Episode 439: Tirtouga and Archen
A few days have passed since the incident involving a gang of Foongus. Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew continued their way to Nimbasa City for Sora's next Gym battle. The group made a stop for lunch when they were approached by a muscular lad, with crimson hair and blue eyes. He wore a red tank with a blue stripe, a pair of green shorts and red shoes. He also has a pair of white bracelets with dark stripes on his arms. Notably, he has no sclera in his eyes.
"Hey there!" The young man greeted.
"Hey," Sora greeted.
"My name's Stephan. So, what do you say? Wanna have a battle?" Stephan asked.
"Sure, I'm game Stephen," Sora said.
"It's Stephan, but whatever," Stephan said. He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Blitzle!" Blitzle came on out to battle. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go right in, Fraxure!" Sora called out. Fraxure came out to battle.
"A Dragon Type Pokémon, huh? You're no slouch when it comes to Types," Stephan said.
"Wanna make the first move?" Sora asked.
"Sure! Blitzle! Shock Wave!" Stephan ordered. Blitzle fires Shock Wave right at Fraxure. Fraxure is struck by the electric attack. "Now, use Flame Charge!" The zebra-like Pokémon charges right at Fraxure. He fell on his back, and then gets back up on his feet.
"Blitzle's speed has gone up with every use," Cilan said.
"Fraxure! use Dragon Pulse!" Sora ordered. Fraxure fires Dragon Pulse right at Blitzle, and struck it right on the mark. "Now, use Dragon Claw!" Fraxure charged right at Blitzle.
"Double Kick!" Stephan ordered. Blitzle turned to give Fraxure a couple of kicks.
Fraxure swipes right at Blitzle before it could land a couple of kicks. Fraxure then smacks the zebra-like Pokémon with his tail.
"Now, use Crunch!" Sora ordered. Fraxure lands a bite onto Blitzle. Blitzle was now taken down.
"Whoa! I lost?!" Stephan exclaimed. Sora went up to Fraxure.
"Way to go, Fraxure," Sora said.
"Fraxure!" Fraxure said. Stephan helped Blitzle up.
"Are you okay, Blitzle?" Syephan asked.
"Blitz," Blitzle said.
"I'm glad. You take a good long rest," Stephan said, calling Blitzle back. He went up to Sora and Fraxure. "I have to say you're one of the toughest trainers I have ever seen."
"Thanks a lot, Stephen," Sora said. Stephan gave him an annoyed looked.
"It's Stephan, but whatever," Stephan said. "Anyway, since you know my name, how about yours?"
"I'm Sora," Sora introduced himself. Stephan's eyes widened since he knew that name.
"Wait a minute! Sora, as in Sora Ketchum, the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh?" Stephan asked.
"That's me," Sora said. "Also, this is my girlfriend Kairi, my cousin Ventus."
"Hi," Kairi greeted.
"Everyone calls me Ven," Ventus said.
"My name's Terra."
"And I'm Aqua."
"My name's Iris."
"And I'm Cilan, a Pokémon Connisseur," Cilan finshed.
"Nice to meet you," Stephan said.
"So, Stephen, what brings you here?" Sora asked.
"I keep telling you, it's Stephan, but whatever. I'm actually starting out on my journey. I'm working my up into gathering Gym Battles to enter the Unova Pokémon League," Stephan said.
"And how many Badges did you win so far?" Ventus asked.
"Uh, so far, none. But all that's going to change once I get the Gym Badge in Nimbasa City," Stephan said.
"That's where we're heading," Meowth said. Stephan looked right at Meowth.
"Hey, I never seen a Meowth before, let alone, a talking Meowth," Stephan said.
"It's not as amazing as it seems," Sora said, remembering the bitter first meeting. Sora had to admit, he didn't have a good history since he was with Team Rocket before Giovanni betrayed him, Jessie, and James, but he had to admit, he came a very long way since taking on Team Magma and Team Aqua. "But I have to say, Stephan, even though you're just getting started, you're making such a good start."
"Thank you, Sora. That means a lot coming from you," Stephan said. "And just so you know, I don't plan on losing again!" He grinned.
Before he knew it, Sora has gained himself a new rival. Stephan is a rival whom Sora can respect since Ethan, Brendan, Lucas, Nate, and Hilbert, and not like Trip or Paul.
A little bit further away, a large van is driving through the woods. Sitting in the front are two Eelektross sitting in front. And up on front is a Pokémon Hunter, wearing tan vest and blue jeans.
