Chapter XXII: Shocking Tails from the Pikachu Cup.
An half-hour has past ever since the gang had escaped the Egg Carrier. Sora, Luigi, and Yoshi were using their new flight ability to fly back to Station Square. Sonic rode along on the Tornado with Tails driving it. The gang finally arrived down on the world when they saw a giant city. It was a hustling city similar to that of New York city. Even in the night it was busy, but very beautiful. Sora noticed many advertisements and billboards that were mostly about cute little creatures called a Chao. The gang arrived at Station Square at 7 at night where Amy was waiting for them on the balcony of a place called the "Station Square Hotel" Across from it was another building that was lit up and had the words "CASINO" written on it. Above the words was a mysterious, giant, yellow button.
The group landed on the building while Amy ran up to them. She then hugged Sonic again placing her head in his chest.
"Oh, Sonic." She sighed. "I'm so glad you're okay."
"Did you know you were named after a dinosaur?" Sonic said escaping Amy's grip.
"Really? An Amysaurs?" Amy asked Sonic curiously.
"No, an eye'sore'rus." Sonic joked.
Everyone but Amy who got offended and Luigi who got jealous started laughing.
"Aw, come on!" Luigi complained. "You call that funny? Here's one; why did the meatball cross the road?"
"So, where is the casino Tails?" Sora asked quickly trying to change the subject.
"I hate it when he ignores me like that." Luigi grumbled.
"Over there!" Tails said pointing south of Sora. The group looked over to see the Casino. "It's so beautiful at night. But anyways, I've been doing some observation on it and my conclusion is that a strange energy patterns resides within. Somehow, that yellow switch above the words some how has something to do with it. Next I figured that if we cause pressure at a 90 angle making sure to hit the diameter of the button. Also, I multiplied the area of the distance between the energy and the button itself discovering that it's..."
"Tails, English!" Sonic interrupted annoyed.
"Okay, okay." Tails said raising his voice. "Keep your shirt on."
"But he no wear shirt." Yoshi pointed out.
"It's called a figure of speech kid." Luigi groaned rolling his eyes.
"Um...where was I?" Tails asked forgetting what he said. "Oh, right! In laymen's term just hit the button three times and that should cause the energy to surface."
"Let's give it a shot!" Sora said with a nod.
The trio flew over to the Casino with Sonic who got back on the Tornado with Tails.
"I'd take running over flying any day." Sonic smiled. He then looked down at Tails. "And I guess you would say the same about running."
"Not true." Tails disagreed. "I loved running ever since I first met you Sonic."
"Tails has always looked up to me." Sonic thought. "We've been everywhere and he's like a brother. But I would like to see him go on his own adventure one day and become the hero he's long to become."
The group arrived at the Casino where they saw the button. Sora pressed the button three times and then a bright light flashed in his eyes causing him to fly back.
"Sora!" Luigi cried. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Sora groaned with his eyes closed. "That startled me and blinded me for a second." He slowly opened as he tried to resists the flashing dots he was seeing in his eyes. When he fully opened them he looked to see the light had dimmed and it formed a keyhole. "A keyhole! Totally unexpected."
"Kid, don't joke around and seal the keyhole already!" Luigi said impatiently.
Sora nodded to Luigi and he took his keyblade out. He pointed it directly at the keyhole and the weapon began to glow. It fired a little laser out and came in contact with the keyhole, making the familiar locking noise. The bright lights from the casino got even brighter and was probably the brightest thing in the city. As the light dimmed, the group noticed that the keyhole disappeared from sight. A navigation piece from the Toad Express then popped out as well as a summon gem, but it was empty. Sora grabbed it but upon looking down at it he got sad.
"I hope Toadsworth and the others are alright." Sora sighed sadly. "They were last seen falling into Station Square."
"Don't worry, Sora." Tails said warmly. "It will be okay."
"Well, we can't go anywhere without a vessel." Luigi pointed out.
"Master Luigi!" Called a voice. The group then turned to see Toadsworth coming out of the casino with a bag full of money.
"Toadsworth!" The trio exclaimed. They flew down to greet their friend.
"Oh, man." Sora sighed with relief. "We're so glad you're okay."
"Ho! Ho!" Toadsworth chortled. "No problem! Luckily, the Toad Express was able to float in the water."
"Hey, were you gambling old man?" Sonic asked arriving with Tails.
"Oh, well I gamble now and then." Toadsworth responded. "I really don't play much but I somehow hit a jackpot when I played the slots a few times."
"Dang, that's lucky." Sora said amazed. "That's like...Luigi actually telling a good joke."
"Hey!" Luigi shouted.
"Now we need to find a mechanic to fix up the Toad Express." Toadsworth said. "It was a bit damaged. I heard that a fox is the best mechanic in town."
"That's me!" Tails cried happily. "I'll take a look at it, free of charge."
"Such a nice boy, thank you." Toadsworth said happily. "Follow me."
The group left with Toadsworth for the Toad Express. Meanwhile, a figure in the shadows was walking through Hallow Bastion. He was panting and was tiredly walking through a dark hallway. Inside his mind he could see Young Riku and Young Sora inside the secret area talking to each other.
"Sora?" Young Riku said turning to Young Sora.
"Hm? What's up?"
"I've been thinking." Young Riku began. "When we grow up, let's ditch this place."
"Huh?" Young Sora asked in surprise.
"We'll get off this island and go on real adventures." Young Riku said excitedly. "So, we don't need to play these kiddie games anymore."
