take a rest.

"So Zeke, what did you enjoy doing at home?"

"Well, for starters, I enjoy training with my Pokémon, but I suppose that everyone loves to do that. I enjoy a bit of hard, physical work in the morning, listening to the radio, working out under the sun, and a good novel never hurts. What about you?"

Claire nodded. "Sounds good for you. Of course, I love to train my Pokémon and participate in Pokémon battles. But when I'm not doing either, I like playing video games and watching anime. I prefer manga over comics, but I read both."

Zeke raised an eyebrow. "You like those kinds of activities. Makes you seem like a geek don't you think?"

Claire laughed. "Yeah, I don't really care though."

Zeke pointed down the road. "Hey, do you see someone over there?"

Claire looked in the direction he was pointing at and nodded. "Yeah, it looks like he's tossing something. I have a feeling he's waiting for someone."

"Let's talk to him," said Zeke.

When they got closer, they noticed that the man was tossing up and down a pokéball. He noticed them and turned around.

He looked to be about eighteen. He wore a red jacket with a pokéball sign, as well as a red hat. He wore a white undershirt and jeans.

"Challengers spotted! Good afternoon, almost evening! My name is Matthias, and I'm a Pokémon trainer! A strong one at that! I challenge both of you to a Pokémon battle!"

"Ha!" said Claire. "I'd never back down from a challenge like that! You're on."

"Let's do this Claire," agreed Zeke.

Matthias nodded and took a few steps back. "I've been waiting on this road for two hours, waiting for you guys to get here. I won't lose! Go, Riolu and Kirlia!"

"Out, Natsu!"

"I choose you, Ga'hoole!"

All four Pokémon appeared and landed on the ground. Riolu and Natsu charged at each other, both Pokémon itching for a battle.

"Riolu, Force Palm! Kirlia, stop the assault with Psybeam!"

"Use Smokescreen and dodge both attacks!"

Natsu sprayed a cloud of smoke and dodged the Riolu's Force Palm, getting deep into the cloud. The Kirlia focused its attention on Ga'hoole and fired a Psybeam.

"Dodge it Ga'hoole!"

Ga'hoole flew into the air and avoided the attack. With another command, he fired Leafage at the Kirlia, flapping his wings and sending a flurry of leaves. The Kirlia blew them away with Fairy Wind and turned to smoke.

"Riolu, use Foresight!"

Inside of the cloud, his Riolu looked around and focused. Natsu spotted the Riolu and leapt at him, charged up with dragon energy. The Riolu dodged the attack and used Force Palm, throwing Natsu backwards.

"Be careful Natsu, the Riolu's going to be more perceptive now that it's identified you. Use Flame Burst!"

At that moment. The Kirlia was able to break away from its ranged warfare with Ga'hoole and use Fairy Wind, blowing the smoke away with an exchange of pink wind.

"Now Ga'hoole, hit the Riolu with Leafage!"

Now that visibility on the Riolu was restored, Ga'hoole had a clear shot as it dove out of the way. He fired a group of leaves that directly hit the Pokémon, throwing backwards.

"Good hit, but we aren't so easily defeated! Get ready Riolu."

"Claire, me and Ga'hoole are going to go for the Riolu, you and Natsu get the Kirlia. Ga'hoole, use Peck!"

"Trust me, that Kirlia is going down! Scratch!"

"Kirlia, use Psybeam! Riolu, prepare yourself!"

Ga'hoole dove down towards the Riolu as the Kirlia fired a beam of psychic energy at Natsu. Natsu sidestepped the attack and used Flame Burst, bruning the Kirlia while throwing it backwards. Zeke noticed something was odd with the way the Riolu stood, awaiting the attack.

"Don't attack!" shouted Zeke.

Ga'hoole swerved upwards at the last moment. The Riolu tried attacking with a Quick Attack, but Ga'hoole was too high for the attack to land.

"I see you read my counter attack before it happened. But it doesn't matter, your Rowlet can't fly forever."

"We'll see how long he can. Razor Leaf!"

