Pokémon Radiant Sun
Note (2/24/2018) This chapter has been re-uploaded, due to this site having some serious problems this week and notifications being all out of wack. The next chapter, the Totem Battle, will be up tomorrow.
Yes, the title of this chapter is a Kingdom Hearts reference. Yes, I am beyond excited for Kingdom Hearts III. And yes, I'm a complete ass.
Woo! Chapter 50, and we are officially a quarter of the way done with this story! Hehe, yeah, I have a lot more fun stuff in store for you all. But I'd like to thank you all for sticking with me nonsense up to this point in the story, and I hope you all continue to stick with me for many more chapters to come!
Shoutout to those who reviewed last chapter, which includes Madame Rodoshe, Cottonmouth25, Angelfir3, BraviaryScout, SonicIKE, hafizsyaraf5, Gokan123, AncientHero2000, Sai Og Sus, and DarkestShade73. Thank you all so much for the support!
I'll admit, I was worried with how to do this Trial, because of how short it is in the game. I shouldn't have worried, because I had more fun doing this Trial than I did with Lana's Trial and got a lot out of it.
That Totem Battle, however, was more of a bitch than I thought it'd be, so a realistic account of it would be no fun to read. So I got creative and decided to just wing it and make it awesome. You'll see what I mean next chapter.
And for those who are wondering about the thing with Gretel, the Dusknoir, I apologize. I meant to explain it last chapter but I completely forgot about it. I'll have it explained next chapter, I promise.
Anyways, here's the chapter. Got something special at the end to announce, but until that time…
Enjoy.
Chapter 50: Fire Trial! A Flurry of Dancing Flames!
Route 8
Gladion sighed as he continued his trek, the moon illuminating his path as the ocean crashed and roared below the cliffs. Type: Null padded alongside him while his Zubat landed on his shoulder, chattering softly.
"Beat the Fire Trial...but I can't get that loss to Hau out of my head. How could I lose to such a idiot?" Gladion murmured, his hand traveling to his arm unconsciously and gripping it. Pain lanced up his arm and the teen grimaced in response.
"I have to do better." Gladion stated as he stopped in his tracks, shutting his eyes. Null groaned in response from beside Gladion, nudging his arm. Gladion opened his eyes and looked skyward, in thought.
"That other boy, though...Sun. He understands. He knows the suffering that I go through every single day. He's strong too. Maybe he can help me stop mother before it's too late…" Gladion said aloud before scowling, clenching his fists.
"No. I shouldn't involve anyone else. With how mother is now, they'd just end up getting hurt. I have to do this with just me and Null." Gladion said firmly before his Zubat made a disapproving noise in his ear, making him flinch.
"Sorry, Zubat. I'm...still not used to having another Pokémon with me." Gladion apologized, reaching up and scratching the small bat on the head, his eyes landing on the faded scar on the left wing of the bat Pokémon.
"It was supposed to be just me and Null against the world...but then I found you, and couldn't let you just die out there. You know? A Zubat with a broken wing in the wild wouldn't have survived long. Hell, most Pokémon with injuries that severe don't last long in general. I know that well, after all those years at the Paradise." Gladion muttered to the bat as he stroked its head, recovering a pleased cry from the bat.
"I'll protect you. Together, the three of us will become strong. And we'll take back the Aether Paradise and save Mother!" Gladion vowed softly, shutting his eyes and willing back the torrent of emotion he was feeling right then. Gladion received a growl from Type: Null and a hiss from his Zubat, both of which were enough support to get a smile out of Gladion. It was moments like this that helped make the terrible loneliness bearable.
Gladion then yelled out as a loud ringing echoed out on the silent road he was traveling on. After a moment of calming himself, he realized it was just his phone. With a calming sigh, he pulled out the device and studied it, seeing that it was an unknown number calling him. With a scowl, he answered it.
"Yes?"
"Gladion! How's it going? Wait, crap, did I wake you up?"
"...Demi?" Gladion muttered, recognizing the girl's voice after a few moments. This earned him a laugh from the other side of the phone.
"Yeah! I finally got a new phone, so I decide to add a bunch of numbers in. Kayla gave me your number so I can chat with you now! I can even do video chats!" Demi said happily from the other side of the phone. With a beep, Gladion pulled the phone away from his face and saw Demi grinning at him from what looked like the Pokémon Center back in Po Town. Oddly enough, she wasn't wearing any of the Team Skull gear that he had expected her to be wearing. She was wearing a dark red sundress now, with a Quilava napping just within the range of the camera. She seemed to be in much better spirits than the last time he had seen her.
As if noticing Gladion's confusion, Demi explained. "Apparently we have to wait for Plumeria to get back to the Town before I can officially join up. She'll be showing up sometime soon, so it's not a total drag or anything."
"I see...so why are you calling me?" Gladion asked, trying not to overly sound rude as he turned on his own video chat, allowing Demi to see the cautious expression on his face. Despite that, he was genuinely curious.
Demi shrugged and said, "It's been a little while since we talked and I was curious on how you were doing. I heard you fought at the Battle Royal!"
