EPISODE 211: The Trials

Let's have a recall, shall we? On our way to the valley, we encountered a mysterious woman who claims to have three trials in order for us to have the Pokemon Flute. It is a strange device that has the power to awaken any Pokemon with its music and melody.

"We accept the trials, tell us what we need to do." With determination, Kira utters.

"Wise choice young children. I have not formally introduced myself, haven't I? My name is Leonora, the elder of the Valley of Dragons." The mysterious woman introduces.

"The Elder of the Valley Of Dragons?!" Camelia exclaims.

"Yes, that is right my dear. As an elder, it is my responsibility to only let the worthy ones enter the valley. I am the guardian, therefore only the right people must enter in order not to disrupt the harmony of the valley." Leonora explains.

"But what could children with a mere age of ten do?" Glade queries, doubting her statement.

"Like they say, never underestimate a child. Now, let's begin the trials shall we?" With her cane, she smacks the ground, causing it to produce a minor quake as it sends out a green light from the underneath.

"We are all familiar with this, the dragon power. Its power originates from the Unova Region. With this power, the people of Meteor, Dracovolt, and Unova have been living with prosperity, filled with bountiful energy. On the other hand, it is the duty of the elder to protect the dragon power from unbalance. Once the equilibrium is broken, then these three places will fall under complete darkness.

Let's say, the Valley of Dragons has been attacked by the Shadow Triad, a group familiar in the Unova Region. Now, as an elder, you have the power to either restore the equilibrium and keep darkness out of these three places or you could use your power to save your friend who is being assaulted by a member of the Shadow Triad. What will be your choice?" Leonora challenges.

"Let's see, a friend or a city? That seems like a hard decision, especially when that friend is important to you. Leaving a friend would be betrayal, as so as leaving a city since I am the elder after all." Camellia thought deeply, wondering which choice to pick.

"If you were to ask me, I would save the city rather than a friend." I exhaled deeply, telling my truthful choice.

"And why is that, young lad?" Leonora queries.

"A small price to pay for salvation. It's either one dies, or a group of people does. And if I had a true friend, wouldn't they ask me to do the same? Wouldn't they sacrifice themselves for the city as well?" I respond.

Hearing those words, the woman smirks and begins to talk, "Such an astounding answer. Let us proceed to the next trial. It won't be that easy this time."

"Which would you rather save, your mother, or your best friend, Lucario?"

Hearing her words, I stare at Lucario, thinking about what I should choose. My other companions stared at me too, thinking of what answer I'll be choosing. This is definitely a tough one since I do not want one of them to perish. I love my mother, but... Lucario? Of course, he is my best friend therefore I dearly love him too. It's either a parent or a Pokemon.

Thinking hard of the decision, suddenly something pops into my mind. I noticed that this was just an illusion, after all... "Leonora, I would pick Lucario over my mother. She's dead already, therefore she can't be with me now physically.

And since she is dead, I am left with Lucario."

"..." Leonora remains speechless, seemingly trying to think of another hard question.

"Oh fine, you've passed two of my trials, and now you are left with one." Leonora sighs.

"And may I know what you are referring to?" Glade queries.

"I challenge you, to full-on full Pokemon Battle! If you defeat me, the elder of the town, I will let you and your friends pass, with the Pokemon Flute." Leonora bargains.

"A Pokemon battle you say?! That would be amazing, this is my perfect opportunity to train for my upcoming challenge with the gym leader." I beam with ecstasy, gladly accepting the woman's challenge.

"It won't be easy young lad, I am the elder, remember that!" Leonora smirks, tossing he first Pokemon to the sky.