#WantsToJourney2021 Ch. 9

 

The pile rumbled and berries began to shake and fall to the ground, and a light blue object pushed from the mound into the air!

Hau jumped back, startled, and he and Pichu began to investigate. 

The final berries began to fly away from the mound, and an angry Pokémon shook its fists! Hau exclaimed excitedly that it was a Crabrawler, a Fighting Type Pokémon. Hau was super excited! Kahuna Hala, Hau’s grandfather, was a Fighting Type specialist, and Hau always wanted to be just like him when he got older and one day take over for him.

The Crabrawler began to wave its fists and maneuver back and forth, clearly aiming to have a round of fist-a-cuffs with Hau. Hau got amped and told Pichu walk forward to begin the tussle.

Crabrawler took a couple of jabs at Pichu and Pichu ducked out of the way. Pichu then used a quick attack on Crabrawler and it took a step back in pain. Crabrawler then jabbed at Pichu a couple of more times, and this time they connected with Pichu right in its face! Pichu then nuzzled Crabrawler attempting to inflict paralysis, but to no avail! Crabrawler then opened its mouth and hit Pichu with a bubble, pushing Pichu backwards. Pichu used a Thundershock, but Crabrawler dodged it. Crabrawler moved in close to punch Pichu again, but Pichu jumped up in the air and used another Thundershock, this time connecting. Crabrawler was temporarily stunned! Pichu moved in for a Quick Attack, but Crabrawler at the last second hit Pichu with an uppercut! 

Hau so far was absolutely loving the battle! He had a look of intensity about him, but also you could tell he was having the time of his life! Hau yelled out to the Crabrawler that it was really tough, and made a bet! If Crabrawler won the battle, he’d let it have ALL of the berries Hau had picked so far, but Pichu won, then Crabrawler would join Hau’s team. Crabrawler thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement. Hau beamed with excitement, and told Pichu to turn up the heat! 

Crabrawler grunted, showing he was now taking the battle more seriously as well, and moved in to take another Brutal Swing at Pichu, and the hit connected, nearly knocking out Pichu there! Hau asked Pichu if he was alright, and Pichu winced in pain, but stood to his feet once more. Crabrawler closed the gap and came to swing yet again, and this time Pichu dodged out of the way and hit Crabrawler with a Thundershock, inflicting the Paralysis. Crabrawler was unable to move, so Pichu hit Crabrawler with a Quick Attack and then one final Thundershock, and that was enough to knock Crabrawler out!

Hau walked forward helped Crabrawler back to his feet and gave it one of the berries he’d caught, and soon the Crabrawler was back to its normal self. Hau told Crabrawler that he was an amazing battler, and that he’d really pushed Pichu to the limit! Hau also Crabrawler that even though Pichu won the battle, that he didn’t have to join his team if he didn’t want to, and that he’d still share the berries if he’d like. 

Crabrawler thought about the offer, but walked towards Hau and gestured to his Pokéballs, indicating that he’d honor their agreement. Hau got really excited, and took out a Pokéball and threw it at Crabrawler! There was a flash, and Crabrawler went into the Pokéball, and after a jiggle, it clicked. Hau excitedly picked up the Pokéball and cheered! He then let Crabrawler back out, and knelt down beside it and promised that they’d train and become even stronger than they already were! Crabrawler nodded and began to punch the air, showing that he was ready!

Joel, Lillie, and myself all walked over to Hau and congratulated him on a win and new capture, and the 4 of us and our Pokémon collected our berries and walked back to the Lab where we told Professor Kukui and Mr. Oak all about our day! Mr. Oak took the berries and began making the curry he had promised, and Professor Kukui was really excited to meet Crabrawler!

After a couple of hours, the curry was ready! Mr. Oak suggested we all let out our Pokémon and feast!

Professor Kukui shared his curry with his Rockruff, and he loved it! Rockruff got so excited to eat that it ran around excitedly and even jumped up on Lillie trying to play! Lillie panicked and froze; she was still nervous around Pokémon. Professor Kukui walked over and picked up Rockruff apologizing. Lillie calmed down and told the Professor it was alright, and managed to walk over and pet Rockruff, saying it was important for her to be in situations like this to one day overcome her fear. Lillie then sat down next to Rockruff and ate her curry and squeezed in excitement, saying it was the best thing she’d ever had!

Joel dropped some spoons full into Magikarp’s fish bowl to share! Mr. Oak laughed and said that he’d never seen someone take such good care of a Pokémon! 

Hau let out his team and introduced Popplio and Eevee to Crabrawler. Pichu walked forward to make a peace offering after their battle. Crabrawler eyed Pichu up and down, and then finally held out a fist to shake. Popplio and Eevee walked forward and excitedly greeted Crabrawler, and the four of them and Hau all shared their curry and grew closer!

