Chapter 48
As we step onto Ancient Poni Path, we're surprised to encounter members of Team Skull obstructing our way. Lillie asks, "You're from Team Skull. What is it that you want from us?"
"Here they come! I hear about you numskulls at Aether. Do you really know how to open an Ultra Wormhole and save our boy Guzma?!" The first grunt demands.
"Lemme see if you really are bad to the bone enough to save our boy Guzma!" The second grunt challenges us, sending out an Ekans. However, we swiftly defeat it with Bruxish's Psychic Fangs.
"Ow, that hurts! Even my heart hurts!" the grunt exclaims. "OK, no bones about it - you're way stronger than me!"
"Doesn't matter! We'll come after you with all our Pokemon at once then, li'l home slice! We'll give 500 percent to save our boy Guzma!" Then they attack at the same time, and we're forced to battle all of them.
But it's also fine, since I also get to try the new Z-Move that I've obtained. I equip the Aloraichium Z and initiate the electric dance. "Use Stoked Sparksurfer!"
Alolan Raichu surfs into the air before crashing down on the opponent Pokemon, defeating them all in the end.
With them all defeated, the grunt says, "I may have lost, but listen up, yo! Please save Guzma for us!"
"You dummies." Just great, here comes Plumeria. "They're trying to save the boss, so what do you wanna get in their way for?!"
She leaps down and says, "Hmmph. You, girlie... Lillie, right? You really ready to do this finally? 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 responds, "The president... My mother is— She's selfish. She decides all by herself what she thinks needs to be done to make other people happy, not even caring what it is they may want... But people ought to help one another out! That is what I have learned here in Alola! And that is what I'm going to teach her, too. Then I think we can save Mr. Guzma."
"You know...deep down, you're kind of like the president. You've gone in a different direction, but I can tell you have the same strength in your convictions." Plumeria acknowledges, shaking her head. "Ash... Lillie... I know you've got no reason to help, but... But could you help us save Guzma?"
"You can count on us." I respond, and she takes out two Z-Crystals. "That big dummy... I don't think he's even aware of it, but... Alola really means a lot to him. That's why he's doing something so reckless to try to save it. The Poison-type Z-Crystal... Maybe it'll help you somehow."
We receive the Poisonium-Zs, and she says, "I guess giving you this Z-Crystal is also kind of, what did you call it, helping each other? Oh yeah... You got your first stone directly from Tapu Koko, didn't you, Ash? You'd better take care of it. That's one special Z-Power Ring you've got there. A Trainer is only a Trainer because of the Pokémon with them. If you ever forget that, you'll bring the wrath of the tapu down upon yourself. You should be fine, though. I'm out of here."
After ushering the grunts to leave, Selene remarks, "I suppose even Team Skull is not all bad..."
"Yeah, now let's go," I say as we make our way toward Vast Poni Canyon.
Inside the entrance of Vast Poni Canyon, we encounter Hapu, and she says, "Did everything go well?"
"Of course," Lillie responds, displaying the Sun Flute. "We received a lot of help to obtain this."
"Nothing wrong with that, Lillie. People cannot survive all on their own. They have to help one another out. The same goes for Pokémon, too. That's what my grandfather used to say," Hapu remarks. "It's your kindness, Ash, that keeps that brilliant smile on Lillie's face."
Really? Now she's teasing me and Lillie's relationship? Dulse and Zossie suddenly appear, and Dulse declares, "Please wait. We have been betrayed by Lusamine... And now we are expected to put our faith in children like you next? Even if we are still weak, we have also learned to do battle with Pokémon... We should be the ones to resolve the situation with Necrozma ourselves! I will defeat you, and we will handle things with our own power this time!"
I interject, "It's useless. Lillie and I are also members of the Ultra Recon Squad." Then, Bruxish defeats the Poipole with a Psychic attack.
"D-do I... Do I understand my Pokémon a little better now?" Dulse mutters. "Can we not stand up against the long history of a region like Alola, where the culture of Pokémon battling has had so long to develop?"
Zossie chimes in, "Mm-hmm. The people of Alola get along and get to know each other through Pokémon battles."
Hapu steps forward and says, "Greetings. I am the kahuna of this island, Hapu. You are from the beasts' world, are you not? We in Alola have long lived together with our Pokémon, being aided by them to survive. If you are in some sort of trouble, then we will gladly come to your aid however we can."
