Episode 212: Gonna Rule The School!
A few hours came and went after Sora and Kairi had each caught themselves a Wurmple; but there was a slight difference between the two. For example: Kairi's Wurmple is a bottomless pit as Sora's Wurmple is much more controlling of his appetite. Kairi's Wurmple pretty much ate every bit of food Kairi had prepared for everyone; even all of the Pokémon food.
"So much for a nice enjoyable meal," Sora groaned.
"Don't pout, Sora. My Wurmple just has a healthy appetite. It just makes her just as cute," Kairi said. Kairi picked up her Wurmple and cuddles her.
"I remember you used to do that to Togepi before evolving," Sora said. Kairi giggled. He looked over to his Wurmple and he picked him up. "You remind a lot of Caterpie before evolving." Sora's Wurmple fires String Shot in his face. "Only difference is, he didn't do that." He tore off the silk and looked at his Wurmple. "You're lucky you're a cute little guy or else you wouldn't be able to get away with this." Sora has set his Wurmple back down. "But at least you're not much of an eater, becuase Kairi's Wurmple makes a Mucnhlax looks like it's on a diet."
Kairi has set up another meal and made sure her Wurmple was inside of her Pokéball, just so nothing like that would happen; also it gave the other Pokémon a chance to eat up. After the meal was finished, Sora, Kairi, and Pikachu had finally arrived in Rustboro City, the home of the local Pokémon Gym.
"Rustboro City, we've made it," Sora said.
"It took a while to get here, but it was worth the trip," Kairi said.
"We should head down to the Pokémon Center to rest up our Pokémon before we get to the Gym," Sora suggested.
"That's a good idea, since they could use some rest," Kairi said. The couple made their way to the local Pokémon Center to rest their Pokémon since they said they were going to meet Brendan, May, and Max there. As they arrived at the Pokémon Center, they came across a very familiar face. It was Lillie and she wore a white and gold dress, not like the one she wore on their journey.
"Lillie?!" Sora and Kairi exclaimed with joy. Lillie turned to see Sora, Kairi, and Pikachu and her eyes filled with tears of joy.
"Sora! Kairi! I don't believe it! It's really you!" Lillie said, running up to the couple and hugged them both very tight. "Sora! Kairi!" Lillie cried so much with happiness.
"Lillie, we're happy to see you too," Sora said. She looked over to Pikachu.
"Hello Pikachu. It's so good to see you again. Have you been doing a good job keeping an eye on these two?" Lillie asked.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"How are Illima and the others?" Kairi asked.
"Are their Gyms good and ready?" Sora asked.
"Not yet, but they're working on it. In fact, they wanted me to give you these," Lillie said, handing the couple some letters. They were from the rest of the Alolan nine. "I figured you would be heading down this way for a Gym battle since they heard from Professor Oak that you'll be on a brand new journey." Sora and Kairi had checked in their Pokémon to be treated and sat down at a bench to catch up.
"What brings you here, anyway?" Sora asked.
"I was asked to be part of a teaching's session in the local trainer's school, so I couldn't say no, and I didn't want to pass a chance that you'll be here. The Wayfinders worked better than I thought," Lillie said, holding out hers. Sora and Kairi held out theirs and laughed. "What have you been up to?" Sora and Kairi had shared their story about their experiences since coming to the Hoenn region, beginning with them meeting Brendan and May, the Pokémon they caught so far and Kairi just winning a ribbon after taking part of a Pokémon Contest and becoming a Pokémon Coordinator. "Wow. I'm not surprised by your progress. Illima and the others won't be surprised either."
"What about you, Lillie? What have you been up to since the last time we saw you?" Kairi asked.
"After we got back home in Alola, the others immediately got to work on their Gyms, but as for me, I stayed home for the most part just like I did before meeting Riku and the others. But, it got pretty boring pretty fast. It had to be because I was on the road so long, I wasn't used to sitting still. So, a colleague of Professor Kukui's came to the island and opened a research facility and I was asked to be one of the research fellows along with a few other young trainers, who each recieved a Rowlet, a Litten, and a Popplio as their first Pokémon. Elio, Selene, and Thomas, their names were. When I told them about our adventures, they were amazed by our experiences and they wanted to meet you. So, I was sent here along with Elio and Selene to be a part of the teaching sessions. In fact, they should be here shortly."
And luck would have it, there were two kids coming in the center's lobby; both being a boy and a girl. The boy is wearing a black baseball cap with a white Poké Ball like symbol planted on the front, also having a blue brim. He has neck length black hair and pale skin, with slate grey eyes and a smile on his face. He has a blue and white striped t-shirt, black and red cargo shorts that lead to blue and teal water shoes, wearing no socks underneath.
The girl is wearing a red flower-like toque on top of her head. Her clothes consist of a loose light cream colored t-shirt with light pink and gold flower patterns spread across it. The shirt is tied at the bottom and she wore a white tank top underneath it. She is also wearing small teal shorts and red and black Litten-themed shoes with large yellow laces.They froze when they saw Lillie with who they think they are.
"Hey, aren't they the ones Lillie was telling us about?" The girl asked.
