Chapter 34
Arriving at Mount Hokulani, Professor Kukui directs our attention to a specific spot. "Mount Hokulani is the second tallest mountain in Alola. And the tallest..." he begins, before we notice another mountain in the distance.
"Mount Lanakila..." Lillie remarks, recognizing the distant peak.
"Yeah, that's where our Ice Type Manor is located. It's quite amusing that an Ice Type Manor is situated in a tropical region..." I comment, acknowledging the irony of an ice-themed establishment being in a region known for its warm, tropical climate.
"Check it out! You see that steep, jutting, majestic peak right over there? That's Mount Lanakila... the highest peak in Alola!" Professor Kukui points out with excitement, reaffirming the significance of the towering mountain.
"I was just saying it..." Lillie murmurs, noting the redundancy.
"It's a sacred spot, yeah, the closest you can ever get to the Legendary Pokémon of Alola, said to be the sun incarnate and the moon incarnate. That's it! Right there! On the peak of Lanakila! That's where I'll establish our Pokémon League!" Professor Kukui exclaims passionately, sharing his ambitious vision for creating the Pokémon League at such a revered and sacred location.
"Wow, you're going to make the League... that's amazing," Trenor remarks, impressed by Professor Kukui's vision.
Professor Kukui continues with fervor, explaining his plans further. "We'll get everybody who's finished their island challenges, yeah, and up there on the peak of Mount Lanakila, they'll battle against the kahunas to become the island challenge champion! I've always valued our old traditions here in Alola, but it's time to make a Champion the whole world will recognize! It's time to get our own Elite Four and make our own Pokémon League! To think that, someday, the kiddos in Alola will be able to go from being the island challenge champion to the world Champion! And then, when we have our own Champion, they can show the rest of the world what's so special about Alolan Pokémon and their Trainers, yeah!"
"Now that's what I'm talking about! I'm getting fired up!" I exclaim with enthusiasm, feeling the excitement of the moment.
"You're just the same as always, Ash," Lillie sighs in response, noting my characteristic energy and passion for Pokémon-related endeavors.
Before setting off for our trial, we opt to explore Mount Hokulani, where we unexpectedly encounter Sophocles.
"Sophocles, what brings you here?" I inquire, surprised to see him.
"Since it's Winter Vacation, I'm staying with Big Mo for a while," Sophocles explains. "He's my cousin, and he owns the Observatory."
"Wow... that means you've been at the observatory for quite a while?" Trenor inquires, curious about Sophocles' extended stay.
"Of course, and I get to see a lot of Miniors here as well!" Sophocles cheers with enthusiasm. As he speaks, a plethora of Miniors start descending from the sky, catching everyone's attention.
"Amazing," Selene exclaims, marveling at the breathtaking sight unfolding before them.
"Look at that, there are so many colors," Rosa observes, captivated by the array of vibrant hues exhibited by the Miniors as they descend gracefully from above, painting the sky with their stunning presence.
"That one looks peculiar..." I comment, noticing a Minior with changing core colors amongst the others. Sophocles concurs, stating, "That Minior isn't normal! I've never seen a Minior capable of altering its body color like that... This is a rare occurrence!"
As the unique Minior becomes aware of our presence, it swiftly encases its core body within a protective shell. "It's using the Shields Down ability... when it's at full health, it takes on the shell," I explain, recognizing its defensive response.
We quickly decide to try capturing it before it launches an attack. Remarkably, our attempt succeeds, and we manage to capture the extraordinary Minior, seizing the opportunity before it can act defensively or retaliate.
Minior (Meteor Form): The Meteor Pokemon: Rock and Flying Type. Although its outer shell is uncommonly durable, the shock of falling to the ground smashes the shell to smithereens.
Minior (Core Form): The Meteor Pokemon: Rock and Flying Type. This is its form when its shell has fallen off. The color of its core depends on the materials that made up the food it ate.
"So, what brings you guys here?" Sophocles inquires curiously.
"We're here for the Electric Trial," I reply.
