Episode 194: Full Melmetal Jacket
After dealing with Guzzlord and the remaining Kartana out on the loose, joined by Ethan, Caesar, Minerva, and Chumley, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, the Pichu, Terra, Ventus, Aqua, and the Alolan nine all made it to Silver Town where the Johto Pokémon League's opening ceremony is about to begin.
"We've made it," Sora said.
"You know something, I think I'm having a case of the deja vu's," Sophocles said.
"You mean like the Indigo Plataue all over again?" Mallow asked.
"Yeah, that's it," Sophocles said.
"He's right, becuase I'm having it too," Ventus said.
"We were with you guys in the last Pokémon League you competed in, Sora," Terra said.
"Yeah," Mina agreed.
"And the only difference is, Sarah and Harper aren't with us this time," Lana said. "Not that I didn't wanna see them or anything."
"I know what you mean, Lana. Tai, Takuya, Takato, Yugi, and pretty much everyone else should be here," Sora said.
"Right. Also, my grandma, your mom, and my parents are gonna meet up with us when it starts," Kairi said. Sora smiled as he agreed.
"And not to mention, Professor Oak should be coming with them. Especially since Gary is going to be here too," Sora said.
"Speaking of Gary, I don't think we've seen him since the incident involving Celesteela," Illima said. Sora thought for a moment and he realized something.
"You're right, Illima. I think that was the only time we've seen him since coming down into Johto," Sora pointed out.
"And what are the possibilities of us actually seeing him?" Acerola asked.
"I would say, very good," Hapu said.
Caesar, Minerva, and Chumley were confused since they had no idea who Gary is. As they looked around, they saw so many participants all around.
"Looks like a tough competition," Kiawe said.
"I'll say it is," Terra said. "And the Indigo Plateau had some tough customers before."
"Yeah," Mina said.
"I know that feeling, guys. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about this," Sora said. "I came so far ever since Professor Oak asked me to make this important delivery to Kurt in Azalea Town. And here we are once again, at a Pokémon League."
"Pikachu," Pikachu agreed.
"You have been training hard for this, Sora," Lillie said.
"She's right. You have," Lana agreed.
"You can do it, Sora. You came so far since then, and you're going to do fine again," Mallow said.
"You already have my support, Sora," Sophocles said.
"Me too," Mina said.
"The same with me, Sora," Acerola added.
"And it doesn't take a genius to know who'll get an unconditional support from her," Kiawe said, referring to Kairi.
"Pichu," the Shiny Pichu chirped.
"Pichu," the Spiky-eared Pichu chirped.
"Toge," Togepi chirped.
Sora looked around to his friends and knew how lucky he was to have such good friends. He even felt lucky to have Kairi on his side no matter what.
"Thanks, you guys," Sora said.
The group joined the other trainers participating in the competition. Among them is Silver who managed to make it so far. He noticed Sora and Ethan present, but he pretended he didn't notice them.
Just then, a man wearing traditional Japanese clothes came before the trainers. He had a troubled look on his face.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Due to some unforeseeable circumstances, we may be delaying the start of the tournament a little later than usual. I do apologize for this," the man said. The crowd was muttering among themselves, not believing what was going on.
"You think something is up to interrupt it?" Kairi asked.
"It sure looks like it, Kairi. I just I knew what it was," Illima said.
Sora knew something was wrong, so he had to see what was up. He went up to the man to ask him.
"Excuse me, but what's up?" Sora asked.
"Well, if you must know, a wild Farfetch'd was recently seen in these parts and it has been all sorts of trouble around here," the man explained.
"A Farfetch'd?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
"Yes. This Farfetch'd has shown up on Mount Silver just a few days ago and has joined up with a Sneasel and a Weavile living in the area," the man said.
"Then, why don't you just try to get rid of it?" Sora asked.
"Unfortunately, we have already tried and all of our efforts have failed. The Farfetch'd lives close to the sacred shrine to where the sacred flame of Ho-Oh is burning to this day," the man said. Sora knew it wasn't good that a Farfetch'd joined up with a Sneasel and Weavile would be a troubling combination. He knew he had to do something about it and soon.
"How about I deal with this Farfetch'd?" Sora offered. The man looked at the young trainer.
