Episode 421: Enter the Gym Leader Brothers!
Shortly after taking Tepig as member of the team, Sora and Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, and Meowth all were leaving the Pokémon Battle Club when they noticed a gathering of people. The boy and girl wearing hats were among them. The group made their way to the crowd.
"Excuse me, what's going on here?" Sora asked.
"Just those guys," the boy said, pointing to the group of strange people. There are a bunch of people who are resembling knights. They also have a coat of arms on their chest (a shield shape with a blue P, with one side black and the other white), and an X on their hoods. A man steps forward. He has red eyes and long, pale green hair, with two locks of it sticking out by his eyes. He wore a red eyepiece over his right eye for unknown means. He is hiding his right hand among his robes. He has two additional locks of hair, which slide down to his shoulders. He wore a white robe, with an elaborately designed brown piece with blue rectangles above it, holding a two-toned cloak with eye patterns above his robe; the left side of his cloak is purple while the right is yellow. He wore brown loafers. The same crest lays right below the collar of his cloak.
"People of Acculma Town!" The man addressed the poeple. "My name is Ghetsis. I am here representing Team Plasma. Today, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk to you about Pokémon liberation!" The group were confused by what he meant.
"Pokémon liberation?" Sora asked. "What could he mean by that?"
"I'm sure most of you believe that we humans and Pokémon are partners that have come to live together because we want and need each other. However... Is that really the truth? Have you ever considered that perhaps we humans... only assume that this is the truth?" Ghetsis asked. The people were muttering to themselves. Sora didn't like this one bit.
"Who does he think he is? Of course it's the truth," Sora said.
"He sure likes to hear himself, speak," Meowth said.
"Pokémon are subject to the selfish commands of trainers... They get pushed around when they are our 'partners' at work... Can anyone say with confidence that there is no truth in what I'm saying?" Ghetsis asked the people.
"That's not true!" Sora spoke out. This grabs Ghetsis's attention. The Team Plasma grunts were about to intervene when Ghetsis raised his hand, telling them to stop. "Human and beings and Pokémon has worked and supported each other as much as they should. What gives you that right to decide on that matter?"
"As much as possible. Are you close to your Pokémon, young man?" Ghetsis asked.
"Yes I am! I love each and everyone of my Pokémon! I always have and I always will! Nothing you say is ever going to make me change my mind!" Sora said.
"I supposed not, but you will see things our way, soon enough," Ghetsis said. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, Pokémon are different from humans. They are living beings that contain unknown potential. They are living beings from whom we humans have much to learn. Tell me, what is our responsibility toward these wonderful beings called Pokémon?"
"To work with them! To make them stronger! They in turn make us stronger!" Sora argued.
"So, you say. We must liberate the Pokémon! Then, and only then, will humans and Pokémon truly be equals. Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between people and Pokémon... and the correct way to proceed. We sincerely appreciate your attention," Ghetsis and his Team Plasma followers took thier leave. Ghetsis took one last look at Sora and he saw a look of defience in his eyes. Ghetsis growled.
"Sir, you should have let us deal with him," a Team Plasma grunt said.
"No. We leave him be," Ghetsis said. The people took their leave as they left the group alone. The boy with the hat approached Sora.
"Man, I never expected someone to stand up to Team Plasma like you did," the boy said.
"Someone had to. I didn't believe a thing Ghetis said," Sora stated.
"None of us did. There's about them I just don't like," Terra said.
"I have a horrible feeling we're going to see them again," Aqua said.
"Just who exactly are Team Plasma?" Ventus asked.
"Team Plasma is an organization that talks people into releasing Pokémon, or they steal them from other trainers. We heard all about them," the girl said. "Anyway, we thought we should introduce ourselves. My name is Hilda."
"And I'm Hilbert," the boy introduced himself.
"Nice to meet you. My name's Sora. This is my girlfriend Kairi, and my cousin Ventus, but we call him Ven. The guy with the brown hair is Terra, the girl with the blue hair is Aqua, and this is Iris," Sora introduced.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said. Hiolbert and Hilda looked right at Pikachu.
"Is that a Pikachu? I never seen one of those before," Hilda said.
"Hey! Aren't you Sora Ketchum, the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh?" Hilbert asked.
"That's me," Sora said.
"Cheren did say that he met you before! Who would have thought it?" Hilbert asked.
"And you're THE Kairi, right? The same Kairi who won the Sinnoh Grand Festival?" Hilda asked.
"Yes," Kairi said.
"Oh my gosh, you're even prettier in person!" Hilda said.
"Um, thank you," Kairi said.
"What brings you here in Unova?" Hilbert asked.
"Sora's taking on the Gym challenges, while Kairi's taking part of Contests," Aqua said.
"Wow, so am I! I'm looking forward in seeing you in action, Kairi!" Hilda said.
"I'm looking forward in seeing what you got, too, Hilda," Kairi said.
Just when the group were about to leave, they saw a tall, thin young man. He is fair-skinned with green eyes and long chartreuse green hair tied into a low fluffy ponytail and shorter pieces framing his face. He wore a white, mid-sleeved shirt with a black shirt under it, a pair of cider green slip on shoes and beige skinny fit pants, with a cube attached to his chain near his left hip. He also wore a black and white bracelet on his right wrist and a yellow rectangular tri-bracelet and a blue and black pendant on a chain around his neck. His most notable feature is his hat, which is white and black with a black peak. He turned to see the group.