"The Electric Trial, I see," Sophocles acknowledges with a nod. "Let's go meet Big Mo, and I'm sure he can provide you with what you need for the trial."
As we approach the Observatory, we're greeted by a cheerful Professor Kukui, delighted to see Sophocles. Just then, Molayne, known as "Big Mo," arrives on the scene.
"You're still as fired up as ever, eh, 'Royal'?" Molayne remarks with a chuckle.
"Big Mo!" Sophocles exclaims with excitement. "I brought some friends here. This is my Big Mo, he runs the observatory and manages PC Boxes. This is Ash, Lillie, Trenor, Nate, Rosa, Selene, and the Ghost Trial Captain Acerola. Ash and Lillie are here to challenge the Trial."
Curious, I inquire, "So you're the Trial Captain?"
"I was the captain once," Molayne responds. "Thanks for coming all the way up Hokulani to visit us. The Trial Captain here is actually Sophocles."
"Wait, you're the Trial Captain?" Trenor asks, surprised by Sophocles' role. Sophocles rubs his head and explains, "Yeah, but you know, there's school stuff, and Big Mo has to help me out."
Molayne then jests, "If you want an introduction to the Masked Royal, though... Well, that's something I could certainly help you with right here and now."
"Yeah, I think they're even stronger than we were at this point in our island challenge!" Kukui remarks, impressed by our progress. However, his tone shifts as he becomes more serious. "One more thing, cousin—the name's Kukui! Who's this Masked Royal you're talking about?!"
Professor Kukui seems to maintain his playful secrecy about his Masked Royal persona, even though it's known to the group. "Just... think about that favor I asked you, yeah, Molayne? I want you to seriously consider it. I guess I should head back to Malie Garden. Even Hau should be done eating malasadas by now, yeah? I'll make sure he makes it up here, too."
After Professor Kukui departs, Molayne remarks, "That guy's as interesting as ever. My old buddy! Here's a little something to remember our meeting by, Ash and Lillie!"
To our surprise, Molayne presents us with two Z Crystals. Both of them happen to be Steelium Zs. "Behold."
Molayne demonstrates the dance associated with using the Z-Ring. Activating the Z-Ring, he clenches both of his hands into fists, bringing them together in a forceful clash before swiftly extending them forward. "Cutting sharpness! Unyielding power! Yes, this move has them both! And it is what you need to know to draw forth the Steel-type Z-Power. I gathered these Z-Crystals when I was on my own island challenge back in my own day, adventuring with Kukui and my Pokémon in search of strength. You should go ahead and use it now."
"Since you two are our friends, I'll serve as your Trial Captain for this Electric Trial," Sophocles declares.
"That's fantastic," I respond with enthusiasm.
Upon entering the Hokulani Observatory, we come across Molayne standing in front of nine Charjabugs.
"Hokulani Observatory can view distant planets and galaxies. With the help of Pokémon like Togedemaru and Charjabug, of course! I guess it's time to feed you guys!" Molayne comments to the Charjabugs.
Upon entering the Hokulani Observatory, we come across Molayne standing in front of nine Charjabugs.
"Hokulani Observatory can view distant planets and galaxies. With the help of Pokémon like Togedemaru and Charjabug, of course! I guess it's time to feed you guys!" Molayne comments to the Charjabugs.
However, choosing to explore Sophocles' room, Rosa comments, "So this is your room? That's cool."
"Yeah, I'm glad you like it," Sophocles responds warmly. "The Charjabug are real gluttons, you know. They help me out with my trial, so could you go get them all for me? I'll need to prepare everything else while you do that... I'll have to enlist Togedemaru's help, too. This'll be my first time testing it... S-so it would be a huge help if you would go call all the Charjabug for me!"
As we step outside, we encounter Molayne, who remarks, "There you are! The Charjabug are all fed and happy!"
But as we count them, there are only six. Molayne realizes. "I'm sorry, Ash and Lillie, but do you think you could go find the remaining Charjabug? We're only missing three. They should still be eating in that empty lot by the bus station."
