After a long boat ride, Ash and the gang arrive at Ula Ula island. There first destination on the trip is to take on Sophocles, the electric wiz kid for the electrium z. Ash and the gang make their way there just over a week as Ash encourages the group to push through at a rapid pace, not stopping for their usual activities. The reason Ash is so hell bent on pushing through is simple. Serena is coming to Alola after the grand festival in a months time and if there's one thing he'd want more than anything it's to be there to watch her perform. However, seeing as that is unlikely he instead makes the decision that he wants to be done with the island challenge before she arrives so any time between then and the Alola league is for the two of them to spend together.
They soon reach the trial site. A giant sphere shaped lab that completely blocks out the sun. Ash stops outside the lab and takes a deep breath. He turns to Pikachu on his shoulder and says "Are you ready for our first Ula Ula island trial buddy."
"Pi Pikachu," the electric mouse claims excitedly while pumping his fist into the air. Ash smiles at his first Pokémon and says "I'm with you buddy I've got a good feeling about this one."
Ash takes a step towards the entrance to the trial area when he feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns around to see Kiawe looking at him with a serious look. Ash tilts his head with confusion and asks "Whats up Kiawe?" The fire type trainer sighs "Look Ash, I know you know what your doing but aren't you rushing into this match a little too quick."
"I'm not sure what your trying to say Kiawe," the raven haired trainer relplies with a conflicted look."
"Okay Ash I'll just come clean. Are you sure your prepared for this battle. Usually you like to take time to train and prepare but this time you've rushed in straight to the first trial without taking time to prepare." Ash shakes his head and says in a confident tone "Trust me Kiawe I'm as ready as ever." Kiawe looks at his friend/mentor and sees nothing but confidence in his eyes. With that he takes a step back as Ash readjusts his hat.
Ash walks into the lab through a set of double doors. As the doors peer open the group peak inside to see a bright white lab with machines, equipment and inventions stricken all around the building. Across from the group, working on a new inventions, stands a bulky young ginger boy with a unique dress sense. Ash steps forward and says "My name is Ash Ketchum from pallet town and I'm here to challenge you for the electrium z."
The trial captain turns around with a surprised look and says "Wait a challenger, I haven't had one in ages. Wait what did you say your name was again." Ash sighs, seeing where this is going, and says in a bored tone "Ash, Ash Ketchum." The trial captain looks super flustered and screams "I know you!" Ash looks back and smiles to the group. He thinks to himself "Here we go again, hero of Kalos this, Alain that, Greninja this. I don't regret what I did but being recognised all the time is starting to get annoying ."
Sophocles points at Ash and to the raven haired trainers surprise says "Your a friend of Clemont, a world famous inventor and the gym leader of Lumiose city!" A smile appears on Ash's face as he is actually really happy that someone knows him for one of his freinds actions and not him for own for once. He raises a fist and says "Yeah Clemont is one my good friends, his inventions are so awesome. Man science is so amazing." Sophocles says in an excited tone," I know, is he here with you I'd love to meet him. Ash scarathes his head nervously and replies "Sorry he's in the Kalos region, but I'm sure you'll meet one day."Sophocles gets a little excited and says "Yes and when I do I will I will show him my perfect inventions." Ash smiles and says "That's good for you. I'm sure you guys would get along great."
Kiawe steps in and coughs "No offence but enough fanboying, are you two going to battle." Sophocles scratches nose and says "Sorry, I got a little a head of myself." Ash smiles and says "It's all good. So tell me where's the battlefield."
"Right here," Sophocles says with a small smirk as he presses a few buttons on his computer. Suddenly the roof of the lab opens up and the walls collapse into the ground. The machines descend to the ground and a battlefield rises up in the middle. Ash thinks to himself "Great, it's finally it's time to beat the first trial on Ula Ula island. I'm going to win and I'm going to do this quickly for you Serena."
Ash and Sophocles both take their places on the battlefield while the rest of the gang take their places in the stands. A referee steps into his spot and says "This will be a three on three battle between the challenger Ash Ketchum from Pallet town and the trial captain Sophocles. The winner will be declared when either sides pokemon are unable to battle. Trainers please send out your first Pokémon."