"Your Pokémon. Can't you hear them speak?" The young man asked.
"Speak?" Hilbert asked. Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, and Aqua all turned to Meowth.
"Why are you looking at me?" Meowth asked.
"You can't hear your Pokémon speak, can you? How sad," the young man said.
"Um, excuse me, but who are you?" Sora asked.
"I'm sorry, I'm being rude. My name is N. I was hearing your Pokémon speaking. And I was trying to listen to their voices," N said.
"Pokémon voices?" Hilbert asked.
"Yes. Pokémon all have voices that humans cannot hear," N looked right at Pikachu, Angel, and Meowth. "I never seen any of these before."
"Anyway, N, was it? My name's Sora," Sora introduced.
"And I'm Kairi."
"Ventus, but everyone calls me Ven."
"I'm Terra."
"My name's Aqua."
"My name's Iris."
"I'm Hilbert."
"And I'm Hilda."
"Just how could you hear Pokémon voices?" Sora asked.
"The Pokémon confined in their Pokéballs have been speaking. Your most recent one says that he has been touched by you. The same with the rest. What are your connections with your Pokémon?" N asked.
"Well, the connection with them is that they're our friends. Human beings and Pokémon should always have a strong bond of friendship. Right, Pikachu?" Sora asked his partner.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed.
"I see. Your Pikachu is obviously close to you. The same with the Eevee," N said, looking ar Angel. Axew came out of Iris's hair. "And what of Axew?"
"Axew is my good friend," Iris said.
"Xew," Axew said.
"I understand. I'm sorry to bother you. I will be going now," N said, leaving the group. They weren't exactly sure if the name N was short for something.
"What a strange guy," Iris said.
"Who is he exactly?" Terra asked.
"I'm not sure, but he seems nice," Sora said. Sora could look in his aura, and saw nohting off about him. "N." The group were taking their leave of the town as Hilbert and Hilda went on ahead. Unknown to them, Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour were following them.
A little while later, they were making their way to Striaton City for Sora's upcoming Gym battle. Pikachu, the male Pidove, Tepig, Oshawott, Sandile, and Lillipup were training hard as Kairi was going over who to use in her first Unova Contest. Angel, the female Pidove, Purrloin, Deerling, and Patrat were doing some training of their own. Not too far, a wild Snivy was in the area. It came out and spotted the group.
Iris had just come back with an arm full of fruit.
"I'm back, everyone! And look what I found!" Iris said, holding out the fruit.
"Wow! Sweet!" Ventus said.
"Hold on! I have a great idea with these," Kairi said, taking the fuit. She shopped them up and mixed them into muffins and cakes. "Here you go."
"Time for the taste test," Sora said, taking a bite of the freshly made muffin. "Wow! THis is great! When did you have the time to make these?"
"Well, it's a recipe I found recently, so I thought I try it out," Kairi said.
"This is great," Ventus said.
"Only a couple of kids would make a big deal out this. I prefer my fruit fresh," Iris said She took a bite and she went wide-eyed. "Wow! This is tasty!"
"And what was that that about a couple of kids?" Sora asked.
"Shut up," Iris said. Axew stuck his head out of Iris's hair and she gave him some. "Here you go, Axew."
"There's plenty of more if you still want some," Kairi said.
"I'm there!" Sora said.
"Of course," Terra deadpanned.
"Wait for me!" Iris said.
Sora and Iris got to where Kairi made the muffins, but couldn't find them.
"What the?" Sora asked. Iris turned around.
"Kairi, I thought you said there were more," Iris said. Kairi went to where the muffins were.
"There were more. How could they just vanish?" Kairi asked.
"What's going on?" Terra asked.
'I made a fresh batch of muffins and they're now gone," Kairi said.
"Maybe, Pikachu, Angel, or Meowth might have eaten them while we weren't looking," Ventus said.
"Eaten what?" Meowth asked.
A rustling in the grass is heard.
"There's something in there," Iris said,
Sora went on ahead with Pikachu following him. Sora and Pikachu followed the rustling right tothe source. They saw it was a Snivy eating a muffin Kairi had made.
"So, it was a Snivy. Looks like I'll have to battle it and weaken it before I catch it," Sora said. He took out a Pokéball and opened it. "Come on out, Lillipup." Lillipup came on out to battle Snivy. Okay, Lillipup! Use your Tackle!" Lillipup charges right at the grass snake Pokémon. Snivy unleashed Vine Whip and smacked Lillipup senseless. "Lillipup! Use Bite!" Lillipup heads towards Snivy and lands a Bite. Lillipup lands a Bite onto Snivy. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it at Snivy, making it flow inside. The Pokéball wobbles around and around, but Snivy bursts out of the Pokéball. "Still has some fight left." Snivy winked and sent out pink hearts, surrounding Lillipup. Lillipup has become infatuated with Snivy. "Crap! Not Attract!" Snivy then comes at Lillipup with Leaf Blade. Sora calls back Lillipup after taking a hit. He took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Your turn now, Sandile!" Sandile came on out to battle. Snivy unleashed Leaf Storm and sends it right at the desert croc Pokémon. "OKay, use Dig to dodge!" Sandile dug through the ground to avoid Snivy's Leaf Storm. Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Iris, Angel, and Meowth shows up and sees the battle.
