The Monotype Challenge

Upon entrance to Vast Poni Canyon, the very first trainer had a strong Beheeyem, and a Banette that got wrecked thanks to Perish Song. Soon after, we came to the Ace Duo who use the two Ice-type Alolan forms, but the joke was on them thanks to Drizzle. The next big trainer was one with a Kangaskhan that hit pretty hard with Dizzy Punch, but Finn's Counter handled her. We met with Lillie, who felt powerful herself, leaving Rotom to suggest us step up our game! I did skip a few trainers, but after trying unsuccessfully to find a good high level Corphish (and accidentally killing the one Level 37+ one I found), I decided I'd get back to it later because I wouldn't be using it against Kommo-o anyway. The last three trainers weren't that tough, amusingly after Cargo burned a Wailord, Elsa got her to 1 HP with Thunderbolt and she used Bounce only to die after springing up. xP Then it was trial time! The Jangmo-o and Hakamo-o were easy stuff, but then it was time for the Totem! I knew there was more than one way I could go about it.

The first try, Counter from Finn after narrowly under half came short of OHKO'ing it, and it called upon Scizor and ganged up on Antennae and Mutation to beat them both, but Amanzi was faster than Scizor, took a little less than 3/4 from Poison Jab, and finished it. I did reset when I knew I had it, though. The second try, Antennae took 2/3 from Thunder Punch and managed to use Bug Bite to rob it of its Roseli Berry, then it called upon Noivern. Then I brought in Elsa, and took 3/4 from Drain Punch, and used Perish Song… But then as soon as the animation was going, I was like "wait a minute…" And yep, it had Soundproof, which blocked Perish Song. But at least I got the Quick Claw, allowing me to slam Noivern with Ice Beam before Kommo-o finished me. I then brought in Amanzi, took over 2/3 from Poison Jab, and then OHKO'd with Choice Specs boosted Moonblast for the win.

With that, I got the Dragonium Z, and the trial had been completed. It was then time for me to catch a Corphish. I eventually caught one with a decent level + nature, and had to train it up. Along the way, I named it Ripple. I eventually got her to Level 49 along with Elsa and Finn, when I finally evolved her, and Cargo and Antennae to Level 50, and Amanzi to 51, then returned to the altar, where Lillie and Hapu were waiting for me. There was a bit of talk, and it was time for us to scale the altar and play the flutes to summon the legendary Pokemon! But Lusamine and Guzma were thrown out of the Ultra Wormhole, having been defeated by Necrozma! It then did battle with Solgaleo, and it won, and transformed into Dusk Mane Necrozma and started flooding the region with Ultra Beasts! It was time for us to stop it!

So I led with Ripple against it, and as it used Psycho Cut which failed, Night Slash didn't do much, around 1/4 or so. Then it used Sunsteel Strike, and scored a critical hit for almost 2/3 my health! Whoa, calm down there, bro! Crunch got it to 1/3 and got the Defense drop. It used Morning Sun, and was healed to 85% or so, but I used the Z-Move, Black Hole Eclipse, on base of Crunch, which finished it. But it wasn't done, and turned Poni Island into a shroud of night before disappearing! We then had to go through the Ultra Wormhole and to Ultra Space, and made our way to Ultra Megalopolis. They talked about Necrozma and its folklore, and left me with the burden of saving it. As I entered Megalo Tower, I watched Dusk Mane Necrozma transform into Ultra Necrozma!

I actually reset first try, I was guaranteed victory (it used Power Gem against Elsa, who had the Charti Berry, and I used Perish Song and had four Pokemon left) but it had OHKO'd both Amanzi and Antennae with Photon Geyser, so I wanted to see if it would use Power Gem against Antennae. Second try, it used Photon Geyser again, which OHKO'd. But the third try was the last. As the Totem Aura boosted all its stats, I led with Elsa, hoping that it would use Power Gem… But it saw through the bluff and used Photon Geyser!!! That's it, we los…oh, WAIT, I lived it with 7 HP?!?! That allowed me to use Perish Song, and then I used Protect to block a Power Gem and drop its perish count to two. I then switched Amanzi into a Power Gem that did slightly over half (and left me at 69 HP), then switched in Finn, who was OHKO'd by Photon Geyser, but the perish count fell to zero and it was no more.

As the world was bright again, the Ultra Recon Squad offered me Poipole, but I refused for now. We then made way back to Alola, and they looked forward to exploring Alola more, and Lusamine gave in and apologized to Lillie, who gave me the thanks. I then followed Mina back to Seafolk Village, made some adjustments to my team and was ready to battle her. I led with my own Bug-type, Antennae, as I thought she led with Ribombee, but nope! She led with Mawile, and got off an Intimidate before I switched to Cargo, who took a Play Rough for narrowly under half, and I lived a second with 8 HP, and got off Tailwind. Then Hydro Pump OHKO'd. Granbull was next and got off a pointless Intimidate, but I stayed in and OHKO'd that with a critical hit Hydro Pump that may have mattered? I don't know. But Ribombee was last, and I was STILL faster and OHKO'd that with Hydro Pump as well. DAMN. Then she gave me the Pink Petal and sent me off to get the other six!