Ash takes a pokeball off his belt and throws it forward as he shouts "Jangmo-o, I choose you." The baby dragon exits his pokeball and excitedly glares at Sophocles. Ash pumps his fist and says "Alright Jangmo-o, it's our first island trial together so let's make it a good one." Jangmo-o nods and gets into a battle ready position. Sophocles smirks "A dragon Pokémon huh, well in that case. Togademaru your up." Sophocles throws a pokeball and a small hedgehog looking Pokémon emerges. "Ash tilts his head and says "What's that Pokémon." He scans it with his Pokédex and finds out his opponent is a Togeademaru an electric steel type. The referee raises his hand and says "Are both trainers ready." Ash and Sophocles look at the referee and nod. "Then let the battle begin."
Ash points his hand forward and shouts "Jangmo-o let's starts this up with dragon breath." Jangmo-o nods and inhales before exhaling a purple beam of energy towards his opponent. "Togadamaru, counter with flash cannon." Togademaru nods and releases a clear beam of energy towards Jangmo-o. The attack clash and are evenly matched, causing a small explosion. "Jangmo-o, get in close and use headbutt." Jangmo-o lowers his head and charges forward towards his opponent. Ash expects Sophocles to call for a counter but to his surprise the electric type specialist just stands there with a small smirk on his face.
The dragon type Pokémon slams his head into Togademaru causing the electric type to stagger back. However, to Ash's shock, Jangmo-o winces in pain and takes a knee. Ash gasps in concern and questions "Are you okay Jangmo-o." The baby Pokémon nods and rises back to his feet with an angry look on his face. Sophocles laughs "I bet your confused so I'll explain. Togademaru's ability is iron barbs. That means every time he's hit with a contact move the attacking Pokémon will also take damage."
Ash smirks and says "Then we'll just attack from range, use rock tomb and surround Togademaru." Jangmo-o nods and cries out as rocks begin to descend towards his opponent. "Togadamaru break the rocks with iron head," Sophocles shouts. Togademaru nods and turns his head into a sturdy metal before slamming it towards the rocks. Seeing Togademaru is preoccupied Ash makes a smart move and takes the opportunity to set up. "Use bulk up," he shouts as Jangmo-o flexes hard with a small red glow before a green glow comes over him symbolising the attack and defence raise.
"Now use zing zap," Sophocles shouts. Togademaru sparks with electricity before zig zagging towards his opponent. "Counter it with headbutt," Ash shouts. Jangmo-o lowers his head and charges at Togademaru. The attacks clash causing damage to both Pokémon as they skid back clearly tiring from the pace of the battle. "finish it Togademaru flash cannon," Sophocles shouts. Togademaru puts all his might into the attack as a clear beam of light is fired towards Jamgmo-o. "Dodge it and then use dragon breath," Ash shouts as Jangmo-o leaps out the way of the incoming attack before exhaling a purple beam of energy towards Togademaru. The attack lands and causes Togademaru to skid back in considerable pain.
"Oh no, Togademaru." Sophocles shouts while Togademaru desperately tries to drag himself to his feet. "Finish this with headbutt," Ash shouts with a small smirk on his face. Jangmo-o lowers his head and smacks it as hard as he can into the injured Togademaru. The attack lands and Togademaru smashes into a nearby wall kicking up a bit of dust while Jangmo-o winces in pain from the iron barbs damage. The dust clears to reveal Togademaru laid out in the wall with swirls in his eyes. The referee take a close look and says "Togademaru is unable to battle Jangmo-o is the winner."
Ash pumps his fist in celebration and says "Excellent work Jangmo-o." Jangmo-o smiles happily hearing his trainers praise and runs towards him to celebrate.
In the crowd, Lillie shouts "Alright Jangno-o won it's first battle." Mallow smirks and says "So Kiawe you still worried about Ash now."
