Episode 123: The Return of Duplica
A couple of days had passed since running into Gary, Ethan, and the capture of Celesteela. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, and the Alolan nine bumped into Tai, Kairi, Matt, TK, Sara, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, and Jun along the way.
"Hello again, Ketchum," Tai greeted.
"It's been since Goldenrod City," Sora said.
"We heard you on the radio," TK said.
"And we gotta admit, the way you pretended to be nervous was pretty funny," Davis laughed hard.
"I didn't think it was that funny," Jun deadpanned.
"So what have you been up to?" Joe asked.
"Had a run-in with another Ultra Beast of that sums it up," Sora said. Jun blinked twice.
"Ultra what?" Jun asked.
"They are those Pokémon which has been making an appearance lately," Izzy said. "Gotta admit, I have been interested in them ever since hearing about them."
Sora didn't doubt it for a second, but he knew it was too risky even when he has a Poipole of his own. But, he knew it wouldn't stop Izzy from doing some research on the matter.
"Is that right?" Jun asked.
"But, how did you get it?" Matt asked. Sora looked at him blunty.
"We had a little help from an unexpected source," Sora said refering to Gary.
Tai smiled and nodded not finding it surprising that he would pull through even when he is pinned down. Sora had taken out his Pokédex and made an exchange of Cyndaquil, Totodile, and Silvally for Teddiursa, Phanpy, and Gligar. As the group continued on they came across a girl around Sora's age and she chellenged him to a battle.
"At last I found you! The Indigo Plateu Pokémon League Champion! I have found you at last!" The girl called out to him.
"And who are you?" Sora asked.
"My name is Christina and I am on a mission to challenge the mightest Pokémon trainers I can find and you've hit my radar!" Christina proclaimed. Now I challenge you to a full six-on-six battle. Do you accept my challenge?"
"I'll accept it. I'm just hoping you can make this a fun battle for me," Sora said. Christina grinned as she looked at him.
"I like your attitude, Mr. Champion," Christina said taking out her first Pokéball. "Now get ready! Go for it, Murkrow!" She threw her Pokéball letting out a Murkrow. This Murkrow has a small "hat" on the head. Sora took out his Pokédex.
Murkrow, the Darkness Pokémon
Type: Dark/Flying
Murkrow was feared and loathed as the alleged bearer of ill fortune. This Pokémon shows strong interest in anything that sparkles or glitters. It will even try to steal rings from women.
"And it's supposed to be the Darkness Pokémon," Sora said putting his Pokédex away. He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go for it Gligar!" The Pokéball opens and it lets out his Gligar as he stuck out his tongue with a wink.
"So it's another Flying Type against my Murkrow? Thought you were sending in your Pikachu for this," Christina said.
"Just thought we have the first round on an even level. Afterall, the sky's the limit," Sora said. Christina chuckles.
"I can go with that. Murkrow! Night Shade!" Christina ordered as Murkrow fired a black stream from its eyes.
"Gligar! Dodge it!" Sora called out as Gligar had avoided Murkrow's attack. "Now move in with Steel Wing!" Gligar dives towards the crow Pokémon with incredible speed.
"Murkrow! You use Steel Wing too!" Murkrow flew towards Gligar and they collided their attacks and they are both pushed bak.
"Now use another Steel Wing!" Sora called out as Gligar flies to Murkrow to git the crow Pokémon again, but Christina has a trick up her sleeve.
"Use Torment!" Christina ordered. Murkrow's eyes glows red and glares at Gligar making him stop using Steel Wing.
"Why didn't Gligar use Steel Wing again?" Davis asked.
"It was because of Torment. It keeps the opponent from using the same attacks twice in a row," Lillie said.
"Sora is gonna have to think of a new plan and fast," Hapu said.
"Gligar! Use Slash!" Sora ordered. Gligar flew towards Murkrow to deliver a slash attack on it.
"Murkrow! Night Shade!" Christina ordered. Murkrow fired Night Shade, but the fly scorpion Pokémon avoids the attack and swipes his claw at the crow Pokémon.
"Steel Wing!" Sora ordered. Gligar hits Murkrow hard with his metalized wings with speed on his side. "Now use X-Scissor!" Gligar moved his pincers back and swiped them down to form an X hitting Murkrow making fall to the ground knocking it out. She calls back her Murkrow.
"Impressive. You trained your Gligar well," Christina said taking out another Pokéball. "Get ready for my next one. She threw it "Go Furret!" Her Pokéball opens and reveals a ferret-like Pokémon. It has long, dark brown/tan fur, 7 rings on its body, no visible nose, and four brown, whisker-like marks on its cheeks. It also has small limbs. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.
Furret, the Long Body Pokémon
The evolved form of Sentret
Type: Normal
Furret has a very slim build. When under attack, it can slickly squirm through narrow spaces and get away. In spite of its short limbs, this Pokémon is very nimble and fleet.
"So that's what Sentret evolves into," Sora said in his thoughts. "I'll have to match speed with speed." He calls back Gligar and looks to Pikachu. "You ready for this, buddy?"
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu nodded.
"I knew I can count on you. Go for it!" Sora said as Pikachu entered the battle. Christina smiled.
"Pikachu is the one Pokémon I wanted to battle since hearing about how it took down two Mega Evolved Pokémon back at the Indigo Plateu finals. And those are hard to take down," Christina said.
