Episode 105: Getting the Bugs Out
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, and the Alolan nine all made it back to Kurt's house to hear what he had to tell them.
"Okay, everyone is here," Sora said.
"We all got here as soon as Sora and Kairi filled us in," Kiawe said.
"What did you find out about the GS Ball, Kurt?" Kairi asked.
"Not too much I'm afraid, but I did make a very startlinig discovery," Kurt said. He gestured to the group to follow them to his workplace and led them to the GS Ball itself. "Like I said, I was doing some research on the GS Ball, but so far I didn't find out much. And just when I was heading to bed, I heard a strange sound and I saw the GS Ball move. And it moved all on its own."
"It moved on its own?" Mallow asked.
"Pokéballs don't move on their own," Sophocles said.
"Well, this one did," Kurt said. "And I saw that as clearly as I see all of you."
"What could it mean, Kurt?" Sora asked.
"I can only say that the GS Ball has a Pokémon inside of it. And the purpose of the GS Ball is let whatever is inside of it out," Kurt guessed. "But, I think that there might be some special way to do it."
"A special way?" Sora asked.
"I think you should take it with you and head into the Illex Forest and there you will find the shrine that resides there," Kurt said.
"A shrine?" Kairi asked.
"What kid of shrine are you talking about?" Lillie asked.
"The shrine of the legendary Pokémon Celebi," Maizie said.
"Celebi?" Sora asked. Maizie nodded. "The shrine in the Illex Forest." Sora stroked his chin. "We'll have to check out this shrine after we hit the Azalea Town Gym. I mean, there's no hurry, right?"
"Sora's right. We can get to the shrine on our way over to the next town," Ilima said.
Kairi and the rest of the Alolan nine all agreed.
"Also, we should check our the apricorns while we're here. I would like to see what kind of Pokéballs can come out of them," Sora said turning to Kurt. "Only if it's okay with you, Kurt." Kurt shrugged
"Not at all, my boy. It'll give me something to do while you have your battle. And Maizie can show you around the orchard as well," Kurt said.
"Great!" Maizie said. The group followed Maizie out to the backyard and showed them the tree growing there. Sora looked at the white fruit growing on the tree.
"I can guess that these are arpicorns huh?" Sora guessed.
"That's right. These are White Apricorns. These are used to make Fast Balls. The reason they're called that because they're used for Pokémon that can quickly run away," Maizie said.
"And depending on the color, they are used to make a spefic Pokéball," Sota said. "Riku did mentioned what color they all came in."
"That's right. There are other apricorns that grow on the hills behind the house," Maizie said.
"Sweet," Kiawe said.
"I just can't to see those apricorns," Sophocles said.
"Come with me and you'll see," Maizie said leading the group to the hill. When they arrived up in the hill, they came Pink Apricorns. "This tree is a Pink Apricorn tree. These are used to make Love Balls. They're used to catch Pokémon of the opposite gender."
"Say like when Kairi used one to catch a male Oddish when she has a female Sunkern," Illima said.
"That's right," Maizie nodded. "But those don't look ripe enough to be picked."
"You seem to know a lot," Mallow said.
"Well, it helps if you're Kurt's granddaughter," Kiawe said.
"How can you tell if an apricorn is ready to be picked?" Lana asked.
"I just can. I learned it from my mom, dad, and grandpa. You shouldn't pick an Apricorn before its time and you should never, ever pick too many at once or else you can risk damaging the whole tree," Maizie said.
"Good thing you warned us," Acerola said.
"Because we wouldn't want to harm any tree by accident," Hapu said.
"No," Mina said shaking her head.
Maizie led the group to another tree containing Yellow Apricorns.
"You see that tree right there? That one has Yellow Apricorns. And those becomes a Moon Ball," Maizie said.
"And what do those do?" Sophocles asked.
"They're used to catch a Pokémon that can evolve with a Moon Stones like Clefairy, Jigglypuff, Nidorino, and Nidorina," Maizie said.
"All right!" Sophocles shouted with joy and moved in to pick one. Sora, Kairi, and Lillie saw something in the tree as well. They happen to be Pokémon that looks like a large green pine cone with two red eyes on the inside of its "shell".
"Sophocles! Wait!" Sora shouted.
"Stop!" Lillie also called out.
"Don't go near that tree!" Kairi called out.
Sophocles stopped in his tracks.
"What is it?" Sophocles asked.