"That's a Snivy, isn't it?" Meowth asked.
"It is," Terra said.
"She's the one who took our muffins," Kairi said. Iris looked right at her.
"Wait, you mean that Snivy is a girl?" Iris asked.
"Yeah," Kairi said. Sandile pops out and lands a hit onto Snivy. She attempts to use Attract on Sandile.
"Hurry! Dig!" Sora called out. Sandile burrows through the ground and the hearts hits the ground. SAndile jumps out and unleashed rocks from all around and it struck Snivy hard.
"That was Stone Edge!" Ventus said.
"Sandile! Use Dig one more time!" Sora ordered. Sandile burrows into the ground to avoid Snivy's Attract.
"Why does Sandile keep using Dig?" Iris asked.
"Sora must have figured Snivy knew Attract, so he must have figured out that Attract won't work if the target couldn't see who has smittened it!" Terra said.
"Stone Edge as soon as you come out!" Sora ordered. Sandile popped out of the ground and quickly unleashed Stone Edge. Snivy took a bad hit. Sandile dug throught the ground again, but Snivy saw through that plan, so she used Vine Whip to force Sandile up. Sandile jumps out and unleashed a barrage of rocks and they all pelted the grass snake Pokémon. "Use Bite!" Sandile lands a Bite onto Snivy. Sora took out one more Pokéball and threw it. Snivy flows inside. The Pokéball wobbles around violently. Sora knew she wouldn't stay in for long. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Snivy with him. He chose to keep Snivy in exchange for Lillipup. "And that's all three starters of Unova."
"That was a good catch, Sora," Kairi said. She gave her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek, making Sora blush. Iris blushed when she witnessed the kiss.
On the very next morning, the group has finally arrived in Striaton City as Kairi was trying to decide on which of her Pokémon she was going to go with. She had plenty to choose from. She decided to use Vespiquen for the appealing round as she decided to use Angel in the second round. Kairi has registered for the Contest as Kairi was getting ready. Vespiquen has unleashed Power Gem and then used Slash to cut through the attack.
"What is Kairi doing exactly?" Iris asked.
"Kairi's practicing the combinations of her moves," Aqua said.
"So, what's the difference between a Pokémon trainer and a Pokémon Coordinator?" Iris asked.
"A Pokémon Coordinator is to display the moves of their Pokémon, making them come out with the appeals of beauty, toughness, cuteness, and smart. It pretty much depends on the decisions of the judges who makes it through the second round," Aqua said.
"Second round?" Iris asked.
"How it works is that the Pokémon Contest has two rounds. The first round is the appeals round, so they Pokémon will be the main attraction. The second round is the Contest is the battle. Coordinators are given five minutes to take out as much of the opposing Coordinator's points as possible before the time runs out. And the one with the most points are the winners," Terra said.
"Does the Coordinator win a Badge or something?" Iris asked.
"What they win is a Contest Ribbon. Coordinators wins five Ribbons to enter the Grand Festival," Aqua said.
"Wow, it must be amazing," Iris said.
"Well, Unova never had a Pokémon Contest before, so I can bet you are looking forward to it," Aqua said.
"Well, I am curious to see how it will turn out. So, why not? I should be rooting for Kairi," Iris said.
"We all will," Terra said.
"Say, I am curious. Hae you seen Kairi in Contests before?" Iris asked.
"We have. We were with Sora and Kairi when we went down to Sinnoh. The first time we saw them perform was during the Hoenn Grand Festival," Aqua said. "I have to tell you, Kairi's performance was breathtaking."
Sora on the oter hand was training for his Gym battle at the Gym, so he figured he would use Snivy, Oshawott, or Tepig depending on the Type the Gym Leader was using. Just then, the Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour form before has finally caught up to Sora.
"You guys are doing great," Sora said. Just then, Pansage started up by firing Bullet Seed as Pansear unleashed Flamethrower, and Panour has unleashed Water Gun. The attacks came so suddenly as Sora turned to see them.
"It's them again!" Ventus said.
"You mean they were following us here?" Sora asked.
"Looks like they have a score to settle with us," Meowth said. Pansage starts by coming at Snivy with Scratch as Pansear came at Tepig with Fire Punch, and Panpour came at Oshawott with Ice Punch.
"Dodge!" Sora called out. The starters of Unova avoided the attacks of the three monkey Pokémon. Remembering Snivy can use Attract, he decided to use it on them. "Okay, Snivy! Use Attract!" Snivy unleashed Attract on the monkey trio and they were all infatuated with Snivy. "Snivy! use Vine Whip! Tepig! Use Ember! Oshawott! Water Gun!" Snivy uses Vine Whip on Panpour, Tepig, unleashed Ember on Pansage, as OPshawott unleashed Water Gun on Pansear. Sora took out three Pokéballs and threw them at them. Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour all flow inside. The Pokéballs wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéballs to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box activates, so he sends all three of them to Professor Oak's lab. "That takes care of that."
"You caught three Pokémon right at the same time!" Ventus said.
"Yeah. I figure they could be useful later on," Sora said.
A few days later, Kairi has registered for the Contest and got set. Kairi has started to wear the dress she wore in her regular Contests as Sora and Iris went to check up on her.
"Here you are, Kairi," Sora said. Iris looked right at her at awe.
