Episode 245: Sora vs Norman
After a good night's sleep, Pikachu and Angel woke up and the first thing the newly formed Pokémon couple saw were each other. Both Pikachu and Angel smiled affectionately to each other.
"Good morning, Pikachu, my powerful bolt of lightning." - Angel subtitle.
"Good morning, my Angel." - Pikachu subtitle. They kiss each other on the lips and they found that they were sleeping between Sora and Kairi. They figured that they saw them kissing the same way he, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pidgeotto, and Popplio had. But if Sora and Kairi didn't care who knew then why should they. Pikachu and Angel shrugged it off and nuzzled each other just as Sora, Kairi, Lisia, May, and Max had woke up. Sora and Kairi smiled warmly as they saw their Pokémon happy together.
"You two seem to be in a chipper mood," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"They have to be after last night," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said blushing.
"What do you mean? Did something happen?" May asked.
"Oh, not much," Sora said. He turned to Kairi. "Hey, how about we have some breakfast. What do we got so far?"
"Just some cereal for the each of us. I'm sure we can get some supplies after we get to Petalburg City," Kairi said.
"Better than nothing," Lisia said.
After they had their breakfast, the continued on their way. Sora thought about which his Pokémon he would use. Pikachu would be a good choice, but then again, he had some Pokémon he hadn't used yet, so he had to make his plan carefully. He took out his Pokédex and thought over his strategy.
"Let's see, Sableye, Mimikyu or Duskull would be pretty, pretty good choices, but Ghost Type attacks won't be affective on Normal Types. Also, there's Trapinch who has a pretty good bite, but Trapinch isn't fast enough. And there's Anorith. Maybe, a Rock Types wouldn't be bothered by Normal Type, but Vigoroth's Hammer Arm is a problem is a Fighting Type attack," Sora said in his thoughts. He had plenty of options to choose from, but he had to go with what his instinct was telling him. He sent Marshtomp, Charjabug, and Taillow over for Anorith, Aron, and Makuhita. "Perfect." Once Sora was done making up his mind, he started training for his upcoming Gym battle. Makuhita worked hard on Arm Thrust and Vital Throw, but in the process, he learned to use Low Sweep. He had Makuhita and Combusken do a few sparring matches since being both Fighting Types. Both of them were doing well.
The group continued on their way to Petalburg City and along the way, the group had encountered a wild Bulbasaur with a heart shaped markings on its forehead.
"Whoa, a Bulbasaur," Sora said.
"This is the first I have ever seen one in my life," Lisia said.
"You're kidding. You mean, you never seen a Bulbasaur before?" Sora asked.
"No. Bulbasaur are considered to be rare in the Hoenn region since they mostly occupy the Kanto region. Seeing one is a real thrill," Lisia said. May looked at the wild Bulbasaur and saw cute it is. She decided she wanted to catch it.
"This Bulbasaur is as good as mine," May said, taking out a Pokéball. Before they could ask what she had planned, she threw it. "Come out, Beautifly!" Her Beautifly flutters upon entry.
"Good choice on Beautifly, May. Flying Types have the edge over Grass Types," Sora said.
"Beautifly! Tackle!" May ordered. Beautifly dives down at Bulbasaur and it dodges and comes at the butterfly Pokémon with a Tackle of its own. "Dodge it!" Beautifly avoids Bulbasaur's attack. "Use Gust!" Beautifly flaps her wings and sends out a strong wind. Bulbasaur gets caught in the Gust. "Now use Silver Wind!" Beautifly uses Silver Wind and it sends Bulbasaur back into a tree. May takes out a Pokéball and throws it right at the wild seed Pokémon. When the Pokéball struck the Bulbasaur, it flows insideand it wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around it to confirm the catch. "Yay, yay, yay! I got me a Bulbasaur!"
"Congratulations on the catch, May," Kairi said. "I think she'll make a good addition to your team."
"So, my Bulbasaur is a girl, huh? You're right, Bulbasaur would make a cute addition," May said.
With that settled, they pressed on they made a stop for some lunch as Kairi had made some sandwiches for everyone. All of the Pokémon were all happy to meet May's new Bulbasaur.
"I hope you're hungry, because there's plenty for everyone," Kairi said.
"Sweet!" Sora said.
"They look very tasty," Lisia said. They were about to have a bite to eat, the beating of drums. "Do any of you hear that?"
"Sounds like drums," Max said.
