Episode 199: License To Battle!
Sora, Kairi, Ventus, and the Pokémon entered the battlefield to begin. Before the battle could start, Sora had exchanged Incineroar, Weavile, Tyranitar, Scyther, and Aerodactyl for Mamoswine, Gyarados, Salazzle, Ursaring, and Azumarill.
"And now our next battle is about to begin! Coming in the red corner is Minerva from Postwick and Sora from Pallet Town! Sora and Minerva had battled before at the Whirl Cup competition way back and these two are at it again! Now which one will be facing Ethan in the final round?!" The announcer asked. "But before we get to that, we shall see which battlefield our competitors will be battling on!" The randomizer begins to rotate around and around and it lands on the Ice Field. "These two will be battling on the Ice Field! Now we shall see who is going to make the first move!" The randomizer goes off again until it lands onto Minerva to make the first move. "And it shall be Minerva whom shall have the honors of going first!" Minerva takes out a Pokéball and tosses it.
"Go! Mr. Rime!" Minerva shouted. The Pokéball opens and Mr. Rime stumbles around on the battlefield. Sora takes out his Safari Ball and tosses it.
"Go! Salazzle!" Sora shouted. Salazzle sways around the battlefield.
"And it is Salazzle that is Sora's first choice and Minerva has chosen her Mr. Rime! Sora has gained the advantage since Salazzle is a Fire Type, but at the same time, Mr. Rime has the advantage since being a Psychic Type!" The announcer announced. The referee raises both flags.
"Begin the battle!" The referee instructed.
"Mr. Rime! Ice Shard!" Minerva ordered. Mr. Rime raises its cane and sends ice shards right at Salazzle.
"Dodge and use Flame Burst!" Sora ordered. Salazzle raised her arms and sends the flame right towards Mr. Rime.
"Use Light Screen!" Minerva ordered. Mr. Rime forms a golden-yellow barrier and it blocks Flame Burst. "Now use Blizzard!" Mr. Rime fires Blizzard right towards the toxic lizard Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Dragon Pulse!" Sora ordered. Salazzle dodges and sends Dragon Pulse and it headed towards Mr. Rime.
"Mr. Rime! Light Screen!" Minerva ordered. Mr. Rime forms another golden-yellow barrier.
"Mr. Rime keeps making Light Screen to block Salazzle's attacks! But how will long will it hold up?!" The announcer asked.
"Man, this isn't going as I planned. I have to try even harder. And I think I have something else in my sleeve," Sora said, calling Salazzle back.
"Sora is recalling Salazzle and he's got to have something planned!" The announcer announced. Sora takes out another Pokéball.
"You're up, Gyarados!" Sora shouted. He throws the Pokéball and stars swirls around the atrocious Pokémon upon entry. Many of the spectators were amazed to see the red Gyarados.
"Sora's second Pokémon is Gyarados! And not just any Gyarados, but the rumored red Gyarados!" The announcer announced.
"Gyarados! Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Gyarados fired Flamethrower right at Mr. Rime.
"Mr. Rime! Light Screen!" Minerva ordered. Mr. Rime forms another golden-yellow barrier, but isn't strong enough to block Gyarados's Flamethrower and Mr. Rime is knocked out with just one hit. The referee raises the green flag.
"Mr. Rime is unable to battle! Gyarados wins!" The referee announced.
"The red Gyarados has taken down Mr. Rime with just one hit! What can Minerva do to stay in this battle?" The announcer asked.
"Wow. That was amazing," Minerva said, calling back Mr. Rime. "That Gyarados isn't going to be easy to take down." She takes out another Pokéball. "Go! Togekiss!" Togekiss flutters upon entry.
"Minerva's second Pokémon is Togekiss! Togekiss looks ready to battle!" The announcer announced. Sora calls back Gyarados and takes out his Safari Ball.
"Back to action, Salazzle!" Sora called out. Salazzle re-enters the battle.
"Sora sends Salazzle back out to deal with Togekiss! But will this Fairy Type even hurt this Poison Type?" The announcer asked.
"Salazzle Sludge Wave!" Sora ordered. Salazzle sends out a wave of sludge right at Togekiss.
"Dodge it, Togekiss and use Aura Sphere!" Minerva ordered. Togekiss puts its wings together and creates a light blue ball of energy. Togekiss then fires it at Salazzle. It struck Salazzle hard.
"Ooh! Salazzle has taken a bad hit from that Aura Sphere! Can this reptilian Pokemon hope to stay in?!" The announcer asked.
"Salazzle! Sludge Wave again!" Sora ordered. Salazzle fires another Sludge Wave right at Togekiss, but it dodges the attacks that came at it.
"Togekiss is just avoiding those attacks like they were nothing! I don't think Togekiss is even tired from all those dodges!" The announcer announced.
