Episode 244: Exploud and Clear
Just after the ordeal with invading Gulpin and Kairi obtaining one for herself, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Pikachu, Angel, Lisia, May, and Max made a stop into Petalburg Woods before eventually reaching Petalburg City. The group made a stop, so the boys went off to find some water while the Kairi was making some Pokémon food for the Pokémon. Pikachu and Angel were sitting next to each other, thinking about their near kiss. Kairi had noticed it and she found it to be the cutest thing that she ever saw. May and Lisia had noticed as well.
"It's cute, don't you think?" Kairi asked.
"It's just so darling," Lisia agreed.
"Pikachu and Angel would a very cute couple," May said.
"I think it's very obvious that there's a spark between them. I'm not sure if I'm gonna contain my excitement," Kairi said, getting all giddy.
"Me neither," May and Lisia said in unison.
The other Pokémon could tell they were gonna make a move at any moment. They weren't going to miss it. Just then, the boys had come back with some water.
"Got the water, girls," Sora announced.
"It was quite a workout just carrying this bucket," Max said, setting it down. "Also, my back hurts pretty bad."
"I told you to lift with your knees, not your back," Sora said. "And now look at what happened."
"I'll remember that next time," Max said.
"You should rest up for a while, Max. It might do you some good," Kairi offered. Max obliged and laid down on his sleeping bag. Just then, a young man wearing a black belt uniform. With him is a small, lizard-like Pokémon. It has a green body and legs, with a light colored head and tail. On top of its head is a green, hat-like structure that resembles a mushroom cap. On either side of this cap are red orbs with black dots in the middle, resembling eyes. A small cluster of seeds is located on the tip of its tail and can be used in attacks. Its arms are not visible, as it tucks them in, leaving only two red claws on either hand visible. He eyes Sora and he and the Pokémon approaches them with a loud cry, catching their attention. He and the Pokémon jumps into the air and lands on their feet like a couple of cats. They stand up straight and the young man points his finger to Sora.
"I have found you at last!" The young man proclaimed, pointing his finger at Sora. "A worthy opponent to do battle with! Do you accept my challenge or do you not!" Sora stood up and sighed.
"I'm gonna have to accept, if you promise not to scream and jump in the air like that again. My feet hurt just looking at it," Sora said.
"Excellent! We shall battle using three Pokémon each! I shall begin with my Breloom!" The young man proclaimed as the Pokémon stepped forward. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.
Breloom, the Mushroom Pokémon
The evolved form of Shroomish
Type: Grass/Fighting
Breloom closes in on its foe with light and sprightly footwork, then throws punches with its stretchy arms. This Pokémon's fighting technique puts boxers to shame.
"Then, the Pokémon I'm going with is my Torchic!" Sora said, making TOrchic step forward.
"Then, we shall begin! Breloom! Mach Punch!" The young man ordered. Breloom lands a lightning fast punch onto Torchic.
"Torchic! Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Torchic runs towards Breloom to land a hit onto the mushroom Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Stun Spore!" The young man ordered. Breloom avoids Torchic's attack and sends out a yellow powder to paralyze Torchic.
"Dodge it with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Torchic ran and the yellow powder didn't even touch him. "Now use another Flame Charge!" Torchic ran towards Breloom while covered in flames.
"Breloom! Use your Mach Punch!" The young man ordered. Breloom lands another punch onto the chick Pokémon. Torchic was knocked back and got back up. "Mach Punch again!" And Breloom uses Mach Punch again. Torchic took some pretty bad damage.
"Don't give up, Torchic! I know you can do it!" Sora said to the chick Pokémon. Torchic did get back up and lets out a loud cry, making Torchic evolve. Kairi, May, Lisia, and Max were astounded. Pikachu was holding onto Angel as Torchic was evolving. May's Torchic was watching as he was evolving. Sora's Torchic had now evolved into a Combusken. "Yes! Combusken!" The newly evolved Combusken tightened his claws and punched the air a few times and it turns into a Fire Punch. "That was Fire Punch! Combusken must have just learned it after evolving. Also, this one too. Combusken! Double Kick!" Combusken gave Breloom two kicks. Breloom uses its arms to block the kicks, but took some damage. "Now use Fire Punch!" Combusken lands a feiry punch onto Breloom. Now use Flame Charge!" Combusken got his right knee and raised his right claw before he began to run towards Breloom and his body becomes covered in flames and lands a hit onto Breloom. The mushroom Pokémon fell on his belly, knocked out from the assault it had endured. Sora and Combusken high-five having to win the first round. The young man was impressed as he calls his Breloom into its Pokéball.