I let out Litten and Grimer and then Muchlax and myself brought over our curry to share. Muchlax happily ate his curry faster than the rest of us and let out a loud burp, and we all laughed.

Soon everyone had finished eating and started to get sleepy from how full they were! Professor Kukui brought out blankets and soon everyone began to nap.

I cuddled up with my partners and looked around at my friends and their Pokémon. I closed my eyes with a pleasant sigh and yawned.

It had been a good day!

(Picture from Pinterest, but I couldn’t find the creator.)

#WantsToJourney2021 Ch. 8

 

After all of the excitement of Team Skull threatening our group, we needed to take a breather, so we decided to all stay with Professor Kukui at his Lab. 

Mr. Oak felt partially responsible for Team Skulls’ invasion, so he decided to make us all a big dinner! We laughed and ate and by the end of the evening we had all mostly forgotten about what happened.

The next day Joel and I had to log on to a computer and take part in our virtual online school. Mom and Dad made us promise that if we were going to take on the Island Challenge that we would have to keep up our school work. Since so many students take on the challenge, our school offered classes on line once a week. The class work is difficult, but our teacher is really nice, and Professor Kukui and Lillie helped us with our homework.

Lillie is really Smart! She is a whiz at math, and is also really good at teaching and making things easier to understand. Professor Kukui is super smart about science, too! 

Our teacher also asked us to write a report on the history of the island, and Mr. Oak told us all about the local history and legends of the island guardians. It all sounds so cool!

After we finished up our school work, it was time to train! Professor Kukui said that the next step on our challenge was taking on the Island’s Kahuna! All four islands have a Kahuna and a Grand Trial. Hau’oli Grandfather, Kahuna Hala, was this Island’s Kahuna.

Hau was fired up! He asked me to take him on in a battle to prepare. I happily agreed!

Hau started the battle off with his newest partner, Eevee, so I started out with my newest buddy, Alolan Grimer. Hau told Eevee to attack with Swift and connected with a hard hit, but got stuck in Grimer’s goo. I hollered for Grimer to bite down hard! Grimer listened and Eevee was in a bind. Eevee struggled free and hit Grimer with a Quick Attack! Grimer was hit again and this time I told Grimer to retaliate with a pound and it sent Eevee flying. I had Grimer finish off Eevee with another pound, but Grimer actually accessed a new move instead! Grimer let out a purple gas cloud that was poisonous and Eevee inhaled it and went down.

I ran over to hug Grimer and got covered in it’s goo, but we both laughed.

Hau returned Eevee and thanked it for such a good battle. He smiled and complimented Grimer and I’s strategy and then sent out Popplio. I told Grimer to wait on the sidelines next to Joel and Magikarp and sent out Litten. I knew Litten was at a type advantage, but the win with Alolan Grimer had me fired up!

I began to get a little cocky and told Litten to charge Popplio and scratch, and Hau told Popplio to dodge the incoming attack and use bubble beam. Litten got hit HARD! I called for Litten to shake it off and try licking Popplio. Litten connected, but it didn’t paralyze Popplio. Popplio then tackled Litten and hit him with another bubble beam. I yelled for Litten to shot with an ember, but it was too late. Litten went down.

I ran over and scooped Litten up and apologized for acting rashly, and Litten licked my face to show he forgave me. I walked Litten over to Lillie, who had a worried look on her face. She got scared, but saw how hurt Litten was and held him and petted his back.

I told Hau he really humbled me, and he responded saying we were all tied up.

Hau sent out his Pichu, and I sent out Munchlax.

Pichu attacked first! He ran and hit Muchlax with a quick attack! Muchlax absorbed the hit and hit Pichu back with a tackle. Pichu dodged the tackle and got close enough to Munchlax to paralyze him! Muchlax couldn’t move! Pichu used another quick attack. It didn’t hurt Munchlax very much, but he still couldn’t move. Pichu came back with a third Quick Attack, and Munchlax finally shook off the paralysis and head butt Pichu hard! Pichu got stunned for a second, and Muchlax tried to Lick and paralyze Pichu. To our surprise, it worked! Munchlax hit with another headbutt, and it looked like Pichu went down for the count, but Pichu used his last bit of energy to hit Muchlax with a thundershock! Muchlax went down for the count, but fell on Pichu, and he passed out, too. Both of them fainted.

I help Munchlax get off of Pichu and Hau ran to Pichu’s side. He scooped up Pichu and held him in the air and spun around excitedly shouting how amazing the battle was! I hugged Munchlax and held his hand high in the air praising him! Pichu and Munchlax both smiled and beamed with pride.