"It's gotta be. We should go greet them," the boy said. The boy and girl went up to the trio. Lillie smiled as she saw them.
"Perfect timing. Sora, Kairi, I want to introduce you to Elio and Selene. Elio, Selene, this is Sora and his girlfriend Kairi," Lillie introduced.
"Good to meet you, Elio," Sora greeted.
"You too, Sora," Elio said, shaking Sora's hand.
"We've heard so much about you two," Selene said. She looked over to Pikachu and petted him. "Oh, your Pikachu is so very cute!"
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"You would say that, and pretty much everybody else," Sora said. "Lillie was telling us about you two."
"I gotta say, it's pretty awesome to bump into you," Elio said.
"Anyway, Kairi. How many ribbons did you win?" Lillie asked.
"Just one," Kairi said, showing them the ribbon she won. Lillie, Elio, and Selene all looked at the ribbon. "Won it not too long ago."
"How many ribbons do you have to win in these contests?" Selene asked.
"Just four more," Kairi said.
"And Sora. Lillie told us you would show up for a Gym battle. How many badges did you win so far?" Elio asked.
"None. This will be the first," Sora said.
"There was another trainer who challenged the Gym Leader of Petalburg City and he lost to him," Kairi said. And speak of the devil, Brendan, May, and Max has entered the Pokémon Center. They spotted the couple along with three others they haven't met before. "May!"
"Brendan, Max!" Sora called out. Lillie, Elio, and Selene looked over to the trio approaching them.
"Hey there, Sora," Brendan greeted.
"Hi Kairi," May also greeted.
"When did you get here?" Max asked.
"Just a while ago," Sora answered. "You?"
"Same," Brendan said. He looked at the three kids with the couple. "So, who are they?"
"Brendan, May, Max, this is Lillie; she is one of our former travel companions from Alola. And these two are Elio and Selene; we've just met them," Sora introduced.
"And this Brendan; he's Professor Birch's son. The girl is May and the little boy with is her little brother Max," Kairi also introduced.
"It's good to meet you, Lillie," May greeted.
"You too, May," Lillie said.
Lillie shared some of the the experiences of the past. Lillie blushed heavily when Selene brought up their first official kiss as it captivates May.
"Oh brother," Max said, rolling his eyes.
"After we came back to Pallet Town from our journey in the Johto region, we were approached by Professor Kukui and Professor Burnett to propose that they'll bring the Pokémon League to Alola and he asked, Illima, Mallow, Kiawe, Lana, Sophocles, Acerola, Mina, and Hapu to be the Gym Leaders for the Alola Pokémon League. They're still setting up the Gyms and coming up with Gym Badge designs and names," Lillie said. She turned to Elio and Selene. "And that's when I met them with Professor Redwood."
"And these letters should help us keep track of how they're doing," Sora said. Sora opened an enveloped from Mallow and read it.
Dear Sora and Kairi,
How are you? I'm doing great in case you're wondering. I'm hoping you're doing so well in your journey in Hoenn. My brother's wedding went on smoothly and I wish you were there, because you two would have a blast. My dad couldn't be happier since he now has an extra hand in the kitchen when I'm working at the Gym. Speaking of the Gym, I have thought of building a Gym in the Lush Jungle. I'll let you know how things are going later on.
Wishing you loads of luck,
Mallow
Sora has placed the letter down and read the one from Lana.
Dear Sora and Kairi,
Heard you were traveling in the Hoenn region. Hope things are going well for you. When I told my family about my position as a Gym Leader, they were ecstatic; no more than my little sisters. Also, I have been helping out my dad on his fishing trips to take a break from building a Gym. Sorry I can't talk long, but I gotta help out my dad again. Do your best, the both you.
Lana
"Good to hear from you, Mallow and Lana," Sora said, putting the letter away. "Want me to read another one?"
"Later Sora. We have a Gym to find," Kairi said.
"Right. We'll have to pick up our Pokémon from Nurse Joy," Sora said. The couple went to pick up their Pokémon from the young nurse and sat back down.
"So, Sora. What Pokémon did you catch since coming here?" Lillie asked. Sora took out his Pokéballs as he smiled.
"I'll show you," Sora said as he threw his Pokéballs, letting out Treecko, Mudkip, Torchic, Poochyena, and Wurmple. Kairi did the same thing.
"Come on out, everyone!" Kairi called out as Stufful, Morelull, Plusle, Minun, and her own Wurmple came out. "You already know Stufful and Morelull. I want you to meet Plusle, Minun, and my Wurmple."
"So, you each got yourselves a Wurmple. Judging how healthy they look, it be long before either one of them evolves into either a Silcoon or a Cascoon," Lillie said.
"Yeah, but her Wurmple has more of appetite than mine does," Sora said, picking up his Wurmple. Kairi's Wurmple looks around and climbed up onto Kairi's leg and right on her shoulder.
"But she's just as cute as can be," Kairi said. Sora and Kairi called back their Pokémon as they went to find the Gym. Lillie decided to accompany them for old time's sake. Brendan, May, Max, Elio, and Selene did the same thing.
"You don't mind if I tag along, just like the good ol' days, do you?" Lillie asked.