"That's an awesome idea!" Young Sora agreed. "But until we're older what should we do now in a boring place like this?" The two began to walk away when Sora got an idea. "Hey, you know that girl at the mayor's house that just moved here? She came here on the night of a meteor storm. I remember when..." He then stopped to see Young Riku turning away from him. "Riku? Are you coming?"
"I'll be there in a sec." Young Riku responded.
Young Sora just shrugged and walked out of the cave leaving Young Riku behind. He stood a the mysterious brown door to see a keyhole in the middle of it. He walked slowly towards the door and put his hand out to it. As his hand very lightly tapped the keyhole a flash entered his mind and he woke up back into the present. He was staring at a light above the ceiling in the chapel of Hallow Bastion. His hands and knees were on the ground and he took slow breaths and he saw sweat dripping down from his long hair onto the ground. He then heard pounding footsteps and looked up to see the evil Koopa King looking down at him.
"And everyone thought I was the brainless one." Bowser groaned. "You could have called at least or maybe I didn't give you my e-mail address. Either way it was a big mistake to come here without a ship. Careful, because you were let off easy, but next time your heart may pay the ultimate price. Relying too much on the dark powers is a flaw which will cause you to lose your heart. Try to use better judgement next time."
Before Riku could respond Kammy Koop, Bowser's loyal servant entered. She was a short, elder turtle with white hair, glasses, and wore a purple witch outfit. She whispered into his ear and the evil king nodded. She then left the room while Riku slowly stood up with a curious look.
"What's going on?" Riku asked.
"An intruder made it all the way to the castle." Bowser responded. "We destroyed his world awhile ago, but his heart somehow managed to survive. He is a rare case indeed and troublesome. When we took the princess from his world he managed to follow us through sheer force. He has a strong heart indeed but don't worry because his power can't even come close to the untapped power you posses."
"What power?" Riku asked suspiciously.
"The power that lies deep inside of you." Bowser explained. He then took out his Star Rod and pointed it at Riku. "Now, boy, I shall awaken that power and you shall realize the full potential of it."
The Star Rod fired a gold laser at Riku which caused him to glow. He clenched his fists together as he felt a stream of power being released into his body.
"This power! This my true power! I am unstoppable!" Riku shouted.
He then laughed manically as yellow electric energy waves flew around the room. Bowser just rolled his eyes and walked away.
"I'm going to go watch TV." He said to himself. "I wonder if they have anything good on pay-per-view."
Back at Station Square, the group was at the docks as Tails came out from the side of the Toad Express with a toolbox.
"There!" He sighed wiping his forehead. "A few screws were loose, but it was no problem."
"Thanks kid." Luigi said happily. "You are very handy."
"Aw, it was nothing." Tails blushed. "All in a days work."
Amy walked up to Sonic with a sad look. "Sonic, are you leaving again?"
"Hey, I can never stop running." Sonic smirked. "It's in my blood. I don't have time to stand around and get embraced by Amy germs. But I'll tell you what, maybe we can go to Twinkle Park sometimes."
"Oh, goodie!" Amy cried hugging Sonic.
"Hold on!" Sonic panicked trying to get loose. "Do the words maybe and sometimes mean anything to you?"
Tails made an envy look at Sonic and Amy again. Luigi noticed this and started laughing but shut right up when Tails gave him a dirty look. He didn't feel like getting wacked by a propeller again.
"Well, time to take our leave." Sora announced.
"Master Sora, we have a problem." Toadsworth said shaking his head. "We never found the pilot when he jumped out of the plane. And we don't have a co-pilot or another one on deck. We can't leave unless we find a new one."
"I could drive." Luigi said excitedly raising his hand.
"No!" Everyone else shouted at Luigi.
"Ouch." Sonic said. "Harsh." He then got an idea. He looked over at Tails who was putting his toolbox away. Sonic has always looked out for Tails and he watched him grow up ever since he first met him. He flashed back to the first day he ever met Tails.
He was running through a forest at his super speed when he stopped to see a young orange fox crying with his eyes in his hands. Sonic walked over to the fox and bent down to him.
"Hey, little fella?" Sonic said warmly. "What's the matter?"
The young fox shyly looked up at the hedgehog and sniffled a little bit. "I can't get back up into my bird's nest."
"Bird's nest?" Sonic asked with confusion.
"Yeah, you see I can fly so I must be a bird." The young fox explained.
"Bird?" Sonic laughed. "You're no bird, you're a fox. You lost little fella?"
"Yes..." The young fox began, but stopped upon realizing who he was talking to. He stood up and got excited. "Oh, my gosh! You're Sonic the Hedgehog! I've always wanted to meet you! You're my hero!"
"Ah, I get that a lot." Sonic smirked with pride. "So, you don't have family, huh?" The young fox just nodded sadly. "Then you can come with me."
"Really?" The young fox asked with widen eyes.
"Sure." Sonic nodded. "We can be best bros. I'll look out for ya, kid. I'm going to make you way past cool."
"Thank you so much!" The young fox cheered. "I'm Miles Prower!"
"Rule number 1 of way past cool." Sonic said holding one finger up. "You need to have a cool name." Sonic then noticed the two tails Miles had. "Hey, you have two Tails!"
"My tails!" Miles exclaimed. "You saw them!" He then put his head down sadly. "Now you'll probably laugh at me, just like all the other creatures."
"No way!" Sonic disagreed. "I think having two tails is way past cool." He then thought about something for a minute. He then aroused with an idea. "That's it! From now on your new name is going to be Tails. Sound okay?"
