Episode 114: A New Species
A whole day came, meeting Davis's sister Jun, came and went since their unexpected stop at a Pokémon circus, and Totodile's infatuation with an Azumarill, things were quiet at the most part. Well... almost quiet since Team Rocket is just up ahead.
"I see them. Twerps ahoy!" Jessie said.
"After all the hell we've been through, it was worth it," Meowth said.
"And apart of having to pay Matori's Delibird with the funds we had from the money we just happen to steal from a bank," James said.
"Our debt was paid one way or the other," Meowth said.
"Yeah, I guess," James said.
"Quiet your blabbering! We have a job to do!" Jessie said. "Get ready to set it up!"
"Aye! Aye!" James and Meowth said. They were about to get started when they found that their mechanical equipment were damaged. It looked like they were eaten.
"What the hell?!" James exclaimed.
"What just happened?!" Meowth also exclaimed.
"All of our mechanics have been eaten!" Jessie also exclaimed.
"And we already spent a shitload of cash to getting it!" Meowth yelled. "How could this happen?!"
Team Rocket felt flabbergasted unknown to any of them, a bunch of small Pokémon with a gold head, which resembles a hex nut, and a glossy silver body. A black sphere floats in the center of their heads like a magnet; the sphere itself is the Pokémon's eye. A red cable sticks out from their backs, acting as a tail. One of them takes out a small screw and devours it. The Pokémon lets out a loud, but not a loud enough burp before it kept going.
Over to Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, the Alolan nine, Tai, Kari, Matt, TK, Sara, Izzy, Joe, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, and Jun, they all made a stop as they spotted a wild Hitmonchan doing some exercising by throwing a few punches in the air.
"That's definitely a wild Hitmonchan," Davis said.
"Yeah," Mina said.
"Hopefully not like the one Takuya tried to catch when we first met him," Sora remembered.
"Pika," Pikachu nodded.
Sora, Kairi, and the Alolan nine all remembered how that turned out when it belonged to a trainer named Anthony who was practicing for the P-1 Grand Prix. Sora figured he'd go with Marill since Fairy Type Pokémon has an advantage over Fighting Type Pokémon. Sora took out his Friend Ball and threw it.
"Okay Marill! Go for it!" Sora said as Marill is let out of the Friend Ball. Hitmonchan took notice of the aqua mouse Pokémon and moved in.
"Marill, Marill!" Marill chirped.
"Good thinking, Sora. A Fairy Type Pokémon is the way," Izzy said.
"Izzy's right. Good thinking," Kairi said.
Hitmonchan moved in and started up with his boxing glove emitting electricity.
"That Hitmonchan is starting up with a Thunder Punch!" Sophocles exclaimed.
"That can be very bad for Marill since she's weak against electric attacks," Davis said.
"Marill! Dodge and use Play Rough!" Sora called out. Marill did dodge and gave Hitmonchan a series of poundings to the punching Pokémon. "Nice! Now use Water Pulse!" Marill forms a ball of water and sends it to Hitmonchan.
"That Marill is doing a real number on that Hitmonchan," Jun said.
"You're right, Jun. But, I doubt Hitmonchan is going to take it lightly," Kiawe said.
Hitmonchan threw a punch with his glove emitting ice.
"Marill! Dodge that Ice Punch and counter with your Ice Punch!" Sora ordered. Marill barley dodges Hitmonchan's Ice Punch and gave him an Ice Punch of her own. When the attack had hit, Hitmonchan became frozen solid.
"Hitmonchan is frozen," TK said.
"Looks like he's got a chance," Sara said.
Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it at the frozen Hitmonchan making him flow inside. The Pokéball wobbles around for a bit. Stars swirls around the Pokéball confirming the catch.
"Gotcha! Hitmonchan is good as mine!" Sora said. His Pokédex starts buzzing asking him if he wants to keep Hitmonchan or send him to Professor Oak's lab. Sora chose to send Hitmonchan to Professor Oak's lab. He smiles because he had added another Fighting Type Pokémon to the team. "Good work, Marill! I knew you would come out smelling like a rose."
"Marill, Marill!" Marill said.
Sora was about to call Marill back when he heard someone clapping. It belonged to an old man with a long white goatee. He wore traditional Chinese clothes.
"Well done, grasshopper," the old man said. "Your battling skills are very impressive. The way you handled your Pokémon is living proof that you are one with your Pokémon. But, I wish to see it for myself." It was clear to Sora that he has been challenged into a battle.
"Well thanks, sir. I will have to warn you that I'm very good," Sora said.
"After that display, I don't doubt it. We shall use three Pokémon each," the old man proposed. "Before we begin, I shall introduce myself; I am Shang."
"The name's Sora," he introduced himself. "I'm ready when you are."
"I admire your spirit," Shang said taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Come forward, Crabomible!" The Pokéball opens and lets out his Crabomible. Sora knew which one he was going with.
"Okay Marill. You're going to be up. But, don't underestimate your opponent just because you have the edge in Type. Especially after your battle with Hitmonchan," Sora said.