"Not at all," Kairi said.
"It's just been a while since we all hung out together. And we don't mind the company," Sora said. He puts his arm around Kairi's shoulder.
"I just wish they were all here with us right now," Kairi said.
"They would be leaping with joy to see us again," Sora said. They made their way to the observation tower to get a view and hopefully, to find the Gym. "Just look at this. Sophocles would probably ask if we could find a good pizza or hamburger place from up here." Kairi could only giggle.
"Or maybe someplace with hot dogs or maybe some fried chicken," Kairi joked. She, Sora, Lillie, Elio, and Selene all shared a laugh as Brendan, May, and Max didn't get it at all. As they looked down the city from the tower, Elio went off the souvenir shop to pick up some items.
"Do anyone see the Gym down there?" Brendan asked.
"You don't think they'll just put a big ol sign that says: 'Rustboro Gym right this way!', do you?" Max asked.
"He does have a point. We might as well be looking for a needle in a really big haystack," Sora said.
"Maybe we should try to get there by foot and look around," Selene suggested.
"Not a bad idea. Maybe some exploring would do us some good," Sora said. Brendan looked around for a moment.
"Hey, does anyone know where Elio is?" Brendan asked. The group did look around for him.
"I thought we were missing someone," Lillie said.
"Where did he go?" May asked.
"Right here, guys," Elio said. The group went wide-eyed to what they saw. He was dressed up as a tourist, embarrassing them greatly.
"Oh, come on, Elio. Really?" Selene asked.
"You took the words right out of my mouth, Selene," Lillie said. "I mean Sora I would understand, but you?" Sora looked right at the blonde.
"Hey!" Sora groaned.
"Take that off right now!" Selene said. The group walk off with Elio following them from behind.
"Come on, you guys, it was a joke," Elio said, begging for forgiveness.
"It was embarrassing," Selene said.
"Don't you know what your problem is? You have no sense of humor!" Elio said.
"Excuse me for not having a sense of humor!" Selene countered. The two of them argued until Lillie broke them up.
"Break it up, you two! Arguing about it isn't going to help anyone!" Lillie said. They both huffed, looking away from each other.
"It's not my fault she doesn't know how to laugh," Elio said.
"Watch it," Selene countered.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Brendan, May, and Max chuckled nervously as they had witnessed a squabble between the two.
"Sorry you had to see that. It's a regular thing with these two," Lillie apologized.
"It's not a big deal," Brendan said. "May and I were the same way when we were little." As the group kept going, they spotted a Poliwag under a bench, and it was shivering with fright. The Poliwag has a sash on its tail.
"Look!" Max said, going over to the bench. "If there's something bothering you, just know we can help, okay?" The Poliwag was scared, but Max gave a smile, letting the tadpole Pokémon know there's nothing to be worried about. "Hi Poliwag."
"What do you think, Kairi?" Sora asked his girlfriend.
"I think he was lost," Kairi said.
"What's that on its tail?" Elio asked.
"This Poliwag must belong to someone," Lillie pointed out.
"That makes sense," Selene said.
"Poliwag!" A new voice called out. The voice belonged to a woman eyes and brown hair, which is tied up into two pigtails with a red bow, with a small black U-stripe. She wore pink leggings and a small pointed pink tie around her neck. She wore a gray school sleeveless uniform skirt with a rectangular print, which is white on the inside. She also wore a white undershirt, with short sleeves and a pair of black shoes. "Oh good, I've been looking all over for you." The Poliwag jumps into her arms. "I was so worried. Did you find this little one?"
"Uh-huh," Max responded.
"I just can't thank you enough," the woman said.
"Miss Roxanne!" A boy's voice called out. The boy who called out to her has orange hair and violet eyes. He also has a Magby with him, wearing the same sash around its left arm. There were also another boy who was looking down at the ground and has a scared expression on his face. There is also a girl with red hair and blue eyes, holding a Pidgey in her arms and has a collar around its neck. There is also a boy who is holding a Rattata. "You found Poliwag! Alright!"
"That's so great!" The redhead said. Max looked at the timid boy, concerned about him. She walked up to him. "See, Kenny? Everything's okay."
"Except our class trip is now ruined and poor Poliwag got lost and scared completely out of its mind!" The orange haired boy snarled.
"I'm sorry," Kenny apologized.
"You leave Kenny alone, Tommy! You know Kenny is afraid of touching Pokémon!" The girl defended him.
"What do you care, Anita?" Tommy hissed.
"I care when you're being a meanie and a bully!" Anita argued.
"That's enough, you two! I will not tolerate any arguments in my class," Roxanne scolded. The two kids looked away from each other.
"Fine!" Tommy and Anita both said. Roxanne bent down to Kenny.
"Now Kenny, I hoped you learned something from this experience," Roxanne said.
"Yes," Kenny said hesitantly.
"There is no need to be scared, and you tried your hardest," Roxanne said. He gestures the rest of her class. "Now, class, time to head back to the trainer's academy."
"Okay," the kids all said.
"Training academy?" Sora asked.
