Episode 204: There's No Place Like Hoenn
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Brendan, and May continued on their way to Petalburg City and it wasn't too far for them. Unknown to the group, two little pale yellow mouse-like Pokémon are seen coming out of the shrubs. They have the slight resemblance to a Pichu, a Pikachu, and slightly a Raichu. One has bright red fur on its ears, cheeks, paws, and tail, while the other has blue fur on its ears, cheeks, and tail. They both have long rabbit-like ears and short tails; one being a plus and the other being a minus. One has its cheeks that are circular with a plus sign voided in the middle, the other is the same with a minus sign in the middle. The one with the red and the plus is known as Plusle while the other other one is known as Minun. They both watched the humans walk by and they became curious. The one that really interested them is the Pikachu with them. Plusle and Minun began to follow them to see where they are going.
Not taking too long, the group had finally arrived in Petalburg City.
"Here it is. Petalburg City," Sora said.
"It's the home of the very first Gym," Brendan said.
"I really don't see what the big fat rush is," May said.
"What do you mean, May? I'm just headimg down to the Petalburg City Gym to earn my very first Badge," Brendan said.
"And it's going to be yours too, May," Sora added.
"Um, yeah," May said, not wanting them to know she didn't even register. Kairi was quick to notice.
"Are you okay, May?" Kairi asked.
"Huh?" May asked and she shook it off. "Oh, it's nothing! Really!" May lied as she waved her arms and giggled nervously.
"Now let's head on down," Sora said.
"Yeah. I wanna get there sooner than I get my first gray hair," Brendan said.
"So, who is going to go first?" Sora asked.
"What do you mean by go first?" Brendan asked. "It's obvious that it should be me first."
"Shouldn't it be May, I mean lady's first," Kairi suggested. May didn't say anything.
"I think it's only fair that the boys should have a shot first. It should either be Sora or Brendan," May said.
"How about this? We flip a coin and it'll decide who's going to go first. And whoever gets heads or tails will have the first shot and the other will have it right after. Deal?" Sora asked.
"I'm game with it if you are, Sora," Brendan said.
"Then, it's settled. Which do you want? Heads or tails?" Sora asked, taking out a coin.
"I'm going to go with heads," Brendan decided. Sora flips the coin and it twirls up into the air. The coin lands in his hand and it reads tails. Sora grinned.
"Tails, I lose," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said as Sora puts the coin in his pocket.
The group started to make their way down to Petalburg City as Plusle and Minun continues to follow the group.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Brendan, and, May kept going down as a young, slightly small for his age, skinny and frail boy with messy green hair that sticks up, pale skin, and bluish grey eyes came walking by. He wore white shirt with a big collar under a pastel blue jacket with large buttons, grey slim fit trousers with turn-ups on the ankles, and slip on shoes that are white with pastel blue soles. He also wore a brown shoulder bag. He noticed May with some people he hasn't even met.
"May?" The boy asked. May turned to see the boy.
"Oh. Hi Wally," May greeted.
"I can't believe it! When did you get back?" Wally asked.
"Just now. It's good to see you again since I left for Professor Birch's lab," May said.
"You too," Wally said. He noticed three other people and a Pikachu with her. "Who are they?"
"This is Brendan. He's an old friend of mine. And these two are my new friends. This is Sora and his girlfriend Kairi," May introduced. She turned to her friends. "Brendan, Sora, Kairi, this is Wally. He's a friend of mine."
"Wait, you're Brendan?" Wally asked. "May has told me all about you." Wally took his hand and shook it.
"Nice to meet you, Wally," Brendan said. Wally sets his attention to the couple.
"And it's good to meet the both of you too," Wally said.
"Back at you, Wally," Sora said.
"Are you all heading to the Petalburg City Gym?" Wally asked.
"Yeah. Why?" Sora asked.
"I was just on my way over there," Wally said. "I was going to see May's dad and if he would let me borrow one of his Pokémon so I can catch my first one."
"May's dad?" Sora asked.
"Sorry to run off, but I need to get there. I think I'll see you there, May. And it was nice to meet you three," Wally said as he took off.
"Hope to see you there too," Sora said. He turned to May. "Say, you live in this town, don't you, May?"
"Yeah, why?" May asked.
"And since you live here in Petalburg City, any idea what the Gym Leader is like?" Sora asked.
"Well, what I heard is that he's a real nice guy. There are some people who say that he's real strong, but he's a real nice guy and he's very handsome and a really great man," May explained.
