Episode 189: The Fight of Dragons
At last, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, the Pichu, Terra, Ventus, Aqua, Yuta, Mirei, and the Alolan nine had finally arrived in Blackthorn City and to challenge the Blackthorn City Gym Leader for his final Gym Badge.
"Blackthorn City, we've made it," Ventus said.
"Man, that was quite a ride," Kiawe said.
"You've said it," Terra said.
"We should make a stop at the Pokémon Center and rest up our Pokémon after that long way to get here," Illima suggested.
"That's not a bad idea, because I could use the time to rest my feet," Sophocles said. And what perfect timing, his stomach growls. "And maybe get something to eat.
"You're too shy about food, aren't you?" Acerola asked.
"Nope," Mina said.
"That's not a bad idea either, Sophocles. We could all use a meal before we set off the Blackthorn City Gym," Sora said.
The group made their way to the Pokémon Center and out comes a very familiar redhead and he glares right at Sora.
"Oh, it's you again," Silver snarled.
"Silver," Sora simply said.
"Pika," Pikachu added. The Pichu hid behind Mirei and she held them close.
"You know this guy?" Ventus asked.
"Sure do. This guy goes by the name of Silver and he's a brutal Pokémon trainer, caring about having strong Pokémon that can win. Sora battled him and beat him," Kairi explained. "He even called his own Pokémon weak."
"So, what brings you here, Silver? Give your Pokémon your usual treatment?" Sora asked.
"Why is that any of your business? If you don't want a piece of me, than back the hell off," Silver scowled at him.
"Did you forget that I beat you in battle last time? I sure didn't," Sora said. "And don't tell me you forgot about your battle with Gary." Silver glares at Sora and he glares back at him. He remembered the battle he had with Lance and how quickly he was beaten. He remembered what Lance told him that he lost was because he didn't love and care about his Pokémon enough. "What's wrong? Meowth got your tongue? Why don't you share your little hatred for weaklings speech?" Silver didn't say anything and just took off.
"I don't have time to waste on the likes of you," Silver just said as he took off. Sora knew something was off when Silver just took off. He didn't go on about how he hated the weak so much; but Sora didn't understand why Silver would say or think such a thing.
"What was that about?" Sora asked confused. Kairi and the Alolan nine all shared his confusion.
"What was that about?" Kiawe asked.
"He wasn't like this the last time," Lana pointed out.
"How many times have you met him?" Aqua asked.
"Quite a few," Mina said.
"The last time we saw him was when we came to Olivine City and he stated that sick Pokémon should die because he views them to being useless," Hapu snarled.
"That's just awful!" Aqua said.
"But, did something happen?" Mallow asked.
"Seems like it," Yuta said. He couldn't help but wonder how a kid like him could be so angry like he is. The group stepped inside and checked their Pokémon inside to be checked up. The group reached the mess hall for their meal. Mirei enjoyed feeding Togepi and she smiled seeing the baby Pokémon so happy. She remembered when Kairi was a baby and she remembered when she would feed her, bathe her, and all sorts of things until the Jakira business. Entering the mess hall, Ethan was about to help himself when he spotted Sora and his friends. He smiled at the sight of him.
"Hey! Sora!" Ethan called out. Sora and the rest of the group saw Ethan coming up to them.
"Ethan! Hey!" Sora said as he high-fives him. "Haven't seen you since Mahogany Town. Did you win a badge here?"
"I did. And I'll tell you, it was not easy. That Clair really gave me a run for my money," Ethan said. "But I earned my last Gym Badge." He takes his seat. He took a look at Ventus and his two friends. "Hey there, Ven! It's been a while! How've you been?" He ruffled his hair. He laughed.
"The same as ever," Terra said. He took a look at Kairi's parents.
"So, who are they?" Ethan asked. Sora smiled and laughed nervously.
"About that," Sora said. Kairi stepped up.
"These are my mom and dad," Kairi said. Ethan was surprised when Kairi had admitted it. Yuta and Mirei smiled.
"So, you're another one of Kairi's friends, huh? It's nice to meet you," Yuta said. He shook his hand.
"Yeah, you too," Ethan said. Ethan remembered Kairi telling him that her mom and dad were dead and now they're right here right in front of him. He didn't want to ask anything. He joined them for their meal about how he knows Sora, Kairi, and the Alolan nine.
Once the meal had concluded, Ethan and Sora were both alone and there was something he wanted to know. Sora caught on what was bugging him.
"Something on your mind, Ethan?" Sora asked, getting it over with.
"Tell me the truth, Sora. Kairi said that one time, her parents are dead and they're alive. What the heck is going on?" Ethan asked.
"To be honest Ethan, I was shocked when I first met them and I figured you would be too," Sora said.
"That really doesn't answer my question, Sora," Ethan said.
"No, it doesn't," Sora agreed. "The thing is, they actually faked their deaths for all these years."
"Why would they do that?" Ethan asked, trying to understand.
"It was to protect her from a real bad guy that is so bad, they're on Team Rocket's level of bad," Sora said. Ethan still was off, but he couldn't fault them for protecting their daughter.
"How did Kairi react to seeing them again?" Ethan asked.
"Well, she wasn't jumping for joy when she saw them," Sora said.
"What do you mean?" Ethan asked, knowing where it was going.
"Kairi was pretty mad at them when she saw them for the first time since she was a baby. She felt like she was being lied to her whole life, but I managed to talk her out of the room of a Pokémon Center we were staying at the time. And it didn't take long for her to warm up to them. They explained their reason to us and everything. You already know the reason why. So now, here they are out of the blue when the bad guy is dead."
Ethan was shocked to hear the story Sora had shared with him and he still couldn't believe what he was told.