"Kairi, you look very pretty. You look just like a princess!" Iris exclaimed excitedly.
"Thank you, Iris," Kairi said.
"The dress you wore in the Grand Festival was also pretty. You look beautiful no matter what you wear," Sora said. Kairi ends up blushing.
"Thank you, Sora," Kairi said.
Just then, Hilda came in, wearing a white dress and white shoes. She spots Kairi.
"Kairi, hey. You look pretty," Hilda complimented.
"Thank you, Hilda," Kairi said. "Good luck in the Contest."
"Thanks," Hilda said.
The Contest was about to begin as a woman similar to Vivian and Marian came on stage.
"Welcome one and all, to the Striaton City Pokémon Contest! To all those who don't know what a Pokémon Contest is, it is a way for Pokémon and Coordinator to show off their talents and give us an extraordinary performance! The winner of our lovely Contest shall have the honor of wining the beautiful Striaton Contest Ribbon!" The woman announced. The crowd cheers hard for the Contest to start. "And now, allow me to introduce you all to our panel of judges! The head of the Pokémon Contest Committee, Mr. Nathaniel Basil!" The man wore a white business suit and has black hair and green eyes.
"It pleases me to be here as history is in the making here in Unova!" Mr. Basil announced.
"The winner of the Miss Unova's Beauty Pagent for three years in a row, Miss Juliana Minerva!" The woman annoucned. The woman has blonde hair and blue eyes. SHe wore a green dress.
"Hello and welcome!" Julianna said.
"And last and not least, our third judge, the mayor of Striaton CIty!" The woman annoucned. The mayor stood up.
"Greetings and salutations! It honors me to be here for Striaton City's very first Pokémon Contest!" The mayor announced.
"And let's not forget about me! My name is Diane!" Diane announced. "And now, let's begin with our first Contestant!"
The Contest rages on as a Yamask does a Psychic juggling act. A Watchog does a dazzling light show as a Sawk chops some bricks.
"Kairi's next, right?" Iris asked.
"She is," Sora said.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, we have our very next contestant, hailing all the way from Pallet Town in the Kanto region! She earned a reputation from the Poké Maiden Tournament in the Johto region, and she has won the Hoenn and Sinnoh Grand Festival! Allow me to introduce you to Kairi!" Shannyn announced as Kairi approached the stage. Kairi took out a Pokéball in a Ball Capsule with a Floral Seal.
"Come on out, Vespiquen!" Kairi called out. Vespiquen came out with her arms crossed in a flurry of flower petals.
"Vespiquen makes a dazzling appearence with the flower petals!" Diane announced.
"Vespiquen! Begin with Power Gem!" Kairi ordered. Vespiqun has unleashed Power Gem and it goes straight up in the air. It captivates the audience.
"Vespiquen has unleashed Power Gem beautifully!" Shannyn announced.
"Now, use Slash!" Kairi ordered. Vespiquen slashes through the Power Gem, making Vespiquen dazzle.
"Kairi makes good use of Power Gem and Slash!" Shannyn announced.
"It was simply marvelous!" Mr. Basil said.
"That was the prettiest Power Gem that I have ever seen!" Julianna said.
"It was lovely beyond words!" The mayor said.
"Way to go, Kairi!" Ventus said.
"Wow, that was pretty!" Iris said.
"And now, it's time for our next entry! From Nuvema Town, we have Hilda!" Shannyn annoucned. Hilda came out with a Pokéball in a Ball Capsule with a Heart Seal.
"Go! Gothita!" Hilda called out. Gothita came on out with hearts erupting from the Pokéball. "Begin with your Confusion!" Gothita uses Confusion on the hearts, making them swerve around, like they were dancing.
"Gothita uses its Confusion to make the hearts dance! Isn't that just adorable?" Shannyn asked. Gothita continued the dancing hearts for a couple of minutes and stopped. The audience applauds for it.
"The use of Gothita's Confusion was very creative!" Mr. Basil said.
"It was absolutely the cutest thing I have ever seen," Julianna added.
"Gothita has melted by heart without a doubt!" The mayor said.
"And now that the appealing round has concluded, the time to calculate who shall move in the second round shall be decided in a moment!" Shannyn announced.
Backstage, a dark-skinned boy in a tux and a top hat approached her.
"Hey, that was really impressive," the boy said.
"Thank you. You also did great yourself. You should be proud," Kairi said.
"Thanks a lot. I have to admit, I was surprised to hear you won the Hoenn and Sinnoh Grand Festivals. Anyway, the name's Hector,' the boy introduced himself.
"Nice to meet you, Hector," Kairi said.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have narrowed it down to these eight lucky coordinators to for the second round! And here they all are!" Diane announced as the computer displays the eight Coordinators. Kairi, Hilda, and Hector were among the eight. "And here they are! These eight Coordinators shall battle it out to win our Striaton Ribbon and earn a ticket for the Grand Festival! And now, to see who will be against who!" The computer shuffles them all as Kairi is battling against Hector in the first battle.
"Well, I sure wasn't expecting this," Hector said.
"Just give me everything you got," Kairi said.
"Sure," Hector said.
Kairi and Hector both entered the battlefield.
"The first battle of the second round of the Striaton Pokémon Contest is about to begin! Meet Kairi from Pallet Town, against Hector from Nacrene City! Both trainers has five minutes on the clock! Choose and begin!" Diane announced as the clock starts running. Kairi took out a Pokéball with a Star Seal.