"Sounds like you know him all so well," Kairi pointed out.
"Um, I guess you can say that," May said under her breath, giggling nervously. "Anyway, I'm going to go and do something right now."
"Go where?" Sora asked.
"Oh, nowhere special. Just gotta go and do something, just by myself. See you later," May said as she took off.
"Where could she be going in a hurry?" Sora asked.
"I wish I knew what was going through her head right now. But there's no use trying to figure it out, because we have a Gym to reach, and I have won the coin toss," Brendan said. Sora groaned.
"You don't need to rub it in," Sora said. Kairi and Pikachu giggled as they went to find the Petalburg City Gym. They eventually reached the Gym and they looked around the place. "Hello?"
"You don't think they're close, do you?" Kairi asked.
"I don't think so. Maybe we can have a look around," Brendan said.
"Right," Sora said. They entered the Gym and saw the battlefield. As they looked for any signs of the Gym Leader or any his Pokémon around.
"Hello! Anyone home?!" Brendan yelled.
"Oh sure, yelling will make him come out," Sora said with sarcasm. Just then a little boy came walking into the battlefield. It was the same boy who was watching the Johto Pokémon League final battle between Sora and Ethan.
"Won't you keep it down? I'm trying to watch a video of the Johto Pokémon League and you're being too noisy," the boy said.
"Sorry about that," Sora said. "I don't think he knows a thing about peace and quiet."
"Pika," Pikachu said. The boy looked up and he realized who he was looking at.
"Oh my gosh! It's you! You're him! You're Sora, aren't you?!" The boy exclaimed with excitement.
"And who were you expecting, Jack Sparrow?" Sora asked.
"I can't believe it!" The boy yelled. He took a look at his Pikachu. "And that's your Pikachu, isn't it?" The boy took Pikachu in his arms and nuzzled his cheek. "Hello there, Pikachu."
"Um, who are you, kid?" Sora asked.
"Right! My name is Max! I was watching you battling at the Johto Pokémon League on TV! I never thought you would be here of all places!" Max exclaimed.
"So, you want an autograph or something, because I don't seem to have a pen on me at the moment," Sora said.
"Just seeing you here is just awesome enough! When your Typhlosion battled Ethan's Typhlosion, I was at the edge of my seat! Naturally, I knew his Typhlosion would fall to your Feraligatr because of it being a Water Type Pokémon," Max said.
"He also almost had me," Sora said. Max was going on about Sora's battling skills and how his other opponents couldn't bring him down, but Brendan was starting to lose his patience.
"Lookie here, pint size! I have come here for. Gym battle with the Gym Leader of the Petalburg City Gym to earn my very first Gym Badge and that's what I aim to do!" Brendan said. Max grins wickedly.
"Well, it just happens to be, I am the Gym Leader here," Max said. Sora and Kairi were skeptical about this claim since he seems too young to be a Gym Leader and too young to be a Pokémon trainer. "Also, I'm challenging Sora to a battle."
"Sorry to tell you this, Max, but if you were a Gym Leader, then you should it should be me to make a challenge, not the other way around. Also, he's making the challenge first," Sora said.
"As a Gym Leader, I have made my choice and my choice is you, Sora," Max stated.
"It doesn't work that way, Max," Sora said. "Also, he won the coin toss and he gets to go first."
"It's true. Brendan has the first right," Kairi added. Max looked at Brendan and he huffs.
"Fine. He can go first," Max said, taking his position. "Okay, let's make it a three-on-three battle!" Brendan winced when he realized he just has his Treecko.
"Shit! I haven't caught any Pokémon yet and Treecko is the only one I have!" Brendan exclaimed in his thoughts.
"So, bring out your Pokémon!" Max proclaimed.
"Now wait just a minute!" Sora stated. Max groaned, getting annoyed.
"Now what?" Max asked irritated.
"Shouldn't there be an official referee to make it official?" Sora pointed out. Max gulped when he realized there isn't one. Then he got an idea.
"How about you be the referee, Sora?" Max suggested.
"I would, but only someone who is authorized by the Pokémon League is allowed to be the referee," Sora said.
"Don't even ask me to do it, because it's not me," Kairi added.
"Hey! How about you let out your first Pokémon just so we can get started?!" Brendan asked.
"No, you bring out yours!" Max argued.
Brendan, "No, you!"
Max, "No, you!"
Brendan, "No, you!"
