Chapter 9

The day following class, we opt to undertake Ilima's Trial at the Verdant Cavern, so we set off toward Route 2. Suddenly, Lillie inquires, "I read something in an old book once. It said that the island challenges were once a journey made to prove yourself and gain the strength to battle against the guardian deities of Alola. Like Tapu Koko... The people in Iki Town said that Tapu Koko loves Pokémon battles, didn't they?"

Nebby starts shaking in the bag again, and I remark, "I really hope the trial goes well for us." As we pass by, we spot an accident involving a Tauros carriage. We decide to inquire, and Officer Jenny informs us that Rattata and Raticate are causing chaos in the field by devouring everything. Their antics startle three Tauros pulling a load of timber, causing the timber to scatter.

"Are you students from the Pokémon School?" Officer Jenny queries us. "I'm Officer Jenny, here to assist. I'm a graduate of the Pokémon School as well."

"Really? That's impressive," I remark. Just then, Hala arrives and lends a hand with the scattered timber. Lillie says, "It's Kahuna Hala!"

After helping with the timber, Hala inquires, "I've heard from Ilima that you two are embarking on the Island Challenge?"

"Yeah, we're aiming to obtain a Z-Crystal," Lillie responds.

"If it's alright, I have a question for you. You're aware of the troubles caused by Rattata and Raticate on this island. If you were tasked with solving this problem, what would you do?" Hala asks.

"Let me guess, it can't involve battling, right?" I interject.

"Yes, precisely. Do you know why the Island Challenge began many years ago? It wasn't solely to strengthen trainers in battles, but to nurture young individuals to care for and protect the islands of Alola, along with the diverse people and Pokémon residing on them."

Lillie remarks, "I've noticed that Yungoos and Rattata don't seem to appear simultaneously on the routes. I wonder if there's a connection."

"So, are you proposing that we enlist the help of Yungoos and Gumshoos to address the issue?" Nate suggests.

"That's a perceptive and thoughtful idea. That's the response I was hoping for. The question I posed was a test to gauge whether you possess the qualities required for the trial," Hala explains.

"We get it," we both acknowledge, just as the Tauros reappear once more. Hala suggests, "Want to try giving him a little pat again? That's the only way he'll get used to you."

"Sure," Lillie responds, reaching out to touch its horn. Hala observes, "Maybe old Tauros here can feel your love for Pokémon. He sure seems happy to know you. And yet... It still seems to me like Tauros wants to stretch his legs on his own island challenge! Ha!"

In a sudden burst of energy, the Tauros dashes off, prompting Hala to exclaim, "What! You want to play tag, now? The Melemele kahuna never loses, friend!" With that, he swiftly races after the Tauros.

As we reach Route 2, the shaking grass conceals Pokémon, and we press on until we arrive at the Hau'oli Cemetery. Rosa comments, "So, this is where the graveyard in this region is located..."

Selene chimes in, "I believe this could be an ideal spot to capture some Ghost-type Pokémon."

Spotting a Zubat and a Gastly, Selene rushes to catch both of them and once she secures the Pokémon she desires, we decide to depart.

Continuing our journey, a Crabrawler herds us toward a motel, and the owner cheerfully greets us, "We're right by the sea! Welcome to my wonderful seaside motel! My Crabrawler has a knack for bringing in passersby so I can send them down by the bay. Though lately, he's been a bit too effective, and I'm all out of vacant rooms to offer you."

"We're not here for lodging," Trenor responds.

"But that doesn't mean you've come here for nothing! Follow me this way," the owner exclaims. We trail behind him until we reach a beach.

"See that! Behold that vast stretch of beach! Its name is Big Wave Beach. There are quite a few intriguing Pokémon to be found there, so I'd recommend taking a look. And, as a little tidbit, the path to the beach was crafted by none other than yours truly. Yes, just me and my trusty Crabrawler!"

Arriving at the beach, we're captivated by the vendors and the Mantine Surfing activity. A swimmer approaches us and exclaims, "Hey there, little cousins! Welcome to Big Wave Beach! You've landed at the perfect spot if you're up for some Mantine Surf!"

"Mantine Surf?" Selene inquires.

"Mantine Surf is precisely what it sounds like. You hop onto the back of our Mantine... and then you surf! It's an incredible sport where you can ride the ocean waves! But youngsters like yourselves who want to try Mantine Surfing need to toughen up and prove they can handle it first. Surfing can be a bit risky, to be honest. Come back when you're as resilient as a true kahuna, alright? Mantine and I will eagerly await your return! Although, wait... Can Mantine even hold its breath? Do they breathe at all?

"So, unless we defeat the Grand Trial... we won't be able to try Mantine Surf," Rosa remarks.

"Well, that's alright. We weren't here for surfing anyway," I comment.

Just as we're preparing to depart, we notice a commotion caused by Team Skull. "Hey, Team Skull. You're aware you're not allowed to ride here."

"What's up with that? We look like kids to you or somethin'?" they retort.

"No, the real reason is-" the swimmer starts, then hesitates.

"Yeah, the real reason is?"

"Every time you try, you keep up those ridiculous dance moves even on Mantine's back. And then you end up in the water."