"Fire Lash!" Sora ordered. Salazzle forms a feiry whip and sends it to whip Togekiss. Salazzle uses t to whip Togekiss several times.
"Dodge it!" Minerva shouted, but Togekiss got hit by Salazzle's Fire Lash. "Togekiss! No!"
"Salazzle fights back with that Fire Lash! Togekiss doesn't seem so happy about that!" The announcer announced.
"Togekiss is seriously taking a bad beating from Salazzle's Fire Lash. If this keeps up, then Togekiss is going to get wiped out," Minerva said. She takes out Togekiss's Pokéball and calls Togekiss back.
"Minerva calls Togekiss back! Good move to save it from that burning assault!" The announcer announced. She takes out a Great Ball.
"Go! Mudsdale!" The Great Ball opens and Mudsdale whinnies upon entry.
"Minerva now send out Mudsdale! Salazzle is at a huge disadvantage since Salazzle is a Poison Type and a Fire Type!" The announcer announced. Sora calls back Salazzle and takes out another Pokéball.
"Go! Mamoswine!" Sora shouted. The Pokéball opens and Mamoswine skids the icy floor upon entry.
"Sora has sent out his third Pokémon Mamoswine! A Good call to make since Mamoswine is an Ice Type!" The announcer announced.
"Mudsdale! Use High Horsepower!" Minerva ordered. Mudsdale's body glows with an orange aura and charges right towards Mamoswine.
"Mamoswine! Ice Fang!" Sora ordered. Mamoswine's tusks emitted ice and extended and charges towards Mudsdale.
"Mudsdale and Mamoswine are charging towards each other into an epic clash! I am anxious to know what the results will be!" The announcer announced.
Mamoswine and Mudsdale ran towards each other and clashed into one another. Mamoswine kids backwards and the same can be said for Mudsdale, but has sustained even more damage due to its weakness to ice. "Mamoswine! Ice Shard!" Mamoswine sends Ice Shard and it strikes Mudsdale hard on the mark, knocking it out. The referee raises the green flag.
"Mudsdale is unable to battle! Mamoswine wins!" The referee announced.
"Minerva has lost two of hers and Sora has not lost any of his! What hope does Minerva have to make a comeback?" The announcer asked. Minerva calls back Mudsdale and takes out another Pokéball. She throws it.
"Go! Rapidash!" Minerva shouted. Rapidash whinnies upon entry.
"Minerva has sent out her Galarian Rapidash!" The announcer announced. Mamoswine is panting indicating that he is tired from the battle with Mudsdale and from the High Horsepower he took. Sora saw how tired he is and calls back Mamoswine. He took out his next Pokéball and tosses it.
"Go! Ursaring!" Sora shouted. Ursaring stretches out his arms as he roared upon entry.
"Now Sora has sent out his Ursaring!" The announcer announced.
"Ursaring! Metal Claw!" Sora ordered. Ursaring charges towards Rapidash with his claws giving a metallic glow.
"Rapidash! Dodge and use Psybeam!" Minerva ordered. Rapidash fired Psybeam right at Ursaring.
"Dodge and use Metal Claw again!" Sora shouted. Ursaring avoids Psybeam and swipes at Rapidash with his claws, landing a super-effective hit.
"No! Rapidash!" Minerva gasped. She knew being a Fairy Type, her Rapidash is vulnerable to Steel Type attacks, but she couldn't afford to hesitate because she already lost almost half of her team. "I need to put an end to this before he gets the upperhand on me! Rapidash! Dazzling Gleam!" Rapidash's horn and mane glowslight yellow and fires a rainbow colored beam from her horn. The attack strikes Ursaring greatly.
"Rapidash's Dazzling Gleam does a real number onto Ursaring! Can Ursaring keep it up after taking that hit?!" The announcer announced.
"Ursaring! Feint Attack!" Sora ordered. Ursaring looks pretended to around for something Rapidash tilts her head and then Ursaring smacks Rapidash.
"Ooh! Rapidash has fallen for Feint Attack! Sora's Ursaring is doing a number on Rapidash the same way Minerva's Rapidash is doing to Urasring!" The announcer announced.
"Megahorn!" Minerva ordered. Rapidash charged towards Ursaring with her horn glowing green and extending.
"Metal Claw!" Sora ordered. Ursaring runs towards Rapidash with his claws giving off a metallic glow. Both had landed their attacks onto each other and waited for a few moments to see who is still standing. Both had collapsed and the referee raises both flags.
"Both of Ursaring and Rapidash are unable to battle! This round is a draw!" The referee announced.
"Both Sora and Minerva has earned a double knockout! And since Minerva has lost three of her Pokémon, there will be a fifteen minute recess for both trainers to rest up!" The announcer announced.
