The Monotype Challenge

So I made my way to the Marina, and from there to Akala Island and Heahea City. There was a little bit to do there, but it wasn't all too significant. As for Dexio, Elfie's Struggle Bug was a 2HKO while he did a little with Confusion, but Espeon straight killed from 3/4 with Confusion. I had to bring in Puffball and get in a Leech Seed, and his Confusion did do almost 2/3. But I derped out and tried to use Mega Drain, forgetting it didn't have priority, and he finished me. Symphonic at least took less than 1/3 from Confusion, however, but he confused me and essentially forced me to switch. However, Stalagmite took less than half from Confusion despite a five level disadvantage, interestingly enough. It was pretty easy to handle from there. Good thing I had Aqua Jet!

Then I met with Lillie in the Tide Song Hotel, and proceeded to Route 4 to look for an Eevee for myself. I found one pretty quickly, caught it and named it Revolver. After some Pok?mon Refresh, I beat the trainers on the route, and he evolved into a Sylveon. I then went north to Paniola Town, where Hau challenged me. Elfie took care of Pikachu, and I let both that and Revolver get screentime against Torracat, lowering his accuracy, before Stalagmite tried to fight him. However, he burned me with Fire Fang, and yet even then it was still able to best him.

I started with Stalagmite against Zubat, and as he used Wing Attack for 3 HP, Smack Down left him with 1/3. He used Wing Attack again, and while I was sitting there wondering why he didn't use Confuse Ray, another Smack Down finished him and got Stalagmite to Level 17. Then for Type: Null, I switched in Revolver as he used Tackle for 1/4 my health, then uses Baby-Doll Eyes to make that 1/6. I got in another, and then I was left out a little over half. Then I brought in Puffball, and he did just under 1/4 before I got in a Leech Seed and took another Tackle, then Leech Seed sapped away. He was faster, and Mega Drain didn't do much at all. I brought in Elfie to let him gain EXP too, as his Tackle did 1/4. I then used Symphonic lastly, and Tackle did enough that Leech Seed healed to full. Two more turns and he was taken care of.

Once we were done with that route, it was time for Brooklet Hill. After I met with Lana first time, I caught a Morelull that I named Lightmare. I beat all the trainers at Brooklet Hill, following Lana along the way. Then we made our way to the trial site. It was time for us to come to the mighty Totem Wishiwashi!

As the Totem Aura boosted its Defense, I began with Puffball, and started with a Leech Seed. It hit, and it used a pointless Growl before Leech Seed damaged it. Then it called upon another Wishiwashi. I brought in Symphonic, and the little Wishiwashi used Helping Hand while the totem used Growl before being brought to 3/4. I then used Encore on the totem, but first the little one used Helping Hand, and the totem was locked into Growl. With that, I was able to switch into Elfie as the little one wasted time using Helping Hand. Leech Seed got the totem to half and propped its Sitrus Berry. The little one used Helping Hand again, and I used Struggle Bug to do 1/3 to the little one and a light hit to the totem before it used Growl, the little one had Aqua Ring prop it and the totem was brought to half before its Encore ended. I switched in Lightmare as the little one used a weak Brine, and the totem used Water Gun for 1/4 my remaining health, but the totem was brought below half. The little one used Helping Hand and the totem used a pointless Growl, and I got the totem low with another Mega Drain. The totem was almost finished, then it stopped schooling. I used Mega Drain on the little one after it used Helping Hand, and the totem used Soak, but Mega Drain still finished it and the totem was finished thanks to Leech Seed for the win. All four of my team members that participated gained levels there.

So I got the Waterium Z from Lana, and a Fishing Rod. I used the Waterium Z to get rid of the Sudowoodo at Paniola Ranch. I beat the trainers there, including the Team Skull grunt, and was able to enter the Battle Royal Dome. Long story short, Symphonic took care of Hau's Torracat. Then I took to Wela Volcano Park and beat the three trainers there, and the few Swimmers on Route 7. I then decided it was time for Kiawe's trial, and it was my first time using the Exp. Share since the beginning. For the Marowak, Hydro Vortex on base of Aqua Jet was not an OHKO, but it missed with Bone Club. For the Hiker with a Magmar, it used Feint Attack for 1/5, but Hydro Vortex did OHKO. And finally, it was time for Totem Salazzle!

As the Totem Aura boosted its Special Defense, I started with Symphonic. It used Toxic, and I wasted no time in going straight for the Z-Move, Hydro Vortex, on base of Aqua Jet? And it didn't OHKO, and it ate its Petaya Berry. It called upon its ally Salandit, but I finished it with Aqua Jet before it could do any damage. Ha! The Salandit got me low with Venoshock (fun fact, poison brought me to 6/66 HP), then I switched in Puffball, who was OHKO'd with Venoshock, but Stalagmite took it from there. Plenty of levels were gained from Salazzle, and Stalagmite reached Level 21.

So he gave me the Firium Z and added Charizard to my Ride Pager, which is pretty awesome. Progressing on through Route 8, I beat the trainers there and on upper Route 5. Some of them had rough stuff, especially an Ace Trainer with a Sylveon that proved pretty annoying.

Afterwards, it was time for Mallow's trial. I went through and I beat Lurantis first try. I don't have notes for the battle, I was pretty much messing around because I wasn't expecting to win against it. But long story short, I managed to get lucky by lowering its accuracy and Attack, and Speed as well. It came down to the wire with just Revolver, and once it was out of PP for Synthesis, I managed to carry it from there with some usages of Draining Kiss. I didn't even need Elfie to be evolved or any items to win that fight! And speaking of such, that happened immediately after it.

Then I received the Grassium Z and was invited by Professor Kukui to come to the Dimensional Research Lab with him.

(M) "Symphonic", Level 24
Stats: 69, 45, 42, 51, 45, 38
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Bubble Beam, Disarming Voice, Encore

(M) "Elfie", Level 25
Stats: 70, 40, 42, 59, 40, 72
Ability: Shield Dust
Moves: Draining Kiss, Pollen Puff, Struggle Bug, Stun Spore

(M) "Puffball", Level 24
Stats: 53, 24, 38, 27, 36, 35
Ability: Prankster
Moves: Cotton Spore, Growth, Leech Seed, Mega Drain

"Stalagmite", Level 24
Stats: 60, 35, 79, 34, 84, 31
Moves: Harden, Reflect, Rock Tomb, Sharpen

(M) "Revolver", Level 25
Stats: 86, 39, 41, 66, 71, 34
Ability: Cute Charm
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Draining Kiss, Sand-Attack, Swift

(M) "Lightmare", Level 24
Stats: 67, 28, 50, 59, 54, 21
Ability: Illuminate
Moves: Flash, Mega Drain, Moonlight, Sleep Powder

After meeting at the Dimensional Research Lab where I learned more about the Ultra Wormhole, and had Rotom question the professor's beliefs, I then saw one for myself. Then we took through Diglett's Tunnel, where I fought some easy enough trainers and two silly grunts. Then I arrived in Konikoni City, and after doing a bit in town, I met with Olivia's Probopass, who instructed me on where to go. I went through Memorial Hill, with an Umbreon that was a little more annoying than I expected thanks to me forgetting that I even had Pollen Puff, and a stupid Team Skull grunt. We took care of two more trainers at Akala Outskirts with some big stuff that was much less intimidating than they looked, then there was Plumeria. Her Golbat wasn't much worry for Stalagmite, and Salandit was easily bested by Symphonic.