"Wow. I gotta tell you, I don't blame her for flipping out like that. But, at least she's happy now," Ethan said.
"Sure is," Sora smiled.
"How did they react to hear that you and Kairi are together?" Ethan asked. Sora laughed.
"Her mom was bursting with joy. And I won her dad over without even trying," Sora said. Ethan laughed a bit.
"Most dads wouldn't want their daughters dating," Ethan said, laughing. "Does her grandma know about this?"
"No. They felt that they should let her see them for herself," Sora said.
"I guess that makes loads of sense," Ethan said.
"So, how are things between you and Kris?" Sora asked. Ethan blushed.
"I don't know what you mean," Ethan lied, while blushing.
"It's okay, man. You know you can tell me," Sora assured him. "I mean we're friends, right?" Ethan had to admit he was right about that.
"Yeah, we're friends," Ethan said. He took a deep breath. "I do like her. I like her a lot."
"And what do you like about her?" Sora asked, curiously.
"I think it's very cute that she has that bubbly personality. I mean, I always like seeing her so very happy. Seeing her happy makes me happy," Ethan said. Sora had seen this before. It was when Riku admitted his feelings for Naminé way back.
"Have you told her?" Sora asked. Ethan turned to him.
"Told her what?" Ethan asked.
"Your feelings for Kris? Have you told her how you feel?" Sora asked. Ethan blushed and he breathes nervously.
"No. I haven't," Ethan answered. "How was it when you and Kairi admitted your feelings for each other?"
"Not gonna lie, I was worried that she didn't have any feelings for me and she felt the same way. I was about to duck out despite the pep talk Illima, Kiawe, and Sophocles gave me, but she took a stab at it and boom! She told me she loves me and I told her that I love her. And we've been a pair ever since," Sora said. Ethan did remember Mallow mentioning their first kiss as a couple and how red Lillie's face would get at the sight.
"If Lyran or Kris were here, they would be swooning at the thought," Ethan said.
"Yeah, they would," Sora agreed. They both shared a laugh. The group went to pick up their Pokémon from Nurse Joy and they saw how late it was getting.
Inside a room he was sharing with Kairi, Ventus, Lillie, Mallow, Lana, Kiawe, and Sophocles, he looked over to Kairi and smiled how cute she is when she sleeps; more times than he could even count. Over to the next room, Yuta looked over to his wife and saw how Mirei was sleeping soundly and she was clinging to him. Terra, Aqua,Illima, Mina, Acerola, and Hapu were sleeping soundly as he looked around. Yuta felt like he and his wife were blessed with more kids without knowing it.
One the very next moring, after having themselves some breakfast with Sora, Kairi, and her parents, they met up with the group and made their way to the Blackthorn City Gym. Sora entered the Gym and inside it, there stood a young woman with pale skin, blue eyes and light blue hair, tied in a ponytail with a beige hair band. Two large spiked fringes frame her face and point outward, and a third fringe rests in the center of her face between her eyes. She also has very thin eyebrows, and visible eyelashes. She wore a black and maroon cape with beige shoulder pads, a two-tone blue and light blue skin-tight bodysuit, blue gloves with black bracelets on her wrists, and blue knee-length high heeled boots with black anklets. She also wore a blue gem on her neck, resembling a Dragonair's pearl, and beige earrings, shaped like a dragon's tooth. She also wore a black cape on her back
"Welcome, welcome," the young woman greeted. "I presume that you're my very next challenge, hm?"
"Yes I am," Sora asnwered.
"Tell me your name, challenger," she instructed.
"My name is Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town," Sora introduced himself.
"Sora?" The young woman asked. She realized something. "Oh, so you're the Sora Lance has told me about."
"Lance? You know Lance?" Sora asked.
"I do. And if you haven't guessed, I'm his cousin," she said. "And he has told me all about how you helped him out clear out Team Rocket in Mahogany Town." Kairi's parents were surprised when she mentioned them taking care of Team Rocket. They had no idea that the Gym Leader of the Blackthorn City Gym is a relative of the Elite Four member Lance, but they weren't surprised to figure that she specializes with Dragon Types, just like he does. "Anyway, my name is Clair and I am honored to accept your challenge."
Both trainers had gotten into position of their battle. The battlefield has a swimming pool at one part and the rest has solid ground. Sora figured Clair had an aquatic Pokémon at her disposal. The referee came in and took his place.
"The battle between the Gym Leader Clair and the challenger Sora is about to begin! Both trainers will be using all six Pokémon each! Only the challenger is permitted to make substitutions during the battle! The match will be over when all six of either Pokémon is unable to continue battling! Now, choose your first Pokémon and begin!" The referee announced. Clair took out a Pokéball and Sora took out his Friend Ball.
"Kingra! Go!" Clair called out and her Kingdra emerged from the water upon entry.
"Figured it was a Dragon Type Pokémon! So, I've got Azumarill!" Sora shouted as he threw his Friend Ball and Azumarill enters the fray.
"Lance did tell me that you were resourceful. Starting out with a Fairy Type is a good call since Dragon Types are vulnerable to Fairy Types. Is it enough?" Clair asked.
"You're about to find out! Azumarill! Start up with Ice Punch!" Sora ordered. Azumarill charged at Kingdra with her fist emitting ice.
"Kingdra! Dodge by using Agility!" Clair ordered. Kingdra dodges Azumarill's Ice Punch by moving to the right. "Now fire Hydro Pump!" Kingdra fired Hydro Pump and it struck Azumarill hard.
"Bubble Beam!" Sora ordered. Azumarill fired Bubble Beam right at the dragon Pokémon. The bubbles had struck Kingdra. "Now use Play Rough!" Azumarill ran towards Kingdra to land a pounding on Kingra.