"Tails?" Miles asked confused. He then smiled and jumped up and down. "Yay! Tails! I like it!"
"Then let's go!" Sonic smirked. "Up, over, and gone!"
Sonic sped out of sight as Tails followed. "Wait up, Sonic!"
As the flashback ended Sonic walked up to Tails with a warm smile. "Hey, Tails?"
"Yeah, Sonic?" Tails asked responding.
"There is something I want you to do for me." Sonic smiled putting his hands on his little pal's shoulders. "This is very hard for me to say, but...I want you to go along with Sora and his friends."
"What?" Tails cried. "Me? But why?"
"Bro, you're the best pilot I know." Sonic responded. "Plus, I'm sure you can be a great help to Sora. This is your chance to prove that you're a real hero. I'm not forcing you to do this, but if we don't find a pilot soon we could be in grave danger."
Tails smiled and clenched his fist. "I'll do it, Sonic! I won't let you down!"
"That's my bro." Sonic chuckled hugging Tails.
"I've never been away from you before, Sonic." Tails sniffled with a tear streaming down his face. "I'm going to miss you."
"I'm proud of you kid." Sonic said warmly. "I'll miss you too. You've grown up so much and I know you'll do just fine." He then turned his attention to Sora. "Hey, Sora. Tails is coming with you guys."
"What?" Sora exclaimed.
"You're looking at an ace pilot here!" Sonic said putting his arm around Tails. "He'll help you guys out! Plus, you call him into battle if you need help."
"Are you sure you want to this kid?" Luigi asked Tails.
"I'm at your serves!" Tails responded.
"Thanks Tails." Yoshi cheered.
"Look after him for me will ya?" Sonic said to Sora.
"Sure, we'll watch out for him." Sora chuckled. He then walked up to Sonic with his hand out. "Well, until we meet again, Sonic."
"Right, I don't believe in the words good-bye." Sonic said reaching for Sora's hand.
Before Sonic could shake it, Sora moved it away from him. "Too slow!"
"Hey!" Sonic cried in surprise. "You've outwitted me!" The two then shook hands and when they removed it Sora looked to see a keychain in his hand. "Looks like something your keyblade can use. Might come in handy."
"Thanks, Sonic." Sora said excepting the gift. "I'll call this one Supersonic."
"And take this badge as well." Sonic said handing Sora a badge. "It's called Glide. When in danger you can slowly glide yourself down from the sky. Plus, it could help reach those hard to reach areas."
"Thanks again."
"And old man work better at those jokes." Sonic told Luigi.
"Why that little!" Luigi growled. "Now I'm angry!"
"Whoa!" Sonic shouted. "Time to move! Up, over, and gone!"
And with that said Sonic dashed out of the area at light speed. Amy ran after him as fast as she could.
"Sonic come back here!" She cried.
"Roadrunner eat your heart out." Sora said.
"How dare he makes fun of my joking power!" Luigi said angrily.
"What power?" Yoshi giggled.
Everyone started laughing and headed for the Toad Express with a grumbling Luigi.
"How come I never get chased by any girls?" Luigi asked Sora.
"One word; jokes." Sora responded with a chuckle.
"Ahh! Stop making fun of me!" Luigi yelled angrily.
"Whoa!" Sora panicked. "In the words of Sonic 'up, over, and gone!'"
Sora ran back into the Toad Express and the others followed. At the front of the ship Tails sat in the seat and began pressing buttons.
"Okay, we're all clear for take off." Tails said observing everywhere. "Everyone be seated, we'll be taking off in a few minutes."
The group nodded and went back into the passenger area. Toadsworth was on the phone when he saw the trio.
"Master Sora." Toadsworth said as Sora sat down. "Professor Oak just called. Another tournament is taking place."
"Good!" Sora said excitedly. "Then let's go and enter it. I want to be ready for when I have to face Riku again."
"Do you really think we can beat Riku?" Luigi asked Sora nervously.
"If we work together as a team and become stronger we can do anything." Sora said assuring.
"You're right!" Luigi said with confidence. "Let's-a-go!"
"Where to guys?" Tails said over the intercom. "Systems are all set and we're ready for take off."
"To the moon, Tails." Yoshi giggled.
"He's kidding." Sora chuckled. "Use the warp drive to take us to Pokemon Coliseum."
"Aye, Aye, Captain." Tails said in a rough pirate voice. "Warp drive activated!"
The Toad Express took to the sky and flew out of the world and flashed into hyper speed. Sonic was seen on a building with his arms crossed and he smiled. He turned away and ran through the town at super speed. A minute later, the Toad Express arrived at Pokemon Coliseum and the gang got ready to depart.
"Thanks for the ride, Tails." Sora said thanking Tails.
"No problem." Tails smiled. "Glad to help. I'll be on board, so just let me know when you're ready to leave."
The trio said good-bye to Tails and Toadsworth and they arrived back at the entrance. There, they ran into Ash and Pikachu.
"Hey, guys." Ash said greeting Sora's group. "I'm glad you made it."
"Pika! Pi!" Pikachu cheered.
"We wouldn't have miss this for the world, kid." Luigi said shaking Ash's hand. "Unless there was pasta involved then I'd take off."
Sora just rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "Listen, we're going to see the Professor and get ready."
"We see you soon." Yoshi said waving good-bye.
"By the way, I'm going to be in the next cup you're entering." Ash announced. "So, if you want to claim the prize you'll have to go through me and my Pokemon first."