"Use Quick Attack and dodge every move he uses! He's going to mainly use ranged attacks from the air, so get ready to strike once he's all tuckered out! Kirlia, use Shadow Sneak!"

The Kirlia created a projection of her shadow that rushed forward and attacked Natsu. The Charmander broke free from the shadow's grip and leapt forward, attacking with Scratch. The attack connected and the Kirlia fell backwards before springing forward with Draining Kiss.

"Nice try! Flame Burst!"

Before the Kirlia could land the attack, it was blasted backwards by the point blank fire attack.

"Kirlia, get back and hit it with Psybeam!"

"Fire Spin!"

Natsu breathed a stream of fire that curled around the Kirlia, entrapping it in a fire vortex. It cried out in pain as the fire swept around it.

On the other side of the battlefield. Ga'hoole was flying circles around the Riolu, who tried in vain to hit him. So far, neither had landed a solid attack but with the Kirlia almost defeated, it was going to be a two versus one.

"Go all out Riolu!"

"All right then, close the distance Ga'hoole!"

Ga'hoole flew forward as the Riolu rushed him. Ga'hoole came to a halt in mid-air and used Shadow Sneak, sending out a projection of his shadow that gripped the Riolu.

"Darn it! Break free and use Force Palm before-"

"Now Ga'hoole!"

Ga'hoole used Razor Leaf, blasting the Riolu backwards. Before he could add a follow up strike though, Natsu used Flame Burst and finished the job.

The trainer signed and returned his Pokémon. "Good match guys, ya beat me."

They shook the trainer's hand as their Pokémon celebrated in the background.

"Your Pokémon were strong," said Claire. "By the way, where did you catch your Kirlia?"

"I evolved her from a Ralts yesterday," explained Matthias. "Found her around this area."

Claire looked to Zeke, who raised an eyebrow.

"Before you ask, I know exactly what you're thinking.'

Team Katsuya

"All right guys," said Calvin. "We just need to go through this patch of trees and we're home free."

"Great," said Kendra. "I've been in here for way too long."

Calvin gave her an odd look and opened his mouth, but decided against it.

They continued to walk in silence, which is what most of them preferred. They moved through the trees, watching out for dangling branches and sharp thorns.

They made it through the trees and found themselves in a large clearing, the sun finally finding its way to the ground. There was a large settlement with the customary white tents and a sign that said Settlement September.

"Thank you for helping us," said Kendra. "Could you point out where to heal my Pokémon?"

"Sure," said Calvin. "It's the tent with the red flag."

Kendra nodded and all three of them went inside. They were greeted by a cute looking nurse with purplish hair. She took their Pokémon and put them through the machine, restoring their energy and fixing any minor injuries.

They thanked the nurse, with Calvin adding an extra wave, and left. When they exited the tent, Katsuya turned around to face Calvin.

"So where's this gym leader?"

"That's simple, follow me."

Katsuya rolled his eyes, but he followed Calvin and Kendra as he led them to the edge of the settlement. When Calvin stopped, there was a path carved through the marsh.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" asked Katsuya impatiently.

"Sorry, but I'm not allowed to take you any farther. You are to go through the marsh, escaping quicksand, wild Pokémon, and other hazards whilst battling against other trainers who wish to impede your path. Good luck, you're gym challenge begins now."

With that, he strode into the marsh, and disappeared behind a tree.

"Well that's great," said Kendra. "I figured it wouldn't be that easy."

"Stop whining. Come one."

"Hold on," said Kendra. "There's some gear over by that tree."

Kendra walked over and found some heavy duty boots, overalls, and round hats. She thanked Arceus that they provided clothes to protect from god knows what was out there.

"I doubt that stuff is necessary, unless you're a wimp."

"Keep saying that. Once you sink in quicksand and have the only clothes you bought on the journey soiled, sticky, and very disgusting, don't say I didn't warn you."

Katsuya eyed her for a few seconds before relenting and grabbing his own gear. They put the overalls and tugged on their boots, putting their shoes in a designated show area.