"It is officially known as the Pokémon Trainer's School. It is an academy right here in town where students can learn all about the world of Pokémon. And in case you haven't figured it out, I am one of the teachers of the school, and these children are students of the beginner's class. We came here on a field trip, but it's time to head back," Roxanne explained.
"That is so cool! I want to go to that Pokémon Academy too!" Max said with glee as he turned to his sister. "So, can I, May?"
"I don't know, I'm gonna have to think about it," May said.
"And don't forget, we have our Gym battle coming up," Brendan reminded her. Roxanne turned to the group.
"Are you here to challenge the Rustboro City Gym?" Roxanne asked.
"I am. And so are Brendan and May," Sora said.
"Sure am," Brendan said.
"Um, yeah," May said.
"Well, that works out just perfectly! The Gym is just next door to the school," Roxanne said.
"Really?" Sora asked.
"So, why don't you all come by the school before you have your Gym battle?" Roxanne suggested.
"That'll be fine. Anyway, my name is Sora and this is my girlfriend Kairi," Sora introduced.
"Hello," Kairi greeted.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
"And my name is Lillie," Lillie introduced.
"I'm Brendan," he introduced.
"I'm May and this is my brother Max," May introduced.
"I'm Elio," he introduced.
"And I'm Selene," she finished with the introductions.
Later, the group was given the tour of the campus by the school's headmaster.
"So, I hear your father is the Gym Leader of the Petalburg Gym, is that right?" The headmaster asked.
"Yep," May and Max answered.
"How many classes does this school teach exactly?" Lillie asked.
"Tons of classes," the headmaster said. "I'm sure you'll be interested in seeing them." He opened the door. "This class has students learning how to be Pokémon doctors."
"Useful to learn about healing Pokémon," Elio said.
"You took the words right out of my mouth, Elio," Sora said.
"About the beginner's class," Max said.
The headmaster lead the group to another class and they show students and Pokémon doing all sorts of poses.
"This class has students learning all about Pokémon Contests," the headmaster said.
"You sure didn't need a class on that, Kairi," Sora said.
"This class is for me!" May said, with her eyes sparkling.
"The beginner's class," Max groaned.
The headmaster lead the group to another class with a Typhlosion and a Feraligatr battling each other.
"And this class has students learning all about Pokémon battles," the headmaster said.
"Wow, I know I'm going to fit in here," Elio said. "I would like to battle you here, Sora." Max couldn't take it anymore. He looked right at the headmaster.
"Excuse me, but could you please take us to Miss Roxanne's beginner's class now?" Max asked.
"Oh! Of course, of course, of course! Forgive me. I sometimes get carried away by giving tours to our guests. It's such a terrible habit. Come this way," the headmaster said, leading the group.
"At least he didn't say walk this way, or we would have ended up walking just like he does," Sora whispered. Elio and Brendan chuckled a bit.
"Here we are. This is Miss Roxanne's class," the headmaster said. He opened the door to see Professor Oak's face on the screen.
"And so in conclusion, there are many different kinds of Pokémon in the world. Is that clear?" Professor Oak asked.
"Yes professor," the students answered.
"Professor Oak!" Sora said.
"Ah, Sora and Kairi! It's always a delight to see you! And Lillie! Hello there! I haven't seen you since you and your other friends left for home in Alola to build up your own Pokémon League," Professor Oak said. He looked over to Brendan and May. "Hello again, Brendan and May."
"Hi professor," Brendan said. Professor Oak looked to Max, Elio and Selene.
"You must be Elio and Selene. Professor Redwood has told me quite about you," Professor Oak said.
"It's good to meet you, professor," Selene said.
"What she said," Elio added.
"And you must be Max," Professor Oak said. Max was now nervous, since this is the first time he's actually speaking to him. Tommy grinned at Max as he found a potential victim.
"Um, uh, hm," Max stammered as May spoke up.
"It's okay, Max. Say hello to him," May said.
"It's quite alright, May. Anyway, Sora, since you're down there, I'm wondering how your Gym battle went. Who won it? You or Roxanne?" Professor Oak asked.
"We haven't had our Gym battle yet," Roxanne corrected him. Sora's eyes suddenly went wide.
"Hold on! You're the Gym Leader?!" Sora exclaimed.
"Yes," Roxanne said.
"Roxanne was one of our finest students. Just when she graduated, the school board was very impressed by her battling skills and knowledge, she was appointed the title of Gym Leader," the headmaster explained.
"If it's not too inconvenient for you, Sora, I have a full day of teaching going on tomorrow, so I will have to put our battle on hold until the day after," Roxanne said.
"That's not a problem, Roxanne. I can wait," Sora said.
"Thank you for understanding, Sora," Roxanne said. "I hope you're not too disappointed, Brendan and May."
"I'm in no hurry," May said.
"If he can wait, I can wait too," Brendan said.
"I wish you luck in your battles," Professor Oak said.
"Thanks," Sora and Roxanne both said.
"Goodbye for now, and keep catching those Pokémon!" Professor Oak closed.
"Okay!" The students said.
"Wait!" Max said, catching the Pokémon researcher's attention. "I just want you to know that I'm such a big, big fan! I've watched you on TV, read all your books and papers! I even listened to all your radio broadcasts! I just wanted you to know!" Professor Oak smiled.