"Go! Angel!" Kairi called out. Angel came out with a swirl of stars.
"Come on out, Minncino!" Hector called out. He has his Pokéball in a Party Seal. A Minncino came out with confetti erupting from the Pokéball.
"Angel! Use Quick Attack!" Kairi ordered. Angel ran towards Minncino with Quick Attack. Hector has lost some points.
"Huh? He lost some of his points? Quick Attack didn't hit yet!" Iris said.
"That's because Quick Attack was used in succession," Sora said.
"Minncino! Use Tail Slap!" Hector ordered. Minncino smacks Angel with its tail. Kairi has lost some points in the process.
"Minncino lands the first hit in the battle!" Diane announced.
"Now, use Double Slap!" Hector ordered. Minncino slaps Angel twice in a row.
"Angel! Use Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel unleashed Swift. Minncino took a bad hit from Swift as Hector loses some points.
"Kairi's has derailed Hector's comeback!" Diane announced.
"Now, use Iron Tail!" Kairi ordered. Angel swings her tail and struck Minncino on the mark, earning a knockout.
"Minncino is unable to battle, and it's Kairi who will be moving on!" Diane announced.
After the battle Hector went to congratulate Kairi for her win.
"That was amazing, Kairi. You should be proud," Hector said.
"Thanks, Hector," Kairi said.
"I'm looking forward in competing in anotehr contest with you sometime," Hector said. Kairi knew she has gained herself a new rival right there. Hilda has won her first Contest battle. Kairi has won hers, leaving Hilda as her final opponent.
"We are now down to the final Contest battle! To my left, it's Kairi! And to my right, it's Hilda! Five minutes on the clock and begin!" Diane announced. Kairi and Hilda has unleashed their chosen Pokémon. The clock starts runing.
"Go! Angel!" Kairi called out. Angel came out with a swirl of stars.
"Go! Snivy!" Hilda called out. Snivy came out with a barrage of flower petals.
"Snivy! Begin with Magical Leaf!" Hilda ordered. Snivy unleashed Magical Leaf.
"Use Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel unleashed Swift, and the stars cuts through the leaves. "Now, use Quick Attack!" Snivy came at Sniovy with Quick Attack.
"Dodge and use Leaf Tornado!" Hilda ordered. Snivy spins around and unleashed a tornado of leaves.
"Snivy gives off a twirl by using Leaf Tornado!" Diane announced. Kairi has lost some points iwhen it was used in succession. Snivy moves forward to Angel with the intent of dragging her in it.
"Dodge it, Angel!" Kairi called out. Angel attempted to dodge, only to be sucked into the tornado. The clock reads that there is only three minutes remaining.
"Hilda is making a grand comeback with her Leaf Tornado!" Diane annoucned.
"Now, use VIne Whip!" Hilda ordered. Snivy smacks Angel hard with its vines. Kairi has lost some more points. "Now, use Vine Whip again!"
"Dodge and use Iron Tail!" Kairi ordered. Angel avoids the attack and swings Iron Tail, landing a hit. "Now, use Swift!" Angel unleashed Swift, making Hilda lose some more points. "Now, use Headbutt!" Angel lands a Headbutt onto Snivy. Hilda has lost some more points as the clock runs down to two minurtes.
"We are at the two minute warning!" Diane announced.
"Snivy! Vine Whip again and again!" Hilda ordered. Snivy unleashed Vine Whip right at Angel to land a hit. Angel dodges just by jumping, costing Hilda some more points. "That Eevee is slippery."
"Angel! Use Headbutt!" Kairi ordered. Angel alnds a Headbutt onto Snivy, costing Hilda some more points.
"Magical Leaf!" Hilda ordered. Snivy unleashed Magical Leaf.
"Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel unleashed Swift and they cut through Snivy's Magical Leaf. Snivy took a bad hit from Angel's Swift. The clock is now down to one more minute. "Now, use Iron Tail!" Kairi ordered. Snivy is struck by Iron Tail.
"One minute remaining!" Diane announced.
"Snivy! Leaf Tornado!" Hilda ordered. Snivy spins aroundand creates a tornado of leaves once again. The leaves fly around and around.
"Angel Swift in that tornado!" Kairi ordered. Angel unleashed Swift and the stars all cut through the leaves, cutting them up into ribbons. Hilda loses some points as the clock reads thirty seconds.
"Oh my! Snivy's Leaf Tornado has turned into a Swift Tornado, and it's not looking good for Snivy!" Diane announced. Snivy was struck hard by the stars.
"Snivy, no!" Hilda gasped. The tornado ceases as the grass snake Pokémon fell to the ground. Snivy gets back up.
"Snivy is still standing, and we're now down to fifteen seconds!" Diane announced.
"Vine Whip!" Hilda ordered. Snivy unleashed Vine Whip and heads right towards Angel. The vines struck Angel hard.
"Quick Attack and then Headbutt!" Kairi ordered. Angel lands a Headbutt and lands a heavy hit onto Snivy.
"Ten seconds remaining! Nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! And time!" Diane announced. The battle stops as the judges go over the points. "And the winner of the first ever Striaton Pokémon Contest, is Kairi!" The crowd goes wild for Kairi's win. Hilda went up to Snivy and helps up her partner.