I made it to the Ruins of Life, where Lillie healed me up. Then it was time for Olivia's grand trial! First try I reset because I was annoyed after Symphonic failed to finish her Nosepass off with Bubble Beam and she paralyzed me. Second time, I decided to swap the Waterium Z for Mystic Water and see if that'd help, considering Boldore couldn't be OHKO'd, anyway.

Nosepass started with Rock Slide on Lightmare for less than 1/4, but flinched me, although I had Leftovers. Then she used Thunder Wave, but I hit with Mega Drain for around 1/4. After another Rock Slide, Mega Drain got her around 40% and me near full after Leftovers. I then switched in Symphonic, who took a Rock Slide for 1/4. Then I used Bubble Beam, which did finish her off this time. So the Mystic Water was a worthwhile change.
Boldore was next. I decided to stay in and use Bubble Beam, which did get her into the red, as she used Headbutt for a little less than half my remaining health. She wasted her Super Potion as I finished her exactly after.
Last was Lycanroc. I opted to stay in and use Baby-Doll Eyes to cut her Attack before she used the Z-Move, Continental Crush, which finished me. I brought in Puffball and used Leech Seed before she used Rock Throw for 1/3 on the dot even with -1 and the Eviolite, but Leech Seed sapped away at her. She used it again for the same amount as before, and I used Giga Drain, which did a little better than I thought it would, getting her right near half before Leech Seed. Another Rock Throw was followed by another Giga Drain, then Leech Seed, finishing her off.

With that, I had completed the Grand Trial and received the Rockium Z. Then I was invited to the Hano Grand Resort so I could go to the Aether Foundation! But first I took care of the trainers at Hano Beach. Then we took the ferry to Aether Paradise. After meeting with Wicke and Lusamine there, and being expected to believe that I'm 11, we had to deal with one big, random Nihilego. But I didn't beat it before the fifth turn, so it fled. But then we departed from the Aether Foundation after I was given TM29 for Psychic.

As soon as we arrived in Malie City, Hau challenged us to battle. I was leading with Stalagmite, and as he used Psychic for ONE POINT under half, Rock Tomb did okay and lowered his Speed. Electro Ball did over half my remaining health, then I got in a Reflect. Then he finished me with another Psychic. That allowed me to bring in Elfie (who had less than half of Stalagmite's Defense and could have been darn near OHKO'd) and slam him with Pollen Puff. For Torracat, I switched in Lightmare, because I didn't want to switch Symphonic into a Z-Move. Which is what he used, and yet thanks to the Reflect, it did not even 2/3 my health. I then avoided a Fire Fang (ha!) and Moonlight healed me right near full before Leftovers. Reflect then wore off, though, and Fire Fang did well over half before I got in a Flash. He then finished me. I brought in Symphonic, and he used Bite for 1/4, before my Bubble Beam did 3/4. But then he switched in Leafeon, who took another Bubble Beam for a weak hit. I brought in Elfie as he used Giga Drain for 1/5, then Quick Attack did roughly the same amount, as Pollen Puff came short of a finishing. He used Quick Attack again and I fell below half before a Draining Kiss finished him. Then we came to Torracat again, which I had Revolver weaken the Attack of before Symphonic finished him.

I proceeded to check out Malie City, where we met with Professor Kukui in the garden. Then they thought I needed to learn some stuff, so I went to Malie Library and met with Acerola, and learned about the legendary Pokemon. Then I had to battle a pretty tough Muk thanks to Minimize. But after that was done and over with, we made our way to Route 10. We beat two Team Skull grunts and took the bus stop upward with Kukui to Mount Hokulani. We beat the trainers there, some of which had strong stuff but nothing too crazy.

Then it was time for Molayne. I started with Puffball against Skarmory just to get off a Leech Seed, while his Air Cutter did over 1/3 even with my Eviolite and his shit Special Attack stat, and Leech Seed got me out of 3HKO range. Then I brought in Lightmare, who took less than 1/3 from Air Cutter. After another, I was still above half and hit with Sleep Powder before Leech Seed had him near half. Unfortunately, he used a Full Heal, but not without me using Flash to cut his accuracy and get him to half. We both missed with Air Cutter and Sleep Powder, then he was below half. I switched to Symphonic as he used Metal Claw and missed with that too. After Leech Seed, he was kept just out of healing range, and Bubble Beam finished him. That got Symphonic to Level 30.
Metang was next. I decided to sack off Stalagmite to a Bullet Punch?oh wait, that wasn't a 2HKO?! That allowed me to get in a Reflect. Yet he actually missed with Zen Headbutt, which wasted some of that Reflect. I brought in Elfie and used Pollen Puff for a little less than half, while he used Pursuit for god knows what reason. Then I used Stun Spore, and he used Pursuit again? Geez dude, what's your problem? Reflect wore off, and I used Struggle Bug because I didn't want him to heal. He was STILL using Pursuit. Then I finished him with Pollen Puff.
Dugtrio was last. He used Mud Bomb (WHY?!?!) and missed anyway before I paralyzed him with Stun Spore. I brought in Symphonic, took a weak Metal Claw, then a weak Mud Bomb which lowered my accuracy, but that meant nothing as I used the Z-Move, Hydro Vortex, to slam him. And Symphonic grew to Level 31.

After that was handled, I caught a Clefairy there that I named Rosalina. But I couldn't decide who to fit it onto the team for, so I decided to just start up the trial. After Stalagmite took care of the first three bugs, it was Totem time. As it used Spark for over 1/3 my remaining health and paralysis, I got in a Rock Tomb, which scored a critical hit on the first hit for half its health and undoing the Speed boost. Then it called upon Charjabug. Unfortunately, they both ganged up on me with Spark, finishing me. I brought in Puffball and used Leech Seed on Vikavolt, who would then use Bug Bite for half while Charjabug would paralyze me with Thunder Wave, but Leech Seed healed me above half. I then used Leech Seed on Charjabug, too, as Vikavolt used Charge. Charjabug got me to half with another Spark before double Leech Seed healed me to 4/5. I then used Charm on Charjabug, as Vikavolt proceeded to use Bug Bite for half and Charjabug used Spark for a weak hit, then double Leech Seed got me above half. Vikavolt used Bug Bite, and Charjabug used Spark, but I still lived, and I used Giga Drain, which allowed Leech Seed to finish off the totem. Lightmare took it from there.

So I got the Electrium Z and Steelium Z, and Molayne asked me to return the professor's mask to him at Malie Garden. As I headed there, we were met with some Team Skull grunts who introduced our boy Guzma.

I started with Lightmare against Golisopod, and he started with First Impression for over 3/4 my health, only for me to miss with Sleep Powder. Then he finished me with Razor Shell. I brought in Puffball and used Charm to counteract his Swords Dance. Then I used Leech Seed as he used Swords Dance again. As Leech Seed sapped at him, I went for Charm yet again. Then he used Swords Dance once more. Then Leech Seed sapped him. Same thing next turn. I used Charm again, but then he went for Razor Shell for less than 1/3 and a Defense drop. After Leech Seed got him just near half, Giga Drain got him below half, healed me to full, and triggered Emergency Exit out to Ariados. I had to use Stalagmite, so his Fell Stinger didn't do much. Neither did Shadow Sneak. Continental Crush did 2/3. Fell Stinger was shit, but Swarm buffed it a bit. Rock Tomb finished him.
Then we had Golisopod again. He was faster and finished me with Razor Shell. I brought in Revolver and used Draining Kiss, which didn't finish him off, and Razor Shell did over half and a Defense drop, but it was all good because Draining Kiss finished him.