"Rill," Marill nodded and entered the battle.
"Marill is a very good choice to go against that Crabomible," Lillie said.
"A very good choice," Mina said.
"Don't count out that Crabomible just yet. He looks like he has more experience in battle than Marill does," Kairi said.
"Togepi," Togepi chirped.
"I'm just a little curious. How can you tell what sex a Pokémon is?" Jun asked.
"I just can. There are some that have big giveaways to tell which was which. And Pikachu was very easy to tell," Kairi said.
"You shall have the honor of the first move, young Sora," Shang offered.
"Thanks Shang. Marill! Start things up with Water Pulse!" Sora ordered. Marill forms a fall of water and sends it at the wooly crab Pokémon.
"Crabomible! Use Frost Breath!" Shang ordered. Crabomible sends out on icy breath and it feezes Water Pulse into a ball of ice. It falls to the ground. "Now use Ice Hammer!" Crabomible's pincers emitted ice and headed towards Marill with intentions to strike at her.
"Marill! Dodge it! Now use Ice Punch!" Sora ordered.
Marill ran towards the woolly Pokémon and landed an icy punch. That attack makes barley hurts Crabomible, but that made him mad. Crabomible tries to strike at Marill, but she dodges the attacks. Sora quickly noticed how slow Crabomible was moving.
"Crabomible may have some experience, but it's so slow. Must have been fast when it was a Crabrawler," Sora said in his thoughts. "Better take advantage of this." Sora smirked. "Marill! Run circles around Crabomible; literally!" Marill ran around Crabomible. He tries to stop Marill, but she was just too fast.
"Why is Marill just running around like that?" Yolei asked.
"I think what it is," Illima spoke up. "Sora must have noticed Crabomible's speed and he's using it against him. An excellent strategy."
"Just like Ketchum to use his head. That Crabomible is getting wiped," Tai said. And he was right, Crabomible was starting to pant out of exhaustion. Each swing made him even more tired.
"Okay Marill! Play Rough!" Sora ordered. Marill jumps towards Crabomible and delivers a series of hits like with Hitmonchan. "Now use Ice Punch!" Marill's fist emitted ice and she lands a powerful hit on the woolly crab Pokémon knocking him out.
Shang pulls out Crabomible's Pokéball and calls him back, "Impressive. Using my Crabomible's slow speed to your advantage was clever." He takes out another Pokéball and threw it. "Now, Rhyhorn! Go forth!" The Pokéball lets out a Rhyhorn, skidding the ground upon entry. Sora saw how exhausted Marill was after doing all that running and decided to call her back. He pulls out her Friend Ball.
"Okay, Marill. Come on back," Sora said calling Marill back. He pulls out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go for it, Totodile!" The Pokéball opens and lets out Totodile; he did his little dance upon entry.
"So, using another Water Type Pokémon against my Rhyhorn is a wise choice, young man. But, my Rhyhorn is well trained when battling Water Types," Shang said.
"I don't doubt it," Sora said. Sora figured Rhyhorn had to know Electric Type attacks to deal with Totodile. He had to be ready for anything.
"Rhyhorn! Use Thunder Fang!" Shang ordered. Rhyhorn charged towards the crocodile Pokémon with its jaws emitting electricity.
"Totodile! Dodge it and use Water Gun!" Sora ordered. Totodile manages to dodge before Rhyhorn could land a hit with Thunder Fang. Totodile fires Water Gun and it washes Rhyhorn in it.
"Good work, Sora!" Mallow cheered.
"Score this one for Water Types everywhere!" Lana said.
"Stay on your toes!" Davis said.
"Rhyhorn! Megahorn!" Shang ordered. Rhyhorn charged with its horn giving off a light green glow. Totodile jumps to avoid Rhyhorn's attack and then leapt towards the rhino Pokémon with his teeth emitting ice and landed a chilling bite on Rhyhorn's leg.
"Was that?" Matt asked.
"It was," Lillie said. "Totodile had just learned to use Ice Fang!"
"And that's what I call a cold snap," Kari said.
"Totodile! Use Bite!" Sora ordered. Totodile gave another bite on the same leg as before. "Now use Ice Fang again! Aim at the horn!" Totodile did land Ice Fang on Rhyhorn's horn doing some heavy damage. "Now use Water Gun!" Totodile fires Water Gun it was enough to finish Rhyhorn off.
"Well done," Shang said calling back his Rhyhorn. "Your skills with your Pokémon are very impressive. But, the battle is not yet over." He took out one last Pokéball and threw it. "Go forth Poliwrath!" The Pokéball lets out a Poliwrath whom flexes its muscles upon entry. Sora calls back Totodile and looks to his partner.
"You up for it, Pikachu?" Sora asked.
"Pikachu," Pikachu nodded. He stand in front of the tadpole Pokémon ready to battle it.
"Your Pikachu is a wise choice. But, we shall see if it is enough," Shang said. "Poliwrath! Begin with Mud Bomb!" Poliwrath forms a ball of mud and sends it to Pikachu.