"They were right to stop you, Sophocles. Because those trees all have Pineco up there," Maizie said.
Everyone else did take a closer look and saw the Pineco up in the tree.
"Maizie's right! Those are Pineco," Acerola said.
"Do they all live here?" Illima asked.
"Yes they do. And they have an act to explode when you're not careful," Maizie said. Sora took out his Pokédex to get information on them.
Pineco, the Bagworm Pokémon
Type: Bug
Pineco hangs from a tree branch and patiently waits for prey to come along. If the Pokémon is disturbed while eating by someone shaking its tree, it drops down to the ground and explodes with no warning.
"And I thought Voltorb and Electrode has an explosive personality," Sora said putting his Pokédex away.
"I agree with Sora," Illima said. "Pineco can be a dangerous Pokémon when you're not careful enough."
"And they would have exploded on me!" Sophocles exclaimed. He turned to Maizie. "Thanks for the warning, Maizie." Sophocles bowed his head in repent.
"You are forgiven," Maizie said. Maizie led the group to trees full of Green Apricorns. "All of these trees are full of Green Apricorns. And they're used to make Friend Balls. Like a Luxury Ball, they're used to make a Pokémon you caught a lot more friendlier. They are especially used for Pokémon that can evolve by friendship."
"Friend Balls, huh?" Sora asked intrigued. "Are these good to pick?"
"Go ahead. Those look ripe enough," Maizie said. Sora went over to the Green Apricorn Tree and picked one.
Maizie led the group to a tree filled with Red Apricorns.
"Here we have are Red Apricorns. And they're used to make Level Balls. They're used on Pokémon that are less experienced than the Pokémon you're using in battle," Maizie said. "And those look ripe enough. Help yourself."
Sora went over to the tree and picked one as well.
"Got one!" Sora said. "So, anything else?"
"Yeah. Follow me," Maizie said leading the group to a tree filled with Blue Apricorns. "And here we have is a tree filled with Blue Apricorns. And they're used to make Lure Balls. Lure Balls are used to catch aquatic Pokémon just by fishing. And they look ready to be picked."
"I know I want one of those," Lana said with her eyes sparkling.
She and Sora went over to the tree and picked one each. Mazie led the group to a tree filled with Black Apricorns.
"And now we have is a Black Apricorn tree," Maizie said.
"And what kind of Pokéball can you make with those?" Kairi asked.
"They're used to make Heavy Balls," Maizie said.
"And those are made to catch Pokémon that can be total heavyweights," Kiawe guessed.
"Yeah. Just like a Snorlax or an Onix," Maizie said. "That big one looks ready though." Sora went over and picked the big one Maizie was talking about.
Suddenly, a Pineco appears out of the tree.
"What's this one's deal?" Sora asked.
"That Pineco must be mad because you bothered it," Maizie said.
"You're not gonna scare me off my blowing up," Sora said. "Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt now!" Pikachu rushed to Sora's side and gave the pinecone-like Pokémon quite a shock. Pineco looked weak enough and took out a regular Pokéball and threw it at the weakened Pineco. Stars swrils around the Pokéball confirming the catch. Sora's Pokédex starts buzzing asking him if he wants to keep Pineco or send it to Professor Oak's lab. Sora chose to send the newly caught Pokémon to Professor Oak's lab. "I got myself a Pineco."
Over to Professor Oak's lab, Lea and Isa ar at the Pokéball teleporter awaiting for Sora's latest catch.
"Look at this, Isa!" Lea said.
"Sora managed to get himself another new Pokémon. But I wonder what he sent usa" Isa wondered. The Pokéball opens and lets out Pineco.
"Pineco!" Pineco said.
"Is that a Pineco?" Isa asked.
"Don't those usually explode?" Lea asked.
"Yes they do," Isa said. Pineco's body glowed as Pineco exploded right in their face. Professor Oak had returned to the lab accompanied by Delia and Kairi's grandmother. They all saw the smoke and once it had cleared they have been covered in smoot with the teens coughing a bit.
"I see that is a Pineco," Professor Oak guessed.
"Yes professor," Isa said.
"And it's Sora's," Lea said. "And that explosion has got me to memorise that fact." Lea falls to the ground along with Isa.
"It looks like this little one is going to fit in just fine," Kairi's grandmother said.
"I know you're right," Delia said. "Welcome to your new home, Piney."