"You want us to stop dancing?! That's our identity, yo! It's all we've got!" "Man, forget her, B!" "We're Team Skull! No one can stop us from acting hardheaded!"

They then try to rush toward the Mantine and harass it. The Swimmer urgently calls out, "Somebody! Please help keep these numskulls away from Mantine!"

"Looks like we'll have to intervene again," Lillie remarks.

"Yeah," we agree, stepping forward to face them. "What're you looking at, short stuff? Huh? Huh... Wait, huh?! You're those kids!"

"You wanna scrap, tiny Trainers? A battle, yo? You might've beat us in Hau'oli City, but we'll put our hands together to beat you this time!"

It appears they haven't improved much since our last encounter, and this time they have a Drowzee attempting to hypnotize our Pokémon. However, for Absol and Zoroark, those moves aren't quite effective, and they are swiftly defeated.

"Yo, I'm feelin' mad annoyed that my team just got destroyed!" He grumbles, "Seriously, home slices?! You're too strong for kids, yo! Argh! I've gotta go make someone else miserable to feel better! Let's go mess with Ilima again, B!"

"I'm down with that. Verdant Cavern's pretty close by anyway. Hey you! You better listen to what my homie says and drill it into that thick skull of yours! Seriously! You'd better not forget, numskull!"

hey sprint off once more, and the swimmer remarks,"Great job, kids! Thanks to you, Mantine won't have to endure their terrible surfing skills! You're skilled Trainers, just as I'd expect from trial-goers on the island challenge! Here, take these."

We receive Fresh Waters from her, and she adds, "With how well you handled that battle, I'm confident you could take on Captain Ilima's trial. Even Kahuna Hala might say you're ready to tackle all of Alola."

"If only you knew..." Trenor mutters.

"If he deems you ready, return here, and we'll get you on Mantine in no time!" she adds before we decide to leave.

As we're about to enter the Berry Fields, our path is interrupted by the appearance of members from the Ultra Recon Squad in front of us. The man remarks, "Yes, I see… So this way lies Verdant Cavern… It is one of the places in this land filled with the Blinding One's power… Most certainly worth investigating!"

Yup! The aura levels are really high!" the girl responds.

"Calm yourself, Zossie. It will be difficult for us to investigate it, though, since we do not use Pokémon of our own… We will have to think of some other way. Perhaps we could use our technology to find a way to control Pokémon…" the man muses.

"Maybe I could go in as a trial-goer? Take on the trial and everything? Though I don't have one of those island challenge amulet thingies…" Zossie suggests.

After their departure, I comment, "I think I've heard their names before... They must be Dulse and Zossie, the ones Captain Phyco mentioned."

"I suppose you're right," Lillie acknowledges. Then we enter the Berry Fields, we are welcomed by the old man to have some berries, and we also find a lot of Delibirds there. Then we also spot a Crabrawler trying to steal the berries, we stop him and also capture him in our Pokeballs.

Crabrawler: The Boxing Pokemon: Fighting Type. While guarding its weak points with its pincers, it looks for an opening and unleashes punches. When it loses, it foams at the mouth and faints.

As we reach the northern part of Route 2, we spot the Pokémon Center situated in front of the Verdant Cavern. To our surprise, Hau is there waiting for us. "Howzit, guys? Your Pokémon doing all right?" he greets us.

"Yeah, we're doing fine," Trenor replies.

"Well, I know Rowlet and the rest of my team have seen better days, that's for sure! Come on. Let's stop by the PMC!" Hau suggests, leading the way.

As we step inside, Hau begins, "You know that Verdant Cavern place, right? I guess it's kinda, like, sacred to Tapu Koko. You aren't even allowed to go into it unless you're on your island challenge."

"I see, that's good to be aware of," Selene responds.

"Oh yeah! Almost forgot! I have something pretty amazing to share with you. You lucky thing!" Hau hands us three Revives and continues, "Revives are solid items to have! If your Pokémon faints in battle and can't go on, then a Revive will perk 'em right back up! But you probably won't find Revives here. Didja know that Poké Marts sometimes sell different things? And not just that! The two clerks at the counter even sell different things from one another!"

"We already know that..." Lillie mutters.

"Oh yeah! But you've got that Rotom Phone, right? If you tap it and play with it a lot, then you can use Roto Loto, too, right?" Hau asks as we're confused.

Selene's Rotom Phone suddenly pops out and says, "That'zzz right! Give me a tap when my eyezzz flash!"

"Awesome! Do it, player! Do it! Try Roto Loto for me!" Selene is confused as she taps on the screen, and it seems that Rotom is giving her 2 Roto boosts.

"That's so cool! Roto Loto can even make your team stronger! I wonder what other kinda Rotom Powers there are, too!" Hau says.

"I wonder we can do that as well..." I say while we all use our Rotom Phones, and we get other Roto Loto items like Roto Friendship, Roto Hatch, and so on. Then we decide to leave the Pokemon Center so we can do the Trial.

Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, we explore Route 2 and I hope you like it.

Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:

Charizard, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Rattata (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Meowth (Alolan), Grimer (Alolan), Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Rowlet, Popplio, Pikipek, Yungoos, Grubbin, Crabrawler, Magearna (Shiny), Kleavor