Out of the blue comes a bipedal Pokémon that appears to be a mixture of a pineapple and a duck. There is a green, sombrero-like growth on its head that is similar to a lily pad. Growing out of the top of its head is a short brown stem with a yellow spiky upper portion. It has black eyes surrounded by a patch of green and an orange bill. Its body is covered with shaggy yellow fur and has several zigzagging brown stripes. The Pokémon dances happily before the group.
"A Ludicolo," Lisia said.
"Ludicolo?" Sora asked, taking out his Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.
Ludicolo, the Carefree Pokémon
The evolved form of Lombre
Type: Water/Grass
If it hears festive music, it begins moving in rhythm in order to amplify its power. The rhythm of bright, festive music activates Ludicolo's cells, making it more powerful.
"Now that's a Pokémon that likes to boogie," Sora said, putting his Pokédex away. Out from the same direction comes a man wearing some Mexican-style clothing and a sombrero and a graying brown mustache. He was holding a pair of bongos.
"Ludicolo, did you find some people to entertain?" The man asked in a Spanish accent.
"He sure did, sir," Kairi said.
"Could this Ludicolo be yours, mister?" Max asked.
"Yes he is, son. The name's Poncho. And we travel from town to town, entertaining folks as we go. With my congo beat and Ludicolo's dancing, we bring out the best in Pokémon variety show," Poncho said.
"Oh, so you're a street performer," Sora guessed.
"That's right, little man," Poncho answered.
"And did you have your Ludicolo since he was a Lotad?" Kairi asked.
"I have, missy. And some time after becoming a Lombre, I used a Water Stone to evolve him into a Ludicolo," Poncho said.
"A Water Stone?" May asked.
"A Water Stone is a evolutionary stone that is used to make a certain Pokémon evolve. Like for example, you get a Vaporeon when you use it on an Eevee," Kairi explained.
"Just you know, I have a Lombre and I had him since he was a Lotad. You wouldn't have an extra Water Stone on you, by any chance?" Sora asked. Poncho smiled.
"Of course," Poncho smiled and he handed it to Sora. "Take it if you want. I won't be needing it anymore."
"Thanks," Sora said, putting the Water Stone in his pocket.
"So, by the way, would you be eating those sanwiches?" Poncho asked.
"We were. You're welcome to have some if you like," Kairi offered.
"Gracious," Poncho said as Kairi handed the entertainer one. "I was originally gonna challenge you into a battle for them, but I'll be glad to accept them if you're just offering."
"It's the least we can do. And I'm sure your Ludicolo is pretty hungry too," Kairi said. She makes a plate of Pokémon food for Ludicolo and it happily ate the food.
"You like it, don'cha mi amigo?" Poncho asked.
"Colo," Ludicolo said, happily.
"I'm glad," Poncho said.
Once the meal had concluded, Poncho and his Ludicolo decided to challenge Sora into a battle. Sora decided to use Anorith for his battle while Poncho was going with his Ludicolo.
"I'm ready whenever you are, Poncho," Sora said.
"Ludicolo never could battle unless I do this," Poncho said, playing his bongos. Ludicolo starts dancing through the rhythm. Sora chuckled a bit.
"I'm guessing that I'm gonna see that power boost in action," Sora said. He turned to the old shrimp Pokémon. "Okay Anorith. Let's go!" Anorith nodded and stood in front of Ludicolo. "You can have the first move, Poncho."
"Gracious! You ready, Ludicolo?" Poncho asked.
"Ludicolo, Ludicolo," Ludicolo replied.
"Great! Ludicolo, begin with Ice Punch!" Poncho ordered. Ludicolo moves in to deliever an icy punch on the prehistoric Pokémon.
"Anorith! Dodge and use Metal Claw!" Sora ordered. Anorith avoids Ludicolo's attack and comes at the dancing Pokémon with his claws metalized.
"Use Protect!" Poncho ordered. Ludicolo forms a protective barrier and Metal Claw bounces off. "Ice Punch again!" Ludicolo comes at Anorith to deliever Ice Punch to Anorith.
"Dodge and use Rock Throw!" Sora ordered. Anorith avoids Ludicolo's attack and hurls rocks at the carefree Pokémon.
"Double Team!" Poncho ordered. Ludicolo made several images of itself, making it even more difficult for Anorith.
"Looks like Anorith is gonna have a hard time since Ludicolo is using Double Team," May said.