"Thank you, Max. I am flattered," Professor Oak said. "Take care of yourselves out there."
"We will," Sora and Kairi both said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
Professor Oak has cut communications just so as class can proceed.
"Hey kid!" Tommy called out to Max. He turned to him. "If you're such a fan of Professor Oak's, why don't you try to answer this question." He held up his hand. "What Type of Pokémon are effective against Flying Types?"
"That's easy! Electric, Rock, and Ice Types," Max replied. Tommy frowned when he answered.
"Okay, that was too easy! Which attacks would work on a Pokémon that uses Dig?" Tommy asked.
"Earthquake, Magnitude, Bulldoze and Fissure," Max answered easily. Tommy was becoming very infuriated and jealous.
"So, you know some things about Pokémon; big deal!" Tommy barked. Roxanne and the headmaster approaches him.
"That will be enough of that, Tommy," Roxanne said.
"I was only just asking," Tommy said.
"You are not here to compete with each other, but to learn and grow together as friends," Roxanne said.
"And it's important to remember our school's motto: 'Go forth with me as friends,' and that is what we would like to practice," the headmaster said. He turned to Max. "Why don't you come back again tomorrow, Max, and you can learn more about our school?"
"That'll be great! Why don't you come along with me, May? It wouldn't hurt to get some experience for next Gym battle," Max said.
"Um, yeah. My Gym battle," May stammered. She then said in her thoughts, "I have to get out of it." Roxanne turned to Sora, Kairi, and Lillie.
"And you three are welcomed to join us to share your experiences and expertise for the class," Roxanne said.
"Sure," Sora said.
"There are no objections," Lillie said. "Professor Redwood did say we can as long as necessary."
Elio and Selene knew she was using it as an excuse to spend some time with Sora and Kairi, but it was okay with them. Roxanne led the guests to the school's Pokéball vault.
"And this is where we keep our Pokéballs. Each and every Pokéball has a Pokémon ready to obey any trainer," Roxanne said.
"I thought the Pokémon will only obey the trainer who has it," Max pointed out.
"That is true, Max. But all of our Pokémon have been specially trained to obey any of the students and teachers," Roxanne said.
"There have got to be hundreds of Pokémon here," Brendan said.
"Just the ones that are mostly native to the Hoenn region. But there are those we have from the Kanto and Johto regions as well. We could not obtain that are mostly indigenous to the Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, nor Galar regions," Roxanne explained.
"Better than nothing," Elio said.
"Can I choose whichever one?" Max asked.
"Of course. The earliest class is at 8:00 AM; so be sure you are not late," Roxanne said.
"We won't," Max said.
The group left the school and to rest up for the next day. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Lillie, May, and Max all returned to the school with Roxanne waiting for them.
"Good morning. I trust you slept well," Roxanne said.
"We have," Sora said in a yawn.
"Wonderful," Roxanne said. She turned to Max. "Now Max. You may choose whichever you want to be your partner for today." Max picked a Pokéball and threw it up in the air to see which one he chose. The Pokéball reveals to be the Poliwag from the day before.
"Hey, it's you," Max said.
"You'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with Poliwag, but for now, it's time for class," Roxanne said.
Over to the Pokémon Center, Elio and Selene, were training hard with Brendan to help him train for his Gym battle against Roxanne. Brendan had his Treecko out as Elio has his Litten out and Selene has out her Popplio. Brendan had won against Selene's Popplio and now Elio steps in.
"Treecko! Use Pound!" Brendan ordered. Treecko ran towards Litten to deliever a Pound.
"Litten! Dodge and use Ember!" Elio ordered. Litten avoided Treecko's attack and fired Ember right at him.
"Treecko! Dodge with Quick Attack!" Brendan ordered. Treecko avoids Litten's Ember as fast as his hands and feet could carry him.
"Keep firing Ember!" Elio called out as Litten continued to fire Ember again and again. Treecko was struck by Litten's Fire Type attack. Treecko fell on his back.
"Treecko! Get back up!" Brendan called out.
"Litten! Use Bite!" Elio ordered as the fire cat Pokémon moved in to land a bite onto the wood gecko Pokémon.
"Use Pound!" Brendan ordered. Treecko swings his tail at Litten, smacking it. Litten skids back, not going down that easily. But Litten was starting to get tired and so is Treecko.
"That was great, Brendan. You're doing great!" Elio said.
"Thanks Elio. I'm going to need every edge of I'm going to win my match against Roxanne," Brendan said.
"Think we should call it a draw? My Litten should rest up," Elio said.
"I guess Treecko could use the rest too. I don't wanna overwork him before the battle," Brendan said.
"Since Roxanne uses Rock Types, Treecko is by the far the best choice," Selene said.
"Yeah. And Sora probably has his own stragedy to come up with for his battle," Brendan said.
"So, what do you think he's planning?" Elio asked.
"He probably has the same idea as me. I guess I should let him have his battle first. Last time I challenged a Gym Leader, I lost. I was totally unprepared since it was my very first battle. But I won't be caught off guard again. Not after witnessing Sora's first," Brendan said.
