Chapter 18

While we're at the Pokemon Center, Lana is seen working on the Super Rods, and I inquire, "Lana, what are you doing with that rod?"

"Just performing a little maintenance," Lana replies. "I'm planning to reel in some Pokemon using the Super Rod, maybe even a Mega Gyarados."

"A Mega Gyarados?" We gasp in surprise. Trenor chimes in, "Wow! I didn't know you could catch one like that!"

"Just kidding," Lana quickly clarifies. Lillie adds, "That's right. There's no possibility of finding a Mega Gyarados in the wild."

"But I'm going fishing. Since we're on Akala Island, it's a deal." Lana says, "I'll fish for its biggest catch."

"Fishing, huh..." Nate says. "Brooklet Hill is actually a perfect fishing spot."

Olivia then joins the conversation, saying, "So, you're planning to do some fishing, right? There are rumors of enormous Totem Pokemon dwelling in the lake near Brooklet Hill. Lana, would you be interested in becoming the Trial Captain there?"

Lana's eyes light up with excitement as she responds, "Totem Pokemon? Absolutely."

"And as a token of appreciation, I'll also offer you a Z Crystal for your new Z-Ring that you recently discovered," Olivia adds with a smile, as we all make our way to the location. However, Selene, Mallow, and Sophocles decide to head back to Kiawe's place since Mallow is eager to conduct some food testing.

As we arrive at Brooklet Hill, Olivia accompanies us to ensure Lana's readiness to become a Trial Captain. Lana confidently asks, "So, trial-goer... Will you be attempting my trial?"

"That's the spirit, Lana!" We cheer for her, showing our support as she takes on the role of a Trial Captain for the first time. She glances at her notes and starts explaining the trial, "Let's see... Then I'll explain the trial to you. Look over there, do you see that?"

We notice the bubbling water in the middle of the pond, and Lana remarks, "See that vigorous splashing? I wouldn't be surprised if a fearsome Pokémon is causing all that commotion... But I won't expect you to swim through all the pools on your own. I have a special gift to assist you."

She requests our Riding Pager, and to our surprise, she registers the Lapras inside it. This means we can now surf on water without the necessity of the HM move Surf. "If you climb atop Lapras there, you will be able to travel over bodies of water. That's right. You'll even be able to reach those splashes and see what is going on there."

As we reach the source of the splashes with Lapras, we discover that it's only a Wishiwashi causing the commotion. We swiftly defeat it and continue our journey to the other side. Lana remarks, "Oh my... So it was Wishiwashi kicking up all that water? Even a little Wishiwashi can make such big waves..."

However, shortly after, we hear more splashing in the distance. Lana's expression changes, and she comments, "Oh me. What is that? I can hear wild splashing from over there... It sounds even larger than what we just saw. Is it a Pokémon? Is it a person? I suppose we had better go check."

As we reach the second lake, Lana directs our attention, saying, "Now, then. Do you see those two splashes over there?"

"Yeah, we see them," I respond, slightly puzzled.

"I am thinking that at least one of them might contain a Wishiwashi. In fact, it's likely both might. Don't you agree? Would you try to drive them downstream with a little help from Lapras?" Lana suggests.

Lillie and I decide to approach each splash individually. Lillie encounters a Wishiwashi and uses her Fomantis to defeat it, while I discover a Dewpider in the other splash and have my Pikipek defeat it.

"Oh my. So there was a Dewpider that was kicking up all that water on the other one?" Lana asks in surprise. Rosa remarks, "Wishiwashi and Dewpider... those are some fantastic Water Type Pokemon."

As we proceed to the third lake, Lana exclaims, "Oh, my word! Now what is that? Even more furious splashing? It sounds as big as a Wailord. It might just be another Pokémon, but... Maybe, just maybe, we'll be lucky enough to find a spry young Swimmer floundering in the water and in need of saving! Let's go investigate it, Ash, Lillie."