We all agree, and Dulse says, "That is most generous of you... When Necrozma comes, then...will you battle it?"
"We will battle it," I affirm. "We also owe Captain Phyco and Soliera for bringing us back home from the Ultra Dimensions."
"Well then! The path to the shrine is through the canyon. You will find other Trainers in this place, though. They come for training. It will be a tough road," Hapu says. "You will have to pitch in too, Lillie. But if you end up in any real trouble, Mudsdale and I will hasten to you."
"Thank you, Hapu. I will do all I can to help!" Lillie smiles.
As we gaze at the entrance, Trenor remarks, "The vast canyon... I wonder what we will find ahead. And what a mysterious statue... Do you think it means something?"
"I don't know," I reply.
In Vast Poni Canyon, we encounter numerous trainers to battle and navigate through various puzzles. This location is where the magnetic field resides, enabling us to evolve Charjabug into a Vikavolt.
Vikavolt: The Stag Beetle Pokemon: Bug and Electric Type. Evolve from Charjabug when leveled up in a special magnetic field. It has an organ that generates electricity in its abdomen. It concentrates energy in its strong jaws and fires off powerful jolts of electricity.
As we explore Vast Poni Canyon, our Sandygast evolves into Palossand, achieving its higher form. This evolution brings with it the new move Shore Up, which proves incredibly beneficial as it aids Palossand in recovering its health whenever necessary. This newfound ability significantly bolsters our team's resilience during battles in the challenging terrain of the canyon.
Palossand: The Sand Castle Pokemon: Ghost and Ground Type. Evolve from Sandygast at LV:42. Possessed people controlled by this Pokémon transformed its sand mound into a castle. As it evolved, its power to curse grew ever stronger.
As we progress through Vast Poni Canyon, we encounter a Jangmo-o, a Pokémon we haven't captured yet. In the midst of our battle with it, the Jangmo-o unexpectedly evolves into Hakamo-o, displaying its newfound strength by using Sky Uppercut to deal damage to Absol. Despite its evolution and powerful moves, Togekiss manages to defeat Hakamo-o, allowing us to capture it.
Jangmo-o: The Scaly Pokemon: Dragon Type. It will never show an enemy its back in battle. Ancient warriors liked Jangmo-o for its valiant disposition and made it one of their own.
Hakamo-o: The Scaly Pokemon: Dragon and Fighting Type. Evolve from Jangmo-o at LV:35. It sheds and regrows its scales on a continuous basis. The scales become harder and sharper each time they're regrown.
When we arrive in front of the gate adorned with three statues representing Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio, Lillie expresses, "Are we supposed to move each of the Pokémon statues to its corresponding type?"
As Lillie attempts to push the statue, Nate inquires, "What are you doing, Lillie?"
"What am I doing? That door won't open unless we solve the puzzle, right?" Lillie questions.
"Wait a moment," I interject, stepping forward and finding that the door can simply be pushed open. "It seems to me that moving those statues might be the actual problem here."
"What do you mean?" Selene asks.
Taking charge, I direct Pikachu to use Iron Tail to push the statue. However, as it moves, spikes unexpectedly emerge from the ground, startling everyone, especially the girls.
"Be careful with anything that looks suspicious, I guess." Trenor adds.
As we approach the bridge, a flock of Murkrow swoops in, seemingly intent on causing trouble. Deciding not to engage in a battle with them, we opt to run past the Murkrow and hastily make our way to the other side of the bridge, avoiding any potential confrontation.
As we reach the Trial Gate, Nate observes, "The Altar of the Sunne is up ahead... but it seems that this is a Trial Site..."
I read the words on the stone, "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!"
"But there isn't any Trial Captain," I remark. "I suppose once we step in, it signifies the commencement of our Trial."
Advancing forward, we find ourselves ambushed by several Jangmo-o and Hakamo-o. Thankfully, we're equipped with Snowy and Togekiss, both capable of handling Dragon-type Pokémon, which helps us effectively deal with this unexpected encounter. Their abilities prove invaluable in overcoming the challenge posed by these powerful Dragon-type Pokémon.
As we approach the exit, the Totem Kommo-o and Garchomp suddenly block our path. Kommo-o addresses us, "You're Trial-goers, aren't you?"
"You shall not pass until you defeat us," adds Garchomp, as both Pokémon flare up with an intense orange aura, heightening all their stats in preparation for battle.
