Episode 197: Sora vs Gary
Night has come as Sora prepares for his battle against Gary. He did some research his rival and he was amazed by how many Pokémon he had caught during his journey in Kanto and Johto. Unlike Sora, he doesn't have any Pokémon that came from the Alola region; but all the same, he has one of each Type.
"Man, this is going to be way tougher than I think it is," Sora said. "I can't lose my cool. I have to give it everything I have. It' time to bury the hatchet once and for all," Sora said. Kairi stirs awake and sees Sora on the computer.
"Sora," she yawned. He turned to see his girlfriend.
"It's late, Kairi. Go back to sleep."
"I should be saying that to you, Sora," Kairi told him. She approaches him. "You should rest up since you're going to need your energy for tomorrow."
"I know. I just wanna be ready for anything Gary is going to throw my way in our match tomorrow. And I can bet a million bucks he's doing the same thing," Sora said. Kairi sighed and took Sora by the shoulder.
"Come to bed, Sora. You're going to end up with gray hair at your age if you keep obsessing over this," Kairi said.
"Kairi, I," Sora said before she placed her right index finger on his lips.
"No buts, Sora. You need your sleep now, mister," Kairi said. Before he could argue back, she gave her boyfriend a stern and serious look on her face. He knew better than to argue with her when he knows she's right.
"Okay, okay. You win," Sora said, caving in. He turns off the computer and climbs into bed. As they got to bed, Kairi clings to him once again.
"Better?" Kairi asked.
"Yeah," Sora responded.
"Good. Now get some sleep. You have a big day ahead of you," Kairi said. The couple kisses each other goodnight and they drifted off to sleep.
In his own room, Gary was going over a stragedy for his battle against Sora. He would have his battle with Sora back in the Indigo Plateau if Edgar hadn't already eliminated him from the tournament.
"After seeing Sora battle his way during the current tournament and the Indigo Plateau, he is not going to be as easy to beat. I wouldn't think it if I ended up battling him back then," Gary said. He sighes. "I may have more Pokémon than he does, but he's got some plenty of strong ones. That purple Ultra Beast, that Melmetal, and that one Pokémon he used against that one Ultra Beast are especially on my list of Pokémon to look out for. If he uses that one against me, he'll just use one of those discs to change its Types. I better plan that one carefully and hope for the best." Gary yawned and sets off for bed as soon as he logged off. He climbed into bed and he stares into the ceiling. "I know I can win against Sora, but how come I feel so uneasy?" Gary stayed awake for a few more minutes until he closes his eyes and fell right to sleep. He had to remember Blue's talk from way earlier.
On the very next morning, Sora has made the choice for his battle against Gary. He exchanged Meganium, Typhlosion, Gliscor, Houdoom, Feraligatr, for Kangaskhan, Charizard, Primeape, Naganadel, and Snorlax. He looked over to Pikachu.
"I know you're technically out of your own Pokéball, but I'm going have to send yours back to Professor Oak's lab," Sora said.
"Pi?" Pikachu asked in confusion.
"Don't get the wrong idea, I consider you the mst valuable part of the team, but you're gonna have to sit this one out. For one thing, Rillaboom did a real number on you on that last battle," Sora said. Pikachu knew Sora was right since he needed more rest after that battle with Chumley. Sora made his decision and chose Silvally for his upcoming battle. "There. Done." Kairi asked for Sora's Pokédex and she exchanged Raichu, Abra, Lycanroc, and Miltank for Seel, Sunflora, Ribombee, and Misdreavus. With his decision made, the group were approached by Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Azurill.
"Hey Sora," Riku greeted.
"Hey Riku, Naminé," Sora greeted back.
"Came here to root for you, Sora," Naminé said.
"Thanks, you guys. I appreciate it," Sora said.
"We watched you battle hard. Think you have what it takes to best Gary?" Riku asked.
"I know I do," Sora said. Riku smiled and places his hand on his shoulder.
"Then, get out there and show this guy what you've got," Riku said. Sora nodded and he got ready for the upcoming battle.
Later, Ethan and Caesar had already won their battles. Ethan battled on the Ice Field and Caesar battled on the Water Field. Delia, Kairi's parents, grandmother, Professor Oak, the Alolan nine, Riku, Naminé, Eevee, Azurill, Terram and Aqua are seated among the spectators as Kairi and Ventus are with Sora. Kairi has Jigglypuff, Seel, Sunflora, Misdreavus, and Ribombee out to cheer Sora on.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Our next battle is about to begin! Coming on the red corner is Gary Oak from Pallet Town! Coming in from the green corner is Sora Ketchum also from Pallet Town! Gary Oak is the grandson of the famous Pokémon researcher Professor Samuel Oak! It's Professor Oak's grandson against the champian of the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League! This battle might go either way in this bout!" The announcer announced. The crowd roars with anticipation for an epic battle to watch. Gary's cheerleaders makes a return to root for Gary even after he had ditched them when he started his journey in the Johto region.