"He's made a good start but there's still a long way to go. Although I will concede that he seems focused, in fact we might be seeing Ash nearing his peak once again," Kiawe replies.
Back down on the battlefield, Sophocles returns Togademaru and thanks him for his efforts. He smirks and says "Your pretty strong Ash"
"Thanks Sophocles, but you should know we're only just getting warmed up," Ash says with an excited smirk on his face. Sophocles takes a pokeball off his belt and says "Well then looks like I'll need to up my game." He throws the pokeball forward and shouts "Magnazone go." Magnazone exits the pokeball and twirls his magnets around while sparking with electricity. Ash has an interested look on his face and says "A Magnazone huh, okay Jangmo-o I'm gonna stick with you." Jangmo-o nods and takes his place on the battlefield.
Ash starts the battle off as he extends his arm forwards and shouts "Use dragon breath." Jangno-o inhales before quickly exhaling a beam of purple energy towards his opponent.
"Magnazone flash cannon," Sophocles shouts. Magnazone nods and fires a clear beam of light towards the baby dragon. The two attacks collide and cause a small explosion. "Use rock tomb," Ash shouts. Jangmo-o obliges and throws a few rocks in the air that tumble towards Magnazone.
"Break the rocks with magnet bomb." The electric type follows orders and throws a magnet shaped bomb towards the rocks. The bomb explodes and sends stards of rocks all across the battlefield which catch Jangmo-o in the cross fire as the dragon type squeals in pain from being hit by sharp shards of rocks.
Ash grits his teeth and shouts "Shake it off and use headbutt" Jangmo-o grits his teeth and charges forward with his head lowered. Sophocles smirks seeing the incoming attack as Jamgmo-o nears he realises Ash has fallen right into his invention. "Magnazone use your magnets to trap Jangmo-o." Ash's eyes widen as he curses himself for falling into a trap. Magazone grabs Jangmo-o with his magnets and holds the baby Pokémon in place despite his best efforts to try and escape. "Now Magnazone thunder full power," Sophocles commands. Magnazone sparks his whole body and releases a power thunder that blinds the entire room as Jangmo-o cries out in pain. Ash turns his hat over his eyes as the attack intensifies. He feels as though he's let down his young Pokémon as the light starts to dim as Magnazone stops his attack. He releases Jangmo-o from his grasps and the dragon type Pokémon lands on the floor completely fried with swirls in his eyes.
"Jangmo-o is unable to battle, Magnazone is the winner," the referee announces. Sophocles fists pumps the air and shouts "Ha great work Magnazone." Magnazone nods to his trainer before landing back down on the ground to rest up.
In the crowd Lillie frowns with a tear in her eye and whispers "Poor Jangmo-o." Mallow puts a hand on the young girls shoulder and says "That was a brutal knockout I hope Jangmo-o is okay." Kiawe smiles and says "I'm sure he'll be okay and Ash won't let something like that go without a reaction. I wouldn't be surprised if he brings out Pikachu or Lycanroc to revenge his loss."
Back on the battlefield Ash returns Jangmo-o to his pokeball and says "I pushed you too far. Get some good rest, It'll all get better soon." He looks at Sophocles and says "That's quite a unique strategy using Magnazone's magnets to grab an opponent." Sophocles smirks and says "Thanks Ash I invented it myself it's my go to when dealing with tough challengers."
Ash smirks as he takes a pokeball off his belt and says "Well it's lucky for me that I have just the pokemon to beat it." He throws the pokeball forward and shouts "Litten I choose you." Litten emerges from his pokeball and looks at Magnazone with fire in his eyes ready to avenge Jangmo-o. Litten is even more determined given it was the baby of the team Magnazone beat who Litten has taken quite a liking to. Sophocles raises an eyebrow and remarks "A fire type huh. This could be interesting." Ash nods and replies "I guarantee it."