"Are you participating in the tournament?" The man asked.
"Yes. And I'm more than able to deal with that Farfetch'd. And I can get the flame back for you," Sora said. The man smiled with gratitude.
"Thank you very much. You have no idea how much this means so much to us," the man said.
"More than you think," Sora said. He rejoins his friends to discuss the situation about the Farfetch'd. "And that's it."
"I didn't know Farfetch'd could be found on Mount Silver," Acerola said.
"They can't be. But it's possible they can fly around for miles. And it's bad that it had to come here," Lillie said.
"We have to do something. As long as it stays here, it's going to keep causing trouble for everyone taking part of the Johto Pokémon League," Kiawe said.
"He's right. Remember when Team Rocket tried to pull this kind of stunt with the flame of Moltres?" Hapu asked.
They all remembered their stupid attempt when they tried to snatch the flame of Moltres, but luckily Riku has managed to foil their attempt. And Sora did lend a hand to assist him.
Sora, Kairi, the Pokémon, and the Alolan nine went to get to the flame of Ho-Oh from the resting place and they finally made it when the Farfetch'd and its two followers, a Sneasel and a Weavile had shown up.
"A Farfetch'd along with a Sneasel and Weavile. And they're right where we want 'em," Sora said.
"How are we gonna go at it?" Sophocles asked.
"I'll deal with Farfetch'd. You guys deal with its buddies," Sora said.
"Gotcha," Kiawe said, taking out a Pokéball. Mina took one out as well.
"Go! Marowak!" Kiawe shouted.
"Go! Granbull!" Mina shouted.
Sora turned to Pikachu.
"Go get that Farfetch'd, Pikachu!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded. He stands in front of the wild duck Pokémon ready to battle it. Sneasel and Weavile went to deal with Marowak and Granbull. Farfetch'd begins by charging to land a cut attack onto Pikachu.
"Pikachu! Use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dashed towards Farfetch'd and lands a hit on it. "Now use Iron Tail!" Pikachu swung his tail right at Farfetch'd, but it blocks with its leek. The two Pokémon clashed as they were swords. They both held on until Farfetch'd has overpowered the mouse Pokémon. "Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Pikachu gives the wild duck Pokémon a bad shock and fell to the ground. He threw a Pokéball and Farfetch'd flows inside. The Pokéball wobbles around and around until stars swirls around it, confirming the catch. "Now I have myself a Farfetch'd!" His Pokédex starts buzzing asking him if he wants to keep Farfetch'd with him. He decides to send over Farfetch'd.
At the same time, both Sneasel and Weavile were quickly subdued and they were forced to flee.
"And don't come back!" Kiawe called out to them.
Sora got to the sacred flame and brought it back to the man. Sora told the man the Farfetch'd won't be a problem anymore since he captured it. Kairi has known this Farfetch'd is a male of course.
"Thank you for everything. Now that the flame of Ho-Oh is back with us, we can now put on the tournament right on schedule!" The man said.
"I would call that a huge relief, since nothing like this has ever happened before," a familiar elderly voice said. The group recognized the voice very well. It was President Goodshow. They haven't seen him since the Indigo Plateau tournament way back.
"President Goodshow?" Sora asked.
"Yes. And hello again. It's so nice to see you again after so long," President Goodshow said.
"The same to you," Sora said.
"Aren't you the president of the flame committee here as well?" Kairi asked.
"I sure am, missy. It's the same for the Hoenn and Sinnoh regions as well," President Goodshow said. The group seriously had no idea about that. "Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing you at the opening ceremony, Sora. And I trust that you're going to put on a splendid performance just like the last time."
"I'll do my best," Sora said. The elderly man smiled as he took his leave. With the official flame ready, the torch runners are about to ignite the official flame to begin the Johto Pokémon League.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, the Pichu, and the Alolan nine met up with Terra, Ventus, and Aqua and headed off to the Pokémon Center to rest up and pick out which Pokémon he was going to go with on the first round.
"So, Sora. Which one of your Pokémon do you plan to go with?" Aqua asked.
"I have been thinking of going with Meltan, Pikachu, or Meganium. It was going to be Silvally's first time being in a tournament, but I figured it would be used for the toughest battles," Sora said.