"Impressive. Your Torchic's evolution was something I was not expecting. Now, we shall see how well you handle this one," he said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go forth, Machoke!" The Pokéball opens and it unleashes a Machoke. Machoke flexes its muscles, doing several different poses. The Machoke's muscles were so mighty, Sora could have sworn he just heard some thunder even it's not even cloudy. He wasn't gonna back away and he calls Combusken back and looked over to Charjabug.
"You're up, Charjabug!" Sora said. Charjabug crawls into battle against Machoke.
"A Charjabug, hm? This should be interesting. Machoke! Fire Punch!" The young man ordered. Machoke's fist emits fire and comes at the battery Pokémon.
"Charjabug! Spark!" Sora ordered. Charjabug charges at the superpower Pokémon with electric sparks emitting from his body. Machoke became paralyzed by Chajabug's attack. The young man smirked.
"Use Facade!" The young man ordered. Machoke became covered in an orange aura for a moment. It then charges into the battery Pokémon. The power of the attack increases due to its paralysis. "Now use Seismic Toss!" Machoke wraps its arms around Charjabug and jumps into the air and threw the battery Pokémon right down to the ground. Charjabug had been taken out. Sora calls back Charjabug.
"Take a good rest, Charjabug. You've earned it," Sora said.
"What just happened?" May asked.
"Machoke had just used Facade. It doubles the damage when burned, paralyzed, or poisoned," Max answered.
"That explains why he was so calm about it, he was ready for it," Lisia said. The young smiles as he calls back Machoke.
"Excellent job, my friend. Once again, you have come through for me when I needed it," the young man said, putting Machoke's Pokéball away and takes out another. "May your fire burn! Go forth, Blaziken!" He threw it. The Pokéball opens and lets out a large, bipedal, humanoid bird-like Pokémon that resembles a rooster. Its face, lower body, arms, and tail are bright red, with some yellow patches on its chest, and running down its legs and feet. It has a tan-colored plume of feathers surrounding its face and chest, like a mane. Two long, tan feathery plumes stem from the back of its head. It has blue eyes with yellow scleras. Its mouth is beak-like and hooked, with small nostrils, and it has a V-shaped crest on its forehead. Its arms are long, with sharp, gray claws. It has gray claws at the bases of its yellow-feathered feet. It has a small, pointed red tail. Kairi, Lisia, May, and Max were astounded by what they were seeing.
"Wow, a Blaziken!" Max said.
"So cool," May said amazed. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.
Blaziken, the Blaze Pokémon
The evolved form of Combusken
Type: Fire/Fighting
In battle, Blaziken blows out intense flames from its wrists and attacks foes courageously. The stronger the foe, the more intensely this Pokémon's wrists burn.
"Torchic's fully evolved form. I know it's not gonna any easier," Sora said in his thoughts. He looked right at Marshtomp and he nodded. The mud fish Pokémon enters the battle against Torchic's fully evolved from. "Okay, Marshtomp! Water Gun!" Marshtomp fires Water Gun right at the blaze Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Blaze Kick!" The young man ordered. Blaziken avoids Marshtomp's Water Gun and came at the mud fish Pokémon and landed a burning kick. "Blaze Kick again!" Blaziken came at Marshtomp with another Blaze Kick.
"Dodge and use Water Pulse!" Sora ordered. Marshtomp forms a ball of water and hurls it right at Blaziken and explodes in an epic splash upon contact. Blaziken became confused by the attack.
"Blaziken! Try to snap out of it! Use Mega Punch!" The young man ordered. Blaziken tries to land a punch, but it hurts itself in its confusion.
