Episode 146: Machoke, Machoke Man
Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Pikachu, Togepi, Eevee, Azurill, the Pichu, and the Alolan nine are all joined by Janina to go to Cianwood City for Sora's upcoming Gym battle and to pick up some medicine for Jasmine's Ampharos, Sparkle.
Along the way, Janina had some questions for the group involving Jasmine's challenger and a certain auburn haired girl.
"So, are Sora and Kairi boyfriend and girlfriend?" Janina asked.
"Oh, I say that they are," Hapu said. The Alolan nine all shared a laugh.
"How long have they been a couple?" Janina asked.
"For a long while now," Acerola said.
"Of course Sora and Kairi weren't sure if one felt the same for the other," Illima said. Janina looked at the Normal Type trainer quite confused.
"Why do you say that? They are made for each other, right?" Janina asked.
"Well, yes. But, there might be some times that you might doubt that if that someone has special feelings for that someone. Sora and Kairi did go through that," Illima said.
"We all saw it from the minute we met them," Mallow said.
"How did you meet them in the first place?" Janina asked.
"It was after Sora had won his third Gym Badge in Kanto. He and Kairi were on their way to Celadon City and they made their way to Cerulean City to get to the Rock Tunnel and to head to Lavender Town to get there," Lillie said.
"But, it was also the first battle between Riku and Sora," Lana said.
"We left Alola and went off to meet with Riku because we wanted to see him," Sophocles said.
"Sora really put up a fight despite that he lost to him. So, we decided to travel along with them," Kiawe said.
Janina was amazed to hear quite a story. She wanted to know more about it. Particularity the first time they kissed each other.
"Did ever kiss?" Janina asked.
"All the time," Sophocles deadpanned.
"Yeah," Mina said.
"I think that was only possible because we were the ones who made them like that; but, at the same time, they would have done that on their own," Lillie said.
"I would like to know how they met," Janina said.
"Sora saved her life from some Pokémon hunters that were poaching some wild Pokémon in an area between Pallet Town and Viridian City," Hapu said.
"Pokémon hunters?" Janina asked not understanding.
"They're these people who go around and poach wild Pokémon and sell them to the highest bidder," Lana said.
"They're very bad people," Mallow said.
"Sora accidentally stumbled on their camp and got her out," Kiawe said.
Janina just couldn't believe that there are some people who would go and poach some Pokémon and sell them; she knew very well, that Pokémon shouldn't be sold to people like they were materials for money.
Everyone got off the ship and started to walk to the pharmacy for the medicine Jasmine needed for her Ampharos.
"Do you know the way to the pharmacy, Janina?" Naminé asked.
"Hm-hm. I remember going there once when my mom had a flu. Jasmine was with me at the time," Janina said. "We should already be almost there." And they were almost there when they finally made it to the place they needed to go. The shopkeeper wore traditional Chinese clothing and he smiled upon seeing Janina.
"Hey there, Janina. I trust you're here to pick up the medicine for Sparkle, am I right?" The shopkeeper asked.
"Yes, that's right," the little girl answered. He took a look at the kids with her.
"And can I presume that they accompanied you as well?" The shopkeeper asked.
"Yeah. Jasmine wouldn't let me go by myself, so they decided to let them come along with me," Janina said.
"Jasmine wanted to make sure that she gets here safely," Sora said.
"Well, it's always good to see you," the shopkeeper said. He took out the medicine needed for the sick Ampharos. "And here is the medicine she ordered. Don't worry about making a payment, because Jasmine has already made the payment."
"Thank you," Janina said taking the medicine.
"Oh no, thank you for doing such a good thing for her," the shopkeeper said.
"Now that you have the medicine, you better get back to Olivine City as soon as possible," Lillie said.
"If you leave right now, you can catch the express ferry. It goes right up to Olivine City. It'll get you there before nightfall," the shopkeeper said.
"Naminé and I should be going with you. Just to make sure that you get there safely," Riku said.
"That and we wanted to have a look around Olivine City while we're there," Naminé said.
