Episode 238: Solid Regirock
After leaving the Winstrate family's home, they traveled through the desert, while Sora and Kairi rode on Mudsdale's back with May and Max walking along them. May looked at the couple oddly as they rode on Mudsdale.
"Hey Sora?" May asked. Sora turned to her.
"Yeah May? What is it?" Sora asked.
"How is it that you can ride on Mudsdale so easily? I mean, it looks easy when you look at it," May stated.
"It wasn't so easy when I tried it the first time, I can tell you," Sora said.
"What do you mean not easy? You're riding on Mudsdale like you're a cowboy," Max said.
"More like a knight," May said in her thoughts, remembering them about Sora's bloodline. Sora and Kairi laughed.
"That's because Hapu taught me how," Sora said.
"Hapu?" Max asked.
"She was one of your old travel companions along with Lillie, right?" May asked.
"That's exactly right," Kairi said.
"It was a short time after I won the Soul Badge from Koga from the Fushsia City Gym and checked out the Safari Zone. Among the Pokémon I caught there was a Tauros. I was told Tauros is a Ride Pokémon in Alola just like Mudsdale," Sora explained.
"So cool!" Max beamed.
"When I tried to get onto Tauros's back, he just bucked me off," Sora said.
"No matter how times Tauros bucked Sora off, Sora just kept trying and trying until he got the hang of it," Kairi added.
"Pika," Pikachu nodded.
Angel was curious about hearing some stories from her crush, and she knew for certain it's never a dull day with these two.
"How long did it take for you to get the hang of riding Tauros?" May asked.
"Just a couple of hours," Sora said. "Before I knew it, I rode on Tauros like a pro." He chuckled when he remembered the wild ride he went through until Johnny and Belle saved him with his Machop and Machoke. Speaking of Johnny and Belle, he wondered how they were doing and are they even parents yet.
"What Type of Pokémon did Hapu train?" Max asked.
"Hapu trained Ground Type Pokémon. In fact, she has a Mudsdale and she gave him the egg that hatched into the Mudbray Sora had before evolving," Kairi said.
"Not only that, her grandpa is the Island Kahuna on Poni Island," Sora said.
"Whoa, so cool!" Max said.
"Island Kahuna?" May asked.
"Each island in the Alola region has its own Kahuna. They give out something called an Island Challenge. It was watched over by the Island Guardians, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini," Kairi said. May remembered hearing about the Ultra Beasts and their experience with them.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the desert, Hayner had just arrived and he is searching for some Ground Type Pokémon to add to his team.
"Okay, what I want is a good strong Pokémon. Something I can I can cool," Hayner said, before spotting a small group of Numel. "Something like one of those. Now, which one is the strongest?" He took out his Ultra Ball and threw it and let's out his Rhyperior. "Go get them, Rhyperior!" Hayner's Rhyperior charges towards the Numel. Alarmed, they all looked up and saw the large Pokémon coming right towards them. All of the other Numel ran, but one stayed and glared at the larger Pokémon and ran towards him. Numel ran towards Rhyperior with flames surrounding its body. "Okay, Rhyperior! Freeze it in its tracks with Ice Beam!" Rhyperior fired Ice Beam and it struck Numel hard. He knew Thunderbolt has zero effect on Numel, so he had one more attack he can use. Rhyperior! Eathquake!" Rhyperior slams his foot onto the desert sand and makes the ground shake. Over to Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, May, and Max, they all felt the ground shake. Mudsdale manages to keep his footing.
"What is that?!" May exclaimed.
"An earthquake! That's what?!" Max exclaimed.
"Eevee!" Angel eclaimed. She was gonna fall off, but Pikachu catches her by grabbing her paw and pulls her in his arms. Angel blushes and she wrapped her forelegs around him.
"Easy there, Mudsdale, easy," Sora said.
Back over to Hayner, Numel had fallen to its side as Hayner got a Pokéball ready and threw it right at the weakened Pokémon. Numel flows inside and wobbles around before stars wirls around it to confirm the catch.
"Gotcha!" Hayner said, taking his Pokéball. "Those Grass Type users won't stand a chance with this!" He turned to Rhyperior. "You did great, Rhyperior." Rhyperior roars happily at the compliment. "Now, let's see if we can find some more Ground Types around here before we head back." Rhyperior nodded and continued their pursuit. Before he could go far, Rhyperior roars, telling him there's something coming. "What's up, Rhyperior?" He sees a Mudsdale along with a small band coming right towards them. The Mudsdale made a stop and Hayner smiles as he saw the familiar couple. "Hey there! Sora! Kairi!"