"My Pikachu can do anything when he sets his mind on anything," Sora said.
"I don't doubt it for a second. But, you should know that ferrets eats mice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner," Christina said in a cackle.
"Well, this little entree's fighting back," Sora said. "Pikachu! Quick Attack!" Pikachu ran across the battle.
"Furret! Quick Attack!" Christina ordered. Furret ran at a speed almost equal as Pikachu's speed. Sora knew Furret was fast, but it was much faster than he thought. Both Pokémon matched their speed with their speed, neither one was gaining an edge over the other.
"Those two are really fast," TK said.
"Indeed. It looks like it could last for hours," Illima said.
"Furret! Use Fury Swipes!" Christine ordered. Furret moved around to swipe at Pikachu.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu moved swiftly as the ferret Pokémon swipes its little claws at the yellow moue Pokémon. "Thunderbolt!" Pikachu's cheeks cackled with electricity and let out Thunderbolt to shock Furret. Furret fel to the ground, but Sora knew Furret was down, but it wasn't out. Furret slowly gets back up still willing to fight even after taking a serious blow from Pikachu's attack.
"Furret! Water Pulse!" Christina ordered. Furret forms a ball of water and hurled it at Pikachu. Sora remebered that there was a chance that attack will cause confusion to a Pokémon when it hits. Furrt threw the ball of water at its yellow opponent.
"Pikachu! Dodge it quickly!" Sora called out as Pikachu had narrowly avoided Water Pulse. It was too close for comfort, but he had to end it before what other nasty surprises she had in store for him. "Pikachu! Quick Attack!" Pikachu ran across the ground.
"That trick again? Furret! Quick Attack!" Christina ordered. Furret ran across the ground just the same speed as before and Sora knew he had her Furret where he wanted it.
"Okay Pikachu! Iron Tail!" Sora called out. Christina was caught off guard as Pikachu just jumped in the air and landed an Iron Tail on Furret's head. Furret's speed was Furret's weakness as Sora figured that it ran so fast, it became oblivious to the danger it was getting itself into. "Now use Electro Ball!" Pikachu forms a ball of Electricity and hurls it at the ferret Pokémon and hits it hard knocking it out.
"That wasn't bad, Sora," Christina said calling back her Furret. Sometimes my Furret runs so fast it forgets what it's doing. It was clever of you to take advantage of the situation like that." She took out another Pokéball. "But, my next one isn't so careless." She threw her Pokéball. "Go for it, Graveler!" Her Pokéball opens and lets out a huge Graveler, but it was brown and starts swirls around the Pokémon upon entry.
"Propokus, a Shiny Graveler!" Izzy said in amazement.
"And it's a big one too," Hapu said.
"Knowing Sora, he'll just make a switch since he knows Electric Type attacks won't have any effect on it," Sophocles said. Sora looked at Pikachu and saw how exhausted he was from doing all that running while battling Furret. He thought he'd better switch with Phanpy since Ground Type Pokémon like Phanpy has a better chance to beating a Rock Type Pokémon like Graveler.
"Okay Pikachu. Come on back," Sora said as he returned to his side. He pats Pikachu on the head. You did great, Pikachu. You should rest up after that running you did."
"Pika," Pikachu said in a pant. He placed him next to Kairi since he knew she can take care of her. Pikachu climbed up her shoulder since holding Togepi in her arms. He took out his Pokéball and threw it. "Okay Phanpy! Go!" Sora's Pokéball opens and Phanpy lets out a trumpeting sound upon entry.
"A Phanpy, huh? A good choice on your part. But, my Graveler will squish your Phanpy flat even when at a Type disadvantage!" Christina said.
"Wanna put that to the test?" Sora asked his opponent.
"It will be a pleasure. Graveler! Start up with Mega Punch!" Christina ordered since Graveler moved towards the elephant Pokémon to land a powerful punch on him.
"Phanpy! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Phanpy remembered the dance moves he learned with Pikachu and Teddiursa so he moved swiftly avoiding the larger Rock and Ground Type Pokémon.
"Use Stone Edge!" Christina ordered as Graveler forms rocks around itself, but it was slightly different from Rock Throw and sends it out towards Phanpy. Phanpy manages to avoid some of them while getting hit by a few of them.
"Earth Power!" Sora called out. Phanpy's body glowed an orange aura and slammed his front legs to the ground and cracks on the ground forms heaing towards Geodude's evolved form. The attack strikes at Graveler hard. "Rollout!" Phanpy rolls into a ball and heads towards the larger Pokémon landing a hit.
Christina saw how strong that Rollout attack was, but she also knew Rollout gets stronger with each hit it lands. She had to stop that Phanpy before anything else happened.
"Graveler! Rock Blast!" Christina ordered. Graveler forms a rock and sends it towards Phanpy and it misses. Phanpy lands a second hit on Graveler and it was stronger than the first one as she figured it was. As Kairi watched the battle, she knew Rock Blast also gets stronger with each time it's used.
Graveler tries another Rock Blast and it hurls towards Phanpy and hits the ground and sends the rolling Pokémon in the air landing another stronger hit. Graveler tries another Rock Blast, but it took a little longer than the first two and Sora saw it. It hurls at Phanpy, but this time it manages to land a hit.