"Sora does have the advantage over Ludicolo since Anorith is a Bug Type and Ludicolo is a Grass Type. And at the same time, Anorith is at a disadvantage since Anorith is also a Rock Type and Ludicolo is also a Water Type," Max said.
"True. Can Sora manage to keep his cool?" Lisia asked.
"Gotta focus. Poncho probably has some other tricks up his sleeve. I just need to wing it," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Ludicolo! Use another Ice Punch!" Poncho ordered as Ludicolo comes at Anorith for an icy punch. With no time to dodge, all the copies lands a hit.
"Anorith! Focus! Try to find the real one! Fire Rock Throw as soon as you do!" Sora called out. Anorith focuses as he tries to figure out which was which. Despite the beating of the bongos, Anorith manages to focus and found the real Ludicolo. Anorith hurls rocks in the direction of the real Ludicolo and all the copies disappeared as soon as the attack hits. Anorith lands on the ground, feeling some pain.
"Ludicolo! Hyper Beam!" Poncho ordered. Ludicolo fires Hyper Beam right at Anorith. The beam comes right at the old shrimp Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Bug Bite!" Sora ordered. Anorith avoids Ludicolo's Hyper Beam and lands a strong Bug Bite attack. Knowing Ludicolo couldn't protect himself after using Hyper Beam, he had to strike now. "Now use Water Gun! Full power!" Anorith fires Water Gun and it takes Ludicolo in the blast and earned a knockout in Sora's favor.
"Aye caramba! Ludicolo!" Poncho exclaimed. He went up to his fallen partner. "Are you alright?"
"Ludicolo," Ludicolo responded.
"Good. I guess I might have pushed you a little. I'm sorry. Forgive me?" Poncho asked.
"Colo, Ludicolo," Ludicolo said.
"I'm glad, because I don't wanna lose your trust," Poncho. After the battle, Kairi had handed Poncho the extra sandwiches for the road. "Muchos gracious for the extra sandwiches, kids. I don't know how to repay you."
"You don't have to Poncho. I made those extra ones to be enjoyed and that's what you should do," Kairi said.
"And I'll be sure to do that. Your kindness won't go unappreciated," Poncho said. With that said and settled, they went their separate ways. Petalburg City was just a short way there. At last, they arrived into Petalburg City.
"Petalburg City, we've made it," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel added.
"This sure brings back memories," May said.
"You think maybe Brendan or Wally might be here?" Sora asked. May blushed when Sora mentioned her crush's name.
"I don't know about Brendan," May said, blushing. Lisia manges to catch on pretty quick.
"Say, how about we make a stop over to the Pokémon Center before we head to the house, Sora. Our Pokémon could use some relaxing after a long journey," Kairi suggested.
"Good idea, Kairi," Sora said.
The couple started to make their way there while holding hands. Pikachu and Angel walked behind their trainers and they did so by using their tails. May and Lisia found it cute that they have Pokémon that are just a cute couple just like Sora and Kairi are.
"It's very sweet, isn't it?" May asked.
"Like Pokémon, like trainer," Lisia said. Max adjusted his glasses in a wicked expression.
"At least they're not like May or Brendan. He probably has a girlfriend by now anyway," Max said before getting a cold feeling. It turns out to be his sister, trying not to get angry at him.
"Is there something you wanna share, little brother?" May asked. Max chuckled nervously.
"No," Max quickly answered.
"I thought not," May said. Max didn't want to face his sister's wrath and say it fast.
"I'm sure mom and dad are waiting for us to come home, so let's not keep them waiting," Max said.
"That's a good idea. They'll be thrilled to see us again," May said. With that said, May, Max, and Lisia started to head for their house.
Over to Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel, the two couples walked down the streets of Petalburg City. Pikachu and Angel both turned to face each other and both smiled affectionately. Pikachu and Angel lands a kiss on the lips and he wraps his arm around around her shoulder.
"It kinda feels like a date, doesn't it?" - Angel subtitle.
"More like a double date. But I'll be sure to give you one of these days, Angel." - Pikachu subtitle. Angel smiled and nuzzles him.
As for Sora and Kairi, he was still thinking about a third Pokémon to use.
"Still going over your strategy, Sora?" Kairi asked. Sora chuckled nervously.
"You know me so well, Kairi. I had Anorith and Aron brought over for their hard bodies," Sora said.
"Why not Pikachu? You haven't used him at all since we came here," Kairi said.