"Are you okay, Snivy?" Hilda asked.
"Vy," Snivy replied.
"You were awesome, Snivy," Hilda said.
Kairi stood with Angel and Vespiquen as Kairi is being presented her first Contest Ribbon in Unova.
"Mr. Basil is now congratulating Kairi on her victory in the Striaton Contest!" Diane announced.
"Kairi, you and your Pokémon are in perfect synch. We are expecting great things from you," Mr. Basil said. Kairi accepted her first Contest Ribbon.
"Thank you," Kairi said, smiling.
"And let's all give a big hand for Kairi for winning the first ever Striaton Contest, so we are hoping that you will all join us here again next year!" Diane annoucned.
Kairi has placed her Ribbon in the Ribbon Case she had recently acquired.
"One down, four to go," Kairi said. She changed back into her regular clothes as Sora went to greet his girlfriend. "Enjoy it, Sora?"
"Every bit of it, Kairi," Sora said, kissing her. Pikachu and Angel nuzzles each other. "So, how about you and I celebrate with a dinner date?" Kairi giggled.
"I like the sound of that," Kairi said.
The couple stepped out of the Contest Hall and they were looking for a good resturant to eat at. Along the way, they bumped into a tall, slender young man with slicked back chartreuse green hair with a four-pointed tuft that sticks up, and grass green eyes. He wore a long sleeved white shirt under a black waistcoat, black straight leg pants, a white apron, and flat brown shoes with golden buckles like his brothers do. He also wore a green bowtie. He looked right at Kairi.
"Excuse me. But aren't you Kairi, the Pokémon Coordinator who just won the Striaton Contest that was taking place a little while ago?" The young man asked.
"Yes," Kairi said. The young man took a closer look at Angel.
"Such a lovely shiny coat. Your Eevee is the perfect partner for one who graces Pokémon Contests," the young man said.
"Thank you," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked, tilting his head. He spots Pikachu with them.
"Wow! A Pikachu! A rarity here in the Unova region," the young man said.
"That's what everybody here in Unova kept saying. Kairi and I both came from the Kanto region," Sora said. "I'm Sora. I'm Kairi's boyfriend."
"How do you do," the young man greeted. "My name is Cilan, a Pokémon Connoisseur."
"Pokémon Connoisseur?" Sora asked.
"It is a job that is not known outside the Unova region. How it works is that a Pokémon Connoisseur evalutaes the bonds between a trainer and their Pokémon. Connoissuers gives helpful advice on how to strengthen the bonds between trainers and Pokémon. Before I ramble, just where are you both heading?" Cilan asked.
"We're actually looking for a place for dinner, to celebrate Kairi's victory in the Sriaton Contest. So, you know any good places, by any chance?" Sora asked. Cilan grinned.
"I know just the perfect place. Come with me," Cilan said. The couple obliged the green-haired connoisuer and led them to a large building. "And here we are."
"What is this place?" Kairi asked.
"This place happens to be my resturant. Mine and my brothers' I mean," Cilan said, opening the door. There were two other young men inside, catering to the needs of the other patrons. One of them blue hair that slick down to his shoulders with a longer side fringe that covers his right eye. His eyes are blue. He wore a long sleeved white shirt under a black vest with two large gold buttons, black slim fit pants, a white apron (but that is only when he is cooking) and flat brown shoes with pointed toes and golden buckles, similar to his brothers. He also wore a blue bow tie. The other has brick-red hair that spikes up in place to resemble flames. He also has bright scarlet eyes. He wore a long sleeved white shirt under a black vest with large gold buttons, a black and slightly baggy trousers, a white apron, and a pair of brown shoes with rounded tips and golden buckles. He also wore a red bowtie.
"Cilan, it's a bout time you got back. The customers were wondering where you were," the young man with the blue hair said.
"Apologies, Cress. I was just recommending this happy couple to our fine resturant," Cilan said.
"Is that right?" The boy with the red hair asked.
"Sora, Kairi, allow me to introduce you to my brothers. The connosiuer with the red hair is Chili, and the connosiuer with the blue hair is my brother Cress," Cilan introduced his brothers.
"Welcome," Cress greeted.
"Allow us to show you to your table," Chili said. The brothers escorted the couple and their Pokémon to a table and seated them.
"Can we start off with something to drink? Our selections includes iced tea, lemonade, and soda," Cress said.
"Two lemonades," Kairi said.
"And we have a wide selections of appetizers," Chili handed each one of them a menu. Some of the patrons were sneaking some looks at them.
"You think those two make a cute couple?" One of the girls asked.
"They do," the other girl said.
A few minutes later, Sora and Kairi placed their orders and enjoyed their meal. Pikachu and Angel enjoyed the meal Cilan has provided for them.
"That taste good, Kairi?" Sora asked.
"It does. I'm enjoying it just as long as I'm with you," Kairi cooed. Sora blushed.
"I feel the same way, Kairi," Sora said. Kairi affectionatley smiled at her boyfriend.
"Enjoying yourselves, you two?" Cilan asked.
"Everything's all good," Sora said.
"If you don't mind me asking, Sora, but are you going to take on the Striaton City Gym?" Cilan asked.
"Yeah, but how did you know?" Sora asked.
"We all figured it out since you and she came all this way," Chili said.
"It was no surprise to us since many trainers start off this way," Cress said.