"Eevee!" Eevee said.
"Azurill," Azurill chirped.
Sora, Kairi, and the Alolan nine all knew what Riku had in mind and they smiled warmly.
"We'll head on back as soon as we get my badge here," Sora said.
"You better have that badge when I see you," Riku said.
"You know I'll have it when I do see you," Sora said. The two friends and rivals sealed that pact with a hardy handshake. Riku, Naminé, Eevee, Azurill, and Janina made it to the express ferry and set off to Olivine City. "Here they go."
"We should find that Gym," Kairi suggested.
"You are so right, Kairi. Let's get to it," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said.
Suddenly, they hear some grunting and punching sounds. They all turned to see a tubby looking, but a muscular man, who has brown eyes, a short brown hair and a large moustache. He is shirtless and is barefooted. He wore red jagged pants, which are colored white on the ends. His pants is tied with a black belt. He was seen sparring with a Machoke. The man was delivering some punches while Machoke was doing some defenses.
"You defended yourself very well, Machoke! Now let's switch to offense!" The man said.
"Machoke!" Machoke nodded. Machoke did move on to the offensive and the man dodged out of the way.
"Come one, Machoke! Is that all you got?" The man asked. "Gimmie more!
"Machoke!" Machoke said. The group watched the brawl and they were a bit off by what they were seeing.
"What are they doing?" Sora asked.
"I think they're doing some training. It's not unusual for a martial arts fighter to be sparring with a Fighting Type Pokémon like a Machoke," Illima said.
"Do you think it's a good idea having to be sparring with a Machoke like that? Especially without any protection?" Kairi asked. Machke landed a Karate Chop right on the man's chest, but he just shook it off and smiled.
"That was a nice Karate Chop, Machoke. Alright! Let's see you use your Submission!" The man said. Machoke rushed over to the man, flips and grabs him with its legs. Machoke does a full-body roll with the man and then gives him a toss. Sora, Kairi, the Alolan nine and the Pokémon all gasped and rushed over to him. He slowly got back on his feet. "That was perfect." He fell on his knees.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said concerned.
"You okay, sir?" Sora asked.
"That was quite a nasty toss," Sophocles said.
"I'm... just..." the man said with tears streaming down his eyes, "I'm just so very proud of you, Machoke!" The group were caught off guard with that one. "That Submission of yours was perfect! You hear me?"
"Choke," Machoke nodded with tears streaming from its eyes as well. The superpower Pokémon and the man gave each other a hug. "I'm just so pleased by your progress! "You've come a long way, Machoke!"
"Machoke, Ma," Machoke said. The man and Machoke stopped hugging and took a look at the group; particularly Sora.
"Hey sport! The one with the spiky hair!" The man called out to him.
"I guess he means me," Sora said in his thoughts.
"What's your name, son?" The man asked.
"I'm Sora," he answered.
"Sora, huh? So, what brings you to town, sport?" The man asked.
"Well, the thing is..." Sora said before the man interuppted him.
"Wait a minute! Don't tell me, I can guess. You're a Pokémon trainer, right? And you came all this way for a Gym battle, right, kid?" The man asked. Sora got wide-eyed when he was asked that.
"Yeah! That's exactly it!" Sora said.
"Alright then! Let's go! March!" The man said.
"March?" Sora asked. The man and his Machoke demonstrated a proper march.
"Like this, kid! Come on! March! I wanna see those knees of yours in the air!" The man stated. Sora and Pikachu started to march in the sand. "Yeah! That's it, Sora! And the rest of you too!" Kairi, and the Alolan nine pretty much did the same thing. The Pichu were having fun with it, since they thought it was a game they were playing.
This went on all through the city with Machoke in the lead. Sora, Kairi, the Pokémon, and the Alolan nine manged to catch up with it. The group stopped when Machoke did.
"What a ride," Sora panted.
"I thought my feet were gonna fall off," Acerola panted.
The man managed to catch up with the group and he stopped and started panting.
"What's the matter? You kids out of shape or something?" The man panted.