We met with Hau and his Incineroar at Hau'oli Cemetery, where Ilima was. After a bit of talk about what his mother had done in the past, he challenged me to battle. I led with Ripple against his Gumshoos, and he used Hyper Fang for literally one point under half my health. Razor Shell did a little over 1/3 and even got the Defense drop. I lived another Hyper Fang with 5 HP, and thanks to the Defense drop, Crabhammer finished him. Komala was next and I switched over to Cargo, which got Drizzle going, and Wood Hammer did slightly over half. I used Tailwind to boost our Speed, and he wasted his Z-Move and KO'd me. I returned to Ripple despite her being all but dead, and he didn't use Sucker Punch, allowing me to make him a bust with the Z-Move on base of Crabhammer. Smeargle was last, and I switched Antennae into an Extreme Speed for a little over 1/4, then another one got me below half, but Scald OHKO'd.

With that, he redirected me to the next trial captain, who was Mallow at Lush Jungle. After I startled her and caused a bunch of Comfey and Fomantis to run away from her, she got pissed thanks to Lana's remarks and challenged me. I led with Ripple against her Trevenant, and Horn Leech got me just short of the red, while my Crunch did 92% or so to her. Then she finished me and was healed to 20% or so. I brought in Elsa and finished her with Ice Beam. Shiinotic came next, and I chose to stay in and use Protect (which I had earlier for Ultra Necrozma), and she used Spore, which made me glad I didn't attack right away. I decided to just sack Finn off, after she used Spore she OHKO'd me with Giga Drain. I then brought in Amanzi and used Moonblast, which did a little over 1/3, and her Giga Drain did less than half but healed her up. Moonblast got her below half and lowered her Special Attack, but she used Spore. As I snoozed, she used Giga Drain, which unfortunately scored a critical hit and finished me, healing her to around 70%. I had to use Antennae, and Leech Life did okay, getting her below half, while her Moonblast dealt a weak 1/5 my health. I juggled on whether to use the Z-Move or not, and ultimately decided to, with Savage Spin-Out, which finished her off. Tsareena was last, and I had to stay in. Trop Kick did over half my total health, but I used Lunge, which did less than half but it did lower her Attack. She used Trop Kick again and finished me. I brought in Cargo, who got off Drizzle, and she used the Z-Move, Bloom Doom, which with -1 did 88 of my 133 health. I used Scald, which did okay, and then she used Low Sweep for absolutely no reason, which dealt 1/3 my remaining health. Hydro Pump finished her, and she gave me the Green Petal and Lana gave me the Blue Petal. The three of us went to Kiawe's stay on Wela Volcano Park.

It was then time for Kiawe himself! I led with Ripple against his Arcanine, and Hyper Cutter blocked his Intimidate. Flare Blitz did over 1/3…and it burned me. REALLY?!?! Crabhammer got him into the red because of that. He was finished thanks to Flare Blitz recoil. Talonflame immediately finished me with Brave Bird, then I brought in Finn and took a Brave Bird for over half, and some recoil on his end, but Aqua Tail finished him. Marowak came and finished me with Shadow Bone, but I brought in Amanzi, got the Quick Claw and slammed him with Sparkling Aria. Hiker David didn't want to be left out of the fun though, and challenged me with his newly trained Magmar (why no Magmortar?), which was OHKO'd by Cargo. And I got the Red Petal. Next was Sophocles, who normally would be terrifying. But I challenged him anyway, and Finn absolutely demolished him. He gave me the Yellow Petal for my troubles. Then we went to Aether House, where Guzma thanked me, and Hau talked some joy into him, which allowed him to see things a different way. Then Nanu was inside and gave me the Purple Petal, so I had all seven of them. I returned to Mina's house, and with all seven petals in hand, we were able to summon Totem Ribombee!