"Kingdra! Dodge again using Agility!" Clair ordered. Kingdra avoids Azumarill by dashing across the water.
"Azumarill! Swim after Kingdra! Don't let it get away!" Sora called out. Azumarill chases after Kindra in the water. The spectators were watching the battle play-by-play.
"Azumarill should the advantage since being a Fairy Type Pokémon," Ventus said.
"You're right, Ven. Kingdra has to know one Dragon Type attack, but Clair won't use it because Azumarill is a Fairy Type Pokémon," Lillie said.
"It doesn't mean she doesn't know how to conquer them," Yuta stated. Azumarill continued to chase after Kingdra. The dragon Pokémon looked back and saw Azumarill was gaining.
"Azumarill! Aqua Tail!" Sora ordered. Azumarill swung her tail just like a mace as it emits water and sends it towards the dragon Pokémon.
"Dodge it!" Clair called out. Kingdra dodges just by diving.
"Use Play Rough while in the water!" Sora ordered. Azumarill swims after Kingdra to give it a Play Rough. Kairi, her parents, Togepi, the Pichu, Terra, Ventus, Aqua, and the Alolan nine could tell where Azumarill was swimming just by following the blue ball at the end of her tail.
"Hydro Pump!" Clair ordered. Azumarill fired Hydro Pump right at Azumarill.
"Bubble Beam!" Sora ordered. Azumarill fired Bubble Bean right at Kingdra.
"Block it using Twister!" Clair ordered. Kingdra points its head upwards and created a water tornado to block Azumarill's Bubble Beam attack.
"Did you see that?" Lana asked.
"Wow! Clair had her Kingdra block Bubble Beam with Twister!" Aqua said.
"Talking about a good defense," Terra said.
"I thought Dragon Type attacks doesn't work on Fairy Type Pokémon," Ventus said.
"They don't. Clair used that Twister as a defensive maneuver rather than an offensive maneuver. I can bet a million dollars it has to be how she deals with Fairy Types. A clever plan on her part," Yuta said. Sora had to think.
"That Kingdra moves so fast just as long it stays in the water," Sora said in his thoughts. An idea popped into his head. "Wait a minute! Kingdra can only move so well when it's in the water, but while on land or in the air. That's it!" Clair didn't know what he was planning, but she knew Sora was up to something.
"Just what is he planning?" Clair asked in her thoughts.
"Just got to get Kingdra distracted long enough for my plan to work," Sora said in his thoughts, gritting his teeth.
"Kingdra! Hydro Pump!" Clair ordered. Kingdra fired Hydro Pump at the aqua rabbit Pokémon.
"Dodge it! Sora called out. Azumarill avoids Kingdra's attack just by jumping out of the way. "Now fire Bubble Beam!" Azumarill fired Bubble Beam once more.
"That's not gonna work! Kingdra! Dodge with Agility!" Clair ordered. Kingdra dodges Azumarill from left to right and she kept firing.
"What is he trying to pull off here?" Kiawe asked.
"I don't know, but knowing Sora, he must have some kind of idea," Illima said.
"What are you trying to pull off?" Kairi asked in her thoughts.
Azumarill kept firing and firing Bubble Beam and Kingdra was starting to get distracted from the water being splashed from each attack. One more Bubble Beam and water splashed and Kindgra goes flying into the air. Clair was shocked to see it as Sora saw it as an opportunity to end it.
"Kingdra! No!" Clair gasped.
"Now, Azumarill! Play Rough!" Sora ordered. Azumarill leapt towards Kingdra and started to pummel the sea dragon-like Pokémon. Kingdra falls right into the water and emerged from it, knocked out.
"Kingdra is unable to battle! Azumarill wins!" The referee announced.
"That's the way, Sora!" Mallow cheered.
"I knew he could do it!" Ventus cheered.
"So, he was using Kingdra's speed to his advantage. And a strong enough attack would force Kingdra out of the water. Now that's clever," Yuta said.
"Just like you are," Mirei said lovingly to her husband. He smiles and places his arm around his wife.
"One down and five to go!" Lana said.
"I wonder what other tricks she has in store for Sora," Acerola said.
"We're about to find out," Terra said.
Clair calls back her fallen Kingdra and she smiled.
"Thank you, Kingdra. You battled well. You have earned a very good rest," Clair said kindly. "That was a pretty good trick, Sora. Using my Kingdra's speed against me was a smart move. Now, let's see how you handle my next one." She took out her next Pokéball and threw it. "Gyarados! Go!" The Pokéball opens and her Gyarados roars upon entry. Clair's Gyarados has white whiskers.
"Gyarados is a Dragon Type Pokémon?" Ventus asked.
"No Ven. Gyarados is a Water Type and a Flying Type. But it does have some dragonish traits to it," Lillie said. Sora calls back Azumarill and looks over to Pikachu.
"Your turn, Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said. He entered the battlefield ready to battle Gyarados.
"Sora has sent in Pikachu to deal with Gyarados," Hapu said.
"Yeah," Mina said.
"Considering Gyarados is a Water Type and a Flying Type, Pikachu should have the edge, but I wouldn't count out Clair," Illima said.
"Pikachu! Start up with Electro Ball!" Sora ordered. Pikachu forms a ball of electricity and sends it right at the atrocious Pokémon.
"Gyarados! Block that with Hurricane!" Clair ordered. Gyarados blocks Pikachu's attack with a strong gust of wind coming out of her mouth.
"Whoa! She blocked it!" Sophocles said.
"You were right, Illima. Clair does have ways to make it difficult for her challengers," Terra said.