"Quick Pikachu! Use Quick Attack to dodge!" Sora called out. Pikachu manages to avoid the attack.
"That was close for comfort," Sophocles said.
"Yeah, but Pikachu should have the edge in against that Poliwrath," Davis said.
"That's right, Davis. But there are Water Type Pokémon that can learn Ground Type attacks to counter Electric Type Pokémon," Cody said.
"Cody is right. But that's when they can use certain moves. Just was well Water Types can use Ice Type attacks to counter Grass Types," Illima said.
"Poliwrath! Superpower!" Shang had ordered. Poliwrath flexes its muscles and its body gives off a light blue aura. Poliwrath moves in to make a devastating blow onto Pikachu.
"Okay Pikachu! Dodge and use Electro Ball!" Sora ordered. Pikachu forms a ball of electricity from hisbtail and sends it to Poliwrath. Once Electro Ball had hit, Poliwrath's Superpower was cancelled out. "Now use Thunderbolt! Turn up the juice!" Pikachu gave it everything he had and gave Poliwrath a powerful Thunderbolt shocking it good. Poliwrath fell to the ground, down and out. Shang calls back his fallen Poliwrath and smiles.
"Well done," Shang said. "You have proven to me that you are one with your Pokémon. Well done." Shang bowed his head with respect and took his leave.
Not too far away, the little hex nut Pokémon all march through the woods searching for more metal to devour. But as they went deeper and deeper, a Murkrow is perching on a tree branch, then something caught its eyes. They appear to be sparkling and shining. Murkrow dove down towards the little metal Pokémon making them scattering.
One of the little Pokémon is separated from the group and ran pretty fast for a little Pokémon. A Rattata scares the little Pokémon making it run faster. It makes a stop to catch its breath. It felt so scared and alone. But, its fears suddenly disappears when it spots a bunch of humans and two Pokémon. What caught its eye was the crown-shaped object hanging from around the neck of one of them. It wags its wire-like tail panting hungrily.
It dashes over to the group with lightning speed hoping to get to the metal delicacy before they went too far. The group managed to reach a nearby Pokémon Center with the tiny Pokémon following them. Sora had set down his backpack and the little Pokémon went inside to see if there were metal inside.
Sora had his Pokémon checked in to Nurse Joy, the same for Kairi, Tai, and the Alolan nine; he gave off a loud sigh finally resting his feet.
"Man. I needed to sit after going that long way," Sora said.
"Well, we have been on our feet all day," Kairi said. Sora places his arm around his girlfriend.
"But it was totally worth it just as long it's with you," Sora said smiling. Kairi smiled back as he kissed her on the check making her giggle from the affection. All the girls all looked upon the couple smiling warmly.
Inside of Sora's backpack, the little Pokémon sighed sadly since it couldn't find any metal to eat and grew hungry. It looked around at the contents and not one of it was metal. The small Pokémon popped its head out looking around for anything metal. It spotted an opened toolbox and spins its hex nut head as it dashes over to the toolbox and started to devour the metal inside. Once it had eaten its fill, the little Pokémon returns to Sora's backpack to get some sleep for some reason, it found Sora's backpack comfortable.
A man walks back to the bench where he set his toolbox and gasped in shock and horror to discover all of his tools are gone. The metal part of the screwdrivers and all the heads on the hammers were gone, like they were eaten.
"WHAT THE HELL?! MY TOOLS ARE GONE!" The exclaimed. "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO ALL OF MY TOOLS!" He searched frantically wondering what happened. Ken and Yolei took notice and went over to the man.
"Excuse us. Is something wrong?" Ken asked.
"All my tools are gone! I don't know how this could have happened! I have been so very careful with all these tools after all these years!" The man explained. "All the screwdrivers don't have any drivers on them and all my hammers are now headless!"
"Who would go around stealing a bunch of tools?" Yolei asked. "It doesn't make any sense."
"You're right, missy. But, I'm so glad that my old man ain't around to see this, because he will never let me live it down," the man said.
"We'll keep an eye out for someone with so much a bolt in their hand," Ken said.
"Thanks kids. I really appreciate it," the man said.
Once all of the Pokémon were at a hundred percent, Sora decided to do some training for his upcoming Gym battle. He let out Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Gligar, and Marill for some exercise.
"Okay guys. We have gotta practice to be on our toes. Not because of our Gym match, but against any other Pokémon trainer coming our way," Sora said. "Pikachu, you try dodging Cyndaquil's Flamethrower; and Cyndaquil, you can dodge Pikachu's Thunderbolt. Chikorita, you can try dodging Totodile's Water Gun; and Totodile you can dodge Chikorita's Razor Leaf. Gligar, you try to dodge Marill's Bubble Beam; and Marill, you can try to dodge Gligar's air assault. Is everybody clear?" All of Sora's Pokémon nodded. "Then let's get started. Go!" All of Sora's Pokémon did the exact moves they were instructed to use.