We all went inside to heal up our teams and Professor Kukui informed us that he was watching from the window and that we had some pretty sweet moves. Mr. Oak chimed in and said that it seemed Hau and I were evenly matched.

Hau’s stomach began to rumble loudly and he laughed and sheepishly said that he guessed our battle worked up an appetite. Mr. Oak laughed and suggested Hau and I along with Lillie and Joel go and collected some nearby berries and the he would make us some curry! He learned a recipe when he was traveling in the Galar Region. We all agreed and set off! 

Professor Kukui suggested we head to Route 3 near the Melemele Meadow; several berry trees grow there where anyone can pick from. We set off!

Hau led the way with his Pichu resting on his head. Lillie followed behind with her egg in an incubator in a sling across her chest. Muchlax and I followed behind her, and Joel and his Magikarp brought up the rear.

We finally made it to Route 3 and found the berry trees! There were so many!! There were also LOTS of Pokémon in the area. Everyone loved the berries!

Hau ran to nearby pile of berries that had fallen out of a tree and began putting them in his bag. Pichu even helped hand him berries! Lillie began observing some of the nearby Pokémon; there were Butterfrees and Mankeys and Passimians and even a few Cutieflies and Spearrows smiling and munching on berries at some of the other trees.

Joel began munching on a berry and dropped some pieces of a berry in Magikarp’s fish bowl. Magikarp ate them as they floated towards him and began swimming around in glee. An Oricorio walked up and looked at the berries quizzically. Joel held out a berry to share and offered it to the Oricorio and it ate it happily and chirped affectionately!

A nearby Trainer walked over and challenged Munchlax and I to a battle! The Trainer’s name was Ian and sent out his Psyduck and Munchlax and I made quick work of them. Ian took the battle hard, but I walked over and thanked him for the awesome battle! He smiled and thanked me and walked away.

Lillie, Joel, and I came back together and walked towards Hau. Hau and Pichu had packed their bag sooo full that they could hardly lift it, but they were steadily looking for more berries. They made their way to another pile of berries and as they picked up a berry, the pile began to move!

Something was in the pile?!

(Picture from Bulbapedia)

#WantsToJourney2021 Ch. 7

 

The sound of Pokéballs bursting opened came from outside the door, and a moment later we could see who burst open the door and what was making all of the racket.

Three familiar faces came through the door:

Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp spread out across the Lab along with their Pokémon Zubat, Hypno, and Alolan Rattata. The three Team Skull grunts had smirks adorned on their faces. Zipp smugly claimed that last time we met we got lucky and that this time we wouldn’t get off so easy. Tupp laughed in agreement, and Rapp chimed in saying that this time they had back up. A moment later, two more people walked through the door. As they stepped inside, Zipp informed us that the bosses wanted to have a word.

A man and a woman walked inside. The woman had four long violet and yellow pigtails, two coming down on either side of her face and had an unamused expression, and the man had somewhat spiked white hair with goggles on his head. The man let out a loud laugh and placed his hands on his hips. He told us his name was Guzma and he was the “big bad boss”. He gestured to the woman and said her name was Plumeria, his second in command. They were the leaders of Team Skull. They had heard about our altercation and wanted to make sure our group knew who was in charge on the island. They’d also heard about Mr. Oak and his eggs and demanded we hand them over. Lillie gasped and gripped her egg, ducking down trying to hide. Guzma laughed again and indicated that he knew Lillie, but that he didn’t have time to get into all that. Guzma and Plumeria let out their own Pokémon, Guzma’s being a Gollisopod and Plumeria’s being a Salazzle. Those were powerful looking Pokémon!

Hau instantly let out his Popplio and Pichu and I let out Munchlax and Litten. Professor Kukui also stepped up along side Hau and I and let out his Rockruff. Hau yelled at Team Skull, claiming that they were nothing more than bullies, and Professor Kukui said that there was no way they were getting the eggs.

Guzma glared at our group and began to instruct his squad to attack, when a siren rang out from outside. Rapp looked outside the nearest window, and said that Office Jenny was approaching outside and asked Guzma what they should do. 

Guzma’s glare intensified. He paused and then let out an aggravated shout, and told everyone to recall their Pokémon. Everyone did so, and Guzma walked closer and got right up into Professor Kukui’s face and whispered that this wasn’t over. 

Professor Kukui didn’t even blink. He simply smiled whispered back to for him to bring it. 

With that, Team Skull took their leave. 

Office Jenny rushed in moments later and took our statements. Joel excitedly recalled the entire event. Professor Kukui got on the phone and called Professor Burnet to inform her of the ordeal. Mr. Oak stepped outside and brought in his luggage. Professor Kukui invited him to stay at the lab so that they could both research the egg and Pokémon once it had hatched and also so if Team Skull ever decided to make a second appearance than there would be strength in numbers.

