Chapter 21
After rejoining the group outside, Trenor expresses his disbelief, saying, "I can't believe both Brother and Gladion's Pokémon were just defeated by that..."
"It's alright. We gave it everything we had," I reassure them, to which Gladion responds, "It's not satisfactory for me, though."
"Gladion..." Lillie murmurs softly.
"So what do you think? It's easy to have a fun time with Battle Royal. Woo! You even have a shot at beating real tough opponents this way, yeah?" Kukui exclaims.
"You were on fire during that battle. I hope you bring that fire with you and burn up my trial," Kiawe suddenly remarks, catching us off guard. "Your trial?" I inquire, puzzled.
Olivia announces, "I've chosen Kiawe to be the Trial Captain for your upcoming Fire Trial."
Surprised, Kiawe explains, "We can get to Wela Volcano Park from Route 7. The trial will be at its peak. If you plan to see your island challenge through to the end, climb to the top with your strongest team!"
"That sounds like a challenge worth pursuing," Lillie remarks with enthusiasm. Kukui turns to us and cheerfully asks, "Ash, Lillie, Hau. How are your trials going? I hope you and your Pokémon are working hard and havin' a blast. Woo!"
Hau, puzzled, inquires, "But Mr. Masked Royal...How'd you even know that we're doing our trials right now? Oh! I get it! Because of our amulets, huh?"
We're taken aback by Hau's apparent stupidity to Professor Kukui standing in front of us. Hau continues, "Well, I'm having a blast! But why are you here? Why would you even wanna do a Battle Royal? You still trying to get stronger or something? Or maybe you just want to make some friends? Heh heh!"
Gladion mutters, "I'm not here to play. I'm here because you can't protect anything when you're weak," before departing.
Hau sighs and responds, "...Wow. You're just a ray of sunshine, eh? I think you'd have a lot more fun if you just let yourself have a good time with everybody else. You can do a lot more together, too!"
Turning to the Professor, Hau remarks, "Well, I don't know what his deal is, but I thought that battle was just plain fun! That's why I'm gonna keep doing Battle Royals. And my Pokémon seem to like them, too!"
Subsequently, we make our way to the Thrifty Megamart, a bustling marketplace offering a wide array of goods for, we encounter the boy who owns the Drifloon we rescued from Team Skull. Grateful for our help, he presents us with a refreshing Lemonade as a token of appreciation.
As we complete our purchases, a trainer named Kagetora overhears our conversation about my collection of all the Eeveelutions. He approaches us and asks, "Did I hear correctly that you have all the Eeveelutions?"
"Yes, um... who are you?" I inquire.
"My name is Kagetora. You may see me as just a kid, but I can sense that you're a skilled Trainer. While I'm now working part-time, smiling at the register, I too once journeyed through my island challenge as a Trainer," Kagetora responds.
Listening intently, we hear him continue, "I once made a name for myself as Kagetora, the Eevee user. But life changed; I got married and had a child. Now, I face a different challenge – dealing with a mortgage. Working here is my preparation for the ultimate trial: retirement and old age!"
Feeling empathy for Kagetora's situation, he dismisses our concern, saying, "Don't worry about me. Listen, there's something I'd like to ask of a capable young trainer like yourself. In my prime, I tried to defeat eight seasoned Trainers. They specialized in Pokemon that evolve from Eevee. How about challenging them? If you mention my name, they'll agree to battle."
"Sure, that sounds like an exciting challenge," I agree.
"If you manage to defeat all eight of them for me, I'll have something worthwhile for you as a reward. Just ask me if you want more information about any of them," Kagetora offers.
As we prepare to depart the Thrifty Megamart, Professor Kukui unexpectedly appears, inquiring about our activities. Remembering his penchant for the Masked Royal persona, we decide to play along and feign ignorance, responding to him as if unaware of his true identity.
As we arrive at Wela Volcano Park, we're greeted by a bustling crowd of people and Pokémon. "Wow, there are so many people and Pokémon gathered here," I remark in amazement.
"It looks like we've arrived just in time for the Wela Fire Festival," Professor Kukui informs us. "This incredible festival has been a tradition for over a century. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in Akala Island's rich history and traditions. Today's lesson is all about having fun while learning!"
"Let's explore, everyone," Kiawe eagerly suggests, showcasing his enthusiasm as a Trial Captain, and we all decide to venture into the festivities.
It's a chaotic moment as the Wela Crown, a traditional adornment for all Fire-type Pokémon, is suddenly snatched by an Alolan Marowak before I can have my Torracat participate. Kiawe swiftly gives chase, but despite Turtonator's efforts, the Alolan Marowak's speed outmatches it.
Understanding the urgency, we decide to assist Kiawe in empowering his Turtonator to learn Shell Smash, aiming to enhance its capabilities for the showdown against the elusive Marowak and reclaim the stolen crown. Unexpectedly, after the heated battle, Alolan Marowak decides to join Kiawe's team, adding an unforeseen twist to the situation.
