Chapter 80

In the Canyon Biome, the rocky terrain dominates our surroundings, making it an ideal habitat for various Pokémon. The starter Pokémon in this biome include Squirtle, Turtwig, Treecko, Litten, and Tepig, all of them seemingly at home amidst the rocky landscape. As we continue our exploration, we also spot Rock and Fighting type Pokémon in the area.

Alice comments on the unique mix of species in this biome, saying, "You know... in the Crown Tundra there are living fossils except for the ones from Sinnoh... but here, it is the opposite... they have the living fossils from Sinnoh, or Ancient Hisui..."

Insey proudly mentions, "Yeah, thanks to this place I get to see wild Kleavors and even have one of my own," with a grin on their face.

Minami adds, "And there is also Chargestone Cave. A mini version but filled with Chargestones."

I share my enthusiasm for the environment, saying, "Really? I did mention before that Chargestone Cave is one of my favorite places in Unova. Formulas express the forces behind electricity, its connection to Pokémon, and humans and Pokémon themselves."

Alice teases me, noting, "You're acting N again, Ash..." with a sigh.

I decide to read the Rotom Phone description for Amarys, revealing her background, "Amarys, BB League rank: #4. Has trained Pokémon since she could walk and talk. Directs Steel Pokémon precisely to calmly corner opponents. She's also the student council president. From Castelia City in Unova."

Lucine chuckles, saying, "Slightly exaggerating..." She continues, "But a student council president... she probably acts different than Nemona."

Serena agrees, "I know what you mean."

Finally, we arrive at the Canyon Biome, having spent 50 more BP. The staff calls out, "Now here she comes - our very own Amarys!"

Amarys approaches us and acknowledges, "Ash, yes? As you see, I'm present and ready for your trial. A change of location is required... Come."

We follow her until we reach the summit of a hill, where she addresses us, "The decision to allow you to take on the League was irregular. An exception among exceptions... I was against it, as you know. But the academy allowed it, and their ruling is absolute. Therefore, I will carry out my duty as a member of the Elite Four as flawlessly as I always do."

I express my regret, saying, "Sorry about that... we weren't meant to get dragged into this mess," with a frown.

Amarys proceeds to explain the Elite Trial she has devised, naming it the "Flying Time Trial." She elaborates, "You will need to fly around the skies of the Terarium while riding a Pokémon. Reach the goal within the prescribed time, and you will pass the trial. Fly through the Magnemite rings, and extra time will be added to the countdown. I recommend you go through as many rings as possible as you fly toward the goal." We notice numerous Magnemite rings suspended in the sky.

Drandon, puzzled by the choice of a flying trial for a Steel-type specialist, comments, "Flying trial for Steel? That isn't what I'm expecting..."

Amarys instructs us, "I assume you have a Pokémon to ride on. Please bring it out of its ball."

As I contemplate which Pokémon to choose for the challenge, Miraidon emerges from his Poké Ball on his own. I express my surprise, "Miraidon?" Amarys takes the initiative, providing Miraidon with a special herb-based supplement that enhances his flight capabilities. Miraidon visibly brims with energy, reminiscent of our previous adventures while searching for Herba Mysticas.

Amarys clarifies, "What your Miraidon just consumed is a supplement that enhances a Pokémon's flight capabilities. I prepared it using the leaves of a mysterious plant that was found growing in the Terarium. Your Miraidon will be able to soar through the skies as it pleases."

Serena gasps in astonishment, saying, "Wait, so instead of gliding... we can fly now..."

With the preparations complete, Amarys wishes us luck as I mount Miraidon and embark on the flying trial, soaring through the skies to reach the goal.

The entire experience is exhilarating and reminiscent of playing a console game. As I navigate through the aerial course, it feels like a thrilling adventure. Each time I pass through a Magnemite ring, my timer gains an additional 10 seconds, giving me precious extra time to reach the goal. Initially, I start with a 30-second countdown, but there is an abundance of rings, and they vary in their positions, going upwards, downwards, left, and right. The rapid pace and complex patterns of the rings make it challenging to keep up, and I find myself occasionally missing a few.

Despite the difficulties, I persevere, determined to complete the trial successfully. Finally, after passing through the last gate, the trial concludes, and I glance at the timer, realizing that I have an impressive 36 seconds remaining, a testament to our skillful navigation and Miraidon's enhanced flying abilities.