Meanwhile over to Team Rocket, they have set up a plan to capture Pikachu. It is diguised as a Pokémon Center for Sora to rest up after his battle with Minerva win or lose.
"There, this plan is foolproof," Jessie said.
"That is what you said the last time, Jess," Meowth deadpanned.
"That was only because of your faulty hammering abilities!" Jessie argued.
"At least this time, we have made the proper modifications and more thought into our Pokémon Center trap than the last time," James said. Just then something goes off.
"Now all we have to do is wait for the twerp to get here and spring in our trap!" Jessie said with glee.
"And with Pikachu and all those strong Pokémon the twerp is currently holding, then we can say goodbye to our debts and go back to getting that promotion we rightfully deserve!" Meowth added. James turned to his colleagues.
"Say guys," James started before he was cut off.
"We can work even harder by stealing all sorts of rare Pokémon for the boss to make it happen!" Jessie said.
"Jessie, Meowth," James tried to say.
"And we can kick that Cassidy, Butch, and that deranged hunchback Rasputin to the curb!" Jessie said.
"Don't stop, Jess! Please don't stop!" Meowth said. James had had enough and yelled out.
"GUYS!" James yelled at the top of his lungs.
"WHAT?!" Jessie and Meowth both exclaimed, not happy about James yelling like that.
"We have a message from HQ," James said.
"What?! Oh no! Did you two dolts forget to pay it again?!" Jessie asked in a frantic fit.
"Hey, it wasn't my turn the last time! It was James's turn and your turn before that!" Meowth said.
"No, no, no, it's not about our debts," James told them. Jessie and Meowth looked at him confusingly.
"What," Jessie started.
"...do you mean?" Meowth finished.
"The boss is calling us back to Kanto because he is giving us a very important assignment. And the boss himself wants us to report directly to him," James said.
"You think, he's finally starting to like us?" Meowth asked. Jessie scoffed.
"Of course he likes us. Why do you think he's calling us back and giving us this assignment?" Jessie asked.
"Since you put it that way, Jessie," James said.
"The boss must be forgetting all about our debts," Meowth said. Wobbufett pops out.
"Wobbufett!" Wobbufett said.
Back to the stadium, Sora is wiping off some sweat from the intense battle he was going through.
"Man, for an Ice Field, this field is making me work up a sweat," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"And I thought it was supposed to cool you off," Ventus said. Sora chuckled and ruffled his cousin's hair.
"Very funny, Ven," Sora said.
"Minerva has really gotten stronger since the Whirl Cup, hasn't she?" Kairi popinted out.
"Yes she has. She's doing even better than the last time, and the way she handled Mr. Rime, Mudsdale, and Rapidash has really proven it," Sora said. "And let's not forget about Togekiss."
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
Up to Caesar and Chumley who are currently watching the battle.
"Wow. Minerva has really done it again. She had made it even farther than we could ever could ever since we were little kids," Chumley said.
"You're right, Chumley," Caesar agreed. "Minerva has always been better than the both of us, but she never rubs it in our faces."
"We both had our very first battles against her and we lost. It's no surprise to me she made it all the way to the finals. You made so far, too, Caesar. The way I see it, you're a lot better than me. You're the only one who came close to matching her strength," Chumley said.
"Don't say that, Chumley. You tried hard, too. You gave it your all when you battled Sora, and you didn't give up. Besides, you're even stronger than you believe," Caesar said. "And I know Sora would say the same thing to you if he was up here with us." Chumley smiled and knew he was right.
"You know, Caesar, you and Minerva have been more than my rivals; you're my very best friends, too," Chumley said.
"Yeah. I appreciate it, Chumley and so will Minerva," Caesar said.
The fifteen minute recess has ended as Sora and Minerva retook their positions for battle. Togepi, Seel, Sunflora, Ribombee, Jigglypuff, and Misadreavus started to cheer hardily for Sora.
"And now we're back! To those who are just joining us on TV, Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town is leading with five of his Pokémon remaining and Minerva from Postwick being down to three!" The announcer announced. Minerva took out a Pokéball and tosses it.
"Go! Togekiss!" Minerva shouted. Togekiss comes back to battle tired from the battle with Salazzle. Sora turned to Pikachu.
"Okay Pikachu. You're up," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said. Pikachu enters the battlefield against Togekiss.
"Pikachu is out to battle against Togekiss! An Electric Type like Pikachu is a good matchup against a Flying Type like Togekiss!" The announcer announced.
"Togekiss! Aura Sphere!" Minerva ordered. Togekiss puts its wings together and creates a light blue ball of energy. Togekiss then fires it at Pikachu. The attack strikes Pikachu on the mark.
