Chapter 10
The time has arrived for our first trial, encountering Captain Ilima. He greets, "Greetings. Captain Ilima here. And my trial begins mere steps from here in Verdant Cavern!"
The cavern's sight fills us with awe. He adds, "Note that the Pokémon living within Verdant Cavern are quite fierce. I wouldn't venture in unless you've prepared some Potions and so forth. Through attempting the trials during the island challenge, one can exceed his or her own limits. ...That is what the Alolan people believe. Once you enter Verdant Cavern, you will not be able to leave until you have completed the trial. Are you prepared for the trial?"
"You bet." I affirm, and we enter the Verdant Cavern. Ilima states, "Let me formally welcome you to Verdant Cavern! I am your captain, Ilima. Allow me to explain the basics of my trial. What you should attempt to do is..." We notice some Yungoos chasing after Rattata into the dens, and he continues, "...defeat four of the Pokémon that lurk here in their dens! Then reach the pedestal deep within the cave... and collect the Z-Crystal there! You'll need to be completely in sync with your Pokémon to succeed."
"Sounds like a piece of cake," I chuckle, but then we hear a loud cry.
"Oh dear! And there's one more thing I forgot to mention." Ilima adds with a hint of concern. "Many strong Pokémon make their home in this cave, but one stronger and more fearsome than all the rest, known as a Totem Pokémon, also resides here! It will be the greatest obstacle you face as you attempt to clear my trial!"
"So, we're up against two Totem Pokémon?" Lillie queries.
"Yes. By the way, until you clear the trial, you will not be able to catch Pokémon in Verdant Cavern. This is but one of the eight trials you will face during your island challenge. And it begins now! The trial of Captain Ilima!"
As we venture in, both of us commence our trials by seeking out the Pokémon to battle. I spot an Alolan Rattata while Lillie encounters a Yungoos. With Rowlet and Pikipek by our side, we swiftly defeat them in unison. However, the final two Pokemon are hard to catch because they are good at escaping to different dens.
"These last two are tricky... They keep slipping into different dens," Lillie remarks, looking perplexed.
"Exactly! By the time we reach one den, they're already darting off to another," I exclaim with a frustrated shake of my head.
Much to our annoyance, the same duo of Team Skull Grunts rush in, and one of them quips, "Yo, yo, yo!" "It's your bad beach boys, back... back again! Remember us?"
"Who are you guys again?" I retort, not in the mood to engage.
They exchange glances before swapping positions. One of the grunts responds, "You don't remember us just because we switched places?"
"Who cares about that anyway?! We're here to mess the trial up, yo!" "Oh yeah, that's right! Yo, let's get that Pokemon, homie!"
Reluctantly, we're dragged into a battle with the two grunts. Despite their attempts with Drowzee and Zubat to disrupt us, we swiftly defeat them in no time.
"Is it cool for me to be in Team Skull if I'm this brittle?" he gasps. "What's up with that?"
"For real, though?! I can't get my skull around it! These kids' mad strong, yo!" the other grunt says.
"Naw, it ain't even like that. Those kids are straight up dangerous, homie!" "I don't know, man... isn't this whole place trouble?!"
"Yeah! It totally is, homie! I mean, that thing is so strong that regular Pokemon don't even wanna come out and battle!" They attempt to flee but end up circling back. "Yo, kids! You know there's a mad strong Pokemon lurking back here somewhere, right? I'd run if I were you."
"Naw, we're not going out like that! We gotta get our revenge! Go stand over that den and catch that skulking Yungoos, yo!" "For real?! Fine! I got no bones to pick with you!"
They're odd, but oddly helpful. With their aid in blocking the dens, Lillie and I confront the final two Pokémon: Raticate and Gumshoos. I handle the Gumshoos using Rowlet, while Lillie takes down the Raticate with Pikipek.
Upon triumphing over the Pokémon, we realize that Ilima has already ushered the two grunts away. As we approach, the trial guide exclaims, "Fantastic! You proved your strength to all four Pokemon! Then go right ahead inside!"
Stepping into the Totem's Den, the Totem Gumshoos and the Totem Alolan Raticate make their grand appearance.
"Whoa! Look at that, Lillie! The Totem Pokémon!" I exclaim in awe.
"Wow, they seem incredibly strong, Ash. Are we prepared for this?" Lillie asks, a hint of nervousness evident.