While I soar through the sky, Drandon expresses his excitement, exclaiming, "Wow... that is quite fun!"

Alice takes the opportunity to inquire of Amarys, "Yeah. Hey, Amarys, do you have more of those herbs so that our Koraidon can also do the same thing?" Amarys confirms and provides Alice with the herbs, allowing Koraidon to consume them and gain the ability to fly.

Amarys, however, sets a restriction, saying, "However, I won't allow you to fly right now, you don't want to interrupt Ash's trial if you do so."

Serena agrees, "Of course not. We'll do it after the trial is over," showing consideration for the ongoing challenge.

After a successful landing, Amarys commends my punctuality, acknowledging the impressive display during the trial. She expresses satisfaction in watching the flight and announces, "Congratulations. You have cleared my Elite Trial. Now, a change of location is required once again. Come."

As we follow Amarys to the next location, Lillie inquires, "So Ash, how were you feeling?"

I respond with enthusiasm, saying, "Awesome... even though we've already flown through our Pokémon a lot of times, but Miraidon is different."

Minami joins in, offering her support, "That sounds like a wonderful experience. Good for you, Brother."

Upon our arrival at the battlefield, Amarys raises a more serious topic, saying, "There is one thing I wanted to ask you... It concerns Kieran. What is he to you, Ash?"

I reply honestly, "He's my friend that I made during the school trip to Kitakami."

Amarys proceeds to explain her connection to Kieran, revealing, "So, you consider him a friend... I see. For my part, Kieran is the younger brother of my dear friend, Carmine. Something in him has changed—he is not his usual self. I find this deeply concerning. If possible...I want to be the one to help him. That being the case, I cannot afford to lose."

Determined to assist Kieran as well, I assert, "I also want to help him as well, which is why I can't lose as well."

Amarys sends out her first two Pokémon, Skarmory and Alolan Dugtrio, and I respond by choosing Annihilape and Quaquaval as my starting Pokémon for the battle.

Amarys issues her commands, instructing her Pokémon, "Get ready, Skarmory. You too, Dugtrio. We're finishing this battle right on schedule." Skarmory takes the lead by setting up Stealth Rocks.

I make my moves, directing Quaquaval to use Aqua Step. However, Dugtrio manages to land a Sucker Punch on Quaquaval before the move connects. Fortunately, the attack is not very effective, and Quaquaval gains a speed boost.

Skarmory goes on the offensive, using Dual Wingbeat and targeting Annihilape due to its type advantage. However, Annihilape skillfully dodges the attack and retaliates with a Shadow Punch, striking Skarmory and sending it back.

I capitalize on the opening, commanding Annihilape to use Stomping Tantrum, which hits Dugtrio, and Quaquaval follows up with Close Combat. Together, they work to defeat Dugtrio, effectively taking it out of the battle.

Amarys sends out her third Pokémon, Scizor, which immediately takes action by using Bullet Punch on Annihilape, dealing damage before my Pokémon can retaliate. I command Annihilape to execute a Rage Fist, but before the move can reach Scizor, Skarmory intervenes, using Dual Wingbeat to remove Annihilape from the battle.

In response, I send out Scovillain as my third Pokémon. Scovillain proceeds to use Spicy Extract, a risky move that boosts the opponent's Attack stat but comes at the cost of reducing Skarmory's defense. Despite this, Quaquaval lands a powerful Wave Crash, successfully knocking out Skarmory.

Amarys introduces her fourth Pokémon, Reuniclus, which raises my suspicion about Elite Four members having one Pokémon that doesn't fit their designated type. Reuniclus is known for its use in Trick Room strategies, which becomes apparent as my Quaquaval's Aqua Step hinders its speed stat. Reuniclus retaliates with a super-effective Psychic attack, which proves too much for my Quaquaval, resulting in its defeat.

In response to Amarys sending out Empoleon as her fifth Pokémon, I choose Spidops to join the battle. Spidops uses Silk Trap to protect itself from Reuniclus's Psychic attack. Meanwhile, Scovillain unleashes an Overheat, effectively removing Scizor from the battle.