"You know, Lillie told us that Sora has gotten into some tight spots when battling Gym Leaders and trainers during the Indigo Plataeu and Johto Pokémon Leagues, and he's made a pretty big comeback during those times. Do you think he's going to be in one here?" Elio asked.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see until then," Selene said.
Back to the academy, Max is reading a book as the other kids are talking. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Lillie, and May observes them from the outside window.
"Look at that. Class isn't in session yet and he's already studying," Sora said.
"That's Max for you," May said.
"It kinda reminds me of someone we know very well," Kairi said, turning to Lillie as she smiled.
"It sure takes me back. I loved Pokémon when I was just his age. And that was before..." Lillie paused. May turned to her and blinked.
"Before what?" May asked.
Sora and Kairi knew what she was referring to and they remembered their past experiences with the Ultra Beasts during their Johto journey.
"You wanna tell her or should we?" Sora asked. Lillie didn't answer, so she pointed to Sora, letting the couple know they should. "Lillie had some bad luck when it came to Pokémon before."
"What do you mean?" May asked.
"Years ago, when Lillie was little, she was almost taken by a strange Pokémon and she developed a fear of touching Pokémon. She's pretty much still haunted by those experiences," Kairi explained. May was shocked to hear what she was told.
"Seriously?" May asked.
"Yes. But before we tell you more, there's one more question we wanna ask you," Sora said. May became curious about what they had to say. "Just by chance, have you been hearing any rumors about strange Pokémon appearing in the Johto region?"
"Yeah, but what does that have to with anything?" May asked.
"A lot. Those strange Pokémon are known as Ultra Beasts. They're Pokémon that came from another dimension known as Ultra Space and into ours," Sora explained.
"Ultra Beasts? You mean those things were Ultra Beasts?" May asked with shock. Sora and Kairi both nodded. "Just how do you know about them in the first place?"
"We know because we dealt with them before. And we were told about them before all that. Sora, Riku, and Lillie's older brother Gladion each has a Pokémon that was specially made to battle them; Silvally," Kairi explained.
"You mean that one Pokémon you used during that one battle?" May asked, referring to Sora's battle with Gary. "Max was going on about it. Also, you mentioned Ultra Beasts before. Is that Naga-whacmacallit an Ultra Beast too?"
"Yeah. Most of the Ultra Beasts were captured and returned home, but my Naganadel is a special case. It's over at Professor Oak's lab right now," Sora said.
"Does Elio and Selene know about it?" May asked.
"They do. And so does Professor Redwood," Lillie said.
"Also, I'm a little confused about something. Kairi said you developed a fear of touching Pokémon. How did you overcome it?" May asked. Lillie smiled.
"It was thanks to Riku, Hau, our other classmates, and for Snowy," Lillie said.
"Snowy?" May asked.
"Snowy is the name she gave her Vulpix when she hatched from an egg; she's an Alolan Vulpix," Kairi said. Lillie took out her Pokéball and shows her to May and her heart has melted at the sight of her.
"Hello there, Snowy. That's a cute name for a cute Pokémon," May said. Snowy looked up to Sora, Kairi, and Pikachu and beamed at the sight of them.
"Vulpix!" Snowy yelped and nuzzled both Sora and Kairi's legs.
"Hiya Snowy," Sora said, petting her.
"You're still as cute as ever," Kairi said.
"Vul!" Snowy said.
Lillie calls back Snowy to show her to the class.
"Class might start soon, so you shoud attend," Sora said.
"Right. I'll see you later," May said, taking her leave of the trio.
Inside of the classroom, Max is still reading as Anita sits right next to him.
"Hi there. What book are you reading?" Anita asked.
"Just a guidebook about Pokémon," Max answered. "And you're..."
"Anita," Anita answered.
"Hi, my name's Max. You are so lucky; I wish I lived somewhere that had a Pokémon academy," Max said. Anita frowned a bit.
"I'm really not as lucky as you think, Max," Anita said.
"Huh? Why not?" Max asked.
"Because I don't care about Pokémon. The only reason I'm here is because my parents makes me attend," Anita said which leaves Max in disbelief.
"Kenny is pretty much the same way. He is so afraid of Pokémon, he doesn't even wanna touch them. But adults say you should start getting used to them when you're still young. But what do they know, anyway?" Anita asked.
"I see what you mean," Max said.
"Hey, new kid!" Tommy called out. Max and Anita turned to face him. "Today we're gonna finish what we started." He turns away to sit down.
"That's Tommy. I don't like him because he thinks he knows it all. But yesterday, when you were here, it was my favorite day in class ever. It was funny watching him get so mad when you answered all his stupid questions," Anita said. Roxanne has walked in the class just so it could begin.
"Good morning, class," Roxanne greeted the class.
"Good morning, Miss Roxanne," the class greeted back.
"We have a lot to go over today," Roxanne said. Minutes later, the class began to interact with the Pokémon they are paired with. Sora and Kairi looked at the smiling faces. "Now be sure to give our Pokémon a warm welcome and make sure you are aware of how they feel as you interact with them."
"So, what class is May attending?" Lillie asked.
"She didn't say which one she was going in," Sora said. He looked at his girlfriend. "Any ideas, Kairi?"