He points his arm forward and shouts "Litten, let's start this up with fire fang." Litten nods and leaps towards Magnazone with fire emanating from his fangs. "Catch it again Magnazone," Sophocles counters as Magnazone prepares to catch Litten with his magnets. Ash smirks and thinks to himself "Perfect, I knew he'd try that again. "
In the crowd, Mallow leans forward and says "What is Ash thinking? Litten is going to end up trapped just like Jangmo-o" Lillie pouts "Why is Ash playing so dumb." Kiawe shakes his head and says "Ash is going to be fine watch."
Back down on the battlefield, Magnazone catches Litten in his magnets as Sophocles chuckles and says "Same plan Magnazone use thunder." Magnazone nods and begins to spark with electricity. Ash smirks and says in a confident tone "Not so fast, use flamethrower" Litten smirks as he breaths in then exhales a strong beam of fire at his opponent. The attack connects at point blank range causing Magnazone to skid back in pain.
"Magnazone can you still battle, Sophocles says through gritted teeth." Magnazone nods it head and gets back into the air. Ash stays on the offensive and orders "Litten use bite." Litten nods and charges in with his fangs barring. "Magnazone counter with wild charge," Sophocles shouts." Magnazone sparks his whole body with electricity and charges forward. The two attacks collide and push both Pokémon back. Litten appears to have taken a bit more damage from the exchange but Magnazone suffers recoil damage evening things up.
Ash points his hand forward and shouts "Litten use fire fang." Litten nods and charges forward with his fangs emanating fire. "Use magnet bomb on the ground," Sophocles smirks. Magnazone forms a magnet shaped bomb and throws it on the ground causing a small explosion. The explosion sends Litten high up in the air leaving him as a sitting duck while also causing some damage.
Ash looks at the situation and knows exactly what Sophocles wants to do next. However countering said attack is not so easy. Thats when it hits Ash it's time to use one of his oldest tricks. "Litten get ready," he shouts. Litten nods to his trainer putting his full trust in him as Sophocles prepares his next move. "Magnazone, use thunder now." Magnazone gathers up all the electricity he can and launches it towards his opponent. Ash smirks and shouts "Litten spin and use flamethrower in mid air." Litten nods and lets out a strong flamethrower that swirls around in the air and prevents the thunder from landing. "What the hell is that," Kiawe shouts from the crowd. Ash smirks and remarks "This is what I call a counter shield."
The electricity quickly subsides as Magnazone pants hard from his constant attacking. Ash pumps his fist and says "It's time to end this, Litten spin towards Magnazone and use fire fang. Litten nods and spins towards Magnazone with fire surrounding his whole body. "Magnazone one last wild charge," Sophocles cries out in desperation. Magnazone gathers all his remaining electricity and charges towards Litten. The two attacks collide and cause a huge explosion of both fire and electricity. Everyone watches on intently as they await the result of the collision. Once the dust settles, Litten stands on one side of the battlefield panting hard with marks covering his body while Magnazone is laid out with swirls in his eyes. The referee raises his
hand and says "Magnazone is unable to battle Litten is the winner."
Ash pumps his fist and shouts "Awesome job Litten." Litten shakes off his pain and smiles at his trainers praise. In the crowd Mallow cheers "Wow Ash and Litten really just did that." Lillie tilts her head and says "When did they even learn that." Kiawe shakes his head and sighs "There's still a lot about Ash we don't know it seems.
Back on the battle, Sophocles is a bit shaken up as he returns Magnazone to his pokeball a little gobsmacked. "How did you invent that one," the electric type trainer asks. Ash scratches the back of his head nervously and replies "It's actually more of an adaption of something my friend taught me a long time ago. I call it the counter shield."
Sophocles says "Impressive Ash, I must admit your the most innovative trainer I've ever faced. But, I you won't let you out invent me." He takes. a pokeball out his pokeball and throws it forward. "Vikavolt your my last," Sophocles shouts as a totem sized beatle like pokemon emerges from his pokeball. Ash tilts his head and says "What Pokémon are you." He scans it with his Pokédex revealing that the Pokémon is known as Vikavolt and is the final evolved form of Grubin.
Ash smirks and says "So your Grubin's final evolution huh. In the that case Litten return." He pulls out Litten's pokemon and returns him much to everyone's shock. He takes puts the pokeball to his mouth and says "You were awesome Litten, get some rest I might need you again later.