"A Swimmer?" "A Swimmer?" I express surprise, and we head towards the splashing sounds. Deciding to investigate, we engage in battles with both a Dewpider and a Wishiwashi once again. After defeating them, Lana surprises us by saying, "Brooklet Hill... Within it lies the Legendary Pokémon said to be the embodiment of the sea itself... the mighty Kyogre."

"Kyogre?" We all react in astonishment, but Lana quickly quips, "Just kidding. You're rather trusting, aren't you?"

Nate interjects, "Seriously, Lana?"

"But we are near the sea. If that splashing sound is coming from the sea... then I wonder what is causing it. And now it is raining, as well. The rain will boost the power of any Water-type moves by half again... Could those splashes be caused by some Pokémon whose moves are now growing ever stronger in the falling rain?" Lana asks.

As we finally arrive at the Totem's Den, Lana eagerly directs our attention, exclaiming, "Guys! Look there! Yes, just over there!"

We observe a colossal splash in the water, and Lana declares, "It would seem we succeeded in drawing out the Totem Pokémon! To clear my trial, you must defeat the great Totem Pokémon known as the lord of the ocean!"

"Lord of the Ocean?" We react in astonishment, and Lana continues, "That spray of water you can see there! That is where you will probably find the totem. And perhaps those Wishiwashi you battled against will also want their revenge... Defeat whatever comes at you and prove your strength to me! And remember that you cannot catch any Pokémon here unless you complete my trial. So let the trial begin!"

I decide to approach the area first, but suddenly, a powerful tremor shakes the surroundings, followed by thunder roaring over the open sea. I feel Lapras trembling, and with a deep breath, I mutter, "What's happening here..."

As a massive blue whale-like Pokémon emerges from the sea, we can't help but exclaim in shock at the sight. "What on earth is that enormous thing?" Nate gasps in horror.

"Wishiwashi... in its Schooling Form!" Trenor exclaims, "And it's colossal!"

Suddenly, it's not just Wishiwashi; from another part of the sea, a massive Araquanid emerges, towering above the waters. "And that's a colossal Araquanid!" Lana gasps in surprise.

Olivia chimes in, "This indicates that the Totem Pokémon has accepted the challenge to battle against Ash and Lillie!"

As both Totem Pokémon emanate an orange aura, with Wishiwashi displaying a Defense Boost and Araquanid showcasing a Speed Boost, Lillie gasps, "Oh my goodness... this can't be happening, can it?"

"I'm not sure..." I respond, feeling a mix of surprise and uncertainty at the unexpected turn of events. I decide to go with Rowlet, and Rowlet is also scared at the sight of the massive Pokemon.

Wishiwashi launches an Ice Beam, narrowly missing Rowlet, who visibly trembles at the sight of the powerful attack. With determination, Rowlet retaliates swiftly, landing a precise Leafage that chips away at the Totem Pokemon's health. Sensing danger, the Totem summons an Alomomola for support and healing.

"Alomomola! It's healing the Wishiwashi!" Rosa observes.

"So that's the Totem Pokemon's calling for help, just like Ilima mentioned... Popplio, I choose you!" I decide to switch to Popplio to confront Alomomola.

As Popplio enters the fray, a fierce clash between the Water-type Pokemon ensues. With strategic moves and a well-executed Aqua Jet, Popplio manages to overpower Alomomola, forcing it to retreat in defeat.

"Now's our chance!" I exclaim, feeling a surge of determination as the tide of battle turns in our favor. With Rowlet by my side, I strike a pose, signaling our next move. "Let's end this, Rowlet! Supersonic Skydive!"

Rowlet takes flight, soaring high before diving with incredible speed. The Supersonic Skydive creates a magnificent explosion of energy, showering the area with shimmering white fish-shaped light, casting a mesmerizing display over the water.