"I dunno. Looked in the mirror lately?" Sora asked in his thoughts.
"Are you going to be okay, sir?" Kiawe asked.
"How much further are you going to take us?" Lillie asked.
"We're here," the man panted and pointed to what looks like a dojo. "This is the Cianwood Gym." The group turned to see it was the Gym and sees several kids with Fighting Type Pokémon there; a Mankey, a Machop, a Machamp, a Hitmontop, a Hitmonlee, a Hitmonchan, a Tyrogue, a Passimian, and a Stufful. They all had smiles on their faces.
"Welcome back, Master!" The students greeted.
"Master?" Sora, Kairi, and the Alolan nine all questioned. The man stood on his feet.
"Students! Have you finished all of your training while Machoke and I were away?" The man asked his students.
"Yes!" The students responded.
"Wait a minute. Are you by chance-?" Sora asked before he was cut off.
"I am! I'm the Cianwood Gym Leader! I'm the meanest, leanest, roughest, tougest Fighting Pokémon Master in all the land! But, you can call me Chuck," the man introduced himself.
"The one Jasmine told us about," Kairi pointed out.
"So, you kids met Jasmine, huh? I take it that you already have a Gym Badge from there?" Chuck presumed.
"Well, we came here first and she wasn't accepting any challenges all because her Ampharos was sick and we came here with Janina to pick up some medicine," Sora explained.
"Oh, is that it? Figured Jasmine would send you with Janina since it's unsafe for a little girl by herself," Chuck said. "But, since you came all this way, how about we get a bite to eat first? A good hearty meal would do you some good. It'll put some meat on those bones of yours." The group were all led to a table and sat down to chow down. "Now we, EAT, EAT, EAT, to be strong fighting machines!" Chuck gave Sora and Pikachu big spoonfuls of what looks like fried rice mixed in all sorts of meat and vegetables. Chuck and Machoke started to wolf down the food.
"You heard the man, Pikachu! Let's get started!" Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu nodded.
Sora and Pikachu ate the same fashion as Chuck and Machoke while Kairi just giggled to herself.
"Just don't choke to death, Sora," Kairi warned her boyfriend. Chuck's wife came in and laughed a bit and she's seen carrying some more food.
"I said the same thing to Chuck before," Chuck's wife said. Kairi turned to face her. "Is he here to win a Storm Badge?"
"Yes he is," Kairi said.
"And may I presume that he's your boyfriend?" Chuck's wife asked her.
"Yeah," Kairi admitted. Some of Chuck's students were shot down since they started to have eyes for her.
"Well, it's always to see such a cute couple travel together. And I don't think he's going to beat that flabby ol' husband of mine," Chuck's wife teased.
"Hey! Who are you calling flabby?" Chuck retorted. She giggles. The Alolan nine looked at the older pair and the younger pair with some smiles.
"What do you think? You think Sora might be a bit of the chunky side, like Chuck?" Lana asked.
"He might, if Kairi keeps cooking the way she does," Mallow said.
"Hey!" Sora exclaimed. "I am right here, you know!" The two best friends both shred a laugh.
"Okay! Enough talking and resume eating! You need lots of nourishment in ya to keep your strength up!" Chuck told Sora.
"Right!" Sora said. He resumed eating while the guests helped themselves to some seconds. Sora kept eating until he got full. "Oh man, I'm so stuffed." Sora rubbed his belly.
"That was quite a meal," Kairi said. "Did you like that, Togepi?"
"Togepi!" Togepi chirped.
"I think it was more than a simple meal," Illima said. Sora, Kairi, and the rest of the Alolan nine all looked at the Normal Type trainer. "What were just eating was Pokémon Power Food. It's a nutritious meal that is designed to strenghten trainers and Pokémon alike. Everything the students do here is about their training." Sora saw what Illima was talking about and he understood. Chuck stood on his feet.
"Alright! Time to burn off those calories! What do you say? Are you ready for that battle now, Sora?" Chuck asked his challenger. Sora smiled and stood up.
"Ready as I'll ever be!" Sora said.