"What do you mean?" Sora asked.
"The thing is, we are all Gym Leaders," Cilan, Chili, and Cress all answered. Sora went wide-eyed to what they said.
"All three of you are Gym Leaders?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu also asked.
"Yes. It wasn't hard for us to figure it out," Chili said.
"So, the time has come to choose your opponent here in the Striaton City Gym. Which one of us do you wish to challenge?" Cilan asked. "Will it be me? I specialize with Grass Type Pokémon." Cilan has let out his Pansage.
"Or will you battle me? I specialize with Fire Type Pokémon!" Chili said, letting out his Pansear.
"Or will you choose me? I specialize with Water Type Pokémon!" Cress said, letting out his Panpour.
"Which one do you choose?" Cilan, Chili, and Cress asked. Sora didn't count on having to choose one from three Gym Leaders.
"Man, this is not what I had in mind," Sora said. Sora looked right at the three Gym Leader Pokémon. Tepig, Snivy, and Oshawott each had a chance to shine, but it was hard to decide. After careful thinking, he gave his answer.
"Say, how about I go against all three of you," Sora said. The Gym Leaders were confused. "And let's make it even more interested. Let's make it a triple battle. All three three of yours against three of mine, right at the same time," Sora stated.
"Can we do that?" Chili asked.
"I think we can, Chili. He made the challenge after all. I am looking forward in seeing what kind of ingredients he's planning to add in his styles," Cilan said.
"Cilan's right. The pride of the Striaton Gym is at stake," Cress said.
"We accept your terms, Sora," Cilan said.
"We will have our battle first thing tomorrow morning," Cress said.
"So, get some rest, because you're going to need it," Chili said.
"I'll be ready for anything you three can throw at me," Sora said.
"I don't doubt it," Cilan said.
WIth that said, the couple returned to the Pokémon Center to inform their friends that Sora has found the Gym and the battle was on.
"It's going to be a triple battle?" Iris asked. "Also, you challenged all three of them into a Gym battle?"
"Couldn't decide on which one I was going with, so I decided to battle them all at the same time. I wanted to give Snivy, Oshawott, and Tepig each a chance to battle," Sora said.
"That makes sense. You want to test each one of them out in battle," Terra said.
"I know it won't be easy since it's their first time battling in a Gym, but I know they can do it," Sora said.
On the ery next day, Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, and Meowth arrived to the Striaton Gym. Inside they found the three Gym Leaders waiting fo them.
"Welcome, Sora," the brothers greeted.
"We see you brought more company," Cilan said.
"They came here with us to watch the match," Sora said. "Hope that's okay."
"It's perfectly fine. They're welcome to watch the battle. Since you know our Pokémon, show us yours!" Cilan dared the challenger. Sora took out his three Pokéballs and tossed them.
"Come out, everyone!" Sora caled out. Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott came on out to battle.
"An Oshawott, a Snivy, and a Tepig. Never expected to battle all three at once," Chili said. A waitress arrived to act as the referee.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the battle between the three Gym Leaders and the challenger, Sora is about to begin! Sora has challenged all three Gym Leaders and it shall be a triple battle. The Gym Leaders are allowed to use one each as the challenger will be using three! Substitutions from either side is prohibted. And the battle will be over when all three of either side's Pokémon are unable to continue! Is that understood?" The waitress asked.
"Yes," Sora, Cilan, Chili, and Cress all answered.
"Then, begin!" The waitress called out. "The challenger has the first move!"
"Snivy! Use Attract on Pansear! Tepig! Use Ember on Pansage! Oshawott! Use Water Gun on Panpour!" Sora ordered. Snivy starts up by using Attract on Pansear as Tepig unkleashed Ember and Oshawott fires Water Gun at their chosen targets. The hearts surround Pansear. When they made contact, Pansear fell in love with Snivy.
"Pansear!" Chili gasped.
"I see. His Snivy is clearly a female, so he's planning to immobolize all three with love," Cilan said. "Pansage! Dodge!"
"You too, Panpur!" Cress called out.
Pansage and Panpour avoided Ember and Water Gun just by jumping out of the way.
"Pansage! Use Bullet Seed on Oshawott!" Cilan ordered.
"Panpour! Use Water Gun on Tepig!" Cress ordered.
Pansage fires Bullet Seed at Oshawott. Oshawott uses his scalchop to block the seeds. Tepig wasn't so lucky. He got hit bad by Panpour's Water Gun.
"Snivy! Use Attract on Pansage!" Sora ordered. Snivy unleashed Attract on Pansage.
"Dodge and use Bite!" Cilan ordered. Pansage avoids Attract and lands a Bite onto the grass snake Pokémon. "Now, use Bullet Seed on Pansear!" Everyone were confused by what Cilan told Pansage to do. Pansage unleashed Bullet Seed and it snaps Pansear out of Attract.
"Thanks a lot, Cilan!" Chili thanked his brother.
"Anytime, brother," Cilan said.
"Panpour! Use Double Team!" Cress ordered. Panpour made several copies of himself.
"Snivy! Use Leaf Storm! Tepig! Use Ember! Oshawott! Use Water Gun!" Sora ordered. All three Pokémon all unkleahed their attacks.
"Dodge!" Cilan and Chili ordered. Pansage and Panpour avoided their attacks.
