"So, Summer, you agreed to participate in the Island Challenge?!" Silver exclaimed excitedly.
"Yes, that's right," Summer nodded.
Despite the sorrowful atmosphere of the recent events, Summer could still sense the resilience of the Alolan people. Given his abilities, why not lend a hand to help them? Moreover, this trial might help Thwackey reach the threshold of evolution. Summer believed it was ready; it just needed the right opportunity.
"I understand. Please follow me," Silver said.
He led Summer to a small town near the shrine. The streets were in ruins, trees had toppled, and houses were damaged, presenting a scene of devastation.
Silver's own house wasn't spared. The roof had a big hole, the door was missing, and the walls bore the marks of impacts.
Despite their injuries, the lightly injured residents were busy repairing homes and caring for the more severely injured residents and Pokémon.
In the face of adversity, they hadn't given up hope. They chose to face and overcome their challenges, and their kindness brought unexpected strength to the town.
The Pokémon they had previously protected also came to help. The stronger ones aided in reconstruction, while others brought collected berries to the townspeople or cared for the injured, each contributing in their own way.
"I believe the people of Akala Island will quickly recover from this misfortune because they haven't given up hope," Summer said. He now felt even more confident in his decision.
"That's why I don't want them to lose their limbs or their precious lives. Summer, did you know that the mystical scales of the Island Guardians can even regenerate lost limbs?" Silver clenched his fists.
"No, we should make the most of our time now. I'll share all the information about the Totem Pokémon with you and fully support you, making it easier for you to pass the trial," Silver continued.
Summer nodded. The next step was to awaken Tapu Lele and help the people of Akala Island recover from the disaster.
Inside the house, Silver took out an old book that recorded the experiences accumulated by their ancestors. Those who could defeat the Totem Pokémon would be awarded the Z-Crystals, symbols of valor. It was said some could even guide Pokémon to perform powerful moves using these crystals.
The Island Guardians seemed to favor these crystals, leading Silver to believe they could awaken the slumbering guardians.
On Akala Island, the three Z-Crystal mines were located at Brooklet Hill, Wela Volcano, and Lush Jungle, each guarded by a powerful Totem Pokémon.
Totem Pokémon were larger than normal Pokémon, shrouded in a mysterious aura, and capable of summoning minions for battle, making them formidable adversaries.
The Totem Pokémon of Brooklet Hill was rumored to be enormous, with water jets of extraordinary power. Its presence was usually undetectable in Brooklet Hill, as it lived in the ocean, appearing only when it sensed strong trainers and Pokémon.
Wela Volcano's Totem Pokémon was a giant black lizard known as the Empress. Its flames were intensely hot and corrosive, and it commanded many lizard Pokémon, making it a tough opponent due to their similarly corrosive flames.
Lush Jungle's Totem Pokémon was a giant mantis. Those who fought it claimed it was actually a plant Pokémon in disguise, not to be underestimated due to its sharp claws and various troublesome powders.
From Silver's information, Summer identified the Totem Pokémon as Wishiwashi, Salazzle, and Lurantis.
This era lacked trainers using Z-Moves, suggesting that the Tapus hadn't given the Radiant Stones to the people of Alola. This was before the era of the Island Challenge, and the Island Trials were likely its predecessor.
"This is all the information I can provide. Here is a map of Akala Island. No, you'll need a guide after all. I'll arrange one," Silver said, placing his hand on the map and shaking his head.
"No need. Everyone is busy rebuilding their homes. Don't divert any more resources because of me," Summer replied.
"But Summer, you're our savior. I think it's necessary," Silver insisted.
"Really, it's fine," Summer smiled. "I have Corviknight to help me. It can carry me through the sky, speeding up the process."
"Corviknight, yes. Seeing its size, I thought it could carry someone," Silver remarked. Nearby, Toucannon looked at him with a resentful gaze, feeling apologetic for not being able to carry him.
"Then please accept our material aid. You'll need to be well-fed to have the strength for the trial. Summer, don't refuse this!" Silver said firmly.
"Alright, I'll accept your kindness," Summer agreed.
"Great! I'll prepare everything right away. Summer, please rest here for a while," Silver said.
"No, let me help with the rebuilding. I'm quite confident in my carpentry skills," Summer said, standing up. "After all, my Pokémon are already helping."
"I understand," Silver nodded solemnly, then turned and muttered, "I need to prepare materials worthy of this heartfelt effort."
In the post-disaster town, Corviknight flew through the sky, easily lifting heavy stones with its claws to help transport them to designated spots.
The children on the streets watched in awe, exclaiming how cool and strong the big black bird was.
Corviknight enjoyed the praise, encouraging them to keep it coming, which motivated it to help even more, cawing happily.
In a tent filled with severely injured patients, the atmosphere was heavy, with death seemingly close by. Suddenly, the sound of a drum played by Thwackey echoed.
Music brings hope. Thwackey wanted to help them momentarily forget their pain and ignite their will to survive.
The soothing drumbeats conveyed hope to the patients, who shed silent tears. For their families, the performer, and themselves, they resolved to fight on and live until the miracle of the guardians arrived.
Meanwhile, Summer was surrounded by a group of children. Learning that he was going to take the trial, they were full of admiration, stuffing their cherished items into his hands.
The children were the least injured but were still in pain, though they wore brave smiles.
"Receiving gifts means giving something in return. I'll make some wooden carvings for you," Summer said, his arms full of trinkets.
"I want a big bird!"
"I want a little monkey!"
The children were excited. Summer responded to each, quickly carving various expressions of Corviknight and Thwackey as gifts for them.
"I'll treasure your gifts, so you must take good care of them," Summer said, making a pact with the children as he finished the last carving.
"Yes, we will!" the children chorused.
(Chapter End)