"This is it," Kiawe said.
"This battle should decide things between those two once and for all," Sophocles said.
"I would have to agree, Sophocles," Illima said. "Gary is nothing to sneeze at during a battle."
"Hard to believe it's your grandkid out there," Yuuta said.
"Indeed. Sora and Gary both worked hard to get this far and now we're going to see how much it has paid off during that time," Professor Oak said. Delia and Mirei both had cameras out to capture the moment. "But I do wonder what is going through my grandson's mind just now."
"Now let's see which battlefield our two competitors will be fighting on!" The announcer announced. The randommizer goes off and the Rock Field is selected. "And it's a Rock Field!" The battlefield is formatted into a Rock Field. "It's time to see who shall be first to decide!" The randomizer goes off. Many of the girls in Sora's fanclub starts cheering for Sora hardily.
"Go! Gary!" One man called out, before the girls batted him silly.
"SHUT UP!" The girls hissed.
"Ow! How dedicated can a bunch of girls get?" The man wheezed. The randomizer selects Gary to choose first.
"And it's Gary Oak who will be making the first move! Which Pokémon will Gary be sending out first?" The announcer asked. Gary takes out a Pokéball and tosses it.
"Nidoqueen! I choose you!" Gary shouted as his Nidoqueen enters the battlefield. Sora took out his Safari Ball and threw it.
"Go right in, Kangaskhan!" Sora shouted as his Kangaskhan enters the fray.
"Gary has chosen Nidoqueen and Sora has chosen Kangaskhan! Both of these young trainers are starting out in a big way!" The announcer announced.
"Nidoqueen! Rock Smash!" Gary ordered. Nidoqueen slams her fist into the rocky battlefield and sends rocks and they pelt Kangaskhan. The kangaroo-like Pokémon endured the hit to the best of her abilities.
"Gary is making very good use of that battlefield! Those rocks are doing a number on Kangaskhan!" The announcer announced.
"Kangaskhan! Move out of the way of those rocks!" Sora called out. Kangaskhan heads to the right.
"Kangaskhan has managed to avoid Nidoqueen's Rock Smash! But for how long?" The announcer asked.
"Nidoqueen! Go after it!" Gary instructed. Nidoqueen goes after Kangaskhan, but that was Sora was expecting.
"Kangaskhan! Dizzy Punch!" Sora ordered. Kangaskhan lands a punch with her fist giving off a pink energy. When the punch landed, Nidoqueen became confused.
"Sora has baited Nidoqueen into coming forward! And now Nidoqueen is confused!" The announcer announced. Gary takes out Nidoqueen's Pokéball and calls Nidoqueen back. "Gary is calling back into its Pokéball! Which one is Gary going to send out next?!" Gary takes out his next Pokéball.
"Go! Magmortar!" Gary shouted. Magmortar has now entered the field with flames spurring from its arm parts.
"Gary has sent out his Magmortar! This shall be a red hot battle!" The announcer announced.
"Calling back Nidoqueen to take off its confusion is a good move on his part," Professor Oak said.
"It sure was," Illima agreed. "He really isn't taking any chances with Sora."
"Magmortar! Use Heat Wave!" Gary ordered. Magmortar sends a gust of flames and it engulfs Kangaskhan. "Now use Fire Blast!" Magmortar fires Fire Blast and it strikes Kangaskhan on the spot and falls to the ground beaten. The referee raises the red flag.
"Kangaskhan is unable to battle! Magmortar wins!" The referee announced.
"Gary has taken the lead in this battle! Can Sora hope to turn this around?" The announcer asked. Sora calls back Kangaskhan and takes out his Beast Ball.
"You deserve a good rest, Kangaskhan," Sora said. "Not bad, Gary. But you're not getting out of the woods yet! Go! Naganadel!" The Beast Ball opens and his Naganadel spreads its wings upon entry.
"Sora has now sent out Naganadel! Naganadel is said to be one of the rumored Ultra Beasts! How will Gary be able to deal with something like this?" The announcer asked.