"Pineco, Pineco!' Sora's new Pineco felt welcomed and beamed at the feeling of Sora's hug.
Back in Azalea Town, the group made it back to Kurt's house and brought the Apricorns they have picked to him.
"What a fine haul," Kurt said. "I'll get to work on them at once. And I promise, when I get through with them, they will be the finest Pokéballs yet!"
"Thank you very much, Kurt. We'll leave it all to you," Sora said.
"And we'll be backto check on your progress once Sora has his Gym battle," Acerola said.
"I wish you luck in your battle, Sora. I hope you'll win," Maizie said.
"Thanks Maizie," Sora said. "Let's get amove on. That Gym won't just come to us."
Kairi and the Alolan nine all agreed as they all set off for the Azalea Town Gym. Once they arrived to the gym, they all entered and all saw what looks like an indoor forest.
"Is this a Gym or a greenhouse?" Hapu asked.
"I think that was Sora's line," Mallow said.
"Yeah. That was my li-" Sora cut his sentence when he realized what he said. "Oh thanks a lot, Mallow!" Kairi and the Alolan nine all laughed. Pikachu and Togepi laughed along with them.
"Wasn't funny," Sora said with a sour expression.
They all looked around to see if the Gym Leader was in. Just when they went further in, Kairi was greeted by a Caterpie coming down by a string. At the very sight of the little green caterpillar Pokémon, Kairi let out a scream of delight.
"Oh, so, so, so cute! Caterpie are just so very cute! Hello there you little cuites!" Kairi cooed. Sora laughed at the sight of her cooing and fawning over the Caterpie.
"Hey Kairi. Take it easy. You might make Togepi jealous," Sora joked.
"Gotta hand it to her, she was nice enough to compliment those Caterpie like that. Most girls would be bugged out, but they're just plain ignorant when it comes to Bug Type Pokémon," a new voice called out; a boy's voice. Everyone looked around wondering where that voice came from.
"Where are you?" Mallow asked.
"Up here!" The voice called out. They all turned to see a boy with purple hair and eyes. He is seen holding a net. He wore a green shirt and green shorts, suspended by a belt and brown shoes over his yellow-striped knee socks. He wore a neckerchief. "And as I was saying, Bug Type Pokémon are the best in the whole world."
"So, who are you?" Sora asked.
"The name's Bugsy; the Azalea Town Gym Leader. And I specialize with Bug Type Pokémon. And now it's your turn to tell me who you are," Bugsy said.
"My name is Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town. And I'm here to challenge you to a Gym battle," Sora said.
"The same Sora Ketchum who won the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League a while back?" Bugsy asked.
"Yeah. That's right," Sora said.
"I knew I wasn't hearing any wild rumors. I heard someone say that the same guy who won that tournament was the same guy who helped out the Slowpoke at the Slowpoke Well. And the same trainer who beat Falkner in the Violet City Gym. I have to say that I am honored to have you in my Gym. And it is an honor to accept your challenge," Bugsy said.
Sora scratched the back of his head feeling a little embarrassed by the fact this Gym Leader has heard of him.
"Um, thanks," Sora said.
"But before we get started," Bugsy said.
"Yeah?" Sora asked.
"Could you get the ladder up for me. As you can see, I'm stuck," Bugsy said. Sora, Kairi, and the Alolan nine did an anime-style fall. Sora got the ladder set up for him. "Thanks a lot."
"Just how did you get stuck up there? You don't seem to be the clumsy type," Sora pointed out.
"Well, I got startled by that girl's shriek and I accidentally knocked the ladder over," Bugy pointed to Kairi making her blush in embarrassment. "It was kinda her fault I got stuck up therein the first place."
"Sorry about that," Kairi said. Bugsy laughed a bit.
"It's okay. I just always knew I'd get stuck up in a tree one of these days; if I wasn't careful," Bugsy said.
"What's with the forest look to this?" Kiawe asked.
"Well, a bug's natural enviroment is the forest. It also brings back loads of memories for me as a kid. My dad used to take me camping a lot when I saw a kid," Bugsy trailed off. "Oh, sorry. I know you didn't come in here to hear my life's story."
Bugsy led the group to the battlefield with a staff member acting as a referee.