"Now, I am curious to see what else her Gyarados can do," Illima said.
"Gyarados! Fire your Dragon Breath!" Clair ordered. Gyarados fired Dragon Breath to strike at Pikachu.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu dodges Gyarados's Dragon Breath attack. "Now fire Thunderbolt!" Pikachu fires Thunderbolt right at the atrocious Pokémon.
"Dodge it!" Clair called out. Gyarados avoids Pikachu's Thunderbolt just by swaying her body to the left. "Now use Rain Dance!" Gyarados forms rain clouds inside the gym and it began to rain. Sora knew this is a Rain Dance and Hurricane that he got a taste of when Prince Wesleyan's Gyarados used it. Sora saw that coming a mile away.
"Nice try, Clair, but you're not going to get me with that stunt!" Sora stated. "Pikachu! Thunderbolt in that cloud!" Pikachu fired Thunderbolt and it created an indoor lightning storm.
"Oh no!" Clair gasped.
"What did he just do?" Mirei asked.
"He did that before when he battled Prince Weleyan during the finals of the Indigo Plateau and against Falkner. Sora knew Hurricane and Rain Dance is a combo with its own weakness," Kairi explained.
"And we're seeing it with our own eyes," Yuta said, getting even more amazed by Sora's skills.
"Dammit! He saw through my combo! He's even more resourceful than Lance told me. I'll have to end this quickly!" Clair proclaimed in her thoughts. She ordered, "Gyarados! Hurricane and make it a powerful one!" Gyarados takes control of the weather climate as rain and lightning still rages on.
"Pikachu! Dodge it with your Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu ran across the battlefield with lightning speed in the raging rain. Pikachu jumps and lands a hit onto Gyarados. "Now use Iron Tail!" Pikachu's tail gives a metallic glow and strikes Gyarados hard.
"Gyaraods! Hyper Beam!" Clair ordered.
"Take control of the lightning with you r Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. One very powerful Thunderbolt, Pikachu makes a large bolt of lightning strike hard at the atrocious Pokémon, causing such heavy damage. Gyarados falls down back into the water knocked out from the lightning blast.
"Gyarados is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" The referee announced.
"And that's two in a row for Sora!" Mirei cheered.
"I never had any doubt, mom!" Kairi added.
"Go all the way, Sora!" Ventus also added.
The clouds faded and the storm has ceased. Clair calls back her Gyarados and she smiled again.
"I wasn't expecting that you would see right through my ploy. Every combo must have its shares of weaknesses and you exploited it," Clair said. She takes ot an Ultra Ball. "Go! Dragonair!" Clair threw her Ultra Ball and Dragonair lets out a majestic cry.
"Pikachu's Electric Type attacks aren't going to do too much damage on Dragonair, since being a Dragon Type," Sophocles pointed out.
"Right. Sora still has Azumarill, Mamoswine, Sneasel, and Silvally to use," Lana said.
"Also Feraligatr knows Ice Fang and that's very useful," Acerola added.
"Okay Pikachu! Come back!" Sora called out. Pikachu returns to Sora's side and he rubs his partner's head. "Great job, buddy. You did good."
"Pika!" Pikachu beamed. Sora took out his Friend Ball and threw it. "Okay Azumarill! Back to action!" The Friend Ball opens and Azumarill is raring to go, but a bit softened up since battling Kingdra.
"Azumarill is back out to battle Dragonair. Good choice!" Mallow beamed.
"Doesn't Azumarill look exhauseted to anyone?" Kiawe asked. Everyone all looked right at Azumarill and saw how exhausted she was.
"Kiawe's right. That battle with Kingdra must have drained some of her energy," Lillie said.
"Azumarill! Ice Punch!" Sora ordered. Azumarill headed right towards Dragonair to land an icy punch.
"Dragonair! Thunderbolt!" Clair ordered. Dragonair's jewel glows yellow and unleashes Thunderbolt from her body, shocking Azumarill. She fell to the ground, knocked out.
"Azumarill is unable to battle! Dragonair wins!" The referee announced.
"I knew that would happen," Kiawe said.
"You think Clair might start making a comeback?" Lillie asked.
"It sure looks like it to me, Lillie," Hapu said.
"Sora will think of something. He always does," Ventus said.
"Ven's right. He'll get back right on his feet before Clair will know what's happening," Mallow said. Sora calls back Azumarill and he takes out a regular Pokéball.
"This will be your very first battle with me and I know you'll do your best," Sora said. He threw his Pokéball. "Go! Sneasel!" When the Pokéball opens, stars swirls around Sneasel when he made an entrance.
"I figured you had an Ice Type ready for me. That's what many of my challengers mostly throws at me. My Dragonair isn't easy to beat as you'll find out," Clair said.
"Oh, I know what I'm in for. How about you?" Sora asked. Clair smiled at her opponent.
"I like your spirit, Sora. Now, let's get this show on the road! Dragonair! Fire your Flamethrower!" Clair ordered. Dragonair fires Flamethrower right at the Shiny Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Sneasel!" Sora called out. Sneasel darts out of the way of the attack with his incredible speed. "Now use Dark Pulse!" Sneasel unleashes Dark Pulse and it heads right for Dragonair.
"Dodge it, Dragonair!" Clair called out. Dragonair avoids Sneasel's Dark Pulse and slithers right towards the Shiny sharp claw Pokémon. "Now fire your Flamethrower!"
"Sneasel! Icicle Crash!" Sora ordered. Cold air surrounds Sneasel and he fired a barrage of icicles and they all headed down to Dragonair. It almost began to fire Flamethrower, but Sneasel's Icicle Crash was coming too fast and struck it hard on the spot. Dragonair fell to the ground beaten.