"Those little gold mines has got to be around here somewhere. I can taste it," the Pokémon Hunter said. He drove through the forest searching for something. It turns out to be a Tirtouga and an Archen. The two prehistoric Pokémon were on the run from this Pokémon Hunter for several days. It turns out that he has captured several other Tirtouga and Archen. "The goal is to get them all, and I ain't leaving here until I get them." The Tirtouga and Archen off fleeing form the Pokémon Hunter. He drove through a campsite with a workout center. "Where can they be?" He looked around for them.
A little while later, Stephan was leading the group to his campsite.
"I appreciate that you're going through the trouble to making me some lunch," Stephan said.
"It's the least we can do, Stephan," Kairi said. "Besides, you look like you could use a meal."
"Eevee," Angel said.
They eventually reached the campsite and saw the mess left behind, much to Stephan's dismay.
"My camp! It's ruined!" Stephan exclaimed.
"What could have happened here?" Meowth asked.
"Guys look! Tire tracks!" Terra said. The group went to see the tire tracks. "A pretty large truck has been by here."
"Agreed. Either it was someone reckless, or it could be someone relentless," Cilan said.
"Someone is going to pay for this!" Stephan said. "They can't do that and get away with it! They can't!"
"Who could be driving a truck in the woods?" Iris asked.
"I have just one guess; a Pokémon Hunter," Kairi said.
"She's right, because that can only mean some Pokémon are in great danger," Aqua said.
"We gotta find this guy and make contact with the police," Ventus said.
"Yeah, but where do we look?" Stephan asked.
"Follow the tracks," Cilan said.
Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Stephan, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew followed the tracks through the forest.
A little further away, Officer Jenny and her Herdier were riding on a motorcycle. She took out a wanted poster.
"Rock Man McGurk. A Pokémon Hunter that targets mainly Rock Type Pokémon. He's wanted in Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Unova, and Kalos for five years. I won't let him get away again," Officer Jenny said. She drove to find to find him.
Back to Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Stephan, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew searched for the signs of the Pokémon Hunter. The Tirtouga and Archen were hiding in the shrubs.
"The tracks look pretty fresh. We have to be pretty close," Sora said. Pikachu's ears perked up.
"Pika!" Pikachu said. Pikachu pointed to the north and the group followed Pikachu to the source. They saw the truck they were looking for.
"That's got to be it," Sora said.
"I think I see something," Iris said.
"Shh!" Aqua said.
The Hunter stepped out with his two Eelektross.
"Where could that Tirtouga and that Archen be hiding? I know they're here somewhere," Rock Man said.
"Tirtouga and Archen?" Cilan asked.
"I thought they were extinct," Iris pointed out.
"You would think so," Sora said. He looked over to Meowth. "Okay, Meowth, have a closer look."
"Right," Meowth said. Meowth crept closer to the truck without being seen by the poacher or the Eelektross. Meowth looked inside and saw a bunch of Tirtouga and Archen. "Titouga and Archen. Looks like they're pretty lively for fossils." Meowth went back to Sora the others.
"So, what's the 411?" Sora asked.
"There were a bunch of Tirtouga and Archen. That guy is definitely a Pokémon Hunter," Meowth said.
"How did he get a hold of those Pokémon?" Cilan asked.
"I don't know, but it doesn't matter because we got to stop him," Sora said.
"He's right. We can't let him get away with selling those Pokémon," Cilan said.
"Let's go!" Sora said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Snivy!" Snivy came on out as Snivy emerged from the Pokéball.
"Go! Sawk!" Stephan called out. Sawk came on out to join in on the battle. Snivy and Sawk both came rushing out of the bushes and attacked the two electric eel Pokémon.
"What is going on?!" Rock Man exclaimed.
"Snivy! Use Leaf Blade!" Sora ordered.
"Sawk! Karate Chop!" Stephan ordered.
Snivy and Sawk came at their opponents with Leaf Blade and Karate Chop.
"Eelektross! Attack with Charge Beam!" Rock Man ordered. The Eelektross fired Charge Beam right at Snivy and Sawk. They're both struck by the attack as Kairi has joined in.
"Angel! Use Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel fires Swift right at the Eelektross, landing a hit.
"You damn brats!" Rock Man snarled.
"Just who do you think you are selling these Pokémon?" Sora asked.
"I'm a Pokémon Hunter, and I make big money by selling Pokémon on the black market to the highest bidder," Rock Man said.
"That is digusting!" Iris hissed.
"Sticks and stones!" Rock Man said.