"Water Gun!" Sora ordered. Marshtomp fires Water Gun and it sends Blaziken right into a tree, knocking it out. Sora had won two out of three. The young man calls Blaziken back inside and sighs.
"Well done. You are one of the most honorable opponents that I have ever had. The way your Pokémon battled is proof of that," the young man said.
"Thanks. You battled pretty hard too," Sora said, shaking his hand. With the battle over and done with, they continued on their way through the woods. Sora had exchanged Aron for Taillow. Along the way, Sora had encountered a wild Duskull. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Spread your wings, Taillow!" The Pokéball opens and Taillow flew around. "Taillow! Wing Attack!" Taillow came at the requiem Pokémon and landed a hit. Duskull fires at Taillow with a Shadow Ball, but it doesn't have any effect on Taillow since being a Normal Type Pokémon. "Now use Peck!" Taillow pecks at Duskull. Once he was certain Duskull was weakened, he took out a Pokéball and threw it right at Duskull and it flows inside. The Pokéball wobbles around and around for a moment before stars swirls around the Pokéball confirming the catch. Sora's Pokédex starts buzzing asking him if he wants to keep Duskull or send it to Professor Oak's lab. He chose to send Duskull over. "Another Pokémon in the bag."
"Couldn't agree more," Kairi said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. May and Lisia couldn't help but swoon looking at the couple.
The group had made a stop for lunch. All of the Pokémon were eating soundly, all except for Treecko is currently up in a tree.
"Great as always, Kairi," Max said, taking another bite.
"You're welcome, Max," Kairi said.
"I'll have seconds, Kairi," Sora said, holding out his bowl.
"Thirds please!" Max said, doing the same thing.
"Settle down, you two. There's plenty for everyone," Kairi said, giving the boys more.
Treecko spent his time looking up in the sky, like he was falling into a rut. He looked over to Pikachu and Angel and how close they are. Pikachu and Angel ate the food and they came close to a kiss. Pikachu and Angel both blush when they almost did. Taillow, Marshtomp, Combusken, Charjabug, Plusle, Minun, Milotic, Budew, and Mawile all smiled warmly at the sight. Ali was swooning at the sight. May had something she wnted to share with everyone.
"Say Sora," May said.
"Huh?" Sora asked.
"I thought I should tell you the reason the reason that Max and I are heading into Petalburg City with you," May said.
"Any other secrets that you're keeping from us?" Sora asked, jokingly.
"Sora," Kairi said in a ster tone.
"Just asking, Kairi," Sora said.
"Actually, there is. The thing is, the reason we're heading into Petalburg City is becasue our parents' wedding anniversary is just a few days away," May admitted.
"Mom and dad's wedding anniversary? You rememered that?" Max asked.
"Of course I did. I may be forgetful about some things, but that's what I won't forget," May said.
"I think it's good that you get to see your parents on their anniversary. It'll mean the world to them that you would be there," Sora said.
"I just wonder what does your dad have planned for your mom," Kairi said.
"I can bet it's romantic," Lisia said.
"Knowing dad, he'll think of something. Anyway, speaking of home, what do you have planned for your Gym battle against him, Sora?" May asked.
"I was thinking of using Makuhita and Combusken since they're both Fighting Types. I figured after seeing your dad's Vigoroth, he uses Normal Types," Sora said.
"That would make sense after seeing him battle Brendan and earning a quick win," Kairi said.
"That was because he didn't have a plan and just rushed right in," Sora said.
"But which one do you have planned for a third?" May asked.
"I haven't decided yet," Sora said. "I'll put that on hold after your parents has their day." He looked at his Pokémon and noticed only Treecko was missing. "Hey, where's Treecko?"
"He should be around here somewhere," Lisia said.
Everyone looks around and spotted the wood gecko Pokémon up in a tree.
"There he is," Sora said. He heads for the tree and climbs up. "Hey, Treecko. What's wrong?"
"Tree," Treecko said.
"You okay? I'm asking becasue you're not eating. You're having a fever are you?" Sora asked.