Despite being hit, Phanpy manages to hold on. Phanpy then started to evolve making everyone gasp in surprise. Phanpy was now a Donphan and let out a loud trumpet after evolving.
"Yes! Donphan!" Sora said with glee.
"Look at that!" Mallow said in awe.
"Sora's Phanpy has now evolved into a Donphan!" Acerola said.
"It had to be from the Rock Blast that Graveler had thrown at him," Kiawe said.
"I was thinking the same thing," Joe said.
"That means Donphan is much more stronger," Matt said.
"And slow since Phanpy was fast and nimble because of his small size," Lana said. Graveler forms a fourth Rock Blast and Sora knew time was on side since it was taking a little bit longer than the last one.
"Okay Donphan! Earth Power!" Sora called out. Donphan's body glowed in the same orange aura and slams into the ground and the attack became stronger than before. Graveler got hit and knocked out bfore it could use it.
"That wasn't bad," Christina said. "Your Phanpy evolving into a Donphan wasn't something I was expecting." She calls back her Donphan and pulls out her next Pokéball. "Now here's my next one!" She threw her Pokéball. "Go Yanma!" She let's out a dragonfly-like Pokémon as it has a green head, and a red body. It has red stripes at the wings and red horns on its head. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.
Yanma, the Clear Wing Pokémon
Type: Bug/Flying
Yanma is capable of seeing 360 degrees without having to move its eyes. It is a great flier that is adept at making sudden stops and turning midair. This Pokémon uses its flying ability to quickly chase down targeted prey.
Sora calls back Phanpy and pulls out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Go Kabuto!" Sora said letting Kabuto out to battle.
"So it's a Kabuto. Using a Rock Type against my Yanma is a good call since Bug Types and Flying Types are weak against Rock Types," Christina said.
"My Kabuto can handle whatever you got!" Sora said. Christina grinned.
"That remains to be seen," Christina said. "Yanma! Start things up with Supersonic!" Yanma started up with a Supersonic and hits the prehistoric Pokémon making him confused.
"Kabuto! Try to focus! Bubble Beam!" Sora called out, but Kabuto ended up hurting himself.
"Okay Yanma! Sonicboom!" Christina ordered. Yanma flapped its wings letting out a soundwave at Kabuto landing a hit. "Now use Aerial Ace!" Yanma flipped into the air and darted towards Kabuto landing a hit. "Now use Ancient Power!" Yanma forms silver stones and sends them towards Kabuto. The attack strikes him and he lands on his back. Kabuto manages to regain his senses and stands back up. But Yanma started to evolve. Yanma evolved into a dark green dragonfly-like Pokémon with its compound eyes around the head and has spins on the back and one on its tail. It has red spots on the sides of its body and on the tail. The tips of its wings are completely red. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.
Yanmega, the Ogre Darner Pokémon
The evolved form of Yanma
Type: Bug/Flying
By churning its wings, it creates shock waves that inflict critical internal injuries to foes. It also has incredible jaw power capable of biting apart its prey while flying at a high speed.
"I wouldn't want to mess with one of those if I was smaller than that," Sora said. "Kabuto! Ancient Power!" Kabuto forms Ancient Power and sends it towards Yanmega.
"Yanmega! Sonicboom!" Christina ordered. Yanmega flaps its wings much faster than it was a Yanma. It shatters the rocks into dust. "Now use Quick Attack!" Yanmega flew towards Kabuto and landed a hit. It grabs Kabuto as it flies in the air.
"Didn't expect that Yanma to evolve," Lillie said.
"Now it's even faster than before," Cody said.
"And it's pretty scary just by looking at it," Sophocles said.
"Okay Yanmega! Bug Bite!" Chrisitna ordered. Yanmega was about to land a bite when Kabuto shot out Bubble Beam in the face and drops the prehistoric Pokémon. Kabuto looked up and saw Yanmega was flying around, but not so well as it tries to get the water out of its compound eyes.
"Whay is Yanmega just fluttering around?" Jun asked.
"It has to be when Kabuto was being held by her," Kairi said. "Kabuto must have fired Bubble Beam as an act of defense and Yanma got too much in her eyes."
That was my theory as well. It it has affected her abilities to see and fight," Izzy said.
Christina saw how bad affected Yanmega was in flying and had some trouble focusing.
"Yanmega! Pull yourself together and use Ancient Power now!" Christina ordered. Yanmega manages to form Ancient Power and send them out to Kabuto, but they all miss Kabuto. "Move in wit Bug Bite!" Yanmega flew towards Kabuto despite being able to see, but Sora wasn't worried.
"Kabuto! Scratch!" Sora ordered. Kabuto gave scratch on Yanmega's face and hits the rocks and landing a knock out. Christina calls back Yanmega.
"Thought I had you there," Christina said.
"Actually you did. Kabuto got away on his own. But, I gotta hand it to you, you're a real top-notch trainer," Sora said in a complement. She smiles at her opponent.
"Thanks Sora. I was thinking the same about you," She took out another Pokéball and threw it. "My next Pokémon is Ariados!" She threw her Pokéball letting out Ariados. Sora saw how tired Kabuto was after that battle and calls him back. He pulls out another Pokéball.