"You ran down my camp, and I'm going to make you pay!" Stephan said.
"Oh, so I drove down your little camp! Why don't you cry me a little river, kid?" Rock Man asked. He turned to the Eelektross. "Okay, Eelektross! Use Flash Cannon!" Both Eelektross fires Flash Cannon right at Snivy and Sawk.
"Dodge!" Sora and Stephan called out. Sawk and Snivy jumped out of the way.
"Okay, Snivy! Use Attract!" Sora ordered. Snivy unleashed Attract right at the Eelektross, making them both fall in love with Snivy.
"Dammit! That brat's Snivy can use Attract?" Rock Man growled.
"Use Leaf Storm!" Sora ordered. Snivy unleashed Leaf Storm right at the Eelektross, making it hard for them to see anything. He took out one more Pokéball and threw it.
"Come on out, Magmotar!" Rock Man called out, letting out his Magmotar. "Use Flamethrower to butn the leaves!" Magmotar fires its Flamethower right on the leaves, burning them up. He saw that the group and the prehistoric Pokémon were all gone. "What the?! They're gone! All of the Pokémon I caught are gone as well! So, it was a trick for me to let my gaurd down! Those brats will pay for this big time!" He calls back his Magmotar as the Eelektross snapped out of Attraction. "Come on, the both of you! We'll track them down!" He drove in his truck to find them. Once he was gone, Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Axew, and the prehistoric Pokémon came out of hiding.
"That was close," Sora said.
"I have to hand it to you, Sora, that was a smart idea of you using Leaf Storm to cover oour tracks," Stephan complimented.
"That was all Cilan's idea to be honest," Sora said.
"Now, we just have to get all of these Tirtouga and Archen somehwere safe," Kairi said.
"Agreed. But the question is where?" Cilan asked. They heard the sound of an engine humming.
"Someone's coming," Ventus said.
They all assumed it was the Pokémon Hunter again, but it was just Officer Jenny and her Herdier.
"What do you kids think youre doing?" Officer Jenny asked.
"It's only you. We were about to come looking for you," Iris said. Officer Jenny blinked twice.
"Huh? You were about to look for me?" Officer Jenny asked.
Over to Rock Man, he drove through the woods, searching for any signs of the prehistoric Pokémon. He hears a beeping sound, coming from his phone. He answered it.
"Rock Man here," Rock Man said.
"I trust you are on the way with the prehistoric Pokémon we requested," a male voice spoke. Rock Man groaned in annoyance.
"I sort have hit a small snafu with a bunch of kids a while ago," Rock Man explained.
"What happened?" The voice asked.
"The Tirtouga and Archen I caught all escaped, but they won't be loose for long," Rock Man said.
"Do whatever you can," the voice said, cutting the transmission. Rock Man growled.
In a lab elsewhere, Ein has broke contact with Rock Man. Ein sighed.
"Sometimes, I don't understand what need of Pokémon Hunters. Greedy fools. Hunter J was no different from the others. But, her death with her desire for riches and revenge was the end of her. The Tirtouga and Archen would make such potential weapons for Team Shadow," Ein said. He grinned evilly.
Back to Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Stephan, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew, they explained to the policewoman of the situation.
"So, you ran into Rock Man McGurk. He is a wanted man from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Unova, and Kalos in a five-year career in crime. I have been chasing after him for several days," Officer Jenny said. "He targets mainly Rock Type Pokémon, especially prehistoric Pokémon."
"That's terrible," Kairi said.
"We got to take these Pokémon somewhere safe," Ventus said.
"I agree. The professor is on her way," Officer Jenny said.
"Professor?" Sora asked. Just then a jeep comes up. It turns out to be Professor Juniper behind the wheel.
"Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, and Aqua! Wonderful to see you again!" Professor Juniper said.
"Professor Juniper!" Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, and Aqua all said in unison. Cilan and Stephan all looked right at them.
"You know Professor Juniper?" Cilan asked.
"She's the first person we came here in the Unova region," Aqua said.
"You know about Sora's Oshawott, right, Cilan? That Oshawott was one of the Pokémon to be given to a new trainer. Oshawott was following us and Sora decided to take him in as his own Pokémon," Kairi explained.
"What brings you out here?" Terra asked.
"I was doing some research on the prehistoric Pokémon, Tirtouga and Archen when I have learned there was a place that was filled with them, until someone found out and captured them all. So, I have been working with the police to keep them safe," Professor Juniper said.
"So, where do we start to go?" Stephan asked.