"Treecko, Treecko," Treecko said. Sora was at a total loss.
"You're not mad at me, are you?" Sora asked.''
"So, I wonder what's the matter with Treecko," May said.
"Me too," Max said. Sora climbed back down and sighed.
"Treecko's acting weird. You think we should be worried?" Max asked.
"I'm sure it's nothing too serious, Max. Treecko is probably brooding, so I think it'll be best if we leave him be and he'll cool off from whatever's making him act like this," Sora said. "I hope." A new voice suddenly came from out of the distance.
"Loudred! Loud!"
"Did you hear that just now?" Sora asked.
"What is it?" May asked, getting worried.
"It sounds familiar," Lisia said.
"Loudred! Loudred! Loudred! Loudred!"
An explosion of dirt and debris can be seen and out from it came a rampaging Loudred.
"LOUDRED!" Sora, Kairi, Lisia, May, and Max exclaimed. Loudred swings its arms around and plows through the Pokémon like they weren't even there. The Pokémon swings at their backpacks, sending them flying. The group ends up covering their ears to keep out the sounds of Loudred's bellowing.
Up in the tree, Treecko looks right at the rampaging Loudred and knew a potential opponent when he saw one. The Loudred kept running and in its path is a young man, with long green hair and brown eyes. He wore a yellow and orange vest over a black shirt, and he wore blue jeans and brown shoes.
"Loudred, stop it!" The young man called out. The Loudred plows pass him, and he goes after it. "Loudred, come back!" Loudred kept on running. Come on! Would you please get back here!" The Loudred ignored him. He jumps to tackle Loudred to the ground. "OKAY!" He takes Loudred down to the ground. Somehow, it manages to calm the rampaging Loudred down. "Talk to me. Are you okay?" Loudred smiled at the young man. "That's good."
"Not sure what's going on, but I'm glad it's over," Sora said.
"Me too," Kairi said.
"I was afraid someone was gonna get hurt," May said.
A few minues later, Loudred is sleeping soundly. The young man apologized for the damge his Loudred had caused.
"Sorry about your stuff back there. I seriously don't know what came over my Loudred. He wasn't like this when I first got him," the young man apologized.
"As long as no one else was hurt, then it's okay," Sora assured him.
"Your Loudred just caught us by surprise," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Glad you forgive me. My name's Guy by the way,"
"Nice to meet you Guy. I'm Sora," Sora introduced himself.
"And I'm Kairi," she introduced herself.
"Lisia."
"My name is May, and this is my little brother Max," May introduced.
"Anyway, what brings you here?" Sora asked.
"My Loudred and I are on our journey with our sights set on entering the Hoenn Pokémon League," Guy said.
"Really? So are we. We were on our way to Petalburg City for my fifth Gym battle since coming here," Sora said.
"You've got five? So far, I only got two. Having to earn six more just makes it even harder," Guy said.
"You're right. It's hard, but it's worth it," Sora said.
"Youre right, it is worth it. But the thing is, my Loudred ha getting a mind of his own and it's just recently. Loudred was just going berserk for no reason," Guy said.
"Really," Sora said. He looked over to his Treecko and saw him still looking up in the sky. He wondered if his Treecko was going through the same phase as Guy's Loudred. "People aren't the only ones who have problems. Pokémon has them the same way as we do. Pokémon just has a different way of expressing it."
"That's one way of putting it," Lisia agreed.
"You might have hit the nail on the head there. Being with the same partner and training with the same patner day after day can cause some loads of stress," Max said. May looked at her brother with a sly look.
"Really, so you're a big expert now?" May asked.
"As I matter of fact, I am. And being with you day after day will make go berserk too," Max said, slyly.
"What was that?!" May exclaimed in a threatening manner and raising her fist. Max feared May was gonna hit him.
"Sorry May! I was only joking, I swear!" Max cried. May winced when she realized who was present.
"Oh Max, you should know I wouldn't hurt my sweet and adorable little brother," May said, getting chipper. She crosses her arms. "But you should be careful with what you say just in case."