"Hayner!" Sora and Kairi exclaimed as they both got off of Mudsdale.
"Haven't seen you since our Gym battle," Hayner said.
"Same here! What are you doing here?" Sora asked.
"Just looking for some Pokémon to catch and I just caught me a Numel after bagging a Trapinch just an hour ago," Hayner said. He looked over to May and Max just standing there. "Who are they?"
"Hi there, I'm May," she introduced.
"And I'm Max," he added.
"Good to meet you," Hayner said. "So, how things between you two?" He grinned sinisterly.
"Just fine. Why?" Sora asked.
"This," Hayner said, holding up his iphone with a picture of them kissing. Sora and Kairi could only blush as did May and Max. "Guess you can say, that's how I know you're fine."
"Any idea wo took it?" Kairi whispered to Sora.
"No idea. But, I don't think obessing over it is gonna do any good," Sora whispered back. He had to quickly change the subject. "How are Pence and Olette these days?"
"They're doing good. If you're wondering where they're at, they're at the Gym watching over my other Pokémon, but I kept Rhyperior with me," Hayner said. "Also, I hear from Lea and Isa every now and then."
"That's good," Sora said. "We also heard you have been hainging out with Misty and Brock as well."
"Yeah, they're fun to hang with. But Brock goes crazy as a Skitty when some chick comes around," Hayner said. "Even Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny." Sora laughed.
"That's something that'll never change," Sora said.
"Um, how do you know Sora and Kairi, Hayner?" May asked.
"Pence, Olette, and I met them and their friends, along with his cousin in Viridian City and we were helping her grandma pack up her things as she was moving to Pallet Town. Sora and I had our battle with the Elite Four watching our battle closely, and I got creamed," Hayner said.
"Gotta say, you almost had me," Sora said.
"Yeah, I would have, if ou had your Pikachu run circles around Rhyperior; literally," Hayner huffed. Pikachu waved to Rhyperior and the large Pokémon smiled back, not sour about losing to Pikachu.
"Wait! Pikachu beat Rhyperior! You would have won it because Rhyperior is a Ground Type and a Rock Type! And Electric Type attacks has no effect on a Ground Type!" Max said.
"Yeah, I know. Pikachu was just too fast and he smacked Rhyperior with that Iron Tail," Hayner said. "And used my Thunderbolt against me. Anyway, where are you heading?"
"We were on our way to Petalburg City for my Gym battle, and these two are tagging along for the journey," Sora said.
"Although, I want to say that is Sora stands no chance against our dad," Max stated. May knew there was more to it than that. Hayner blinked twice.
"Dad?" Hayner asked.
"Their dad is the Petalburg City Gym Leader," Kairi said.
"Oh, so you're Norman's kids. In fact I met your dad when I got here," Hayner said.
"You did?" May asked.
"How's our mom?" Max asked.
"She's doing good. I told them about my idea and they liked it since they agreed that it's never a bad idea to have some more Pokémon ready when the ones you have aren't able to battle," Hayner said. "In fact, it your dad who pointed me here., since they are some choice Ground Types living here."
"Would it be okay that we tag along for a bit, Hayner? We did promise to hang out sometime," Sora said.
"Sure thing," Hayner said. With that said, they joined Hayner and shred some stories about their experiences since they last met, leaving out their otherworldly experience. As they traveled through the desert, they stumled onto what looks like ruins of ancient city.
"What is this place?" Kairi asked.
"As if I would know," Hayner said.
"We should check it out! There's gotta be some Pokémon living here right now!" Max said. He was about to run off, before May grabbed by the arm.
"Hold on, Max! You shouildn't be running in like that. You might end up being lost inside it," May said.
"We could all end up being lost when we get seperated. Max is right though, we should check it out, but we stay together," Sora said. Kairi, Hayner, May, and Max all nodded in agreement since knowing he was right. They all ventured into the ancient ruins, looking around. As they kept going, they heard a sound of an old piece of pottery fall over. They turned to see what was that. Out of the shadows comes a strange Pokémon that looked like a top with arms. It has red markings on its body, and it looks like it's asleep.
"It's a Baltoy!" Max said.
"Baltoy, huh?" Sora asked, taking out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Baltoy, the Clay Doll Pokémon
Type: Ground/Psychic
Baltoy was discovered by archeologists excavating an ancient ruin some time ago. It is said that Baltoy were carved from clay by the ancient people and then, the dolls came to life. They spin around their pointed foot even when asleep.
"Looks like it's asleep to me," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said. Hayner stepped in and he grinned.
