UM24: The Trial of Sophocles!

UM24: The Trial of Sophocles!

Alolan "Michael" receiving a Steelium Z.

Michael’s “Poke Problem”: Which is the Totem Pokemon that Michael faces at the Hokulani Observatory? Choices: Skarmory, Dedenne, Vikavolt, Togedemaru (Answer Revealed Below) (Exp. Share: Off)

UM24's Documentation ("Plot")

After meeting back with Professor Kukui’s game counterpart, he and Michael arrived at the Hokulani Observatory where someone was there to see them. Professor Kukui’s game counterpart introduced Michael to that person who’s revealed to be Molayne (his game counterpart) who runs the Hokulani Observatory and manages the PC Boxes in Alola. The game counterpart of Molayne knows about Michael and thanked him for stopping by at the observatory. Molayne’s game counterpart reveals that Hokulani’s captain is the game counterpart of Sophocles whom Michael had met before at the Festival Plaza.

Molayne’s game counterpart mentions that Sophocles’ game counterpart is a very busy person with his research on comets and his work with the Festival Plaza but Molayne’s game counterpart then mentions that he can introduce Michael to the Masked Royal’s game counterpart (whom Michael met once before on Akala Island) right there and now.

While Michael was a little confused about it, Professor Kukui’s game counterpart mentions that Michael has gotten stronger than he and Molyane’s game counterpart were at the point of their own island challenge. Professor Kukui’s game counterpart then somehow mentions about himself being known as Kukui and who was that Masked Royal person that Molayne’s game counterpart was talking about in introducing to Michael, which left the young trial-goer a little more confused as he was already aware of the game counterpart of the Masked Royal that he already met before although he was a little curious about him. Professor Kukui’s game counterpart then decided to head on back to Malie Garden to check back with Hau’s game counterpart as he’ll need to make sure that he makes it to the observatory as well. As Professor Kukui’s game counterpart wished Michael the best of luck in his trial then departed from the observatory, Molayne’s game counterpart gave Michael a gift to remember their meeting by, which was a Steel-Type Z-Crystal, Steelium Z. Michael was a little surprised about already receiving a Z-Crystal without clearing a trial, which was similar with his Flyinium Z back at Ten Carat Hill on Melemele Island (during UM09) so he happily accepted the Steelium Z then Molayne’s game counterpart showed Michael the Steel-Type Z-Move pose, which Michael kindly thanked him as well as for the Z-Crystal too.

Molayne’s game counterpart mentions that he used to collect Z-Crystals on his own island challenge with his Pokemon and Professor Kukui’s game counterpart, in search of strength. Michael was happy for a great journey that Molayne’s game counterpart had with Professor Kukui’s game counterpart in their past, which has Michael thinking about how he and Hau’s game counterpart are enjoying their journeys very much.