The sight of the Alolan Marowak triggers a rush of memories, reminding us of the Kanto Region where we once captured our first Cubone. This Cubone holds a special place in our memories, retrieved from Team Rocket's clutches. Inspired by the presence of the Alolan Marowak, we feel compelled to capture another Cubone, symbolizing a nostalgic connection to our past adventures in Kanto.
As we ascend further, a female Shiny Salandit stands before us, inquiring, "Are you trial-goers?"
Responding affirmatively, I say, "Yes, we're on our island challenge. Why do you ask?"
The Salandit replies, "My mother is the Totem Pokémon. If you're trial-goers, I can guide you there."
"Um... thank you," Lillie responds, her confusion evident at the unexpected offer extended by the Salandit.
Upon reaching the summit of the volcano with the guidance of the Salandit, our attention is drawn to three Marowaks gracefully spinning their bones before us. Kiawe steps forward, addressing the scene, "These three Marowaks are students of the ancient dances that have been passed down in Alola for generations. The trial of Kiawe... You will find that it is a bit different than the trials you have faced to this point, but of course, you will attempt it, right?"
"Absolutely," Lillie and I affirm in unison as we eagerly embark on the trial. The Salandit, previously encountered, settles beside Snowy and Togekiss, both opting out due to their type disadvantages.
Kiawe explains, "My trial will test your powers of observation! There will be a dance...and then another. Your task will be to find the difference between the two. Begin!"
With focused attention, we prepare to observe the dances closely, ready to discern the nuances between them to pass Kiawe's unique trial. As the three Marowak take the stage and commence their dance routine, culminating in a final pose, Kiawe instructs, "Watch carefully and memorize this dance."
As the Marowak begin their dance once more, both of us keenly observe and quickly notice a discrepancy: the poses of the Marowak on each side differ from the previous performance. This observation could be the key to solving Kiawe's trial.
"What was different from the previous dance?" Kiawe asks.
"Simple," I answer confidently to Kiawe's query. "The poses of the Marowak on the left and right sides differed at the end."
Lillie chimes in, "I observed the same discrepancy as Ash."
Kiawe appears slightly taken aback but impressed. "B-but how?! That was truly spectacular! And to add to the spectacle...Come, Marowak!" he exclaims, seemingly acknowledging our astute observations.
With determination, I exclaim, "It looks like we're up for a battle. Milotic, I choose you!" Simultaneously, Lillie commands, "Zoroark, it's your turn!"
As our Pokémon spring into action, Milotic unleashes powerful Water-type attacks, overwhelming the first Marowak and swiftly securing victory. Following suit, Lillie's Zoroark harnesses the force of Dark Pulse and Night Daze, launching a flurry of dark-type assaults to swiftly defeat the second Marowak.
"Marowak was so pleased by your right answer that it simply had to battle you!" Kiawe announces enthusiastically as he recalls the previous two Marowak and sends out another pair. "Onward to the second dance!"
As the second dance begins with the three Marowak executing the same final pose, and at the same time, a hiker is joining the dance. I glance at Lillie and inquire, "Do you remember it, Lillie?"
"I think so," Lillie responds uncertainly.
Kiawe reiterates, "Watch carefully and memorize this dance."
As the second dance concludes, unexpectedly, the second hiker suddenly appears on the stage and mimics the final pose alongside the Marowak. Meanwhile, the first hiker, who was initially serious, is now smiling.
Kiawe queries, "What was different from the previous dance?"
Lillie inquires, "What's the second hiker doing here?"
"Yeah, the only difference I can spot is that the first hiker is smiling now," I add, echoing Lillie's confusion.
"B-but how?! That was truly spectacular!" Kiawe exclaims in amazement. "And to add to the spectacle...Come, my fine Hiker!"
"Alola to you," the hikers greet as they each release a Magmar from their Poke Balls. Observing this, we exchange eye rolls before sending out Crabrawler and Rockruff in response. Both Pokémon engage fiercely in battle, putting in tremendous effort until finally emerging victorious against the hiker's Pokémon.
"You're a fool if you dance...and a fool if you just look on..." the hiker remarks cryptically as he retrieves his fainted Pokémon.
"My Hiker friend was so pleased by your right answer that he simply had to battle you!" Kiawe announces. "Onward...to the final dance!"
As the third dance begins, both hikers join the three Marowak in synchronizing their poses. Sensing the complexity of the situation, I remark, "You know, I'm not going to say anything this time..."
"Agreed," Lillie responds in accordance with my sentiment, both of us opting to remain observant without speaking, carefully analyzing the performance unfolding before us.
"Watch carefully and memorize this dance." Kiawe instructs once more. To our astonishment, a colossal Marowak and a gigantic Salazzle suddenly materialize on the stage.
"Mama!" the Salandit cheers joyfully as her mother makes an appearance, evidently one of the colossal figures joining the performance.