After his freak attack, he left, and I gave the professor his mask and got the Primarium Z. Then we met with Lillie and Acerola again! And with that, we were free to go to Route 11. I beat the few trainers there, and met with Hapu on Route 12, where she gave me Mudsdale for my Ride Pager. Then I met with Hau twice on the way to Tapu Village, where I caught myself a Vulpix. I ended up naming it McFlurry. So I proceeded to beat the trainers on Route 12, and some of them were easy enough, but others had annoying things. Then we went to Aether House and met with Acerola's fledglings. After we met with Acerola, and saved Lillie from a grating Team Skull grunt, we were able to head to Route 14. After dealing with a brutal Gyarados there, Acerola modified my Rotom Dex and we entered the trial site. McFlurry dealt with the three residual ghosts, then we found Mimikyu!

I led with Puffball to get off a Leech Seed, but it had the same clever idea, as it used Mimic to learn Leech Seed itself! Then it called upon its ally Haunter. I decided to throw it at Haunter as well, and Mimikyu used Play Rough for over 3/4, and Haunter used Lick for a laughably weak hit but it did paralyze me. At least double Leech Seed helped prop me up a bit. I did get in a Charm on Mimikyu before Play Rough left me with 1 HP and Haunter finished me with Lick. I brought in Stalagmite, and Mimikyu used Play Rough for 1/4 only for Haunter to hit with Hypnosis, but double Leech Seed healed me to full. After another turn of the foes being sapped away at, I got the Quick Claw and woke up, allowing me to get in a Rock Tomb and lower Mimikyu's Speed? But then Haunter used Night Shade, which was a little more sketchy. Then after another Play Rough that actually hit, and a weak Lick from Haunter, a critical hit got Mimikyu in finishing range from Leech Seed. Nice! I let all four of my other team members gain a little more free EXP against the Haunter as Leech Seed sapped away at it.

And with that, I got the Ghostium Z. Thank god for Leech Seed making that fight so much easier than it could have been! In there, I caught a Klefki that I haven't nicknamed because I don't think I'll be using it, and a Mimikyu that I named Undercover. Then I picked up some TMs for it before leaving this off.

(M) "Symphonic", Level 33
Stats: 91, 61, 58, 69, 61, 51
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Bubble Beam, Disarming Voice, Encore

(M) "Elfie", Level 34
Stats: 92, 54, 57, 79, 54, 97
Ability: Shield Dust
Moves: Draining Kiss, Pollen Puff, Struggle Bug, Stun Spore

(M) "Puffball", Level 33
Stats: 84, 59, 71, 62, 65, 77
Ability: Prankster
Moves: Charm, Cotton Spore, Giga Drain, Leech Seed

(F) "McFlurry", Level 33
Stats: 73, 32, 41, 48, 58, 55
Ability: Snow Cloak
Moves: Aurora Beam, Extrasensory, Hex, Mist

(M) "Revolver", Level 33
Stats: 111, 51, 55, 86, 92, 44
Ability: Cute Charm
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Draining Kiss, Sand-Attack, Swift

(M) "Undercover", Level 29
Stats: 75, 66, 56, 30, 68, 67
Moves: Charm, Feint Attack, Mimic, Shadow Sneak

As before, Z-Crystals are allowed, except for Kommo-oium Z. I'm not sure if it's even available Pre-E4, but if it is, it's too OP and banned. (massive damage AND +1 to all stats is what makes it OP, if it was one or the other, it'd be allowed)

Roto-Powers are allowed, because it's random on which ones you get, and even then, they're not OP.

After teaching Undercover some new moves, I made my way to Aether House, where I had a battle with Plumeria that just sucked. That's all to be said. At least Symphonic reached Level 34 and evolved into Primarina. I met with Grimsley and got Sharpedo Jet from him. Then we took to Route 15 and beat some more trainers there. The last trainer had a tough Skarmory, but we managed. Then there was Ula'Ula Meadow, nothing too tough there. We made our way from there to Route 17 and beat some easy Team Skull grunts before they decided to be cowards, and Nanu was able to let us into Po Town. After getting through to the Shady House, before doing anything else, I made my way to the outside with the Ice Stone, which allowed me to evolve McFlurry into Ninetales. I skipped as many of the grunts as I could and made my way to Guzma.

I led with Elfie against Golisopod, and went for a Pollen Puff which did a little under half, as Razor Shell got me into the red before Leftovers. Another Pollen Puff got him into the red and brought him out to Ariados, and I just let Elfie perish there, but I lived Shadow Sneak with 5 HP and got in a Stun Spore. I had Puffball use Leech Seed and cut his Attack twice, then he was below 2/3. I decided to bring out McFlurry to try her out as a fully evolved Ninetales, and after Leech Seed got him to half, she finished him with Extrasensory. Golisopod came back out and was finished with Dazzling Gleam.

After getting Yungoos back and getting out of Po Town, I took care of a few residual matters I had forgotten before. Then we returned to Aether House, and discovered that Lillie was taken away. Gladion wasn't pleased to hear this, and challenged me. As that disco theme fired up, I had McFlurry OHKO the Golbat with Ice Beam, but Sneasel was faster and used Metal Claw, and wasn't OHKO'd by Dazzling Gleam. Sheesh! I switched in Undercover and took another Metal Claw, but the disguise ate it up. Shadow Sneak was able to finish it off, thankfully. I got in a Charm against Type: Null, and with Leech Seed there wasn't much it could do from there.

Then we headed to the dock and took on Nanu. Sableye was first and used Fake Out on Revolver for 1/8, but got Cute Charm to trigger. Moonblast didn't OHKO, and he used Shadow Ball for less than 1/4 my remaining health. He healed, but that was fine with me, as Draining Kiss was a 2HKO and healed me to full in the process.
Krokorok was next. He got off a pointless Intimidate, but I brought in Puffball as he used Swagger, only to miss. Ha! He missed with it YET AGAIN, and Giga Drain was an OHKO.
Lastly was Persian. After a weak Fake Out, Power Gem did moderate, while my Giga Drain was a 3HKO. Not much more to it than that.

So he gave me the Darkium Z and next was Aether Paradise. I had the Exp. Share on for this. After beating the employees on the first floor, we made it to the upstairs, where Faba challenged us. Elfie took care of his Hypno. Then once we were downstairs, we dealt with three aliens. The Magneton dealt a bit of damage, but the Porygon2 was frozen solid thanks to McFlurry's Ice Beam. We learned about Cosmog, and hurried back up to the entrance where we beat two easy employees. And we met with Wicke. Then when we discovered that Faba had the potential to leave us locked down there forever, we went into more battles. Elfie somehow managed to come out on top against the Electabuzz and Magmar even with Light Screen and Gladion's Golbat being burned, then we had Faba. Thanks to Hau being stupid, the fight wasn't as easy as it could have been (seriously, he used PSYCHIC THREE TIMES when they had TWO foes that were weak to Electric AND two of them were when a Light Screen was up!!!). At least Undercover helped a lot in that fight.

So he gave us the key to the president's room, then we then had two more Team Skull grunts, plus the one who doesn't fight battles he can't win. Then it was time for one last round with our boy Guzma! I led with Puffball against Golisopod, and First Impression did 90% of my health while Giga Drain was looking like it did less than 1/4. Uh-oh! But the next one got him below half and triggered Emergency Exit, and he brought out Masquerain. I switched Symphonic into an Air Slash that did just over 1/3. He used it again, and it got me to Torrent range… And no flinch! So I used the Z-Move, Oceanic Operetta, which OHKO'd. I switched Revolver into First Impression for over 1/3, and Moonblast finished him. I decided to stay in against Ariados, and Shadow Sneak took four hits from my remaining health while Moonblast didn't 3HKO. He was in the red, and Elfie finished him with Pollen Puff. Pinsir was last, and I decided to stay in while Pollen Puff did narrowly over half, and X-Scissor did over 1/3 to me. Dang! The second one finished him, though.