Empoleon takes action by launching a Hydro Pump, which hits Spidops. As the Trick Room ends, both Scovillain and Spidops coordinate their efforts, with Scovillain using Crunch and Spidops deploying Skitter Smack to take down Reuniclus. However, Reuniclus retaliates with an Ice Beam, which defeats Scovillain.

To our surprise, Amarys reveals her final Pokémon, a Metagross. I choose Toedscruel as my next Pokémon, but Amarys orders an attack called "Hard Press," targeting Toedscruel upon its entry into battle. Toedscruel sustains significant damage from the attack, and Spidops also takes a hit from Empoleon's Flash Cannon before being knocked out.

In a final attempt to secure victory, I call upon Charizard as my last Pokémon. Amarys acknowledges the urgency of the situation, stating, "...Time is short. Let's wrap this battle up."

Both Charizard and Metagross undergo Terastalization, transforming into pure Fire and Steel Types, respectively. Toedscruel seizes the moment to use Giga Drain, defeating Empoleon. Charizard launches a Flamethrower at Metagross, but the Steel-type Pokémon manages to dodge the attack. It retaliates with a Zen Headbutt, causing Charizard to flinch. Though Toedscruel falls to Metagross's Ice Punch, Charizard unleashes a powerful Seismic Toss, dealing significant damage and ultimately defeating Metagross.

"I am...not enough, I see," Amarys closes her eyes in contemplation before recalling her Metagross. "The strength of one's Pokémon reflects the strength of one's beliefs. Your desire to help Kieran is evidently greater than my own."

"You got that right," I affirm in response to her observation. She sighs, clearly feeling the weight of her defeat, and continues, "How frustrating. All right, then. Time for a photo. We must ensure that your victory here is properly commemorated."

We take a photograph to commemorate our hard-fought battle. Amarys seems to acknowledge the importance of the moment and entrusts her wish to me, saying, "It is up to you to help Kieran, Ash. I entrust my wish to you. ...Time for me to go. So long."

Once Amarys departs, Bryce compliments our performance, saying, "Another amazing battle, well done, Ash."

"Thanks. So far, Drayton is the only one left," I note.

As if on cue, Drayton makes his presence known once more, casually addressing us with his signature greeting. "Yo yo yo, Champ in the making. That's three of the Elite Four you've trounced now. Seeing how far you're getting is making me sweat a little. Amarys sure leaves an impression, huh? It's wild seeing her and Carmine talk. You'd never guess it, but they click in a weird way. It's pretty funny to watch."

"I can tell." Alice sighs. Drayton continues, "The thing about Amarys is, as rigid as she looks, she's got a sensitive streak a mile wide. Remember that about her, OK? Even if it's hard to tell from outside. Y'know, bud, seeing skills like yours up close and personal really leaves an impression. No wonder it had such an effect on Kieran... But enough about that. I guess your Elite Fourth match is gonna be against me. Nice of you to save the best for last. You gave me plenty of time to get ready. See ya soon. Show us what you got."

With that, Drayton bids us farewell once more, and we decide to visit the Polar Biome to explore the area.

Here is a new chapter, and you can see that the third Elite Four member has been done and I hope you like it.

Ash and Serena's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Tauros (Paldean) x3, Lapras, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Ursaluna (Blood Moon), Sneasler, Meowscarada, Skeledirge, Quaquaval, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Lokix, Pawmot, Maushold x2 (Family of four/three), Dachsbun, Arboliva, Squawkabilly x4, Garganacl, Armarouge, Ceruledge, Bellibolt, Kilowattrel, Mabosstiff, Grafaiai, Brambleghast, Toedscruel, Klawf, Scovillain, Rabsca, Espathra, Tinkaton, Wugtrio, Bombirdier, Palafin, Revavroom, Cyclizar, Orthworm, Glimmora, Houndstone, Flamigo, Cetitan, Veluza, Dondozo, Tatsugiri X3, Annihilape, Clodsire, Farigiraf, Dudunsparce x2 (Two, Three segment), Kingambit, Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Slither Wing, Sandy Shocks, Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorns, Baxcalibur, Gholdengo, Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, Chi-Yu, Roaring Moon, Iron Valiant, Koraidon, Miraidon, Dipplin, Sinistcha, Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, Ogerpon