"You're right to point that out, Kairi. I guess it has a lot to do with which Types the Pokémon are. The next Gym challenge will be Pikachu's moment in the sun," Sora said.
"You just have to win your current one before you get to that," Kairi said. Sora laughed.
"You're right, Kairi. I'll give the next Gym some thought after we deal with this one," Sora said.
Meanwhile, Lisia and the siblings have made it to their house.
"Home sweet home," Max said.
"Yeah, it hasn't changed at all," May said.
"It must be nice to be home again," Lisia said.
"It is," May said.
"Hey there, we're home!" May and Max announced. Doing some sweeping is a young man wearing a cyan karate outfit.
"May and Max! It's good to see you guys again!" The young man greeted.
"Hi, Kenny. It's good to see you," May said.
"Are mom and dad home?" Max asked.
"Your mom, yes. Your dad stepped out a little while ago," Kenny said.
"Oh, that's too bad," Max said. Kenny looked over to see they had a friend with them.
"Say, who's this?" Kenny asked.
"Right. This is Lisia. Lisia, meet Kenny. He works for our dad in the Gym," May introduced.
"Nice to meet you, Kenny," Lisia greeted.
"You too, Lisia," Kenny said. He leans over to May and Max. "And since you're here, we have ourselves a little problem."
"Problem? What kind of problem?" May asked.
"Probably nothing you need to worry about, but it's complicated," Kenny whispered. May and Max were starting to worry something was up.
"My babies!' A familiar voice called out from behind Kenny. He winces when he heard her. Caroline smiles at the sight of her kids. "You're home, I missed you so much."
"Hi, mom!" May and Max greeted.
"We missed you too!" May said.
Both siblings went and hugged their mother.
"How have you two been?" Caroline asked.
"Good," Max said.
"Max, I think you grew a few inches," Caroline said. She noticed Lisia with them. "Oh, are you a friend of my children?"
"I am. My name is Lisia," Lisia introduced herself.
"It's very nice to meet you. My name is Caroline and as you can tell, I'm May and Max's mother," Carloine said. "Why don't you come inside and relax?"
"Hey mom, when are we gonna see dad?" Max asked.
"Not right now," Caroline said. Kenny knew there was some tension coming from her. Kenny started to get back to sweeping.
"Say, these stairways are pretty dirty, so I better get back to it! Sweep, sweep, sweep," Kenny said, sweeping so much.
"What's up with him? Mom, is something wrong?" May asked.
"Nothing dear," Caroline said. "I just need to get lunch ready. Lisia, you must hungry, so why don't you join us?" Caroline offered.
"I would appriciate that," Lisia said. "And thank you."
"Yay! We get to eat mom's home cooking again!" Max said with joy. Max was oblivious to the tension going on, but May and Lisia caught on quick when they saw how nervous Kenny was.
Over to the Pokémon Center, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel had entered the building and they saw Norman having a casual talk with Nurse Joy. She was giggling at something.
"Norman?" Sora asked.
"What would bring him here?" Kairi asked.
"Only one way to find out," Sora said. He, his girlfriend, and the Pokémon couple approaches the Gym Leader from behind.
"Are you sure?" Nurse Joy asked.
"Of course. You know I trust you one hundred percent," Norman said.
"Excuse us," Sora said. Norman turned to see Sora and Kairi and smiled.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't it Sora and Kairi," Norman said.
"Welcome back, Sora and Kairi," Nurse Joy greeted.
"I've been looking forward for your return since I last heard from you," Norman said.
"So have I. I've been training hard for this," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
Norman notices the Eevee with them and knew they didn't have an Eevee with them since the last time.
"I see you got yourselves an Eevee. Who does it belong to?" Norman asked.
"Me. Angel is one of the newest Pokémon I caught since arriving in the Hoenn region," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said. Norman laughs a bit and pets her.
"It's very nice to meet you, Angel," Norman said, turning to Sora. "I trust you got yourself some new Pokémon as well, huh?"
"You can bet your boots that I did, Norman. So, I was thinking we can have our Gym battle tomorrow since your wedding anniversary," Sora said. Norman was surprised to hear his challenger knew about his wedding anniversary.
"How did you know about that?" Norman asked.
"It was May and Max who told us. They should be at your house by now," Kairi said.
"And they show up on our wedding anniversary. Just seeing them on this special day just makes it even more special," Norman said. He turned to Nurse Joy. "Thanks, Nurse Joy. I can follow up with you soon."