Next was Lusamine. After she awoken the Ultra Beasts, it was time for battle. As the only physical attacker I had, I led with Undercover against Clefable. I opened with a Swords Dance as she used Metronome, and got Supersonic, which thankfully missed. Shadow Claw looked to do half on the dot, as she used Metronome and got Ice Punch, which busted my disguise. Another Shadow Claw finished her off.
Mismagius was next. I opted to stay in, and Shadow Sneak was an OHKO.
Then we came to Lilligant. I decided to stay in once again, and she used Teeter Dance, and I hit myself in confusion for 1/3 my health. Ouch! She then used Teeter Dance again for whatever reason, and Shadow Claw did 3/4 or so. THEN she used Petal Dance and finished me. I brought in Elfie, and used the Z-Move, Savage Spin-Out, even though it wasn't necessary, and finished her.
Milotic came next. I opted to stay in and use Struggle Bug to cut her Special Attack and get off an okay hit, while she used Safeguard. I used it again, so her Hydro Pump did barely under half. Pollen Puff did okay, but her next Hydro Pump left me with 3 HP. I switched in Puffball as she used Flail for less than 10 HP. She then used Hydro Pump for 1/5 my health as Giga Drain finished her.
Bewear was last. I used Leech Seed, and she used Take Down for 3/4 my health. Leech Seed was propping that up, and I switched in McFlurry afterwards, so she used…Hammer Arm, for 3/4. Dazzling Gleam…didn't finish her off. And she finished me with Hammer Arm. I brought in Elfie, and Dazzling Gleam finished her off.

So Nihilego escaped, and Guzma and Lusamine went off, and Nebby evolved into Cosmoem. Wicke let us stay in their quarters for the night, and after we were done there, Lillie became her Z-Powered form, and Gladion gave Lillie the Moon Flute and me a Master Ball. Then we went to Poni Island! We met with some people on Seafolk Village, and then went forward to progress. At Poni Wilds, I caught a Granbull that I named Madison. I put it on the team in place of Elfie, because I knew Elfie wouldn't be on my final team given his awful coverage against the league. Then I proceeded to fight an Ace Trainer who had two annoying Poison-types, including a Garbodor that scored a critical hit Gunk Shot on Revolver while at -2 Attack. And another with Toxapex on Undercover after a Charm. Fuck that Merciless ability. I was down to Madison at 7 HP and poisoned, and McFlurry at 2/5 HP. Other than that, the rest of the trainers weren't too bad.

Then we met with Hapu's old gran, and received Machamp Shove from her, which we used at the Ruins of Life and learned more about the legendary Pokemon. Next up was getting the flute at Exeggutor Island. After dealing with a big tree, we returned to Ancient Poni Path and had to deal with five Team Skull grunts in the body of one. Then we learned a little more about Guzma, and got Poisonium Z from Plumeria, which I won't be able to use. Next up was entering the Vast Poni Canyon, and entering duel with Hapu!

I began with Madison against Dugtrio, and got off an Intimidate, then switched in Revolver. She went for Sandstorm, which I was less than thrilled about. I did get off a Baby-Doll Eyes, though, and her Iron Head from -2 still did around 3/4 my total health. But I missed with the second one and then she finished me. I brought in Madison and got off another Intimidate, then her Iron Head did slightly under half, while my Bulldoze did over half. But the sandstorm got me right on the edge of being finished with another, so I switched to Undercover and the Disguise ate the Iron Head before the sandstorm subsided. Shadow Claw finished her.
Next was Mudsdale. I opted to stay in and use Charm, as she used Heavy Slam, which missed because of the Lax Incense. I got in a second one, and even with -4 Heavy Slam still did over half. I then switched in Symphonic, and she used Heavy Slam for 1/4. I then went for my Z-Move, Oceanic Operetta, which OHKO'd her.
Then we had…Flygon, much to my bafflement. I switched in Undercover, who was finished with an Earth Power. I brought in McFlurry, and Earth Power did a little less than half, which I did not expect (so MAYBE I could've switched her in). I was faster and slammed her with an Ice Beam.
Gastrodon was last. I switched to Puffball and took a Muddy Water for 1/4 my health, but it did lower my accuracy. I used Leech Seed just for good measures, as she hit with Muddy Water again. Leech Seed was sapping at her, though, and I switched to Symphonic to get rid of the accuracy drop. Muddy Water didn't do much at all, and after that I switched right back to Puffball as she used Recover - perfect timing. Leech Seed stole some of her health before I used Giga Drain, which got her into the red. Muddy Water scored a critical hit for 2/5 my health before Leech Seed finished her.

And with that, I got the Groundium Z and the Grand Trial had been completed. Then it was time to the Vast Poni Canyon!

The first Veteran had a Torkoal that Madison's Z-Power was able to take. The Ace Duo were made slightly easier thanks to me getting lucky. There was a Hiker who had an Archeops that just sat around and used Endeavor three times when I had Puffball out and THEN revealed that he had Acrobatics. The second Veteran had a Talonflame that got unlucky and missed with Acrobatics twice in a row against Undercover thanks to the Lax Incense. Right after her was an Ace Trainer with a Lilligant that just used Teeter Dance and Synthesis after one Quiver Dance and was clearly just fucking with me. Then Lillie caught up with us and ran past some Murkrow on a bridge. She called it her own trial! I'll leave it off here.

(M) "Symphonic", Level 47
Stats: 146, 96, 88, 131, 119, 85
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Encore, Moonblast, Sparkling Aria

(M) "Puffball", Level 46
Stats: 115, 86 100, 87, 90, 109
Ability: Prankster
Moves: Charm, Cotton Spore, Giga Drain, Leech Seed (I also incorrectly stated that I had Growth instead of Charm last part)

(F) "McFlurry", Level 47
Stats: 134, 72, 95, 99, 115, 122
Ability: Snow Cloak
Moves: Aurora Beam, Dazzling Gleam, Extrasensory, Ice Beam

(M) "Revolver", Level 47
Stats: 156, 77, 79, 123, 131, 64
Ability: Cute Charm
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Draining Kiss, Moonblast, Sand-Attack

(M) "Undercover", Level 47
Stats: 117, 110, 91, 50, 109, 110
Moves: Charm, Play Rough, Shadow Claw, Shadow Sneak

(F) "Madison", Level 47
Stats: 153, 130, 97, 72, 64, 50
Ability: Cute Charm
Moves: Brick Break, Bulk Up, Headbutt, Play Rough

Mania (Incineroar) (F) @ Incinium Z
Ability: Blaze
Level: 62
Jolly Nature
- Cross Chop
- Flare Blitz
- Darkest Lariat
- Leech Life

Unleashed (Zoroark) (F) @ Grassium Z
Ability: Illusion
Level: 62
IVs: 0 Atk
- Grass Knot
- Nasty Plot
- Night Daze
- Shadow Ball

'06 (Muk-Alola) (F) @ Poisonium Z
Ability: Poison Touch
Level: 61
Brave Nature
- Thunder Punch
- Ice Punch
- Gunk Shot
- Crunch

Rush (Honchkrow) (F) @ Scope Lens
Ability: Super Luck
Level: 61
Quirky Nature
- Wing Attack
- Psychic
- Night Slash
- Steel Wing

Hero (Tyranitar) (F) @ Rockium Z
Ability: Sand Stream
Impish Nature
- Iron Head
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Crunch

Forces (Bisharp) (F) @ Steelium Z
Ability: Defiant
Level: 62
- X-Scissor
- Iron Head
- Rock Polish
- Night Slash

Update: 28 November 17
So, last night was my opening night on my Ultimate Dark Challenge. I started up Ultra Sun for the first time, going in somewhat blind. As is tradition for me, I made a male character named James(It is what I've been doing since my first time playing Pokemon 20 years ago on Blue). Anxious to get under way, I quickly made my way out of my house, and up Route 1 to be surprised when all 3 starters came to save my bacon. Being the natural choice for a Dark run, I chose Litten (named Ninja after my fiery kitten), and continued the rest of the way to Iki Town, battling trainers, and doing a bit of leveling for Ninja.