I knew I had this battle as good as set because of Elsa with Perish Song, but I didn't do that right away because I wanted to gauge out how much damage it was capable of doing, for future reference for later runs. So I let everyone take some damage and took notes on that, but I reset after that was dealt with. Anyway, as the Totem Aura doubled all its stats, I led with Elsa, and it used Quiver Dance to boost its stats, which I wasn't thrilled about. Then it called…Pelipper? Really? I wanted it to call in Blissey so I could get lots of EXP from it... I used Protect to block its Bug Buzz, and Pelipper used Stockpile. I then switched Amanzi into a Bug Buzz that did less than 1/3 as Pelipper used Stockpile again. Then I brought in Antennae, who took 2/3 from +3 Bug Buzz, and Pelipper used Stockpile once more before Perish Song ended Ribombee. I then brought in Elsa, used Perish Song and there was nothing else to it from there. With that, I received the Fairium Z and was invited to Exeggutor Island for Hapu's grand trial! I quickly got Finn and Elsa to Level 51 since they were right on the edge of such, and returned to Exeggutor Island where Hapu was waiting. There really wasn't much to her, because Mono-Water, so I'm not going to waste time talking about her. I did multiple resets against her just to gauge out how much damage she could do, for future references. I got the Groundium Z from her, and that left one thing left: the Pokemon League.

(M) "Amanzi", Level 52
Stats: 155, 96, 96, 166, 151, 70
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Icy Wind, Moonblast, Sparkling Aria

(F) "Cargo", Level 51
Ability: Drizzle
Stats: 135, 56, 121, 122, 100, 96
Moves: Hydro Pump, Scald, Stockpile, Tailwind

(M) "Antennae", Level 51
Stats: 137, 92, 107, 79, 161, 62
Moves: Leech Life, Lunge, Mirror Coat, Scald

(M) "Finn", Level 51
Stats: 167, 148, 100, 107, 113, 67
Moves: Aqua Tail, Bulldoze, Counter, Earthquake

(F) "Elsa", Level 51
Ability: Water Absorb
Stats: 195, 101, 109, 130, 123, 78
Moves: Ice Beam, Hydro Pump, Perish Song, Protect

(F) "Ripple", Level 50
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Stats: 157, 169, 99, 110, 71, 60
Moves: Crabhammer, Crunch, Night Slash, Razor Shell

Merryn the Lax Bibarel, Lv. 21 ♀ ★
Ability: Unaware
Item: Quick Claw
Moves: Headbutt, Water Gun, Pluck, Rollout


Piran the Impish Staravia, Lv. 21 ♂
Ability: Intimidate
Moves: Wing Attack, Quick Attack, Endeavour, Double Team


Jory the Careful Buneary, Lv. 14 ♂
Ability: Run Away
Item: Soothe Bell
Moves: Pound, Defense Curl, Frustration, Endure


Santo the Hasty Hoothoot ♂
Ability: Insomnia
Moves: Growl, Foresight, Hypnosis, Peck

With Mount Lanakila in our sight, we headed up there, where Gladion came down the lift and wanted to offer us his thanks in battle! As that disco dance theme was fired up one last time, I led with Elsa against his Crobat, who used Acrobatics for unfortunately more than half, but Ice Beam with the Never-Melt Ice was thankfully an OHKO. Then Lucario finished her with Aura Sphere. Cargo had to 3HKO it thanks to a miss with Hydro Pump, then Zoroark came and wasted his Z-Move. Amanzi easily finished that and got in a Baby-Doll Eyes against Silvally, but even then Multi-Attack finished me. Ripple was able to survive a Multi-Attack with 1/5, and use Crunch for 1/3 or so. I sacked off Finn, Antennae took less than half, and finished him with the Z-Move. He then said that Lillie was out on Mahalo Trail, and gave me a PP Max for my troubles and declared that we aren't enemies anymore, hoping to see me again.

Then it was time for Mount Lanakila proper! The first trainer had a Malamar that dealt quite a bit of damage thanks to Contrary Superpower, but it did help that Finn got the Quick Claw against him. Soon after, we dealt with a Goodra that had some strong Attack and was bested by Finn's Counter after it was locked into Outrage. And there was a Relicanth that Finn OHKO'd with a critical hit. We also dealt with two Black Belts in a double battle, one used a Bewear that Finn barely lived Thrash from and was able to KO with Counter. The second one was a little more annoying, considering Finn missed with Aqua Tail against his Pangoro, but we managed. Later on there was a Veteran who was not hard at all for Amanzi, especially considering her Milotic used Blizzard against it instead of Hydro Pump, and missed twice. Things were going pretty good until the Veteran + Ace Trainer duo at the very end, who led with a Glalie with Freeze-Dry and a Vikavolt, and once the Vikavolt used Agility, they demolished me. But the second time, I led with Elsa and Antennae, and had the former use Perish Song to send the Vikavolt off, and the latter use Mirror Coat against Glalie's Freeze-Dry. The Veteran's Tyranitar was content on using Earthquake and not Rock-type attacks, and they did deal a decent round of damage but overall I managed. They stepped aside, allowing me to progress to the top of Mount Lanakila, and by extension, the Pokemon League.