Max, "No, you!"
Both are locked their faces into each other, before Sora broke them up.
"Okay kids, break it up or else you're both getting a timeout," Sora said, breaking them up. He turned to Max. "Look, is the Gym Leader or not? And don't even try to lie, because I can see right through you like glass."
"You knew I was lying?" Max asked.
Brendan was shocked to hear Max said was lying about being a Gym Leader.
"I sure did. Someone else tried that before. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me," Sora said as he remembered falling for that trick played by Misty's sisters.
Max knew he was caught. Just then May and Wally stuck their heads at the window.
"Max, what are you doing?" May asked. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Brendan, and Max all turned to see May and Wally.
"May?" Sora, Kairi, and Brendan asked.
"Hi there, sis," Max greeted.
"Sis?" Sora asked. Wally smiled at the sight of May's friends.
"Hello there, friends of May. So wonderful to see you again so soon," Wally said.
"Hey there, Wally," Max greeted him.
Peeking through the window is a tall, lean, middle-aged man with short black hair with a single fringe at the center with three edges and dark eyes. He wore a white T-shirt that is covered by a gray and maroon jacket, with the sleeves rolled up. He also wears charcoal trousers with elasticated ankles and pair of dark brown flip-flops.
"Well, what do we have here?" The man asked.
Also peeking through the window is a middle-aged woman with brown hair that is styled zigzag two pigtails, blue eyes and light pink lipstick. She wore a yellow sleeveless shirt with a white stripe covering her shoulders. She also wore a brown sash around her belly, an orange skirt, white high-heeled sandals and a pair of violet spherical earrings.
"Well, hello there," the woman greeted. Sora blinked twice.
"Am I missing something?" Sora asked.
May came in with Wally and the two middle-aged people.
"Hi mom, hi dad," Max greeted.
"Thought you were watching the video on the Johto Pokémon League, son," the man said.
"I was until I saw these three in here. And you're never going to guess we have the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto and Johto Sora Ketchum in our Gym, dad!" Max said. Wally was amazed to have met a Pokémon League Champion without realizing it.
"Dad?!" Sora and Kairi exclaimed.
"Mr. Norman?" Brendan asked. Norman looked at Brendan and smiled.
"Hi there, Brendan. It's been a while since last saw each other. Your father was just telling me you were starting your own Pokémon journey," Norman said. He then turned to the couple. "It's a real pleasure to meet you, Sora." Sora was surprised to hear Norman knew his name. He had to guess Professor Birch told him about him and Kairi.
"You too," Sora said.
"And you must be Kairi. Professor Birch has told me he had two guests with him when he returned from Kanto. He never mentioned you were a Pokémon League Champion," Norman said. "Anyway, my name is Norman and this is my wife Caroline."
"It's very nice to meet you," Caroline said.
"So, you're the Gym Leader?" Sora asked.
"Yes. And I can see you came here for a Gym battle, hm?" Norman asked.
"He's making the challenge first," Sora said, gesturing to Brendan.
"I see," Norman said. Everyone all gathered to a bench to talk.
"We really do appreciate you two for bringing May all the way home," Caroline said.
"It really isn't that big a deal," Sora said. "We were just heading the same way."
"We just had no idea that May's dad is a Gym Leader," Kairi said.
"Like I knew your boyfriend is a big shot Pokémon League Champion," May countered.
"I don't know about big shot," Kairi said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"By the way, dear, what happened to your bike?" Caroline asked. Sora's Kairi's, and Pikachu's turned chalk white when May's mom brought that up. They remembered the incident that involved a pack of Poochyena and Pikachu accidentally destroying May's bike.
"Um," May paused. Brendan had decided to step up.
"May was involved in a little accident caused by me. So, I thought it would be better to take responsibility and pay for the bike," Brendan said. Norman smiled and he chuckled. Sora's, Kairi's, and Pikachu's faces went back to normal when Brendan had covered for them. May was moved by Brendan for covering for his friends.
"Don't worry about paying for it, Brendan. Bikes are replaceable," Norman assured.
"Also, walking is better for your health, anyway," Caroline added.
"I do appreciate you taking responsibility for it, though. And I know your father appreciates it too," Norman said. Brendan smiled. He then turned to his daughter. "By the way, May. What Pokémon did you choose?" May smiled as she took out her Pokéball.
"You'll see. Torchic! Come on out!" May called out as she threw her Pokéball.