"Your turn Teddiursa!" Sora said as he threw his Pokéball letting Teddiursa out to battle.
"Ursa," Teddiursa said.
"Ariados! Poison Sting!" Christina ordered as Ariados fired Poison sting at the little bear Pokémon.
"Teddiursa! Dodge it! Sora called out as Teddiursa avoids the poisonous attack. "Now use Metal Claw!" Teddiursa moved in with his metalized claws to swipe at the spider Pokémon.
"Ariados! Dodge it!" Christina ordered. Ariados avoids the attack by shooting out a string of silk to a tree and lands on the branch before Teddiursa could land a hit. "Now use Spider Web!" Ariados shots out silk making a web trapping Teddiursa in it. Teddiursa tries to struggle to get loose, but the silk was too strong. Ariados wraps its opponent in the silk. "Now use Bug Bite!" Ariados gives Teddiursa a bite with its fangs glowing white and landing a bite on Teddiursa.
Everyone gasped at the sight as Ariados tosses Teddiursa out of the web still wrapped in the silk. Teddiursa let out a cry knowing he lost the battle. Sora manages to get him out of the silk.
"Don't cry, Teddiursa. You'll do better next time. I gurantee it," Sora said kindly. Teddiursa gave Sora a hug while crying. He calls Teddiursa back inside his Pokéball to rest up.
"Didn't think that Teddiursa of yours was such a crybaby, unlike your other Pokémon," Christina said. She calls back her Ariados. "Now let's see how you handle my last one." She took out one more Pokéball and threw it. "Go for it, Vileplume!" She threw her Pokéball letting out a female Vileplume. Sora took out his last Pokéball and threw it.
"Go for it, Chikorita!" Sora said as Chikorita enters the battle and nuzzles Sora's leg. Sora points to Vileplume and she twirls her leaf glaring at the large opponent. Christina could tell how determined his Chikorita was just by looking at her.
"That Chikorita looks pretty tough, but there's no way it'll beat my Vilplume," Christina said her thoughts.
"You think Chilkorita could take down that Vilplume?" Tai asked.
"I don't think so, since Vileplume looks more experienced in battle and Chikorita is ata disadvantage since Vilplume is also a Poison Type," Ken said.
"You should have seen how she managed to battle Sora's Heracross when we first met her," Kairi said.
"Shes right. You remeber when she took down a Tauros when we first saw her?" Kari asked.
"Right. How could I forget?" Ken asked.
"I wonder how stronger Chikorita got since the last time," Matt said.
"You're just about to find out," Mina said.
"Vileplume! Sludge Bomb!" Christina ordered. Vileplume fired a ball of sludge right at the leaf Pokémon.
"Chikorita! Dodge it!" Sora called out as Chikorita managed to avoid the sludge attack. "Now use Tackle!" Chikorita ran towards the flower Pokémon and landed a hit.
"It'll take a lot more than to take down my Vileplume, Sora! Vilplume! Poison Powder!" Christina ordered. Vileplume sends out a purple powder towards the leaf Pokémon, but she manages to undo the Poison Powder just by twirling the leaf on her head. "That never happened before!"
That's the way, Chikorita! Now use Vine Whip!" Chikorita smacks Vileplume with Vine Whip. Vileplume was taken back by how strong the hit was.
"Don't take that laying down! Energy Ball!" Christina ordered as Vileplume forms a ball of energy and sends it towards Chikorita.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out as Chikorita jumps out of the way before the attack could hit her. "Now use Body Slam!" Chikorita lands a hit with her body paralyzing Vilplume, but she manages to eat a Cheri Berry to rid her paralysis.
"Petal Blizzard!" Christina ordered as Vileplume fires a flurry of flower petals hitting Chikorita hard, not giving her time to dodge it. "Another Petal Blizzard!" Vileplume fires Petal Blizzard again hitting Chiorita in the process.
"Chikorita! Hang in there!" Sora called out. Chikorita's body glows a green aura as her ability had kicked in.
"What's going on?" Davis asked.
"I think it's Overgrow! Chikorita's ability," Illima said.
"It looks like Chikorita's Grass Type attacks will go up since taking so much damage from Petal Blizzard," Tai said.
"Sora! Chikorita! I know you can do it!" Kairi cheered.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu also cheered.
"Toge, Toge!" Togepi chirped.
"Fire Energy Ball!" Christina ordered as Vilplume fired another ball of energy, but Chiorita avois it completely. "What the?!"
"Okay Chikorita! Razor Leaf!" Sora called out as Chikorita fires Razor Leaf hitting Vileplume hard. "Now smack it with Vine Whip!" Chiokorita didn't waste anytime and gave the flower Pokémon smacks on the sides. "Body Slam!" Chikorita jumps in the air and lands another Body Slam attack. Vileplume falls to the ground beaten. Christina was amazed by what she just saw.
"I don't believe it. That Chikorita is way tougher than I thought.And not to mention, that kid is something else," Christina said to herself. She calls back her Vileplume and walked up to Sora shaking his hand. "Not too bad, Sora. No wonder you're the champ. Out of all the trainers I battled against, you're among the top five."
"Thanks Christina. You're pretty tough yourself," Sora said scratching the back of his head. "Your Vileplume almost had my Chikorita just like with my Kabuto."