"Sweet! Another Ground Type to catch!" Hayner exclaimed. He turned to Rhypeior. "Go get it Rhyperior!" Rhyperior obeyed and went to battle it. "Fire Ice Beam!" Rhyperior fires Ice Beam and Baltoy avoids it just by spinning. Baltoy fires Psybeam and it struck Rhyperior on his chest.
"That was a strong Psybeam!" Max said.
"And from a strong Pokémon! Rhypeior! Ice Beam again!" Hayner ordered. Rhyperior fired another Ice Beam and it follows the clay doll Pokémon. Unknown to the group, a two archeologists came to the ancient ruins and watched the battle. One of them is an older man either in his late twenties or early thirties while the younger one is in his early twenties; the older one he is smoking a cigarette. Both wore glasses and white lab coats. With them are three Pokémon that resembles coal. One is floating and has a single orange eye attached to its head. Four rocky bulges stick out of its sides. A larger circular piece of rock attached to the Pokémon resembles a wheel. The other shaped like a mine cart made of coal. It has a round head that has teeth made out of red-hot coal. Its four legs resemble the wheels of the mine cart and functions like them. It carries a pile of burning coal on its back. And the third one s a large, bipedal Pokémon. Its entire body is covered with a rock-like material. It has three fingers and toes at each of its stubby arms and feet. A pile of rocks resembling a volcano with flowing lava erects on its back.It has spiked elbows and a head resembling a cow catcher on a train. It has 2 sharply angled eyes with black pupils. "Rhyperior! Ice Beam again, but aim for the floor!" Rhyperior aims for the ground and Baltoy slips and loses its balance. Baltoy slams into a wall and fell over. Hayner threw a Pokéball and it flows inside. The Pokéball wobbles around before stars swirls around it to confirm the catch. "Gotcha, Baltoy!" He went over to the Pokéball and picked it up. The group were caught off guard when they heard a clap from behind them.
"That was an impressive catch, kid," the older archeologist complimented. "Freezing the floor to make Baltoy slip and fall was clever."
"Thanks, I guess," Hayner said.
"I'm with him. Your Rhyperior is obviously strong. And judging how it looks, you did a great job raising it," the younger archeologist added.
"Nice of you to say," Hayner said.
"Um, who are you?" Sora asked.
"My name is Professor Seth McCoy and this is my student and excavation partner, Kevin Underhill," he introduced.
"It's nice to meet you," Kevin said. The three Pokémon also greeted the group.
"Are those a Rolycoly, a Carkol, and a Coalossal?" Max asked.
"They are. And all three of them are mine," Seth said. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned the three Pokémon.
Rolycoly, the Coal Pokémon
Type: Rock
Most of its body has the same composition as coal. Fittingly, this Pokémon was first discovered in coal mines about 400 years ago. It can race around like a unicycle, even on rough, rocky terrain. Burning coal sustains it.
Carkol, the Coal Pokémon
The evolved form of Rolycoly
Type: Rock/Fire
By rapidly rolling its legs, it can travel at over 18 mph. The temperature of the flames it breathes exceeds 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. It forms coal inside its body. Coal dropped by this Pokémon once helped fuel the lives of people in the Galar region.
Coalossal, the Coal Pokémon
The evolved form of Carkol
Type: Rock/Fire
It's usually peaceful, but the vandalism of mines enrages it. Offenders will be incinerated with flames that reach 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. While it's engaged in battle, its mountain of coal will burn bright red, sending off sparks that scorch the surrounding area.
"Whoa," Sora said, putting his Pokédex away. "Anyway, my name is Sora."
"I'm Kairi," she introduced.
"My name's May."
"I'm Max."
"And I'm Hayner."
"Nice to meet you. Say, what brings you lot here?" Seth asked.
"We were just passing by when we stumbled on this place," Sora said.
"And you pretty much know the rest," Hayner said.
"I see. I gues great minds think alike," Seth said.
"Any idea what it is?" Kairi asked.
"I do. It is the temple of Regirock," Seth said.
"Temple of Regirock?" Everyone all asked in unison.
"Yep. This place is where the legendary Pokémon once lived; and still does," Kevin said.
"Regirock?" Sora asked. He took out his Pokédex once again and he looked up Regirock. The image on the Pokédex shows a light gray, tan and orange Pokémon with seven little orange dots on its head that resemble a face. It has two huge orange boulders on its shoulders and there is one rock right under its face that is orange, another orange one by its ankle and three spiky ones on its back.