"Torchic!" May's Torchic chirped. Max was disappointed by his sister's choice of her first Pokémon.
"What? Why did you pick that? If it was me, I wouold have picked a Treecko," Max said. Torchic didn't like how rude that sounded and began to peck him senseless. "Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!"
"Torchic, stop that right now!" May told her first Pokémon.
"I think Torchic is a fine choice as your first Pokémon," Norman said.
"And May, it's cute as a button," Caroline added. May was pleased to hear her mom say it.
"Not as cute as you are," Brendan said in his thoughts with his face turning red. Sora and Kairi both noticed how red Brendan's face was getting.
"Yeah," May agreed with her mom.
"If May is okay with Torchic as her first then I'm supporting her for this," Wally said.
"Man, I would love to have my own Pokémon. I'd just love to have a Treecko," Max said, beore he got pecked by Torchic again. "Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Get off of me!"
"Sora, Kairi, how about you two join us for lunch. I'm sure you two must be hungry," Caroline offered.
"Thanks," Sora said.
"We would like to," Kairi said. Caroline then turned to Brendan and Wally.
"And of course, you and Wally are welcome to join us too, Brendan," Caroline said.
"Thank you, ma'am," Wally said.
"That would be great," Brendan said. The guests joins the family for their lunch and they share tales about their past experiences, leaving out certain details such as meeting trainers from a different Earth, the Shadow Empire and Shadow Pokémon, as well as Ultra Beasts, and their experiences in another dimension and meeting members of Fairy Tail and about magical talking ponies and four mutant turtles, since they knew they wouldn't believe it.
"So, Sora and Kairi, May tells us you two have been traveling together for a long time," Caroline said.
"Yes. Kairi and I have been and seen different places," Sora said.
"We met all sorts of people and seen different kinds of Pokémon," Kairi said.
"That's so cool! I would love to go to different places too," Max said, souding jealous.
"And has it just been the two of you?" Carloine asked.
"It was at first. And then we made some friends during our travels. There were nine friends we'e made and they each trained a different Type of Pokémon," Sora said.
"They all came down from the Alola region to see an old classmate when Sora was challenged into a battle," Kairi added.
"Alola?" Wally asked. "I would love to see that place, because that place is a paradise."
"Kairi and I went there once as a vacation, and it was shortly after the Indigo Plataeu Pokémon League tournament was over," Sora said.
"Our friends showed us around the four islands they all grew up on and saw why they love it," Kairi said.
"They were even with us when we all traveled in the Johto region," Sora said.
"Then, where are your friends now?" Caroline asked.
"They all went back home when Professor Kukui has announced he is bringing a Pokémon League to the Alola region. And he asked them to be Gym Leaders; most of them anyway," Sora said.
"Wow! He's bringing the Pokémon League to Alola? I never thought it was gonna ever gonna get one," Max said.
"Well, now they're getting one," Sora said.
"That's good to know since they deserve it," Norman said.
"We both wished them luck in their success and for the best. And that was when we came here in the Hoenn region," Sora said. "And since we're starting from scratch, we left all of our Pokémon at home and catch some that live here in the Hoenn region."
"The only ones we brought along is his Pikachu of course. But also his Mudbray and Grubbin. I also brought my Stufful and Morelull since they had hatched from the eggs our friends has given us," Kairi said. "Give them some battling experience."
"And have you caught any Pokémon since you came here?" Norman asked.
"So far, I caught a Taillow and my own Torchic. But mine is slightly different from hers," Sora said, referring to May's Torchic.
"Sounds to me, you''re already on your way, Sora," Norman said.
"What can you expect from the Pokémon League Champion? He is obvious awesome, but not as awesome as you, dad," Max said.
"Can you keep it down, do you want the whole neightborhood to hear?" Sora asked.
"Wow. I don't know all that much about you and I am already impressed," Wally said.
"I guess you can say that I have that kind of effect on people," Sora said. Norman turned to Wally.
"Anyway, Wally. I understand you have been looking for me. May I ask why?" Norman asked.
"I was wondering if I could borrow one of your Pokémon, just so I can catch my own. The reason I'm asking is because I'm going to be staying with my relatives in Verdanturf Town and I don't wanna be lonely," Wally said. Norman smiled.
"I understand, Wally. If you want to have your own Pokémon, then I suppose that is okay," Norman said.
"Thank you for understanding. I can wait after your battles with Brendan and Sora," Wally said.