"Against your friends, Sun and Hau. That smiling moron got the better of me after him and Sun double-teamed me, but that won't happen next time." Gladion said with an annoyed sigh. Demi frowned at the teen's remark.
"Hau isn't a moron. He's really nice and a great friend. But, um, I don't know if I can call us friends anymore, after what happened…" Demi trailed off, looking away with a guilty expression on her face. Gladion had put the pieces together after learning Sun and Hau were the friends that Demi had lashed out at. Privately, he didn't think she acted too out of line. Trying to downplay something as horrific as losing your starter Pokémon...Gladion would have done a lot more than punch someone if something like that happened to him. He was looking forward to putting Hau in his place the next time they met.
"Then don't. I've met the guy and I don't think he's capable of taking anything seriously."
"Maybe...But even though he did that to me, he was just trying to calm me down. He's a really nice guy. Hell, I was planning on going on a date with him after the Water Trial, but we all know how that went." Demi said bitterly, looking down. Gladion felt a twinge of annoyance in him he couldn't identify, but ignored it as he noticed the cheerful girl on the screen suddenly become downcast.
"So how've you been holding up?" Gladion asked, making Demi look up in surprise. Gladion figured just keeping the girl occupied would keep her from dwelling on what befell Feya. She didn't need to think about that right now.
"Um...okay, I guess. Team Skull has been helping me get my mind off of it and being around people who grew up like me or experienced some of the same things I have really helps. But I'm still...struggling. I'll get through it. Somehow." Demi said quietly, offering Gladion a weak smile. Demi jumped in surprise as her Quilava suddenly hopped into view, letting out a cry.
"You'll be fine. You're not the first person to go through something like that and you won't be the last-" Gladion began to say, but Demi cut him off.
"But it shouldn't be like that though! Why can't I be the last!? These stupid Trails are so dangerous and mean so much to everyone that it just tears families and communities apart if you're not totally committed to it!" Demi practically shouted, fire in her eyes.
"Then use that fire and channel it into resolve to change the system. You're with Team Skull now, people who want to destroy the Island Challenge and what it stands for. Use your anger and pain and change things so that no one else has to suffer." Gladion said to the other teen, who shut her eyes for a few moments before she opened them again, smiling a little.
"I will...I'll show them all. Thanks by the way. For everything, Gladion." Demi said sincerely, to which Gladion scoffed.
"I did what anyone with half a heart would do. Don't thank me." Gladion said, brushing aside the girl's thanks. Demi stuck her tongue out at Gladion, who nearly smirked in amusement at the girl's childish antics. He was about to respond, however, when Type: Null growled beside him. Gladion's eyes looked away from the phone in his hands and he noticed a man standing in the middle of the road in front of him, watching him with a small smile. Gladion stopped in his tracks, noticing that they were close to one of the Aether Foundation's many mobile labs, and regarded the man with suspicion.
"You there! Greetings!" the man called to him, tapping away at what looked like a data-pad in his hands.
"Uh, hey. Is everything okay?" Demi asked, concerned.
"I'll call you back." Gladion replied, hanging up the call and staring down the strange man standing about twenty yards away from him. He had blond hair with a blue cowlick and yellow eyes, with glasses covering them. He wore a thick grey coat around his body while machinery was on his arms, his lips curved into an amused smile as he spoke.
"Good evening. I'm sorry to bother you, but I couldn't help but notice that you have quite the interesting Pokémon beside you." The man remarked as Gladion took a step back, scowling at him.
"So what if it is? Null's one of a kind!" Gladion barked at the man.
"Indeed. Definitely not natural, that's for sure. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Introductions haven't even been made! My name is Colress. I'm a scientist." The man said politely to Gladion, who shifted his stance to a more neutral one.
"I'm Gladion. This is Type: Null. We're on a mission to become stronger by any means necessary." Gladion said to Colress, receiving a slightly raised eyebrow in response.
"Really? Well, I happen to be researching how to bring about the greatest potential in Pokémon. My quest has led me here, to Alola, where the connection between Trainer and Pokémon seems to run very deep. And I can tell by how that Pokémon is crouched in front of you that it cares for you. But answer me this, Gladion...How much do you really know about that creature?" Colress asked Gladion, who looked down in thought.
"I… Honestly, I don't know a whole lot about Null. Just some of the data I managed to make sense of on Faba's computers before I ran away." Gladion thought as he clenched his fists, thinking about what had been done to the monster beside him.
"I believe I have my answer. Well, Gladion, I have a proposition for you." Colress said to the young Trainer, receiving a surprised look in response.
"And what would that be?" Gladion asked the man. His tone made it obvious he didn't trust Colress one bit, however. Colress picked up on that and chuckled softly in response.
"Cautious? Hmm...Smart. Regardless, I'd like to learn more about that creature beside you. The facility behind me is one loaned to me by the Aether Foundation, who will soon be assisting me with another project. Along with my own devices and the help of the facility beside us, I believe I could help uncover some of the secrets that the Pokémon beside you holds. That would not only satisfy my own curiosity, but perhaps also help you on your quest to become stronger. After all...My leading theory is that the bond one shares with their Pokémon leads to true strength."