"Don't look at me," Kairi said. Kairi knew May has to be taking a class on Pokémon Contests. But she decided not to dwell too much on it. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Lillie stood in the middle of the class.
"Sora, Kairi, Lillie, it would be a real honor for all my students to meet all of your Pokémon," Roxanne said.
"Sure," Sora, Kairi, and Lillie said.
"Torchic, Treecko, Mudkip, Poochyena, Wurmple! Come on out!" Sora shouted as all of his Pokémon came right out.
"Stufful, Morelull, Plusle, Minun, and my own Wurmple! Come out!" Kairi shouted as all of her Pokémon came right out as well.
"Snowy, Ponyta, and Magearna! Go!" Lillie shouted as Snowy, Ponyta, and Magearna had come out with the couple's Pokémon. Poochyena tackles right into Sora's face, making him fall backwards, making the students laugh.
"That's enough. Did you know Sora Ketchum is a skilled Pokémon trainer and has come out on top during the Indigo Plateau and Johto Pokémon Leagues? Kairi is also a skilled trainer and she has come out on top of the Poké Maiden Tournament that was held in the Johto region. Also, Lillie is the only daughter of the Aether Foundation's president, Lusamine. So, pay attention and you can learn a lot from these three," Roxanne said.
"Okay," the class responded.
"I'm also working as an assistant for Professor Redwood on his research facility in the Alola region on Melemele Island. My task is to help him solve as many of the mysteries of Pokémon as possible. Also, Snowy here is an Alolan Vulpix, which is an Ice Type Pokémon," Lillie said. "As for Magearna, you may know Magearna is a mythical Pokémon." Magearna bows its head to the class. The class were all amazed to meet a mythical Pokémon for the first time.
"Class, take note on well taken care of their Pokémon appear to be. Very exceptional," Roxanne said.
"Thank you," Lillie said.
Sora looked over to Kenny and saw how afraid he is. He carries Pikachu in his arms.
"Hey there," Sora greeted. Kenny tried to get away. "Don't be afraid. Pikachu isn't going to hurt you."
"It isn't?" Kenny asked.
"No. Pikachu is really nice. I would know because he's my best friend," Sora said.
"Your best friend?" Kenny asked, surprised.
"Yes. A Pokémon can be your best friend when you give them a chance. Isn't that right, Pikachu?" Sora asked his partner.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Also, Pikachu has the softest cheeks you ever felt," Max said, walking up to them. "Wanna give them a feel?"
"Wouldn't you like that, buddy?" Sora asked.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
Tommy looked right at Max and he made his way to cause trouble; but it didn't escape Anita's notice. Kenny reaches to attempt to touch Pikachu's cheek when Tommy pretends to trip and fall, stepping on Poliwag's tail.
"Poliwag!" Poliwag exclaimed, firing Water Gun, aiming at Kenny. Kenny saw the water coming right at him.
"Watch out!" Max shouted as he ducks him out of the line of fire. Roxanne, Kairi, Lillie, Roxanne, and the rest of the class saw the commotion.
"Max and Kenny! Are you two okay?" Roxanne asked.
"Yes, we're fine," Max and Kenny said.
"Whoops. Sorry. I accidentally tripped," Tommy lied.
"You did not! You did it on purpose! I saw you do it!" Anita accused.
"I did not!" Tommy lied.
"You did too!" Anita yelled.
"That is enough. I said I won't allow any arguments in my classroom. And I meant it," Roxanne said.
"Sorry," Tommy and Anita both said. Tommy smugly turned to Max and stuck out his tongue. Max didn't like his attitude one bit.
"Loser," Max said under his breath.
Over to May, she has taken as much as she can get under her belt to learn about competing in Pokémon Contests. When it came all down to a pop quiz, she ducked out.
"I was not ready for a pop quiz," May said in her thoughts. She left to rejoin Sora, Kairi, and Lillie.
Roxanne, the guests, and her class all stepped outside to educate the students with an actual Pokémon battle. Roxanne stands between Max and Tommy.
"Let's begin our Pokémon battle training. Each of you will be using one Pokémon. You will continue battling until I judge one of your Pokémon unable to battle," Roxanne explained. Tommy looks at Max smugly as Max just glares at him.
"So, Max will be experiencing a battle for the first time ever," Sora said.
"Remember that it's not an official battle, it's only practice," Lillie reminded him.
"I know. Let's see how it goes," Sora said. May had finally rejoined the group.
"Hey guys," May greeted.
"Nice of you to rejoin us, May. You're just in time to witness Max's practice battle," Sora said.
"Where did you go, anyway?" Lillie asked.
"Um, I was really looking around," May told a white lie. Kairi knew the truth. She knew she had taken a class on Pokémon Contests.
"Choose your Pokémon," Roxanne said as Max and Tommy has chosen their Pokéballs. "And begin!"
"Here we go!" Tommy shouted as he threw the Pokéball. The Pokéball has revealed to contain Magby. "Yeah, Magby!"
"Go!" Max shouted. The Pokéball revealed to contain Poliwag. "A Poliwag!" Max's eyes lit up.