Pikachu and Cyndaquil dodges each other's moves, but the cascade of fire and electricity was something to beheld. The same can be said for Chikorita, Totodile, Gligar, and Marill. Totodile danced around for a bit annoying Chikorita and Gligar did slip a few times, but manages to dust himself off.
"They're getting better in their practice," Ken said.
"We all saw it when Sora battled in the Indigo Platue," Sara said.
"Yeah," Mina said.
"And that Edgar guy in the final round was nothing to sneeze at," Joe said.
"You should have met him before the tournament started," Kairi said. The thirteen kids all turned to her. "Edgar gave it everything he had and Sora still beat him. That second battle with him was something he was looking forward to."
Sora and his Pokémon had practiced a bit when Ethan and his Quilava had come along. He smiled and approached him.
"Hey Sora!" Ethan called out. Sora turned to face him. Kairi, the Alolan nine, Tai, Kari, Matt,TK, Sara, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, and Jun all turned to him and his Quilava. "I was hoping that I'll see you again."
"Ethan! Quilava!" Sora recognized.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu greeted.
"Training hard, I see," Ethan said giving him a handshake.
"You know it," Sora said.
"Who is that?" Tai asked.
"That would be Ethan. He's a Pokémon trainer we met on our way to Azalea Town," Kairi said. "And that Quilava was the Cyndaquil he got from Professor Elm."
"I thought he was a trainer. Judging by how that Quilava looks," Tai said.
Ethan turned to Kairi and the Alolan nine and he noticed some unfamiliar faces with them.
"So, who are they?" Ethan asked.
"They're friends of ours," Sora said as he and Ethan walked up to them. "Ethan, let me introduce you to Tai, Kari, Matt, TK, Sara, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, and, Jun. Guys, meet Ethan."
"It's good to meet you, Ethan," Tai greeted.
"Same with you," Ethan.
"So Ethan. How do you know Sora?" Davis asked.
"Well, I met Sora and the rest when I challenged Sora to a battle. I lost," Ethan said. "I have to admit, there was no shame to losing to a great trainer like Sora. We met again when he reached Azalea Town when Team Rocket were at the Slowpoke Well poaching all of the Slowpoke living there."
"Team Rocket?" Kari asked surprised. "Poaching the Slowpoke?"
"It's true. Lyra, Kris, and Riku were with us when it happened," Illima said. "Among them happens to be someone who goes by Proton. He and his forces had left when we thwarted them."
"Also with us was the Pokéball mechanics expert Kurt," Lillie said. "He forged some Pokéballs for us as a way of saying thanks."
"I just can't believe there's someone out there who would go around and taking Pokémon and make them do bad things," Ethan said.
"I couldn't believe it either," Cody said.
"But at least they're out of our hair for now anyway. Because we have enough problems other than Ultra Beasts coming into our world," Kiawe said.
"Just like those ones you guys dealt with," Izzy pointed out. Izzy stroked his chin. "I would like to study those Ultra Wormholes."
"Not sure that would be a good idea," Sophocles stated.
"I'm gonna side with Sophocles with this one," Lana agreed.
"Especially with a bunch Nihilego or just about any kind of Ultra Beast that just come out without warning," Acerola said.
Jun and Ethan were at a loss about what Ultra Beasts were. Jun remembered hearing about them from Lillie and about why they're cathing them and sending them back, all except for that one Poipole.
Ethan remembered hearing about them from Lyra when she and Kris pitched in to contain Blacephalon and Xurkitree with Nancy on the scene. Ethan decided that he shouldn't be dwelling on it so much.
"So Sora. I just figured you would like to have a practice battle with me," Ethan offered.
"Sure Ethan. I'm game," Sora said.
"Just don't expect me to pull any punches with you," Ethan said.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Sora said. "How many?"
"One-on-one good for you?" Ethan asked.
"I had a feeling you would go with that," Sora said. "Since we're going one-on-one, I'm going with Pikachu."
"Then my Pokémon is gonna be Quilava," Ethan said. He turned to his partner. "You up for it, buddy?"
"Quilava!" Ethan's partner nodded. The volcano Pokémon looked over to Pikachu ready for the rematch against the Electric Type. "Lava, Quilava."
"Pi, Pikachu," Pikachu said.
Both trainers got to the battlefield with Kairi, Togepi, the rest watching the battle about to start. Sora had chosen Pikachu and Ethan had chosen Quilava.
"Quilava! Go!" Ethan shouted out as Quilava charged towards Pikachu.
"Okay Pikachu! Go for it!" Sora also shouted as Pikachu charged towards Quilava. Both were matching speed for speed.
"Quilava! Flame Wheel!" Ethan ordered. Quilava rolled into a ball of fire and headed towards the yellow mouse Pokémon.
"Pikachu! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu manages to avoid Quilava's Flame Wheel attack. "Now use Electro Ball!" Pikachu forms Electro Ball from his tail and sends it towards Quilava.