"That isn't what I was talking about, but you had the right idea, Max," Sora said. He looked over to Guy with an idea. "So, how about you have a battle with me, Guy." He looked right at him.
"What?" Guy asked.
"Maybe, a battle might let off some steam," Sora said.
"Normally, I'm into battling, but he has the right idea," Lisia said.
"And you're on!" Guy said, accepting his challenge. Before Sora could make up his mind on who to choose, Treecko jumps down from the tree and stands in front of Sora.
"Looks like Treecko wants to battle your Loudred," Sora said. Both trainers took their positions. Pikachu sat next to Angel for the duration of the match. Treecko spat out his twig and stares right at Loudred. Loudred stares right back at Treecko. "Okay Treecko! Start things up with Quick Attack!" Treecko dashes towards the big noise Pokémon. Loudred takes the hit, bt barely felt it.
"Loudred! Use Stomp!" Guy ordered. Loudred slams his foot down on Treecko.
"Bullet Seed!" Sora ordered. Treecko fires Bullet Seed and it pelts Loudred right in the face. Loudred gritted his teeth, taking the hit. Treecko gets back up as Loudred was starting to lose his footing. Loudred regained its footing.
"Loudred! Use Screech!" Guy ordered. Loudred uses his sound attack and it harshly lowers Treecko's defense. "Now use Earthquake!" Loudred jumped into the air and came down with lightning speed. The ground began shaking.
"Jump to dodge it!" Sora called out. Treecko jumps out of the way before Earthquake even reaches him. "Now use Pound!" Treecko lands a blow onto Loudred with his leafy tail. Loudred rolls right into a tree.
"Ah man, Loudred!" Guy exclaimed.
"Good work, Treecko!" Sora said. Loudred gets back up and stares right at Treecko. He does the same back at Loudred. Suddenly, both Pokémon began to evolve right at the same time. "Treecko! You're evolving!"
"Loudred!" Guy gasped. Treecko had evolved right into a Grovyle. Sora felt proud since all three of his Hoenn starters had all evolved. Loudred had evolved right into a squat, boxy-looking creature. Its distinguishing characteristic is the cluster of sound-pipes projecting from its body, making it resemble nothing so much as a pipe-organ mounted onto an engine-block. There is a frill of seven such pipes on the sides and back of its head; two long, flexible ones make up its tail; and it has breathing ports on its back, elbows and knees.
"Treecko evolved into a Grovyle!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"And Loudred had evolved into an Exploud!" Max added.
"Exploud huh?" Sora asked, taking out his Pokédex and scanned the newly evolved Pokémon.
Exploud, the Loud Noise Pokémon
The evolved form of Loudred
Type: Normal
Exploud triggers earthquakes with the tremors it creates by bellowing. If this Pokémon violently inhales from the ports on its body, it's a sign that it is preparing to let loose a huge bellow.
Grovye looked up to a nearby tree and jumps. Grovyle uses Leaf Blade to cut off a new twig to use.
"Grovyle must have learned Leaf Blade after evolving. Also, I have an idea on what other attack Grovyle had learned," Sora said. "Grovyle! Fury Cutter!" Grovyle ran towards Exploud with his newly form claws.
"Now Exploud! Dodge and use Stomp!" Guy ordered. Exploud just stands there, not moving an inch. "Come on, Exploud! Dodge it now!" Exploud starts to suck in some air through the holes on his body.
"What's Exploud doing?" May asked.
"I think it's getting ready for an attack!" Max said. "And a pretty powerful one to be exact!" Exlpoud lets out a powerful Boomburst and it struck Grovyle right on the mark. Grovyle skids across the dirt, keeping his footing.
"You okay, Grovyle?" Sora asked.
"Grov," Grovyle responded.
"Was that Boomburst Exploud just used?" Sora asked.
"It was, but I didn't even call it out," Guy said. "Loudred didn't even know that one before evolving." Exploud goes into another rampage. "Stop it, Exploud!"