"That's very considerate of you, Wally," Norman said. He turned to Brendan. "Since you won the coin toss, we can our battle after lunch, if you want." Brendan smiled.
"I was looking forward to it, Norman!" Brendan said with glee. As soon as they were finished with their lunch, everyone gathered into the Gym to watch the battle take place.
"How about we make this a one-on-one battle since you just have one Pokémon, Brendan," Norman said.
"I'm game," Brendan said.
"Wow! This is so exciting!" Max said.
"This is what a Gym battle must be like?" May said. Sora and Kairi turned to the siblings.
"You mean you never watched your dad battle before?" Sora asked.
"Dad would never let us watch them whenever someone would come to the Gym. He must think we would only mess up the trainer's concentration," May said.
"That makes sense," Kairi said.
"Okay, you're going right in, Vigoroth!" Norman called out as he threw his Pokéball. The Pokéball opens and let's out a white Pokémon, bearing some resemblance to a sloth but with a large tuft of red fur on its forehead. It also has very small ears and teeth, yet large eyes with brown rings around them. It has two, horizontal brown stripes on its back which match the rings. Its arms are very long and the hands and feet have two long, black claws and red circles are at the bottom of the hands and feet. On some parts of its body, the fur is shaggy. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned this new Pokémon.
Vigoroth, the Wild Monkey Pokémon
The evolved form of Slakoth
Type: Normal
Vigoroth is always itching and agitated to go on a wild rampage. It simply can't tolerate sitting still for even a minute. This Pokémon's stress level rises if it can't be moving constantly.
"Hard to believe that's what Slakoth evolves into," Sora said. Brendan took out his own Pokéball and he throws it.
"Go right in, Treecko!" Brendan shouted as his Treecko enters the fray.
"Ah, so your first Pokémon is a Treecko. That's also a great choice. But can it manage against my Vigoroth?" Norman asked.
"Oh, you'll see! Treecko! Pound!" Brendan ordered. Treecko ran right at the sloth-like Pokémon.
"Vigoroth! Use Scratch!" Norman ordered. Vigoroth ran towards Treecko and swipes at the Grass Type, causing some serious damage. Sora and Kairi were impressed by Norman's skills. "Now use Hammer Arm!" Vigoroth slams both of its arms down and slams into Treecko. Brendan's Treecko was down and out after a couple of hits.
"Treecko!" Brendan gasped.
"Whoa," Sora said. "When you said your dad is strong, you weren't kidding."
"Told you my dad is awesome," Max said proudly.
Brendan runs over to his fallen partner. He carries Treecko in his arms.
"Treecko, are you okay?" Brendan asked.
"Treecko," Treecko responded.
"Don't worry about it. I know you'll get better with the proper training," Brendan said. Treecko smiled, no feeling bad about losing.
"Excellent job, Vigoroth," Norman said to his Pokémon.
"Vigo," Vigoroth said. Norman turned to Sora.
"How about it, Sora? We can have our battle right now if you want," Norman offered.
"Thanks, but the thing I haven't trained for it. I think it'll be better if I trained for it before it. So, I'm not in any hurry," Sora said.
"Wait a minute. You mean you're not going to have your battle with my dad now? You're not afraid of losing are you?" Max asked.
"I never said I was going to have it right now. So, technically, I never challenged him. And who says I'm afraid of losing?" Sora asked. "So, we can have a raincheck on our battle."
"If that's what you want, then I can respect that. Besides, I'm in no hurry either," Norman said. Both trainers shook hands, promising each other a good battle when they meet each other again. Norman turned to Wally. "Well, it looks like you'll have your wish, Wally."
"Thank you, Norman," Wally said.
"You can borrow my Vigoroth if you want," Norman suggested.
"You sure?" Wally asked.
"I'm sure. Vigiroth will listen to you when you give him a proper command," Norman said.
"Thank you, Norman. You don't know how much this means to me!" Wally said.
"I can show you the ropes if you want, Wally," Sora said. Wally turned to Sora.
"I don't wanna be a bother for you, Sora," Wally said.
"Don't worry about it. I can gurantee that you're be walking out of here with your very first Pokémon," Sora said. Wally smiled.
"Thank you, Sora," Wally said.
"How about I come too!" Max suggested.
"Don't think so, Max. I wouldn't call it a good idea. You might end up getting hurt," Sora said.
"What? No I won't!" Max argued.
"That's if you get in the way and I'm not letting that happen," Sora stated.