"Pansage! Use Solar Beam!" CIlan ordered. Pansage begins to charge up Solar Beam.
"Pansear! Use Flamethrower on Snivy!" Chili ordered. Pansear unleashed Flamethrower onto Snivy, striking her.
"Tepig! Ember at Pansage!" Sora ordered.
"Panpour! Use Scratch on Tepig!" Cress ordered.
"Oshawott! Razor Shell on Panpour!" Sora ordered. Oshwaott uses his scalchop on Panpour before he could reach Tepig.
"Pansage! Use Fire Punch!" Chili ordered. Pansear lands a Fire Punch on Oshawott. "Now, use FIre Blast on Tepig!" Pansear unleashed Fire Blast and struck Tepig hard.
"Now!" Cilan called out. Pansage unleashed Solar Beam and it struck both of Tepig and Oshawott.
"Snivy! Use Leaf Blade!" Sora ordered. Snivy heads right over to Panpour to land a hit.
"Pansage! Use Flame Charge on Snivy!" Chili ordered. Pansear charged at Snivy with Flame Charge, knocking her out.
"Snivy is unable to battle!" The waitress announced. Sora calls Snivy back.
"One down, two to go!" Chili said.
"Indeed. Panpour! Use Water Gun!" Chili ordered. Panpour unleashed Water Gun and it struck Tepig, earning a knockout.
"Tepig is unable to battle!" The waitress announced. It was now Oshawott against three oppoents all at once.
"Tepig and Snivy are both down, and Oshawott is at a disadvantage since it's three against one. But that's never stopped me before," Sora said.
"Sora should't have made this a triple battle," Iris said.
"Sora knows what he's doing. Also, whenever he gets in a corner, he always bounces back," Ventus said.
"It looks like he's at the end of his rope," Chili said.
"It looks like we're not going to see his secret ingredients after all," Cilan said. "Pansage! Use Solar Beam!"
"Pansear! Use Flamethrower!" Chili ordered.
"Panpour! Use Water Gun!" Cress ordered.
"All three Pokémon launched their attacks and they came too fast for Oshawott to dodge, so he did the only thing he could think of. Oshawott held his scalchop and held on tight.
"The end of the battle," Chili said.
"Not quite," Cilan said. Chili looked right at his brother.
"What do you mean?" Chili asked.
"Look!" Cress exclaimed. Chili looked right at the sea otter Pokémon, and he gave a silent gasp to see Oshawott was still standing.
"What?!" Chili exclaimed.
"An unexpected ingrediant," Cilan said in his thoughts. "Perhaps I was wrong. I have a hunch that he is no ordinary challenger."
"Oshawott. You stood your ground," Sora said. Oshwott turned to Sora. "Here's a move we've been saving, so you ready to use it now?"
"Osha," Oshawott answered.
"Great! Okay, Oshawott! Use Sacred Sword!" Sora ordered. Oshawott held his scalchop and it formed a light blade broadsword and swings it right at Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour. Pansage was able to get back up on as Pansear and Panpour weres struggling to stand.
"The unexpected ingredient was Sacred Sword. Sora must have been saving that move for last," Cilan said.
"Sacred Sword again!" Sora ordered. Oshawott swings his scalchop again and brings it to his opponents.
"Dodge!" Cilan, Chili, and Cress called out. Pansage was quick enough to dodge as Pansear and Panpour were both struck. Pansear and Panpour were both taken out.
"Pansear and Panpour are both unable to battle!" The waitress announced.
"Panpour!" Cress gasped.
"Pansear, no!" Chili exclaimed.
"Cilan, the rest is up to you," Cress said.
"Don't you dare lose," Chili added.
"Wow, Oshwaott has taken down two oppoents at once!" Iris said with awe.
"Just like we told you," Ventus said.
"Now, it's Oshawott's chance to wrap this up and fast," Meowth said. Chili and Cress call back their fallen Pokémon, making this a single battle.
"Pansage! Use Bullet Seed!" Cilan ordered. Pansage unleahed Bullet Seed as Oshawott swings his scapchop like it was a lightsaber. "Now, use Solar Beam!" Pansage began to charge up for Solar Beam.
"Hurry, Oshawott and use Sacred Sword, one more time!" Sora ordered. Oshawott charges at Pansage with Sacred Sword. Pansage fires Solar Beam, so Oshawott cuts through the beam and lands a slash with Sacred Sword. Pansage struggles to stand back up, but fell on his back, beaten.
"Pansage is unable to battle! Oshawott wins! The winner of the battle is the challenger!" The waitress annoucned.
"Sora actually won!" Iris exclaimed.
"I knew he would!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said. Cilan calls back his Pansage and he smiled.
"Congratulations, Sora. Out of many challengers we had, you are by far the most challenging we ever had," Cilan said. "I must admit, you had some unexpected flavors; and each one of them is a pleasing taste."
"We had to admit, we underestimated you," Chili said.
"That was a mistake on our part," Cress said.
"So, as proof of your victory, it pleases us to present you with this. The Trio Badge," Cilan said, presenting Sora a Gym Badge that is shaped like a bowtie. The top is blue, the middle is red, and the bottom is green, matching the Pokémon and Gym Leaders.
"Thanks," Sora said, accepting his Badge.
Sora has won his first Gym battle in Unova as Kairi has won her first Contest as well. The adventure continues onwards beyond this point.