Chapter 35
With the entire building plunged into darkness due to the blackout, I inquire, "Is this blackout part of the expected process?"
"Gyargh?! No way! Did I blow a fuse?! Oww! Did the door close?! Let's see, we'll need to turn off the security system to get the door open... You'll have to pass an audio quiz! I-it's fine. I definitely feel a powerful presence. It's coming now. The Totem Pokémon is coming. So let's get this trial going, OK?" Sophocles exclaims in a fluster.
"IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOOR, PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING AUDIO QUIZ. WHAT SOUND DO YOU HEAR?" As the sound plays, Lillie recognizes it immediately, stating, "I think I know this sound, it's from the Pokémon Center."
"CORRECT! OPENING DOOR..." Just then, the door opens and the lights simultaneously flicker back on. Surprisingly, a Grubbin and an Elekid appear in front of them, catching everyone off guard. Sophocles, slightly startled, looks to us, saying, "Whoa! As soon as the door opened, two Pokémon came through! I'm counting on you, Ash and Lillie!"
In a strategic battle, we choose Salandit and Mudbray to confront the two unexpected Pokémon. With synchronized efforts, our Pokémon engage in a fierce battle, showcasing their strengths and tactics. After a challenging match, our Salandit and Mudbray emerge victorious, successfully defeating the Grubbin and Elekid.
"I knew you could do it, Ash and Lillie! Oh, and just when I said it, the door closed again!" Sophocles exclaims. "I think one row of Charjabug isn't giving it enough electricity... If that's the case, all we need to do is add another circuit!"
After we arrange the second row of Charjabug on the panels, Sophocles states, "Now we're ready to power up the Pinger!"
He presses the button, and the machine begins to shake slightly as Sophocles observes, "It's actually working... The Pinger is getting a good dose of power! Yes! We're getting much more power than on our last try!"
As the power fluctuates once more, the familiar voice chimes in, "IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOOR, PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING AUDIO QUIZ. YOU HEAR THIS SOUND WHEN YOU GET WHAT?"
Recognizing the sound, I quickly respond, "Is it the Rotom Phone?"
"CORRECT! OPENING DOOR..." The door swings open, revealing an Electabuzz and a Charjabug standing there. Sophocles reacts, "Whoa! As soon as the door opened, a Pokémon came through! This one's up to you, too, Ash, Lillie!"
We engage in battle once more, choosing Salandit and Mudbray to face the new arrivals. Through a challenging confrontation, our Pokémon emerge victorious, effectively defeating both the Electabuzz and Charjabug.
"I knew you could do it," Sophocles praises as the door closes and the lights flicker back on. "And then, of course, the door goes and shuts again!"
"What's with this door?" Rosa murmurs in frustration.
"Fool me once, shame on the door. Fool me twice, shame on the security system. Fool me thrice, shame on me, I guess..." Sophocles remarks humorously, trying to lighten the mood.
Trenor interjects solemnly, "It is not a time for jokes."
"But here it comes! We're picking up traces of the Totem Pokémon extremely close by!" Sophocles announces, turning his attention back to the machine, signaling the imminent arrival of the Totem Pokémon.
"And those Pokémon... It seems like the more power we pump into the Pinger, the bigger Pokémon it attracts. This is amazing, Soffy! If that's the case, let's give it some more power! That'll definitely summon the Totem Pokémon!" Molayne exclaims excitedly.
"The more Charjabug we connect in a direct line, the greater the electrical current that is generated, and the longer it flows..." Sophocles explains. "So that means—"
He rushes to place the third row of Charjabug on the machine, and it becomes evident what needs to be done. We proceed to position the final Charjabug in the correct order as per the trial's requirements, aligning them strategically to maximize the electrical current flow.
"OK, Ash, Lillie... The Charjabug are all connected. Everything should be good now. Now we're ready to connect the Roller with the Pinger!" Sophocles exclaims eagerly as he initiates the machine. However, the device begins to shake vigorously, causing concern among everyone present.