Regirock, the Rock Peak Pokémon
Type: Rock
It is said that Regirock was created by forming together rocks found from different places of the world, turning it into the Pokémon we see today. When Regirock is injured, it seeks out suitable rocks on its own to repair itself.
Sora puts his Pokédex away and Hayner spoke up.
"I always thought Regirock was only a fairytale," Hayner said.
"Many would say that, but many are wrong, since Regirock is very much real," Seth stated. "And Regirock is somewhere in these ruins."
Sora and Kairi both knew Seth was right since they met some legendary and mythical Pokémon in their previous encounters. They both saw Ho-Oh on they day they met and again on the eve of their confessions of love; they met Mew and Mewtwo in the Cerulean Cave and they even seen Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Entei, Raikou, Suicune, Lugia, Solgaleo, Lunala, and Celebi as well. Even Sora's Melmetal, Yugi's Zeraora were something as well as Acerola's Marshadow and Lillie's Magearna. Silvally and its per-evolved form Type: Null weren't common Pokémon since he, Riku, and Gladion were the only trainers who each has one.
"Not just Regirock, but also Registeel and Regice. Professor McCoy and I have been doing research on these three legendary Pokémon for the last few months," Kevin said.
"And we made our way to this temple for an hands-on experience ," Seth said. "And you're all welcomed to join up if you like."
The group didn't waste any time and they explored the ruins and they saw all sorts of old pottery that could be worth a fortune by today's standards and all sorts of old houses.
"This place looks amazing," May said.
"Did the people here actually worship Regirock like some kind of god?" Hayner asked.
"In some ways they did," Seth said.
"The people and desert Pokémon all lived together here in peace until one day Regirock became awfully angry," Kevin said.
"Awfully angry?" May asked.
"What could have happened to make Regirock angry?" Max asked.
"No record of the reason is ever found. Either it was never recorded or it was long forgotten, but Regirock's rage was so great, it went on a destructive rampage and turned the whole city into what you see today," Seth said.
"How awful," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel agreed.
"Some say that an evil sorcerer was attempting to steal its power for his own purpose," Seth said.
"And there were others who says that an army from some empire came and attempted to use Regirock as a weapon to wipe out their enemies," Kevin said.
"So, which one do you think is true?" Sora asked.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"We don't know. We intend to find out," Seth said. "That's what makes this an adventure."
As they kept going down deep in the ruins, they saw all sorts of destruction that was left behind. They saw how many of the homes were crushed.
Outside the ancient city, a group of Pokémon hunters come driving in a jeep with a bunch of Stunfisk. Some of them are brown and there are some that are grey with green markings resembling grass. Its tail and the front section of its body resembles a bear trap's sharp teeth. Its jaw now has teeth and resembles aPokéball.
"This is it. The Regirock City," the first hunter said.
"You sure this is the place? We've been searching for it for over a year and so far, we had no luck," the second hunter said.
"I'm sure. Once we're done with Regirock, Regice, and Registeel are gonna be up for grabs. Also, we'll head to the Crown Tundra and search for the rumored Regieleki and Regidrago. And then, for the real prize," the first hunter said.
"Regigas itself," both hunters said.
"Those Pokémon are going to make us a fortune when we sell the complete set to the highest bidder," the first hunter said. His associate liked that plan very much.
"Then, let's get cracking!" The second hunter said. The Pokémon hunters and their Stunfisk exited the jeep and went inside to search for the legendary Regirock. Back inside the old city, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, May, Max, the archeologists, and the coal Pokémon continued further inside and saw murals of the ancient people and Pokémon. And one with high priests standing with Regirock in an altar and the sun shining down on it.
"Wow, it's amazing," Sora said.
"Hayner wasn't kidding that Regirock is worshipped like a god," Kairi said.
"Or maybe a gift from the gods themselves," Kevin said.
"Where could Regirock be in a place like this?" Max asked.
"Somewhere over there. The mural states that the altar is just straight ahead," Seth said. They kept going further as the hunters have finally caught up with the group.
"Looks like we're not the only ones looking for Regirock after all," the second hunter said.
"Maybe not, but we should follow them and see where they go. With any luck, they'll lead us right to the prize," the first hunter said. They followed them right to the altar. By the time they reached the altar, they found what they were looking for; it was the legendary Pokémon Regirock, or could it possibly be a statue.
"Clould that be it?" Hayner asked.
"It is! It's the legendary Pokémon Regirock! Regirock is even more amazing up close and in person than in any book I have ever read," Seth said.
"You sure that's the real deal?" May asked.