"Good thinking, Sora. There's also Gliscor and Feraligatr, plus some of your other Pokémon," Mallow said.
"Before the official tournament can begin, you will have to go through a series of three one-on-one battles," Terra said.
"And I know you'll come out on top," Ventus said.
Sora nodded as he smiled. The group made their leave of the Pokémon Center and they happen to bump into Gary when they had just stepped out.
"Hey there, Sora," Gary greeted.
"Gary? It's been a while," Sora said.
"Yeah. Long time no see. I and it looks like you're doing very well," Gary said. He even turned to Kairi next to him. "Hello Kairi."
"Gary," Kairi simply said.
"I figured I would see you here, Gary," Sora said.
"Same to you, Sora. Just remember, just because you won the Indigo Plateau doesn't mean you're going to win this one, Sora," Gary said.
"Gee, I don't know, I'm feeling pretty confident in my skills, Gary," Sora said. "Just hope you last longer than the last time." Gary remembered his defeat when he battled Edgar and lost.
"I only lost because I was careless last time. This time, I am not so clumsy. And I know you're not either, Sora," Gary said. He took his leave of the group. He knew something has changed had changed him from the last time he saw him. He wondered what could have happen.
Meanwhile at a local resturant, Team Rocket had taken a part-time job as Jessie and James served the food for the hungry customers as they were making demands for some service. So far, Jessie and James were making some mistakes and delays on delieveries. Jessie falls on her knees and growls in frustration.
"I am not cut out to be a public servant," Jessie growled. A little holding a Teddiursa doll approached Jessie.
"Excuse me. Is my hamburger ready yet?" A little girl asked.
"Sweet heart, it'll be just a minute. I'll go check on your hamburger right now," Jessie said, rubbing her head.
"Will you hurry, old lady?" The little girl asked. Jessie then became vexed by what she was called.
"Did you say, old lady? I'll give you old!" Jessie yelled when she was about to beat up the girl, bbut James stopped her and dragged her into the kitchen. The little girl ended up holding the trays. Jessie stomped on a nearby chair. "The nerve of that nasty little brat! I would like to teach her a leson or two!" James tries to calm her down.
"Take a chill pill, Jess. You know the motto: the customer is always right," Meowth said, cooking the food. He holds out a plate holding a hamburger and a side of fries. "Here's what the customer ordered. "Here's what the little lady has been waiting for."
"Fine!" Jessie snarled as she snatched the hamburger and wolfed it down along with the fries.
"Hey! What are ya doing?! What's the deal?!" Meowth exclaimed.
"Have you completely lost it?! That's for the customers!" James reminded her.
"Well, not anymore! From now on, the old waitress is always right! And she's the first one in line to be fed!" Jessie snarled. Wobbufett pops out once more.
"Wobbufett!" Wobbufett said.
"And without us, there wouldn't be any food in the first place!" Jessie said, eating more of the food. James, Meowth, and Wobbufett even joined in on the eating.
"Well, if you put it that way," James said.
"First come, first servve!" Meowth said.
"Wobbufett!" Wobbufett said.
Just as Team Rocket kept eating the food, the manager comes in the kitchen and he sees what they're doing.
"WHAT?! You're eating up my profits!" The manager yelled. He kicks them right out in the streets. "Get out of here! You're fired!"
Over to the group, they made their way to the tournament grounds and they came to a hotel which also holds a Pokémon Center. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, the Pichu, and the Alolan nine all made their way towards the room they're staying in.
"This has got to be the biggest Pokémon Center I have ever seen," Kiawe said.
"And the room is real snazzy," Sophocles added.
"And we have the view of the lake, making the best room ever," Lana said.
"I can used to this," Hapu said.
Sora made his way to the couch and sat down.
"Check out how soft this couch is," Sora said. Kairi sat right next to him and she giggles. He places his arm around his girlfriend.
"Soft and confortable," Kairi added. She wraps her arm around Sora and the couple gave each other a soft kiss. The couple parted lips as Kiawe spoke up.
"Lovebirds, you think you can peel yourselves off of that couch? The trainers are being screened now," Kiawe said.