"Quilava! Block it Flame Burst!" Ethan ordered. Flames were ignited on Quilava's head and rear as a fireball is formed above him. Quilava hurled the fireball and it cancels out Pikachu's Electro Ball resulting in an explosion.
"Did you see that? Ethan is really getting into it," Yolei said.
"I know right? I don't doubt Ethan trained since they last met," Mallow said.
"We kinda saw it when he and Sora battled Proton," Kairi said. "I could tell how Quilava grew stronger since evolving from Cyndaquil."
"Quilava! Use Quick Attack!" Ethan ordered. Quilava ran fast across the battlefield.
"Let's match speed with speed! Pikachu! You use Quick Attack too!" Sora called out. Pikachu ran across the battlefield the same fashion as Quilava. Once again, they matched speed for speed.
"Is anybody getting dizzy just watching this?" Davis asked.
"I know I am," Mina said.
"Those two are moving faster than a couple of rockets. The fur is really flying out there," Acerola said.
"Fur followed by sparks and fire," TK said.
"I gotta admire Ethan's spirit. His flames are burning just as passionately as Quilava's," Kiawe said.
"Why is Ethan looking at that Quilava with so much interest?" Jun asked.
"Kiawe came from a long line of Pokémon trainers whom specializes with Fire Types. He became inspired when he saw his grandfather's Charizard take on a an Electivire and won," Hapu explained. "I never met the guy, but he and my grandfather go way back. They were good friends back then."
"Okay Quilava! Flame Wheel!" Ethan ordered. Quilava rolled into a huge fireball once again and headed towards Pikachu. Sora had an ace up his sleeve.
"Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt, but aim for the ground!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt and it struck the ground. As soon as Quilava got to the hole left by Pikachu, Quilava tumbled making the flames cease. "Now use Iron Tail!" Pikachu's tail gave off a metallic glow and slams right into Quilava striking him hard. Quilava was knocked out.
"No way! I lost again!" Ethan said.
"You did great, Ethan. You're getting better every time we meet. Those attacks just proves it," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Thanks Sora. Just you wait. I'm going to beat you next time!" Ethan said shaking SoraSora's hand.
"Just don't expect me to make it easy for you when you try," Sora said. Ethan took out some Super Potion and sprayed it on Quilava. He said his goodbyes to the group and took off. Sora turned to his partner. "I bet you can use some pepping up too, huh?"
"Pikachu, Pika!" Pikachu nodded.
"Great! Just gotta get something out of my backpack and give it to you," Sora said as he placed his hand inside. Sora suddenly felt something unusual inside the backpack. "What the?" He pulled out what he was touching. It happens to be the little Pokémon. "What is this?"
Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, the Alolan nine, Tai, Kari, Matt, TK, Sara, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, and Jun all saw what Sora had pulled out.
"Where did you get that thing, Sora? Don't tell me that you're starting to collect junk too?" Kairi asked.
"I don't think I am. And I never seen this thing before in my life," Sora said.
"Something is dangling from the bottom," Lillie said. Davis went over and started poking at it.
"What is that? It's kinda squishy," Davis said poking the Pokémon.
"Let me feel it," Mallow said.
"Me too," Lana said.
"Let me see that," Acerola joined in on the poking. The small Pokémon didn't like the poking it was getting from the human's fingers.
"Feels kinda nice," Davis said.
"There's a weird wire coming out of it," Yolei said pulling the wire tail.
"And what's with this ball thing?" Kiawe said touching the eye. "What is it all about?"
The little Pokémon had enough of the poking and pulling as it started moving startling everyone. The little Pokémon fired Flash Cannon from the hex nut eye. Everyone freaked out as Sora tossed in the air. Kari manages to catch it.
"Was that Flash Cannon?!" Joe exclaimed.
"It couldn't have used Flash Cannon unless, it's a Pokémon!" Tai said.
"But what kind of Pokémon is it? Do you know Lillie?" Kiawe said.
"To be honest, I don't have any idea," Lillie admitted.
"Izzy. What do you think it is?" Mimi asked.
"I don't have the slightest clue. I don't think I have ever seen this kind of Pokémon before in my life," Izzy said.
"What about you, Ken?" TK asked.
"I'm just as stumped as Izzy. Not even my late brother Sam could make heads or tails of this Pokémon; whatever it is," Ken said.
"Maybe we don't need Izzy or Ken for this, because we can just find out with the Pokédex," Sora said pulling out his Pokédex and pointed at the Pokémon. The image on the Pokédex is just a question mark.
No sufficient data available.
"What?! I don't get it! Even the Pokédex doesn't know what it is!" Sora said.
"There's a surprise," Matt said.
"That thing doesn't know what that Pokémon is?" Jun asked.
"I think I have an idea why that is. It's possible this could be a brand new kind of Pokémon," Lillie guessed.
"A brand new kind of Pokémon?" Kairi asked.
"And we just discovered it," Hapu said.
"Yeah," Mina said.
"Never thought any of us could do that," Matt said.
"Why did it attack us like that?" Mimi asked.