"Dragonair is unable to battle! Sneasel wins!" The referee announced.
"Looks like her comeback plan has been derailed, for now," Terra said.
"It's no surprise Sneasel would win like that, since all of that battling he did when he was pack leader," Kairi said.
"Toge, Toge, Togepi," Togepi chirped.
"Sora had taken down half of Clair's team and now she's down her other half," Aqua said. Clair calls back Dragonair and pulls out another Ultra Ball.
"Nice one. That Sneasel is so much stronger than I was led to believe. This next one is going to give you such a hard time." She threw her Ultra Ball. "Go! Aerodactyl!" Clair's Ultra Ball opens and unleashes an Aerodactyl. Yuta and Mirei were stunned to see a prehistoric Pokémon of all things.
"Whoa! An Aerodactyl!" Ventus said with his eyes sparkling. "Just like Sora's!"
"Yes, but it looks even stronger," Hapu said.
"How is Sora gonna match up against that one?" Sophocles asked. Sora calls back Sneasel and takes out another Pokéball.
"It's your turn, Mamoswine!" Sora called out. His Pokéball opens and Mamoswine snorts upon entry.
"Nice! Since Aerodactyl is a Flying Type, he should have the edge since being an Ice Type," Acerola said.
"The problem is, Mamoswine's Ground Type attacks aren't going to do a thing since Aerodactyl can fly," Mirei said.
"Knowing Sora, he'll improvise," Lana said.
"Indeed," Illima agreed.
"Yeah," Mina also agreed.
Sora looked right at Aerodactyl and started to put a strategy to take down Aerodactyl.
"Maybe I should go with Ancient Power and Ice Shard on it, and then have Mamoswine move in with Ice Fang once it was close enough to the ground. It's a long shot, but I'll have to go with it," Sora said.
"Aerodactyl! Begin with Rock Slide!" Clair ordered. Aerodactyl forms rocks and sends them right at Mamoswine.
"Block it with your Ancient Power!" Sora ordered. Mamoswine forms silver crystalized rocks and sends them to block Aerodactyl's Rock Slide. The rocks had clodded, breaking each other upon contact. "Now fire Ice Shard!" Mamoswine creates shards of ice and sends them right at Aerodactyl.
"Dodge it! Quickly!' Clair called out. Aerodactyl flies to avoid Mamoswine's attack. "Now move in with your Fire Fang!" Aerodactyl dove down to deliever a burning bite onto Mamoswine. Sora figured she would try a biting attack, because Aerodactyl was now close to the ground.
"Mamoswine! Move in with Ice Fang!" Sora ordered. Mamoswine's tusks emits ice and grew longer and started to charge into the prehistoric Pokémon. Both Mamoswine and Aerodactyl took some heavy blows from each other.
"Hang in there, Aerodactyl!" Clair called out.
"You're doing great, Mamoswine!" Sora also called out. "Now use Ice Shard!" Mamoswine creates shards of ice and sends them towards Aerodactyl.
"Dodge and use another Fire Fang!" Clair ordered. Aerodactyl dove down to deliever Fire Fang to Mamoswine.
"Dodge!" Sora called out. Mamoswine moves out of the way of Aerodactyl's Fire Fang. "Now use Ice Fang!" Mamoswine lands a hit onto Aerodactyl, causing some damage on it.
"That was a good clean hit!" Lana cheered.
"If Sora keeps it up, then he'll have Aerodactyl down in no time," Hapu said.
"I think you're right, Hapu," Kairi said.
"Pichu!" Both Pichu cheered Sora and Pikachu on.
"Aerodactyl! Bring down Mamoswine with Giga Impact!" Clair ordered. Aerodactyl charges at Mamoswine being surrounded by purple aura with yellow stripes of aura spiraling around the purple aura.Sora knew how powerful that attack is, so he had to pull off something.
"Mamoswine! Ancient Power! Scatter it all over the place!" Sora ordered. Mamoswine had sent out the silver crystalized rocks all around and the rocks have begun to pelt Aerodactyl, obstructing its focus and balance. Aerodactyl was coming down fast, but still towards Mamoswine. "Finish it with Ice Fang!" Mamoswine gave Aerodactyl a strike at the gut and it fell to the ground beaten.
"Aerodactyl is unable to battle! Mamoswine wins!" The referee announced.
"Yay!" Kairi, Ventus, and Mirei cheered.
"Now Clair has two more left to use!" Lillie said.
"And that's where it really gets hard," Terra said. Clair calls back her Aerodactyl and takes out a regular Pokéball.
"Not too bad, Sora. And if you thought my first three were strong, then check out this one!" Clair said. She threw her Pokéball. "Go! Charizard!" The Pokéball opens and lets out a large Charizard. This Charizard is much larger than Sora's, Kiawe's, and Tai's Charizard. This Charizard has a pink bow on its head, indicating that it's a female Charizard.
"That is the biggest Charizard I have ever seen," Ventus said.
"How can a Charizard grow into that size?" Aqua asked.
"I honestly don't know. What I do know is, that Charizard had its own share of battles," Lillie said. Sora calls back Mamoswine and takes out a regular Pokéball.
"Your turn now, Feraligatr!" Sora called out. Feraligatr flexes his muscles upon entry. Clair grins when she saw the choice Sora had made.
"Figured you would use another Water Type Pokémon against my Charizard. I'll have to warn you, Sora, my Charizard has taken down her share of Water Type Pokémon," Clair said. Her Charizard roared in agreement.
"I'll just take that as a challenge! Feraligatr! Hydro Pump!" Sora ordered. Feraligatr fired Hydro Pump and it headed right towards Charizard.