"The battle between the Gym Leader Bugsy, the Azalea Town Gym and the challenger Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town is about to begin! Both trainers will be using three Pokémon each! Only the challenger is allowed to make substitutions! The battle will be over when all three of either the Gym Leader's or the challenger's Pokémon are unable to battle! There is no time limit! Choose your Pokémon and begin the battle!" The staff member announced. Bugsy took out a Pokéball.
"Get ready to be bugged out, Sora! I choose Butterfree!" Bugsy threw his Pokéball letting out his Butterfree. Bugsy's Butterfree flutters around upon entry.
"Then I'm going to start up with Hoothoot!" Sora said taking out a Pokéball and threw it to let out Hoothoot. Stars swirls around Hoothoot's body upon entry.
"I knew Sora was going to send out a Flying Type to deal with with Bugsy's Pokémon," Mallow said.
"So did I," Lillie said.
"H still has Gligar and Cyndaquil as backup," Kairi said. "But I don't think Sora will find this easy."
I agree. I don't doubt Bugsy has some tricks up his sleeve," Illima said.
"So it's a Flying Type sent out. I figured as much," Bugsy said. "Butterfree! Start things up with Psybeam!" Butterfree fires Psybeam right at the small Shiny Hoothoot.
"Hoothoot! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Hoothoot flew out of the way before the psychic beam could hit the owl Pokémon. "Move in with Wing Attack!" Hoothoot dove in to deliever a Wing Attack on the opposing butterfly Pokémon.
"Butterfree! Fire Electroweb!" Bugsy ordered. Butterfree fired an electric web on Hoothoot hitting hard.
"So, Electroweb is how he deals with Flying Types," Kiawe said.
"That's a pretty good strategy," Acerola said.
"You use another Electroweb!" Bugsy ordered. Butterfree fired another Electroweb at Hoothoot giving him another hard hit. Sora calls back Hoothoot.
"Come back, Hoothoot!" Sora said calling back his Hoothoot.
"Good move on recalling your Hoothoot. I guess retreating is better than losing," Bugsy said. Sora pulls out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Okay Gligar! Go for it!" Sora said when the Pokéball opens and lets out his Gligar.
"Gli, Gligar, Gli!" Gligar said sticking out his tongue on the side.
"That's a good move on Sora's part. That Butterfree won't be able to use Electroweb since Gligar is a Ground Type," Sophocles said.
"And Sora still has the advantage on Type," Lillie said.
"I don't think Bugsy is going to back away from this one," Hapu said.
"So it's another Flying Type against me," Bugsy said. "Wonder if your Gligar can tap toes with my Butterfree."
"You'll have to see for yourself," Sora said. "Gligar! Steel Wing!" Gligar moved in with his wings giving a metallic glow.
"Butterfree! Stop that Gligar with your Silver Wind!" Bugy ordered. Butterfree flapped its wings sending out Silver Wind.
"Gligar! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Gligar dodged the Silver Wind attack while flying. Gligar struck Butterfree hard. "A nice hit! Now use Slash!" Gligar swiped his claw on the butterfly Pokémon hard. "Finish off Butterfree with X-Scissor!" Gligar swiped both his claws into an X hitting Butterfree knocking it on the ground.
"Butterfree! Get up!" Bugsy called out. Butterfree tried to get back up, but it became too tired from that attack to do anything.
"Wrap it up with Wing Attack!" Sora called out. Gligar moved in and gave Butterfree one more hit knocking it out.
"Butterfree is unable to battle! Gligar win!" The referee announced. Gligar did a bakflip onto Sora's shoulder.
"Look at that! Gligar just won his first Gym match!" Kairi cheered.
"Toge, Togepi!" Togepi chirped.
"Yes. But, the battle's not over yet," Kiawe said.
Bugsy calls back his fallen Butterfree into its Pokéball.
"You're even better than I thought, Sora. Gotta hand it to you, switching your Hoothoot with your Gligar to beat my Electroweb plan was a smart idea," Bugsy said taking out another Pokéball. "My next one is ready to sting." Beedrill! Go in!" Bugsy threw his Pokéball letting out his Beedrill. This bee-like Pokémon buzzes and clangs its stingers together as it were holding two swords at once.
"Gligar, return," Sora said calling back Gligar. He takes out Hoothoot's Pokéball and threw it. "Okay, Hoothoot! Back to action!" Hoothoot is sent back out as stars swirls around upon entering the battle.
"You think Hoot has recovered a bit since going against that Butterfree?" Lana asked.
"I hope so," Mina said.