"I think it had to be from the attention Davis, Mallow, Lana, Acerola, and Yolei were giving overstimulating it. I think we should be careful around it," Illima said.
"Well, whatever it is, I think it's kinda cute," Kari said.
"I'm with her," Kairi agreed. "Maybe we can win it over with some food." Kairi handed Togepi to Lillie and took out a piece of Pokémon food and held it in front of the little Pokémon. It smells the food to get the scent. It sneered the Pokémon food refusing to eat it. Kairi hung her head defeat. "I just don't get it. It never failed before " Sora went over to Kairi trying to comfort her.
"There, there, Kairi. You gave it your best shot," Sora said. The little Pokémon saw the crown necklace and struggled to get out of Kari's hand.
"Wait a minute! Don't get excited!" Kari told the little Pokémon. It breaks free of Kari's hold and jumped onto Sora's head. "I think it likes you, Sora."
"You think so?" Sora asked. The small Pokémon climbed down to where the necklace is and wags its wire tail. Sora saw what it was doing and heard it smack its non-existent lips. He gasped and quickly took off his necklace. "Hey! My necklace is not on the menu!" The little Pokémon moved to his right hand to get to the crown necklace only for Sora to move it to his left hand. "I said no!" Sora kept moving around and around. "Come on! Take a hint! Leave my necklace alone!"
"I think it's Sora's necklace that little thing was interested in," Kairi said.
"Can't blame a girl for trying," Kari said. Ken stroked his chin when he heard Sora said his necklace not being on the menu. Ken turned to Davis.
"Hey Davis. Do you still have those old toenail clippers?" Ken asked.
"Yeah. I was gonna throw them away, but I keep forgetting. Why?" Davis asked as he took out the toenail clippers.
"Good! Because I have an experiment to conduct," Ken said taking the clippers. He whislted to the small Pokémon. "Yoo-hoo!" This caught the small Pokémon's attention eyeing the toenail clippers in his hand. "Come and get it!" The small Pokémon climbed down from Sora and wag its wire tail wanting the piece of metal. Ken handed the clippers as it happily ate it. "I knew it! It does eat metal!"
"Ken? What does that have to do with anything?" Yolei asked.
"Remember that guy back in the Pokémon Center?" Ken asked.
"You mean the guy going on about his tools?" Yolei asked.
Ken nodded, "I think this might be the tool thief. It stole all those tools. Or to be more accurate, it ate those tools."
"Why would eat all those tools?" Davis asked.
"All those tools are made of metal," Ken said. "So, I'm going to guess that it could be a Steel Type."
"I'm thinking the same thing," Lana said.
"We now know what it eats," Sora said putting his necklace back on. "But what's with the cord?"
"I think it might be its tail," Cody said.
"So what other attacks can it use?" Sara asked. Sora took out his Pokédex to see.
"According to the Pokédex, it says it knows Headbutt, Flash Cannon, Thunder Shock, and Harden," Sora said.
"It can use Electric Type attacks as well?" Sophocles asked.
"That Flash Cannon looked like it would have blown our heads off," Matt said.
"It was wagging its wire tail, so it was happy when Ken offered Davis's clippers to it," Jun said.
"I think it meant that it's happy," Kairi said.
"But what's with the black ball in the center?" Mallow asked.
"Maybe it could be its eye," Kiawe said.
"It does look like it's floating. Why is that?" Kari asked.
"Maybe it's magnetism," Sophocles said. "Wait! I know! Magnemite!" Sophocles took out Magnemite's Pokéball and let the magnet Pokémon out. "Magnemite can use magnetism as well And magnetism can only work on metal. Okay Magnemite. Do your thing!"
"Magnemite," Magnemite said.
The magnet Pokémon used its magnetism on the little Pokémon making it stick to one of the magnets on the side.
"Propokus! It worked! Ken was right! It is a Steel Type!" Izzy said typing on his laptop. Lillie was taking notes of her own.
"Where did it come from?" Sara asked.
"That's a good question," Tai said. "What do you think we should do, Ketchum?"
"We should tell this to Professor Oak about this," Sora said. "I know for certain that he'll be in for quite a surprise when he sees this."
"But, what do we call it?" TK asked. Sora thought for a moment letting TK's question sink in. It's body looked like metled metal and has a hex nut for a head and only one thing comes to mind.
"I think we should call it, Meltan," Sora said.
"Meltan?" Everyone questioned.
"Well, yeah. And since it has a hex nut head, it should be classified as the Hex Nut Pokémon," Sora said. He turned to the newly discovered Pokémon. "What do you say, Meltan? Wanna come with us?" Meltan looked at him and then started to spin its hex nut head.
"What's it doing now?" Tai asked.
"I think it's spinning its head," Lillie said. "It must be how it communicates."
"Propokus! I can't seem to get enough of this," Izzy said as he kept typing on his laptop.