Hau and I helped Lillie come out of her hidey-hole. We asked how she knew Guzma, but she refused to tell us, apologizing profusely. I told her it was ok, and that she could tell us when she was ready. Hau smiled and said that if Team Skull ever came back that they would protect her and the egg.

Lillie smiled back and thanked us. She let out a sigh of relief and help her egg even tightly.

I have a feeling this wouldn’t be the end of our encounters with Team Skull.

(Pictures from Bulbapedia, Pokémon Wiki, and DeviantArt and then edited together.)

#WantsToJourney2021 Ch. 6

 

I was still pulsing with adrenaline. 

I couldn’t believe we made it through! Munchlax took a pretty bad beating, but we still emerged victorious. Lillie, Hau, Joel, and Captain Ilima raced towards me and cheered loudly, congratulating me and helping to tend to Munchlax. Grimer and Litten were jumping for joy as well. They were a HUGE help! We definitely couldn’t have won without them.

Captain Ilima gives Munchlax a berry and he seems to gain a bit of relief. Ilima informs our group that Munchlax will make it to the Pokémon Center, but that we should head there as quickly as possible. I return everyone to their Pokéballs and we load back up into Ilima’s Jeep.

Once we arrive I give my Pokémon over to Nurse Joy and she takes them back to get them healed up.

Captain Ilima and the rest of our group move to the waiting area, and it’s there that he congratulated me once more and also gives me the TM for the move Rest. He tells me that Rest will be a HUGE help for Munchlax. The move will help Munchlax to be able to regain health in a battle, but it also puts him to sleep. We then proceed to sit and I’m able to tell everyone everything that happened in the Verdant Cavern.

Nurse Joy and a Chansey walk out from the back room and gives me back my Pokéballs and our group heads back outside.

Hau asks Captain Ilima when he can take on the Trial for himself, and excited claims that he’d like to see what the other Pokémon is in the Cavern. Ilima says he likes his passion and we all proceed to head back to the Cavern.

By the time we arrive, the sun has set and the moon is brightly shining. It’s a beautiful starry lit night, and Captain Ilima tells Hau that the nocturnal species is sure to be inside. We all wish Hau good luck and he runs inside!

While waiting, Captain Ilima starts a fire and pulls out folding chairs from his Jeep for us to all sit and enjoy the night. Joel sits and watches Magikarp, making faces at him and giggling. Lillie looks up towards the sky and sighs peacefully. She retells a story of a night when her brother and she were little and they camped out in the front yard. She has a saddened smile on her face as she finishes talking, and quickly changes the subject when she realizes it. Captain Ilima sits near the fire and pulls out a ukulele, playing a sweet little medley; his Yungoos resting on his lap purring as he sleeps.

I let out my Pokémon and thank all of them for such an amazing battle and give them some treats that Professor Burnet gave me. I hug my little trio and we all sit and listen to Ilima’s song.

And hour and a half had passed, and Joel and Lillie were sound asleep when Hau finally emerges from the Cavern. He walks out slowly, slightly limping, with Eevee, Popplio, and Pichu all attempting to help Hau walk as well. 

As soon as I notice him, I rouse Lillie and Joel awake, and we all walk towards him.

Hau walks, hanging his head down. When we arrive and ask if he had failed, he slowly lifts his head and winks, grinning. He holds up a thumb in victory and pulls the Z-Crystal out of his pocket. We all shout in excitement and congratulate him.

After making it back to Pokémon Center and getting his Pokémon healed, he informs us that the Pokémon was an Alolan Rattata and Raticate! They were extremely hostile and vicious attacker. During the battle with the Totem Pokémon, the Rattatas attacked as well and he damaged in the process. Nurse Joy helps Hau receive medical attention himself.

Lillie calls Professor Kukui and tells him of our victory, and after Captain Ilima congratulates Hau and rewards him with his own TM, he makes his leave and tells us all that the next time we meet we’ll have a battle.

Professor Kukui asks if he needs to come and give us a ride back, but Nurse Joy insists that with the late hour that we all stay there at the center. There’s a communal room with beds and we were more than welcome to stay, so we oblige!

The next morning we wake up, have breakfast with Nurse Joy, and make our way back to Professor Kukui’s Lab.

Along our way we take in a few more sights in the city. Lillie shows us where she purchased some new clothing items and Hau treats us all to a Malasada. 

As we leave the city and walk back towards the Lab we encounter a couple of trainers that challenged us to Pokémon Battles. None of them were too difficult, and it gave Munchlax a chance to try out his new move Rest. Grimer and Litten got in some nice experience as well. Hau also got in on the fun and battled. His team is looking strong! We’ll have to battle again soon!