Once the meal had concluded, Sora and Chuck got into position for the battle between Gym Leader and challenger. One of Chuck's students is acting as a referee of the battle.
"The battle between the Cianwood Gym Leader Chuck and the challenger Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town is about to begin! Both trainers will be using four Pokémon each! During the battle, only the challenger is allowed to make subsitutions! The battle will be over when all four of either the challenger's or the Gym Leader's Pokémon is unable to continue! Are you both ready?" The student asked.
"Yes!" Sora and Chuck responded.
"Then begin!" The student instructed.
"My first Pokémon is going to be my Poliwrath!" Chuck said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. Chuck's Poliwrath makes an entrance flexing its muscles. Sora took out his Friend Ball and threw it.
"Go for it, Azumarill!" Sora said. The Friend Ball opens and Azumarill moves her long ears upon entry.
"So, it's an Azumarill, huh? I like the way you think, son! But, let's see if your Azumarill can keep up with my Poliwrath," Chuck said.
"Only one way to find out, Chuck! Azumarill! Begin with an Ice Punch attack!" Sora ordered. Azumarill's hand emits ice and heads right towards Chuck's Poliwrath.
"Poliwrath! Dodge and use your Ice Punch!' Chuck ordered. Poliwrath dodges Azumarill's Ice Punch and moved in to deliever an Ice Punch on Azumarill.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Azumarill ducked out of the way before Poliwrath could hit her and landed an icy punch on Poliwrath. Both dual Water Types kept up with their Ice Punches like a boxing match. Sora figured Azumarill had to be taking boxing lessons from his Hitmonchan. "Now use Play Rough!" Azumarill rushes towards the tadpole Pokémon.
"Poliwrath! Dodge it!" Chuck called out. Poliwrath jumps out of the way.
"Don't let Poliwrath get away!" Sora called out. Azumarill pursuded the Water and Fighting Type Pokémon and a dust cloud forms around them as Azumarill pounds the amphibian Pokémon like it was a cage fight. "Now use Bubble Beam!" Azumarill fires Bubble Beam right at Poliwrath.
"Focus your energy!" Chuck called out. Poliwrath stood there and it abosrbed the water attack and healing Poliwrath. Sora gasped when he realized his mistake.
"Why did Poliwrath just take Bubble Beam like that?" Kairi asked.
"I think that was Water Absorb; Poliwrath's ability," Lillie said. "Whenever Water Type attacks makes contact with a Pokémon with this ability, it heals it of its injuries.
"I think Chuck knew that," Lana said.
"Indeed. And it looks like Poliwrath is going to be even harder for Azumarill despite a Type disadvantage," Illima said.
"Water attacks aren't going to cut it with that Poliwrath. Looks like I'm going to rely on Ice Punch and Play Rough for this one," Sora said in his thoughts. Sora spoke out loud, "Play Rough!" Azumarill heads towards Poliwrath again to land Play Rough on it.
"Poliwrath! Dodge and use Dynamic Punch!" Chuck ordered. Poliwrath avoided Azumarill's attack and started to deliever a punch on the aqua rabbit Pokémon. Azumarill ducked and gave Poliwrath the same kind of beating as the last time. Sora knew that Poliwrath wasn't going to go down so easily, and his Poliwrath was a tough one.
"Ice Punch!" Sora ordered. Azumarill's hand emitted ice and started to give a punch on the amphibian Pokémon.
"You use Ice Punch too!" Chuck ordered. Both Pokémon gave each other a series of punches to each other and kept up the pace. Poliwrath and Azumarill kept it up and they started to get exhausted from the intense battle. Both Pokémon gave each other a punch before they earned a double knockout.
"Both Azumarill and Poliwrath are unable to battle! The first round is a draw!" The student announced. Sora took out the Friend Ball and used it to call back Azumarill.
"You did great, Azumarill. You deserve a good rest after that battle," Sora said. Chuck calls back his Poliwrath. His eyes filled up with so much tears.