Sora had logged on and saw how he was going to battle. His first opponent is a young man named Salvador from Cherrygrove City. Terra, Aqua, and the Alolan nine decided to chill out in the hotel room as Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Pikachu, Togepi, and the Pichu went to where the battles are being held.
"Where are you going to be battling, Sora?" Ventus asked his cousin.
"The computer said I'm going to be at Block C," Sora said. The Pichu took a peek at one of the battles already underway, only for an Ursaring to fly against the fence right in front of them. Pikachu pulls the both of them by the paws.
"Don't stand too close, you two. You'll get hurt." - Pikachu subtitle.
The referee monitoring the battle raises the red flag.
"Ursaring is unable to battle! Donphan wins! The winner is Darren of Cianwood City" THe referee announced.
Sora got into position as Kairi, Ventus, and the Pokémon watches the battle to begin.
"The third screening in the C Block is now in session. The battle between Sora from Pallet Town and Salvador from Cherrygrove City is about to begin. We will now begin the order of battle," the referee said as the color randomizer rotates around. Salvador has taken the red spot and Sora has taken the green spot. The first selection was made as Sora was first to choose. "Sora will be the first to make a choice! Begin the match!" Sora takes out a Pokéball and he tosses it.
"Go! Meltan!" Sora shouted as the Pokéball opens and unleashes Meltan. The hex nut Pokémon makes its little sounds entering the battle. Salvador takes out his own Pokéball.
"Go! Furret!" Salvador called out.
"Meltan! Thunder Shock!" Sora ordered. Meltan fires Thunder Shock right at Furret.
"Furret! Use Double Team!" Salvador ordered. Furret forms several images of itself, causing Meltan to miss its target. Sora, Kairi, and Ventus gasped how easily Furret had dodged it. "Furret! Swift!" Furret fired Swift to strike at the hex nut Pokémon.
"Meltan! Harden!" Sora ordered. Meltan's body hardened up, but Meltan still took the hits from the stars. "Move in with Headbutt!" Meltan charges towards Furret, but Salvador has other plans.
"Furret! Dodge by using Dig!" Salvador ordered. Furret dodges Meltan by digging out of the way. Meltan was surprised by the sudden dodge. Sora knew Furret was going to pop out at any moment, so he had to act fast.
"Meltan! Flash Cannon into that hole!" Sora ordered. Meltan started to run towards the hole, but Furret came too fast and gave Meltan a good toss into the air. "Flash Cannon!" Meltan fires Flash Cannon to strike the long body Pokémon. Furret dug into the ground once again. Meltan tries to get a fix onto Furret, but the Normal Type Pokémon kept digging every time Meltan tries to get a fix on it.
"Meltan," Kairi said with worry.
"Come on, Sora! You can do it!" Ventus called out.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Pichu!" The Spiky-eared Pichu chirped.
"Pichu!" The Shiny Pichu chirped.
"Keep it up, Furret! Now use another Swift!" Salvador ordered. Furret fired Swift and it came too fast for Meltan to respond. Meltan was taking some serious beatings despite being a Steel Type. Meltan slowly got back up.
"Meltan! You can do this! I believe in you!" Sora said. Meltan turned to Sora and nodded. Meltan stood there before its whole body began glowing. Everyone was at awe.
"What's happening to Meltan?!" Ventus asked.
"Meltan is evolving!" Kairi said.
"Toge," Togepi chirped.
Salvador was shocked at the sight. Meltan began to grow in size. Meltan had evolved into a Melmetal. Sora's newly evolved Melmetal is so much like Bart's Melmetal and how he used it back in Earthland.
"Melmetal," Sora simply said.
Ventus's eyes sparkled at the sight of this new Pokémon. He was amazed by the very sight of this large Pokémon.
"Whoa! What kind of Pokémon is that?!" Ventus exclaimed excitedly.
"It's Melmetal," Kairi said. "I only seen one of those owned by another trainer. I wonder how powerful his new Melmetal is."
"I don't know what just happened, but that big thing is gonna go down. Furret! Dig!" Salvador ordered.
Furret dug into the ground once again. Melmetal waited for Furret to come out. Sora knew the new move Melmetal had learned just after evolving.