"Bond?" Gladion repeated.
"Yes. I have been researching what truly brings out the true strength of Pokémon. Is it the power of science? Cruelty that pushes Pokémon to their greatest limit? The Shadow experiments that Cipher utilizes? Or is it something much more simple? Trust and love, and the strength of the bond that one shares with their Pokémon? That is the aim of my research, young man. To bring out the greatest power of Pokémon! And I'd like to ask you to help me." Colress said as he adjusted his glasses, which beeped quietly and made Colress' eyes widen in surprise.
"Especially if you're going to confront those you wish to...after all, your mother is quite strong, Gladion." Colress said to the young man, who gasped and jumped back, throwing out his hand.
"Null, attack!" Gladion barked out. Type: Null roared in response and charged at Colress, who offered Gladion a small smile before the man suddenly vanished from sight.
"Foolish, but amusing..." Colress remarked, his voice echoing around the teen.
"W-what!? Where did he go?" Gladion growled, thrown off by the disappearance of the strange scientist. His question was answered by a strange ringing sound from behind him. Gladion whirled around and saw that Colress was now standing several feet away, holding a Poké Ball in his hand.
"If it's a battle you want, it's a battle you'll get. I myself have been attempting to foster a relationship of trust and compassion with a Pokémon on my team. To bring out her greatest potential! She has opened up to me, despite the abuse she has suffered at the hands of her previous Trainer. Dusk...Please help this young man understand." Colress said as he called forth his Absol. The Absol crouched low on the ground, a shudder running through her as she stared down Type: Null and Zubat, as well as the fierce teen who commanded them.
"Zubat, use Wing Attack! Null, Aerial Ace!" Gladion yelled as he threw out his hand. Both Pokémon rushed forward as Colress chuckled softly.
"Dusk, use Night Slash on Type: Null once it hits you. Follow up with Dark Pulse on his Zubat." Colress ordered calmly, his smile widening as his Absol prepared herself. Type: Null was suddenly upon her, slamming into the Disaster Pokémon with a savage roar. Dusk skidded across the asphalt with a grunt, but managed to duck as Gladion's Zubat swept past her with its Wing Attack.
"Sorry about this!" Dusk yelled out as she charged forward, leaping into the air as her claws glowed jet black and grew an additional foot in length.
"Dodge!" Gladion barked, but the beast was too slow to move and the attack struck the monster, sending it crashing senseless to the ground. Gladion's eyes widened in shock at his partner going down in just one hit. Dusk landed on the ground, her eyes wide as a smile appeared on her face.
"I did it? I...I did it!" Dusk said as she looked back at Colress, who was smiling at his Absol.
"Well done. You've made so much progress, Dusk!" Colress praised the Asbol, who looked back at her Trainer and grinned at him.
"I'm...I'm so glad, Master. It's thanks to your faith that I finally managed to get strong. That I finally believe in the strength you told me I had all along." Dusk replied, her voice filled with joy. Gladion grit his teeth and clenched his fists, even as his Zubat rushed towards the distracted Absol and smacked her in the head with Wing Attack.
"Ah, but just because you have come far, Dusk, doesn't mean you can let your guard down. Dark Pulse." Colress commanded calmly, with Dusk nodding sharply and leaping towards the Zubat flapping away. Needless to say, the Zubat was easily shot down with Dark Pulse and plummeted to the ground, with Gladion leaping into the air and catching his falling Pokémon with a gasp.
"Damn it...Still too weak. I'm sorry, you two...This was a fight I shouldn't have started." Gladion whispered as he stepped over to Type: Null, gritting his teeth as guilt bubbled in his chest. Gladion started as Colress began speaking again.
"You have a lot of spirit, but that isn't enough. Especially if you want to accomplish your goals. Trust me, I know. You have to understand what you fight for, and recognize that there are other ways to succeed in what you desire. Take it from the man who unleashed hell on Unova for the pursuit of science, and was stopped by a mere child." Colress explained with a small smile as Gladion crouched beside Type: Null, open worry on his face. Gladion looked up at Colress and glared at him, but he received a wider smile in response.
"Now...would be willing to consider assisting me now? I could even make a deal out of it. Make this exchange worth your while, as they say." Colress said to Gladion as he applied a Revive to his fallen two Pokémon.
"A deal?" Gladion asked, wary.
"You allow me to study that creature and perhaps unlock some of the mysteries behind it. No harm done to it and I'll share all my findings with you and no one else. This is simply for my own interest. In return, I can give you and your team the gift of communication." Colress said, gesturing to Dusk and the collar she wore.
"You mean that collar...is that how your Absol can speak?" Gladion asked, amazed that such technology existed. He had heard rumors of such a thing in another region, but to see it firsthand was incredible.
"Yes. With this collar, you would be able to understand your Pokémon and have a closer bond with them, which would in turn strengthen the bond you share with them. At least, that's what I believe. So, do we have a deal?" Colress said to the teen, extending a hand to the young man. Gladion regarded Type: Null and Zubat for a moment, his mind racing, but decided fairly quickly. Gladion stood and walked over to Colress, staring down the man before reaching forward and shaking the scientist's hand.