After using the Move Relearner to get Hurricane on Cargo, I headed up the mountain to see Kukui, and watch a really cool scene with Amanzi coming out of his Poke Ball and looking happy and determined. But we weren't ready JUST yet - I trained Amanzi, Cargo and Antennae all to Level 55, and Finn, Elsa and Ripple to Level 54. Then I transferred my living Pokedex from my main copy to this game, allowing me to get the Shiny Charm, which I'll save for a specific purpose later. I also went to catch Solgaleo and Necrozma at Mahalo Trail and Mount Lanakila respectively, and then after some adjustments, it was time for the final fights! I began with Olivia, because Rock-type.

I began with Amanzi against Armaldo, and she used Crush Claw, which dealt a little less than half but lowered my Defense, while Sparkling Aria was an OHKO. Cradily was next, and hoping she would Stealth Rock, I chose to stay in and use Moonblast for around 1/3. But that was not the case, as she used Rock Tomb, which got me to 1/8. After over a minute of thinking of what to do, I brought in Antennae, who took an Energy Ball for a little over 1/4. Unfortunately, THEN was when she used Stealth Rock, while I used Lunge to get her to 1/4 or so. She didn't heal, and Energy Ball did 1/4 my health on the dot before Liquidation finished her. Gigalith was next, and she set up Sand Stream. I chose to stay in, and Liquidation did a little over half before she finished me with Stone Edge. I brought in Cargo next, who took some Stealth Rock damage, but Drizzle got rid of the sandstorm. Thankfully, Hydro Pump hit, allowing me to turn her into a bust. Lycanroc was next, and I decided to just sack off Cargo hoping she would use the Z-Move - and I was right, that is exactly what she did, which finished me. I then brought in Ripple, and after a bit of Stealth Rock damage, Stone Edge got me low, and Razor Shell…didn't finish her, even with the rain. Thankfully, she wasted her Full Restore, allowing me to use Crabhammer, which did OHKO this time. Probopass was last, and she was faster than me, and finished me with Power Gem, unfortunately. Finn was able to handle her from there, though.

I decided that I would take on Molayne next, because I felt that I had enough type advantages for him.

As he began with Klefki, I started with Antennae. He opened with a Reflect, as I started with an Infestation that barely scratched him, but started to take its toll. Then he set up Spikes, and I went for Liquidation, which dealt an okay hit, and even got the Defense drop. He then used a shameful Flash Cannon before another Liquidation got him…to 1 HP!!! I thought he would heal, but alas, he used Thunder Wave, paralyzing me before another Liquidation finished him. Magnezone was next, and Thunderbolt scored a critical hit that finished me before Reflect wore off. Come on, dude! I brought in Elsa, who took a bit of Spikes damage, then Thunderbolt KO'd. I brought in Cargo, and got off the Drizzle. I used Hurricane in the hopes of getting the confusion, but that was not the case, and Thunderbolt was an OHKO. I brought in Finn, and Tri Attack did less than half before Earthquake finished him. Metagross was next, and I had no choice but to stay in, and Zen Headbutt got me to 4 HP, but I used my Z-Move, Tectonic Rage, to OHKO him. Dugtrio was next and finished me with Earthquake. I brought in Ripple, took a bit of Spikes damage, and Earthquake did over half, but Razor Shell OHKO'd. Bisharp was last and finished me with X-Scissor, and I had just Amanzi left. Iron Head got me below 1/4, but no flinch, allowing me to OHKO him with Sparkling Aria and win.

Whew, that was brutal. That Magnezone was not a help. I decided that Acerola would be next, as I felt very prepared for her and it would hopefully be a good chance for Ripple to do something.

And she was who I led with against Banette, as she used Screech to half my Defense. Meanwhile, I OHKO'd her with Night Slash, which scored a critical hit. BOOM! Dhelmise was next, though, and I decided that Finn had done enough in the last two fights, so I sacrificed him to an Energy Ball, which OHKO'd. I brought in Elsa, and my Ice Beam did over half, but so did her Energy Ball. She didn't switch out, though, and the next shot was a 2HKO. Ripple grew to Level 55 along the way. Palossand was next, and I chose to stay in and use the Z-Move, Subzero Slammer, which got the OHKO. Froslass was next, and for that I switched out to Ripple again, as she used Shadow Ball for a little over 1/4, then she used Confuse Ray because that's what Froslass do, but I hit through it and OHKO'd her with Night Slash, without a critical hit. Drifblim was last, and for that I opted to stay in, as she used Amnesia. But I hit myself in confusion for around 1/6 my health. Then she used Ominous Wind, which scored a critical hit and got me JUST in the range where Aftermath would have finished me… Except even with a critical hit, Night Slash left her with a sliver. I switched back to Elsa, and she healed. Then she used Amnesia and was at +4, so my Ice Beam didn't do much at all. Then another Amnesia had her at +6. Ice Beam then left her at 2/3. She then used Focus Energy, joy. But I hit with Sing and put her to sleep, then I switched out for Antennae… But she used a Full Heal. Ominous Wind then scored a critical hit for a little over 1/4… And she got the boost. I used Infestation to start chipping away at her, and then she used Ominous Wind, which scored another critical hit for over half my remaining health, but I used Mirror Coat, which got her to the point where Infestation finished her off for the win.