"Grovyle! Try to calm Exploud down!" Sora caled out. Grovyle fires Bullet Seed, but it does nothing to calm down Exploud. The loud noise Pokémon, breaks the tree it bumped in half and hurls a huge rock. Exploud lands a powerful earthquake. Angel loses her footing and Pikachu catches her in his arms. Engel stares right at Pikachu as he looks up at her.
"You okay, Angel?" - Pikachu subtitle.
"I'm fine, Pikachu. Thank you for your concern." - Angel subtitle.
Exploud runs off into the forest.
"Come back here, Exploud!" Guy called out.
"Quick Attack! Try to catch up with Exploud!" Sora ordered. Grovyle dashes right after Exploud, but he bats the wood gecko Pokémon off by swinging his arms at him. Grovyle fell right on the ground. Exploud continues to run off.
"This has gone way too far!" Guy stated.He ran right after Exploud with Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, May, Max, and Lisia following him. Exploud ran to a waterfall and began drinking the water coming down. "Hey Exploud! Come on out!"
"Exploud!" Sora, Kairi, May, and Max called out.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu called out.
"Eevee!" Angel also called out.
"Sora, I'm thinking Exploud must be so angry at me, that he doesn't wanna see me ever again," Guy said.
"Don't think that way, man. Exploud is your very first Pokémon," Sora said.
"I know, but I don't think that it matters," Guy said.
"How could it not matter? It should matter to you," Sora said. Grovyle turned to Sora.
"Grovyle, Grovyle," Grovyle said. Sora turned to his Pokémon.
"What is it, Grovyle?" Sora asked. Grovyle pointed straight down the path. "I don't think we can see through the woods, but I think you can have a better view from up above. Let us know as soon as you see something." Grovyle jumped right on top of the trees to act as a lookout.
"Good iea on having Grovyle looking for Exploud from up there," Lisia said.
"I wonder. When a Pokémon evolves, does its personality change too?" Guy asked.
"Absolutely. When a Pokémon evolves, not only their personalities changes, but their abilities changes as well," Kairi said.
"So, Guy, have you been raising your Exploud since he was a Whismur or a Loudred?" Max asked.
"I had Exploud ever since he was just a Whismur. Whismur was a Pokémon that I caught without even trying. And you wouldn't believe what a cowardly Pokémon he was back then. I mean, his voice; you can barely hear him when he spoke. It was a whole different story when he cried. Whismur was a challenging Pokémon to raise, but after some hard work, Whismur had evolved right into a Loudred. And when he did, all the fear and all the crying just disappeared. Seeing how he changed and how strong and brave he got made me really happy. It was great. And then, all of a sudden, Loudred started to get out of control and weird," Guy explained.
"Man,that's quite a story," Sora said.
Over to Exploud, the loud noise Pokémon was taking a nap when suddenly, a flock of Spearow were in the bushes, watching him. The Spearow all attacked the Exploud, but they didn't realize they made a really big mistake when Exploud woke up and lets out a loud bellow, scaring the Spearow off. Grovyle hears the bellow and heads off in the direction where it came from. It caught the attention of the group as well.
"Exploud!" Guy exclaimed.
"Come on! We gotta head there!" Sora said. Everyone agreed and went to where it came from. Grovyle got to Exploud first and stares right at him. Exploud turned and see Grovyle standing there. Grovyle and Exploud stares at each other, waiting for one to make the first move. Not one of them was flinching or showing any signs of backing down. Clouds forms in the sky above them and the waterfall roars as well. As soon as the sunlight came through, the two Pokémon resumes the battle. Grovyle starts things up by running towards the loud nooise Pokémon, but Exploud easily dodges it by jumping out of Grovyle's way and comes down to land a stomp., but Grovyle dodges it asw ell. Grovyle slashes at Exploud with a Fury Cutter. Exploud takes the hit, but he quickly gets back up and fires Boomburst. Grovyle took a hit from Exploud's Boomburst, but he regains his posture and jumps. Grovyle fires Bullet Seed right at Exploud. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Lisia, May, Max, and Guy came along.
"Hey Grovyle! Why did you start without us?" Sora asked. Guy ran to his Exploud.
"You okay, Exploud?" Guy asked.