"Dodge!" Clair called out. Charizard dodges just by stepping on the left. "Now fire your Dragon Breath!" Charizard fired Dragon Breath at the large crocodilian Pokémon.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Feraligatr tries to dodge, but Charizard's Dragon Breath attack came too fast and took a pretty bad hit. Feraligatr fell to the ground. "Try to get back up!" Feraligatr struggles to stand up.
"Charizard! Air Slash!" Clair ordered. Charizard fires Air Slash by flapping her wings and it struck Feraligatr hard. Feraligatr struggles to stand back up and keep on battling and his whole body started to glow blue.
"Wow. Feraligatr's Torrent ability has been activated," Illima said.
"What's Torrent?" Ventus asked.
"It's an ability that Pokémon like Blastoise, Feraligatr, and Primarina all shares. What we're seeing is Feraligatr's stamina pretty low and increases its Water Type attacks.
"Charizard! Use Inferno!" Clair ordered. Charizard fires a stream of fire from her mouth.
"Feraligatr! Hydro Pump!" Sora ordered. Feraligatr fires Hydro Pump and it cuts through Charizard's Inferno and struck Charizard hard and she had taken a lot of damage and fell to the ground beaten.
"Charizard is unable to battle! Feraligatr wins!" The referee announced.
"One Pokémon left to use," Yuta said.
"Clair must be saving her best one for last," Illima guessed.
Kairi, her parents, Togepi, the Pichu, Terra, Ventus, Aqua, and the Alolan nine all waited to see what Clair has saved in reserve. Clair calls back her fallen Charizard and takes out another Ultra Ball.
"It's your turn now, Dragonite!" Clair called out. The Ultra Ball opens and her Dragonite takes too the skies upon entry.
"A Dragonite. Just like Lance's," Kairi said.
"I knew it. She was saving that Dragonite for last," Illima said.
"Looks like Sora is really going to have a hard time with this last one," Kiawe said. Sora looked to his Feraligatr and saw he was panting. He knew he was tired from that Hydro Pump he had let out.
"That Dragonite looks really strong. It's not even close to strong as the Dragonite Lance has, but still strong. And Feraligatr is too tired from that battle with Charizard to keep going. I better play it safe and call Feraligatr back," Sora said in his thoughts. He takes out Feraligatr's Pokéball and calls back Feraligatr. He takes out Mamoswine's Pokéball and tosses it. He calls out, "Okay Mamoswine! Back to action!" The Pokéball opens and Mamoswine bellows upon entry. "Mamoswine! Ice Fang!" Mamoswine charges towards Dragonite with his tusks emitting ice and growing longer.
"Dragonite! Flamethrower!" Clair ordered. Dragonite fires a powerful Flamethrower and it struck Mamoswine hard. He fell to the ground beaten.
"Mamoswine is unable to battle! Dragonite wins!" The referee announced. Sora calls back Mamoswine into his Pokéball.
"So much for Mamoswine. I still have Sneasel," Sora said, taking out his Pokéball. "Back to action, Sneasel!" Sneasel re-enters the battle with stars swirling around. "Sneasel! Icicle Crash!" Sneasel launches Icicle Crash and it heads towards Dragonite. Clair wasn't worried.
"Dragonite! Dodge with Extreme Speed!" Clair ordered. Dragonite dashes forward, bypassing Sneasel's Icicle Crash and rams into Sneasel. He goes flying to the wall and slides down. Sneasel was down and out.
"Sneasel is unable to battle! Dragonite wins!" The referee announced.
"Is that what you meant by getting into a corner?" Yuta asked.
"It is," Mina answered.
"Somehow, Sora is gonna bounce back," Lillie said.
"He always does, somehow," Kiawe said.
Sora had three of his Pokémon taken out and he was down to three. Feraligatr was too tired to keep going, so he had to go with Pikachu.
"Your turn, Pikachu!" Sora stated.
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded.
Pikachu went up to the battlefield to battle Dragonite. Sora didn't expect an easy for an easy win just like with Gyarados, but he had to do his best.
"So, you're sending your Pikachu back out, hm? Let's see how long your Pikachu is gonna last against my Dragonite," Clair proposed.
"Pikachu! Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dashes towards Dragonite with his speed attack.
"Dragonite! Extreme Speed!" Clair ordered. Dragonite dashed towards Pikachu much faster and stronger than Pikachu's Quick Attack.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt to shock Dragonite.
"Block it with Flamethrower!" Clair ordered. Dragonite fired Flamethrower to block Thunderbolt. Their attacks locked on and resulted in an explosion. Pikachu used the smoke for cover just so Dragonite wouldn't see him. Once the smoke cleared, Dragonite looked around for Pikachu.
"Right behind you!" Clair called out and sees Pikachu dashes towards Dragonite.
"Dragon Tail!" Clair ordered. Dragonite's tail glows orange and sends Pikachu back, and Feraligatr is forced out. Feraligatr blinked twice when he was brought out. "Now use Extreme Speed!" Dragonite dashes towards Feraligatr and smacks Dragonite and fell onto the ground, knocked out.
"Feraligatr is unable to battle! Dragonite wins!" The referee announced.
"I didn't think Dragon Tail would do that," Sophocles said.
"That's what Dragon Tail does. Once the tail makes a hit, the battling Pokémon and forces another out to battle," Lillie said.
"That must be what Clair was planning; she knew Dragon Tail's effect would be useful. And it worked," Aqua said. Sora calls back Feraligatr into his Pokéball.
"Sorry Feraligatr. I had no idea she would pull that off," Sora apologized. Pikachu heads back out. "Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Pikachu fires his Thunderbolt to strike Dragonite hard.