My first additions to my team were Inkay (Squiddly), Zorua (Reynard), and Grimer (Oozer). After finishing up the trainer school without and problems I made my way into Hau'oli City. I checked in at the Poke Center, and made my way down to meet up with Hau. Once I saw him, out of nowhere came Team Skull. I easily dispatched my challenger with Oozer, Biting my way to victory.

After that was wrapped up, Captain Ilima came over. This was my teams first real test, mostly because I was not prepared for his Smeargle. Yungoos went down easily to Oozer, who I kept out for Smeargle. Oozer took a couple of Water Guns which took off a good amount of my health, which prompted me to switch into Reynard. Unfortunately I switched into a Water Gun, which almost OHKO'd me. I immediately switched into Squiddly after one hit on Reynard. Luckily Squiddly managed to tough it out, taking out Ilima's Smeargle with 2 Foul Plays.

I wrapped up my night here, heading back to the Poke Center to heal up my beaten up team and save before heading onward to Route 2 tonight.


Update: 29 November 17

I picked up from the Poke Center getting ready to head up Route 2. On Route 2 I picked myself up a Rattata (given the lovely name of RatKing). I spent a bit of time here defeating trainers and grinding a bit to prepare for my first Island Challenge. Once I felt that my team was prepared, I entered the Verdant Cavern.

I stuck to my newly acquired RatKing for the entirety of my first trial. When I went up against the Totem Gumshoos, I started the fight with a Focus Energy. Gumshoos missed with a Scary Face, and summoned a Yungoos to it's aid. RatKing open the second turn with a Critical Hit Bite, taking Gumshoos just below half. Gumshoos retaliated with a successful Scary Face, and the summoned Yungoos hit me for a small chunk with a Tackle. I finished off the Totem Gumshoos with a second Crit Bite, and Yungoos hit me with a small Tackle again. I wrapped up my first Totem Battle by finishing off the Yungoos with another Bite, and picked up my Normalium Z.

I continued through the rest of Melemele Island, clearing trainers and getting my team ready for the Island Kahuna battle, which I knew was going to be rough with my fighting weakness. When it was finally time to battle Hala, I got my team healed up and went in for the fight. Up until this point everything had gone extremely smooth for me, so I didn't have any reason to think this would be any different. I was mistaken. I opened with Squidly against his Machop. My Psywave did a small chunk,
and let Machop get a Focus Energy off. Machop Proceeded to OHKO Squidly with a Super Effective Critical Hit Karate Chop. At this point I realized I was in trouble. I sent out Reynard to (hopefully) finish off Machop. Unfortunately my Fury Swipes only hit twice, and Machop got another OHKO off with Karate Chop. I realized if I threw anything against it with a Fighting weakness, I would probably lose it, so I sent out Ninja (who recently evolved to Torracat). I managed to finish Machop off with two Fire Fangs (the first flinched him), which brought out Makuhita. I got off a Fire Fang, only to be met by 4 turns off Sand Attack spam, and constant attack misses. I realized that if I left Ninja out, I wouldn't win this fight. I swapped over to my first trial champion, RatKing, to drop the negative stat effects, and ate an Arm Thrust from Makuhita that immediately took out RatKing. Down to Ninja and Oozer, I decided to take my chances with Oozer. I got off a Posion Fang, which poisoned Makuhita, but he landed a Sand Attack. Luckily, Hala used a full heal, which allowed me to get a second poison fang off, which finished off Makuhita. I was feeling good about Oozer at this point, so I left him out to take on Crabrawler. I managed to live through 2 Power-Up Punches before he took out Oozer, I did take him down just under half, and poisoned before Oozer was finished though, leaving an rasy kill for Ninja. With one last Fire Fang, I finished the Grand Challenge vs Hala.

Glad to have the Trial out of the way, I finished up Melemele Island (with a trip down to Ten Carat Hill), and did a little bit of Mantine Surfing, leaving me in Heahea City to end my evening of playing.

Halfway through the Vast Poni Canyon, we went through more trainers. Along the way, we met with Mina and received the Fairium Z from her. None of the trainers in the second half proved much of a threat. I met with Lillie at the very end before the trial, and then it was time for, well, the trial. And honestly, do I really need to say anything about it? A team of Fairy-types against a Dragon/Fighting-type should be pretty self-explanatory. It used Flash Cannon on Undercover, but I had the Disguise, so I proceeded to slam it with the Z-Move.

Then we were at the altar, and after climbing up all those stairs, we used the flutes to allow Nebby to evolve into Solgaleo. Then we entered Ultra Space. And after Guzma's famous "Y'all are stupid" line, we approached Lusamine, who used the power of the Ultra Beasts to transform into her all-powered form!

This took multiple tries for me to have a round I was pleased with, as more than once I was sweeping her with Undercover alone thanks to her being really stupid, and I didn't want that. The second time, two of her team members just decided to leave me with 31 HP. There's zero excuse for that. But then, Lilligant was able to OHKO my entire team with Petal Dance, except Puffball, who would survive in the red and couldn't do anything against it.

I started with Madison against Clefable, and got off an Intimidate. As she opened with Metronome, she used Roost, which had no effect because her HP was full. I used Rock Tomb for around 1/6 and a Speed drop. Then I used Bulk Up to buff my stats, but she had the same clever idea as she used Cosmic Power. I decided to then go full-force with the Z-Move, Twinkle Tackle, which got her into the red. Then she used Metronome and got Night Daze, which did 1/6 my health. Not wanting to miss, I used Headbutt, which finished her.
Then we came to Lilligant. She used Stun Spore, but that didn't stop me from using Rock Tomb and scoring a critical hit for slightly over half and a Speed drop. Then she used Leech Seed, and I was fully paralyzed before that sapped away at me. And Leech Seed healed her a bit. Then she used Petal Dance and finished me. I brought in McFlurry and finished her with an Ice Beam.
After that was Mismagius. I opted to stay in, and she used Pain Split, which did 1 HP to me, but my Ice Beam did a little over 1/3… And it froze her!!! She remained frozen solid as Ice Beam got her to 1/5. She failed to thaw out, and one more Ice Beam finished her.
Milotic came next, and this I couldn't stick around for. I switched out for Puffball, and she used Safeguard. But that doesn't stop Leech Seed, which worked on her. Hydro Pump, however, did half my health on the dot, but that was before Leftovers and Leech Seed propped that up to me right near 3/4. Then I used Cotton Spore to toy with it a bit more, and she used Hydro Pump again to get me to 1/4 before recovery. I was able to get in a Giga Drain for what looked like a little less than half her remaining health before she used Hydro Pump again to get me to 1/4 yet again. Another Giga Drain did her in and then Safeguard wore off.
Lastly was Bewear. I opted to stay in and use Charm, but she used Hammer Arm for whatever reason for a pretty weak hit and a Speed drop. I switched for Symphonic, who took a Pain Split to rob her of 1/10 her health. Moonblast finished her.