"Uh, the cables are looking a little unstable... I hope it doesn't cause a problem..." Sophocles notes, sensing the instability.
"Is it just me, or I think that machine is about to get exploded!" Selene exclaims with worry.
"Oh no... The Charjabug will get blasted with electricity if we don't do something!" Sophocles realizes the impending danger. "Ash, Lillie! Do the final Security Quiz!" The urgency in Sophocles' voice prompts us to respond quickly to resolve the situation.
"THIS IS THE FINAL SECURITY QUESTION. IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOOR, PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING AUDIO QUIZ. WHAT APPEARS WHEN YOU HEAR THE FOLLOWING MUSIC?"
We feel perplexed as we don't recognize the sound, and Sophocles exclaims, "Huh, this sound... This presence I sense..."
"Watch out!" Molayne urgently yells as the machine begins to charge at the Charjabug, poised to cause harm. Yet, in a swift turn of events, Togedemaru leaps forward and intercepts the attack.
"T-Togedemaru! What are you doing?! Are you trying to save everyone?!" Sophocles questions in shock.
"Togedemaru's Ability is Lightning Rod. It can attract electricity to itself. But...the current is too strong! There's no way Togedemaru's electric sacs can handle all of it!" Molayne explains, voicing concern for the situation unfolding.
"Togedemaru! Hang in there!" Sophocles expresses distress. "Agh! I-I-I gotta do something!" His desperation is palpable as he tries to figure out a solution to the impending danger.
I spontaneously blurt out, "The sound is the Totem Pokémon! Whoever it is, please come and assist us!"
"CORRECT! OPENING DOOR..." Suddenly, the door swings open, and a colossal Togedemaru rolls into the scene, absorbing the machine's excess electricity. Alongside Togedemaru, a massive Vikavolt arrives, seemingly attempting to pacify the chaotic situation.
"There they are! The Totem Pokémon! This is your moment to shine, Ash! Lillie!" Sophocles shouts with urgency.
Lillie exclaims, "So we have to defeat them!" She sends out Salandit and Diglett, while I opt for Dartrix and Mudbray to join the battle. The auras of both Vikavolt and Togedemaru are flaring—Vikavolt's stats are boosted across the board, while Togedemaru's Defense is heightened. They also call for reinforcement with Charjabug and Dedenne, making it a four-on-four battle.
"Lillie commands, "Salandit, use Flamethrower! Diglett, go for Mud-Slap!"
Both Pokemon attack Charjabug and then Vikavolt, but they endure and retaliate with Discharge, dealing significant damage to Salandit.
"Dartix, Razor Leaf at Dedenne! Mudbray, High Horsepower!" I command.
Dartrix hits Dedenne, while Mudbray strikes Togedemaru, but it grimaces in pain.
"Its ability is Iron Barbs," I note.
Meanwhile, Vikavolt uses Acrobatics, inflicting damage on Diglett. Lillie encourages, "Diglett, you've got this! Hang in there!"
Diglett nods and starts glowing, evolving into Dugtrio.
Dugtrio (Alolan Form): The Mole Pokemon: Ground and Steel Type. Evolve from Diglett at LV:26. These Pokémon are cherished in the Alola region, where they are thought to be feminine deities of the land incarnate.
Lillie cheers, "Amazing! Dugtrio, now let's do this!"
She activates Steelium Z, performing the dance and yelling, "Use Corkscrew Crash!"
Dugtrio spins rapidly, transforming into a yellow drill that delivers a powerful strike to Vikavolt. Simultaneously, Salandit's Toxic causes Charjabug to succumb to poison. On my end, Mudbray uses Earthquake, defeating both Dedenne and Togedemaru.
"Thanks, Ash and Lillie! Togedemaru and company... They were saved by the Totem Pokémon," Sophocles expresses gratefully.
"The Totem Pokémon are really something else! And that means you're a great Trainer to have beaten those totems, Ash and Lillie!" Acerola adds.