"Melmetal! Double Iron Bash!" Sora ordered. Melmetal rapidly spins its body. Furret jumps out of the ground. Once it builds up enough force, it extends its arms and hits Furret with them, one after the other. Furret goes straight into Salvador and knocked out Furret. The referee raises the green flag.
"Furret is unable to battle! Melmetal wins! Sora from Pallet Town wins the battle!" The referee announced. Ventus ran towards his cousin.
"Way to go, Sora!" Ventus cheered. "I knew you could do it!"
"Now I have just two more to go," Sora said. He turned to his newly evolved Melmetal and smiled. "Just expecting you to evolve. But you did when you felt my strength, right?" Melmetal nodded. Salvador walked up to Sora and held out his hand.
"That was a very good battle, Sora. You did a great job," Salvador said.
"Thanks Salvador. You did great too," Sora said.
"I'm looking forward to battle you again someday," Salvador said.
"You too," Sora said.
The two trainers shook hands and smiled as they had both promised each other a good battle in the future. Once again, Sora got ready for his next battle. Much to Kairi's dismay it was against a very familiar face. It was Crimson.
"Not her," Kairi said with distraught. Crimson took a look over to Kairi and growled.
"YOU! You're that brat you defeated me back in the Poké Maiden Tournament! I was so humiliated when your Togepi defeated my Dragonair!" Crimson exclaimed.
"You deserved to be taken out after your snobbish behavior," Kairi said. Ventus tugged his cousin.
"Who is she?" Ventus asked.
"Her name is Crimson. She was Kairi's last opponent in the Poké Maiden way back. She has an 'I'm better than you' attitude. None of the other contestants liked her very much," Sora explained. "Also, I wasn't expecting to see her here." Crimson took a glance over to Sora.
"I know him. He was right with that brat in the tournament. That has got to be her boyfriend. The opportunity for revenge has come. I can get back at her by beating her man in battle," Crimson said in her thoughts. She grins wickedly. Sora and Crimson got into positions as the referee made the call.
"The battle between Sora and Crimson is about to begin! We will begin the battle order!" The referee announced. The randomizer rotates around and around. Crimson is chosen as the first to choose her Pokémon. "Crimson makes the first choice, and then Sora! Begin!" Crimson takes out a Pokéball.
"It's time to let out my most reliable Pokémon! Dragonair!" Crimson shouted. Her Dragonair makes a majestic cry upon entry.
"Go! Feraligatr!" Sora shouted. The Pokéball opens as Feraligatr roars upon entry.
"Sending out a Feraligatr, huh? Perfect. My Dragonair is more than a match for it; especially when she knows Thunderbolt," Crimson said in her thoughts. The referee raises both flags.
"Begin!" The referee shouted.
"Dragoniar! Thunderbolt!" Crimson ordered. Dragonair fires Thunderbolt to strike at the crocodilian Pokémon. Sora remembered watching her battle with Kairi.
"Feraligatr! Dodge!" Sora called out. Feraligatr swerved to the right. "Move in with Ice Fang!" Feraligatr runs right at Dragonair with his fangs emitting ice.
"Dodge it, Dragonair!" Crimson called out. Dragonair slithers out of the way before Feraligatr could land a bite. "Now use Thunderbolt again!" Dragonair fires Thunderbolt again and shocks Feraligatr on the spot. "Now use Dragon Rush!" Dragonair charges towards Feraligatr to land the finishing blow. Feraligatr just sat there while Dragonair was charging at Feraligatr. Kairi didn't like the idea of her boyfriend losing to her final opponent in the Poké Maiden Tournament and Crimson grinned as revenge on Kairi through Sora was imminent. He he waited for her Dragonair to get closer.
"Sora," Kairi could only say.
"Feraligatr! Superpower!" Sora ordered. Feraligatr's body becomes surrounded in a light blue aura. He then strikes thedragon Pokémon with his fist. Dragonair was struck hard and landed on the ground beaten. The referee raises the green flag.
"Dragonair is unable to battle! Feraligatr wins! Sora wins the battle!" The referee announced. Crimson fell on her knees.
"No. I can't believe I lost to that brat's boyfriend. I was certain I was going to win," Crimson said in a shocked tone.