So that was okay enough. Not quite as epic as I was prepared for, but definitely enjoyable. Anyway, Lusamine wasn't finished yet, but Solgaleo woke her up from her insanity. After she realized that Lillie was becoming beautiful again, we escaped from Ultra Space, leaving us all together. They took Lusamine off, and left me and Lillie with Solgaleo, who I caught. Next was our time to take to Mount Lanakila!

There, we met with Gladion, who challenged us to one final fight. I began with Madison against Crobat, and got off an Intimidate. I got the Quick Claw, which was certainly welcomed as I used Rock Tomb for a little less than half, and a Speed drop. Then Cross Poison…did barely over 1/3? Huh. I switched Revolver into a Cross Poison for slightly less than half, as he then used it once more to get me to 10 HP, then Moonblast did alright for a resisted hit. I then used Baby-Doll Eyes to cripple him further before he missed with Cross Poison (wow). Then he was down to -3, and then he finished me with Acrobatics. I brought in Symphonic, and he used Cross Poison, which did a little over 1/4 before I finished him with Sparkling Aria.
Silvally was next, as I figured. I switched over to Puffball as he used Multi-Attack for a crit that did around 40%. Sheesh, dude! I then used Charm, so his X-Scissor did barely anything (1/6 my total health) before Leftovers propped me up. Then I brought in McFlurry, so his X-Scissor dealt a pathetic 12 damage. Multi-Attack did better though, getting me to 2/3, while Ice Beam even with the Never-Melt Ice did slightly under 2/3.
But then he switched out to Weavile! Ice Beam didn't do much to that, around 1/5. I switched for Undercover as he used Metal Claw, but missed. Ha! Night Slash busted my disguise, but I used my Z-Move, Twinkle Tackle, to slam him.
Then we had Lucario. I decided to get in a quick Shadow Sneak for around 1/5 before he used his Z-Move, Corkscrew Crash, which OHKO'd me. I brought in Madison, got off an Intimidate, and the Quick Claw, so Play Rough did well over half his remaining health. Unfortunately, Metal Claw did barely over half of mine. I switched in Symphonic as he used it again for less than 1/3 my remaining health, then once more and getting me into Torrent range, as Sparkling Aria finished him, taunting me with the critical hit when it obviously wasn't required.
Last was Silvally again. I switched over to Madison and got off an Intimidate before his Multi-Attack finished me. I brought in McFlurry, and he did slightly over half my remaining health with Multi-Attack before I finished him with Ice Beam, once again scoring the critical hit on the unneeded turn.

With that, Gladion was finally happy, and said that Lillie considered me the best Pokemon trainer in the world. And that we aren't enemies anymore. We went through Mount Lanakila, getting the TM for Ice Beam and the Icium Z, and killing some annoying wild Pokemon along the way to get most of my team up to Level 50. After we arrived at the PMC, we met with Hau, who had completed all his trials and was ready for battle!

I began with Undercover against Raichu, who busted my disguise with Psychic only to be OHKO'd with a Spell Tag boosted Shadow Claw.
Komala was next. I opted to stay in and use Charm before he used Shadow Claw himself for slightly under half even with -2. I brought in Puffball as he used it again for 1/5 before Leftovers. Then I used Leech Seed before he hit with it again, and then he was at 7/8 while all my recovery got me to 7/8. My Giga Drain was pretty weak, but so was his Shadow Claw, and then he was brought to half. I switched out for Symphonic as he used Shadow Claw, which did less than 1/5 before I left him at 1 HP with Moonblast. Then he used Wood Hammer and hit big.
Leafeon was next. I brought Puffball into a Leaf Blade for over 1/4, then used Charm and he proceeded to do the same thing. I then switched McFlurry into a Leaf Blade for over 1/4, but he was faster and finished me with a critical hit. I brought in Revolver, and he used a pointless Baby-Doll Eyes before I used Moonblast for slightly over half. He did over 1/4 with Leaf Blade before another Moonblast finished him.
Lastly was Incineroar. I opted to stay in and use Baby-Doll Eyes before he used Flare Blitz and got me to 10% while also taking some recoil. Another usage of the move got him to -2, then he used the Z-Move (…) and finished me. I then brought in Madison, got off an Intimidate, and he used Flare Blitz for a little bit less than 1/3, and I used Rock Tomb for a decent hit and a Speed drop. Another hit didn't quite finish him, and he used Flare Blitz again, which got the Blaze boost and got me below 1/4, but recoil got him in finishing range from Headbutt.

With that, he had been bested and gave me some Max Revives. That left me with one thing before the league: training my team up. It was actually, once again, the first time I've actually had to grind the entire game. There wasn't a whole lot for me to do, I trained everyone near Level 52, which was easy enough since everyone was already Level 50 except Puffball. After that, I got some Heart Scales and used them all to teach my team some odd moveset selections, and then it was time for the league!

It should go without saying that I started with Hala, because mono-Fairy and all.

I began with Madison against Hariyama, and got off an Intimidate. He used Close Combat for 1/4, then I used Play Rough AND MISSED. But I had Leftovers propping me up. He used it again, and I was near half, but I hit with Play Rough and OHKO'd him.
Crabominable was next. I switched in Symphonic, and despite resistance, Ice Hammer did over half. Dang! I used Moonblast, which did get the OHKO this time thanks to the Expert Belt. (This was my second try - first try I came short and he finished me).
Primeape was next. I brought in Revolver as he used Cross Chop, doing well over 1/3 even with resistance. He hit again and left me with less than 1/4, but Moonblast slammed him.
Poliwrath was afterwards. I brought in Puffball and took a Waterfall for over 1/4. I got in a Leech Seed, and he missed with Submission before Leech Seed sapped him and healed some for me. I then got in a Charm before he used another Submission… And it scored a critical hit to get me to half. REALLY?!?! Giga Drain did okay, and he used Submission and scored ANOTHER CRITICAL HIT!!!!! REALLY?!?!?!?! After Leech Seed got him into the red, he healed, and Giga Drain did okay. I used another Charm to make sure he wasn't doing shit, then he was below half. Another Giga Drain got him to the red, and after another weak Waterfall which Leech Seed healed up, he was finished.
Bewear was last. I opted to stay in and use Leech Seed before he used Hammer Arm for slightly under half. I then used Charm, and he used Hammer Arm to get me back right near half. I brought in Revolver, and with -2, Hammer Arm left me with 4 HP, but Leech Seed healed that up a bit. Draining Kiss did around half his remaining health, and he had a well deserved miss with Hammer Arm before taking some Leech Seed damage. He healed, and Draining Kiss didn't do a whole lot, but he was basically on the run. I used Baby-Doll Eyes before he hit with Hammer Arm for a pretty weak hit, and Leech Seed got me 2 HP short of full. I used another Baby-Doll Eyes, and after Hammer Arm and Leech Seed I was 1 HP short. After another Baby-Doll Eyes, and another weak Hammer Arm, Leech Seed healed me to full, allowing me to slam him with Moonblast for the win and get Revolver to Level 53.

I then decided that Acerola would be next up, even though I had two team members with type advantages for Olivia.