Molayne’s game counterpart asked Michael if he’s gonna use his new Steelium Z soon which he answered no since he currently has no Pokemon that can use Steel-Type moves but he’ll look forward to it when that time comes. Molayne’s game counterpart informs Michael that he can look around the observatory and if he wants to go for the trial then he can find Sophocles’ game counterpart in the head office. As Michael enters into the Hokulani Observatory, Molayne’s game counterpart informs him that he’ll be feeding his group of Charjabug. Looking around the observatory led to Michael collecting 2 Totem Stickers as he then arrived at the head office where he got to see Sophocles’ game counterpart again. Sophocles’ game counterpart commented Michael on getting closer to his goal then asked Michael if he came to attempt the trial which Michael answered yes. Sophocles’ game counterpart then asked about the Charjabug who helps out with the trial, to which Michael answered what Molayne’s game counterpart said. So Sophocles’ game counterpart asked Michael to get all the Charjabug for him while he gets everything ready for the trial, which Michael understood. After collecting another Totem Sticker, Michael went outside to see Molayne’s game counterpart and his group of Charjabug who had just finished eating but 3 of them are missing. So Molayne’s game counterpart if he could search for the 3 missing Charjabug in that empty lot by the bus stop which Michael understood as he then found 2 of the 3 missing Charjabug. Molayne’s game counterpart mentions that the last missing Charjabug is “Sevenjabug” who always wanders off to other places as he then explains to Michael about his group of Charjabug being nicknamed from “Onejabug” to “Ninejabug” which Michael started to understand. After Michael found “Sevenjabug” over by the bus stop, Molayne’s game counterpart thanked Michael for his help as they headed back to Sophocles’ game counterpart. After Sophocles’ game counterpart thanked Michael for gathering all the Charjabug, he kindly commented to Michael on how there’s something special about him but Michael just added that he was glad to help out. Sophocles’ game counterpart directed Michael to the room where the trial shall be held then he unlocked the door as all the Charjabug then entered inside followed by the game counterparts of Molayne and Sophocles, as Michael must now focus on the trial that awaits him, he entered inside the room as well. With everyone inside the room for the trial, Sophocles’ game counterpart explains to Michael how his Togedemaru and the Charjabug get along so well + Togedemaru has a nickname as well known as “Togemaru” which Michael can understand since all the Charjabug are also nicknamed. After Sophocles’ game counterpart asked Michael if he’s ready for the trial, Michael answered yes as he’s been waiting for it. To get things started, Sophocles’ game counterpart explains to Michael how the trial works which describes the uses of 2 machines called the Roller and the Pinger, Molayne’s game counterpart then showed Michael how to activate the Roller for connecting 3 Charjabugs in a line. With everything described for the trial, Michael can understand that he must connect the Charjabug in a line on the Roller so their electricity can be connected to the Pinger which can allow it to summon the Totem Pokemon (which Michael must face in battle). As the trial started, Michael managed to connect 3 Charjabug in a line on the Roller which allowed it to send in electricity into the Pinger. As everyone waited for the Totem Pokemon to come, a wild Elekid had shown up which led to Molayne’s game counterpart suggesting to Michael that he could battle it which he understood. It was thanks to his partner Torracat that Michael defeated the wild Elekid then Torracat was cared for in a quick Pokemon Refresh activity. Molayne’s game counterpart figured that the wild Elekid was drawn to the Pinger which didn’t have enough electricity to summon the Totem Pokemon so Sophocles’ game counterpart added 3 more Charjabugs to the Roller as he informed Michael that the trial shall continue. After Michael connected 3 more Charjabug in a line on the Roller, much more electricity was sent into the Pinger than on the last try. As everyone waited for the Totem Pokemon to come, a wild Electabuzz had shown up which of course led to Michael facing it in battle. It was thanks to Cha (Michael’s Hawlucha) that Michael defeated the wild Electabuzz then Cha was cared for in a quick Pokemon Refresh activity. Molayne’s game counterpart started to learn that the more electricity sent into the Pinger, the bigger Pokemon that it’ll summon which led to Sophocles’ game counterpart having an idea by adding the 3 remaining Charjabug to the Roller as the trial shall continue. After a little pondering, Michael learned how to connect all the Charjabug together on the Roller which he managed to in the shape of a Z which definitely sent much electricity into the Pinger. Unfortunately the Pinger ended up going haywire and was gonna get blast electricity at all the Charjabug but before that happened, “Togemaru” stepped in to protect the Charjabug by absorbing the electricity with its Lightning Rod ability but Molayne’s game counterpart mentioned that “Togemaru” electric sacs wouldn’t be able to handle all the electricity. As everyone began to worry, something had appeared and saved “Togemaru” and the Charjabug by absorbing all the electricity from the Pinger itself. That something is revealed to be the Totem Pokemon, a Togedemaru. With the Totem Pokemon revealed, Michael realized that he must now face it in battle. During the battle, Michael faced Totem Togedemaru with Cha who was almost defeated but managed to hold on by toughen it out for Michael which was a result of their affectionate bond as the Totem Pokemon called an ally for help, a Skarmory. Another result of their affectionate bond occurred when Cha avoided a final blow from Totem Togedemaru’s ally. As Michael was feeling great from battling with Cha, together they took out Totem Togedemaru with a critical hit-Karate Chop which led to Cha earning enough Exp. Points to level up but that victory didn’t last long when Cha had gotten defeated by the Totem Pokemon’s ally, Michael then thanked Cha for its hard work and Torracat was sent out. At the end, Michael and Torracat unleashed their Fire-Type Z-Move: Inferno Overdrive for the first time which took out Skarmory and Michael emerged victorious along with Torracat earning enough Exp. Points to level up. As Michael thanked his partner Torracat for its hard work, Torracat began to evolve which led to Michael amazedly observing his partner reaching its final evolutionary form, Incineroar. Learning from his Rotom Dex that Incineroar also learned its signature move, Darkest Lariat, has left Michael feeling fantastic and so proud of his fully-evolved partner. As everyone is relieved that “Togemaru” and the Charjabug are all okay, Sophocles’ game counterpart commented on what a great trainer Michael is from defeating the Totem Pokemon which Michael commented that he was glad that he and his team had done their very best. Sophocles’ game counterpart mentioned to himself that he really needs to work on the totem-calling machines as “Togemaru” and the Charjabug are all his precious friends. Molayne’s game counterpart then mentioned to Sophocles’ game counterpart about finding things that you notice, even little things, and improving on them are how science works + it’s also how Pokemon Battles work too which even Michael can definitely understand.