That left just Kahili, and I knew she led with a dangerous threat, but most of the rest of her team shouldn't be as tough for mine. I then went in for it!

As she led off with Braviary, I began with Finn. Her Brave Bird did over 3/4 my health, and she took recoil damage, but Counter did her in. Mandibuzz was next, and she used Brave Bird to finish me. Knowing that Antennae would be dead weight here, I brought him in as she used Brave Bird again, which I actually survived with 20 HP. That allowed me to use Lunge, which lowered her Attack, yet I didn't even think that I had Liquidation which would've been much better. She had a little over half left, and used…Flatter? I hit through confusion and used Liquidation, which got her into the red. She healed, and I hit myself in confusion and was left with 4 HP. Then she finished me with Brave Bird. I then tried Ripple, and she used Flatter to confuse me, and I hit myself. Brave Bird did 1/3 my remaining health, and I hit myself again. Brave Bird left me with 21 HP, and I hit with Razor Shell, but for a light hit. She finished with Brave Bird and was right near half. I had to bring in Elsa, and she used Flatter, and I hit myself in confusion for a light hit, then her Brave Bird did less than 1/4 my remaining health before I hit and Ice Beam finished her. Hawlucha was next, though, so I switched in for Cargo, who took a Flying Press for a little over 1/4, then Poison Jab got me below half and poisoned me. At least Hurricane OHKO'd. Toucannon was next, and she used Beak Blast and finished me, but not without Hydro Pump doing 3/4 her health. I brought in Elsa again, and banking on her healing, I went for the Z-Move… She didn't heal, but used Screech, which missed. Subzero Slammer destroyed her. Oricorio was last, and I switched into Amanzi for that just because. She used Teeter Dance, then she used it again and I hit myself for 1/8. Air Slash caused me to flinch, and then got me into the red, but I hit through it and slammed her with Sparkling Aria, which also dealt a well-deserved critical hit that didn't matter, but served her right nonetheless.

With that, I had just one battle left, and I adjusted my team to prepare for it. A throne was sitting there, waiting for my arrival. It was Kukui… Or not! It was Hau! He was ready to give his everything for one last showdown!

This took a third try. First try, things started off promising, but then it came to Incineroar and Noivern left, and after Elsa missed with Hydro Pump which would have OHKO'd, Cargo got him to 1 HP and Amanzi was about to faint, so I reset. The battle sucked. It was just a terrible fight all-around. Second try, Antennae was about to OHKO his Raichu with Mirror Coat, but Thunderbolt got the paralysis and I got fully paralyzed. But I got it this time!

I began with Antennae against Raichu, who used Thunderbolt and got me into the red, but that allowed me to use Mirror Coat and get the OHKO. Crabominable was next, and used Power-Up Punch to finish me and get +1 Attack. Oh dear. I had to bring in Amanzi, who was brought into the red with Stone Edge, but Moonblast was an OHKO and got me to Level 56. Leafeon came after, and I had to sack off Ripple, who was 2HKO'd by Quick Attack followed by Leaf Blade (first try, Leaf Blade was an OHKO without a crit). I had to use Cargo, who triggered Drizzle, and Leaf Blade did 2/3 my health, but I used Tailwind to double my team's Speed before OHKO'ing him with Hurricane. Tauros came next, and after a pointless Intimidate, Hydro Pump got him into the red before Double-Edge finished me, and recoil got him even lower. I brought in Amanzi, banking on him healing, but he didn't, and the Tailwind petered out. I brought in Finn, THEN he healed, and Aqua Tail did over half. Double-Edge came short of activating my Iapapa Berry, and then Aqua Tail finished him. Incineroar was next, and Darkest Lariat finished me. I had just Elsa left, and Darkest Lariat did JUST under half, and Hydro Pump hit this time, and got a well-deserved OHKO just before the rain stopped. Noivern was last, and Dragon Pulse got me into the red, but Ice Beam got the OHKO and finished him for the win. Whew!

And with that, I had become the Champion. The credits passed, and with that, we had beaten the game!