In the crowd, Lillie tilts her head with confusion and says "Why did Ash give up type advantage. Litten is a fire type so would do well against a bug type like Vikavolt." Kiawe folds his arms and says "True but Litten also looks a little tired after his battle with Magnazone. I bet he sends in Lycanroc for an easy win here."
Ash pulls out a pokeball and whispers to it "This is it, the battle you've been waiting for." He throws the pokeball forward and shouts "Trumbeak I choose you." Trumbeak exits his pokeball and glares at Vikavolt while squawking "Trum, Trumbeak, Trum."
Lillie frowns and asks "Why is Ash using Trumbeak when it's weak to electric types."
"I'm sure Ash has his reasons, after all he's never really cared about type advantages," says Kiawe. Mallow gets a little angry at the pair and says in a sassy tone "Seriously do I have to explain everything to you guys. What happened when Ash met Trumbeak back as a Pikipeck." They all remember back to Ash and Trumbeak's first meeting "Right, it was badly injured from its fight against Grubin," Lillie replies in an accomplished tone. Mallow says "Correct and when it evolved it was a battle against a Charjabug so Ash and Trumbeak must see Vikavolt as their final test."
Back on the battlefield Ash pumps his fist and says "Trumbeak, it's time to show everyone just how strong we really are." Trumbeak nods to his trainer before glaring at his opponent. Sophocles starts the battle out as he pumps his fist and shouts "Use thunderbolt." The totem pokemon charges up electricity before shooting out a power bolt of electricity. Ash points his hand forward and yells "Dodge it then use double edge." Trumbeak takes off into the sky and dodges the incoming bolt of lightning before flying at full speed towards Vikavolt while glowing with a clear aura. The attack lands sending Vikavolt flying back through the air but managing to stay air born while Trumbeak takes recoil damage.
"Now use bug buzz," Sophocles shouts as he tries to take advantage of Trumbeak's recoil damage. "Fly through it and use aerial ace," Ash counters. Vikavolt nods and sends out sound waves of buzzing bugs towards Trumbeak while the latter flies forward through the attack glowing with a blue aura. Trumbeak puts his head down and charges through to land the attack while also taking damage for his recklessness.
Ash smirks feeling in control of the battle after landing two successful attacks in a row. However closing the gap was exactly what Sophocles planned. "Now use thunder wave," the electric type trial captain says with a small smirk. Within a matter of moments Vikavolt surrounds Trumbeak with a yellow aura which soon disappears as Trumbeak screeches in a pain. Very soon the flying type Pokémon is flying a lot slower and has electricity sparking from his wings. "Trumbeak you need to stay strong, use steel wing." Ash shouts.
Trumbeak flies towards his Opponent with wings made of iron but is visibly slower than before which gives Sophocles a perfect opportunity to pull out the same trick twice. "Now trap it," Sophocles says with a small smirk. Vikavolt nods and traps Trumbeak in a tight grip using his Pinsirs. Ash gaps "Trumbeak get out of there." Trumbeak struggles against the totems pokemon's grip but is helpless. "Use thunderbolt," Sophocles says with a grin on his face. Vikavolt sparks with electricity before releasing a point blank fully charged thunderbolt at his opponent. Trumbeak screeches and cries in pain as the electricity consumes him. After a few seconds that feel like age Vikavolt releases the grip leaving Trumbeak on the floor. With marks all over his body.
In the crowd Lille frowns and says "Poor Trumbeak." Mallow sighs and says "I guess Ash underestimated Vikavolts power." Kiawe shakes his head and says "Guys, this one isn't done yet."
Ash grits his teeth and looks down at Trumbeak who struggles to get up. As pumps his fist and shouts "Trumbeak, I believe in you, we can do this. All our hard work to get stronger, this is why we did it. For battles just like these, I know how much you want to win this well so do I. Let's do this together Trumbeak!" Trumbeak hears his trainers calls and starts to pull himself up as he shakes his pain and paralysis. The bird manages to get to his feet and extends his wings before screaming "TRUMMMMBEAAAAAAAKK!!"