"We're certain. And I'm with Professor McCoy, it's way better than you would imagine," Kevin said.
"I'll say," Sora said. "It's better to meet a Pokémon than to read about it in any book."
"Or see it in any video or hear it from some story," Kairi said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Vee," Angel said.
"But, the question is, is it even alive?" Hayner asked.
"It is. It is sleeping," Seth said.
"It has been said by the ancients after Regirock's wrath, it used up so much energy that it went into a deep hibernation and has slept for hundreds and thousands of years," Kevin said.
"Talking about a sound sleeper," Hayner said. Sora took out his Pokédex and took a picture of the sleeping Regirock.
"Professor is gonna bust a button when he sees this," Sora said. The hunters have finally caught up with them and they were amazed by the sight of the large Pokémon.
"There it is! Regirock! Can't you see it? It's even more beautiful than I can ever imagine! Can't you see it?! Can't you see it?!" The first hunter said, being unable to contain his excitement.
"I see it. And if it's a dream, then I don't want to wake up from it," the second hunter said. "So, how are gonna get a hold of it?"
"Leave that to me," the first hunter said.
The archeologists took notes of the rock peak Pokémon while Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, May, Max, and Hayner looked at Regirock.
"Man, if only Lillie and the others were here they would be at awe," Kairi said.
"Yeah. Ven would be so excited he wouldn't be able to contain himself," Sora added.
"Also, Pence and Olette wouldn't believe this if they hadn't seen it and they're not even here," Hayner said.
"This is awesome! This is the first time I have ever seen a legendary Pokémon in my life!" Max said with his eyes sparkling.
"I never thought I'd say it, but Pokémon are even more amazing than I thought. Brendan's dad would have himself a field day," May said.
"I know he will," Sora said.
Just then, a Mud Shot is seen been shot at the group. They saw several of them coming at them.
"What the?!" Hayner exclaimed.
"Who is doing that?!" Kevin yelled.
"We did!" The second hunter admitted.
"And we're here to take that Regirock as our prize!" The first hunter added.
"You can't do that! Regirock is a scientific find!" Seth said.
"A scientific find that's gonna make us a fortune!" The first hunter said.
"Not gonna happen!" Hayner said, taking out his Ultra Ball. "Rhyperior! Take care of these clowns!" The Ultra Ball opens and his Rhyperior came out to battle. Rhyperior took a step forward, unaware of the sharp edges coming out of the ground. Rhyperior took a step and the gray Stunfisk snapped and Rhyperior fell on his knees.
"No way! What are those?!" May asked.
"Those are Stunfisk!" Max said.
"Stunfisk?!" Sora exclaimed. Sora remembered seeing one before, and there they are again. Sora looked at the other Stunfisk and he took out his Pokédex and scanned them.
Stunfisk Galarian Form, the Trap Pokémon
Type: Ground/Steel
Living in mud with a high iron content has given it a strong steel body. Its conspicuous lips lure prey in as it lies in wait in the mud. When prey gets close, Stunfisk clamps its jagged steel fins down on them.
"Galarian Stunfisk. And they're Steel Types as well as Ground Types," Sora said, putting his Pokédex away.
"You're not gonna get away with this!" Kairi said.
"Who are they?" May asked.
"Those guys are obviously Pokémon hunters. They make money selling Pokémon," Sora said.
"Why would they do that?" Max asked.
"Because they're greedy," Sora said. He stared at the hunters with a hateful expression. "I don't know what you plan to do to Regirock, but you are not gonna get it!"
"You're welcome to try and stop us, kid!" The second hunter taunted. Sora was about to step in when Seth and Kevin stepped in.
"Leave them to us!" Seth said.
"We can handle them!" Kevin added, taking out two additional Pokéballs.
"Rolycoly, Carkoal, Coalossal! Go get them!" Seth said as all three coal Pokémon stepped in to defend Regirock. Kevin threw his Pokéballs.
"Darumaka! Darmanitan! Go!" Kevin called out. The Pokéballs opens and unviels a Darumaka and Darmanitan. Both of them were white. The Darumaka several turquoise ice crystals as its eyebrows and on its chest, and has blue hands. The Darmanitan has a giant snowball afro and several ice crystals like the Darumaka.
"Darumaka and Darmanitan?" Sora asked, used his Pokédex to scan them both.
Darumaka Galrian Form, the Zen Charm Pokémon
Type: Ice
It lived in snowy areas for so long that its fire sac cooled off and atrophied. It now has an organ that generates cold instead. The colder they get, the more energetic they are. They freeze their breath to make snowballs, using them as ammo for playful snowball fights.