"Pikachu! Use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu ran across the battlefield and to stike Togekiss. Pikachu rams into the jublilee Pokémon. "Now use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu fires Thunderbolt and it shocks Togekiss hard. "Now use Iron Tail!" Pikachu swings his tail giving off a metallic glow and struck Togekiss hard.
"Togekiss! Fairy Wind!" Minerva ordered. Togekiss flapped its wings and pink glittering wind blows to hit Pikachu.
"Dodge it with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu ran across the battlefield again. Pikachu then jumps onto Togekiss's back. Togekiss begins to try to shake Pikachu off, but he just held on.
"Now Pikachu is riding on Togekiss, but Pikachu isn't going to get shaken off that easily!" The announcer announced.
"Okay Pikachu! Enough playing around! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu gave Togekiss a Thunderbolt shocking Togekiss, causing it to make a crash landing.
"Now Togekiss is going down, down, down!" The announcer announced. Togekiss slides across the ice and Pikachu gets right off. Togekiss tries to get back in the air, but Togekiss's efforts were in vain as it didn't have enough energy to keep going. The referee raises the green flag.
"Togekiss is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" The referee announced.
"Minerva is down to two left! Minerva needs to come up with something fast if she wants to win this battle!" The announcer announced. Minerva calls back Togekiss and takes out her next Pokéball and throws it.
"Go! Dubwool!" Minerva called out. Dubwool bleights upon entry.
"Minerva's fifth Pokémon is Dubwool! Minerva can hope for the best from this wooly Pokémon!" The announcer announced.
"Come on back, Pikachu!" Sora called out to his partner and comes back to Sora. He takes out his Friend Ball and he tosses it.
"You're turn, Azumarill!" Sora called out. Azumarill enters the battle pumping her fists upon entry.
"Now Sora has sent out Azumarill! Azumarill looks eager to battle Dubwool!" The announcer announced.
"Azumarill! Ice Punch!" Sora ordered.
"Dubwool! Zen Headbutt!" Minerva ordered. Dubwool charges towards Azumarill. Her Ice Punch misses, but Dubwool didn't miss with Zen Headbutt.
"Azumarill! Bubble Beam!" Sora ordered. Azumarill fires Bubble Beam right at the sheep Pokémon.
"Dubwool! Cotton Guard!" Minerva ordered. Dubwool uses her wool to block Azumarill's Bubble Beam.
"Amazing! Dubwool is using Cotton Guard as a shield to block that Bubble Beam!" The announcer announced.
"Azumarill! Play Rough!" Sora ordered. Azumarill runs towards Dubwool to deliever a devastating attack.
"Dubwool! Double-Edge!" Minerva ordered. Dubwool runs towards Azumarill and lands a hit before the aqua rabbit Pokémon could land a hit and it was enough to knock out Azumarill. The referee raises the red flag.
"Azumarill is unable to battle! Dubwool wins!" The referee announced.
"Now Sora has four left to use! Is Minerva starting to make a comeback?!" The annoouncer asked. Sora calls back Azumarill and takes out a Safari Ball.
"Back to action, Salazzle!" Sora called out. Salazzale hiss upon entry.
"Sora has sent his Salazzle back out! Sora will have to hope Salazzle can take Dubwool down pretty fast!" The announcer announced.
"Salazzle Fire Lash!" Sora ordered. Salazzle forms a fire whip and sends out to whip Dubwool.
"Dubwool! Zen Headbutt!" Minerva ordered. Dubwool ran towards Salazzle and strikes her hard before she could react. Salazzle had been taken down and the referee raises the red flag.
"Salazzle is unable to battle! Dubwool wins!" The referee announced.
"Minerva is really making a comeback just by taking down three of his Pokémon!" The announcer announced. Sora calls back Salazzle and takes out his next Pokéball.
"Back to action, Mamoswine!" Sora called out. Mamoswine skids the ice upon entry.
"Sora sends Mamoswine back out to play! And it looks like playtime could be over for Dubwool or for Mamoswine!" The announcer announced.
"Mamoswine! Ancient Power!" Sora ordered. Mamoswine sends silver crystalized rocks to pelt the sheep Pokémon.
"Dubwool! Dodge and use Last Resort!" Minerva ordered. Dubwool avoids Ancient Power. Dubwool's body becomes outlined in a golden aura, with orbs of energy being absorbed into its body. The golden aura then forms into a massive star in front of Dubwool's body and is fired at Mamoswine. The twin tusk Pokémon took a bad hit from Last Resort.
"Mamoswine has taken a bad hit from Dubwool's Last Resort! Can Mamoswine keep going?" The announcer asked.
"Ice Shard!" Sora ordered. Mamoswine fired Ice Shard and it struck Dubwool. "Now use Ice Fang!" Mamoswine ran towards Dubwool and lands a hit onto Dubwool. Dubwool tries to get back up, but fell back down in exhaustion. The referee raises the green flag.