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said putting up his fist with a tough look.
"Could you speak English please?" Luigi asked Pikachu a little annoyed.
"Pika?" Pikachu said confused. "Pika, Pika, Pikachu!"
"That's it!" Luigi shouted grabbing Pikachu. He then began squeezing him. "Come on! Enough of this Pika, Pika!"
"Um, Luigi, I don't think you should be doing that." Sora warned Luigi.
In fact Pikachu was building up electricity so much that he released it all which shocked Luigi. Finally, Pikachu stopped and Luigi was black and dusty. He coughed up smoke and fell over. Sora used a Cura spell to recover Luigi back to full health. Luigi got up and was ready to attack him again when Sora and Yoshi both held him back.
"That little...I swear I'm going to get a giant mouse trap and..."
"Cool it!" Sora snapped at Luigi. He then nervously turned to Ash and Pikachu. "Um, sorry, fellas. Luigi gets cranky sometime when he doesn't get his daily pasta in."
"Don't worry about it." Ash replied. "Pikachu is used to that all the time."
"Pika." Pikachu said with a sigh.
"Come on, Pikachu!" Ash told Pikachu. "We need to get going or we'll miss our entrance." Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder. "Guys, good luck and we hope to face you."
"And Yoshi look forward to it." Yoshi said excitedly.
The gang said good-bye to Ash and Pikachu and headed for the entrance. Today was another mini event so people were looking around at all the mini booth stores set up around the area. Team Rocket appeared from behind the bushes near by as they saw our three heros walk into the building.
"It looks like those twerps are going to end up facing Ash and Pikachu." James snickered
"Then we'll be ready to capture Pikachu and present him da boss." Meowth said with a sinister look.
"Come on, you two." Jesses said sneaking out. "Let's get into the building."
Jesse and Meowth both left the area following the trio. James was about to leave when a voice addressed him. "Hey, boy! Boy, come here!"
James looked to his left and saw a man at one of the booths calling to him. "Are you addressing me?"
"Yes, you come here." The man responded. James curiously walked over the booth were the man was. Below him was a tank that contained a giant red, scaly fish. "I want you to take a look at this, Pokemon."
James looked down to see the fish who was staring back at him. "A Magikarp?"
"Quite healthy looking isn't he?"
"Yes...um...very." James said a bit skeptical. "There's something very familiar about all this."
"I look at you and I see you have a lot of potential, so I'm going to let you in on a little secret." The man said. He then put his head close to James and whispered. "This Pokemon is like a gold mine on water."
"Gold mine?" James asked getting interested in the conversation.
"Yes, a Magikarp lays one thousand eggs at a time." The man explained. "Each one of those thousand lays another thousand. One thousand times one thousand is one million. Those million lays a thousand more giving it a billion Pokemon."
"A billion?" James exclaimed.
"Selling one Magikarp gives you one hundred dollars." The man continued. "You could be the richest thing alive!"
"Richest?" James laughed gleefully. "I could buy anything I want! I'll be richer then the guy who invented the internet!" He then laughed in his girly way. "Rich! Rich! Rich!"
"Normally I would charge a hundred dollars, but for you I will throw in an egg laying set, child care set, and an education set for only three hundred dollars!" The man offered.
"I'll take it!" James cried excitedly.
"I can see you're going to be a very rich man." The man chuckled. James grabbed the fish and ran off laughing gleefully. The man laughed. "What a sap! I can't believe he fell for the same thing again!"
Back inside the coliseum, Oak was waiting impatiently for Sora's arrival. "Oh, where are they? They're late!"
He then looked up to see Sora running in with Luigi and Yoshi panting all the way. The trio finally stopped to catch their breath when they looked up to see Oak.
"Sorry we're late Professor Oak." Sora sighed. "We got here as quickly as we could. Someone just had to have a pasta to go before we came here." He then gave a dirty look at Luigi.
"What? I was hungry." Luigi said angrily.
"Look, the first match starts in two minutes so you better get moving!" Oak shouted at the group. "How are you three suppose to become the champions if you're just fooling around?"
"Hey, I don't deserve this backtalk from a science geek!" Luigi shouted back. Yoshi then started crying. "Now look what you've done! You made the kid cry!"
Sora picked up Yoshi and hugged him. "Don't cry Yoshi. He didn't mean to yell."
"Sorry." Oak apologized. "I've been meeting with other professors from the Johto region. I've been stressed out so forgive me for being a bit paranoid."
"Okay, sorry I yelled too." Luigi smiled.
"And I didn't mean to make Yoshi upset."
"It...okay." Yoshi sniffled.
"Look, we're going to get ready, so we're heading in." Sora said putting Yoshi down.
"Be careful though." Oak warned. "A lot of tough opponents have entered including Ash."
"Yeah, we know." Sora said. "I'm actually excited. I can't wait to face these guys! Let's go!"
The trio ran into the next room getting ready for their first match. Oak watched them enter with a smile.
"I've never met a person who is so enthusiastic." Oak thought. "He might be the one who will win this whole tournament. But I must remember that Ash has taken part as well so I wish them both of luck."
Sora and the group arrived in the arena to where tons of fans were cheering for them. Some were holding up posters that said "Go Team Sora!"
"Wow! We sure are popular!" Sora said noticing the signs. "We have a lot of fans!"
The man with two flags came out as the group walked to the center. Heartless appeared on the other side including gargoyles and shadows. The group got ready to fight by getting their weapons ready.
"Let the match begin!" The flag man announced.