"One of the Pokémon I was hoping he would send out. Magmortar! Fire Blast!" Gary ordered. Magmortar fires Fire Blast right at the purple Ultra Beast.
"Naganadel! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Naganadel avoids Fire Blast with such incredible speed. "Now use Dragon Pulse!" Naganadel sends out a dragonish energy right towards Magmortar. The attack strikes the blast Pokémon hard.
"Naganadel is doing a serious number on Magmortar! How long will it hold on?" The announcer asked.
"Heat Wave!" Gary ordered. Magmortar fires Heat Wave right at the Ultra Beast, but Naganadel dodges it again.
"That was a nice dodge, Naganadel! Now use Sludge Wave!" Sora ordered. Naganadel sends out a wave of sludge and it strikes Magmortar, causing it to suffer some poisoning. "Now use Dragon Claw!" Naganadel slashes right at Magmortar. The blast Pokémon fell to the ground beaten. The referee raises the green flag.
"Magmortar is unable to battle! Naganadel wins!" The referee announced.
"Sora starts to make an early comeback against Gary! Can Sora keep it up?!" The announcer questioned. Gary calls back his Magmortar and takes out his next Pokéball.
"Go! Nidoqueen!" Gary shouted. Nidoqueen returns to the battlefield.
"Gary has sent Nidoqueen back out! He has seriously done his homework since Nidoqueen is a Ground Type Pokémon!" The announcer announced. Sora calls back Naganadel. "Sora is switching Pokémon now! Which one is he going to send out now?" He takes out his next Pokéball and throws it.
"Go! Primeape!" Sora shouted. Primeape wearing his P-1 Grand Prix championship belt.
"Sora has sent out his Primeape! The fur is going to fly with this Pokémon if angered the right way!" The announcer announced.
"Primeape! Stomping Tantrum!" Sora ordered. Primeape stomps the ground, making the whole battlefield shake.
"Nidoqueen! Jump!" Gary shouted. Nidoqueen uses her tail to jump out of the way.
"Nidoqueen has taken to the air to avoid Primeape's Stomping Tantrum!" The announcer announced.
"Hyper Beam!" Gary ordered. Nidoqueen fired Hyper Beam and it strikes the pig monkey Pokémon and ended up being knocked out. The referee raises the red flag.
"Primeape is unable to battle! Nidoqueen wins!" The referee announced.
"Nidoqueen has taken down Primeape with a powerful Hyper Beam! Sora has lost two of his Pokémon and he will have to think of something if he wants to stay in the finals!" The announcer announced. Sora calls back Primeape and takes out his Priemier Ball.
"I was going to save you for later, but since this is Gary we're dealing with, this is as good as it's going to be," Sora said, throwing the Priemier Ball. "Go! Silvally!" Silvally lets out a loud roar upon entry.
"Sora's fourth Pokémon is his Silvally; a Pokémon that is rumored to have an artificial origin to battle against these Ultra Beasts! Let's see how this Pokémon can put a handle on Gary's Nidoqueen!" The announcer announced.
"The Pokémon he used against Celesteela. Silvally looks strong enough, so it won't be easy to beat. I need to work hard to take it down!" Gary said. "Nidoqueen! Mega Punch!" Nidoqueen rushes to land a punch on the sythentic Pokémon.
"Silvally! Dodge and use Crush Claw!" Sora ordered. Silvally raises its claw to swipe right at Nidoqueen. Silvally swipes right at the drill Pokémon and it causes some serious damage.
"Silvally has done some heavy damage with that Crush Claw! How will Gary respond?" Yhe announcer asked.
"Nidoqueen! Hyper Beam!" Gary ordered.
"Silvally! Dodge and use Air Slash!" Sora ordered. Nidoqueen fires Hyper Beam and Silvally jumps out of the way.
"Silvally has made quite a jump to avoid that Hyper Beam!" The announcer announced. Silvally fires Air Slash and it strikes Nidoqueen hard. "And now it makes its mark with that Air Slash!"
"Multi-Attack!" Sora ordered. Silvally jumps and darts right at Nidoqueen with its claws out. When the attack lands, Nidoqueen heads right into a rock pillar and was instantly knocked out. The referee raises the green flag.
"Nidoqueen is unable to battle! Silvally wins!" The referee announced.
"And that's two more Pokémon Gary had lost to Sora! Could Professor Oak's grandson be losing his touch?" The announcer asked. Gary calls back Nidoqueen.
"Silvally is much stronger than I remember. How was Sora able to tame that behemoth? I got no choice but to let out my big guns," Gary said, taking out another Pokéball. "Go, Blastoise!" The Pokéball opens and lets out the starter Pokémon he got from his grandfather.