"Dubwool is unable to battle! Mamoswine wins!" The referee announced.
"Now Minerva is down to one Pokémon left to use! Could she be saving the best for last?!" The announcer exclaimed. Minerva calls back Dubwool.
"Get some rest, Dubwool, you have earned it," Minerva said. She takes out her last Pokéball and smiled. "I know you'll pull me out of this, so I'm counting on you! Go! Inteleon!" She throws her Pokéball and her Inteleon uses his yellow fins to glide downwards upon entry.
"Minerva's final Pokémon is Inteleon! She has been saving that one for last since Inteleon has helped her out during this competition! Now let's see if it can do the same against Sora!" The announcer announced.
"I knew she was saving Inteleon for last, just like Caesar saved Cinderace for last; and the same can said about Chumley and his Rillaboom. I know Inteleon is way stronger than he was when I battled him as a Sobble and as a Drizzile. And even from watching her battles during the Round Robin part," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Are you going to switch Mamoswine for Pikachu or are you going to keep Mamoswine in?" Minerva asked in her thoughts.
"Mamoswine! Move in with Ice Fang!" Sora ordered. Mamoswine charges towards Inteleon with his tusks emitting ice.
"Mamoswine starts making its move with its Ice Fang! How will Minerva's Inteleon respond?" The announcer asked.
"Inteleon! Liquidation!" Minerva ordered. Inteleon forms a sword made of water and swings it right at Mamoswine. "Now use Snipe Shot!" Inteleon jumps into the air and rapidily firing water from his fingers and pelted Mamoswine greatly.
"Inteleon is shooting into Mamoswine like in a scene from one of those action movies! Mamoswine is really taking loads of damage since being a Ground Type!" The announcer announced. Mamoswine didn't have energy to keep going, so he fell to the ground beaten. The referee raises the red flag.
"Mamoswine is unable to battle! Inteleon wins!" The referee announced.
"Now Sora has two more Pokémon left! Which one is he going to go with? Pikachu or Gyarados?" The announcer asked. Sora turns to Pikachu since Electric Type Pokémon has the edge over Water Types.
"You're going in, Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said. He returns to the battlefield.
"And it's Pikachu that is sent back out! Looks like Sora has the advantage when it comes to Types in this battle!" The announcer announced.
"I was hoping it was going to be Pikachu. Inteleon! Use Water Pulse!" Minerva ordered. Inteleon forms a ball of water and sends right at Pikachu.
"Pikachu! Dodge and use Electro Ball!" Sora ordered. Pikachu avoids Inteleon's Water Pulse and forms a ball of electricity and sends it right at the lizard-like Pokémon. The ball of electricity strikes Inteleon on the mark.
"Inteleon takes an Electro Ball into the gut! Is Pikachu going to finish Inteleon off so Sora can win the battle?" The announcer asked.
"Inteleon! Snipe Shot!" Minerva ordered. Inteleon fires Snipe Shot as fast as lightning and Pikachu got hit bad. "Now, use Acrobatics!" Inteleon jumps into the air using some acrobatic skills.
"What graceful moves!" The announcer announced. Inteleon comes right down. "Now Inteleon is coming down right at Pikachu!"
"Pikachu! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu avoids Inteleon's attack. "Now use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu fires Thunderbolt, hoping to put an end to the battle, but unfortunately Inteleon avoids Pikachu's attack.
"Inteleon! Liquidation!" Minerva ordered.Inteleon forms a sword of water and swipes at Pikachu. He goes flying and strikes the icicle behind him. Pikachu slides down and is knocked out. The referee raises the red flag.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Inteleon wins!" The referee announced.
"Both Sora and Minerva has one Pokémon left to use! The next one will decide the match once and for all!" The announcer announced. Pikachu gets back up and walks over to Sora.
"Don't sweat, buddy. You did your best," Sora said. Pikachu walked over to Kairi and she picked up the mouse Pokémon in her arms. He takes out the Pokéball containing Gyarados. "Okay Gyarados! Back to action!" The Pokéball opens and stars swirls around the red Gyarados and he began roaring upon entry.
"Now Gyarados is sent back out!" The announcer announced. Inteleon felt intimidated by Gyarados as he glared right at the secret agent Pokémon. "Both of these Pokémon look like they're having themselves a standoff before the real battle can begin!"
"That Gyarados may have taken down my Mr. Rime, but he isn't going to find it easy, that's for sure," Minerva said. "Inteleon! Snipe Shot!" Inteleon fires his signature attack and it strikes Gyarados in the face, but that only pissed him off.
"Gyarados! Dragon Pulse!" Sora ordered. Gyarados fired Dragon Pulse right at Inteleon.