"Well, I can honestly say that I had a thrill battling you," Christina said. "Oh! And here is something I give to trainers who beat me." She takes out what looks like a fang. "This is a Razor Fang. It'll make your Gligar evolve into a Gliscor. But, it'll only work at night." Sora takes the fang from the girl.
"Thank for the fang," Sora said.
And thanks for the battle," Christina said. With that said Christina took her leave and went off to heal up her Pokémon fter the battle she had them go through and the group made their move towards the Pokémon Center in the nearest town.
They reached the town just a couple of hours later, and they looked to the town.
"This must be it," Sora said. The group made it down to the Pokémon Center unaware of a familiar face inside and chuckles to herself. Duplica turns to her Ditto.
"You ready to have a little fun, Ditto?" Duplica asked.
"Ditto," Ditto nodded. Duplica disguised herself as Nurse Joy as Ditto transformed into a Chansey. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, the Alolan nine, Tai, Kari, Matt, TK, Sara, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, and Jun all walked in.
"Hello!" Sora called out to the place. "Is anybody here?" A Chansey steps out to greet the group.
"Chansey!" Chansey greeted.
"Hey there, Chansey. Where's Nurse Joy?" Kairi asked. Duplica disguised as Nurse Joy steps out.
"Nurse Joy is performing a Pokémon examination at the moment," Duplica said using Nurse Joy's voice.
Huh?" Everyone all said at once.
"Isn't that Nurse Joy?" Davis asked.
"There must be two Nurse Joy's working here," Kari said.
"That might be it," Matt said.
"So when are we going to see the other Nurse Joy?" Sora asked.
"As soon as she is finished, handsome," Duplca said making Sora blanch and the rest jump.
"Wait a minute. You're not Nurse Joy at all!" Sora said. "Aren't you-?"
"My fault for giving myself away," Duplica said. Chansey reverts back into a Ditto.
"This is exactly how we met for the first time, Duplica," Sora said. Kairi and the Alolan nine all recognized her right away. Duplica steps to the back and comes back out a second later to her regular clothes.
"I know. I just couldn't help myself," Duplica said laughing. "It's been a long time."
"It sure has," Sophocles said.
"How is everything so far?" Lana asked.
"Everything is going down slimmingly," Duplica said as she looked over to the thirteen other kids with them. "So who are they?"
"You haven't met them, have you? We think we should let them introduce themselves," Sora said.
"My name is Tai and this is my little sister Kari," Tai introduced.
"It's nice to meet you, Duplica," Kari said.
"I'm Matt and this is my kid brother TK," Matt introduced.
"Like Kari said, it's nice to meet you," TK said.
"I'm Sara."
"My name is Izzy."
"I'm Mimi."
"My name is Joe."
"I'm Davis and the girl here is my sister Jun," Davis introduced.
"Hey there," Jun greeted.
"My name is Ken."
"I'm Yolei."
"And my name is Cody."
"Nice to meet you all," Duplica said. Sora, Kairi, and the Alolan nine all explained that they met twelve out of thirteen of them just after Sora had won the Marsh Badge from Sabrina and beaten Tai in a triple battle. Sora explained that Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle evolved during the battle and they were able to finish off his Charizard and two Dragonite after evolving. "Not surprising to me. Not only that, Ditto and I saw you in the final round of the Indigo Plateu tournament and won. I was very amazed."
"So Duplica, what have you been up to?" Kairi asked.
"Ditto and I took our act out on the road. We made a stop at Porta Vista beach and I mistook a kid there for you and he asked me if I knew you. And when I told him I did, he dragged me to the Bay of Burgers and told me he's your cousin. Your uncle even invited me to dinner since I'm a friend of yours. Your aunt was a very nice lady," Duplica said.
"That's just like Ven. I haven't seen him since the party back at Profesor Oak's lab," Sora said.
"He got super excited meeting Ditto when it transformed into different Pokémon. I think Ven is a pretty nice kid. Terra and Aqua were all nice too. And they told me to tell you they said hello," Duploica said. Sora smiled at the thought of Ventus, Terra, and Aqua and wondered what they were up to.
"So what brings you down to the Johto region?" Kiawe asked.
"Well, I was invited to perform in this," Duplica shows them a poster with a couple of clowns with a Wooper doing a trapeze act with a Bellsprout doing a handstand on a Shuckle and a Teddiursa doing some juggling.
"Isn't that the Pokémon Acting Competition?" Izzy asked.
"It is. Every year, the Pokémon Council of the Performing Arts asks a whole bunch of trainers and their Pokémon to come for a week to perform different acts. Something like shows and scenes from different plays," Duplica explains.
"That sounds like fun," Lillie said.
"It is when you think about it," Duplica said.
"So, why are you at the Pokémon Center, anyway?" Sara asked.
"Your Ditto must be doing okay," Cody said.
"Well, about that," Duplica said scratching the back of his head with a nervous chuckle. Just when Duplica was to explain why she was in the Pokémon Center to begin with Nurse Joy and her Chansey steps out with another Ditto on a stretcher and she rushes over to the side.
"Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" Nurse Joy asked. The other Ditto jumps into Duplica's arms and she embraxes the other Ditto.
"So who is this?" Mallow asked.
