Finished the fifth trial.
! Figured Sophacles was too unique of a design to waste on the Festival Plaza (I nearly broke his heart by saying I didn't like it, lol). Trial was pretty streamlined and didn't have any exploring, but at least a(n easy) quiz shakes things up. The tension was nice, seeing shots of the hill of this creature approaching while we stumble in the dark.
! I rank Vikavolt as below Salazzle and Lurantis in terms of challenge, but above Wishiwashi. Had I clicked right during the battle, I could've finished it with Lysanroc, but no. Charge + Spark koed half of my team, and Dartix ALMOST finished it.
! Then Molayne gives me the Steelium Z. I like the banter/relationship between him and Sophacles.
! FINALLY I got to see Guzma (who had a great staredown with Kukui), and his pokemon are no joke. Ariados will fuck you up and Golisopod's First Impression felt like a "fuck you" button. DO NOT let this thing use Swords Dance, because it will destroy you. I carry on to route 12 I think annnd….what was the point of having a police officer block the way and then a captain blockade? Take away the policeman and let us explore that section for a bit, then let us see we need to go west for the trial, Gamefreak. Seriously.
Also the fact that I have to slog through a two long routes just to get to Tapu Village irritates me. Let me cut out the BS and ask: could someone trade me a (female) Vulpix? I'll be on tonight.