The heartless attacked our heros with full power but our heros used their news moves to beat them back. Sora used his new badge ability Ars Arcanum which caused him to do a string of combos at his opponents. His moves were so fast that the heartless had no chance to dodge the attack. Luigi shot a blizzard spell freezing up a group of heartless while Yoshi shot more eggs knocking them over from the sky. Sora used a string of combos on heartless both ground and airborne. The battle didn't last too long and the trio easily won and moved onto the next round. Team Sora encountered more F-Zero heartless and Power Wilds but once again disposed of them. The trio made it through the new few rounds with ease slashing through heartless as they go. They also encountered heartless they've recently fought from Station Square.
During the sixth seed, the trio encountered a mushroom type heartless who just jumped around.
"Is this guy suppose to fight us or something?" Sora asked Luigi confused.
"I've heard of this kind." Luigi said. "These mushroom kinds of heartless are actually not threatening...well most of them. I heard they drop rare items."
"Me likey rare item." Sora said with glee.
"Please, don't talk like that again." Luigi told Sora.
Just then, Yoshi stuck his tongue out and ate the mushroom. He swallowed it whole and burped as he fell back.
"Yoshi!" Sora said in shock. "You just ate that whole thing! Is that against the rules?"
Luigi went through his pocket and looked at a mini rule book. "Uh-oh! Unless we don't spit the opponent back out within the next five minutes we're automatically disqualified."
"Yoshi, can you turn it into an egg?" Sora asked with a panic tone to Yoshi.
"Yoshi do." Yoshi nodded. "Besides, it give Yoshi heartburn." Yoshi produced an egg out from behind and Sora cracked it open to reveal the mushroom heartless.
The mushroom heartless looked up at the trio and then ran out of the arena as fast as it could. The trio looked confused at the heartless left.
The flag man waved his flag again saying. "Team Mushroom has forfeited! Victory goes to Team Sora!"
The trio gave each other high fives as they celebrated their victory. The trio took a five minute break getting ready for their next match. As the trio entered they gasped in surprised about who their next opponent was. A familiar blonde, spiky haired warrior.
"Cloud!" Sora cried. "You're our next challenger?"
"Well, this a surprise." Cloud smiled walking up to Sora. "I've been waiting for this."
Luigi gulped nervously as he walked. "Great, I didn't even make my will yet. I have so many things to live for. I don't deserve this."
"Aw, Luigi no worry." Yoshi reassured Luigi. "Sora, Luigi, and Yoshi can beat Cloud."
"Do you remember the pain we received from him last time?" Luigi gulped. "Incase you forgot I'm allergic to pain."
"And ghosts, spiders, bills, high places, infections, own shadow..." Yoshi began.
"Stop it!" Luigi interrupted. "You can't prove any of that!"
"I knew we would end up facing each other." Sora said excitedly shaking Cloud's hand. "I've gotten a lot better since we last fought."
"You look it." Cloud said in his low voice. "But I've gotten a lot better, too. Don't expect an easy victory against me. It is my destiny to win this whole thing."
"Think again because we're going to take you down." Sora said drawing his keyblade.
Cloud drew his sword and got into a fighter's stance. "We'll see how far you get."
"Let the match begin!"
Cloud charged at our heros and zoomed past them again. Cloud swiped his sword at them but they all ducked under the attack. Yoshi and Luigi dove left and right and Sora attacked with his keyblade. Cloud blocked the attack and pushed him back, sending him spinning across the arena. He got back up and clashed with Cloud again. Sora did an over the shoulder throw on Cloud sending him over and landing on the ground. Sora tried to attack but Cloud kicked him back and stood up. The two clashed again and they both jumped back. Cloud swiped at Sora but he jumped over the attack and tried to kick him but Cloud grabbed his foot and threw him aside. Luigi shot Fira spells at Cloud who blocked them all with his sword. He then slashed Luigi aside and Yoshi rammed him in the stomach with his head. Cloud used Sonic Blade to knock Yoshi aside and struck hard at Sora.
"Man, he's fast!" Sora exclaimed. He then realized something. "He's using a Sonic Blade attack. Boy, is he going to wish he never gave me that badge."
Sora snapped on his Sonic Blade badge and charged at Cloud as Cloud charged with his Sonic Blade attack. The two kept rushing each other clashing every five seconds. They were going so fast that for an instant everyone couldn't see them.
"Wow! That's like anime fast!" Luigi said amazed.
"Luigi still watch cartoons!" Yoshi sang mockingly. "Luigi still watch cartoons!"
Luigi just grumbled to himself as the battle continued. Cloud and Sora both clashed again and began rapidly clashing and dodging their attacks. Cloud thrust Sora, but he jumped on top of the sword and kicked Cloud sending him dragging across the floor. He got up and punched Sora back but he quickly grabbed onto Cloud's sword. Cloud spun his body around with Sora going along with him. He then took a mighty swing of it sending our hero flying towards a wall. Sora kicked back against the wall and charged back with his keyblade. Cloud flew back as well ready to strike with his sword. The two ran through each other with a ear shattering clash that caused a wave of wind to be sent throughout the area.
The trio charged at Cloud again who jumped up into the air and brought his sword down on them. The group dodge the attack and dirt and ruble rose up from the incredible impact. Sora quickly spun in and clashed with Cloud again and the two went into a blade lock.
"I'm getting some serious Deja Vu." Sora struggled.