"Just because you're a champion, doesn't mean you can tell me what to do!" MAx barked at him.
"That's enough, Max. Sora is right. I know you love Pokémon so much, but I don't want you to get hurt," Caroline said.
"But mom," Max groaned.
"No buts, Max," Caroline said. Max groaned as he pouted. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Vigoraoth, and Wally went outside t find some wild Pokémon and the Plusle and Minun kept following them.
They reached a point outside of town into a grassy area.
"Now, Pokémon live in the grass, don't they?" Wally asked.
"Some of them do. There are some that live up in the trees and in the water. So, it'll be good to start here," Sora said.
"There should be one that should come out any moment now," Kairi said. Wally looked around and he saw something coming out. It is small, humanoid Pokémon with a white body that has wide legs and long, green bangs that has two, red horns.
"Wow! A Ralts!" Wally cheered.
"Ralts, huh?" Sora asked, taking out his Pokédex.
Ralts, the Feeling Pokémon
Type: Psychic/Fairy
Ralts senses the emotions of people using the horns on its head. This Pokémon rarely appears before people. But when it does, it draws closer if it senses that the person has a positive disposition.
The wild Ralts looked at Wally and he looked right back at the wild Ralts. Kairi could only gush at the sight of the small Pokémon.
"Oh, he's so cute," Kairi gushed.
Wally turned to Norman's Vigoroth.
"Okay them Vigoroth, use Scratch," Wally ordered. Vigoroth went towards Ralts and lands a scratch. Ralts had fallen to the ground. Sora hands Wally a Pokéball.
"You''re going to need it," Sora said.
"Thanks," Wally said, taking the Pokéball and he throws it. The Pokéball struck Ralts and he flows inside it. The Pokéball wobbles around for a few moments before stars swirls around it. Wally's face lit up. "Yes! I have my own Pokémon!"
"Congratulations, Wally. A pretty good catch," Sora complimented.
"Thank you very much, Sora," Wally said. "I'll take very good care of Ralts." Sora smiled.
"I know you will," Sora said.
With that done, they returned to the Gym and Brendan was nowhere to be seen.
"Well now. I trust you were successful in catching your very first Pokémon, Wally?" Norman asked.
"Yes. Your Vigoroth did a great job on helping me," Wally said. Vigoroth returned to Norman's side.
"I thought as much," Norman said.
"Thank you for your assistance," Wally said. He turned to Sora and Kairi. "It was nice seeing the both of you again. Hopefully, I get to see you again."
"You too, Wally," Kairi said.
Wally took off for home as he gets ready to pack.
"So, where's Brendan?" Sora asked.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Brendan took off for the Pokémon Center, but he said he'll try again when he gets a tad stronger," Norman said. "I'm already looking forward to our rematch. But what about you, Sora? Have you changed your mind?"
"No I haven't. Besides, I think there should be other Gyms I should check out first," Sora said.
"Then you should go and see the Rustboro City Gym," Norman said, handing Sora a Badge case. Sora accepts it.
"Thanks Norman," Sora said.
"You're welcome, Sora. Also, there is one more thing for use," Norman said as he hands Sora a yellow device.
"What is it?" Sora asked.
"It's a Pokémon Navigator or a PokéNav for short. You can use it to keep track on where you are and where to go," Norman said. Norman showed Sora how to use it and he got the hang of it quick. "It should also work as a phone, so you can be able to get in touch with anyone. I even put in my home phone number and May's own number."
"Isn't May coming along?" Kairi asked.
"No. She said she is going out on her own. But her brother Max insisted on going with her, but she knows how stubborn he can be," Norman said. Sora and Kairi shared a laugh. "I am looking forward to our battle, so be sure to give me a ring when you're ready." Sora grinned.
"You can count on it. And I'm going to be ready for anything you will throw at me by then," Sora said. Norman laughed again.
"I don't doubt it, Sora. And I will expect the same from you," Norman said.
With that said, the couple said their goodbyes to the Petalburg City Gym Leader and took off for Rustboro City for his first Gym battle in the Hoenn region. Sora checked his new PokéNav and accessed the map.
"So, where do we start, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"We should be able to get to Rustboro City just by going through the Petalburg Woods. And luckily, it's not too far from here," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Maybe while we're going there, how about we make a stop for camp, just to rest up?" Kairi suggested.
"Not a bad idea, Kairi. We could use a good sleep and gaze at some stars while we're at it," Sora said. Kairi lit up as she grabbed Sora by his arm.