"This is our newest addition to our performace commitee. A Ditto that I nicknamed Mini-Dit," Duplica said.
"Nice to meet you, Mini-Dit," Sora said.
"Ditto," Min-Dit said.
"Why was Mini-Dit in the examination room? Was it hurt or something?" Joe asked.
"There was absolutely nothing wrong with it at all. I gave it a thorough examination and it is in perfect condition," Nurse Joy said.
Everyone stepped outside and they all wondered why Mini-Dit was put inside the Pokémon Center if it was healthy.
"So why have Mini-Dit examined if it wasn't anything wrong?" Acerola asked.
"I'll show you," Duplica said. "Mini-Dit, transform into a Pikachu!" Mini-Dit did transform into a Pikachu.
"Looks alright to me," Yolei said.
"Watch closely. Mini-Dit, now transform into Togepi," Duplica said as Mini-Dit went from Pikachu to Togepi.
"The transformations all perfect," Sora said.
"Not exactly, Sora. How about one of you let out a big Pokémon and I'll show you what I mean," Duplica said. Tai took out an Ultra Ball.
"How about I let out Drake for this one," Tai threw his Ultra Ball letting out Drake.
"Okay Mini-Dit, tranform into this Dragonite," Duplica said as Mini-Dit did Transform into a Dragonite, but the size stayed the same. Everyone all looked at the transformed Ditto not believing what they're seeing.
"Is this what you mean?" Hapu asked being the first one to speak.
"That's right. Mini-Dit can transform into any kind of Pokémon, but it stays the same size when transforming into bigger Pokémon," Duplica said.
"Propokus! I have never seen anything like this before. A Ditto should be able to change its size along with its appearence," Izzy said.
"How come Mini-Dit doesn't change its size?" Kari asked.
"That I don't know. My first Ditto only had a problem changing its face and that was something I should have figured sooner if I knew what the problem was," Duplica said.
"Yeah. But having Mini-Dit change size when transforming is going to be very tricky," Sora said. Duplica nods to that statement. Sora turns to Duplica. "How about we have a battle to have Mini-Dit prove its meddle."
"Really?" Duplica asked.
"Sure. But, I will warn you; I learned my lesson the last time we battled," Sora said.
"Since watching you battle in the finals, I don't doubt it. Show me what you've got!" Duplica said. With that said, Duplica sent out Mini-Dit as Sora pulled out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go for it, Kabuto!" Sora said as the prehistoric Pokémon entered the battle.
"Mini-Dit! Transform into Kabuto!" Duplica ordered. Mini-Dit transformed into Kabuto. The two Pokémon look into each other like it was a standoff.
"Care to make the first move?" Sora asked.
"It'll only take one move! Mini-Dit! Use Bubble Beam!" Duplica ordered. Mini-Dit fired Bubble Beam right at Kabuto, but the shellfish Pokémon dodges the attack just by moving to the side.
"Kabuto! Ancient Power!" Sora ordered. Kabuto forms silver stones and hurls them at his opponent.
"Mini-Dit! Dodge and use Mud Shot!" Duplica ordered as Mini-Dit had avoided the rocks and fired Mud Shot right at the original Kabuto.
"Okay Kabuto! Block it with your own Mud Shot!" Sora called out as Kabuto fired Mud Shot cancelling out the other Mud Shot. "Scratch!" Kabuto rushes over to Mini-Dit to deliever Scratch to the transformed Ditto. Kabuto scratched Mini-Dit with his yellow claws.
"Hang in there, Mini-Dit," Duplica said. Mini-Dit manages to push Kabuto off of it. As Kairi watched the battle, she could tell how tough Kabuto has gotten since battling against that Yanmega from earlier. It made her want to have her Omanyte prove himself in a battle soon enough.
"Okay Kabuto! Mud Shot!" Sora called out. Kabuto fired Mud Shot right at at the transformed Ditto, but she wasn't fooled.
"Time to pull out a trick from your playbook! Block it with Mud Shot!" Duplica called out as Kabuto fired Mud Shot cancelling it out.
"Nice one!" Sora said.
"You're even better than I remember. Mini-Dit! Scratch!" Duplica ordered. Mini-Dit moves towards Kabuto and once Mini-Dit got into position to scratch Kabuto, the shellfish Pokémon just grabs it and toss it to the ground. "Mini-Dit! Get up!" Mini-Dit tried to get up, but Mini-Dit wasn't as agile as a real Kabuto. Sora would have taken an advantage of the situiation, but he decided not to.
"Help Mini-Dit up," Sora said. Kabuto does help Mini-Dit on its feet. "Wouldn't be fair if your opponent can't fight back."
"Thanks, Sora. Mini-Dit! Ancient Power!" Duplica called out. Mini-Dit performs Ancient Power and sends it towards Kabuto again.
"Dodge and use Bubble Beam!" Sora called out as Kabuto fired Bubble Beam and hits Mini-Dit hard. Now use Mud Shot!" Kabuto fired Mud Shot and it came so quick, Mini-Dit didn't have enough time to react. Tha attack landed and knocks out Mini-Dit. Duplica gasped as she went up to Mini-Dit as it transformed back to its original form.
"Mini-Dit! You okay?" Duplica asked.
"Ditto," Mini-Dit answered sadly.