"Fire versus water. He should have the advantage," Sora said.
"Should I make the first move?" Max pondered. He thinks and thinks about his first move.
"What is he doing?" May asked.
"He should make up his mind now or else he won't gain the upper hand," Sora said.
"While you're thinking, think about how you'll feel about this! Magby! Flamethrower!" Tommy ordered. Magby fired Flamethrower right at the tadpole Pokémon.
"Poliwag! Defense Curl!" Max ordered. Poliwag curled himself and takes the hit and raising his defenses.
"Good thinking of defending," Sora said.
"Yes, but Poliwag still took the hit," Lillie said.
"Flamethrower again!" Tommy ordered. Magby fired another Flamethrower right at Poliwag.
"Use Belly Drum!" Max ordered. Poliwag bangs his belly like a drum and raises his attack; but it cuts Poliwag's stamina in half.
"Now Max has raised his attack power," Kairi said.
"Yes, but Belly Drum cuts Poliwag's stamina in half. He needs to use Water Gun now or else he's going to lose," Lillie said.
"Again Magby!" Tommy ordered. Magby fired another Flamethrower.
"Defense Curl!" Max ordered. Poliwag took another hit and he ends up being exhausted. "Should I use Water Gun now? Nah, maybe later."
"This match is mine! Magby! Flamethrower!" Tommy ordered. Magby fired another Flamethrower right at Poliwag.
"Okay, Poliwag! One more Defense Curl!" Max ordered. Poliwag curls up into a ball once more and takes the hit from Magby's Flamethrower. Poliwag falls to the ground beaten much to Max's dismay. "WHAT?! NO WAY!"
"Poliwag is unable to battle! Magby wins! Tommy wins the battle!" Roxanne announced.
"Yes! I won! I won! I won!" Tommy gloated.
"No way! How could I lose?!" Max exclaimed.
"Um, I think I know how," Kenny timidly spoke up. Max turned to Kenny. "The reason you lost is because you relying on defensive attacks when you should have used offensive attacks. Belly Drum may have raised Poliwag's attack, and Defense Curl may have raised Poliwag's defense as well, but you would have won it if you used Water Gun even sooner." Kenny even looked over to Tommy. "Also, Tommy was relying on just one attack even it wasn't that much effective on Poliwag. Magby has some other attacks like Fire Punch or Smokescreen to use."
"But I like Flamethrower better," Tommy said.
"Yeah, but it was still overkill," Kenny said.
The other students were amazed by Kenny's words, but Roxanne was impressed by this.
"That was an excellent observation, Kenny," Roxanne said.
"I was just saying what I was seeing," Kenny said.
"It would seems that you sound like you're good at coaching," Roxanne said.
"I am?" Kenny asked.
"You are," Lillie said. "I was just like you, Kenny. I used to be afraid of touching Pokémon too. It was all because of a traumatic experience I had when I was little. But I had some help from some very good friends who helped me get over my fears and I'm able to touch Pokémon." Kenny and the other students were stunned when Lillie mentioned she was afraid of touching Pokémon. Kenny figured if she could get over fears and touch Pokémon, then he should give it a chance.
"Wanna try to pet Pikachu again, Kenny?" Sora asked. Kenny was hesitant for a moment, but he reached out his hand and he touched Pikachu on the head and he smiled when he felt how soft he was.
"Wow. Pikachu's cheeks are soft to touch," Kenny said.
"Are you afraid of Pokémon, Kenny?" Sora asked.
"Not anymore. I think I like Pokémon now," Kenny said.
"That's the spirit, Kenny. All you needed was to give them a chance and you'll see first hand there's nothing to be afraid of. They'll be your best friends, just like me and Pikachu are," Sora said. Kairi smiled at those words.
"That's exactly right, Sora. That is a real example of Pokémon unity," Roxanne said. "Above all else, trainers and Pokémon must work together and support each other through any obstacles. Trainers and Pokémon both wins together and lose together. Those are the principles of what Sora's words have expressed." All of the students have all taken it to heart. Even Tommy who was only competing with everyone else could see how a strong Pokémon trainer like Sora would say something so meaning. He looked over to Max.
"Hey Max. Sorry about before. I was like a big jerk," Tommy said. Max smiled.
"Don't worry about it. I don't even care that I lost, because I had fun," Max said. Tommy smiled as well and both had buried the hatchet with a high-five. Anita smiled because she knew Tommy was being nice.
"Well, Sora. I trust you will be prepared for our battle?" Roxanne asked.
"It'll be either be me, May, or Brendan. I think it'll be best if I would ask if they would like to go first," Sora said.
"Whomever gets the chance to battle me, I just wanna say that I don't plan to go easy on you," Roxanne said.
"You shouldn't go easy on me since it won't be fun if you do," Sora said.
"In other words, he plans to give you everything he's got," Kairi said. Lillie couldn't help but laugh.
"Some things never change," Lillie said.
Sora and Kairi had finally arrived in Rustboro City and the battle between Sora and Roxanne is just around the corner. How will it go? Will Sora emerge victorious and earn his first Gym Badge in the Hoenn region, or will he be beaten on the first try? Just you wait and see until the next chapter.