"Hurry Inteleon! Dodge it!" Minerva shouted. Inteleon ran across the battlefield, but he wasn't fast enough to avoid Gyarados's attack.
"Wow! Gyarados has real power since taking down Mr. Rime! Will it be enough to take down Inteleon?" The announcer asked.
"Inteleon! Liquidation!" Minerva ordered.Inteleon forms a sword of water and holds it backwards. Inteleon runs towards Gyarados.
"Use Ice Fang!" Sora ordered. Gyarados's fangs emits ice and comes down right at Inteleon, but he dodges Ice Fang and swings the blade of water and it strikes Gyarados and that infuriates Gyarados even more. Gyarados roars in complete rage.
"Gyarados is really mad for taking those hits from Inteleon! I hope this doesn't go too far!" The announcer announced.
"Inteleon! Use Water Pulse!" Minerva ordered.
"Gyarados! Hydro Pump!" Sora ordered.
Inteleon forms a ball of water and Gyarados fires Hydro Pump and it cuts through Water Pulse. Inteleon gets struck by Hydro Pump. Minerva started to wince.
"That red Gyarados is much tougher than I thought. I only wish it was just a rumor otherwise, I wouldn't be so afraid of its power. I came this far to quit, so I have to try even harder to bring that thing down," Minerva said. "Inteleon! Snipe Shot! Fire again and again just like before!" Inteleon fired Snipe Shot right at Gyarados and he took the hits, and Kairi could tell he was getting redder.
"Gyarados!" Kairi called out and Gyarados had calmed down, hearing her voice. Gyarados remembered the kindness she had shown the Shiny atrocious Pokémon by feeding him the Pokémon food she had made for him. Sora turned to his girlfriend.
"Thanks Kairi. I was worried it was going to turn ugly," Sora said.
"Anytime, Sora," Kairi said. Sora smiled and back to the battle at hand.
"Gyarados! Dragon Pulse!" Sora ordered. Gyarados fires Dragon Pulse and it strikes the secret agent Pokémon. "Now use Flamethrower!" Gyarados fires Flamethrower and it hits Inteleon. It wasn't enough to bring Inteleon down, but he was starting to get tired.
"Inteleon is really taking so much abuse from Gyarados! I don't know how much longer is Inteleon is going to last out there!" The announcer announced.
"I can see why Caesar had a real hard time with Sora, but I know I can do it. Inteleon! Liquidation!" Minerva ordered. Inteleon runs towards Gyarados. Minerva hoped it would put the battle to an end and she would win it, but Sora wasn't going to give up that easily.
"Gyarados! Dragon Pulse again!" Sora ordered. Gyarados fires Dragon Pulse and it struck Inteleon just when he got close. Inteleon goes flying into the air and lands onto the icy battlefield. Inteleon struggles to get back up, but fell back to the ground. Minerva was at a loss of words. The referee raises the green flag.
"Inteleon is unable to battle! Gyarados wins! Sora from Pallet Town wins the battle!" The referee announced.
"Sora has won the battle and now he is on his way to the final round! I know Ethan has been looking forward to this!" The announcer announced. Ethan smiled as he was anxious to have his battle with Sora.
"I was hoping you would win it, Sora. I knew you would make it so far from day one. Now one of us going to go home with that trophy. But the real prize is the battle I want from you," Ethan said.
Caesar and Chumley were mighty proud of their best friend even if hadn't won it.
"Good job, Minerva," Caesar said.
Later at Team Rocket Headquarters, Jessie, James, and Meowth had just returned to HQ to see what their boss has in store for them. As they arrived, they had learned of Rasputin's unfortunate demise when the executives tried to have their revenge on Sora and Kairi for getting in their way. Upon reaching Giovanni's office they were all nervous.
"So, here it is," James said.
"The assignment the boss wants us to gon on. I think I just lost three of my nine lives from all the exictement," Meowth said.
"I would say the same thing, if I was a cat. Now, let's go in and make the best impressions," Jessie said. They opened the door and saw Giovanni sitting at his desk with Persian and Matori standing beside him. "You wanted to see us, sir?"
"Yes I did. I'm surprised you three have made it back in one piece," Giovanni coldly said. "But since you are here, I can tell you are anxious to know what your assignment is going to be."
"Yes, sir," James said.
"Whatever you need to be done, then you might as well consider it done," Meowth said.
"Very well. As you three have already found out, Rasputin the Mad Theif had met an untimely passing during a mission and I need someone to go on this mission in his stead," Giovanni said.
"And where do you want us to go, sir?" Jessie asked.
"I am glad that you have asked. I want you to go to the Hoenn region," Giovanni said.
"Hoenn, sir?" Jessie asked.
"Normally, this is a mission I would send my elite members to, but unfortunately, not one of them is availiable and you three are the only ones I can count on this mission," Giovanni said.