(M) "Amanzi", Level 56
Stats: 167, 105, 104, 180, 163, 75
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Encore, Moonblast, Sparkling Aria

(F) "Cargo", Level 55
Ability: Drizzle
Stats: 145, 63, 130, 132, 108, 105
Moves: Hurricane, Hydro Pump, Stockpile, Tailwind

(M) "Antennae", Level 55 (less than 200 EXP from 56)
Stats: 148, 102, 116, 85, 174, 66
Moves: Infestation, Liquidation, Lunge, Mirror Coat

(M) "Finn", Level 55
Stats: 180, 163, 110, 116, 122, 73
Moves: Aqua Tail, Counter, Earthquake, Endeavor

(F) "Elsa", Level 55 (literally a hair from 56)
Ability: Water Absorb
Stats: 209, 108, 117, 140, 133, 84
Moves: Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, Ice Shard, Sing

(F) "Ripple", Level 55
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Stats: 172, 185, 108, 121, 78, 66
Moves: Crabhammer, Crunch, Night Slash, Razor Shell

-Got my spooky bird starter
-Breezed my way until I had to face that teacher lady with Litten. That took a while.
-Got some VERY fashionable new clothes
-Searched the Graveyard and found a ghost balloon
-Was never hit during the first trial/kahuna battle because normal/fighting can't this
-Rode a manta ray to another island

Boomer the Dartrix LVL 21


Baloo the Drifloon LVL 21

-Got some sick new clothes
-Went to the Wild West of Hawaii
-Put some backup ghosties in the day care (you never know)
-Breezed past the water trial because of my leaf owl
-Did that arena thing that lags my game like no other
-Really struggled with the fire trial because Ghost/Fire is strong against both of my ghosts
-Eventually got past it and went to the Forest Forest
-Breezed through because I had 2 Flying types.
-Did some Island Scanning for my SWORD GHOST
-Beat out that Brock lady and all those dittos
-Tried building a sandcastle, turned into a "living" creature
-Beat that Ultra Squid and encountered a lot of foreshadowing

Boomer the Dartrix LVL 33



Baloo the Driflblim LVL 31



K the Honedge LVL 30



GobbleGoob the Sandygast LVL 26

After over 1500 unsuccessful encounters trying to get a shiny Blacephalon, I decided I'd come back to it later, and after hearing of Team Rainbow Rocket taking over the Aether Foundation, we made our way there and took on an extremely difficult fight against Faba and his cohort. We entered the castle, where it had been infiltrated, but Guzma wasn't about to have any mischief in his way! Two more grunts got bested, and then we waded our way through some warp panels until we got to Archie. But after failing twice, I decided to go back for some levels, so I went back to Poni Island and started taking on some post-game trainers, and got the two "HMs" from the Hidden Maidens. There were some strong trainers at Poni Plains, but aside from the Veteran, none of them really put it down on me too hard. As far as Poni Coast and Gauntlet went, one Black Belt with a Bulk Up Machamp was very scary, but he missed with Cross Chop against Elsa. And we had the double battle at the very end, who also proved strong, especially with Flame Body from Volcarona being a thing, but I managed to turn it into a 2-on-1 fight after getting rid of all the male's Fire-types, which made the rest a little easier, and I had no idea why the female didn't just demolish Finn who was almost dead. I tried to take on Red or Blue, but neither of them were going in my favor, so I left. But once I was all done with that, my team was all Level 59-61, so I returned to the Rainbow Rocket building. I beat some grunts, and then made my way to Maxie.

Mightyena led off with a Thunder Fang against Amanzi and did over half, but I OHKO'd with Moonblast.
Crobat was next, and I switched out for Elsa to fight that, and she took a Sludge Bomb for less than 1/3. Then he used Toxic, but Ice Beam was a clean-cut OHKO.
Camerupt came next. For that I chose to stay in and use Hydro Pump, which missed - because of course it did - but he missed with Stone Edge in return, so give and take. I then hit this time and OHKO'd.
I had 1/3 left when Weezing came out, and he used Pain Split, which took some out of him but got me over half, while Ice Beam did pretty decent. Unfortunately, he finished me with Thunderbolt. I brought in Antennae, and he used Pain Split again to get him around 60% and me to 5/8, while my Scald got him low. He used Pain Split again, and I was at around 40% or so before I finished him.
Groudon was last, and got in the Drought, but I decided to sack off Ripple, who was left with 1 HP (!!!) from Earthquake, but he finished me with Solar Beam. I then brought in Cargo to get rid of the sunlight with Drizzle, and then used Tailwind for good measures after taking an Ancient Power for narrowly over half. Hydro Pump got the OHKO for the win.

Then we returned to Archie.
Amanzi took over half from Mightyena's Thunder Fang but Moonblast got the OHKO.
Muk came next and I used Baby-Doll Eyes before he finished me, and I don't remember exactly what happened, but I know that it involved Ripple getting him low, and then Elsa coming in and finishing him with Ice Beam.
Crobat came after, and I chose to stay in, and he used Toxic, but Ice Beam with the Never-Melt Ice was an OHKO.
Sharpedo was next up, and I switched in Finn, who took a critical hit Night Slash for less than 3/4, so he would have taken less than half had it not been for the crit, sadly, and was 2HKO'd. I brought in Cargo then, and Night Slash did narrowly over half but I used Tailwind, then Hurricane got him low and confused him… And he hit himself and was finished off.
Last was Kyogre. I stayed in and used Hurricane for a light hit before he finished me with Thunder. Antennae taking barely over half from Thunder thanks to the Wacan Berry, and Mirror Coat didn't finish him, but then I had just Lapras left, and Ice Shard managed to get the job done.