"Gary's third Pokémon is his Blastoise!" The announcer announced. "Will Blastoise avenge its fallen comrade's honor or fall victim to Silvally's wrath?"
"I had a feeling he was going to go with Blastoise in this. I know for certain he's much stronger than Sora's Blastoise," Mallow said.
"I agree, Mallow. Blastoise is Gary's strongest Pokémon. Even with Silvally aiding him, Sora isn't going to find this easy," Professor Oak stated.
"I just hope this one doesn't Mega Evolve just like Edgar's can," Lillie said.
"Blastoise! Hydro Pump!" Gary ordered. Blastoise fired his powerful water attack from his cannons.
"Blastoise starts things up with a powerful Hydro Pump attack!" The announcer announced.
"Silvally! Dodge!" Sora called out. Silvally dodges just by jumping from one rock to another. Blastoise blasts the rocks, but Silvslly avoids it every time Blastoise fired.
"Wow! Silvally is avoiding Blastoise's attacks just by jumping from one rock onto another! Gary is really having a hard time with this Pokémon!" The announcer announced. Gary calls back Blastoise since he remembered the Memory Discs to change Silvally's Type from a Normal Type into either an Electric Type or a Grass Type. He takes out his next Pokéball.
"Go! Arcanine!" Gary shouted. Arcanine makes a howl upon entry.
"Gary's fifth Pokémon is his Arcanine! What is he planning to do with Arcanine?" The announcer questioned.
"Arcanine! Flame Charge!" Gary ordered. Arcanine charges towards Silvally while covered in flames. Arcanine lands a hit onto Silvally. "Flame Charge again!" Arcanine lands another hit onto Silvally.
"Arcanine lands two Flame Charges at once to build up its speed! How will Sora be able to catch up with the speed of this majestic Pokémon?" The announcer asked. Sora has no choice, but to use a Memory Disc to counter Arcanine. He took out his Ground Memory and tosses.
"Here!" Sora shouted. Silvally has turned into a Ground Type Pokémon!
"Now Silvally is a Ground Type!" The announcer announced and Gary grinned.
"I was hoping you would do that," Gary said, calling back Arcanine. He throws his Blastoise's Pokéball. "Go! Blastoise!" Blastoise is sent back out.
"Gary has sent Blastoise back out to deal with Silvally again! And withSilvally being a Ground Type, it has a weakness to water!" The announcer announced.
"Hydro Pump!" Gary ordered. Blastoise fired Hydro Pump and it struck Silvally before it could avoid it. Silvally was washed into the water attack and smacks into a huge rock pillar. Gary was certain it was enough to bring Silvally down, but he couldn't even be more wrong, because Silvally stood back up on its feet, but weakly.
"I was certain that Hydro Pump was enough to take out Silvally, but it's still not going down that easily!" The announcer announced.
"It actually held on?!" Gary exclaimed.
"Silvally! Air Slash!" Sora ordered. Silvally fires Air Slash right at the shellfish Pokémon and it took the hit. "Now use Crush Claw!" Silvally comes at Blastoise again to land a powerful hit.
"Blastoise! Rapid Spin!" Gary ordered. Blastoise withdrew in its shell and span around. The attack lands a brutal blow and it was enough to finally bring Silvally down. The referee raises the red flag.
"Silvally is unable to battle! Blastoise wins!" The referee announced.
"Gary Oak has taken half of Sora's team! It looks like Gary is going to grab that victory, unless Sora takes out what's left of Gary's team and fast!" The announcer announced.
Both trainers recall their Pokémon as they could get some rest for fifteen minutes. Ventus's cheeks puffed up.
"What's up with you, Sora? You're supposed to be in it!" Ventus huffed. "You're going to lose if you keep going like that!"
"Oh, come on, Ven. You know me better than that," Sora said. He ruffled his cousin's head. "Gary is giving me a real run for my money just like I knew he was going to."
"You were right to look into it last night, but you don't seem to be worried, Sora," Kairi pointed out.
"Gary did his homework just like I always knew he would. I think I might have some ways to get around him if I play my cards right," Sora said.
Kairi and Ventus wondered what Sora has in mind for Gary, but it should sound interesting.
"Sora is already behind and it's only the frst half," Sophocles said.
"He'll make a comeback soon enough. He always does," Lana said.
"Lana's right. He made it this far to get here and I knw he's going to again. Kairi and Ven are thinking the same thing," Lillie said.