"What was different from the previous dance?" Kiawe asks.
"Are those the Totem Pokémon?" I inquire in surprise, recognizing the gigantic Salazzle and Marowak on stage.
"I believe they are the Totem Pokémon," Lillie confirms.
"Salazzle and Marowak..." Lana observes.
"That's amazing! I actually caught a Salandit," Selene announces excitedly.
"When did you do that?" Trenor inquires, surprised by Selene's sudden absence during which she managed to capture a Salandit, an essential step towards eventually having a Salazzle of her own.
"B-but how?! That was truly spectacular! And to add to the spectacle... Come, Totem Pokémon!" Kiawe exclaims.
As the battle ensues, the Totem Salazzle and Marowak emanate an orange glow, signifying their boosted abilities. Salazzle raises its Special Defense, while Marowak enhances its speed, setting the stage for an intense and challenging battle against the formidable Totem Pokémon.
"Milotic, I choose you," I command as I release my Pokémon onto the field. "And you, Crabrawler," Lillie instructs, sending out her Pokémon as well.
The battle intensifies as Salazzle employs Poison Gas, poisoning Milotic, followed by a striking Dragon Tail attack. Reacting swiftly, Milotic retaliates with Aqua Tail, dealing significant damage to Salazzle. However, Lillie faces a challenge as Crabrawler's Power-Up Punch fails to land due to Marowak's Ghost typing.
Trenor says, "Lillie, Alolan Marowak is also a Ghost-type!"
"I know." Realizing the error, Lillie quickly switches to Water-type moves, unleashing Crabhammer and Bubble Beam, which prove effective against Marowak and Salazzle.
"We can finish this!" we declare in unison, activating our Z-Rings and performing a synchronized dance. "Use Hydro Vortex!"
The two Pokémon summon colossal water tornadoes, sending the opponents flying high into the air. The battle culminates with a dramatic descent as all Pokémon faint from the overwhelming power of the Hydro Vortex. The intense clash concludes, leaving the battlefield still and quiet.
"Whoa! S-spectacular! With your keen observations, you were able to see even fine differences in our dances! And you defeated the Totem Pokémon with such ease!" Kiawe exclaims, clearly impressed by our abilities and the victory we achieved during the trial.
The Salazzle, accompanied by Snowy and Togekiss, rushes towards its awakened mother, relieved to see her recover. Salazzle then turns to us and speaks, "It appears my daughter has taken an interest in you. Can you promise me that you'll take good care of her on your journey?"
We acknowledge the request by nodding and proceed to capture the Salandit. Kiawe then informs us, "The Totem Pokémon safeguarded these Firium Z. Now they belong to you."
With gratitude, we accept the two Firium Zs from Kiawe, feeling elated and appreciative of this significant reward for our triumph in the trial.
Salandit: The Toxic Lizard Pokemon: Poison and Fire Type. The males will do whatever the females tell them. They give the females most of their food. Due to malnutrition, the males can't evolve.
"This is how you use the Fire-type Z-Power!" Kiawe declares enthusiastically, demonstrating the pose by raising his hands high and then thrusting them forward. Upon completing the motion, he turns around and gracefully recalls the Marowak, expressing gratitude, "Thank you, my dear Marowak!"
"Sophocles says, "You know, that trial is really fun."
"I agree... that is a really unique trial," Lana adds.
"Nice work, Brother, Lillie!" Trenor says, acknowledging their efforts.
Olivia chimes in with praise, saying, "Nice work, both of you, for your trials," commending the success of both challenges.
"For when you meet a Pokémon that you would like to make your companion, take these!" Kiawe presents us with 10 Quick Balls.
"They sure are good for capturing new Pokémon, thanks," I express gratitude.
"What's more! You may now use the Ride Pokémon Charizard. Charizard will lend you his strength, and you will be able to go anywhere you have been in an instant," Kiawe explains, adding Charizard to our Ride Pager.
Lillie inquires, "So we can ride on Charizard if we are going anywhere else?"
"That sounds amazing, but it's not something unfamiliar to me," I remark, and Lillie comprehends.
"The Firium Z...you should show it to the Trial Guide outside the captain's barricade at the bottom of the mountain. It is time for us to return to our dance. The feelings of the Alolan people and our Pokémon, and the true nature of Z-Power... The answers lie in our dance! And so we must dance on!" Kiawe declares with determination.
After bidding farewell to the Totem Pokémon, we depart from the mountain and head to the barricade that blocks Route 7 and Dividing Peak Tunnel.
Here is the Fire Type Trial, and Ash and Lillie also capture some new Pokemon. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Rattata (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Vulpix (Alolan), Meowth (Alolan), Grimer (Alolan), Cubone, 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, Torracat, Popplio, Trumbeak, Yungoos, Grubbin, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Cutiefly, Rockruff x3, Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Mudbray, Dewpider, Fomantis, Morelull, Salandit, Magearna (Shiny), Kleavor