"Me too," Kairi said. "Sora's Beedrill is something, but this Beedrill looks like nothing to sneeze at."
"Pi, Toge, Toge." Togepi chirped.
"You can have the first move if you want, Sora," Bugsy said.
"Thanks Bugsy!" Sora accepted. "Hoothoot! Tackle!' Hoothoot flew towards Beeedrill with full force.
"Beedrill! BFire Poison Sting!" Bugsy ordered. Beedrill fired Poison Sting at the owl Pokémon hoping to land a hit.
"Hoothoot! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Hoothoot flew pass the poison attack the same way Gligar did against Butterfree. Hoothoot landed a direct hit onto Beedrill.
"Beedrill! Fury Cutter!" Bugsy ordered. Beedrill moved in to deliver a cutting attack on Hoothoot.
"Hoothoot! Use Wing Attack!" Sora oredered. Hoothoot flies right into Beedrill and lands a critical blow on the poison bee Pokémon. "Okay Hoothoot! Use Confusion!" Hoothoot used Confusion to lift Beedrilll in the air and send it right into a tree. Beedrill slides down knocked out from the attack.
"Beedrill is unable to battle! Hoothoot wins!" The referee announced.
"Way to go Hoothoot!" Sora cheered.
"Hoothoot! Hoothoot! Hoot?" Hoothoot felt strange for a meoment before he began to evolve. Hoothoot evolved into a Noctwol. Noctowl still has the same yellow feathers, but the plumage on his wings was now red and the crest on his head was now white. Kairi, Pikachu, Togeepi, and the Alolan nine were all amazed by the sight of the evolution. Even Bugsy wasn't expecting it to happen.
"Hoothoot has evolved into a Noctwol!" Lillie said.
"That battle with Beedrill gave him the extra boost he needed," Kiawe said.
"Now Sora has another new addition to the team," Illima said.
"Pikachu!"
Togepi!"
"Cool! Noctowl!" Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned his newly evolved Noctwol to hear what infomation it has.
Noctowl, the Owl Pokémon
The evolved form of Hoothoot
Type: Normal/Flying
Noctowl never fails at catching prey in darkness. This Pokémon owes its success to its superior vision that allows it to see in minimal light, and to its soft, supple wings that make no sound in flight.
"First I get a Pineco today, now I have myself a new Noctowl!" Sora beamed putting his Pokédex away. "You still good to go, Noctowl?" Noctowl spreads his wings and hoots. "Great!" Bugsy calls back Beedrill.
"Bugsy now has one Pokémon left to use," Kairi said.
"And knowing Sora, he's just ready for anything," Lana said.
"I can see why you're the Indigo Plateau champ, Sora. You're a pretty tough Pokémon trainer," Bugsy said taking out a Pokéball. "Now it's time for you to battle my strongest Pokémon. Scyther! Let's go!" He threw his Pokéball letting out his Scyther.
"Scy! Scyther, Scy!"
"That Scyther looks pretty tough," Mallow said.
"And not to mention scary," Sophocles said.
"Noctowl may have won over that Beedrill, but I think Noctowl might not stand a chance even after evolving," Lillie said.
"Also, I think Noctowl is exhausted," Mallow said.
Noctowl panted even after evolving. Sora saw it as well. He knew he had to end it fast if he wants win that second Badge.
"Noctowl! Wing Attack!" Sora ordered. Noctowl flew towards the mantis Pokémon with his wings sticking our.
"Scyther! Double Team!" Bugsy ordered. Scyther formed several copies of itself. Noctowl flew through one of the copies only to find it wasn't the real thing.
"No way!" Sora gasped.
"Okay Scyther! Slash!" Bugsy ordered. All of the copies disappeared and Scyther gave Noctowl a Slash attack knocking out Noctowl. Sora was afraid it would happen.
"Noctowl is unable to battle! Scyther wins!" The referee announced. Sora calls back Noctowl.
"You did your best, Noctowl. You should rest up," Sora said putting Noctowl's Pokéball away and pulling out Gligar's Pokéball.
"Back to action, Gligar!" Sora threw the Pokéball letting out Gligar.
"Gligar, Gar!"
"Gligar! Wing Attack!" Sora ordered. Gligar flew towards the mantis Pokémon to land a pretty good hit.
"Scyther! Slash now!" Bugsy ordered.