"Ploud," Exploud replied.
"That's good," Guy said.
"Let's try this again," Sora said.
"Right!" Guy accepted. "I'm ready when you are!"
"Grovyle! Leaf Blade!" Sora ordered. Grovyle comes at Exploud to lands a Leaf Blade onto Exploud.
"Dodge it, Exploud! And then use Stomp!" Guy called out. Exploud just stood there again, and took the hit "Hey, why didn't you dodge?!"
"Leaf Blade again!" Sora called out. Grovyle comes at Exploud to land another hit with Leaf Blade.
"Dodge it, Exploud and use Stomp!" Guy ordered. Instead of dodging, Exploud blocks it by grabbing the attack. Sora gasped in surprise as did Kairi.
"He's just doing whatever he wants!" Kairi said.
"But why?" Max asked. Grovyle held on with Leaf Blade, refusing to call it quits. Exploud was also refusing to call it quits.
"Grovyle! Bullet Seed!" Sora ordere. Grovyle fires Bullet Seed and Exploud lrts go of Grovyle's attack. "Now use Fury Cutter!" Grovyle swipes at Exploud with Fury Cutter. Guy was getting frustrated with Exploud's attitude.
"If you wanna win this, then you bnetter start doing what I say!" Guy said. Exploud glances at his trainer and started to walk off. Suddenly, a pack of Mightyena came out of the shrubs and launched their attacks. The Mightyena headed right towards Exploud. "Mightyena?" He knew Exploud was in trouble, so he ran towards his Pokémon. "Exploud, get out the way!" Guy jumps and takes the hits from the attacking Mightyena. Exploud saw how much Guy cared for him and remebered all the times as a Whismur. Exploud was angered by what the Mightyena had done. Pikachu and Angel countered the attacking Mightyena using their speed attacks. One of the Mightyena headed towards Angel to land a bite onto her.
"Angel!" Kairi gasped.
Pikachu gave the Mightyena an Iron Tail right in the face.
"Keep your paws off of her if you know what's good for you!" - Pikachu subtitle. Pikachu used Thunderbolt on the Mightyena and the pack was forced into a retreat. Exploud fires a Boomburst and it makes the Mightyena scatter in the sky.
"What could have set them off?" May asked.
"Those Mightyena must have been mad at Exploud for some reason," Max said.
"I'm thinking this might be their territory. That could be why they attacked us, just like that," Lisia said.
"Makes sense since Mightyena are very territorial Pokémon," Max said. Pikachu went to Angel.
"They didn't hurt you, did they?" - Pikachu subtitle.
"I'm always okay with you around. And thank you." - Angel subtitle. She gave Pikachu a kiss on the cheek making him blush. Exploud turned around to see Guy getting back up.
"Hey there, Exploud, I missed you. Are you okay?" Guy asked. Exploud just looked at him. Guy frowned, fearing Exploud will just leave him. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Grovyle, May, Max, and Lisia were worried about the same thing. "It seems that you're all right, and that's what seems to matter." Exploud holds out his hand, making Guy look up. The loud noise Pokémon smiles, filling Guy with happiness. "You're smiling, Exploud! Does that mean you'll let me be your trainer?" Exploud nodded. Guy and his Exploud hugged each other. "Thank you, Exploud! Of all the Pokémon in the world, I knew I picked the best one!"
"That's so sweet," Lisia said with tears forming in her eyes.
"It is," Kairi agreed.
"Those two really do belong together," May said.
"They make a really good team," Sora said.
"Hey, Sora, thanks so much for all your help," Guy said. "And now thanks to you, Exploud and I are closer than ever."
"No thanks needed. How about we finish up our battle before we get interuppted again. If that's cool with you," Sora said. Guy turned to Exploud.
"What do you think, Exploud? You game?" Guy asked.
"Exploud, Exploud," Exploud said.
"Great! Let's do it, Exploud!" Guy stated as Exploud retook his position.
"You too, Grovyle! Leaf Blade!" Sora ordered. Grovyle comes at Exploud with his Leaf Blade extending from his arm.