"Oh, Sora, that sounds so romantic," Kairi swooned. Sora chuckled before he kissed her on the forehead. Unknown to the couple, Plusle and Minun continues to follow them. The couple made a stop just outside of Petalburg City and had set up camp. Sora had let out Mudbray, Grubbin, Taillow, and Torchic as Kairi had let out Stufful and Morelull. "How about all you play while I make us something to eat."
"Maybe I can help?" Sora offered.
"You're very sweet, Sora. But I think I can handle it," Kairi said.
"Well, Mallow isn't here, so it's only fair that it'll get done faster if we work together," Sora insisted.
"Oh okay, Sora. You can dice the carrots, but be careful not to cut yourself," Kairi told her boyfriend. Kairi handed him some carrots and he began cutting them.
"Hey, this is pretty easy when you get the hang of it," Sora said as he kept cutting. He accidentally cuts his finger. "Ouch!" Kairi turned in concern.
"Sora! What's wrong?" Kairi asked concerned.
"I cut my finger!" Sora said. Kairi took his hand and cleaned and disinfected the wound on his finger. She placed a bandaid on the cut.
"Told you to be careful, Sora," Kairi told him.
"Mom always said the same thing ever since I was little," Sora said.
"And I can bet you cut yourself, hm?" Kairi asked.
"Only a few times," Sora said. "It's just a little cut, nothing to worry about."
"Only if you don't have it treated just like I just did," Kairi said. Sora knew she was right to say it to him.
"Point taken," Sora said.
"Just try not to cut yourself again, Sora," Kairi said.
"I'll try not to," Sora said. Just when they were making the meal, the couple and the Pokémon heard some rustling in the bushes nearby. They all stopped what they were doing. "What is that?"
"You don't think it's some Poochyena or some other wild Hoenn Pokémon do you?" Kairi asked.
"Be ready just in case," Sora said. Pikachu got in front of Sora and Kairi as did Stufful, Mudbray, Taillow, and Torchic. The rustling came to a stop when Plusle and Minun both came out. "Wha?"
"Pika?" Pikachu asked. Kairi looked the two Pokémon with hearts at her eyes.
"Oh! They're so cute!" Kairi gushed.
"Plusle?" Plusle asked.
"Minun?" Minun also asked.
Pikachu went up to greet the newcomers with a paw and they both took the paw at the same time.
"Were you two making that big noise?" Sora asked. He took out his Pokédex to scan them. "Now let's see what info Dexdette has on you two."
Plusle, the Cheering Pokémon
Type: Electric
Plusle always acts as a cheerleader for its partners. Whenever a teammate puts out a good effort in battle, this Pokémon shorts out its body to create the crackling noises of sparks to show its joy.
Minun, the Cheering Pokémon
Type: Electric
Minun is more concerned about cheering on its partners than its own safety. It shorts out the electricity in its body to create brilliant showers of sparks to cheer on its teammates.
"Plusle and Minun, huh? Where did you come from?" Sora asked. "You two gave us quite a scare."
"Maybe they came here because they were hungry, isn't that it?" Kairi asked. Plusle and Minun nodded. "Oh, you two little cuties are welcome to join us if you want." Sora and Kairi continued making their meal. Kaiiri had prepared the Pokémon food for all of the Pokémon Plusle and Minun took a taste of Kairi's well-prepared Pokémon food and they instantly liked it. "Is that good?" Plusle and Minun nodded. Torchic and Taillow liked the tase of the food Kairi's cooking. Once the meal was enjoyed and done with, they got cleaned up and they got ready for bed with Plusle and Minun joining them.
On the very next morning, Sora had woke up and saw Plusle and Minun sleeping with Pikachu and the other Pokémon.
"You two still here?" Sora asked.
"I think they just wanna be with Pikachu," Kairi guessed. Plusle and Minun woke up. "If tou two girls wanna be with Sora's Pikachu, then you're welcome to be with us." She took out two Pokéballs and held them in front of Plusle and Minun. Plusle and Minun pressed the buttons and they flowed inside the Pokéballs and stars swirls around them confirming the catch. "Looks like I have my first two catches in Hoenn.
Now Kairi has caught two Pokémon of the Hoenn region and their team is ever expanding. In order to reach Rustboro City, the couple will have to go through the Petalburg Woods. Will they make it through it okay or will they end up getting lost in it? Just you wait and see.