"You have a deal. So, what first?" Gladion asked the scientist, wondering just what kind of secrets they would uncover about the mysterious creature he called his partner.
Wela Volcano Park
Totem's Den
"I am Kiawe." The Captain said to Sun as the boy stood before him, the moon shining down upon them as the last glimpse of the sun died in the sky, revealing night to Alola. The Kanto boy was grinning at Kiawe in excitement, ready to confront whatever challenges were in store for him.
"My Marowak and I are students of the ancient dances that have been passed down in Alola for generations." Kiawe continued, crossing his arms. "You are not native to this islands, Sun, but from what I understand you have embraced our people and culture with open arms."
"Yeah. Alola's a pretty incredible place and I want to experience everything I can with my friends and my Pokémon. And...Maybe become a stronger person in the process. This is my home now, you know?" Sun said to the Captain, who nodded in understanding.
"Yes. Your friend Hau said much of the same. He mentioned you had come to Alola after some pretty tough times in Kanto. I hope Alola has been good to you." Kiawe said to the younger Trainer.
"Manaʻo wau ...ʻo kēia kahi aʻu e pili nei." Sun replied to Kiawe, who chuckled softly.
"He hauʻoli e lohe, e ke keiki'ōpio." Kiawe said to Sun, who got confused. "That means that I'm glad to hear that, young Trainer. I'm glad you feel like this is a place where you belong."
"Now, the Trial of Kiawe, the Fire Captain...You will find that it is a bit different than the Island Trials that you have faced up to this point, but of course...You will attempt it, right?" Kiawe asked Sun with a small smirk.
"Of course! What kind of Trainer would I be if I didn't give it a try? Hit me with your best shot, Captain!" Sun said to the older Trainer, receiving a wide smile in response.
"You and Hau both show fiery spirits...heh, very well then. Let the Trial of Captain Kiawe begin!" Kiawe declared, barking out the decree before he pulled out three Poké Balls from his waist and released three familiar yet foreign Pokémon.
They had black dark bodies and each of them wore a white skull on their head and held a long bone in their hands, however the bone was on fire at both ends, an eerie greenish-blue flame that sent a shiver down Sun's spine. The trio assumed rigid stances before spinning their bones quickly, creating a burning flurry of movement that sent a rivet of heat surging through the air.
"Are those...Marowak? No wait, doesn't Alola have different ones that are Ghost/Fire-types instead of just Ground-type?" Sun asked, confused. At his question, Rotom Dex popped out of Sun's backpack and buzzed happily.
"No worriezz, little buddy. I've got all the answers up here!" Rotom said cheerily, whirling around and scanning the trio of odd Marowak before turning back to face Sun.
"Marowak. The Bone Keeper Pokémon. Alolan Regional Variant. Its custom is to mourn its lost companions. Mounds of dirt by the side of the road mark the graves of the Marowak. The bones it possesses were once its mother's. Its mother's regrets have become like a vengeful spirit protecting this Pokémon. And yes, they're Ghost/Fire-type Pokémon, as opposed to the normal Marowak, which is just a Ground-type." Rotom explained as Sun observed the trio of Pokémon with awe.
"That's...wicked." Sun said quietly, a small smile on his face. Kiawe, however, was watching Rotom Dex with interest.
"How strange. A floating Pokédex?" Kiawe mused aloud, receiving a look from Rotom Dex.
"Bzzt! I'm Rotom Dex! I'm helping my buddy Sun here along the way with his journey! At least whenever the writer of this thing decides to give me some screetime! I provide navigational information to my young friend here! And I'm also the best DJ thizz side of Alola!" Rotom explained as it floated around and around Sun.
"For an overgrown cellphone, you seem to have a very high opinion of yourself." Kiawe said with a scoff, not particularly impressed with Rotom's explanation. Sun flinched, remembering the last time Rotom had been insulted.
"Zzzzzzz...What did you just say?" Rotom Dex hissed, it's screen turning red. All three Alolan Marowak flinched at the harshness of Rotom's voice as furious screeching filled the air. Kiawe scowled and took a step forward, only for Rotom to fly into Kiawe's face and make him yell out in horror.
"How dare you insult me! I will make you pay for this, Captain!" Rotom Dex snarled as Kiawe scrambled away, with Rotom beeping in anger.
"Oh great, this again." Sun muttered, face-palming as Rotom drew closer to the Captain.
"Calm down, little Rotom!" Kiawe yelled out as all three of the Captain's Marowak's took cover behind the stage they were on.
"Little!? Zzzzzt! I will quench the heat of the volcano with your blood, infidel! Prepare for the end!" Rotom buzzed as electricity surged out of the device.
"What the hell!?" Kiawe yelped as Rotom flew at Kiawe, who threw himself to the ground with a yell of fear. Sun walked over to Rotom was it soared by, aiming at Kiawe again. Sun snatched the irate device out of the air, where it struggled against his grip.