Guzma then caused two grunts to turn into idiots, and after Lillie healed me, I decided to return to the Battle Tree to have another shot against Blue. There was a lot of luck on my end, but unfortunately he still won. The next morning, I gave it another try, and managed to actually win. Long story short, he was weird and got unlucky against Cargo, who was able to OHKO Exeggutor and Arcanine with the respective STAB super-effective moves. It came down to Gyarados as his last one, and Amanzi was able to lower his Attack before being finished off, then I kept using Lunge with Antennae to counteract his Dragon Dances, and then once he finally finished off Antennae, Finn was able to finish the job.

With that done and over with, I looked at the Move Tutors, and decided to teach Liquidation to Ripple, as surely it was better than Razor Shell, which I had like never used. But I returned to Team Rocket's Castle. I skipped all the grunts I could on the way to Cyrus, and then it was time for…well, Cyrus.
I led with Antennae against Houndoom, and Dark Pulse did over 1/3 but Liquidation got the OHKO.
Then we had Honchkrow. I had to stay in, and he used Sky Attack, but Liquidation got him low. Then he finished me. I brought in Ripple, and he didn't heal, and for some reason readied Sky Attack again, but Liquidation finished him.
And then we came to Crobat. I stayed in, and X-Scissor did less than 2/3, but Crabhammer did over half. After two minutes contemplating my choices, I brought in Elsa, and X-Scissor did 1/3. Cross Poison scored a critical hit and got me to 1/4, but Ice Beam finished him and got Ripple to Level 61.
Weavile came next in line, and I chose to sack off Ripple to a Brick Break. Then I brought in Amanzi and took less than 1/3 from Ice Punch before Moonblast OHKO'd.
Dialga was last. Once again, I spent at least two minutes contemplating my choices and their outcomes, and brought in Finn. Sure enough, he used Thunderbolt, which failed. I decided to sack off Elsa as he used Roar of Time. Despite my initial plan to try to use Swampert with the Ground Z-Move right away, I instead brought in Amanzi, with a more interesting strategy. As he recharged, I brought in Amanzi and used Encore, locking him into Roar of Time. He was forced to use it, which failed, and Moonblast did okay. I used it again, and he was below half. Unfortunately, I timed it badly, as in not bothering to check how long it would last, because the Encore ended. Banking on Thunderbolt again, I brought in Finn once more, and I was correct. With that, I switched to Cargo, who was OHKO'd with Roar of Time. But that allowed me to bring in Finn and use the Z-Move, Tectonic Rage, which finished him.

Rotom clarified for Cyrus that I'm kind to all Pokemon, and he decided to return to his world, but not without giving me the Galactic Key. Then I returned to Mount Lanakila to reteach Perish Song to Elsa, because I felt like that would be necessary for Lysandre. I then returned and made my way through some Persian statues - along the way, a grunt missed with two 95 accuracy fangs in a row, haha, served him right - and reached Lysandre, who manipulated his ultimate weapon so both of the buttons would power it up. Can I beat him to the clock?!

I started with Cargo against Mienshao, and Drizzle activated. I used Protect to block his Fake Out, then he used U-Turn for a weak hit and went to…Pyroar, for whatever reason, and Hurricane did narrowly over half. He used Will-o-Wisp and burned me, but that was fine as Hurricane finished him, and got me to Level 62.
Honchkrow came next, and unfortunately Dark Pulse almost KO'd me and caused me to flinch, then the next one finished me. So I used Ripple, and Dark Pulse did over 1/3, but I missed with Crabhammer. Another Dark Pulse got me below 1/4, but I hit with Crabhammer this time and OHKO'd without a crit thanks to the rain.
Mienshao came next and immediately finished me with High Jump Kick. After over a minute juggling between my two starters, I went with Amanzi, and High Jump Kick did over half despite being not very effective, which is telling of this game's strength. Moonblast OHKO'd, though.
Gyarados was next, and Mega Evolved, and used Stone Edge… But that missed!!! Moonblast did well over half, but he hit the next turn. I brought in Finn and Waterfall did a little less than 2/3, allowing me to use Counter and finish him.
Xerneas was last and immediately finished me with Moonblast. I brought in Elsa, and he used Moonblast, which did 2/3, but I was able to get in the Perish Song. I used Protect to block another Moonblast and drop the perish count to 2, then let in Antennae to take 3/4 from Moonblast, then he finished me, but it didn't matter, because the perish count fell to zero, ending him.