"And we are deeply honored, Mr. Giovanni," Jessie said.
"And what is this mission about? Team Rocket has never set up any base of operations in the Hoenn region," James pointed out.
"True," Giovanni agreed. "We have some serious competition in the Hoenn region; in fact, there are two factions that operates there, Team Magma and Team Aqua. I need you three to see what are they planning."
"Of course, sir," James said.
"We shall depart at once!" Jessie said.
"Wait!" Giovanni said. They froze in place before they could go even further. "The only Pokémon you shall have with you shall be your Meowth and Wobbufett. Arbok, Weezing, and Victreebel shall remain here."
"Arbok?" Jessie asked.
"My Weezing and Victreebel? Why?" James asked.
"We cannot draw any attention when heading into the Hoenn region. The thing for you to do is to capture some Pokémon that are localized in the Hoenn region," Matori said. "Now. Your Arbok, Weezing, and Victreebel, please." Jessie and James had no choice but to hand over the Pokéballs containing their most prized Pokémon. Jessie was peeved that she had to hand over Arbok and not Wobbufett. "Now, that this is over and done with, you shall depart immediately."
"We're on our way!" Jessie, James, and Meowth said, taking their leave. Once they were gone, Matori turned to the Team Rocket boss.
"Mr. Giovanni, sir. Are you certain it was wise to send those three imbeciles to the Hoenn region? It doesn't seem wise, not that I'm questioning your wisdom," Matori said.
"Losing those three fools is a small price to pay to learn of what does Team Magma and Team Aqua has planned. Besides, they are expendable. They have already spent so much of our resources trying to capture a Pikachu from a child and they wanted to get out of their debt and this assigment is suitable for them to get them out of my hair for the time being," Giovanni said.
"What if they succeed their mission?" Matori asked.
"Don't worry about that. Even if they do, I'll just send them on another one and use it as an excuse to have themselves killed," Giovanni said. Matori grinned she heard him say that. "Be sure to give them further instructions when they arrive in the Hoenn region."
"Of course, sir. And I shall inform you once it has been done," Matori said.
Back on Mount Silver, it was night as Sora, Kairi, Ventus, and the Pokémon had joined up with Riku, Naminé, Eevee, Azurill, Terra, Aqua, and the Alolan nine for dinner. Delia and Kairi's family had joined in as well.
"I am so very proud of you, Sora," Delia said.
"You climbed your way to the top just like you back at the Indigo Plataeu," Yuuta said.
"Thanks," Sora said.
"Have you thought of which one of your Pokémon you're going to use in your battle against Ethan?" Sophocles asked.
"Not yet, but I'll think about it tomorrow. Until then, let's just enjoy our meal, huh?" Sora suggested.
"I agree," Kairi's grandmother agreed.
Just then, Caesar, Minerva, and Chumley had decided to join in.
"I hope you have enough to go around," Chumley said.
"Of course," Kairi's grandmother said kindly.
"You are more than welcome," Mirei said.
The Galar trio joined the group for dinner.
Over to Ethan, he was thinking about his upcoming battle.
"To think, Sora is the reason I became a Pokémon trainer and set me off on my way and I have to battle him again. My first battle with him was something I will always remember," Ethan said in his thoughts. He remembered his first battle when his partner was just a Cyndaquil. "He expects the best from me and I'm going to show him my best."
Just then, Kris and Lyra had found him.
"There he is, Kris. Are you ready?" Lyra asked.
"Are you sure it's the right time, Lyra?" Kris asked, starting to get second thoughts.
"Listen, it was your idea to tell him tonight. You said it was the right time and it's too late to turn back now. You said you want what Sora and Kairi have and now it's your chance. Now do it," Lyra said.
"What if I make a fool out myself?" Kris asked.
"You won't. You said you love him and now it's time to tell him. Now go and tell the man of your dreams how you feel," Lyra said. Kris knew Lyra was right and she wallked over to Ethan. She approached him quietly and she cleared her throat, catching Ethan's attention.
"Kris?" Ethan asked almost surprised.
"Hi Ethan. Nice night, isn't it?" Kris asked.
"Y-Yeah," Ethan said, blushing.
"Isn't there a bench we can sit down by?" Kris asked.
"Sure," Ethan said. They walked over to the nearby bench to sit down. He looked over to Kris and saw how beautiful she looked in the moonlight. She turned to him.
"Something wrong, Ethan?" Kris asked.
"Not really, Kris," Ethan said. He quickly turned away, still blushing.
"What were you doing out here?" Kris asked, also blushing.
"Nothing. Just thinking," Ethan said.
"Aboout what?" Kris asked.
"Stuff," Ethan simply said.
"And by stuff, you mean your battle with Sora tomorrow?" Kris asked. Ethan didn't know how to respond except to nod. "Are you nervous?"