"I'm so very proud of you, Poliwrath! I'll never forget the battle you gave me," Chuck cried. "And now a well deserved rest." He took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "And now it's your turn, Primeape!" The Pokéball opens and lets out a Primeape who starts huffing upon entry. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up, Noctowl!" Sora said. Noctowl's body is surrounded by stars upon entry.
"Aw, so now it's a Flying Type Pokémon now, is it? You really are smart as you are tough! And I like that, kid!" Chuck said.
"Ready when you are!" Sora said.
"Primepae! Use your Thunder Punch!" Chuck ordered. Primeape ran towards the owl Pokémon with its fist emitting electricity.
"Noctowl! Dodge it and dive down with your Wing Attack!" Sora ordered. Noctowl flew down and pelted the pig monkey Pokémon with his wings. "That's the way! Now use your Confusion!" Noctowl's eyes glowed blue and used his Psychic Type attack to lift Noctowl in the air.
"Primeape! Try to get loose!" Chuck called out. Primeape tries to get loose, but the hold Noctowl has on the pig monkey Pokémon was too much.
"Okay Noctowl! Let go!" Sora said. Noctowl let's go of Primeape and it falls straight to the ground and landed on its head.
"Get back up and focus youe energy!" Chuck called out. Primeape got back up and pounded on its chest. "Now use Rock Slide!" Primeape creates multiple gray rocks with white outlines and sends them flying towards Noctowl.
"Dodge it! Quickly!" Noctowl did his best to avoid the rocks, but they were coming too fast and he found himself quickly surrounded. Sora pulls out Noctowl's Pokéball and quickly calls back Noctowl. "That was close." He turns to Pikachu. "You up for it, Pikachu?"
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded.
"Go for it!" Pikachu entered the battlefield.
"I guess Chuck had his Primeape learn Rock Slide to deal with Flying Type," Sophocles said.
"He did. With all those rocks flying around, it had to be difficult for Noctowl to fly around," Kiawe said.
"I think Primeape is pretty exhausted from using that attack," Acerola said.
Primeape started to pant from using that attack on the owl Pokémon. Sora thought for a moment and decided to use that to his advantage.
"Okay Pikachu! Quick Attack! Let's go!" Sora ordered.
"Speed isn't going to win this battle! Primeape! Stop that Pikachu in its tracks! Use your Cross Chop!" Chuck ordered. Primeape crosses its arms and moves towards Piikachu.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu dodges out of the way before Primeape could land a hit and darted right into Primape. "Now use Iron Tail!" Pikachu's tail emitted a metallic glow and swung it to strike the pig monkey Pokémon on the side. "Now use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu gave Primeape a powerful shock and Primeape was just taking it. Once Pikachu had stopped using Thunderbolt, Primeape fell to the ground beaten.
"Primeape is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" The student announced. Chuck call back his Primeape.
"You did a great job, Primeape," Chuck said tearfully. "You've earned yourself a good long rest." He puls out another Pokéball. "Not too shabby, Sora! You did a great job raising your Pokémon. But, my next one is really gonna give ya a hard time! Hitmontop! Go!" Chuck threw his Pokéball letting out a Hitmontop and it did a spin upon entry. Sora knew Hitmontop was going to be a hard one since it looked not only fast, but tough just like Poliwrath and Primeape.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt right at the hanstand Pokémon.
"Detect!" Chuck ordered. Hitmontop dodged Thunderbolt like it was nothing. That shocked both Sora and Pikachu. "Now move in with a Triple Kick!" Hitmontop spinned towards Pikachu and gave him three sets of kicks. That gave Pikachu quite a hard time. "Now use your Bullet Punch!" Hitmontop gave Pikachu a series of punches and then he fell to the ground backwards.
"Pikachu!" Sora and Kairi gasped. Pikachu was now on the ground, knocked out.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Hitmontop wins!" The student announced. Sora went over to Pikachu and picked up his partner.
"You did great, Pikachu. I'm always proud of you," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"You should rest up for a while," Sora said. Kairi handed Togepi to Mallow and she took Pikachu in her arms. Sora went back into position and pulls out Noctowl's Pokéball. "Okay Noctowl! Back to action!" Sore threw his Pokéball and Noctowl's body sparkles upon entry.