"Dragonite! Extreme Speed!" Clair ordered. Dragonite dashes over to Pikachu, earning a knock out.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Dragonite wins!" The referee announced.
"Both has one left," Kairi said.
"Toge," Togepi chirped.
"Sora will make a comeback just like you said so," Yuta said. Everyone, especially Kairi, her parents, and Ventus had their fingers crossed. Once Pikachu was back on Sora's side after taking that hit, Sora takes out his Premiere Ball and he threw it.
"You're going in, Silvally!" Sora called out. The Premiere Ball opens and Silvally's crests are now pink since had given it the Fairy Memory in advance. Clair wasn't expecting to be battling a Pokémon like Silvally.
"That's an interesting looking Pokémon you've got, Sora. I have been hearing rumors about a few trainers with an unusual Pokémon, and it looks like you're one of them. How did you get a hold of something like that?" Clair asked. Sora just smirked.
"Wouldn't you be surprised?" Sora asked.
"Doesn't matter what it is or what it can do, because it's going to lose! Dragonite! Dragon Tail!" Clair ordered. Dragonite flew towards the chimeric Pokémon to land a hit, but it had zero effect on Silvally. "Impossible! Dragon Tail didn't do a thing?! It could only happen if it's a Fairy Type Pokémon.
"Clair is in a tizzy now," Kiawe said.
"This is the second Gym battle Silvally has entered since Ecruteak City," Lillie pointed out. "Morty's Ghost Type Pokémon were hard contenders; especially his Gengar."
Kairi and Ventus turned to each other and nodded. Everyone watched the battle as it was about to continue.
"Dragonite! Flamethrower!" Clair ordered. Dragonite fired Flamethrower at the chimeric Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Silvally!" Sora called out. Silvally dodges Flamethrower and started running towards Dragonite. "Now use Crush Claw!" Silvally moved in to swipe its claw at the dragon Pokémon.
"Dodge with Extreme Speed!" Clair ordered. Dragonite dodges Silvally's attack.
"Air Slash!" Sora ordered. Silvally fired a blade of air right at Dragonite.
"Dodge with Extreme Speed!" Clair ordered. Dragonite dashes across the battlefield and he quickly notices her Dragonite was getting exhausted from the dodges it was doing.
"Silvally! Track down Dragonite's movements and wait for the right moment!" Sora called out. Silvally waited for the right moment to hit Dragonite. Clair now has Silvally where she wanted it.
"Dragonite! Giga Impact!" Clair ordered. Dragonite was tired, but it charges itself towards Silvally in a purple aura with yellow stripes of aura spiraling around the purple aura.Sora waited until Dragonite got close enough to, hopefully take down Silvally. Kairi, Yuta, Mirei, Terra, Ventus, Aqua, the Pokémon, and the Alolan nine watched in fear as they all knew what was coming. Sora had to launch it now.
"Silvally! Multi-Attack!" Sora ordered. Silvally dashes over towards Dragonite and both had delivered a heavy blow. Both are now standing on their feet. This could be it; it could be anyone's battle now. They waited to see who had won, when Dragonite fell to the ground. Dragonite has been taken down.
"Dragonite is unable to battle! Silvally wins! Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town wins the battle!" The referee announced.
Kairi was very proud of her boyfriend as were Ventus. Everyone came down to congratulate him. Yuta rubbed his head. Clair had cut the celebration short as she walked up to Sora.
"That was an excellent battle, Sora. The way you battled has exceeded my expectations. Lance wasn't wrong when he told me that he said that you have some real potential," Clair said.
"Thanks Clair. You're a pretty tough trainer too," Sora said.
"So, as a Gym Leader, it's my pleasure and duty to give you the Rising Badge," Clair said as she presented him a badge that resembles a dragon's face. Sora accepts his final badge and he places it in his Badge Case.
"And that makes eight," Sora said.
"Now that you have acquired all eight Gym Badges, you are now qualified to participate in the Johto Pokémon League," Clair said. "You have earned it."
"Thanks Clair," Sora said.
Everyone left the gym and headed back to the Pokémon Center to have his Pokémon healed and to make an important call. He dials the professor's phone. Professor Oak answered and smiled.
"Ah, Sora! It's good to hear from you. I trust you have earned your final badge?" Professor Oak asked.
"Sure did! And that's why I'm calling. And now I can qualify for the Johto Pokémon League," Sora said.
"Wonderful. I knew you would make it this far, Sora. Your mother will definitely be proud. We'll all be heading down to New Bark Town first thing tomorrow," Professor Oak said. Sora knew where this was going.
"Um, by we, does that mean Kairi's grandma is coming too?" Sora asked.
"Of course, Sora. She would want to see her again after you have left. But, why do you ask, my boy?" Professor Oak asked.
"No reason. Just making sure," Sora stated, not wanting to give away too much.
"I suppose. Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing you again. Just be sure to meet us over to Professor Elm's lab," Professor Oak said.
"Sure," Sora said. "We'll be seeing you there."
"And you as well," Professor Oak said. Both had hung up. Sora went to join everyone else.
"What did Professor Oak say, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"He's going to meet us in New Bark Town. My mom and," Sora paused as he took a big gulp, "your grandma too." Kairi looked over to her parents as they knew what was coming. Mirei wasn't sure how her mother was going to react to seeing her daughter again after all these years. Yuta shared her uncertainty, but he knew she was going to need his support.
"We both knew this was coming, Mirei. We agreed to cross the bridge when we cross it," Yuta said.
"I know. I'm just worried if she was going to be angry at us for lying to her after so long," Mirei said. Yuta lovingly held his wife his arms.
"You are right to worry, but I want you to know I'm right here beside you. We can tackle this together," Yuta said.