"We can start by migrating them to a new location, somewhere no one can find them; no one but us," Professor Juniper said. "But before I take you along, I must ask that you do not speak a word of it to anyone."
"You can count on us, professor," Sora said. Professor Juniper smiled.
"I know I can," Professor Juniper said.
The Tirtouga and Archen hiding in the bushes started to go their sperate ways.
Over to Rock Man, he kept driving to find the prehistoric Pokémon and recapture them.
"When I find those kids, I'm going to fill them with more holes than Swiss cheese!" Rock Man growled.
Back to the Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Stephan, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew, they helped Professor Juniper herd the prehistoric Pokémon through the forest with Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Fraxure, Swadloon, Deerling, Purrloin, Minncino, Emolga, Cottonee, Pansage, Deino, Druddigon, Blitzle, and Sawk out to guide them. Officer Jenny and Herdier helped out by keeping their eyes open for the Pokémon Hunter. There were times that some of them would get out of line, but they kept them in place, so they wouldn't be seperated.
Up to the Pokémon Hunter, he makes a stop and he steps out and he sees the tracks.
"Well, well. It looks like I found them. And they're that way," Rock Man said. He whislted to the Eelektross and they went up to their trainer. "Head up ahead and sniff them out." The Eelektross obeyed and went to find the preshistoric Pokémon. It didn't take them long until they found them. The Eelektross launched their attack with Charge Beam. They were taken by surprise by the electrified beam. The Tirtouga and Archen were frightened. Druddigon stood in front of the Charge Beams and took the hit. Druddigon has taken heavy damage despite being resistant Eletric Type attacks.
"Druddigon!" Iris gasped.
"Herdier! Use Fire Fang!" Officer Jenny ordered. Herdier ran towards the Eelektross with Fire Fang. One of the Eelektross attacked Herdier with Dragon Claw.
"Snivy! Use Attract!" Sora ordered. Snivy attempts to use Attract when the first Eelektross with Dragon Claw right at her. "Snivy!" The Hunter had arrived right in time.
"So, you think you can fool me, you kids?! I think not!" Rock Man said. Officer Jenny hurled a rope to snare his wrist as one of the Eelektross swipes the snare. "And what was that?"
"You are under arrest for Pokémon poaching!" Officer Jenny stated.
"Wrong! I'm over arrest!" The poacher said. "And I'm going to nab all of those Pokémon and make millions!"
"I won't let you do that!" Sora said. Stephan stepped in.
"Sora, let me have a grack at him. I got a bone to pick with him," Stephan said. Sora nodded and let him step in. "I got a score to settle with you, you bastard! You ran down my campsite and you're not going to get away with it!" Sawk and Biltzle stepped in. Rock Man laughed.
"I could use the excersise. Eelektross! Use Charge Beam!" Rock Man ordered. The Eelektross fires Charge Beam right at Stephan's two Pokémon.
"Dodge! Sawk! Use Cross Chop! Blitzle! Use Flame Charge!" Stephan ordered Blitzle charges right at its oppoents with Flame Charge while Sawk croses his arms and ran towards his opponents.
"Eelektross! Use Aqua Tail!" Rock Man ordered. The Eelektross dodged and came at their opponents with their tails emitting water.
"Dodge!" Stephan called out. Blitzle and Sawk dodged their attacks.
"Sawk! Use Bulk Up and then Karate Chop! Blitzle! Use Double Kick!" Stephan ordered. Sawk flexes his muscles, building up his muscles, then started to come at the Eelektross with Karate Chop. Blitzle turned and gave a couple of kicks to the Eelektross. "Now use Close Combat!" Sawk gave one of the Eelektross some beatings as the other Eelektross came right at him. "Blitzle! Flame Charge!" Blitzle charged right at the second Eelektross. "Now, use Shock Wave!" Blitzle unleashed Shock Wave right the second Eelektross. "Flame Charge!" Blitzle charged right at the second Eelektross. They were both taken down. Rock Man growled in anger.
"Now, I'm pissed!" Rock Man said, taking out his next Pokéball and prepared to throw it.
"Pikachu! Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dashed right at Rock Man, and right in the gut.
"Why?" Rock Man wheezed. He fell on his back as Officer Jenny tied him up.
"I repeat! You're under arrest for Pokémon poaching!" Officer Jenny said. She placed the Pokémon Hunter in a cage along with his two Eelektross. "I'll take them into custody." She drove off with her Herdier. Sora turned to Stephan with a grin.
"You're good, able to take down that Hunter the way you did," Sora complimented. Stephan smiled.