Cloud pushed Sora down and fired a dark beam at Luigi and Yoshi knocking them down. Sora pushed back up and went into a blade lock again. Electricity surrounded them as they struggled back and forth when finally the area they were in exploded from the force and the two of them flew back. The two panted as they were both exhausted.
"I don't know how this kid does it." Luigi said amazed.
"I've faced a lot of tough opponents but you Cloud are by far the most challenging." Sora panted.
"No...I won't let this kid win! This is my destiny! I must be the one to face him, not this boy!" Cloud thought angrily. He then powered up to his dark from gaining one dark wing.
"Hey, I thought we agreed to not use dark powers." Sora said with disappointment.
"You don't understand." Cloud responded. "I must be the one to win this whole competition! There is something I must do!"
"Look, just because you have a purpose to win doesn't mean we're going to quit." Sora said bravely standing ready. "Right, guys?"
"Kid, can't you show a little companion." Luigi gulped nervously. "I mean the poor guy has his reason so why don't we just..."
Yoshi covered Luigi's mouth and nodded to Sora. Cloud charged with full speed at Sora but he dodged the attack. Cloud tried again, but Luigi cast the updated Aero which protected Sora from the attack. Cloud tried again but Yoshi kicked Cloud aside even though it had no affect. The trio continued to dodge Clouds attacks until Cloud lost his power and weakly got on his hands and knees.
"No." Cloud whispered. "But how?"
"Ha! I knew it would work!" Sora smirked.
"What worked?"
"I knew that going into that form with the giant wing would weaken you." Sora explained. "Just like last time. So, we dodged your attacks knowing that you would get weak afterwards."
"Boy, I bet you spent all week planning that." Luigi said rolling his eyes.
"Now, let's finish this!"
The trio attacked Cloud at once not giving him a chance to fight back. Sora then finished it with Ars Arcanum and a powerful strike that sent Cloud flying across the area. Cloud tried to get back up but he was too exhausted and fell down. The flag man held up a green flag.
"Cloud is unable to battle." The man said. "Victory goes to Team Sora."
The trio cheered in victory over Cloud and the audience roared with cheers and applause. Sora used an elixir to bring Cloud back to full strength. He stood up and looked at Sora.
"Sorry, man." Sora apologized. "I didn't know how serious you were. We just entered to become stronger and have some fun."
Cloud put his hands in his pockets and sighed. He looked up to the sky and smiled. "It's okay. I guess it's for the best. I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. I let my rage took over. Maybe, I'm not fit out to fight him."
"Don't doubt yourself." Sora disagreed. "You're really strong. Even now you still fight the darkness but at least know that you're not alone. We got your back and whatever problems you may have we can help."
Cloud just chuckled. "You remind me so much of myself when I was a kid. I was so enthusiastic and had self-confidence on my side. After joining SOLDIER and AVALANCHE my life changed and I thought I didn't have anymore emotions...till I met you." He then put his hand on Sora's shoulder. "Thank you. I've never met a person quite like you. I hope the time will come when we shall have a rematch."
"You're on!" Sora said excitedly as he shook Cloud's hand.
"But don't expect an easy victory for they are still having drawings for re-entrance." Cloud said. "And if I do get back into the games, I shall train for when the time comes of our next bout." He then handed a keychain to Sora with a picture of a giant yellow bird on it. "Hold onto this and use it wisely. It has great power and may aid you in your travels."
"I promise to use this." Sora smiled.
Cloud left the arena silently as Sora's group watched him leave.
"I wonder why he entered this whole thing anyways." Luigi thought out loud.
Sora looked at his keychain and smiled. "Maybe Luigi, there are some things that's best to be left untold."
"Aw, Yoshi wanted to know Cloud's secret." Yoshi moaned.
"Kid, discovering secrets can be bad for your health." Luigi pointed out. "Remember the time you read my diary?"
"Ooh." Yoshi giggled. "Luigi mean the secret about when he sleeps with..."
"Don't say it!"
"Mr. Snoogums." Yoshi said teasingly.
"Who?" Sora asked beginning to break into laughter.
"At night when Luigi get scared he always snuggles up with Mr. Snoogums and says 'you keep me safe and warm from the monsters in my closet'." Yoshi said imitating Luigi.
"He's lying!" Luigi panicked.
Sora broke into laughter and fell on the floor. Luigi got embarrassed and stormed off for the exit.
"No dessert for you tonight, Yoshi." Luigi snapped as he walked away.
"Wait!" Yoshi cried chasing after Luigi. "I kidding."
The trio was able to get a ten minute break before continuing onto the next round. They were able to get some lunch but had to devour it as soon as they heard their names being called. The trio returned to the gates and entered the arena for their next battle. Meanwhile, sitting up in the bleachers was Jesse who was wearing everyday female clothing, watching the trio in the middle of their next battle. Meowth showed up next to Jesse with a hotdog in hand and sat down next to her.
"So, how's it going over there?" Jesse asked Meowth.
"Da twerp and his Pikachu won da division so there in da final match." Meowth reported. "If da key twerp and his pals win dis division they'll be going up against each other."
"Good, so we should be able to kill two birds with one stone by capturing Pikachu and booting that keyblade pest from the tournament." Jesse smirked. She then looked around looking for someone. "Say, have you seen James?"
"By now, you've got to realize he's going through the phase where he walks around places like a confused idiot."
"That's true." She agreed.
The two then turned to see James making his way through a crowd of people. He tumbled a bit getting through but he managed to sit down with his group.
"I'm here!" James announced with a song.
Meowth then scratched James' face with his claws which caused him to scream in his girly tone. "Where have you been, numbskull?"