Kairi smiled when she saw exactly what she deserved once again. On his third and final battle in order for him to qualify even further was about to begin. It was against a trainer named TJ and he came from Violet City. The referee supervising the battle.
"The battle between TJ from Violet City and Sora from Pallet Town is about to begin! This battle will determine who shall press on to the semi-finals of the Johto Pokémon League. The randomizer shall decide whom shall make the first choice," the referee announced. The randomizer starts going around until the choice is made. It is Sora who is gonna make the choice. "First it shall be Sora and then it will be TJ who will make the next choice. Sora turns to Pikachu.
"You're up, Pikachu!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu ran onto the battlefield. TJ smirks as he took a Great Ball.
"You're going in, Golem!" TJ said, throwing his Pokéball. The Pokéball opens and stars swirls around his Golem as it has a light tan head, arms, and legs, and it also has a brown shell.
"Sora is really in trouble, since he knows Pikachu's electric attacks won't have any effect on Golem since being a Ground Type," Ventus said.
"I know, Ven, but that has never stopped Sora before and it's that is not going to stop him now," Kairi said.
"Pikachu! Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu jumps towards Golem to deliever a Steel Type hit with his tail.
"Golem! Protect!" TJ ordered. Golem forms a protective barrier around him and the attack bounces off. "Now use High Horsepower!" Golem's body gives off an orange aura and ran towards Pikachu to deal heavy damage due to typings.
"Pikachu! Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu darts from left to right as Golem had missed the mouse Pokémon. "Now use Iron Tail!" Pikachu's tail gives off a metallic glow and swings right at the megaton Pokémon and lands a hit. That dealt some heavy damage.
"Golem! Body Slam!" TJ ordered. Golem jumps into the air to land onto Pikachu with its rock-hard body.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodges Golem's attack and makes a crash landing onto the ground. "Another Iron Tail!" Pikachu jumps and gives Golem another smack on the side. Golem yelps in pain as Iron Tail deals some damage to the Rock and Ground Type Pokémon.
"Golem! Another High Horsepower!" TJ ordered. Golem got back up and rolled right towards Pikachu while glowing in an orange aura.
"Get of the way, Pikachu!" Sora called out. Pikachu avoids Golem's attack and rolls right towards the fence, smashing it and causing such a panic all around. TJ winced when he realized what he did. He turned to the referee.
"Will that count against me?" TJ asked.
"Afraid so. Golem has left the battlefield, therefore it counts as a forfeit. Sora wins the match," the referee announced, raising the green flag.
Sora now qualified to participate in the tournament taking place first thing the next day. Sora, Kairi, Ventus, and the Pokémon met up with Terra, Aqua, and the Alolan nine and told them that Sora had won his qualifying battles. They were surprised to hear Meltan had evolved, but the Alolan nine all knew what kind of Pokémon Meltan had evolved into. The group approached the screen along with several other trainers.
"I wonder who else made it," Terra said.
"Only one way to see," Acerola said.
The listings for the trainers who made their way through the first round had scrolls up. Sora's mugshot had scrolled up.
"There's Sora," Ventus said.
Ethan, Silver, Caesar, Minerva, and Chumley had made as well. Sora grinned to see that they had made it so far.
"Way to go, Ethaan, Caesar, Minerva, Chumley," Sora said.
"Even SIlver made it," Kiawe said.
"Yes. It's not surprising since he is so skilled," Illima said.
Gary's mugshot has scrolled up as well. Sora wasn't surprised to see Gary had made it as well.
"Knew you'd make it, Gary," Sora said in his thoughts.
"The official tournament shall take place tomorrow after the opening ceremonies. I advise all of you to have a good night's sleep," Nurse Joy said.
Later that night, Sora and Kairi were walking around the grounds to have some time to themselves when they potted Gary sitting by himself by the lake. He was thinking about his talk with Blue not too long ago.
"Gery?" Sora asked. Gary heard him and turned around. He saw the couple standing right behind him.
"Oh, hey Sora. And you too, Kairi. What are you two up to?" Gary asked.
"Just out for a stroll," Sora said.
"What are you doing out here?" Kairi asked.
"Just thinking. I just needed some fresh air to help clear my mind," Gary said. "You two can sit with me if you like."