"Alright, Doctor Baron Von Evilsatan, enough with the scare tactics. Back into the bag you go." Sun said as he pressed Rotom's power button, making the device shudder as it shut down.
"Noooo...I must...kill…" Rotom went silent and fell into Sun's hands. The boy stuffed the device into his backpack and shook his head.
"I have got to remember to bring this up to Professor Kukui. Did I even do that the last time this happened? I can't recall." Sun thought in his head before he shrugged.
"Sun...I'll ask you just this once. What...the hell...was that?" Kiawe asked, peeking out from behind his Marowak.
"A very cheerful Rotom that got put inside of a Pokédex, but has a really bad complex when it comes to being insulted. Especially when you call him something like a phone or a Gameboy." Sun explained to the horrified Captain, who just shuddered.
"I have wrestled a Charizard to the ground once without hesitation. I have danced through a deadly thunderstorm without fear while atop this volcano. And I've listened to Mallow talk about her feelings after her last breakup. But that...was beyond horrifying." Kiawe shuddered as he stood back up, shivering.
"Yeah, I was scared the first time, but after some of the crap I've been through, it doesn't phase me as much." Sun replied with a wide grin. "That said, when I fight the Totem, I'll have to send Rotom Dex back out. I'll need its help to figure out just what I'm fighting."
"Very well...Just keep it on a short leash, alright?" Sun nodded as Kiawe sighed, rubbing his temples. "Opening shift, duties all day long, and now evil Pokédexes? I need to start getting paid for this shit."
"What was that?" Sun asked, smirking now.
"Nothing, nothing...Now, Sun. 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...Your eyes must be sharp and your focus even sharper if you wish to succeed here, my friend. Are you ready?" Kiawe asked, his voice radiating with power and authority. Sun nodded wordlessly, crossing his arms as he stared down the three Alolan Marowak standing behind Kiawe.
The Captain grinned widely and barked out, "Begin!"
The Fire Captain leapt aside as the three Alolan Marowak's jumped backwards, flipping in midair and letting out three cries as they landed on the hard volcanic stone that made up the platform they were on. From elsewhere, strange chanting filled the air and drumbeats pounded away. The atmosphere was tense as the trio Alolan Marowak's began to dance.
Each of the Marowak's began to spin their bones around, releasing small waves of fire around the arena as they performed, their feet swift as they leapt about the arena. Sun's eyes took it all in, but he couldn't help but notice the passion and power behind every move. Every step. Each of them held meaning for the trio of Pokémon.
Eventually the trio stopped dancing and struck poses, with two of the Alolan Marowak's facing away from Sun while the one in the middle stared directly at Sun, the Pokémon's intense eyes burrowing into his own grey eyes.
"Watch carefully and memorize this dance." Kiawe instructed Sun, his voice low and soft. The three Marowak's suddenly swung their bones, releasing a whirlwind of flames that made Sun yelp in surprise, the flames coming just inches short of his body.
"While I understand your fear, there is no cause for concern. These Marowak all belong to me, and are very well-trained. They'd sooner hurt themselves than harm an innocent for no reason." Kiawe said to Sun, but the boy was scowling and watching the Alolan Marowak's as they leapt backwards into their original position, eyeing the boy with smug expressions.
"They're mad because Rotom scared Kiawe...jerks." Sun thought as the trio began to dance again. Like last time, Sun kept a close eye on them, alert for any deviations from the previous dance. However, with a flash, the trio ended their dance and struck poses. However, unlike last time, the center Marowak was not looking directly at Sun. Instead, it was looking skyward with its bone held close to its chest.
"Well? What was different from the previous dance?" Kiawe asked the young Trainer. Sun pointed at the center Marowak.
"The middle one. It's looking up instead of forward." Sun replied, earning a shocked look from Kiawe.
"B-but how!?" Kiawe cried out, seemingly baffled. "That was truly spectacular! And to add to the spectacle…"
The center Marowak suddenly shifted, lowering its head to glare at Sun and spin its bone in a swift circle, letting out a cry. Kiawe called out to the Pokémon, "Come, Marowak!"
"Wa-wak!" the Bone Keeper Pokémon cried out, stepping forward and swinging its bone at Sun. The boy stumbled back as the flames washed past him, nearly roasting the boy.
"A battle? Figures. Oliver, let's go!" Sun called out his Starter, who emerged from the Poké Ball with a hoot as he landed on the ground. Oliver looked at the Alolan Marowak before calmly preening himself, earning an annoyed look from the Bone Keeper Pokémon.
"A Dartrix? How strange...But I'm eager to see what you can do with a Grass-type while facing a Fire-type. Marowak, show them your strength!" Kiawe called as the Marowak nodded in response.
"Oliver, use Pluck!" Sun called to the owl. Oliver shot into the air quickly, darting towards the Alolan Marowak whose eyes widened in surprise before Oliver's glowing beak slammed into its chest, sending it crashing to the ground. Oliver swooped through the air, though he had his eyes shut in pain as an indigo aura glowed around him, making him shiver.