We finally made it back to Professor Kukui’s Lab, and upon arriving we saw that the Professor had a guest!

Professor Kukui introduced us to Samson Oak, an older man with a loud Hawaiian shirt and an eccentric personality! Mr. Oak was a researcher and a relative of the famous Professor Oak from the Kanto Region! Mr. Oak was researching the differences between Alolan Variations or Pokémon and their counterparts. 

Professor Kukui had two eggs:

One egg of a Pokémon from the Kanto Region and one egg of the Alolan variation of the same Pokémon.

Mr. Oak asked Professor Kukui he could raise one egg there at the Lab and also asked if one of us would be willing to accept, hatch, and raise the other.

Professor Kukui happily agreed and suggested that Lillie accept the additional egg! He thought this would be the perfect opportunity for Lillie to overcome her fear of Pokémon. After all, if she’s raising the Pokémon, then surely she’ll grow attached and fall in-love with it!

Lillie was EXTREMELY hesitant, but after some convincing, she agreed.

I think Joel was the one who finally convinced her. Joel talked about how much he loved his Magikarp, and they’d just met! He told her that if he had hatched Magikarp and been able to raise him, he’d love him even more!

Mr. Oak asked who would like which egg, and Professor Kukui gave the choice to Lillie. Mr. Oak chose not to tell what the Pokémon was, but said one would hatch into a fire type and the other would be an Ice and Fairy type.

Lillie thought, and decided on the Ice and Fairy type. When asked why, she recalled memories of her mother’s fairy type Pokémon she’d grown up with.

It was decided then!

Mr. Samson took out the two incubators and gave one to Professor Kukui and the other to Lillie.

At VERY moment of the handoff to Lillie, the doors of the Lab BURST open, and a sinister laugh could be heard.

What now?!

(Picture from Pokémon Wiki)

#WantsToJourney2021 Ch. 5

 

Now that the Team Skull grunts were out of the way and my team was healed again, it was time to take on the very first Island Captain’s Challenge!

Joel and I followed Captain Ilima to the site of his challenge. We stopped by the Malasada shop and grabbed Hau so he can join us, and also found Lillie to inform her of our departure. She elected to stay in the city to continue shopping and wished us luck!

Captain Ilima allowed us to all ride in his Jeep to the site of his challenge. The 4 of us loaded up and drove past Route 2, the Hau’oli Cemetary, past the Big Wave Beach where we caught Joel his Magikarp, and past the Berry Fields where people plant and harvest berries to feed Pokémon! 

We finally reach the Verdant Cave where Captain Ilima’s Island Challenge takes place. 

Captain Ilima informed us that the challenge is pretty straight forward:

Battle 3 Pokémon within the Cave and then take on the Cave’s Totem Pokémon.

Totem Pokémon are Pokémon in the wild that are incredibly strong! They have immense power and are almost impossible to defeat. They protect other Pokémon within their territory.

If we manage to take on all 3 Pokémon and then defeat the Totem Pokémon, we would complete the challenge and be rewarded the Z-Crystal called Normillium Z, which helps unlock the potential of Normal Type Moves!

He also informed us that there were Two different species in the Cavern competing for dominance, however the species more active would depend on the time of day. It was currently the middle of the afternoon and the sun was out, so that would definitely make a difference!

The last thing Captain Ilima informed us of was that we were NOT allowed to catch any Pokémon until AFTER we completed the Trial.

Captain Ilima asked who would like to go first, and I immediately stepped forward. I was confident that my Pokémon team and I were up for the challenge! Captain Ilima smiled, and urged me to do my best.

I stepped foot into the cavern, and my Trial began!

From the moment I walked inside, I could feel the atmosphere change. There was a power coursing through the cavern. I began to look around, and soon I found a small, brown and tan tail sticking out of the one or the dens. I stepped up and peered inside, and out pooped a Yungoos hissing at me! I quickly let out my new buddy Grimer, and the battle began! It didn’t take long to overcome the little Yungoos, and I moved on. One down!

I quickly began searching for another Yungoos and began searching dens. It took a few moments, but I finally found my second encounter and this time I chose Litten to take it on. Two battles down and one more to go before the Totem Pokémon!

It took nearly an hour before a third Yungoos appeared. I let out Munchlax to finish out my task.

It was finally time for the Totem to make itself known, and it wasted NO TIME in doing so.

As SOON as I beat the third Yungoos, a loud roar rang out all around the cavern! I followed where the sound came from and there, standing in an open area was a tall, imposing looking Gumshoos! My Rotom Phone informed me that this was the evolved form of Yungoos.

Yungoos surrounded us in a circle. The Gumshoos stomped one of its feet and stood in a fighting pose. 