"Sending your Noctowl to deal with my Hitmontop are you? I told you this one was going to give you such a hard time," Chuck said.
"Yeah. He did. My Noctwol isn't going down without a fight. Right Noctowl?" Sora asked. Noctowl hoots in response. "Thought so! Noctowl! Use your Wing Attack!" Noctowl dove down to deliever Wing Attack on the Fighting Type.
"Hitmontop! Focus your energy! Bullet Punch!" Chuck ordered. Hitmontop lands a bunch of punches on Noctowl and he took the heavy hit. "Now move in with Triple Kick!" Hitmontop spins around to deliever another three sets of kicks on the owl Pokémon. Sora remembered the practice battle he had with Chigusa and her Hitmontop. Chuck's Hitmontop must be into spinning, he won't even notice Noctowl coming towards him. That gave him an idea.
"Noctowl! Hit Hitmontop with Wing Attack again!" Sora called out. Kairi and the Alolan nine were wondering what he was planning. Noctowl flew towards Hitmontop and hit him a few times with his wings. "Great! Now use your Moonblast!" Noctowl 's head feathers glowed light pink and fired a pink orb and it heads right towards the spinning Hitmontop. When it landed a hit, Hitmontop stops spinning and lands on his back, knocked out.
"Hitmontop is unable to battle! Noctowl wins!" The student announced.
"Great job, Noctowl! You did a good job!" Sora praised his Noctowl. Chuck calls back his Hitmontop.
"Not bad, Sora! Now it's really gonna get serious! Machoke!" Chuck called out to his Machoke.
"MA!" Machoke said.
"Machoke! Karate Chop!" Chuck ordered. Machoke gave its trainer several chops across the chest. It looked so very painful, but the Gym Leader was just taking it.
"What is he doing?" Lillie asked.
"Chuck must want his Machoke to get psyched up for battle. It also helps the trainer stay focused. That's the kind of determination I admire," Kiawe said. His eyes lit up with fire.
"COME ON! FOCUS YOUR ENERGY! FOCUS ON WINNING!" Chuck said. "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FOCUS, MACHOKE!" Machoke kept karate chopping Chuck until it got the inspiration it needed to win.
"MACHOKE!" Machoke shouted.
"Yeah! That's the spirit, Machoke! Get in there and give it everything you've got!' Chuck said.
"CHOKE!" Machoke said, entering the battle. Machoke looked at the owl Pokémon flapping his wings in the air.
"Noctowl! Moonblast!" Sora ordered. Noctowl formed a pink ball of energy and sent it towards Machoke.
'Focus your energy, Machoke! Dodge and use your Karate Chop!" Chuck ordered. Machoke avoided Noctowl's Moonblast and moved in to deliever a Karate Chop on Noctowl.
"Dodge it quickly!" Sora called out. Noctowl flew out of the way, before Machoke could land a hit. Machoke grabs Noctowl by the feet and both he and Sora knew this didn't look good. Machoke gave Noctowl a toss on he hit the wall. Noctowl slides down the wall and lands on his belly.
"Noctowl is unable to battle! Machoke wins!" The student announced. Sora calls back his Noctowl.
"You did great, Noctowl. You need to rest up," Sora said.
"Both has one Pokémon left to use," Hapu said.
"And I think I know which one he has in mind," Kairi said. Sora took out his Pokéball and gave it a toss.
"Go for it, Gliscor!" Sora said. The Pokéball opens and Gliscor lets out a loud yell upon entry.
"Oh, so another Flying Type. Looks like you have yourself a powerhouse saved for last!" Chuck complimented. "Machoke! Focus your energy to take down that Gliscor!"
"You too, Gliscor! You focus your energy and you'll be able to win!" Sora said. Gliscor nodded. "Move in! Night Slash!" Gliscor flew towards Machoke with his claw emitting a dark aura.