I began with Madison once again against Sableye, and she used Fake Out for like 1/12 my HP, then she used Confuse Ray, but I hit through it and Play Rough was an OHKO.
Frosslass was next. She used Blizzard and got me into the red, then I hit myself and was left with 5 HP. I switched in Undercover, and she used Ice Shard, which busted my disguise. I went for Shadow Sneak, which did less than half, and she used Confuse Ray. I brought in Revolver, who took a Shadow Ball for less than 1/3, then she used Confuse Ray again. But I hit through it with Moonblast and finished her, and Madison grew to Level 53.
Dhelmise was next. I then hit myself in confusion for a weak hit as she used Slam for half my remaining health on the dot, then I hit with Moonblast for around 1/3 her health before she used Slam and finished me. I had to bring in McFlurry, and knowing that her last three were all weak to Ice, I went for a Nasty Plot before she used Slam for not even 1/3 my health. I got in another as she then used another Slam and left me with a little over 1/3 my total health. She was then slammed with an Ice Beam.
Palossand was next. I stayed in and use Ice Beam, which OHKO'd. Drifblim was OHKO'd also.

Afterwards I decided it was time for Olivia. I felt I was well prepared enough here.

I began with Puffball against Relicanth, and used Giga Drain and OHKO'd, which I was surprised by. I'm not complaining, but I was surprised that it got the OHKO.
Then we had Lycanroc. I opted to stay in and use Charm, perfect timing before she used the Z-Move, Continental Crush, which even with that did slightly over half. Then I used Leech Seed, as she used Stone Edge and got me into the red, but Leech Seed was propping that up. I switched in Symphonic as she hit with Stone Edge for 1/3, but that was once again being propped up by Leech Seed. She used Stone Edge for less than half my remaining health as I got in Sparlking Aria, which finished her. And Puffball grew to Level 53.
Golem was next up. Knowing I couldn't OHKO it because of Sturdy, I switched in Revolver, who took a Thunder Punch for over 1/3… And got paralyzed. She then got me to 1/5 with another hit, and thankfully I hit through paralysis and used Moonblast for a little less than half before she finished me. I then brought in Symphonic again and finished her. And Symphonic grew to Level 53.
Carbink was next. For that, I decided to stay in and use the Z-Move, Oceanic Operetta, which got the OHKO with a critical hit that I doubt mattered. Maybe it did, I don't fucking know.
Lastly was Probopass. I opted to stay in and use Sing, which sadly missed as she hit with Thunder Wave. Then she used Sandstorm, and Sparkling Aria did less than 1/3. Sheesh! I switched in Madison and got off a pointless Intimidate as she used Power Gem for slightly over 1/3. After some sandstorm damage, I used Bulldoze and got her into the red before she used Thunder Wave again. She healed, sure enough, while my Bulldoze scored a critical hit and got her into the red. She healed AGAIN, and Bulldoze looked to do narrowly over half before the sandstorm subsided. One more Bulldoze finished her.

Lastly was of course Kahili. This was a battle I was worried about for sure. In fact it took me a second try because of Crobat.

I began with Symphonic against Skarmory, and as she used Spikes, Sparkling Aria hit for over half. She used it again, and I proceeded to finish her with another hit.
Mandibuzz was next up. Needing to save Symphonic for Oricorio, I brought in Undercover as she used Brave Bird to bust my disguise. I hit with Play Rough for under half, which isn't good. She then used Flatter to give me a pointless Special Attack boost and confuse me. With an idea in mind, I brought in Revolver, took some Spikes damage, and then she used Brave Bird for a decent hit and some recoil. Then I switched back to Undercover as she used Brave Bird again and had me low on health. Thankfully, I hit with Play Rough and finished her thanks to that recoil, and Leftovers propped me up to half.
Next was Toucannon. I switched in Madison, took some Spikes damage and got off the Intimidate before she used the Z-Move, Supersonic Skystrike, which left me with 18 HP. She then heated up her beak, and I used Rock Tomb, which scored a critical hit for roughly 2/3 her health before she used Beak Blast and finished me. I brought in Revolver and took some Spikes damage, and she readied Beak Blast, but it was too little too late, as Moonblast finished her.
Then we came to Crobat. I had to stay in and use Baby-Doll Eyes, cutting her Attack before she finished me with Poison Fang. Then I brought in McFlurry and took some Spikes damage, and she missed with Supersonic, allowing me to use my Z-Move, Subzero Slammer, on base of Blizzard, and OHKO her. And McFlurry grew to Level 53.
Lastly was Oricorio. She used Revelation Dance, which finished me. I brought in Puffball, and after some Spikes damage, used Tailwind, then she used Air Slash and KO'd me. I brought in Symphonic and took some Spikes damage, and thanks to the Tailwind was faster, and managed to slam her with Sparkling Aria for the win, and grew to Level 54.

So that left us with but one opponent left. I adjusted my team to prepare for this fight… But then I realized that I never picked up Taunt. So there goes my "shut down Stealth Rock" strategy, but hopefully we could make do without it. I sat in the throne, and Kukui showed up, ready for battle!

This did in fact take three tries. Not gonna go into what happened, but it was time for another go!

I began with Symphonic against Lycanroc. As he used Stealth Rock, I responded with Sparkling Aria, which OHKO'd him.
Next was the thing I was most afraid of, Magnezone. I opted to stay in and use Moonblast, which didn't do much at all, and no Special Attack drop, before he used Thunderbolt and got me to my Focus Sash. I missed with Sing, only for him to use Mirror Coat and fail. I used Sing again, and hit the second time. I used Sparkling Aria for a pretty good hit as he continued to snooze. He didn't heal, so I finished him. Alright, this is looking very promising!
Decidueye was next, and that was fine with me. I had to stay in and use Baby-Doll Eyes to cut his Attack… And he wasted his Z-Move on my 1 HP Primarina. Haha! Suit yourself, buddy. I brought in McFlurry, and took some Stealth Rock damage, then he was somehow faster and used Leaf Blade for exactly half my total health even from -1. Then I proceeded to use MY Z-Move, Subzero Slammer, on base of Blizzard… Which, thankfully, got the OHKO. Whew!
After that was Snorlax. I had to stay in, and used Ice Beam, which dealt a pretty weak hit before Heavy Slam finished me. I brought in Puffball next, and after Stealth Rock, I used Charm, then he used Heavy Slam for a little over half my remaining health, but Leftovers looked to narrowly get me out of that range. I had to use Leech Seed after that, and he used Heavy Slam and scored a critical hit, which finished me. Geez, are you serious?! I brought in Madison and got off an Intimidate, then went for a Play Rough that dealt a decent hit. Then he used Heavy Slam for a weak hit (especially since I still had the Babiri Berry) which Leech Seed sapped off. Then I used Play Rough and got him into the red, lowering his Attack more along the way, then he used Heavy Slam. Unfortunately, Leech Seed didn't finish him, and he healed. Play Rough was looking like a 3HKO, and Leech Seed didn't get him to half, so I used Bulldoze to rough him up a little. Then he switched it up and used Body Slam, which thankfully didn't paralyze me. After Leech Seed, he didn't heal again, so Play Rough did him in.
After that was Braviary. I had to stay in, and as he used Tailwind, I went for Charm to half his Attack. I opted for another Charm, so he was crippled big time, and he used Whirlwind and brought me out to Undercover. I switched over to Revolver, only for him to use Whirlwind AGAIN and bring me out to Madison once again, getting off an Intimidate. I used Play Rough for around 40% or so as he used Whirlwind yet again and brought me out to Undercover once more. Then the Tailwind petered out. I switched back to Revolver as he used Tailwind once again. He then attacked with Brave Bird, and with -5… It still did almost a quarter of my health. Draining Kiss did decent and healed some health on my end. I used Moonblast, which…left him with 1 HP!!! He used Whirlwind and brought me out to Madison again, getting off an Intimidate and leaving him at -6. He healed. Play Rough did around 1/3 and the Tailwind petered out. He used Tailwind again, and I used my last Play Rough to get him to 1/3. I got in a Scary Face before he used Whirlwind and brought me out to Undercover yet again. I used Swords Dance, but he used Whirlwind and brought me back out to Madison. With no PP left that can hit him, I used Scary Face before he used Whirlwind and brought me over to Undercover again before the Tailwind petered out. Then I missed with Play Rough, which really stinks, as he used Tailwind. Then he used Brave Bird, which busted my disguise and didn't even finish him off. And HE FUCKING HEALED AGAIN. Play Rough did what looked like less than 1/3. I had to go for Swords Dance, but he used Whirlwind and brought me out to Revolver. I used Moonblast for over half his remaining health, and he used Tailwind. I used Moonblast again and FINALLY finished that Braviary off, and all three of my remaining members gained a level.
Lastly was Ninetales. I had to stay in, and got the Quick Claw, and Moonblast got the Special Attack drop and around 1/3, and he used Safeguard. Then he hit with Blizzard and scored a CRITICAL FUCKING HIT and finished me. I had to bring in Madison, and got off a pointless Intimidate, then Blizzard left me with 8 HP, allowing me to get in a Bulldoze and get him below half and a Speed drop. He finished me with Ice Shard, and it was just Undercover left. At the edge of my seat, I used Play Rough… And it finished him! YES!