Meanwhile, Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Azurill were walking along the road as Takato, Guil, Henry, Rika, Jeri, Kazu, Kenta, Takuya, Koji, Kouichi, Tommy, Zoe, JP, Mime Jr., and Munchlax had joined them. Susie had to head home, but the rest tagged along with the trio and met up with Takuya and the rest at some point. They joined up with Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Azurill just days after the Wooper school incident.
As they walked down the road, Eevee ears perked up.
"Eev!" Eevee said.
"What's up Eevee?" Riku asked.
"Eevee! Vee, Eevee, vee!" Eevee said. Eevee jumped off of Riku's shoulders and Riku ran after his partner.
"Eevee! Wait up!" Riku called out to his partner.
"Riku!" Naminé called after her boyfriend.
"Azurill!" Azurill chirped liking the running Naminé was doing thinking it was a fun ride. Takato, Guil, Henry, Rika, Jeri, Kenta, Kazu, Takuya, Koji, Kouichi, Tommy, Zoe, JP, Mime Jr., and Munchlax followed the couple and the evolution Pokémon. Eevee made it to a stranded truck on the side with a man wearing a man with brown hair and black eyes wearing a gray buttoned shirt with a dark blue tie and brown pants with a black belt also wearing black shoes.
"What the hell is the matter with this thing?! I just made my last payment on this thing!" The man exclaimed. "If only I didn't agree to come down to Johto all because of strange Pokémon sightings, I would have gone for a vacation." He sighs. "If only I still had that recording of migrating Bouffalant, I would have repeated I'm a happy little Bouffalant to myself." He steps outside of his vehicle to check the engine.
"Eevee!" The man turned to see the Eevee standing next to him. "Eevee! Eev, Eev, Eevee, vee!"
"Go away, Eevee. I can't play now!" The man said trying to shoo Eevee away, but he just stood there. "I said go away. Go on! Shoo!"
"Eevee!" Riku called out to his partner. The man sees a bunch of kids and three more Pokémon coming their way. "Sorry about that. I don't know what got into my Eevee."
"I had a feeling this one was yours. Judging by the hairstyle," the man pointed out to his and Eevee's hairstyle. "You think you can call off your Eevee, just so as I can check my engine?"
"Sure," Riku said. He tried to get Eevee to obey him. "Come on, Eevee. Let's go." Eevee just refused. "Eevee! I said come on!" Riku tried to pick up Eevee, but he dashed pass his trainer and bashed the vehicle. "Eevee! Cut that out!" The bashes causes a bunch of Meltan to swarm out and start fleeing. "What the?!"
"What are those things?" Tommy asked.
"I have no idea," Henry said.
All the Meltan retreated to Mime Jr. and Munchlax. Riku turned to his partner.
"Is that what you were trying to tell me?" Riku asked his partner.
"Vee!" Eevee nodded.
"That explains it," the man said before he checked the engine and saw the state it was in. "What the?! Did those little things to this to my engine?!" Everyone looked at the Meltan. Kazu and Kenta had a look inside.
"Man, they did a number on the engine," Kazu said.
"It's almost like they were eating it," Kenta said.
"You've gotta be kidding. They ate the engine?" The man questioned.
"At least we know they eat metal," Riku said. "Professor Kukui would be amazed by this."
Team Rocket managed to see Riku and the rest.
"Not the usual twerps, but twerps are twerps," Jessie said.
"Along with brand new Pokémon for us to catch," James said.
"The boss will pay us with a huge bonus for a brand new species!" Meowth said. "Plus an Eevee, a Mime Jr., a Munchlax, and a Charmeleon to boot."
"Wobbufett!" Wobbufett said, popping out of his Pokéball.
"Then let's get cracking!" Jessie said. A few minutes later, firecrackers start going off.
"Now what?!" The man exclaimed. Familiar laughter is heard.
"We're what's what," Jessie called out.
"Oh no," Riku groaned. "Not them again."
"Who?" The man asked.
"Prepare for trouble, we're who," Jessie started..
"And make it double, what's it to you?" James finished with a rhyme.
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all peoples within our nation!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
"Meowth! That's right!"
"Wobbufett!"
"Team Rocket!" The kids exclaimed.
"Char!" Guil also exclaimed
"Mime Jr!" Mime Jr. said.
"Munchlax!" Munchlax added.
"Eevee!" Eevee said!
"What do you losers want now?" Riku hissed.
"It's quite simple. We want all those Pokémon," Jessie said pointing to the Meltan.
"And we'll be helping ourselves to Eevee, Azurill, Charmeleon, Mime Jr., and Munchlax as well," James added.
"So just make it easy for us and just hand em over," Meowth said.
"Wobbufett," Wobbufett said.
"No way in hell," Riku said taking out two Pokéballs. "Salandit, Gliscor! Go!" The Pokéballs opens and lets out his Salandit and Gliscor. Jessie and James took out their own Pokéballs.
"Then it looks like a battle is on! Arbok! Go!" Jessie said throwing her Pokéball.