"What's that? Oliver, are you alright?" Sun called to his Starter, who nodded in response.
"What you just witnessed was Marowak's Ability, Cursed Body. When it receives direct damage from an opponent, this Ability curses the attacking Pokémon and prevents them from using the move that caused damage for a short time. In your case, Pluck." Kiawe explained with a smirk. Sun narrowed his eyes in annoyance, as this battle was made much harder for him.
The Marowak twirled its club as it extended outwards and began glowing bright blue. It kicked off of the ground and swung the club at Oliver, but the owl easily dodged the attack.
"Fool...Bone Club has no effect on Flying-types!" Kiawe groaned as Oliver laughed at the Marowak's attempts to hurt him.
"Razor Leaf, Oliver!" Sun called to the Dartrix. Oliver flapped his wings hard and released his wave of spinning razor-sharp leaves, even as Marowak raised its bone and attempted to block the onslaught of leaves. However, it couldn't prevent the attack from slashing into itself, making the Marowak groan in pain.
Marowak's eyes shot open and the Bone Keeper Pokémon suddenly charged forward, leaping into the air as raging flames surrounded it in a very familiar fashion to what Brago did.
"Flame Wheel...Oliver, dodge!" Sun yelled out, but the Marowak slammed into the Dartrix despite the bird attempting to move out of the way. Oliver dropped several feet in midair before spinning around, glaring at the Marowak.
"Razor Leaf again!"
Oliver used the attack once more as Marowak leapt into the air, attempting to hit the bird with Bone Club once more. Oliver easily dodged the attack and hit the Marowak while laughing at it, making the other Pokémon more and more angry.
"Calm yourself! Keep your composure. Remember your training, Marowak!" Kiawe instructed the Marowak. The Pokémon looked at its Trainer before looking back at Oliver with a more relaxed expression-
Only to find Oliver in front of him, his head turned backwards.
"Astonish!" Sun yelled out as Oliver faced forward, screeching horribly as red waves of energy poured from the owl. Marowak cried out in horror and pain, stumbling backwards before it hit the ground, knocked out.
"Haven't used that move in a while." Sun said with a pleased grin while Oliver soared back to his Trainer, hooting happily. "Good work, Oliver."
"Well played, Sun. You and your Dartrix work well together. I apologize for the impromptu battle, but my Marowak was so pleased by your right answer that it simply had to battle you!" Kiawe explained as he walked over to his fallen Pokémon and pulled out a Super Potion and a Revive. Within a minute, the fallen Pokémon was standing and looking ashamed at itself. Kiawe rested a hand on the Pokémon's shoulder, his expression firm.
"You did well, my friend. Don't feel bad about losing. It happens. Just grow and learn from it. We'll work on this together." Kiawe said to Marowak, who nodded and rejoined its fellow Marowak behind Kiawe.
"Now...Onward to the second dance!" Kiawe barked out, throwing his hands aside.
The trio of Marowak leapt apart, creating a literal firestorm of green flames as they passionately danced about. Sun remained alert as Oliver stayed beside him, watching the Pokémon with an awed expression on his face. Finally the trio ended their dance, striking different poses.
"Watch carefully and memorize this dance." Kiawe instructed Sun, who mutely nodded. Again, the Marowak's danced and danced, releasing fire as they spun their bones and darted around the platform, pouring their heart and souls into this performance. Kiawe was smiling the entire time, pride on his face as his Pokémon danced before them. Finally they stopped, striking poses once again as a flash of flight erupted from them. When it faded, the Marowak were posing once again. Each of the poses seemed to be the exact same, but now there was a random man standing off to the side wearing a massive grin.
"What was different from the previous dance?" Kiawe asked Sun. The boy slowly exchanged a bemused look with Oliver, who just shrugged in response. Sun looked back at Kiawe, who was looking at him expectantly.
"The Hiker guy?" Sun asked Kiawe, who again seemed completely taken aback.
"B-but how!?" Kiawe sputtered for a moment. He composed himself, smiling now. "That was truly spectacular! And to add to the spectacle…"
"Come, my fine Hiker!" Kiawe bellowed, with the random Hiker jumping back and throwing aside his arms, a mad grin on his face.
"Alola!" the Hiker bellowed, pulling out a single Poké Ball and calling out a strange-looking Pokémon cloaked in what looked like lava. It was a Pokémon Sun knew from Kanto, however.
"Magmar. That's a tough one. Oliver, you think you can handle it?" Sun asked his Starter. Oliver nodded and launched himself into the air, hooting loudly.
"By the way, the name's David! Pleased to meet you, Sun! Let's have a good battle!" the Hiker said cheerily as he punched the air, getting into a battling stance.
"Magmar, use Fire Spin!" David yelled out, with his Magmar spewing forth a spinning wraith of flames towards Oliver.
"Dodge and use Pluck!" Sun shouted. Oliver dodged the move thanks to the timing of Sun's shout and dove downwards, his beak glowing like a beacon. The bird rushed towards Magmar and slammed into the Spitfire Pokémon, knocking it down. The Fire-type rose to its feet, huffing in pain.