"I'm curious, though. What is that aura that the Totem Pokémon surround themselves with?" Molayne remarks with curiosity.
"I really need to work on the totem-calling machines, though... Togedemaru, and Charjabug and company–they're all my precious friends," Sophocles admits with a smile.
"You've got that right, Soffy. Finding things that you notice, even little things, and improving on them... That's how science works. Come to think of it, that's how Pokémon battles work, too!" Molayne remarks.
Taking charge, Sophocles presents, "Here, Ash and Lillie. I'll give you this Electrium Z to reward you for beating the Totem Pokémon."
With gratitude, we receive our own Electrium Zs. Molayne encourages Sophocles, saying, "Come on, Soffy—you still need to show him/her the proper Z-pose to use it!"
Sophocles, a bit nervous, performs the Z-pose. As he activates the Z Ring, he shapes his hands into a lightning form.
"Congratulations on clearing your trial! And Sophocles did well as captain, too," Molayne praises.
"I was really nervous..." Sophocles admits.
"Don't you worry. I'm sure that I made the right choice in naming you captain. Even if you are my cousin," Molayne reassures him.
"What do you mean by that?" Selene asks.
"Usually it's the island kahuna who appoints the captains. But there are some, er, unusual circumstances here on Ula'ula." Molayne explains.
"So somehow I ended up captain..." Sophocles says.
"And I wonder why?" Acerola remarks, hinting at something she seems to have in mind.
Molayne suggests, "Perhaps you should consider inviting them to check out the Festival Plaza!"
"Festival Plaza?" We express our confusion, prompting Sophocles to exclaim, "Big Mo! You're a genius! That's a brilliant idea! Ash, everyone, allow me to show you something really cool."
Suddenly, a blinding light envelops us, and we find ourselves in an otherworldly setting.
"Where are we?" Lillie asks, bewildered.
"Welcome to Festival Plaza! This is a secret haven where you can engage in interactive features. We're currently hosting a festival here where Trainers can mingle. There are lottery shops, cafes, training spots, and much more for you to explore," Sophocles explains.
"So, it's akin to Unova's Joint Avenue, but in a virtual realm," I add.
We explore the plaza, discovering activities like lotteries, bouncy houses, haunted houses, food stalls, goody shops, and a multitude of other attractions. Engaging with avatars, some of which are actual users also navigating the virtual space, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant environment.
"And here we have the esteemed Battle Agency." Sophocles gestures towards the castle-like structure ahead. As we enter the building, we're greeted by the reception desk. "Welcome to the Battle Agency reception desk. This place is pretty awesome, if I may say so myself. To begin, choose a Pokémon from three available options at the desk. Then, recruit fellow Trainers with formidable Pokémon to join your team. Battle alongside your teammates and earn rewards! Your performance determines your grade, and as your grade improves, you face tougher opponents. Keep winning to elevate your grade and challenge stronger Pokémon. Give it a shot!"
Excited to try it out, we dive into the experience, reminiscent of the Battle Frontier facilities from days past.
"That was a blast!" Trenor exclaims as we return from the virtual realm. "There's so much to explore and enjoy here!"
"How was that? The Battle Agency...it's pretty cool, right?" Sophocles asks, eagerly awaiting our feedback.
Molayne interjects, "Well, if you're done here, guys... could I ask you to do a favor for me? My pal Kukui seems to have forgotten this."
To our surprise, Molayne presents Professor Kukui's Battle Royal mask. "He said he'd be going back to Malie Garden, didn't he? Sorry to ask, but take it to him, would you?"
"Maybe next time we can battle, too..." Sophocles chimes in before we bid them farewell, making our way back to the Pokémon Center for the night.
Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, you can see that Ash and Lillie finish the Electric Trial, which is a combination of the original and the Ultra versions. I hope you like it and the next chapter will be meeting Guzma.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Vulpix (Alolan), Dugtrio (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, Minior, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Kleavor