Darmanitan Galarian Form, the Zen Charm Pokémon
The evolved form of Darumaka Galarian Form
Type: Ice
Anger has reignited its atrophied flame sac. This Pokémon spews fire everywhere as it rampages indiscriminately. Darmanitan takes this form when enraged. It won't stop spewing flames until its rage has settled, even if its body starts to melt.
"These Galarian Pokémon are coming out like wildfire," Sora said, putting his Pokédex away.
"So, Darumaka and Darmanitan can be either Fire Types or Ice Types! So cool!" Max said.
"No pun intended," May joked.
"Rolycoly, Carkoal, and Coalossal! Use Heat Crash!" Seth ordered.
"Darumaka! Darmanitan! Use Blizzard!" Kevin ordered. Both Darumaka and Darmanitan fired Blizzard at the opposing Pokémon.
"Stunfisk! Dodge and use Mud Bomb!" The hunters ordered and they fired their attacks at their opponents.
The Mud Shot attacks missed their targets and they all get struck. The Standard Stunfisk took a pretty bad hit, due to their weakness to ice as the Galarian Stunfisk took a bad hit as well all because of their weakness to fire.
"Use Ice Punch!" Kevin ordered. Darumaka and Darmanitan landed icy punches on the standard Stunfisk. The Galarian Stunfisk started to set their attention onto the Ice Types when Rhyperior stepped in.
"Not letting you two have all the fun! Rhyperior! Use Ice Beam on them!" Hayner ordered. Rhyperior fired Ice Beam and froze all of the standard Stunfisk into ice sculptures.
"Hey! How is that one kid so good?!" The first hunter asked.
"I may not look it, but I'm actually a Gym Leader! And you guys are in big trouble!" Hayner said. "Rhyperior! Use Flamethrower!" Rhyperior fires Flamethrower on the Galarian Stunfisk and made quick of them. The hunters growled at the young Gym Leader.
"This kid is getting on my nerves!" The first hunter said.
"He's not the only one! Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt on those guys!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt and shocked the hunters.
"Angel! Use Swift on them!" Kairi ordered. Angel fired Swift and they get pelted by the stars. May took out her Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Torchic!" May called out. Her Torchic awaits instructions from his trainer. "Torchic! Use Ember!" Torchic fires Ember and gives them some severe burns.
"Is that all you've got?" The hunters asked, in a daze.
"Glad you asked," Sora said. He turned to his partner. "Okay, Pikachu, give them an Electro Ball send off."
"Pika," Pikachu said. He forms a huge ball of electricity and sends the two hunters flying. Kairi takes out Stufful's Pokéball and threw it.
"Come on out, Stufful!" Kairi called out as her Stufful enters the battle. "Give all of those Stunfisk a good throw!" Stufful grabs all of the trap Pokémon and rolled them up into a ball and then gave them all a good throw into the air. Sora gave an impressed whislte.
"Quite a throwing arm. Illima's Bewear would be so proud," Sora stated. Kairi blushed as Stufful dusted off her paws.
"And that cares of them," Hayner said.
Just right into Mauville City, the hunters lands right in front of the police station. Just before they could get right up, all of their Stunfisk all land on their backs. Officer Jenny and several other police officers step out and they could see the hunters with fear on both of their faces, since they knew they were about to be arrested.
Back to the altar in the ruins, they were relieved to see that they had gotten rid of the Pokémon hunters.
"Now, where were we?" Seth asked. Just before they could proceed, they all turned when they heard some sort of sound. It was Regirock and it was waking up. "Regirock."
"What's going on?" Sora asked.
"I think it might be waking up," Seth said.
"Well, it's a good thing, isn't it?" Max asked.
"Yes, but it's also a bad thing. When Regirock wakes up, it'll go on the same kind of rampage as it did thousands of years ago," Seth said.
"You mean, it's going to trash the place, even after it's already trashed?" Hayner asked.
"That's pretty much the sum of it," Kevin said.
"You don't think, maybe, it's angry because we woke it up after napping for thousands of years?" May asked, feeling scared.
"I'm afraid that it's very likely," Seth said.
Regirock spots the intruders and takes a step towards them, making the ground shake. Hayner wasn't gonna let no pile of walking rocks scare him off.
"Bring it on, Regirock! Rhyperior! Use Thunderbolt!" Hayner ordered. Rhyperior fired Thunderbolt and it struck Regirock, taking it back.
"Pikachu! You use Thunderbolt too!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt and it combined with Rhyperior's, pushing it back, but even their combined might wasn't enough. Regirock kept coming. Rhyperior stopped firing Thunderbolt and headed right for Regirock and started to push it back.