Deciding on strategy, I opt for Salazzle and Togekiss to face off against the Totem Kommo-o. Simultaneously, Lillie chooses Lapras and Hydreigon to confront the Garchomp. However, things intensify as Kommo-o summons its ally Pokémon, Scizor, while Garchomp brings in its ally, Noivern, setting the stage for a challenging battle.
"Salazzle, use Flamethrower on Scizor! Togekiss, go for Air Slash on Kommo-o!" I command, hoping to weaken the adversaries and create an opening.
Meanwhile, Lillie directs Lapras to counter with Ice Beam against Noivern while instructing Hydreigon to launch a Draco Meteor at Garchomp.
The Totem Kommo-o and Garchomp, however, aren't deterred. Their determination is evident as they endure the attacks and retaliate with their own devastating moves. Scizor unleashes a powerful X-Scissor toward Salazzle, and Noivern responds with a supersonic Boomburst aimed at Lapras.
"Salazzle, dodge, and counter with Sludge Bomb! Togekiss, use Dazzling Gleam!" I command, attempting to maintain our offense.
"Lapras, protect yourself! Hydreigon, strike Garchomp with Dark Pulse!" Lillie directs, seeking to defend and counterattack simultaneously.
Salazzle evades Scizor's X-Scissor and retaliates with a potent Sludge Bomb, hitting Scizor hard. Togekiss showers the area with a dazzling Dazzling Gleam, hitting both Kommo-o and Scizor with a brilliant burst of light.
Lapras successfully shields itself with an Ice Shield, mitigating Noivern's Boom Burst, while Hydreigon strikes Garchomp with a powerful Dark Pulse, causing it to stagger.
The Totem Pokémon and their allies show signs of weariness, their strength waning under the relentless assault from our Pokémon. Sensing an opportunity, we seize the moment.
"Salazzle, finish off Scizor with another Flamethrower! Togekiss, use Air Slash on Kommo-o!" I command, aiming to incapacitate the adversaries.
"Lapras, freeze Noivern with Ice Beam! Hydreigon, deliver a final Dark Pulse on Garchomp!" Lillie directs, aiming to weaken their opponents further.
The combined efforts of our Pokémon pay off as Salazzle's Flamethrower engulfs Scizor, knocking it out. Togekiss's Air Slash strikes true, causing Kommo-o to falter and stumble, weakening its defenses.
Lapras's Ice Beam freezes Noivern momentarily, rendering it unable to continue the battle. Hydreigon's powerful Dark Pulse lands a critical hit on Garchomp, causing it to stagger.
Both of us decide to unleash our Z-Moves to solidify our victory. Lillie takes charge, wielding the Darkium-Z to summon Black Hole Eclipse, overwhelming Garchomp and securing its defeat. Meanwhile, I enact a series of intricate movements, my hand mimicking a serpent's motion before extending my arms wide.
"Behold our true power! Acid Downpour!" I declare, invoking the Poison Type Z-Move. Salazzle harnesses this power, conjuring a deluge of acidic rain that showers down on Kommo-o, ultimately incapacitating it.
Amidst the cheers and encouragement from our friends, the two Totem Pokémon gets back up. Kommo-o addresses us, acknowledging our triumph. "You've done it. Take these for your victory."
In a show of respect and recognition for our achievement, Kommo-o and Garchomp present us with the Dragonium-Zs, marking the acquisition of our 15th basic Z Crystal. Despite having only Ground, Ice, and Fairy Z Crystals left to obtain, our attention is redirected towards the imminent task ahead as we proceed toward the Altar of the Sunne. There, our journey continues, and the challenges that await us loom on the horizon.
Here is a new chapter, and the Dragon Trial is complete. I hope you like it and we're going into the Necrozma part in the next chapter.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Sandshrew (Alolan), Vulpix (Alolan), Dugtrio (Alolan), Persian (Alolan), Golem (Alolan), Muk (Alolan), Exeggutor (Alolan), Marowak (Alolan), Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Zygarde, Decidueye, Incineroar, Primarina, Toucannon, Gumshoos, Vikavolt, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Ribombee, Lycanroc x3 (Midday/Midnight/Dusk), Wishiwashi, Toxapex, Mudsdale, Araquanid, Lurantis, Shiinotic, Salazzle (Shiny), Bewear, Tsareena, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Golisopod, Palossand, Pyukumuku, Minior, Komala, Turtonator, Togedemaru, Mimikyu (Shiny), Bruxish, Dhelmise, Hakamo-o, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Kleavor