"Dad's not the only one who is with you, mom," Kairi said. Mirei looked at her daughter. "Togepi and I are with you."
"Toge," Togepi chirped.
"And so are we," Sora added. Terra, Ventus, Aqua, and the Alolan nine all placed their support.
"Pichu," the Spiky-eared Pichu chirped.
"Pichu," the Shiny Pichu chirped.
Mirei's eyes filled with tears and she smiled to seeing Kairi and the rest being so supportive and the thought of seeing her mother again.
"You're right. Thank you, everyone. All of you are right. We can do this," Mirei said. On the very next morning, Sora, Kairi, Terra, Ventus, Aqua, the Pokémon, Yuta, Mirei, and the Alolan nine all set off for New Bark Town to meet with Professor Oak at Professor Elm's lab.
Mirei was still worried, but she had to see it through to the end and she wanted to see her mother again after being reunited with Kairi and she hoped she could catch up with her just like she and her husband had caught up their daughter. Just before they could go further, a young man approached them.
"Excuse me," the young man said, making everyone stop. "Which one of you goes by the name of Sora Ketchum?" Sora stepped up.
"I am," Sora admitted.
"Would you come with me?" The young man asked.
"What for? And where?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
"To the Dragon's Den. Come," the young man stated. The group were about to come along when he stopped them. "Only he is permitted to come."
"Why?" Ventus asked.
"Those were the instructions," the young man said. He turned to Sora. "Let's go." Sora went with him. Everyone else in the group waited at the Pokémon Center until he gets back. Over to the Dragon's Den, Sora, Pikachu, and the young man made their way to an old building that is built like a Japanese mansion. Inside it are three elderly men sitting in a seiza, waiting for him. "I have brought Sora Ketchum just as you instructed." He bows his head in respect.
"Good. Leave us," one of the elders said. The young man leaves them alone. The elders all look at him and he looked back at them.
"Come closer," the second elder instructed. Sora approaches them and he tries to sit just like they are, but having a hard time keeping his balance.
"Um, I was just wondering about something," Sora said. The third elder raised his hand, before could ask his question.
"Yes. You are wondering why you have been summoned here. The truth is, we wish to test you," the third elder admitted. Stepping inside is Clair and she sits besides Sora. She bows her head in respect.
"Elders," Clair greeted.
"What kind of test is it?" Sora asked.
"It is a test to determine how you and your Pokémon are truly one. We will be asking you five questions. And how you answer will decide it. Choose your answers carefully," the third elder said.
"Okay," Sora simply said.
"The first question. What are Pokémon to you?" The third elder asked.
"Pokémon are our friends," Sora answered.
"And why is that?" The third elder asked.
"Because Pokémon and their trainers forms a friendship between them. All of my Pokémon are my friends," Sora answered. Clair was impressed by how he told it.
"The second question. What helps you win your Pokémon battles?" The third elder asked.
"Hard work and training," Sora answered. "You can't expect to win just by rushing in."
"The third question. What kind of trainer do you wish to battle?" The third elder asked.
"Anyone. It doesn't matter how strong or weak the trainer is, because just as long as they do their best, then that's just worth it," Sora answered.
"The fourth question. What is the most important element when raising a Pokémon?" The third elder asked.
"Giving them loads of love and appreciation. I love all of my Pokémon just like any trainer would and should," Sora answered.
"Now the fifth and final question. If you had a choice to choose between strong Pokémon and weak Pokémon, which do you prefer?" The third elder asked.
"Both," Sora simply said. "Weak Pokémon can get strong when trainers puts so much effort into making them stronger." The elders thought for a moment and reviewed the answers Sora had given them. They looked right at him.
"You have," the third elder said before pausing, "passed." Sora was amazed to hear him, but not as much as Clair. "Based on your answers, you have proven to be one with your Pokémon. And I see why Clair had lost to you, despite impossible odds. So, we would like to give you this." The elders stood and approached him. The third elder took a chest and opened it revealing to him a fang. "You have earned the Dragon Fang." Sora looked right at it. "Take it. It is yours." Sora accepted the Dragon Fang and bowed his head.
"Thank you," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said, also bowing.
Sora, Pikachu, and Clair took their leave bowing their heads again. When they were outside the building, Clair was amazed by what happened.
"You're full of surprises, you know that?" Clair asked.
"What do you mean?" Sora asked.
"Not only you beat me with a Pokémon I never seen before, but you passed the test of the Dragon Elders. They don't test just anyone. And that one kid I battled before you was also tested and he passed," Clair said. Sora figured she was talking about Ethan. "So, I wanna wish you luck in the Johto Pokémon League, Sora."
"Thanks Clair. I won't need luck," Sora said. Both shook hands and left the Dragon's den. Sora returned to the Pokémon Center, waiting for Sora to come back.
"Sora! What was that about?" Ventus asked.
"I was just tested by the Dragon Elders," Sora said.
"And?" Terra asked.
"I passed it without even trying," Sora said. "And Clair was there with me."
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"I think I remember hearing something like this. It is said that the Dragon Elders tests trainers who are said to be truly one with their Pokémon; not just anyone can be tested," Yuta said.
"Clair said the same thing," Sora said.
"Now that's out of the way, let's get a move on!" Hapu said.
Agreeing with the Ground Type trainer, the group had once again begun to set off for New Bark Town to meet with Professor Oak; also to show his eight badges to the Nurse Joy at the New Bark Town Pokémon Center.
Sora now has what he needs to enter the Johto Pokémon League and now, the journey to New Bark Town is underway. He and Kairi had wondered how things would turn out for Kairi's parents and her grandmother. He even wondered how his own mother would get along with them. More to come soon.