"It's not often we see someone going through the Fire Trial with a Grass-type! What confidence!" David proclaimed, earning a grin from Sun.
"Not confidence. Faith. I know Oliver's strong enough to handle the pre-Trial stuff on his own. I'm saving the Pokémon that can take on the Totem without too many problems for later!" Sun explained to the Hiker, who beamed at Sun. Kiawe's eyes widened in surprise at hearing Sun's logic.
"That explains it. I was wondering why he was using a Pokémon weak to fire this whole time. He wants to keep the rest of his team fresh for the proper battle...Heh. This kid is just as good as Hau said." Kiawe thought with a hidden smile as David and Sun called out commands to their Pokémon.
"Use Clear Smog, Magmar!" David yelled to his partner, who opened his mouth and released a white plume of smoke at Oliver.
"Dive through it with Pluck and knock that thing out!" Sun called to Oliver as his beak glowed white and grew longer. The Dartrix shot down towards the Magmar, soaring through the Clear Smog and slamming into the chest of the burning creature, surprising the Pokémon and hitting it while it's guard was down. Oliver hovered above the downed Pokémon, wincing in pain at the super-effective attack it had just dove through, though the gamble had paid off. The Magmar was now completely unconscious.
David slumped over, sighing with exhaustion despite having done absolutely nothing. The man recalled his Magmar and looked up at Sun, handing him a wad of cash with a sheepish grin and said, "You're a fool if you dance...and a fool if you just look on!"
"I guess?" Sun replied as Oliver swooped back over to him, looking frantic as he tried to clean himself. "Oliver, hold on. I've got this."
Sun sat down on the ground and pulled out his Pokémon Refresh kit. With a comb in hand, he gestured Oliver forward and began running the comb through the feathers of the Dartrix, who quickly relaxed. Oliver sighed with happiness as Kiawe and David watched on.
"Wow. He really likes that, huh?" David asked, seeing how content Oliver looked.
"Yeah...he does. I know Pokémon like being groomed and stuff, but Oliver usually does it on his own now. I just figured I didn't need to bother anymore. I'm sorry, Oliver. I wish I had known you liked being groomed by me so much. I'll make sure to do it more often, okay?" Sun apologized to the Dartrix, who nuzzled Sun's arm for a moment before returning to his previous position.
"I guess we all have something to learn about our Pokémon. That's what makes being a Trainer so much fun!" David proclaimed as Kiawe walked over to them.
"My Hiker Friend was so pleased by your right answer that he simply had to battle you!" Kiawe explained as he exchanged a grin with David.
"Absolutely. I sit in on these Trials because of my love for the dances of Alola. Getting to see such hot battles is a wonderful bonus!" David explained to Sun as the boy finished grooming Oliver. The Dartrix hooted happily as Sun put his things away.
"Onward...to the final dance!" Kiawe proclaimed, his face now set into an eager grin.
Sun and Oliver watched as the three Marowak assumed their positions. David and Kiawe stood off to the side, watching with smiles. Sun however, was anxious.
"This is the third dance...And still no Totem Pokémon. This has to be it…" Sun thought before he nodded. With that, the trio of Marowak began their dance, twirling their flaming bones around and around as music, drumbeats and chanting filled the air. Sun's eyes widened as he saw several Salandit pop their heads over the ring of the Trial Site, eyeing Sun with interest. Most of them were the skinny male Salandit, making Sun wonder where the female ones were…
Sun snapped his eyes back to the Marowak's dancing, worried he had been too distracted to not be able to pick up on any differences between this dance and the next one. However, when the dance ended and a flash of light erupted from the Marowak, Sun blinked in confusion.
David had rejoined the Marowak, striking a pose alongside two of the Marowak. The third Marowak was standing off to the side, pretending to hold a camera to take a picture of the three others. Sun scratched his head in bewilderment before shrugging.
"Watch carefully and memorize this dance." Kiawe instructed Sun, seemingly oblivious to the strange scene playing out before them. Sun wondered if Hau had a similar experience, and if every Captain he'd meet on his journey had a weird Trial. At least Lana's had the benefit of being a bit cool. This one was just...odd.
"Alright. Let's see it." Sun said to the group. David walked off to the side while the Marowak returned to their positions.
For the final time, the trio of Marowak began to dance as the torches around the Trial Site crackled and burned. Flames whirled forth as the Alolan Marowak's spun their bones, and the pounding of drums and chanting filled the air. And then finally, a flash and everything stopped...
"Dar...trix?"
"Yeah, I'm confused too. But I think we finally got what we were waiting for."
Before Sun was a similar scene to the last one he had witnessed, however there was a major change. Standing next to David was a massive black and purple lizard with its arms and hands spread out, doing a classic photo-bomb pose. Sun and Oliver exchanged a glance and Sun dropped his backpack to the ground, pulled out Rotom Dex, and turned it back on.
"...rebooting. Ugh, what happened last night?" Rotom mumbled as it weakly floated into the air.
"You went crazy because Kiawe insulted you. Please stop doing that." Sun asked the Rotom Dex, who just buzzed in response.
