1. Ash's Story (Part 9: Alola)

Chapter 67: The Trial Before the Altar

The Trial Gate stood deeper in Vast Poni Canyon like the canyon had saved one final warning for anyone trying to reach the altar. The stone arch was weathered by wind, but the carved words remained clear. Beyond it, the path narrowed between cliffs, and the air felt sharper with Dragon-type pressure.

Nate stopped before the gate and looked upward. "The Altar of the Sunne is up ahead, but this is definitely a trial site."

I stepped closer to the stone and read the inscription aloud. "Ahead lies a sacred ground of trials. None who do not take part in its trials will be allowed to walk upon this earth. Those lacking the courage to defeat the Totem guarding this land will be denied entry. But those who believe in their Pokémon and walk beside them shall gain great power."

Lillie held Nebby's case carefully against her chest. "There is no Trial Captain here."

"That probably means stepping forward begins the trial," I said.

Selene looked at the empty gate, then at the cliffs beyond it. "A trial without a captain feels even more serious."

Trenor rested one hand near Krookodile's Poké Ball. "The canyon itself is probably the captain here."

Rosa folded her arms, Bisharp standing close beside her like a shadow with blades. "Then we should expect the canyon to be strict."

Nate studied the inscription again. "It also says none who do not take part can walk upon this earth. That may mean the trial recognizes only the challengers."

I looked beyond the gate and saw a narrow side ledge marked with old viewing stones. It stood behind the trial path instead of on it, as if companions and witnesses could stay close without crossing the sacred line. The design felt deliberate, and I did not want to insult the trial by treating it like an ordinary canyon shortcut.

"Then Selene, Trenor, Nate, and Rosa should stay on the witness ledge unless danger leaves the trial path," I said.

Selene nodded without arguing. "We can cheer from there, but we will not fight your trial for you."

Rosa placed one hand on Bisharp's shoulder. "If the trial tries to hurt the witnesses, that is different. Otherwise, this is yours."

Lillie looked at them with gratitude. "Thank you for understanding."

Snowy stepped ahead of Lillie and looked through the gate, her steady posture carrying the promise, "I will stand with you."

Lillie understood without needing anyone to speak for Snowy. "Thank you. I know you will."

I looked back at everyone. Selene, Trenor, Nate, and Rosa had fought beside us through enough danger to understand the line we were about to cross. This trial was Ash and Lillie's path, but nobody here felt like extra weight. They were the people who helped make the road possible.

"Once we enter," I said, "we keep moving until the trial accepts our answer."

Lillie nodded. "Then let us believe in our Pokémon and walk beside them."

We stepped through the gate together, and the air changed at once. It felt like the canyon had inhaled behind us.

The moment we crossed, the gate's carved lines caught the light behind us. It was not a lock, and it did not close with some dramatic sound. It simply became clear that turning around would answer the trial in a way we did not want. I felt the difference in my steps immediately, like the ground expected commitment from every footprint.

Lillie noticed it too. She looked once at Nebby's case, then at the flutes wrapped safely with our supplies. "This is another door we cannot ask someone else to open for us."