As the trial has been cleared, Michael earned an Electric-Type Z-Crystal, Electrium Z, from Sophocles’ game counterpart then he showed Michael the Electric-Type Z-Move pose which Michael kindly thanked him as well as for the Z-Crystal too. Molayne’s game counterpart congratulated Michael for clearing his trial and he’s happy that Sophocles’ game counterpart has done well as Hokulani’s captain even though he was a little nervous but Molayne’s game counterpart believes that he made a good choice in making Sophocles’ game counterpart Hokulani’s captain even though they’re cousins which Michael was a little fascinated to hear. Molayne’s game counterpart explains that island kahunas usually pick out the trial captains but there were some unusual circumstances on Ula’ula Island so Sophocles’ game counterpart ended up as Hokulani’s trial captain which Michael then commented that he agrees with Molayne’s game counterpart that Sophocles’ game counterpart has done good as a trial captain. Molayne’s game counterpart suggested to his cousin that he should show Michael the Battle Agency at Festival Plaza which Sophocles’ game counterpart really agrees with as he and Michael took a quick trip to the Festival Plaza where Sophocles’ game counterpart has shown him the Battle Agency where Michael can team up with borrowed Pokemon and other kinds of strong trainers to win prizes and increase his Festival Plaza grading rank. Even though Michael didn’t like the thought of not battling with his own Pokemon, he would like to see what he can do with borrowed Pokemon and battling alongside other strong trainers like a team so he informs Sophocles’ game counterpart that he’ll go for it when he’s ready to try it out. Arriving back at the Hokulani Observatory, Molayne’s game counterpart gave Michael a mask (which looked a little similar) then asked if he could return it to Professor Kukui’s game counterpart which Michael accepted in doing so. Sophocles’ game counterpart then commented that maybe he and Michael can battle someday which Michael agrees with doing so as the young trial-goer bid a kind farewell to the game counterparts of Molayne and Sophocles, departed from the Hokulani Observatory, and went to the bus stop to arrive back onto Route 10 by the Exeggutor Express. It was thanks to battling wild Pokemon which came out of trees (+ a wild Crabrawler from a pile of collected berries) that Eevee earned enough Exp. Points to level up. Arriving back into Malie City, Michael headed straight into Malie Garden to find Professor Kukui’s game counterpart which he has managed to do but also saw that Team Skull are there as well which left Michael a little frustrated as he went on over to see what’s going on. From what Michael’s been hearing and observing, he got a little more frustrated on how Team Skull didn’t like Professor Kukui’s game counterpart’s plans for creating a Pokemon League. Just then someone had arrived towards Professor Kukui’s game counterpart and he revealed himself as Team Skull’s Boss, Guzma (his game counterpart) which left Michael surprised as he’s now seeing the boss of the enemies that he’s been dealing with on his journey.

From what Michael’s been hearing and observing, he’s a little surprised to hear how the game counterparts of Guzma and Professor Kukui know each other but he didn’t like how Guzma’s game counterpart commented that allowing a Pokemon League is no good since he claims to be the strongest trainer. Michael was fascinated to hear Professor Kukui’s game counterpart’s reasoning to make a Pokemon League which involves trainers and Pokemon combining their strength to make the perfect move for victory especially in facing strong opponents like the game counterpart of Melemele Island's Kahuna Hala. As Michael finally arrives at the scene, he agrees with Professor Kukui’s game counterpart’s reasoning as Guzma’s game counterpart can see that Michael is a trainer on the island challenge. Professor Kukui’s game counterpart introduced Michael as someone who moved to Alola and has been enjoying the experiences and adventure as a Pokemon Trainer on the island challenge which Michael definitely agrees with. Michael informed Professor Kukui’s game counterpart about clearing the trial at the Hokulani Observatory along with his partner reaching its final evolutionary form which he congratulated Michael on his achievements. Professor Kukui’s game counterpart then said to Guzma’s game counterpart that Michael and his partner Incineroar can unleash some powerful moves and if he claims to be the strongest trainer on all of Alola’s islands then he should face Michael in battle.