Katsuya ignored the hats and marched on as Kenrda pulled her hair tie out and stuffed it down her hat.

Kendra jogged to catch up to Katsuya as he walked swiftly through the marsh. Kendra pulled out a flashlight, and after second thought, passed one to Katsuya. He accepted it without a word and switched it on.

They trudged through the swamp in silence, unwilling to talk to each other. Kendra fidgeted with her hands as she looked everywhere, getting increasingly nervous about the entire situation.

"Is this legal?" whispered Kendra. "They wouldn't put real hazards in a reality show, right?"

Katsuya didn't answer.

Kendra sighed and continued on. There was a loud squelching sound, causing Kendra to leapt back in panic. Only, she didn't leap back. Instead, her foot was sucked downwards as she fell backwards with another loud squelch. She came to the dreadful realization that she was sinking in quicksand.

She screamed and started struggling in the goopy mess. Katsuya turned around, slightly alarmed as she struggled and trashed, only sucking herself deeper until she was up to the back of her head in the stuff.

"Stop thrashing! You're only making it worse!" shouted Katsuya, grabbing a stick off the ground.

He carefully moved over to her and stuck it into the ground near where he expected her hand to be. Suddenly, he stopped. Any expression of worry and fear was immediately wiped off his face as he shrugged and turned around.

"Where are you going?" shouted Kendra. "You're just going to leave me here to-"

"If you'd calm down, you'd notice that you're not sinking anymore."

Kendra froze, and then realized he was right. With a great amount of effort, she managed to pull herself to a sitting position.

"See, you're fine," said Katsuya, rolling his eyes.

Kendra turned red and clawed at the edge of the pool, getting to her feet and falling forward onto dry land.

"You'd be freaking out if it happened to you!"

"And here you were saying I was going to get stuck in quicksand."

Team One

Seth and Alicia walked through the tunnels, with Seth leading the way. He scratched his head as he looked at the tunnel walls, staring down two different tunnels.

"Let me guess, you don't know where to go," said Alicia.

"Look, all these tunnel walls look the same. Let's take the left tunnel."

Alicia sighed as if she knew something, but followed him.

As they walked, a light from around a bend became visible. Seth laughed, giving Alicia a told you so look before jogging off. Alicia smirked and hung back behind the bend.

"Hey, back so soon?" asked a familiar voice.

Seth turned in surprise and saw a gym trainer there. Her uniform had dark type motifs on it and she had purple hair styled into a bob cut and glittering nails. She was currently on her phone, playing some game.

"Didn't we battle you already?" asked Seth incredulously.

"Yes you did," said the girl, not looking up.

"Then," Seth paused, a terrible realization dawning on his face.

"We've been going in circles for the past ten minutes!" he shouted, his voice echoing throughout the cave.

"Pretty much," said the girl. "Not my problem though. I just have to sit here until you beat the challenge, and it's pretty chill. I can't give you hints so too bad."

"Oh don't worry," said Alicia, walking up to them. "I know how to do this."

Seth turned around. "Yeah right! If you did, you wouldn't have made me stumble around for the past twenty minutes."

"No, it was funny seeing the fact you didn't have a clue what to do. Pass me the bag."

Seth obliged, lacking better options. She pulled out a few tent stakes and a large ball of tent rope. Used for securing the tent, making temporary fences, and other stuff.

"My plan is simple. We use these to mark where we went every fork. The sharp end points to the tunnel we took, and the string will be a trail to make sure we can double back safely and don't unknowingly double back if a trail leads around."

Seth sighed. "Ya got me. Lead on."

Alicia turned around, a self satisfied smile on her face. "Like it should be."

Thank you for sticking to the end of the episode. Sorry for taking so long. The team had a long weekend and was adamant on enjoying it to the fullest. Two extra days of no work! Besides, my long commute is what pushes me to work on these stories. Without it, I can't focus.

Anyways, what will happen next? Will Team One defeat the rock gym before Team Katsuya? Will Kendra get some better luck? What about the other two groups? Find out and see, on Pokéstars: Island of Challenge!