"That's it, Rhyperior! Push it back! Push it back! Push it waaaaaayyyyyy back!" Hayner called out. Rhyperior held on with all of his might. Sora knew that Hayner's Rhyperior is a strong Pokémon, but even his strength won't be enough to keep Regirock back.
"You can do it, Rhyperior!" Max called out with support.
"I know you can!" Hayner added. "You gotta hang tough!" Rhyperior kept pushing and pushing, but Regirock quickly overpowers the drill Pokémon and gives him a strong shove to the ground. "Rhyperior! Rolycoly, Carkoal, Coalossal, Darumaka, and Darmanitan went to fight against Regirock, but they were all beaten with one swing of its arm.
"Regirock is so much stronger than I thought!" Sora said, taking out his Pokéball and threw it. "Mudsdale! Go!" Mudsdale comes out of his Pokéball and whinnies upon entry. "Use High Horsepower!" Mudsdale charges at Regirock and it swings at the draft horse Pokémon with a single wing of its arm. Sora was in shock and terror. "Mudsdale!" Sora attempted to run to his Pokémon when his girlfriend stopped him by grabbing his shoulder.
"Sora, don't! I don't want to see you get crushed by Regirock!" Kairi pleaded.
"I have to help him!" Sora argued.
"She's right, man! Rhyperior couldn't take on that giant pebble and he's the strongest Pokémon that I have!" Hayner said.
"I think we can try to slow it down," Kevin suggested.
"We might," May said.
"But May, your Torchic and Beautifly are weak against Rock Types, so they'll get creamed fast," Max pointed out.
"Well, I have to do something!" May said.
"Max is right, May. Unless he evolves all the way to a Blaziken, your Torchic won't last a minute against that thing. We need to come up with a way to take Regirock down," Hayner said. Sora remembered something from their Gym battle. Rhyperior had the advantage when it comes to Types, but Pikachu has the advantage in speed. Regirock is much bigger and stronger. That gave him an idea.
"Regirock might be big, but it's slow," Sora said. This caught everyone's attention.
"What does that has to do with anything?" May asked.
"Your Torchic knows Quick Attack, doesn't he?" Sora asked.
"Yeah," May answered. "Why?"
"Because we can use Regirock's size against it," Sora said.
"Use Regirock's size against it? Where are you going with this?" Kevin asked.
"Regirock is a large Pokémon, but with its size, it'll have a hard time with Pokémon that are smaller and faster than it is," Sora explained. "Pikachu and Torchic are both smaller and faster than Regirock. When it tries to swing at them, it'll get tired fast and we can have our chance to finish it off."
"I like that idea! We should give it a shot," Seth said.
"Not gonna let you have all the fun. I'm in," Kairi said.
"Eevee, Ee!" Angel said.
"Then, let's do this thing! Pikachu!" Sora called out.
"Torchic!" May called out.
"Angel!" Kairi called out.
"Quick Attack!" Sora, Kairi, and May ordered. Pikachu, Angel, and Torchic all started to run around the large rocky Pokémon. Regirock tried to stop them, but they were to fast for it. Regirock tries to stop them by using Ancient Power, but they all successfully avoided the silver crystallized rocks. Regirock kept trying to attack, but it got more tired the more it tries to swing at them. Regirock started to have a hard time keeping up with the smaller Pokémon, but Regirock ended up getting dizzy as a result.
"It's working!" Kevin exclaimed.
"Regirock is too tired to keep up. It's going down smoother than I thought!" Seth said.
"Just a little more," Sora said. Regirock tries to take a swing at Angel. She tripped as she was about to get hit.
"Angel!" Kairi gasped. Pikachu rushes and takes the hit for her. Pikachu rolls around and she ran towards her crush. Regirock used up the last of its strength and fell on the ground out of exhaustion.
"Eevee!" Angel said as tears streamed down from her eyes to her cheeks. Pikachu weakly stood up and she nuzzles him.
"You're okay!" Kairi said with relief.
"Now that's taking one for the team," Hayner said.
"You had us worried, buddy," Sora said. "Especially Angel."
"Pika," Pikachu said, sounding apologetic.
"You shouldn't scare us like that," Sora told his partner.
"Sorry to interrupt, but Regirock is down," Kevin said. They saw Regirock was down on the ground. Sora went up to the rock peak Pokémon. Regirock looked right at him. Sora knew Regirock might just attack him, but he had to risk it.