"Fine," we say determinedly as we scour the entirety of Mount Hokulani in search of the missing Charjabug. After an extensive search, we eventually locate the three elusive Pokémon.
"Thanks for the help in finding them, Ash and Lillie! Now, we should get back to Sophocles. No doubt he's been craning his neck like an Exeggutor waiting for us!" Molayne remarks gratefully, acknowledging our assistance.
Feeling relieved that the search is over, we head back to Sophocles, knowing that our delay might have kept him anxiously awaiting the return of the Charjabug, eagerly anticipating the continuation of the preparations for the trial.
Sophocles says, "You gathered those Charjabug quickly... I knew there was something special about you. So, over there... That's the room where we have the trial."
We enter the room to see a machine on the table. Molayne says, "Onejabug, Twojabug, and Threejabug are all on board the Roller... Yes! We should be ready for them to lend us their electricity, eh, Soffy?"
Sophocles explains, "We use Togedemaru's Ability, Lightning Rod, to absorb any sudden surges from Charjabug so we don't get zapped!"
"That's interesting," I remark. "So what's the plan for the trial?"
"You summon the Totem Pokémon and prove your strength to it... That's what every trial boils down to, right?" Sophocles explains. "So I thought... Why not just call the totem here from the start? So I tried a bit of this and that, and I think I've whipped up a little device to call the Totem Pokémon. Perhaps you're wondering why I built a machine? Here at the observatory, we also monitor sounds that we detect from outer space. There are some sounds that are inaudible to people but Pokémon can hear just fine. We broadcast the sounds we have gathered terrestrially and monitor the reactions of Pokémon. The machine that summons the Totem Pokémon makes use of this technology... Utilizing other sounds we have gathered, we also developed a security system here... But that was actually Big Mo's invention. Just so you know... This will actually be my first time trying it out, so I'm glad you came. I needed a test subject."
"Seriously?" Rosa interjects, expressing a mixture of surprise and intrigue at Sophocles' innovative approach to the trial.
"First, you need to connect the Charjabug that are on the Roller," Sophocles instructs. "We'll use the electricity from the Charjabug to power up the machine... That should let us call the Totem Pokémon. Use the four buttons on the edges of the Roller to rotate the panels and connect the Charjabug in a line. You don't need to worry about which way the Charjabug are facing, so long as they're connected in a line. Let me summarize: We connect the Charjabug to summon the Totem Pokémon, which you will hopefully defeat. Also, as a side note, this is the first time we're using the two machines, the Roller and the Pinger. So let's get this trial going, OK? My trial is about to begin!"
As the trial commences, we begin placing the Charjabug in the designated positions. Once the Charjabugs are arranged, Sophocles declares, "Now we're ready to power up the Pinger!"
He presses the button, initiating the machine's operation. Sophocles excitedly remarks, "Yes... It's working... The electricity from the linked Charjabug is moving along the cable..."
The machine begins to glow, prompting Sophocles to add, "It's actually working... The Pinger is getting a good dose of power! Now... the Totem Pokémon should be here any minute!"
As the Pinger is in the process of summoning the Totem Pokémon, the unexpected happens—the entire building suddenly blacks out. It becomes apparent that Sophocles, known for his aversion to darkness, would be uncomfortable in such a situation. Quick to respond, Togedemaru acts swiftly, illuminating the area with its bright sparks of electricity to provide light for Sophocles in the darkness.
I'll end the chapter here because the Trial Chapter is going to be very long. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Vulpix (Alolan), Meowth (Alolan), Grimer (Alolan), Cubone, Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Dartrix, Torracat, Brionne, Trumbeak, Gumshoos, Charjabug, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Ribombee, Lycanroc x3 (Midday/Midnight/Dusk), Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Mudbray, Araquanid, Fomantis, Shiinotic, Salandit (Shiny), Bewear, Steenee, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Wimpod, Sandygast, Pyukumuku, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Kleavor