"Thanks Sora. I trashing my camp is one thing, but selling Pokémon on the black market is something that's really unforgivable. So, I couldn;t let that slide," Stephan said. Both of Sora and Stephan shook hands.
Over to Ein, he was going over some tests when a Team Shadow peon walked in.
"Yes, this better be important," Ein said.
"Sir, I have just been informed that the Pokémon Hunter you hired has been arrested," the Team Shadow peon reported.
"Is that so? No matter, because he was expandable; all Pokémon Hunters are," Ein said.
"What purpose would it serve to experiment on actual Pokémon?" The Team Shadow peon asked.
"That is no concern for you. Now, leave," Ein instructed.
"Yes sir," the Team Shadow peon said. Ein grinned evilly as he chuckled.
"Pokémon Hunters, how I hate them so much. To be honest, I was expecting that he would fail his objective, but then again, I wouldn't have have need to make a request.
Back to Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Stephan, Professor Juniper, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew, they managed to finally find the safest place they could find. It was a huge lake with huge lake in the middle. It was filled with all sorts of fruit. Once all of the Tirtouga and Archen were safew and sound, a huge boulder is pushed in front of the entrace and it is used to block it for good.
"Now we blocked it for good," Terra said.
"It's all for the best. It is best that their existence is to stay a secret," Professor Juniper said.
"After what happened today, I have to agree. They're in a much safer place," Cilan said.
"Thank you all for your help. Now, I can say that their safety and security is all thanks to you," Professor Juniper said.
"I'm sure that's all good and all, but what if someone tries to find them despite what we did to keep them safe?" Kairi asked.
"Actually, Kairi, I had those same exact fears. But, I'm sure Officer Jenny will assign someone to make this a nature preserve, so the Tirtouga and the Archen will be safe," Professor Juniper said.
"That's good to know. Now, we'll have to leave them in peace," Sora said. With that said, Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Stephan, Professor Juniper, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew all took thier leave. They were unaware that there was one Tirtoga and one Archen that didn't make it in with them. A little while later, Professor Juniper has parted ways with them for now as Sora and his friends helped Stephan clean up the mess left by Rock Man McGurk.
"Sorry abiout your camp, Stpehen," Sora said.
"It's Stpehan, but it's okay. It just had the way I liked it, and it wasn't easy," Stephan said. After cleaning up, Stephan has gotten the meal he was promised. "This is great! You have got to give me the recipe."
"Sure," Kairi said.
"Say, since we're getting to know each other, do you think there's a Pokémon Contest coming up soon?" Aqua asked.
"I heard that there's going to be one in Nimbasa City soon. I thought I'd tell you since we're all heading there," Stephan said.
"Then, I'll have to get ready for it," Kairi said.
After the meal, Sora decided to get some training done prepare for his Gym battle. As Sora was training, the Tirtouga from before comes out of hiding.
"Huh? You're a Tirtouga. You missed your chance to join your friends," Sora said. The Tirtouga attacks by using Water Gun. Sora ducks his head. "That was Water Gun."
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
"Okay, Pikachu! Use Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu swings his tail as Tirtouga withdrew in its shell. "That was Withdraw." Tirtouga fires Water Gun again. "Dodge and use Thunder!" Pikachu unleashed Thunder right at Tirtouga. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Tirtouga flows inside. The Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Tirtouga with him. He chose to keep Tirtouga in exchange for Fraxure. Just then, Archen comes flying towards Sora. "An Archen, too? Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Pikachu fires Thunderbolt right at Archen, but it easily dodged the attack. Archen then comes down with Wing Attack. Sora ducks his head. "Thunder as soon as it gets close!" Pikachu waited for Archen to come close enough. Once Archen was close to Pikachu, he lets out Thunderbolt again. Archen is struck and goes down. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Archen flows inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Archen with him. He chose to keep Archen in exchange for Swadloon. "Man, two prehistoric Pokémon in one day. At least no one will get to them."
"I think you're right," Kairi said. Sora turned to see his girlfriend. Pikachu turned to see Angel.
"Been there long?" Sora asked.
"Just got here. Just wanted to watch you train," Kairi said.
"You didn't have to do that," Sora said.
"I know, but I wanted to," Kairi said.
"I can take a small break just to kiss you," Sora said. He and Kairi wrapped their arms around each other and kisses each other. Pikachu and Angel did the same thing.
We'll now close it here. The journey to Nimbasa City for Sora's next Gym battle and Kairi's next Contest will soon be underway.