"Machoke! Cross Chop!" Chuck ordered. Machoke crossed its arms and charged towards the fang scorpion Pokémon. Both attacks collided and both take damage, but at the same time, it pushes them back. "Now use Karate Chop!" Machoke moved in and swung its arms to strike Gliscor.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Gliscor dodged out of the way as best as he could, but he got hit a few times. Machoke was about to make one more chop when Gliscor grabs Machoke by the arm and gives it a toss over his shoulder. "That's the way, Gliscor!"
"Get up, Machoke! Focus your energy!" Chuck called out. Machoke stood back up and moved in to grab Gliscor.
"Gliscor! Wing Attack!" Sora ordered. Gliscor struck Machoke with his wings and it sends Machoke back a few steps. "Night Slash again!" Gliscor's claw emits a dark aura again and struck Machoke on the side.
"Use Submission!" Chuck ordered. Machoke moved and grabs Gliscor with its legs and rolled around all over the battlefield holding Gliscor. Machoke then gave the fang scorpion Pokémon a toss and headed right towards the wall.
"Gliscor!" Sora called out. Gliscor hears Sora's voice and he used his tail to bounce against the wall. Kairi cheered Sora and Gliscor on when Gliscor made that bounce. The Alolan nine weren't expecting that to happen. "That's great! Wing Attack!" Gliscor strikes Machoke with his wings.
"Machoke! Cross Chop again!" Chuck ordered. Machoke crosses its arms again and charges towards Gliscor to land a hit.
"Earthquake!" Sora ordered. Gliscor stomps on the ground and the whole Gym starts to shake. Machoke was starting to lose its footing as well did Chuck. Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, the Pichu, and the Alolan nine all felt that too. Sora saw an advantage and he had to take it now. "That's great, Gliscor! X-Scissor!" Gliscor flew towards Machoke and delievered X-Scissor right on mark on the superpower Pokémon. Machoke fell to the ground.
"Machoke! Get back up! Focus your energy!" Chuck called out. Machoke struggled to get back up, but it fell right back on the ground beaten.
"Machoke is unable to battle! Gliscor wins! The victory goes to Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town!" The student announced.
"That was a great battle," Kiawe said.
"I gotta admit, Chuck almost had him with that Submission," Sophocles said.
"I thought so too. But, I knew Sora would pull through," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Toge, Togepi!" Togepi chirped.
Gliscor grabbed Sora and gave him a hug. Sora laughed feeling Gliscor's hug and he knew how he felt.
"You did great, Gliscor. I knew you would come through," Sora said.
"You okay, Machoke?" Chuck asked his Machoke.
"Machoke, Ma," Machoke answered.
"I'm proud of you, Machoke. You put up quite a battle today. You're a champion in my book; win or lose," Chuck praised Machoke. Machoke smiled, feeling better about losing. Chuck walked up to Sora with a smile on his face. Gliscor places his trainer down. "I gotta tell you, Sora, you really put up a great fight. I can say that there's no shame in losing to a trainer like you." Sora smiled and rubbed the back of his head.
"Thanks Chuck. I guess I'd say the same thing if I lost to you," Sora said.
"Battling you, it brought back a lot of good memories. You really reminded me of myself when I was your age. So, I'm gonna give you the Storm Badge for beating me," Chuck said. Chuck hands Sora a badge that is shaped like a fist. Sora accepts the badge and places it in his badge case. He now needed three more to enter the Johto region's Pokémon League.
"Thanks a lot, Chuck," Sora said.
"Say, why don't you and your friends stay for the night? The ferry doesn't leave until morning," Chuck offered.
"Not a bad idea," Sora said. "I should check in on Jasmine and see if Sparkle is doing better, anyway." With that said, all of Chuck's students have left for home while Sora, Kairi, and the Alolan nine are staying as guests. Sora made contact with the Gym in Olivine City. Janina answered the phone.
"Hi there, Sora! Did you win the Storm Badge from Chuck?" Janina asked.
"Yeah, I did. Chuck really gave me a hard time, but I managed to pull through. Anyway, I'm calling to check up on Jasmine and Sparkle. Is she doing any better?" Sora asked.