"Don't worry. You did your best. You and Ditto will always be number one to me," Duplica said. She went up to Sora. "You weren't kidding. You really beat me. You gotten stronger than the last time."
"Thanks. So did you," Sora said.
"But, I wish I could do something about Mini-Dit's condition," Duplica said. Everyone thought for a moment trying to think of something. An idea formed into Davis's head as an imaginary lightbulb lights up.
"I've got an idea!" Davis said makig everyone turn to him.
"You got an idea?" Kairi asked.
"Uh-oh," Jun and Yolei said.
"What's your idea, Davis?" Lana asked.
"Fill us in," Mallow said.
"I was thinking we have Mini-Dit transform into large Pokémon and have it amaze everyone" Davis suggested.
"You sure abouth that, Davis?" Kiawe asked.
"Hear me out, hear me out. When Mini-Dit transformed into Drake we were all amazed by the mini transformation, right?" Davis asked.
"Yeah," Mina said.
"What about it?" TK asked.
"Maybe if we have Mini-Dit transform into large Pokémon like maybe an Onix or a Steelix, we can draw in a crowd," Davis said. Everyone was a tad skeptical to the plan, but Duplica liked the idea.
"I think we should give it a try," Duplica said. "Davis might have a point and we'll let the crowd decide if Mini-Dit can wow them or not."
"I guess we'll have to give it a try. But how?" Sora asked.
"We can make it into a double battle. Now who among you will provide it?" Duplica asked. Kairi stepped up.
"I will," Kairi said. Duplica said. "I have an Omanyte and a Miltank, so it's only fair if I step up." Duplica said smiling.
"Okay Kairi. I can take you up for it. Just don't expect me to go easy on you," Duplica said. Everyone made it to a public as people started to gather around knowing that a battle was about to start. Duplica has naturally chosen her two Ditto as Kairi has took out her two Pokéballs and threw them.
"Omanyte! Miltank! Go!" Kairi said as Omanyte and Miltank had entered the battlefield. A lot of people were amazed to see that she has a prehistoric Pokémon like an Omanyte.
"Okay Ditto, you transform into Omanyte and Mini-Dit, you transform into Miltank!" Duplica said as Both Ditto has transformed; Ditto into Omanyte and Mini-Dit into a Miltank.
"Did you see that?" One man asked.
"That other Ditto has transformed into a mini Miltank!" Another man said.
"And that other girl has an Omanyte too!" One boy said.
"This should be fun to watch!" One girl said.
"Omanyte! Bubble Beam on Mini-Dit! Miltank! Move in with Tackle on Ditto!" Kairi ordered. Omanyte fired Bubble Beam at Mini-Dit and while Miltank charged Tackle at Ditto.
"Ditto! Mud Shot on Miltank! Mini-Dit! Body Slam on Omanyte!" Duplica ordered. Ditto fired Mud Shot and hit the milk cow Pokémon and Mini-Dit had used Body Slam on the spiral Pokémon.
"Miltank! Rollout! Omanyte! Ancient Power!" Kairi ordered. Both of Kairi's Pokémon used their attacks on their selected opponents. Miltank rolled into Mini-Dit while Omanyte's attack hits Ditto.
"Mini-Dit! You use Rollout! Ditto! Bubble Beam!" Duplica ordered. Mini-Dit did use Rollout towards Omanyte as Ditto fired Bubble Beam on Miltank. The bubbles hits Miltank, but the bubbles bounces right off, not even bothered. Sora watched and figured it had to be when she lived on the farm and learned to use Rollout just by watching Whitney's Miltank.
"Omanyte! Mud Shot on Mini-Dit!" Kairi ordered. Mini-Dit gets hit hard by Mud Shot stopping Rollout. Everyone was amazed by the minature version of Miltank taking on an Omanyte. Miltank rolls right into Mini-Dit and it was stronger than it was when it hit Ditto.
"Not bad Kairi! You're just as good as your boyfriend," Duplica complemented.
"It helps when you learn just by watching," Kairi said.
"Let's see if it pays off! Mini-Dit! Stop that Miltank with Body Slam! Ditto! Aim Mud Shot at Omanye!" Duplica called out as Mini-Dit rushes over to stop Miltank from rolling, but as soon as the Ditto got to Miltank, it got bounced off and lands on its back. Ditto fires Mud Shot right at Omanyte, but Kairi had an ace up her sleeve.
"Bubble Beam!" Kairi ordered. Omanyte fired Bubble Beam and there was so much bubbles it completly dissolved the mud attack and hitting Ditto in the process. Miltank rolls right into Ditto knocking it out. "Wrap it up with Ancient Power!" Omanyte hurls Ancient Power and it hits Mini-Dit. Both Ditto were down for the count.
The crowd were amazed by the two Ditto, especially Mini-Dit not caring if they had lost.
"Look at that!"
"I wonder other big Pokémon that one Ditto can transform into!"
The group were pretty amazed by this turnout.
"You were right, Davis! This idea of yours was better than we thought," Sora said smiling.
"Thanks Sora. I wasn't sure if it was gonna work," Davis said.
Hours came and went, once both of Duplica's Ditto were healed up she had put on a performnce of her Ditto. She used the Ditto swap to make the crowd which was which. And when it was Mini-Dit's turn...