"Just promise me you won't beat the tar out of me the last time, then it should be cool," Sora said. "Though, I can't really speak for Kairi." He turns to his girlfriend.
"I don't have a problem. And like he said, don't beat him up again," Kairi said. Gary chuckled nervously remembering that day and the day when she told him that she hated him.
"I promise that I won't," Gary assured her. The couple sat down next to Gary. THey gaze into the full moon reflecting into the lake and then to the moon itself. "That's some full moon, huh?"
"It sure is," Sora agreed.
"It's so pretty," Kairi added.
"That same kind of moon was out on the very first night after I left Pallet Town. And if memories serves, it was the same day that I got my Squirtle from my grandpa. Also, you came running in your pjs when you overslept. Remember?" Gary asked.
"I remember you were such a jerk on that day," Sora said, making Kairi giggle. He turned to Sora with a sour look on his face. "Just being honest."
"All of the starter Pokémon were already taken and the only one left was a feisty little Pikachu that wouldn't do what it was told to do," Gary pointed out.
"Not only that, it was the day Sora and I first met," Kairi added.
"And that's a memory I'll always value," Sora said. Gary became curious about the two of them.
"I have been wondering about this for a long time, but I never got a chance to ask you," Gary said. "How did you two meet in the first place?"
"Oh, so now you ask," Sora joked. He laughs. "It's kinda like this." Sora and Kairi told Gary about their experience about Pokémon hunters; the same Pokémon hunters that kidnapped Kairi and told her that they were gonna kill her, only if Sora hadn't come around. Gary was shocked to hear Kairi getting into such a situation over a Caterpie and then Sora over a Pidgey, but it didn't surprise him about his courage. "And that's why we're always together."
"Wow. I seriously had no idea," Gary said in disbelief.
"And as for Pikachu, I think his attitude changed when he saw I was willing to give my life for her and Pikachu," Sora said. "And as for the moon, I was too concerned for Pikachu to even notice."
"At least you were thinking about your Pokémon, Sora. I never thought you would take it seriously because I thought you would treat it as it was a game; but I guess I was wrong," Gary said.
"Anyway, what have you been thinking about?" Sora asked.
"I have been thinking about a lot of things. Like before the Indigo Plateau when I tried to have Kairi all to myself and when you chewed me out about taking my grandpa's name for granted. The truth is, you were right, I did take it for granted. My grandpa treated you like his grandson, even though he already had one. And how he treated your mom like his own daughter and how he comforted her after your dad died. I was arrogant just like Riku said I was, and that's why I lost to him. Also, that was why I lost to Edgar; my mind wasn't focused, and that's why I traveled out here in the Johto region to try again," Gary explained. "I guess if all of that hadn't happened that day, then your story would have been different, just like mine would have been. And who knows? Maybe we wouldn't be out here tonight and we would already been out on different parts of the world right now." Sora looked at his rival funny.
"Okay, who are you, and what did you do with Gary?" Sora joked. Gary laughed.
"Same ol' Sora, always with the jokes," Gary said, laughing some more.
"Putting the jokes aside, where are you going with this?" Sora asked.
"Why are you talking like this?" Kairi asked. Gary stood on his feet.
"No reason. I was just thinking that are all sorts of possibilties for the two of us, out there in the future," Gary said. He turned to Sora. "But it doesn't change the present, Sora. I plan to beat anybody that gets in my for first place, and that includes you."
"When the two of us go head-to-head in the tournament, just know, I'm gonna be throwing everything I have right at you, and I can expect the same from you, Gary," Sora said.
"You can count on it," Gary said as the two rivals locked into a hardy sporty handshake. Kairi knew he wasn't the same arrogant jerk he was when she first met him, so she thought something has changed him. The trainers parted hands and went back to where they are staying.