Suddenly the flying type glows with a blue aura as his body changes and grows. Ash gaps and says quietly "It's evolving." When the glow disappears a bigger bulkier bird stands there with a serious look on his face "Toucannon," the new Pokémon cries. Ash takes out his Pokédex and scans it revealing Trumbeak has evolved into Toucannon.
In the crowd Kiawe chuckles "I told you this one wasn't over." Lillie says excitedly says "Toucannon, it's the first time I've seen one in person." Mallow smirks and says "Now we'll see what Ash and Toucannon are really made of."
Ash pumps his fist and says with a smile on his face "congratulations Toucannon, I knew you could do it now let's show them our new power." Toucannon nods its head and glares at Vikavolt. "Use steel wing," Ash shouts. Toucannon nods and flies straight forward towards Vikavolt with his wings of steel with no fear in his eyes. Sophocles shouts "Catch it again." The totem Vikavolt attempts to catch the attack however, the increased attack power of Toucannon manages to break through and force the bug type back.
"Use crunch," Sophocles yells as he he tries to get some momentum. Ash says "Toucannon, meet it head on with double edge." Vikavolt extends his fangs and flies towards Toucannon while the latter charges forward while surrounded by a clear aura. The two attacks clash together and both Pokémon find themselves in a close quarters struggle. "Thunderbolt point blank,"shouts Sophocles as Vikavolt sparks with electricity. Ash smirks and replies in a confident tone "I don't think so, let's show them your new move beak blast. Toucannon heats up his beak and blasts it forward towards Vikavolt whist the other releases a power thunderbolt. The two attacks clash and cause a huge explosion that destroys a few pieces of lab equipment. Both trainers grit their teeth and look on as they await the result of the collision. When the dust clears both pokemon are on their feet and stare at each other with determination on their faces. However Vikavolt is the first to waiver and falls face first with swirls in his eyes. The referee takes a closer look and announces "Vikavolt is unable to battle Toucannon is the winner, that means the victory goes to Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town.
Ash smiles and says "We won Toucanon." Toucannon smiles happily and flies back embracing his trainer. In the crowd Kiawe smirks at the ground and says "I admit I was wrong. Ash really was prepared." Mallow adds "A 2-0 victory without Pikachu or Lycanroc is quiet impressive." Lille smiles and says "Ash certainly only keeps getting stronger.
Back on the battlefield, Ash celebrates with Toucannon and feeds him a lum berry for the paralysis. Sophocles approaches Ash and hands him the electrium z. He says "Ash you an your pokemon are quite the invention, I look forward to seeing you compete in the Alola league." Ash shakes his hand and says "Thanks for your praise we will be sure to do our best." Sophocles says "Well, for the next trial you will need to be at your best. You'll be facing Acerola, the ghost girl. Ash says "That's awesome looks like my next z crystal will be the ghostium Z." Pikachu pumps
his fist and cries out "Pika Pika."
The gang make their way down to the battlefield and congratulate Ash on his victory. After helping tidy the lab and a quick goodbye they all exit the trial area Ash turns to the three and says "Let's get moving everyone, we don't have time to waste." Ash sprints off with Pikachu by his side as the three moan at Ash's constant need to move quickly. Although that need seems to be more common since getting to Ula Ula island. They all shrug of the internal conflict and rush to catch up to the raven haired boy as they start their journey towards the next trial.
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Well I hope you guys enjoyed a normal sized chapter for a change.
Being completely honest I struggled more to write this than the two special chapters mostly because I was a bit more passionate for those two while I don't care as much for Sophocles.
That being said I still put in the same effort as usual and I think it turned out pretty good.
That being said please vote and comment your thoughts below.
The plan is to fly through these Ule Ule trials so we can get the real juicy stuff soon.
The next chapter will be out soon and should be pretty spicy.
Anyway enough chit chat from me. Have a nice day and see you guys later
Also any united fans out there
Okay I'm done 😂😂