Terra and Aqua both agreed with Lillie and they rememered how hard Sora battled since getting into the Indigo Plataeu finals and coming out on top and battled some tough trainers to get there. Fifteen minutes had come and went as both Sora and Gary retook their positions.
"Welcome back! And to those who are just joining us on TV, Gary Oak is leading with four Pokémon left and Sora is down to three! And now this round shall conclude the battle to see if Gary is going to make it further or will it be Sora! We are going have to wait and see!" The announcer announced. Sora and Gary both took out a Pokéball to continue the battle. The referee raises both flags.
"Resume the battle!" The referee instructed.
"Go! Arcanine!" Gary shouted. Arcanine renters the battle.
"Throw your weight around, Snorlax!" Sora shouted as Snorlax is let out to battle.
"Gary has sent Arcanine back out and Sora has sent out Snorlax! Does Arcanine have much enrgy left after the battle with Silvally or is it too tired to keep going?" The announcer asked.
"Arcanine! Flame Charge!" Gary ordered. Arcanine charges right towards Snorlax to land a burning hit.
"Snorlax! Heavy Slam!" Sora ordered. Snorlax jumps into the air and comes down hard. Arcanine easily avoids it due to the increased speed.
"Snorlax is just no match for Arcanine's splended speed! I think Gary is planning to finish this quick!" The announcer announced.
"Arcanine! Extreme Speed!" Gary ordered. Arcanine ran towards Snorlax to land a hit.
"Snorlax! A quick Hyper Beam!" Sora shouted. Gary was caught off by what Sora had just said; the same for Kairi and Ventus. Snorlax quickly ducks out of the way and sat back up and fired Hyper Beam as fast as a whip and lands a heavy damaging blow on the canine Pokémon. Arcanine was taking down and the referee raises the green flag.
"Arcanine is unable to battle! Snorlax wins!" The referee announced.
"I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it, but Snorlax has quickly ducked out of the path of Arcanine's Extreme Speed and fired Hyper Beam so very fast! And I thought Melmetal, Silvally and Naganadel were surprising!" The announcer announced. Gary was surprised by the sight.
"No way. Arcanine is one of the fastest Pokémon I have. I didn't think a Snorlax could move faster than Arcanine could," Gary said, calling Arcanine back. "He's no the only one with some tricks." He took out another Pokéball. "Go! Scizor!" His Scizor buzzes upon entry.
"Gary's fifth Pokémon is his Scizor! Will this speed demon make up for Arcanine's loss or will fall too?" The announcer asked. Sora took out Snorlax's Pokéball to call him back, but Gary suspected that he would.
"Scizor! Pursuit!" Gary ordered. Scizor launches itself atSnorlax and fell to the ground beaten. The referee raises the red flag.
"Snorlax is unable to battle! Scizor wins!" The referee announced.
"Scizor has taken down Snorlax and now Sora is down to two Pokémon left!" The announcer announced. Sora took out his Beast Ball and threw it.
"Back to action, Naganadel!" Sora called out. Naganadel emerges from its Beast Ball and glares right at Scizor.
"Naganadel is sent back out! What reason could Naganadel could be back out since Poison Type attacks has zero effect on Steel Type Pokémon!" The announcer announced.
"Naganadel! Dragon Pulse!" Naganadel sends out Dragon Pulse and it takes the form of a dragon's head.
"Scizor! Dodge and use Swift!" Gary ordered. Scizor avoids Naganadel's attack and fired Swift right at Naganadel, striking the Ultra Beast hard.
"Naganadel! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Naganadel fired Thunderbolt, shocking Scizor and causing paralysis.
"Scizor has become paralyzed from Naganadel's Thunderbolt! Is Gary going to switch Pokémon or is he going to keep Scizor out on the battlefield?" The announcer asked.
"Scizor! Metal Claw!" Gary ordered. Scizor flew right towards Naganadel with its pincers giving off a metallic glow.
"Naganadel! Dragon Claw!" Sora ordered. Naganadel's claws emitting a dark purple aura and swiped right Scizor. The evolved form of Scyther's speed and timing was robbed due to its paralysis.
"Uh-oh! Scizor's paralysis has taken its toll!" The announcer announced.
"Finish it with Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Naganadel sends out another Thunderbolt and deals lots of damage. Scizor fell to the ground beaten. The referee raises the green flag.
"Scizor is unable to battle! Naganadel wins!" The referee announced.
"Now both Gary and Sora are down to two Pokémon each! Those two are giving it everything they've got! Will Gary send his Blastoise back out or will he send another one to use?" The announcer asked. Gary takes out another Pokéball and he throws it.