"Scyther!" Scyther swiped its' bladed foreleg at the fly scorpion Pokémon to hit, Gligar dodges the attack.
"X-Scissor!" Sora called out. Gligar moved his claws back to deliever the attack to Scyther. Bugsy wasn't going to let that happen again.
"Scyther! Block that with your X-Scissor as well!" Bugsy ordered. Scyther moved its blades back and then moved them down to make an X. Gligar did the same thing. Both met each other, but Scyther's X-Scissor was much stronger than Gligar's. He fell to the ground with his face on the ground. Kairi and the Alolan nine were shocked to witness how strong the attack is. Gligar struggles to get back up, but fell back to the ground out of exhaustion.
"Gligar is unable to battle! Scyther wins!" The referee anouncced.
"Both now has one each," Acerola said.
"I just hope Sora's trump card is up for it," Kairi said in a worry.
"Pikachu."
"Togepi."
"You're my last hope. And I hope you'll pull through," Sora said taking out Cyndaquil's Pokéball. "Go for it, Cyndaquil!" Sora threw the Pokéball letting out Cyndaquil.
"Quil," Cyndaquil said in a yawn. Both Sora and Kair were worried if Cyndaquil was a bit softened up since the battle with Silver's Ivysaur. They didn't doubt how tough Bugsy's Scyther is after wiping out Gligar and Noctowl like it was nothing.
Bugsy wasn't shaken by the fact Sora has sent out a Fire Type Pokémon to deal with his Scyther. But, he knew Sora was prepared for it.
"It's going to take more than a Fire Type Pokémon to scare off my Scyther!" Bugsy said.
"I don't plan to win by scaring Scyther off!" Sora countered.
"That's what I expected to hear! Scyther! Use Slash!" Bugsy ordered. Scyther moved in to slash at the fire mouse Pokémon.
"Cyndaquil! Dodge it quick!" Sora called out. Cyndaquil dodged Scyther's slashes. Cyndaquil kept dodging and dodging the attacks. "Cyndaquil! Hang in there!"
Hang in there, Cyndaquil," Kairi said in a whisper.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Toge," Togepi chirped.
Sora watched Scyther trying to slash at Cyndaquil and noticed the mantis Pokémon was backing him up towards a tree. That give him an idea.
"Cyndaquil! Keep dodging!" Sora called out. Cyndaquil did keep dodging Scyther's attacks. Bugsy was confused by what he just told Cyndaquil to do.
"What is he planning to do?" Bugsy asked confused.
"I think I see what's he trying to do. Sora is trying to lead Cyndaquil right into that tree," Illima said.
"You're right, Illima," Kairi said. "I knew Sora was going to bounce back when it got sticky."
"He always does," Lana said.
"Sora has to win this for the sake of all Fire Type Pokémon!" Kiawe said. "Keep going!"
Scyther kept slashing at Cyndaquil until he was completely backed up against a tree. Sora knew what to do next. Scyther raised its scythe in the air. Scyther moved it to knock out Cyndaquil and then right at the last minute.
"NOW!" Sora called out. Cyndaquil moves out of the way before the scythe even hit him. Scyther's scythe was now stuck. "Now use Flamethrower!" Cyndaquil's back flared up and then fired Flamethrower and hits its mark on the mantis Pokémon. Bugsy gasped at the sight.
"Scyther!" Bugsy called out. "Pull yourself out of the tree! Hurry!" Scyther tryed to pull out of the tree while being burned by Flamethrower. Scyther did manage to pull out and the Flamethrower hits the tree.
"Cease fire!" Sora told Cyndaquil since he didn't want to burn the place down.
"That was really a good move, Sora. You leading my Scyther into a trap like that was clever. But you still won't win this battle!" Bugsy said.
"Let's agree to disagree," Sora said. "Cyndaquil! Flamethrower again!" Cyndaquil fired Flamethrower again right at Scyther, but he saw that one coming.
"Scyther! Swords Dance!" Bugsy ordered. Scyther spun around cancelling out the Flamethrower attack.
"No way!" Sora exclaimed.
"Bugsy must be desperate to win," Mallow said.
"He has to be since he's blocking Cyndaquil's Flamethrower," Acerola said.
"Yeah," Mina agreed.
"Gotta think of a way to get pass Scyther's Swords Dance," Sora said in his thoughts. "But how?" Sora looked at Scyther still spinning around like a fan blowing any fire away before they could land a hit; and he figured if he can't do a direct attack on the ground, then he'll try one from up above. "Try Flamethrower again!"