On the other side, Lillie calls upon Pikachu and Pikipek to join the fray against the imposing Araquanid. As the clash ensues, Araquanid summons a Dewpider to assist in the fight. With agility and precision, Pikachu manages to overpower the Dewpider swiftly, striking it down with a powerful Thunderbolt.

However, in a tactical move, both Pikachu and Pikipek find themselves ensnared in Araquanid's sticky Spider Web.

"Oh no! Pikachu, Pikipek, watch out!" Lillie exclaims, seeing her Pokemon trapped.

"Araquanid is using its Spider Web to hold them down! Lillie, you need to act fast!" Trenor urges, concern evident in her voice.

Meanwhile, Araquanid takes advantage of the situation, using Leech Life to restore its health.

Pikipek, determined to break free, uses its Peck attack, managing to weaken the Spider Web and free both itself and Pikachu from the binding strands.

"Great job, Pikipek! Pikachu, now's our chance!" Lillie encourages her Pokemon.

Pikachu, fueled by determination, channels its energy into an electrifying All Out Pummeling attack directed at Araquanid. The powerful barrage of strikes lands with intense force, overwhelming Araquanid and knocking it out.

Lana, slightly taken aback but impressed, acknowledges the turn of events. "I...I must say that I find myself at an impasse here. And who would have thought it? That all those Wishiwashi gatherings would have summoned an Araquanid, that is. Heh heh… Even I was caught - hook, line, and sinker! You were amazing, Ash. Truly impressive."

Olivia, acknowledging Lana's performance as the new Trial Captain, remarks, "You've done an excellent job stepping into the role. Those Wishiwashi were so well-trained; it's a bit vexing that you managed to defeat them. Nevertheless, please accept this as recognition of your accomplishment."

Both Lillie and I receive the Waterium-Z, and we all express our joy and gratitude for receiving the Z-Crystal. The sense of accomplishment and happiness radiates among us as we celebrate this achievement together.

Lana says, "You do know what this is, don't you? Watch. This is how you use Waterium Z."

Lana demonstrates the use of the Waterium Z by performing the initial pose, then gracefully moving her arms in a wave-like motion. "See? This is how you utilize the power of Waterium Z."

Following this demonstration, she shares some valuable fishing tips, saying, "I also have some advice for you. When you're fishing for Pokémon, keep an eye out for clusters of rocks in the water. Fish tend to hide in their shadows. Once your bobber dips under the water, you've got a bite! But be quick, as the Pokémon will struggle to escape. If you're looking to add any of the Pokémon you fish up to your team, Dive Balls are highly recommended for a better chance of success."

Lana generously hands us 10 Dive Balls, which we gladly accept. She then shares a surprising tidbit, saying, "By the way... Did I ever tell you about the time I reeled in a red Gyarados?"

"Seriously? Or are you teasing us again?" I inquire with curiosity.

Lana chuckles and teasingly responds, "Hmm, what do you think?" leaving the mystery hanging as we prepare to head back to the Pokemon Center, enjoying her playful demeanor.

After returning to the Pokemon Center, Olivia commends Lana's efforts as a Trial Captain and promises to reward her with the Z-Ring and Waterium-Z. Excitedly, I remark, "Wow! That's amazing. It looks so impressive."

Lana proudly displays the Z-Crystal, prompting Mallow's surprised reaction, "Lana, it can't be..."

"Indeed, it's the Waterium-Z, obtained by capturing Mega Gyarados," Lana announces with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Mega Gyarados?" The others who weren't present initially gasp in disbelief, while Lillie reassures, "She's just joking..."

Lana's playful humor elicits surprise and amusement among the group, teasing them with her fantastical claim of catching a Mega Gyarados.

And that's the end of the Water Trial, but we're not finished yet as there are still some Pokemon that needs to be captured.

Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:

Charizard, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Rattata (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Vulpix (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, Litten, Popplio, Pikipek, Yungoos, Grubbin, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Cutiefly, Rockruff x3, Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Magearna (Shiny), Kleavor