"Go! Golem!" Gary shouted. Gary's Golem makes an appearance on the battlefield, feeling right at home on the Rock Field.
"Gary's sixth Pokémon is his Golem! Gary has the advantage in Types since Ground Types overpowers Poison Types!" The announcer announced.
"Golem! Use Rock Slide!" Gary ordered. Golem forms rocks above itself and sends them right at the Ultra Beast.
"Naganadel! Dodge and use Sludge Wave!" Sora ordered. Naganadel sends out Sludge Wave and it strikes Golem, causing it to be poisoned.
"Naganadel has landed a poisonous Sludge Wave onto Golem and now it's poisoned! How long can Golem last out there?!" The announcer exclaimed.
"Now use Dragon Claw!" Sora ordered. Naganadel flies right towards the megaton Pokémon to deal some damage.
"Golem! Use Rollout!" Gary ordered. Golem rolls into a ball and rolls right at Naganadel, dealing some damage.
"Ouch! Naganadel has taken a pretty bad hit from Golem's Rollout and it's going to hurt even more with each hit!" The announcer announced.
"Naganadel! Full power Dragon Pulse!" Sora ordered. Naganadel fires a much more Dragon Pulse and it quickly overwhelmed Golem. Golem fell to the ground beaten. The referee raises the green flag.
"Golem is unable to battle! Naganadel wins!" The referee announced.
"Now Gary is down to one Pokémon left! Will Sora find an easy win or will Gary eliminate Naganadel and his next Pokémon?" The announcer asked. Gary calls back Golem and takes out Blastoise's Pokéball.
"Put this battle to an end, Blastoise!" Gary shouted. Blastoise has re-entered the battle.
"Now Blastoise is back out to play, Gary is eager to end this little game! And I don't doubt Sora is just as eager!" The announcer announced.
"Better end this now," Sora said. "Naganadel! Thunderbolt!" Naganadel fires Thunderbolt to strike the large turtle Pokémon, but Gary wasn't phased by the attack Sora had launched.
"I figured he was gonna end it fast. It's going to win in my favor!" Gary said. "Blastoise! Dodge with Rapid Spin!" Blastoise withdraws into its shell and spins around.
"Blastoise has avoided Naganadel's Thunderbolt by using Rapid Spin! Sora must be disappointed how his plan has backfired!" The announcer announced.
"Now use Hydro Pump!" Gary ordered. Blastoise fires a powerful Hydro Pump from its cannons and lands a blow onto Naganadel. The Ultra Beast had been knocked out. The referee raises the red flag.
"Naganadel is unable to battle! Blastoise wins!" The referee announced.
"Wow! Sora is now down to one Pokémon! Can Sora hope to turn it around or is Gary going to earn his victory here and now?" The announcer asked. Sora calls back Naganadel and takes out his last Pokéball.
"Looks like it's come down to you. I know you're going to make me proud one way or the other," Sora said. He throws his Pokéball. "Go! Charizard!" The Pokéball opens and Charizard fires Flamethrower right into the air.
"Sora's final Pokémon is his Charizard! Gary has once again gained the advantage point since Fire Type Pokémon won't fare against Water Type Pokémon!" The announcer announced.
"Blastoise! Hydro Pump!" Gary ordered. Blastoise fired Hydro Pump right at the flame Pokémon.
"Charizard! Dodge and use Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Charizard flies out of the way and Hydro Pump misses its mark.
"Charizard just avoids Blastoise's attack just by flying! What a miraculous save!" The announcer announced. Charizard fires Flamethrower right at Blastoise.
"Block it with Hydro Pump!" Gary ordered. Blastoise fires Hydro Pump to block Flamethrower and it creates a steamy mist upon making contact.
"The combined attacks of water and fire has created a steamy mist! I am having a hard time seeing where Charizard is flying!" The announcer announced. The mist begins to weaken as a glow is suddenly seen. "Wait a minute! I think I'm seeing something! It think it's the flame at the tip of Charizard's tail!" The mist completely vanishes. "Charizard is still in the air!"
"Wing Attack!" Sora ordered. Charizard flew down to strike Blastoise. Charizard's wings smacks Blastoise hard. "Now use Dragon Claw!" Charizard swipes right at Blastoise.
"Charizard is really giving its all to Blastoise! How will Gary respond?" The announcer asked.
"Blastoise! Water Pulse!" Gary ordered. Blastoise forms a ball of water and hurls it right at Charizard. When Water Pulse makes contact, Charizard fell to the ground, but it wasn't enough to bring down Charizard completely.