So I pressed the blue button, ending the ultimate weapon, and Lysandre stepped aside. I made it back to Lillie, who healed me up, and then it was time for Ghetsis. This one I was mildly worried about, though, because Zekrom, but I did have an idea.

I began with Ripple against Co***rigus, and Night Slash did over half with a critical hit, and he used Will-o-Wisp, but mercifully, it missed. Crunch finished him, with another crit no less.
Bouffalant came next and OHKO'd me with Megahorn, but Mummy triggered and turned his Reckless ability into such. I brought in Cargo, and got off Drizzle, then he used Head Charge, which got me in the red with one hit before I used Tailwind. Hydro Pump hit, and got him short of healing range before Head Charge finished me. I brought in Antennae, and used Liquidation to finish him off, but Mummy got rid of my Water Bubble. Bisharp was next, and even with rain, Liquidation did less than half before Stone Edge OHKO'd, and the Tailwind petered out. I brought in Amanzi, and Iron Head did almost 2/3, then Sparkling Aria finished him and got me to Level 63.
Then we had Hydreigon, for whatever reason… I had no choice but to stay in, and Hyper Voice did 1/3, leaving me with 6 HP and triggering my Iapapa Berry, which didn't matter, as Moonblast slammed him.
Last was, of course, Zekrom, who immediately finished me with Bolt Strike. I then brought in Finn, and Dragon Claw did just short of 3/4, allowing me to OHKO him with Counter for the win, and Finn grew to Level 63.

So Ghetsis went all berserk and was about to end Lillie for good, but Colress came in all white and fancy and was all, yo dawg, I ain't having any of your silly games, yo! He sent Ghetsis into the ether. Colress then encouraged us to proceed. There were a few adjustments I had to make to be prepared for this battle, however, so I did just them before returning to the castle, where Giovanni had the president in a deep slumber. I wasn't about to have any of that, though, so I challenged him to battle!

As he began with Dugtrio, I started with Ripple. He opened with Sandstorm, but I hit through the Sand Veil with Liquidation and OHKO'd him.
Rhyperior was next, which was unfortunate because I was hoping that would be after the Nidos. Nevertheless, I stayed in, avoided a Megahorn, and used Crabhammer, getting him to healing range. He healed, and Liquidation did over half, but then he hit with Megahorn. I brought in Cargo to get rid of the sandstorm with Drizzle, and KO'd him with Hydro Pump.
Then we had Nidoqueen. I decided to stay in, and took over half from Sludge Wave, but I was able to get in a Tailwind and use Hydro Pump, which OHKO'd. Nidoking came next and followed suit.
Lastly was Mega Mewtwo X, who even with the Tailwind was still faster and finished me with Stone Edge. I brought in Elsa, but unfortunately he saw through my Chople Berry and used Stone Edge again, which OHKO'd me. I then used Finn, who survived a Zen Headbutt in the red, and used Counter, which OHKO'd him for the win.

So Giovanni saw that I raise my Pokemon with utmost care, and the castle returned to normal. Lillie and Lusamine thanked me for saving the day once again, and Faba accidentally slipped out his plan and got busted. Wicke gave me a whole ton of Big Nuggets, and Giovanni wondered where to take his evil scheme from there. Rotom commented on how you don't see villainous team invasions like that every day, and with that, the challenge was complete.

Also, I didn't take on Dexio's Psychic-type team, because before beating Team Rainbow Rocket I wasn't feeling good enough to do so without items, I'm sure I could if I wanted but I don't think it'll matter either way.

(M) "Amanzi", Level 63
Stats: 187, 120, 118, 205, 184, 86
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Moonblast, Reflect (had Encore before Giovanni), Sparkling Aria

(F) "Cargo", Level 62 (less than 700 EXP from 63)
Ability: Drizzle
Stats: 164, 72, 148, 150, 123, 119
Moves: Defog (was Protect before Giovanni), Hurricane, Hydro Pump, Tailwind

(M) "Antennae", Level 62
Stats: 166, 119, 132, 97, 197, 75
Moves: Liquidation, Lunge, Mirror Coat, Protect (had Leech Life before Giovanni)

(M) "Finn", Level 63
Stats: 206, 193, 127, 140, 142, 87
Moves: Aqua Tail, Counter, Earthquake, Protect

(F) "Elsa", Level 62
Ability: Water Absorb
Stats: 235, 122, 131, 158, 149, 94
Moves: Hydro Pump, Ice Shard, Perish Song, Protect (those last two moves alternated between fights, but this was its moveset against Lysandre and Giovanni)

(F) "Ripple", Level 61
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Stats: 189, 205, 120, 133, 86, 72
Moves: Crabhammer, Crunch, Liquidation, Night Slash