On the very next morning, the Johto Pokémon League was now officially underway. Fireworks start going off in the sky. Kairi, Togepi, the Pichu, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, and the Alolan nine were sitting among the spectators as Delia, Professor Oak, Riku, Naminé, Eevee, Azurill, Professor Kukui, Professor Burnet, Kairi's parents and grandmother had joined them. Meanwhile, in Porta Vista, Danny and Cattleya are sitting at home watching the event on television. Tai, Kari, Matt, TK, Sara, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, Jun, Takato, Henry, Rika, Jeri, Kenta, Kazu, Guil, Impidimp, Takuya, Koji, Kouichi, Zoe, JP, Tommy, Mime Jr., and Munchlax had joined them. Gladion, Kris, Lyra, and Hau had shown up as well. Will and Karen had taken their seats with President Goodshow. Hiroaki and his crew sets up the camera and other equipment. Nancy had taken her seat in the stands, doing her journalist job. With her, Yuuko, Susumu, and the families of Sara, Mimi, Izzy, Joe, Davis, Yolei, Cody, and Ken are sitting with them as well.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Silver Stadium where the Johto Pokémon League is being held! The stadium is filling in nicely as the crowd awaits for the anticipation as the athletes arrival!" The announcer announced. Lea and Isa are doing some work around the lab in Professor Oak's absence. Isa spotted the stadium on TV.
"Lea! It's on! Put those books and stuff down and get in here!" Isa called out. Lea does exactly that as he dashed over to the room.
"And what timing! I had just ordered pizza!" Lea said.
"Nice!" Isa said.
Professor Elm is sitting in his offce, doing some paperwork, but he turns to see the stadium on TV. He knows Ethan and Sora are taking part in it.
Sora, Gary, Ethan, Caesar, Minerva, Chumley, and Silver are in seperate parts of the line.
"Won't the participating trainers please line up? Any trainer who is not on time for the opening ceremonies will be disqualified," One of the security guards announced.
Jessie and James are in disguise to swipe Pikachu from Sora when they were stopped by the same security guard who made the announcement.
"You may have to excuse us," James said.
"We have an important business to attend to," Jessie added.
"Not so fast, you two. I don't remember seeing you before. Can you account for yourselves?" The security guard asked.
"We're from the Silver Pokémon Footprint Panel. And we're here to see Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town," Jessie said.
"There is no Silver Pokémon Footprint Panel," the guard said.
"And how would you know?" Jessie asked.
"I should know, because I worked here for six years and if there was such a thing, I would know about it," the guard said.
"Um, of course there is, becuase it was just issued. Now if you would allow us to pass through," James said.
"Let me see your ID," the guard said.
"We really must do our jobs, sir. And would you be so kind to let us do our job!" Jessie said, starting to lose her cool.
"I said let me see your ID," the guard told them. "No ID, no entry."
"LISTEN, YOU BIG APE! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOUR ATTITUDE! WE HAVE A TASK TO DO AND YOU'RE NOT LETTING US DO IT BECAUSE YOU'RE ASKING US FOR SOME STUPID ID!" Jessie shouted. The guard tied Jessie and James in a tree. "Get me down from here!"
"This is not very dignified!" James added.
"Shut up the both of you! And just hang around," the guard said, walking away. Back inside, Meowth is waiting for Jessie and James to come back with Sora.
"Where the hell are they?" Meowth asked. "They should have brought the twerp here by now." Meowth looks and sees Sora walking out along with the others. "Dammit, you guys. You screwed up again!" Wobbufett pops up.
"Wobbufett!" Wobbufett said. Meowth freaks out.
"Dammit Wobbufett! Don't do that!" Meowth hissed at the patient Pokémon. "Where are Jessie and James?"
"Wobbu, Wobbu, Wobbufett!" Wobbufett said.
"Where?" Meowth asked.
"Fett!" Wobbufett pointed outside.
Just then, the torch runner came into the stadium with the flame of Ho-Oh. The competitors all watched the torch runner reach the big torch and ignites it.
"And now the torch has been lit, the Johto Pokémon League tournament is about to begin!" The announcer announced. The crowd roars with anticipation. Sora looked over to Ethan, Caesar, Minerva, Chumley, and Gary, he nods to them. Silver looked over to Ethan and he sighs, thinking about what Lance had said to him. "This competition is full of tough trainers who really wanna win it! So, to all you trainers out there, do your best and come out battling!"
The Johto Pokémon League has officially begun. Sora won't find this to be a walk in the park as he's going to find out. Is Sora going to win it like he did back in the Indigo Plateau or will be knocked out before he could progress further? Just wait and find out.