"Charizard was able to hold on after taking such a hit from Blastoise's Water Pulse! This battle is truly heating up!" The announcer announced.
"Use Slash!" Sora ordered.
"Use Rapid Spin!" Gary ordered.
Both fully evolved starter Pokémon came at each other and gave each other a strike on the mark.
"Those two aren't backing down in an inch! How long can those two keep going?!" The announcer asked.
"Again!" Sora and Gary shouted. Charizard and Blastoise gave each other the same attacks and with the same results. Charizard and Blastoise stare at each other before an aura has appeared on the both of them; red for Charizard with his flame burning even hotter than before; a blue aura surrounds Blastoise.
"Charizard and Blastoise's abilities, Blaze and Torrent has been activated! Now their Fire and Water Type attacks are increased tenfold!" The announcer announced.
"Blastoise! Hydro Pump!" Gary ordered. Blastoise fires Hydro Pump right towards Charizard.
"Dodge it and fire Flamethrower! Make it a big one!" Sora ordered. Charizard fires Flamethrower and it's much bigger and hotter than normal.
"Whew! Is it getting hot up here or is it the battlefield! Charizard is firing a much more powerful Flamethrower attack!" The announcer announced. The flames were so hot, all of the rocks on the Rock Field began to melt like a stick of butter. "Wait a minute! That Flamethrower is so hot, the whole battlefield is melting! It feels like we're close to the sun!" Everyone was at awe.
Delia, Kairi's family, Professor Oak, Terra, Aqua, and the Alolan nine were stunned by the sight of the melting rocks. 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., Munchlax, Yugi, Zeraora, Téa, Joey, Tristan, Bakura, Duke, Mai, and Serenity were also amazed. Yuuko, Susumo, and the families of their children's friends shared their amazement.
"Char!" Guil shouted.
Flamethrower strikes Blastoise hard and engulfs in flames. The flame burns passionately for a few moments until the flames subsided. Blastoise had some burns on its body and is still standing on its feet. Both Pokémon ended panting for a few moments before Blastoise has fallen on its lower shell. Gary was at a total loss for words when he witnessed his first and most powerful Pokémon had fallen victim to his rival's Pokémon. The referee raises the green flag.
"Blastoise is unable to battle! Charizard wins! Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town wins the battle!" The referee announced.
"Sora has defeated Gary Oak! What a tremendous battle that was!" The announcer announced.
Gary's cheerleaders were disappointed that he lost, but as for Gary himself; he just closed his eyes and smiled. He didn't even care that he had lost.
"So, this is how it ends," Gary said to himself. He calls back his Blastoise. He looked right at his Pokéball and kept smiling. "Thank you, Blastoise. You and the others battled hard and gave it everything you had. I couldn't ask for any better Pokémon other than you."
Delia and Mirei were ecstatic for Sora on his win. Professor Oak looked right at his grandson and smiled. Yuuta just looked at the Pokémon professor.
"Is something wrong, professor?" Yuuta said.
"No. Nothing is wrong," Professor Oak assured Kairi's father. "I just cannot believe how well Gary is taking this."
"What do you mean?" Yuuta asked.
"Gary had this rivalry with Sora for a very long time. He wanted to be number one in everything, even in a Pokémon battle. He even wanted your daughter's affection. I know deep down he considered Sora to be a friend, but he refuses to admit it," Professor Oak explained.
"Aren't you disappointed that he lost?" Yuuta asked.
"I am that Gary had lost, but at the same time I am proud of the both of them. Not one of them has considered giving up as an option. But I wonder what is going through my grandson's mind right now," Professor Oak said.
Several hours later, Gary is sitting by the same lake. Just then, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, and the Pokémon had joined up with him. He turned to see them. They all had Sea-salt ice cream bars as well.
"What are you guys doing here?" Gary asked. Sora held one to Gary.
"Just for a friendly chat," Sora stated. Gary accepted the frozen treat and smiled.
"Is supposed to be ice cream?" Gary asked.
"It's pretty good," Sora said. Gary took Sora's word for it and took a bite of it. He was surprised how a combination of something salty and sweet could be so good.
"Wow. You're right, this is good," Gary said. "I can't believe I never tried this before."
"How are you taking it, Gary?" Riku asked. Gary turned to him.
"What?" Gary asked.
"You know what I mean. About losing to Sora. How are you taking it?" Riku asked. Gary could only smile.
"To be honest, I don't even care that I lost to him; not anymore," Gary said.