I decided to go with my Munchlax, but let all 3 of my Pokémon so that Litten and Grimer could cheer us on and also take care of any of the Yungoos if they tried to interfere. 

Gumshoos struck first and took the lead. Munchlax was strong, and took most of the hits, but not without it taking a toll on him. I encouraged Munchlax to look for an opening and try to lick Gumshoos so that we could maybe paralyze it, and sure enough Gumshoos let it’s guard down! Munchlax took advantage of the opening and got off the paralysis! I told Munchlax to tackle, and it didn’t do much damage, but the tides were turning.

One of the Yungoos began to charge Munchlax, but Litten stopped it. Another began to move forward and Grimer growled at it. My team was working hard! We were beginning to really become I sync.

The Gumshoos shook off the paralysis and scratched at Munchlax, but Munchlax managed to dodge it and scratch back! Gumshoos got angry and went all out scratching left and right! Munchlax got hit several times, but finally managed to dodge out of the way and connected with a loud headbutt. The Gumshoos went down, and the battle was over.

We won!

Munchlax immediately fell over from exhaustion. I ran to him and held him close. I told him he fought amazingly! Grimer and Litten came over too and tried to tend to Munchlax’s wounds.

Gumshoos stood to its feet, clearly weakened, and bowed. He then walked back into the cavern depths, and the Yungoos followed. There, at the back of the open area, was a Totem Pole with a shining crystal protruding from it. I walked forward and placed my hand on it, taking it for myself.

I immediately felt that same power I felt when walking inside this place. This was it: a Z-Crystal!

I led my Pokémon out of the Cavern and back to the entrance where Joel, Lillie, Hau, and Captain Ilima were waiting.

I raised my hands in the air, one holding Munchlax’s arm raising it in victory and the other holding the Z-Crystal.

Our first Trial was a success.

(Picture credit to AuraGoddess on DeviantArt.com)

Link: https://www.deviantart.com/auragoddess/art/Totem-Gumshoos-Sun-s-first-trial-Pokemon-669187773

#WantsToJourney2021 Ch. 4

 

The day has finally come:

my first Island Captain Challenge!!

I woke up bright and early to get some training in with my team. 

Professor Kukui told me that the first Island’s Captain was named Ilima, whose trial involves Normal Type Pokemon. I have NO idea what to expect, so I push my Pokémon as hard as they can, trying to learn their moves to try and come up with some sort of strategy. 

Whenever Professor Kukui woke up, he had gift for me. He informed me that part of the Island Challenge is being awarded Z-Crystals upon completion. Z-Crystals are objects that help unlock a Pokémon’s full power in the form of Z-Moves that are far more powerful that normal Pokémon Moves. Because they are so powerful, they can only be used once a Pokémon and their trainer have a special bond. They also use a LOT of energy, so they can’t be used all the time.

In order to use a Z-Crystal, you need a special device called a Z-Ring, which is a bracelet that helps channel the power of the Z-Crystals. Professor Kukui is researching the z-moves and has a very small number of Z-Rings but he wanted Hau and I to have one! I took it, slipped it on my wrist, and proudly raised my fist in the air!

Once everyone wakes up, Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet tell us that Ilima can typically be found in Hau’oli City close to where we attended the Trainer School. Lillie gets excited about the idea of going into the city and wants to check out the local shops. Hau gets excited, too! He not only wants to take on the challenge, but really wants to eat some Malasadas. So, we all eat breakfast and get ready to head out!

Joel, however, refuses to leave behind his Magikarp and REFUSES to put him back in his Pokéball, so Professor Kukui finds Joel a huge fish bowl and Professor Burnet pulls a small, red wagon out of storage. 

Finally, we can begin!

Along our trip to the City, I ask hear Lillie ask Professor Burnet how her friend Nebby is doing at Labratory. Professor Burnet tells Lillie that Nebby is fine, and that she and her team were researching all that they could about Nebby. Lillie looks worried at that, but Professor Burnet assures her that the team would make sure Nebby was safe, and that no one would discover them.

I go to Lillie and ask her who Nebby was, and she’s hesitant to answer, so I change the subject. 

I haven’t gotten to know Lillie very well, so I thought I would take this time to remedy that. I ask her about her family, and she tells me that she has a mother and brother, both of which she doesn’t talk to much anymore. They had had a falling out, and that the Professor’s took her and Nebby in and offered her room and board in exchange for helping with research.

I was slowly learning that Lillie had not had the easiest go at life, and had a newfound appreciation for her.

When we made it to the city, we parted ways with the Professor’s who offered us the best of luck, and to come back to the Lab when we were finished.

Lillie wants to go check out the shops so she takes off. Hau spots the sign for the Malasada Shop and sprints towards it!