"And now for our latest addition, I am proud to present Mimi-Dit! Mini-Dit can transform into a minature version of any large Pokémon. I would like a volunteer to prove it," Duplica said. She looks around and spots a trainer with an Ursaring. "How about you? Woulnd't you like to see a mini Ursaring?"
"After hearing it transformed into a mini Miltank, I would love to see that," the trainer said.
"Alright then! Mini-Dit! Transform into an Ursaring!" Duplica instructed. Mini-Dit transformed into a mini Ursaring making the crowd watch with awe.
"Look at that!"
"It's so cute! It's like a teddy bear!"
Everyone loved it and Duplica smiles and takes a bow.
"Thanks again you guys. Mini-Dit was something really special. You all taught me that," Duplica said.
"Just glad to help out," Mimi said.
"And it was Davis's idea since it brought in a crowd as he said it would," Tai rubbed his head.
Duplica has decided to specialize with Ditto that has a unique way of transforming and her Mini-Dit being among them. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, and the Alolan nine said their goodbyes to their friends and continued off to Ecruteak City for Sora's upcoming Gym battle.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket are once again lost trying to find Sora and Pikachu.
"Those twerps has got to be around here somewhere," Jessie said.
"Must you keep saying that?" Meowth said annoyed.
"We've been wondering around for days and we still haven't found a single rare Pokémon to bring back to the boss," James said.
"And that Delibird showing up yesterday and taking all of the food we had just for our debt didn't help one bit," Meowth said.
Team Rocket hung their heads in defeat as they all gave a loud sigh. Jessie was the first to look up when she spotted Silver and what looks like a large blue cocodilian Pokémon. It was large and bulky with the same pattern as Totodile.
"James! Meowth! Look!" Jessie said getting their attention.
"A Feraligatr!" James pointed out.
"Those have to be worth something!" Meowth said.
"And we must aquire it!" Jessie said.
Just as Team Rocket put their plan together, Silver and Feraligatr made a stop as they spotted Team Rocket in front of them.
"Hold it right there, twerp!" James said.
"We would like to have a little chat with you if you don't mind," Jessie said.
"And it involves your Feraligatr!" Meowth said. Silver wasn't affected by the talking Meowth part, but he gave a hateful scowl at them.
"Team Rocket. I am going to tell you this once. Get out of my way," Silver said to them.
"Not until you give us that Feraligatr!" Jessie said.
"And if I don't?" Silver asked.
"Then we will have to steal it by force," James said.
Silver glared at them and turned to his Feraligatr.
"You know what to do," Silver said. Feraligatr nodded and fired Hydro Pump at them. Team Rocket were about to brace themselves when the water attack hits them. Jessie stands up with a growl.
"How dare you little runt!" Jessie took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Arbok! Teach this twerp some manners!" The Pokéball opens letting out Arbok. James took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go Weezing!" James said as the Pokéball opens letting out Weezing. "Weezing! Sludge Wave!"
"Arbok! Poison Sting!" Jessie ordered. Both Poison Types fired their attacks as Fearligatr fires Hydro Pump at the attacks hitting them both.
"Now use Slash on that weakling of an Arbok!" Silver ordered. Feraligatr swipes his claw at Arbok. The large crocodile Pokémon turns to Weezing. "Now use Crunch!" Feraligatr lands a bite attack on Weezing and tossed him right at Arbok. Feraligatr picks them both up and tosses them both right at Jessie and James. Silver approaches Team Rocket with a hateful glare.
"What do you want from us now?" Jessie hissed at him.
"This is the only warning Team Rocket is ever going to get from me! Stay out of my way! And if I ever see you three again, then this time will be a picnic compared to the next time!" Silver said. He gave Jessie a kick in the chest making her wheeze.
"Why did you do that?!" James exclaimed.
"Didn't your mother ever tell ya it's not nice to kick girls?" Meowth asked making Silver turn to Meowth with an evil look in his eyes scaring the cat Pokémon.
"Don't lecture me! I despise Team Rocket with a passion! I despise them because they are weak just like the man you call boss!" Silver said with hatred in his voice.
"You shouldn't be talking about our boss like that you little deliquent!" Jessie wheezed.
"And why shouldn't I say that about my own father?" Silver asked them. Jessie was a bit confused by what he said and Meowth put two and two together.
"I can see you've made your point, so we'll be going!" Meowth said. He grabs Jessie and James and just when they were about to ask what he was doing, Meowth ran off. Silver scoffed as he and his Feraligatr took off. Meowth made sure they were far enough.
"What was that for, Meowth?" James asked.
"We were about to teach that twerp a lesson about direspecting Team Rocket and our boss! He can't call him weak and get away with it!" Jessie scowled.
"That twerp just happens to be the boss's kid!" Meowth said. Jessie and James winced knowing he was right.
"He did mention that before," James pointed out.
"And we were about to steal from him too," Jessie said.
"And if we mess with him, the boss will come down on us and he might give us the axe since it's the same as messing with the boss himself," Meowth said. Jessie and James became frightened at the thought.
"And we don't want that!" Jessie and James said feeling scared.
Team Rocket has met the son of Giovanni and many will wonder what will happen if any other member decides to mess with him. I doubt it will be a pleasent encounter. But, as for Sora and his friends, the journey continues on and many more adventures awaits them.