"Weezing! Victreebel! You join in too!" James said throwing his Pokéballs. The Pokéballs opens and lets out the three Pokémon only for Victreebel to chomp on James's head. "No, no, no! Not me! How many times do we have to go over this!"
"Let's make this quick! Salandit! Use Dragon Rage and Gliscor! Use X-Scissor!" Riku ordered. Both of his Pokémon launched their attacks on the Team Rocket Pokémon sending them back. Unknown to anyone, Snubbull came to the scene finally to have found Meowth. The fairy Pokémon runs towards Meowth gave him a bite on the tail.
"YEOW!" Meowth screamed in pain. "Get off my tail! Get off my tail!" Meowth ran around trying to get Snubbull off his tail. Guil grabs Snubbull and pulls the fairy Pokémon making Meowth yelps even worse. "Hey! Quit yanking! You're making it worse!" Takuya pulls out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Aguni! Help out Guil!" Takuya said letting out Aguni.
"Charmander," Aguni said assisting Guil by pulling Snubbull. Mime Jr. and Munchlax joins in on the pulling. The pulls got worse with each yank.
"GUYS! QUIT YOUR PULLING!" Meowth shouted. The four Pokémon managed to get the bulldog-like Pokémon off and the man managed to catch the Snubbull.
"Nice catch," Tommy complimented.
"Thanks," he said.
"Now that Snubbull is out of harm's way, we'll have to finish this," Takuya said.
"You're right," Takato agreed. "Guil! Use Flamethrower!"
"Aguni! You use Flamethrower too!" Takuya ordered.
The Charmanader and Charmeleon fired their Flamethrower attacks right at Team Rocket also the Meltan jumped right beside them and all fired Flash Cannon right at Team Rocket as well. The attacks collided together and strikes Team Rocket sending them flying.
"Just once can't we ever catch a break?" Jessie groaned.
"No bonus for us," James said.
"Just be glad you two don't have any tails," Meowth said rubbing his tail.
"TEAM ROCKET IS BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Rocket as they went flying.
"Wobbu!" Wobbufett said as a star twinkles in the distance. Snubbull struggles to get out of the man's grip.
"Hey, Snubbull, take it easy! Don't struggle so much!" The man said. Snubbull breaks out of his hold and runs off in the direction where Team Rocket had blasted off.
"Snubbull! Snubbull!" Snubbull shouted.
Everyone was at a shock about why Snubbull would just run off just like that.
"I don't get it. Why would that Snubbull just run off like that?" Jeri asked.
"I don't get it either," Naminé said.
"I think that Snubbull has a thing for Meowth. I think it's pretty cute, if you ask me," Zoe said.
"Well, let's focus on these little guys right here," Kenta said. "Hard to believe they took on Team Rocket like that."
"They did," Henry said. "And judging by how they look, they must be Steel Type Pokémon."
"Okay, the eat metal and they're Steel Type. But, what are they?" Rika asked.
"I don't have the slightest idea. I can only think of one possibility," Henry said. "These can be a brand new species of Pokémon. And we have just discovered it."
"You sure they're not Ultra Beasts?" Tommy asked.
"I don't think they are," Riku said. "Also, I would have gotten word from Lusamine about it."
"Well, this new species just ate my engine like it was a pot roast," the man said looking at his engine. All the kids looked at the engine.
"It's hard to believe something so small can cause a problem this big," Koji said.
"Especially when in a group," Kouichi said.
"I just can't believe those little guys could pack so much power," Takato said. "That Flash Cannon was something."
"Charmeleon," Guil said.
"But, you gotta admit, they're pretty cute," Zoe said.
"You sure?" Rika asked skeptically.
Everyone looked at the Meltan wondering what to make of them. Before they could anything, the Meltan all just take off from them.
Back at the Pokémon Center, Sora along with Tai and Davis are about to make contact with Professor Oak about the incredible discovery. They waited a few minutes until Professor Oak had answered.
"Ah, Sora. Good to hear from you. And I can see Tai and Davis are with you as well," Professor Oak said.
"And you should know the others aren't far behind," Sora said.
"Hey Professor Oak," Davis greeted.
"Haven't seen you since that party you hosted in Ketchum's honor," Tai said.
"Well, it's wonderful to see you again," Professor Oak turned to Sora. "May I ask for the reason for the call?"
"Well, professor, we all made a pretty big discovery," Sora said.
"A pretty big discovery you say?" Professor Oak asked.
"Let's just say, that you have to see it to believe it," Sora said taking Meltan out of his backpack and showing him the new Pokémon.
"My word! This is quite a discovery!" Professor Oak said.
"Izzy is sending you the data we collected about it. Also, we're calling it 'Meltan' and classified it as the Hex Nut Pokémon. A Steel Type," Sora said.
"You can tell Izzy that I appreciate the data, just as I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. I shall begin my analysis as soon as I receive the collected data," Professor Oak said.
"Thanks professor. I'll let you get to it," Sora said. Both Sora and the professor broke contact.
The new species Meltan has been discovered. What will Sora do with the one he already has with him. Just wait and find out.