Joel and his Magikarp stick by my side as we walk through the town taking in the sights. We pop into the Pokémon Center and after asking around, it would seem that Captain Ilima has a house in town just up the street.

We immediately head there and upon arriving, we see two tough looking individuals. A man and a woman dressed in tank tops, baggy shorts, and bandanas are outside of Captain Ilima’s front gate shouting and throwing garbage onto the property. As we approach, the two ruffians notice us and turn their attention our way. They deduce that we’re taking on the Island Trial Challenge from my Z-Ring and tell us not to waste our time. They reveal that they’re members of Team Skull and that they’re going to own this town, and once once they seize control they’re leader is going to do away with worthless traditions. They then notice Joel carrying his Magikarp in a wagon and start making fun of him for having such a weak Pokémon.

This upsets me, and I can’t hold it in any longer. I yell at them that they’re the ones that are weak and challenge them to a battle.

One of grunts, a girl named Rapp neon Pink hair, steps up and sends out her Zubat. I send out my Litten and the battle begins. I notice Zubat attacking from a distance, so I tell Litten to stop trying to get close and instead focus and shooting out embers. Zubat goes down, and Rapp is furious.

The other grunt, a guy named Tupp with shirt neon blue hair sticking out of his beanie, angrily walks up and says that was a fluke. He sends out his Drowzee. I swap to my Alolan Grimer.

As this battle begins, a third grunt runs up and begins yelling that their leaders are calling a meeting. He then notices the battle and yells at Tupp and Rapp were weaklings for taking so long to defeat us. 

Hypno attempts to use his psychic powers and hits Alolan Grimer. Grimer gets confused and doesn’t know what to do. Drowzee tackles him and things aren’t looking great. I yell to Grimer to calm down and breath. I tell him to focus on Drowzee’s movement, and when he gets close to strike and try to bite him. Grimer listens and connects with Drowzee and takes him down, knocking him out. 

Tupp is shocked, and the third grunt, a guy with shaggy neon green hair names Zipp, pushes Tupp out of the way and claims he’ll show everyone how it’s done. He sends out his Alolan Rattata and I send out my buddy Munchlax. Munchlax happily cries and flexes his muscles. Zipp yells for Rattata to come at Munchlax with Quick Attack. I call for Munchlax to Lick Rattata when he gets close. Munchlax does so, and Rattata gets paralyzed. Munchlax then tackles Rattata, and he is down for the count.

All three grunts are stunned and can’t believe they’ve all lost to a little kid. Suddenly, a voice from the house informs the grunts that they should run along before their bosses get angry, and everyone looks up to see Captain Ilima standing at the gate with his Yungoos by his side, bearing its teeth.

The grunts all look at each other scared and yell as they run away saying this wasn’t over and that we got lucky.

Joel and I along with Litten, Grimer, and Munchlax cheer and celebrate our victory. Captain Ilima approaches and thanks is for the help, informing us that he watched all three battles, and that it looked like my team and I could handle ourselves. He offers to heal our Pokémon and afterwards ask us if I was in town to take on the trial.

I excitedly say that I am.

Finally, it’s time for the Island Challenge to finally begin.

(Picture credit: from PokeJungle.net)

Link- https://pokejungle.net/2016/08/23/team-skull-just-delinquents-pokemon-needs/ 

#WantsToJourney2021 Ch. 3

 

With the Trainer School completed, my next challenge was the First Trial Captains’ Challenge.

That evening Hau, Joel, Lillie, and myself stayed over at Professor Kukuis’ Lab. He and his wife, Professor Burnet, a researcher of the relationship between Pokémon and Other Dimmensions! She and Professor Kukui fed us dinner and prepared an area for us to sleep.

We all spent the rest of the evening laughing and playing with our Pokémon.

Alolan Grimer was already warming up to Litten and Munchlax. Meanwhile Hau and his Pokémon Popplio, Pichu, and Eevee were in the kitchen making everyone his favorite dessert, Malasadas. Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet were feeding Rockruff, Rowlet, and Professor Burnet’s Pikipek. Even Lillie, the shyest member of our group, was coming out of her shell and sitting in the middle of all of the eating Pokémon.

As I looked around and was realizing just how lucky and amazing it was that my journey had begun and I had so many wonderful friends and Pokémon, I noticed Joel, my little brother, sitting alone in a corner.

I walked over and sat next to him, asking what was wrong; it was clear he was either sad or feeling left out. He told me he was upset that he didn’t have his own Pokémon. I chuckled and told him he wasn’t old enough to become a trainer yet, and that made him even more upset. I reminded him that Lillie didn’t have a Pokémon yet either, but it didn’t matter; she was still afraid of them and didn’t want one yet, but he did. He got up and climbed the ladder where his bed was for the night.