"Sparkle did take the medicine, but she'll have to rest up for the next few days before she gets completely better. Jasmine is stiill not accepting any challenges at the moment. Sorry," Janina apologized.
"Don't worry about it, Janina. Just glad everything worked out. And how are Riku and Naminé doing?" Sora asked.
"They decided to stick around for a while just so they can watch your Gym battle. And Riku told me to tell you that you better be ready for her when you get here," Janina said.
"That's sounds like him, alright. Okay, I'll let you go now and let Jasmine know what's up," Sora said.
"I will. Goodbye," Janina said, hanging up. Sora hung up as well.
"Looks like your battle has been postponed for later it would seem," Chuck's wife said.
"Yeah. Sparkle just needs to rest up," Sora said.
"How about you check out the Whirl Islands, Sora?" Chuck suggested.
"I think we should. My relatives might be there and I did promise to see them when I had time," Sora said.
"If they are there, then they picked the right place. The Whirl Islands is said to be home to many legends and myths for many years," Chuck said. Sora knew it sounded like a good experience and there had to be plenty of good places and locations to check out the Pokémon that live there.
"Why not? I'm not in a hurry to earn my next badge anyway," Sora said. Chuck's wife hands Sora a card.
"Take this card. It'll pay for your passage for you and your friends," Chuck's wife said. "Consider it as a gift for that great battle you gave my husband." She snuggles him. "Even though he is on the flabby side, but that only means more of him to love."
"Aw, honey. You're embarrassing me," Chuck said, blushing.
"That's what a wife is for," Chuk's wife said. The married couple moved on into their room as Sora returned to the guest room provided to him and the others. Along the way, he couldn't help but imagine himself and Kairi in their shoes. Kairi and the Alolan nine all had futons set for them. They all took notice of him coming in.
"Is Jasmine's Ampharos doing any better?" Hapu asked.
"Yes and no. Ampharos is still under the weather, but Janina did say that Jasmine will have a battle with me when she does get better," Sora said.
"That's good to know," Mallow said.
"It sure was nice of Chuck's wife to let us stay for the night," Acerola said.
"It sure was," Kiawe agreed.
"Well, there's more. I was thinking of checking out the Whirl Islands tomorrow," Sora said. He took out the fare card. "Chuck's wife just handed this to me."
"If I recall, you did promise your relatives about meeting with them on your spare time," Illima pointed out.
"I can bet Ven will be tickled with joy to see you again," Lana said.
"Yeah," Sora agreed. He turned to Kairi and he saw her with a smile on her face. "Hey, Kairi. What's up?"
"Nothing. Just in a good mood," Kairi said. "Also, there's one more thing I want to give you." Sora knew what that could be, so he shut his eyes as Kairi gave her boyfriend a kiss on the lips. The group went off to sleep in the guest room.
On the very next morning, Sora and his friends boarded the hip to the Whirl Islands to meet up with Sora's relatives, if they were there at all. Chuck and his wife said their goodbyes to their guests. Kairi was happy because she got some recipes from her and she knew Sora was going to enjoy it so much. Sora turned to Illima.
"So, which island are we heading towards?" Sora asked.
"According to the guidebook, we should be heading to Blue Rock Isle. And it should take us a couple of hours to reach it," Illima said.
"That's good to know," Sora said.
Unknown to the group, Ventus takes a look out to the ocean and he spots his cousin and his friends.
"Sora!" Ventus called out. Sora and the rest turned to see his cousin.
"Ven!" Sora said. The cousins went up to each other. "Haven't seen you since the Raikou incident. Still on your vacation?" Sora asked.
"Sure am! Mom, dad, Terra, and Aqua are here with me!" Ventus said.
"We have much to catch up on. So how about we have a word with them?" Sora suggested. Ventus nodded and led them to the cabin they were staying.
Their adeventures in the Whirl Islands is about to begin and who knows what mysteries are they going to come across during their stay? Just keep waiting and find out.