"I don't know what exactly happened thousands of years ago, but I want you to know we didn't mean any harm. The reason that we attacked you is because you attacked us first. I don't know what those people did to make you angry, but we want you to know that we're not as bad as you probably think. I know you can understand what I'm saying. We only came here because we were curious. And those guys here only came here for knowledge. So please, don't attack us anymore and we'll leave you alone afterwards; I promise," Sora said. He was right, Regirock did understand. It stood up on its feet, slowly and weakly. Regirock looked at the humans and Pokémon and then right to the ruins and saw the destruction it made. Regirock walked back to the altar and took one last look before going back to sleep. Sora smiled as he knew he got through to it. "I knew you would listen." May, Max, Hayner, and the archeologists were at awe as they saw Sora talking to it and it just listened. Kairi wasn't surprised, because she knew there was no heart he couldn't touch; even a Pokémon's. The injured Pokémon got up and went to their trainers. The group left the ruins in peace to let Regirock sleep in peace.
"Now, that was something," Kevin said.
"What an experience," Seth added. He turned to the young trainers. "If you kids want, we can take you to Mauville City."
"You sure?" May asked.
"Don't sweat it, May. We were going there after our exhibition anyway, so it's our way of thanking you for your assistance," Seth said.
They quickly accepted the offer since they were going there anyway. Also Hayner has what he needed from the Hoenn region. They had an unforgettable ride as they found Seth is a lousy driver.
"Some idea from taking a ride from such a reckless driver, Sora!" Max exclaimed.
"How was I was supposed to know he drives like a Koffing?" Sora asked.
"We're almost there!" Seth told them. "Hold on tight!" The kids didn't need to be told twice since that's exactly what they did. The truck tumbled down the road and landed on the wheels. Luckily, Kevin and the kids had the common sense to wear seat belts while the driver had a gash on his head and blood ran down his face. "Wasn't that fun?"
"Yeah, fun," Sora said with a hint of sarcasm. He and the rest got out pretty fast. He turned to his girlfriend. "Next time I get an idea that sounds bad, do me a favor and try to talk me out of it."
"Already ahead of you on that," Kairi said.
"Anyway, you kids should make it to Petalburg City from here, can you?" Seth asked.
"Yes! Yes we can. Thanks for the offer," Sora said.
"You're welcome," Seth said.
"Just wanna wish you luck in your Gym battle, Sora," Kevin added. He turned to Hayner. "How about you, Hayner? What are you gonna do now?"
"Gotta head back to Viridian City. I got what I need. So, I'm gonna take a boat at Slateport City and head back to Kanto," Hayner said. He turned to Sora and Kairi. "I'll tell Pence and Olette that you said hi."
"We were gonna ask you to do that, anyway," Sora said.
"And take good care of your new Pokémon, Hayner," Kairi added.
"Don't worry, I will," Hayner said. He turned to May and Max. "It was nice meeting the both of you and give your dad my regards."
"We will," May said.
With that said, Hayner and the archeologists left as Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, May, and Max waved goodbye as they started to head for the Pokémon Center to heal up their Pokémon.
Couple days later in Viridian City, Hayner filled Pence and Olette on what happened while he was in Hoenn. They were happy to hear that Sora and Kairi were doing great.
"Sora has four Gym Bagdes and Kairi has three Contest Ribbons. Who would have thought?" Pence asked.
"It's not really surprising since they came a long way since the last time they were here," Olette said.
"No, it's not. Sora is way stronger than I remember. He has to be since he has half of what he needed to get into the Hoenn Pokémon League," Hayner said.
"You think he's going to win it like he did at the Indigo Plateau and on Mount Silver?" Pence asked.
"I don't know, Pence. Not many can win those tournaments three times in a row," Olette said.
"Yeah, but he might not be an ordinary trainer," Hayner said. "And an ordinary trainer can't do that three times in a row. Sora is anything, but ordinary."
"You're not just saying that because you lost to him in front of the Elite Four?" Pence teased. "Or all because of the Regirock you claimed you saw." It was just as he predicted, they didn't believe a word of it.
"Don't care what you say, I know what I saw," Hayner said.
"Whatever. You should get ready for your next challenger," Olette said.
"Good, because I wanna test out my new Pokémon's stuff," Hayner said, setting off for his next challenge.
Back in Hoenn, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, May, and Max were walking down a path as they started to head for Verdanturf Town and make it to Rusturf Tunnel and make it through Rustboro City. Sora had his sights of winning his fifth Hoenn Gym Badge, despite Max's doubts, but that wasn't going to stop him from trying. And the journey continues.