Everyone saw what had happened and felt terrible. Litten felt especially sad for Joel and jumped up on his bunk next to him and curled by his side for the night.

Professor Kukui suggested that I try to catch him his own Pokémon sometime just as a companion and NOT for taking in the island challenge and Professor Burnet called our parents making sure it was ok.

That night I could hardly sleep! On the one hand I was excited and nervous about the First Captain’s Island Challenge, but on the other hand, I felt so bad for Joel!

We’ve always grown up around Pokémon. Our Dad worked at the Electrical Plant on Ula’ ula Island on Blush Mountain. Every week he would take the ferry and work for two days at a time, and he had encountered and captured many Pokémon at his job. He had a Boltund that traveled with him, and Joel loved playing with him! Our Mom runs a general hoods shop on in Iki Town and her Primeape helps stock the shelves, so Joel has grown up with him, too. Even Munchlax was always “my” Pokémon! Joel’s never had one of his own.

That night, while everyone was sleeping, Grimer woke me in a panic. I slowly and hazily began to wake up and suddenly I realized what was wrong:

JOEL WAS GONE!  He and Litten were nowhere to be found. I quickly woke up Munchlax and everyone else and we all began to search for him.

We looked everywhere would think of for Joel and Litten, but no luck. I began to get really worried! He’s never been on his own for this long. We finally began to get desperate. Professor Burnet and Lillie went to go tell Mom and Dad the situation, and Hau, Professor Kukui, and myself went to the Beach. We didn’t know why he would be there, but we had to try something! 

Finally, we found him with a girl with blue hair! Her name was Lana, and actually turned out to be the Water Trial Captain over at Akala Island! She was here on Mele Mele Island visiting with Kahuna Hala and decided to go for a midnight stroll on the Beach. She was fishing when she noticed Joel alone and decided to come check on him. He told her how sad he was about not having a Pokémon, and Lana told Joel that he shouldn’t wander off alone with no Pokémon! She felt bad for him, so agreed to try fishing for a Pokémon for him. 

I told Joel that he shouldn’t have run off, and that he had scared all of us so badly! But I was also sorry he had felt left out. I told Lana that if she was still willing to fish for a Pokémon, that I would attempt to catch it for Joel. She agreed! She’d left all of her other fishing rods back on the Akala Island and so she would fish for the Pokémon herself. She sent her rod in the water, after a few moments (Joel waiting impatiently), but the bobber finally sank in the water, and she reeled in her rod! Out of the water emerged an orange, flailing Pokémon! It was a Magikarp! Joel was SO EXCITED!! 

I readied a Pokéball and was prepared to battle Magikarp, but Lana told me that Magikarp’s don’t typically resist captures, so to throw a ball! 

I threw the Pokéball and it after 3 jiggles, Magikarp was caught! Joel ran over and picked up the Pokéball and then ran into my arms, thanking me and crying!

Just then, Professor Burnet, Lillie, and our Mom and Dad ran up just then with their Primeape and Boltund, with Professor’s Burnet’s Pikipek flying overhead. My parents sternly told Joel that he simply can not run off like that, and that if he couldn’t do as he was told and be safe that he couldn’t continue traveling with Me. Joel began crying and apologizing and my parents forgave him. Joel then asked if he could keep his Magikarp with tears in his eyes. My parents looked at each other, and my Dad knelt down and put his hand on Joel’s shoulder. He told Joel that having a Pokémon is a LOT of responsibility, and that Magikarp wasn’t a toy. He told Joel that if he didn’t take care of Magikarp, that he would suffer, and that Magikarp doesn’t deserve that. Joel began to cry again, and PROMISED my Dad that he would do everything in his power to take care of Magikarp. My Dad stood up, put his arm around my Mom, and they both looked at each other one last time and sighed in agreement. They told Joel that if they PROMISED to never run off again and take care of Magikarp AND call my parents every day with a check in that he could keep Magikarp. 

Joel promised and hugged them and thanked them both. He then thanked Lana and thanked me again. He also thanked Litten for staying by his side and making sure he was protected. My parents also told Joel to apologize to everyone else too. After all, Lillie, Hau, and both Professor’s Kukui and Burnet were all worried as well! 

We all went back to the Lab, and Joel happily and proudly let his Magikarp out of its Pokéball in a small pool the Professor’s pulled out of storage. Mom and Dad apologized and thanked everyone everything, and then returned to their home. Lana told Joel that he had made a new friend today and that one day when he was older they would have a battle, and then left headed back to Kahuna Kala’s hut.

The rest of us finally all said goodnight and went back to bed, leaving Joel and his new friend Magikarp to spend some time together.

It was a long night, but seeing Joel happy made it all worth it.

(Picture by LilRobinDraws on DeviantArt)