"Bad move on your part, Sora! That is not going to work! Scyther! Keep using Swords Dance!" Bugsy ordered. Scyther did keep spinning.
"Cyndaquil! Jump above Scyther!" Sora called out. Cyndaquil jumps above the mantis Pokémon. "Now point your body straight down at Scyther!" Cyndaquil points down at the mantis Pokémon while its still spinning. Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, and the Alolan nine knew what was coming next.
"Oh no!" Bugsy gasped.
"Flamethrower now!" Sora called out. Cyndaquil fires Flamethrower right at his opponent covering it up with flames. Scyther stopped spinning around feeling dazed from the attack and dizzy from the spinning. "Finish it off with Tackle!" Cyndaquil lands one last Tackle on Scyther knocking it out.
"Scyther is unable to battle! Cyndaquil wins! The winner of the battle os the challenger, Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town!" The referee announced.
"Way to go, Cyndaquil!" Sora cheered.
"Pi, Pikachu!" Pikachu also cheered.
Kairi cheered for her boyfriend for his victory while the Alolan nine all shared her enthusiasm. Bugsy called back his fallen Scyther.
"You battled hard, Scyther. You deserve a good rest," Bugsy said. He walked over to Sora when he called back his Cyndaquil. "Congratulations for your win, Sora. It's no wonder you won the Indigo Plateau. There's no shame in losing to you."
"Thanks Bugsy. I've gotta admit you almost had me," Sora said.
"You battled hard against my bug team and gave me something to enjoy, so you deserved to win after that battle you gave me. So, to prove that you won, I'm giving you this." Bugsy pulls out a badge that looks like a ladybug's back if viewed from above. "It's known as the Hive Badge."
"Thanks Bugsy," Sora said accepting the badge from the young Gym Leader.
"No. Thank you for the enjoyable battle," Bugsy said. "I would like ti challenge you to another battle someday; not as a Gym Leader, but as a Pokémon trainer."
"You've got yourself a deal," Sora said shaking Bugsy's hand.
"Just don't expect the results to be the same next time," Bugsy said.
"You won't be disappointed next time," Sora said. He and his friends took their leave of the Gym and hit the Pokémon Center before they headed to Kurt's house to check if the Apricorn Pokéballs are ready. Just then Maizie came in the Pokémon Center looking for them.
"There you are! I thought you'd be here," Maizie said. "Did you win the Gym battle?" Sora chuckled and opened the Badge Case.
"What does the Hive Badge tell you?" Sora playfully asked.
"Wow! You did win! That's great!" Maizie said.
"We were going to check on you to see if the Pokéballs your grandpa was working on was finished yet," Kairi said.
"Well, he sent me to deliver them to you," Maizie said. She showed the newly forged Pokéballs to them. One was a Heavy Ball, two were Lure Balls, one was a Friend Ball, and there was one yellow with a black spot on the top and a V in the middle of the top of the Ball. "Two Lure Balls, a Heavy Ball, a Friend Ball and a Level Ball."
Kairi took a Lure Ball and Lana took another, Sora took a Friend Ball, Kiawe took a Level Ball and Hapu took a Heavy Ball.
"Thanks Maizie," Lana said.
"You're welcome," Maizie said.
"Well, now we should check out the shrine in the Illex Forest since winning the Badge. Maybe we can try our luck there and we can see what's inside the GS Ball," Sora said.
"It is on the way to the next town anyway," Lana said.
"The next Gym is in Goldenrod City. And I wish you luck on the way," Maizie said.
"Thanks Maizie," Sora said smiling.
Once Sora's Pokémon were healed up, the group said their goodbyes to Maizie and told her to tell Kurt that they said thanks. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, and the Alolan nine all entered the Illex Forest and wondered around looking for the shrine.
"Where do you think that shrine is?" Sophocles asked.
"Maizie did say it's a shrine to the legendary Pokémon Celebi," Kiawe pointed out.
"And it should be around here somewhere," Illima said.
The group made it to the shrine. It had two statues of Celebi at the sides. Sora placed the GS Ball on the shrine and then the GS Ball started moving around. Then suddenly without warning, the GS Ball had shattered to reveal Celebi itself.
Now that Celebi is let out, what will happen next? Just wait and see. Until the next time!