"Can't you see we're trying to put a plan in motion?" Jesse said.
"Yeah, but I have a new scam that will make us rich..."
"If it means you got tricked again into buying a Magikarp then you're a complete ignoramus." Jesse interrupted.
"Would it kill you to know that this time I used some of the boss's money?" James asked with a high pitched voice. "Without asking?"
Then both Meowth and Jesse strangled him.
"You better get back that money right now or else I'll poke your eyes out!" Meowth threatened.
Meanwhile, Sora and his group have just finished the second seed and were in the final round. As they entered the arena ready for their last challenge they were surprised on who they saw.
"Ash!" Sora cried happily.
"Hey, guys!" Ash said greeting the trio. "Looks like we're facing each other next."
"Pika!" Pikachu said happily.
"Since you guys are three I'm going to use three Pokemon against you." Ash explained.
"Wait, Ash!" Sora said. "Make that one Pokemon. This one I'm going to do by myself."
"What?" Yoshi exclaimed. "But...we...team..."
"Show off!" Luigi huffed. "Whatever happened to teamwork?"
"Sorry, but for once I really would like to try a battle by myself." Sora explained. "Is that okay?"
"What we do?" Yoshi asked Luigi.
"Let him go it alone...I guess." Luigi sighed. "Besides, this may give me a chance to relax now from all that fighting." He then walked over to the sidelines with Yoshi. "Good luck, kid."
"Good luck, Sora." Yoshi said walking over to Luigi.
"Thanks guys." Sora smiled with appreciation.
"Big mistake, Sora." Ash smirked. "For this match you're going up against by best buddy Pikachu. Our teamwork has crushed hundreds of opponents, so don't expect me to go easy on you. Right, Pikachu?"
"Pika! Pi!" Pikachu responded.
"Ha! We'll see!" Sora said with a smirk as well.
Sora, Ash, and Pikachu entered the ring getting ready for the fight. Pikachu got into a battle pose by getting on his four legs and lowering his upper body. Sora drew his keyblade and got ready. Professor Oak also appeared next to Luigi and Yoshi anxiously waiting for the match to begin. Team Rocket snuck down the bleachers with Jesse grabbing James by the ear. Sora also equipped his new keychain on called "The Metal Chocobo" which he got from Cloud. The announcer called for the match to begin and Sora charged at Pikachu.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" Ash commanded.
Pikachu ran at super fast speed and rammed Sora in the stomach with his head. Sora slid backwards and Pikachu jumped into the air.
"Whoa, he's strong for a little guy!" Sora thought.
Pikachu charged down at Sora who saw him coming.
"Use Tail Whip!" Ash commanded again.
Pikachu attacked with his tail which Sora was able to dodge but as he tried to kick the little rodent, Ash told Pikachu to use a Thudershock which zapped Sora and sent him crashing to the ground.
"Sora!" Luigi and Yoshi cried.
The audience murmured as they saw Sora on the ground with smoke coming out of him. He weakly got back up and chuckled. Luigi and Yoshi sighed with relief as Sora got back up and got into a battle position.
"That all you got, Pikachu?" Sora smirked.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu cried.
"Man, I heard you were doing really good in this tournament but you can't even stand up to my Pikachu." Ash said. "As long as I keep having him use Thundershocks you can't even harm him."
"He's right." Sora thought. "My physical attacks are useless but then again a little thunder has never held me back." He then ran at Pikachu again. "Give it all you got!"
"You're on, Sora!" Ash cried. "Pikachu, use Thunderwave!" Pikachu fired yellow circular rings at Sora which he was able to dodge. "Shoot! It missed you! I'd watch it if I were you. One hit from a Thunderwave can paralyze you." He then just realized something. "Doh, I got to stop giving things away. Try again, Pikachu!"
Pikachu shot more waves at Sora who was able to dodge it with his dodge roll badge. Sora thought about using his own thunder magic but realized that it would have no effect on Pikachu considering his entire body was made up of electricity. Sora used his Blizzara magic which sent Pikachu tumbling to the ground. Luigi and Yoshi cheered on Sora.
"Nice job, kid." Luigi called.
"Yoshi!" Yoshi cheered.
"Are you alright, Pikachu?" Ash gasped. The yellow Pokemon stood back up and panted. "Okay, now give him a Thunderbolt!"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu cried releasing a giant bolt of electricity.
The shock hit Sora and he fell over with a groan.
"Again!" Ash cried.
Pikachu hit Sora again not giving him a chance to get back up. Pikachu did a few more times while Sora was groaning from the pain.
"Yoshi need to help!" Yoshi said getting out of his seat.
"Hold on!" Luigi said restraining Yoshi. "Have faith kid. He will pull through."
Sora weakly got up and chuckled. "Is that all?"
"How can you still be standing after an attack like that?" Ash exclaimed. "Pikachu, finish it with Thunder!"
Pikachu began producing large amounts of electricity from his cheeks as Sora got ready for the attack. He knew that it wasn't going to be easy to stop an attack like that but he had to try. Putting both hands on the handle of his keyblade and firmly putting a lot of weight on his feet, he got ready for the attack. Pikachu fired the thunder attack and Sora put his keyblade up into the sky and the attack hit it. Everyone gasped as Sora struggled with the attack as it began to push him back. Finally, Sora strained hard enough and pushed the attack right back at Pikachu. Pikachu quickly ran for it as the attack chased him around the arena.
Team Rocket ran out into the arena ready to attack when they saw Pikachu running at them.