"Well, lookee there! We're doing the Trial! Thankzz for waking me up, buddy!" Rotom said happily, zooming around Sun.
"Yeah, I just figured you'd want to play that creepy music, because I'm pretty much certain whatever that thing is...it's what we're about to fight." Sun said to the device, who chuckled electrically. Rotom began playing the eerie music, with it sending a shiver down Sun's spine.
"Ahem." Sun, Rotom Dex and Oliver all looked to Kiawe, who was watching them with amusement. The Captain then asked, "What was different from the previous dance?"
"The Totem Pokémon." Sun answered the Captain, preparing himself for the worst. Kiawe's expression turned to shock for a third time, with the Captain taking a step back in astonishment.
"B-but how?!" Kiawe demanded, taking a moment to compose himself. He then smirked and said, "Well...That was truly spectacular, Sun. Your swift eyes managed to hold their own against our dances. And to add to the spectacle…"
The massive beast's eyes locked onto Sun and the Totem let out a soft growl. That was enough for the three Marowak's to leap away from the Pokémon, with David also jumping off of the platform and landing next to Kiawe. The Totem Pokémon swept out its arms, hissing as it's tail lashed at the ground.
"Come, Totem Pokémon!" Kiawe bellowed as the beast in question let out a roar at Sun. Oliver kicked off of the ground, flapping into the air with a hoot as it stared down the Totem fearlessly. Sun grinned as he and his partner prepared to square off against the Totem Pokémon of Wela Volcano Park, even as the surrounding Salandits slowly drew closer with hunger gleaming in their eyes...
Howdy folks. FlygonNick here with a little note here at the end of the chapter.
So, I've been doing this for a little over a year. And my god, what a journey this has been. I didn't imagine this story would do as well as it has been doing, and I have you all to thank for it.
These past few weeks, hell the past few months, have been very trying. Thankfully, I have finally got to the end of this little journey and have officially graduated from Tech School. This means that I'll be going to my operational base soon and hopefully be able to maintain my schedule for this story again.
However, and now I get to my point, I've realized that as a result of my own busyness and working on a story this size, that I just don't have time to personally respond to questions and concerns in the story as often as I would like. I even have people who ask me questions via PM or ask me to check out their stories, and I'm not always able to follow up on that. And for those who feel I have ignored them, I sincerely apologize because that wasn't something I intended to do. I honestly just lose track of things with everything going on in my life lately.
So, I'm going to try something out.
At the beginning or end of every chapter, I'm going to answer questions left in the review section of RS. These can be from previous chapters from way back or the latest one, it doesn't matter. All I ask if that you leave one question per review, because otherwise it'd get excessive. I'd also like to ask that you leave some sort of feedback on the chapter itself. No feedback, no answer. Just how it's going to go. Also, if you're a Guest Reviewer, please have some kind of name so I'm not repeatedly answering questions for "Guest."
Also, in regards to my 10-Chapter poll I do, I will do one for this instance, but only because I want to know your opinion on something. Should I do the Q&A section in the beginning of chapters or at the end of chapters, like how I'm doing here? Would that reduce the immersion factor at all, or do you all not mind it being at the end of the chapter? Please let me know via review, PM, or by voting on the poll.
I also reserve the right to not answer questions directly because they may spoil things for later. This is a long story, after all, and I have plans for after its completion that I don't want to explain just yet. So if I'm vague, it's because you'll find out about your question later on.
The following would basically be how it's set up.
From AncientHero2000:
Q: As for the battle royal, I think it was cool that we got to see Hugh and Crasher Wake. I love it whenever there are cameos of people from different regions. Will we see more of those in the future? Like, will we see cameos of more player characters throughout the story? Maybe like Red or Blue? Possibly Lucas Barry and Dawn?
A: There will definitely be more cameos later. Every one of the in-game cameos will appear (even Cynthia, who isn't seen until post-game) within the main story. As for other heroes/playable characters, I'll confirm that Red and Blue will appear in the story as well, but for the others, as of now I have no plans for them.
From Sai Og Sus
Q: Just saying, don't you think there are too many OCs already?
A: Maybe not an actual serious question, but I'll answer it nevertheless since it is a valid concern. Yeah, I have quite a few OC's, but this story will be well over 2 million words before its done. Considering the massive length of the story, I think having a variety of characters isn't a bad thing. But you are right, I do have quite a few, which is why I'm not planning on introducing new ones anytime soon on top of this. Major ones, anyway. I think it all checks out for now.
Basically, the Q & A will follow that format. Let me know your thoughts below, or via PM. Cheers!
Next chapter is the Totem Battle. I had a ridiculous amount of problems with this one, so with that in mind, I can imagine Sun will have similar problems. I do have some fun twists involved, though, and it's going to be awesome.
As always, thanks for supporting the story and offering your feedback and support. Please consider leaving a review and favoriting or following the story if you haven't already. And leave questions if you have them in the review section below!
Here's to another 150 chapters of fun under the Alolan sun!
Stay safe and stay awesome.
Until next time, FlygonNick out!