"Definitely! We've made it this far, Lillie. It's our moment to shine!" I say.
Both Pokemon emit orange aura, raising their defenses, with determination, we opt to deploy Infernape and Pikachu to face off against the formidable duo of Totem Pokémon.
The intense clash begins as Pikachu leaps into action, unleashing an Electro Ball toward the Totem Gumshoos. However, Gumshoos quickly responds, using Sand Attack to deflect Pikachu's attack. I watch in astonishment as the sand intercepts Pikachu's move, allowing Gumshoos to strike Pikachu from behind, sending my trusty Pokémon flying across the battlefield.
Lillie commands Infernape to unleash a Flamethrower while the Totem Alolan Raticate counters with a powerful Hyper Fang. Infernape's attack is intercepted, causing a fiery clash that sends sparks flying across the battlefield. Raticate's fierce Hyper Fang manages to pierce through the flames, landing a direct hit on Infernape, who staggers back.
"Pikachu, hang in there! Let's counter with a Quick Attack!" I command, urgency coloring my voice. But as Pikachu charges forward, Gumshoos strikes again with Sand Attack. Pikachu swiftly adapts, darting directly into the sand and swirling around Gumshoos, dispersing the sand to create a thick dust cloud that disorients the Totem Pokémon.
"Now's our chance, Pikachu! Finish it with a Thunderbolt!" I call out, hoping this will be the decisive blow. However, Gumshoos manages to break free from the Thunderbolt, showing signs of continuing the battle. Yet, despite its effort, the Totem Pokémon collapses to the ground, unable to continue the fight.
"Infernape, use your speed! Agilily strike with Mach Punch!" Lillie yells, determined not to give up. Infernape swiftly recovers, dashing forward with incredible speed, landing a series of rapid Mach Punches on the Totem Alolan Raticate. The Totem Pokémon struggles to regain composure. Lillie seizes the moment, "Infernape, finish it with Flare Blitz!" Infernape gathers its fiery energy and charges towards Raticate at blinding speed. The intense collision creates a blazing impact, engulfing both Pokémon in flames.
As the smoke clears, Totem Raticate appears to stand its ground, seemingly ready to continue the fight. Yet, with a sudden slump, the Totem Pokémon collapses, unable to battle any longer.
"We did it!" Both Lillie and I cheer exuberantly after emerging triumphant. Ilima approaches, accompanied by our other companions, and exclaims, "What incredible Trainers you are! For you to be able to defeat the Totem Pokémon that I had trained up to such a powerful state... I don't know what I can say!"
"Wait, so you trained those two Pokémon? No wonder they don't seem hostile toward each other," Trenor observes.
"Working in harmony with your Pokémon, you have cleared the trial of Ilima! You're a phenomenal Trainer! Congratulations, Ash and Lillie! The Z-Crystals from the pedestal are yours now!" Ilima congratulates us warmly.
Grasping the Normalium-Z, our group erupts in cheers, celebrating our progress.
"What you have just received is the Normal Z-Crystal! It is known as Normalium Z! Now if you let a Pokémon that can use a Normal-type-move hold that..." Ilima begins explaining, demonstrating the pose for the Normal Type Z-Move. He crosses his arms in a straight line, with the right hand positioned below and the left hand on top. Then, he gracefully transitions his arms to form a 'Z' shape in the air, tracing the letter with a fluid motion. "...and strike an elegant pose like this one... then you will be able to strengthen a Normal-type move by unleashing Z-Power!"
"I see..." We nod in comprehension, taking note of the movement Ilima demonstrated.
"Moving right along... Ah, yes. First, there is one thing I forgot to mention. The Totem Pokémon! In every locale where a captain holds his or her trials, you will encounter a particularly strong Pokémon, like Gumshoos and Raticate just now. And during battles against such Pokémon, they may summon allies to shore up their offense. It's not a tactic often seen in other regions. Perhaps Pokémon in Alola are simply more inclined to help one another?"
"Summoning allies... we didn't witness that during this battle..." Rosa points out.
"Since you have managed to defeat the Totem Pokémon and proved yourself, you can now try to catch any of the Pokémon you find here in this cave. In fact, have some Great Balls." Ilima offers, handing us the items.
"And here, let me see to your Pokémon after all of their hard work in there!" He proceeds to heal our Pokémon. "If we're done here, I have something interesting I'd like to show you. Come with me to Route 3."