As Guzma’s game counterpart can see that Michael can use Z-Moves, he then asked what’s the point of Michael doing the island challenge which Michael answered that it’s what he wanted to find out and that led to him assuming that Michael doesn’t know why he’s doing it, which left Michael frustrated. Guzma’s game counterpart mentions that before he shall destroy Professor Kukui’s game counterpart, he’ll destroy everything that he cares about as Michael shall face the game counterpart of Team Skull’s Boss for the first time. During the battle (in rainy weather), Michael and Incineroar first faced a Pokemon called Golisopod which according to Rotom Dex is partly a Water-Type and that left Michael highly worried since the power of water-type moves are increased in the currently rainy weather so he hopes for his fully-evolved partner to do the best that it can do. Even though Michael was already aware that it won’t be very effective on a water-type opponent, he and Incineroar went straight with their Fire-Type Z-Move: Inferno Overdrive, which (as expected) didn’t deal much damage to Golisopod. Michael has never been relieved that his affectionate bond with Incineroar managed to allow his partner to avoid Golisopod’s attacks and striking some damage with its newly-learned Darkest Lariat. Until Golisopod suddenly switched itself for Masquerain which according to Rotom Dex that it happened from Golisopod’s Emergency Exit ability. Unfortunately Incineroar had gotten defeated by Masquerain which left Michael a little sad but was proud of its partner for battling well as Lycanroc was then sent out and took care of its opponents with its strong Rock Tomb move which led to Michael emerging victorious and Lycanroc being cared for its hard work in a Pokemon Refresh activity. As Guzma’s game counterpart became very mad about his loss, he mentioned to Michael that he’ll be remembered as someone he’ll be happy to beat down anytime as he began to depart but not before he noticed Hau’s game counterpart then said to him that he doesn’t have to do the island challenge because his grandfather’s a kahuna and even if he finish, he might not get what he want which left Michael frustrated at Guzma’s game counterpart speaking to his friend like that. As Team Skull departed, Professor Kukui’s game counterpart commented to Michael for showing some nice moves in that battle which Michael was glad that he and his team had done the best that they could do. Professor Kukui’s game counterpart then mentions that he meant to give Michael something super important which was a Z-Crystal for Incineroar, Incinium Z. Michael was happily grateful for now having a very important Z-Crystal for his fully-evolved partner (especially after what occurred in the recent battle) as he gave a big thanks to Professor Kukui’s game counterpart for the Incinium Z. As Hau’s game counterpart also commented to Michael for emerging victorious in that battle, Professor Kukui’s game counterpart commented that maybe Guzma’s game counterpart could eventually learn something from Hau’s game counterpart and Michael as they progress in their island challenges. Lillie’s game counterpart then arrived with the unknown girl who was introduced as Acerola (her game counterpart).

Lillie’s game counterpart had seen what occurred and commented on how Professor Kukui’s game counterpart and Michael were facing Team Skull, which looked a little scary but Michael explains that he had to defeat them after everything he’s been observing and hearing. Professor Kukui’s game counterpart then informs everyone that he’s heading for Mount Lanakila to continue with preparing the Pokemon League as Michael commented on how he’ll look forward to challenging it when he’s ready. As Professor Kukui’s game counterpart departed, Lillie’s game counterpart informs Hau’s game counterpart and Michael to be careful on their journeys, which Michael commented to her to please do the same. Acerola’s game counterpart asked Michael if he cleared Sophocles’ game counterpart’s trial, which Michael answered yes which led to her revealing to Michael that he can take on the next trial past Route 11 and through the Tapu Village.

As Michael thanked the game counterpart of Acerola for informing him about the next trial, she and Lillie’s game counterpart departed to do some shopping. Michael then spoke to Hau’s game counterpart about what Guzma’s game counterpart had said to him, which led to Michael explaining that he’s been happy about the progresses that he and Hau’s game counterpart have been making on their island challenges and he likes for them continue enjoying doing so to reach greater heights with their teams, which Hau’s game counterpart can understand as the 2 trial-goers then departed from each other. Arriving at Malie City’s Pokemon Center and having his team recovered, Michael thanked his team for the clearing of the Hokulani Observatory trial, which led to earning an Electric-Type Z-Crystal + receiving a Steel-Type Z-Crystal from before the trial started out.

Michael then showed the Incinium Z to his fully-evolved partner Incineroar, who’s very excited about it as Rotom Dex explained the details and the Z-pose for Incineroar’s exclusive Z-Move, Malicious Moonsault, which Michael kindly thanked his Pokedex partner for all that important info.

After still thinking about what occurred at Malie Garden, Michael’s determined for he and his team to become stronger by the time they’ve trained for their next upcoming trial, especially for the next time they face the game counterpart of Team Skull's Boss.

To Be Continued

(Next: UM25)

Answer: Togedemaru

Lesson Notes: In retrospect, Michael Lettman probably should've separated The Trial of Sophocles from the events that occurred at Malie Garden when Alolan Michael meets the game counterpart of Team Skull's Boss for the first time.