"Dodge and use Stomp!" Guy ordered. Exploud did dodge and his foot came down at the wood gecko Pokémon.
"Fury Cutter!" Sora ordered. Grovyle swipes at Exploud with his claws. "Now use Bullet Seed!" Exploud gets pelted by the onslught of Grovyle's Bullet Seed.
"Use Boomburst!" Guy ordered. Exploud lets out a powerful Boomburst and it catches Grovyle in the blast.
"Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Grovyle dashed right at Exploud with lightning speed.
"Dodge and use Screech!" Guy ordered. Exploud avoided Grovyle's Quick Attack and fires an ear splitting Screech attack.
"Not gonna fall for that again! Quick Attack!" Sora called out. Grovyle avoids Screech and lands another Quick Attack onto Exploud. "Now use Bullet Seed!" Grovyle fires a barrage of Bullet Seed and it pelts Exploud like a a bunch of pebbles raining on a windshield.
"Hang in there, Exploud!" Guy called out. Exploud was getting tired from all the battling he was doing and so was Grovyle. "Sora, next move decides the winner!"
"Wouldn't have it any other way! Grovyle! Fury Cutter!" Sora ordered.
"Exploud! Stomp!" Guy ordered. Exploud comes at Grovyle to land a stomp, but Grovyle came too quick for Exploud, so it fell right into the lake and was knocked out. Guy couldn't believe that he had lost. He calls back his Exploud and he smiles. "Get a good long rest, Exploud. You've earned it." Sora calls back Grovyle to rest up.
"You should take a breather from all the battling you did, Grovyle. You've earned it," Sora said. The two trainers shook hands and smiled.
"Gotta hand it to you, Sora, you're one of the toughest trainers I ever faced. And those two Gym Leaders I faced were nothing to cough at," Guy said.
"You too, Guy," Sora said.
With that said, they parted ways and he thanked them again for helping them find Exploud.
Night had come as Pikachu and Angel both looked up in the stars together.
'It's a pretty thing to see, isn't it?" - Angel subtitle.
"It is." - Pikachu subtitle. It wasn't the stars that Pikachu was interested in at all; it was the female Eevee next to him that did. Angel looked right at Pikachu and they both smiled at each other.
"I have been thinking a lot lately." - Angel subtitle.
"What?" - Pikachu subtitle. The mouse Pokémon became interested in what the female Eevee had to say.
"The way you always seem to come to my aid when I'm trouble, I just wanted to thank you again. Like when you saved me from all those Gulpin and how you were concerned for me after Loudred and Treecko evolved. And how you saved me from those awful Mightyena. I just can't thank you enough." - Angel subtitle.
"You can thank me all you want, Angel. After all, that's what we do. We look out for each other. I know you'd do the same for me." - Pikachu subtitle. Angel smiled.
"And there's something I want to say to you once and for all. I only want it to get off my chest." - Angel subtitle.
"Yeah?" - Pikachu subtitle.
"What I wanted to get off my chest is this. I love you, Pikachu. I've been in love you for the short time I've known you." - Angel subtitle. Pikachu smiled and took her in his arms.
"I love you too, Angel. Of all of the Pokémon in the world, you are the most beautiful Pokémon that I have ever known. Not even a Milotic can compare to you." - Pikachu subtitle. The two Pokémon staeed at each other and they kissed in the same passion as Sora and Kairi. Unknown to them, their trainers were watching and they smiled with pride for their Pokémon.
"Way to go, Pikachu," Sora said in his thoughts. Kairi was in tears since seeing her Eevee and her boyfriend's Pikachu offically a couple. Pikachu and Angel parted lips and they embraced each other in their arms and watched the stars together until sleep had taken them. Sora and Kairi had taken the sleeping Pokémon back with them and placed them between the couple themselves as Sora and Kairi kissed each other goodnight and drifted off into sleep. Pikachu and Angel had happy dreams.
Now that Pikachu and Angel were now a couple, their love will now bloom just like Sora and Kairi's. Also, the battle with Norman in the Petalburg City Gym was closer than ever. How will it go? Just wait and see.