"If I recall correctly, there was a time you never wanted to lose to Sora. What made you change?" Naminé asked.
"The reason that I came down here in the Johto region was to do some soul searching. And along the way, a lot of thoughts flowed through my mind. I don't even know where I should even start," Gary said.
"What do you mean, Gary?" Sora asked.
"Ever since I lost to Edgar in the Indigo Plataeu, I began to have some thoughts, seeing you win it on TV just helped it. But there are some things that has been going on even before all that and all this," Gary said.
"Like what?" Sora asked.
"Like our days as little kids," Gary stated.
"Why bring that up?" Riku asked. Gary looked right at Sora as he took another bite of his ice cream.
"Remember that one rainy night when we were in that cabin?" Gary asked.
"That one night? Sure I do," Sora answered. "Why?"
"You even remember when I told you I wasn't scared of the lightning going off, right?" Gary asked.
"Yeah," Sora answered.
"I lied. I was," Gary said. This surprised Sora greatly.
"You afraid? Thought you weren't," Sora said.
"I was trying to act tough. The little kids that were with us were getting to me and I finally admitted I was just as scared as the rest of them. The only one who wasn't was you, Sora," Gary admitted. Sora remembered that night as well as Gary did. "All you did was get everyone to calm down just by laughing at the jokes you told and I remember all the songs we sang to help us to keep us from being scared. You are the bravest person I ever known in my life."
"I'm surprised to hear that coming from you. You were such a snob when we were little kids," Sora said.
"I know. I was trying to get under your skin, because..." Gary paused, "the truth is..." he sighed, "I was jealous of you." This surprised Sora even more.
"Jealous?" Sora asked surprised.
"That's right, Sora. I was jealous of you. I was jealous becasue everyone else liked you even more than me. Not only you're the bravest person I know, but you're also the funniest person I know. Also, all of the girls in our class all had their eyes on you. They always had the biggest crush on you, and it always drove me crazy. Even now the girls had their eyes on you." Sora scratched the back of his head as Kairi felt jealous of the girls crushing on her boyfriend. Sora then realized something.
"Wait a minute! Was that the reason why you went ballistic on me?" Sora asked.
"Yes it is. And seeing you with Kairi was the last straw. I never apologized for what I did, so I'm going to say that I'm sorry, Sora. And I'm sorry for hurting you, Kairi. I never meant to do it," Gary said. Kairi felt kinda sorry for Gary.
"I'm sorry too, Gary. I'm sorry for that awful thing I said to you," Kairi said. "I was still mad at you for what you did to Sora."
"Don't apologize, Kairi. You have nothing to be sorry for. Thinking about it now, you were right to slap me like that and call me out. I just can't believe I was such a jerk," Gary said. He looked right at Kairi once again. "There is one more thing I wanna know right now."
"What?" Kairi asked.
"Are you happy with Sora?" Gary asked. "I'm only asking because I finally wanna know." Kairi smiled and looked right at Sora.
"I am happy with Sora, Gary. More than ever," Kairi said. Gary smiled the same way when he lost to Sora.
"That's all I wanted to know. To show you that I love you, the very best thing is to let you go," Gary said.
"Thank you," Kairi said, giving Gary a hug. Gary blushed and he hugged her back.
"It may not be a kiss on the lips from her, but it's just as close to one I'll ever get, and that is fine with me," Gary said in his thoughts. When they stopped hugging he turned to Sora. He held out his hand to Sora and he grabbed it and did a hardy handshake.
"Anyway, Gary. What now?" Sora asked.
"I might come to the conclusion of becoming a Pokémon researcher just like my grandpa," Gary admitted. Sora was stunned to hear that.
"You're going to follow your gramps' footsteps, huh?" Riku asked.
"I am. I have been thinking lots about how Pokémon evolutions work, like for example, how certain Pokémon would evolve at the certain time of day and by other situation. I'm thinking of doing so as soon as the tournament is over. And maybe head down to the Sinnoh region and learn what I can from Professor Rowan," Gary said.
"Sounds to me you have chosen your own path," Riku said.
"I did. The path Sora has chosen is way different than mine. And I plan to see it through to the end," Gary said. Sora smiled and placed his hand on his former rival's shoulder.
"I know your grandpa will aproove of your choice," Sora said. Gary nodded.
"Sounds like you do too, Sora," Gary said.
Round one of the finals has been concluded. There are more challenges ahead for Sora. Who shall Sora end up facing next? Will be Caesar, Ethan, or Minerva? Just wait and see what happens next?