"Me? Nervous? No way! No way I'm nervous!" Ethan answered. Kris was clearly not buying it.
"Come on, tell me the truth. Are you nervous or not?" Kris asked. Ethan sighed, finally caving in.
"Okay, you twisted my arm. I am nervous. I am nervous about my battle with Sora tomorrow," Ethan admitted.
"Is it because Sora's a very skillful trainer?" Kris asked.
"Yeah, there's that. He won the Indigo Plataeu and I watched him battle hard during the Johto Pokémon League, even when against Gary, Caesar, and Minerva. I can see his hard work has paid off since he got to where I am right now," Ethan said. Kris took him by the hand and Ethan's face turned even redder.
"Just know I'll be watching you and Sora tomorrow. And I'll be rooting for you," Kris said.
"Thanks. I appreciate it," Ethan said.
"There is a reason I came here to see you," Kris admitted. Her heart began to beat faster than normal.
"What is it?" Ethan asked. Her heart was bearting and her cheeks has a tinge of pink. She knew she was in too far to turn back now.
"It's because I have something I want to tell you. Something I want you to know. I'm just not sure how you'll take it and how I'll take it," Kris said.
"What?" Ethan asked, not understanding.
"The thing is," Kris paused, taking a very deep breath, "I love you." Ethan let out a gasp, but no sound came out. "I honestly love you, Ethan. I have been in love with you for a long time. And the time you saved me from those awful Team Rocket bullies made me love you even more." Ethan could only smile and he took a deep breath.
"I don't know what to say, but this," Ethan said, he just took off his hat and placed it on his lap, "I love you, too, Kris." She widen her eyes and gasped loudly. "I can tell you already knew, but I thought you were just teasing me."
"Yes, I already knew you had a crush on me. But I love you the same way Kairi loves Sora. I mean, he's a pretty handsome guy and Kairi is a lucky girl to have him for a boyfriend, but you're even more good looking than he is," Kris said. Ethan would have been jealous of her mentioning Sora, but he was flattered how she said he was more good looking than Sora is.
"Say Kris," Ethan said.
"Yes?" Kris asked.
"I was wondering if you would like to go out on a date with me as soon as the tournament is over, but only if you want to," Ethan offered. Kris smiled.
"I would love to, Ethan," Kris said. They moved their faces closer to each other and they gave each other a sweet, tender, and loving kiss. Kris wrapped her arms around Ethan and he did the same to her. Lyra watched the whole scene unfold and she smiled.
"Yes! I knew this was gonna work!" Lyra said. Ethan and Kris parted lips and they stare lovingly into each other's eyes.
"My very first kiss," Ethan and Kris said in their thoughts. The newly formed couple headed back to the Pokémon Center to rest up for the night. Sora and Kairi were heading back to their room to join their friends when they saw Ethan and Kris kissing each other on the lips.
"Sora, are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Kairi asked in a whisper.
"I think I do, Kairi," Sora said.
Ethan and Kris parted lips and Kris headed inside. Ethan was about to head back to his own room when he saw Sora and Kairi staring at him with a teasing expression on their faces.
"How much of it did yu see?" Ethan asked.
"Just the kiss," Sora said.
"Did she confess to you or did you confess to her?" Kairi asked.
"She confessed to me," Ethan said. "And then we, well you know what comes next." He ends up blushing. "So, I better head to my room and rest up. And you do the same, Sora! G'night!" Ethan dashes off to his room to sleep.
"Night," Sora said. He could only smile as he felt happy for his friend. "Good for them, right?"
"I can hope for the best for those two," Kairi said. He puts his arm around his girlfriend's shoulder and she giggles.
"How about we do the same as they were?" Sora suggested. Kairi blushes lightly and she smiles.
"I'd love to, Sora," Kairi said. The couple shared the same tender kiss as Ethan and Kris were sharing with each other. They parted lips and headed back to their room. When they entered, they saw their frends asleep in their spots and Pikachu, the Pichu, and Togepi are sleeping soundly with Terra, Ventus, and Aqua.
Morning has come and everyone had gotten up. After a soothing shower, he came out of the bathroom, fully clothed and his hair completley spiked. He accessed his Pokédex and he sent Ursaring, Mamoswine, Gyarados, Azumarill, and Salazzle to Professor Oak's lab for Meganium, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Donphan, and Noctowl. Now he was ready.
"Alright, Ethan. It all comes down to this," Sora said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, the Pichu, and the Alolan nine all headed for the stadium for the final battle to take place. Everything Sora as battled for since arriving in Johto is about to be put t the ultimate test. Sora is once again on the scene for a final battle. Will he win it like he did at the Indigo Plataeu or will it all go down? Just wait and you shall see.