"It's Pikachu!" They cried.
Pikachu quickly jumped over the attack and it hit Team Rocket, giving them a shock. The shock was so powerful that an explosion occurred, sending the three villains flying.
"We didn't even get a chance to cause trouble!" Jesse complained.
"Or even make it double!" Meowth added.
James started crying. "I didn't even get my money back!"
The three then flew out into the sky. "We're blasting off again!"
Pikachu stopped to catch his breath from running which gave Sora the chance to strike with a hard slash at Pikachu. Ash gasped in horror as he witness Sora grabbing his Pokemon and slamming him into the ground.
"Quick! Use thunderbolt!"
Pikachu tried to use an attack but he was too weak.
"Looks like Pikachu ran out of juice." Sora said. "Now I'm in control of this battle." Sora kicked Pikachu aside and the little mouse quickly flipped up and used a quick attack again which hit Sora in the head. "I just had to jinx is." Pikachu jumped up and rapidly swiped at Sora with his tail which Sora dodged.
"Mega Punch and Kick!" Ash commanded.
Pikachu punched Sora in the face and kicked him in the stomach. Sora then countered by uppercutting Pikachu and then hammering him to the ground.
"Use one more Quick Attack!" Ash commended again.
"Okay, that's getting annoying!" Sora groaned. "My turn!" He snapped on his Sonic Blade badge and charged at Pikachu.
The two went right through each other with powerful blows and both appeared on opposite sides of each other. They were both out of breath and were turned away from each other. All was quite as the two fighters stood still and tension was upon everyone. Especially, Ash, Luigi, and Yoshi. Finally, Sora bent down on his keyblade, out of breath but was able to stand back up. Pikachu however fainted. For being such a small little guy he couldn't deal with so much exhaustion. Ash ran over to his Pikachu and picked him up.
"Pikachu!" Ash cried. "Are you okay?" Pikachu slowly opened his eyes to see he was in the warmth of his owner. He smiled at him and gently licked his face with love. Ash had tears streaming down his face as he cradled his Pokemon. "You did great pal."
"Pikachu is unable to battle!" The flag man announced. "Team Sora are the winners!"
Luigi and Yoshi cheered and ran over to a weaken Sora. They both ran into his arms and hugged him with joy.
"You did it kid!" Luigi cheered.
"Sora the winner."
"I may have won but I realize now that I can't do it without you guys." Sora smiled.
"See?" Luigi said. "You're nothing without us."
Ash walked over to the group with Pikachu in his arms and put his hand out. "Good game, Sora."
"You, too." Sora nodded shaking Ash's hand. He then looked at Pikachu. "No hard feelings Pikachu?" Pikachu smiled and extended his hand to Sora who shook it. Then Pikachu let off a little electric shock which zapped Sora. "Hey! I thought you ran out of juice?"
"What a shock!" Luigi joked. Everyone else just stood there looking at Luigi. "I never get any respect."
Seconds later the trio was at the top of the stairs holding a giant golden trophy with a Pokeball on top.
"We're the champs!" Sora cried.
Everyone cheered as Sora looked at his comrades and they looked back. The three of them knew that if they stick together, anything was possible. Cloud was in the corner of the area. He smiled at Sora and walked away into the shadows.
The group returned into the lobby where Sora received a prize. A new keychain called "Thundershocker". Ash was still amazed about being defeated by Sora.
"I can't believe it." Ash said. "Pikachu didn't even hold back. I guess humans can be as good as Pokemon."
"I think I get it now." Sora said changing the subject. "Strength of heart, the way to become a hero, it comes from our friends. My strength comes from Luigi and Yoshi."
"Beg pardon?" Oak asked confused.
"Don't you get it?" Sora said putting his arms around his friends. "With these guys by my side, no one can take us down. We're undefeated! Not even Ash and Pikachu can stand a chance against our friendship."
"Pika?" Pikachu gasped.
"Now, wait, that's not what I..." Oak began.
Ash stopped him and put his arm around the professor's back.. "I agree professor. I could have never made it this far as a Pokemon Trainer without the friendship from my Pokemon, Misty and Brock." He then turned back to Sora's group. "Together, the three of you make great heros. And as a team, you can overcome anything."
Sora and Ash gave each other a high five and they all cheered.
"We need to get ready for the next tournament so we'll let you know when it will be held." Oak told the group.
"No problem." Sora nodded.
Oak then turned to see that the pedestal was still there. "Oh, no! I've been so busy planning for the next tournament that I forgot to move that pedestal."
"Leave that to us." Sora announced.
"You?" Oak scoffed. "You said it was too heavy before."
"True, but I didn't do it with my friends." Sora smiled. "Come on, guys! Help me move this thing!"
Luigi and Yoshi both nodded and walked over to help Sora. The three pushed as hard as they could until finally they moved it which caused a bright flash. As the light dimmed they saw a keyhole on the ground.
"A keyhole!" Luigi exclaimed. "I guess we were enjoying ourselves so much that we forgot about the keyhole. Get to it, kiddo."
Sora took his keyblade out and pointed it at the keyhole. Firing a beam out of it, the keyblade sealed the keyhole which made the familiar locking sound. Ash and Oak were confused as to what happened.
"It's a long story." Sora explained.
"Kid, we should head back to Isle Delfino and tell Leon what happened." Luigi told Sora.
"Yeah, we should get going." Sora agreed. "We'll see you guys later."
Sora's group left the building and headed towards the Toad Express and began to make their way towards Isle Delfino.