As we prepare to leave, we encounter Dulse and Zossie once more. Zossie exclaims, "Wow! A Z-Crystal!"
"So that is what they call a Z-Crystal! It appears that Alola's mysterious Z-Crystals are received for overcoming trials, is that right?" Dulse inquires, turning to me for confirmation.
They attempt the Alola pose but form a rectangular shape instead of a circle. "I suppose it may be admirable to overcome such trials using your own strength and skill... rather than relying on technology, as we do."
"I'm Zossie! You're kind of awesome, you know?" Zossie introduces herself warmly.
"Ah. This is when you are supposed to say "Alola" to one another, is it not? I am Dulse," he adds with a nod.
"And we're part of the Ultra Recon Squad, yup! That ball thing you used there... That is some amazing bit of tech! We might just have to borrow that idea! We're investigating all about Z-Crystals and auras and all kinds of stuff. So I guess we'll probably see you around!"Zossie says cheerfully.
"Yeah... fellow Ultra Recon Squad members..." I reply, watching as they depart.
As we make our way out of the cave, we notice an inquisitive Alolan Diglett taking an interest in us. Trenor suggests capturing it, recognizing the Pokémon's uniqueness and wanting to add it to our team.
Diglett (Alolan Form): The Mole Pokemon: Ground and Steel Type. Its head sports an altered form of whiskers made of metal. When in communication with its comrades, its whiskers wobble to and fro.
As we step out of the cavern, Ilima enlightens us, "As you travel around the islands of Alola, you will find captains' barricades here and there. These barricades help mark areas where particularly strong Pokémon can be found. Anyone can pass through them, of course, if they are escorted by a strong Trainer. Those attempting the island challenge can pass the barricades, as long as they clear the trials. Are you ready? Then behold the power of a captain!"
With a nod to the Trial Guide, Ilima oversees the removal of the barricade blocking Route 2 from Route 3. "Voila! Your world just got a little bigger. I am the only captain here on Melemele Island, meaning my trial is the only one here. Now that you have cleared the trial, please inform our island kahuna, Hala!"
Professor Kukui suddenly appears before us, waving enthusiastically. "Hey there! Oooh, looking at the expression on Ilima's face, I'd say you cleared your first trial, yeah?"
"Lillie and Ash did, but I've held back to train a bit more," Selene explains.
"Guess I better give you a little reward... Time to learn about Z-Power. Woo!" Kukui laughs, "Start off by selecting a compatible Z-Crystal from the Z-Crystals Pocket in your Bag, yeah! Then use the Z-Crystal you chose on a Pokémon! Z-Crystals are compatible with a Pokémon if it knows a move of the same type as the crystal. Have your Pokémon hold Z-Crystals, and you'll be able to use Z-Power in battles! And don't worry, you can use your Z-Crystals over and over on as many Pokémon as you want! Watch and learn, cousin!"
Professor Kukui swiftly sends out his Braviary and activates the Z-Ring. With a resounding cry, he exclaims, "If it's holding a Normalium Z and you choose a Normal-type move... you can use Z-Power! Check it out! Breakneck Blitz!"
Following the Professor's lead, Braviary channels the Z-Power, enveloped in an intense orange aura. It hurtles toward the ocean with incredible speed, executing a powerful tackle with tremendous force. The clash creates a stunning display of energy as Braviary unleashes the formidable Z-Move.
"Wow..." We stand in astonishment, utterly impressed by the display of power. Professor Kukui explains, "Phew! Z-Powers heap all of a Trainer's feelings onto a Pokémon, yeah, which totally wears you out! Using Z-Power once per battle is all a team can handle, yeah."
"Oh, so is that why you've been looking so ragged, Professor?" Ilima inquires.
"No! It's like I was hit with Amnesia!" Professor Kukui chuckles. We then devise a plan to enlist Totem Gumshoos' help to deal with the Alolan Rattata and Raticate causing trouble in the supermarket alongside Officer Jenny. With the Totem Gumshoos' assistance, they manage to scare the mischievous Pokémon away. In the end, Officer Jenny successfully captures one of the Gumshoos, and Hala is excited for the two of us to face him in the Grand Trial.
Here is a new chapter, and now Ash and Lillie have finished the first Trial. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be Route 3.
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