So after I was crowned Champion, we went to the festival, and Lillie brought me to the Ruins of Conflict to face Tapu Koko. It OHKO'd Symphonic with Discharge, but I brought in McFlurry and took over half from it only to get paralyzed and miss with Blizzard, then it finished me with Electro Ball. I brought in Puffball and used Leech Seed before it used Nature's Madness for half, but that was propped up with multiple matters. It used Agility, while Giga Drain did okay, and I eventually took care of it.

And with that, the challenge was finally done. Whew!

(M) "Symphonic", Level 54
Stats: 167, 113, 107, 152, 137, 99
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Moonblast, Sing, Sparkling Aria

(M) "Puffball", Level 53
Stats: 132, 101 124, 101, 104, 126
Ability: Prankster
Moves: Charm, Giga Drain, Leech Seed, Tailwind

(F) "McFlurry", Level 53
Stats: 150, 82, 113, 113, 130, 139
Ability: Snow Cloak
Moves: Blizzard, Confuse Ray, Ice Beam, Nasty Plot

(M) "Revolver", Level 54
Stats: 178, 91, 95, 142, 150, 75
Ability: Cute Charm
Moves: Baby-Doll Eyes, Draining Kiss, Moonblast, Sand-Attack

(M) "Undercover", Level 53
Stats: 131, 127, 110, 56, 123, 126
Moves: Charm, Play Rough, Shadow Sneak, Swords Dance

(F) "Madison", Level 54
Stats: 183, 156, 117, 82, 81, 59
Ability: Intimidate
Moves: Bulldoze, Charm, Play Rough, Scary Face

I started the game, chose the girl and named her Enigma. I'll just cut to the part when I get my first usable Pokemon - an Inkay named Reverse and a Slowpoke named Pinky. I also caught a Pichu named Syrup. I made it through the trainer's school, which had some annoying opponents (the teacher wasn't too bad though), and made it to Hau'oli. There, I caught an Abra that I forgot to nickname, and a Mime Jr. named Dream Meme. After defeating those Team Skull grunts, I eventually took on Ilima. The Yungoos sucked, because it scored two critical hits while it was at -2 Attack. At least Reverse's Foul Play made that Smeargle laughably easy. Then we caught a Drowzee on Route 2 named Virtual. We dealt with some trainers, including a Preschooler with a Drifloon that used Minimize and sucked big time.

In the Verdant Cavern, there wasn't much leading up to the trial. I got Brick Break which I immediately taught to Virtual, and the first Raticate survived it with 1 HP, but it was stupid and used Focus Energy twice. But then we came to the Totem Raticate itself! This took two tries, because the first try it got insanely lucky and scored a critical hit Bite while at -2 Attack.

The second try, it used Bite and flinched Syrup, no paralysis on either end. They ganged up on Pinky, but I was able to get the Yawn in on Raticate before I brought in Virtual. I took care of the Rattata with Brick Break, and then went for the totem, who took well over half from Brick Break. With a weird superstition that it'd wake up, I switched to Dream Meme - and I was right, it woke up and used Bite for over half and then finished me. I brought in Reverse and got in a Reflect, thankfully. I had to sacrifice Abra to a Bite, which was a 2HKO, oddly. I only had Reverse and Virtual left, and Raticate used Bite, AND I FLINCHED! But the Oran Berry allowed me to survive one more Bite, and use Brick Break to finish it off. Then I got the Normalium Z and explored Route 3 to find Lillie, and in the meadow I found an Oricorio named Palau. It's the Electric-type right now, but it can be changed to the Psychic-type on Akala Island and I will be doing that provided it's still on my team then.

As I followed Nebby into the Seaward Cave, I met with the Ultra Recon Squad and took on their Furfrou, which was, if not a hard foe, at least an arduous one. Then I beat Hau without many problems, and along the way, Abra evolved into Kadabra. We took on the last two trainers (thankfully I had Oricorio to deal with that dude with the Butterfree) and returned to Iki Town.

Then it was time for the kahuna, Hala! I had Dream Meme set up a Barrier against Machop as it proceeded to use Revenge for 3 HP. However, it used Focus Energy, while my Confusion did barely half. Confusion failed to finish it, while it used Revenge and scored a critical hit for 2/3 my total health. He healed, and I did less than half. Then I used Confusion again and he used Revenge again to bring me to 1 HP. Then he used Karate Chop and finished me with a critical hit. I brought in Virtual and finished him with Confusion.
Crabrawler was next. I opted to stay in and use Disable, which proved to be the right move as he used Pursuit for slightly under half! I switched in Pinky as he used Leer, and I got the Quick Claw and used Yawn before he used Leer again. Then I switched in Palau before he used Leer yet again and then fell asleep, only for him to use a Full Heal. But then I OHKO'd with Air Cutter thanks to the Sharp Beak.
Last was Makuhita, and for that I brought in Kadabra and took a Fake Out for 1/4. Confusion did plenty over half, but he used Sand-Attack. At least I finished him next turn.

So with that I received the Fightinium Z and the grand trial was completed! With that I received the Fightinium Z and Tauros was added to my Ride Pager.

(might edit this section later)

Inkay (F) "Reverse", Level 15, Contrary
Stats: 43, 22, 24, 17, 21, 19
Moves: Foul Play, Reflect, Swagger, Topsy-Turvy

Slowpoke (M) "Pinky", Level 15, Own Tempo
Stats: 55, 26, 27, 18, 20, 11
Moves: Confusion, Growl, Water Gun, Yawn

Mime Jr (F) "Dream Meme", Level 14, Soundproof
Stats: 30, 13, 18-, 28+, 32, 25
Moves: Barrier, Confusion, Copycat, Pound

Kadabra (M), Level 16, Synchronize
Stats: 43, 16, 17, 45, 31+, 36-
Moves: Confusion, Kinesis, Teleport

Drowzee (F) "Virtual", Level 15, Insomnia
Stats: 47, 24+, 23, 22, 30-, 18
Moves: Brick Break, Confusion, Disable, Hypnosis

Oricorio (F) "Palau", Level 15
Stats: 47, 26, 29, 38, 30+, 30-
Moves: Air Cutter, Growl, Helping Hand, Peck

Storage:
Pichu (F) "Syrup", Level 12