"You know you can always count on me, anytime, Norman," Nurse Joy said.
"Yeah, I know that," Norman said.
"Got something special planned, Norman?" Sora asked.
"Oh, I can't just go and blab it out. I mean, it wouldn't be a surprise if I did. Right Nurse Joy?" Norman asked, winking at the nurse.
"Right Norman," Nurse Joy said. They both shared a laugh. Sora and Kairi didn't know what to make of it. Notman looked to Sora and grabs him by the shoulder. He looked over to Kairi.
"Say Kairi, you don't mind if I have a word with your boyfriend in private, do you? Just a little boy talk," Norman said.
"I don't mind. You two little boys go ahead and have your little talk," Kairi joked, making Sora laugh. He dragged Sora to a private place. He made sure they were out of ear shot range of anyone he knew.
"So, what's up, Norman? Why did you drag me here?" Sora asked.
"Before I tell you, I need you to keep this a secret. That means you can't tell Kairi," Norman said.
"I promise. Just let it out," Sora said. Just in case there was someone listening, he whsipered something into his challenger's ear and his his eyes got wide when Norman told him. "Wow, with a surprise that big, I know I want to keep it a secret, too."
"And that's why I wanted you to keep it a secret until then," Norman said.
"Okay, I'll keep my mouth shut about it," Sora said. Norman knew he found the right person to trust.
Over to the house, May and Max were filling their mother on some stories about their adventures since leaving home. They told her about how they met Lillie, one of Sora and Kairi's old travel companions and among other things. He mentioned Sora and Kairi were with them and filled her in about how they met Lisia and how she had a crush on Sora since meeting them. Max also mentioned about meeting Riku and his Eevee. Lisia hadn't met Riku, but she was already looking forward in meeting him.
"Sounds like you had quite an experience," Caroline said.
"We sure have, mom," May said. "Say, when is dad gonna come home?"
"Oh yeah, dad always comes home for lunch, doesn't he?" Max asked. Caroline didn't want to lose her temper in front of her kids since they mentioned their father.
"Not today," Caroline said. Kenny ran an interference by waving his arms, bringing attention to him, hoping it'll distract them.
"Say, how about some more to eat? How about it? Do you want some more, do ya, do ya, do ya?" Kenny asked.
"Sure thing and thank you," Lisia said. Max was starting to catch on as the girls knew tension when they saw it.
"Say mom, I caught some Pokémon along the way. I got a Skitty, a Bulbasaur, and a Beautifly," May said.
"What?" Caroline when she started to lose her temper. Kenny started to whimper.
"We can talk about that later," Kenny said, making everyone know how strange he was acting.
"Are you doing okay, Kenny, you seem to acting weird today," May said.
"Me weird? I haven't noticed," Kenny lied and starting to sweat.
"Anyway, May and her Beautifly have been in some Pokémon contests," Max said beofer Kenny cut him off. Caroline was stirring in anger, not caring she was making a mess of her stove.
"They didn't say Beautifly, she said soup n prize! They were just talking about a cooking contest May entered, that's all!" Kenny said, trying to calm her down. "She's gonna blow."
"Mom, what's wrong?" May and Max asked. Caroline calmed down just a little and turned to her kids, still angry for some reason.
"It's nothing, kids.I just been trying to work some exercising in some housework, that's all," Caroline lied, trying to hide her rage. He did a few squats. "And one, and two, and one, and two." They were clearly not buying it.
After lunch, Kenny took the siblings and Lisia into the greenhouse. He shushes them.
"What's going on with our mom?" May asked.
"You'll never know who's listening," Kenny said.
"Is there something happening, Kenny?" Lisia asked.
"Well, the thing is-" Kenny was gonna explain when Max cut him off.
"Hey! Vigoroth!" Max exclaimed with joy. Vigoroth climbed down from a nearby tree.
"This is dad's greenhouse. Dad had never let us come in here unless we were with him. This is also where he keeps his Gym Pokémon," May explained to the Contest Idol.
"I see," Lisia said. Max ran up to Vigorth as soon as he came down from the tree. Vigoroth gave Norman's son a hug.
"It's good to see you again," Max said.
"He also never lets us watch any of his battles in his Gym," May explained.
"Why not?" Lisia asked.
"Well, it's because he didn't want his challengers to lose their concentration during the battles. Max and I understood. What Max doesn't get is being a Gym Leader isn't all what it's cracked up to be," May explained.
"I think I understand. My uncle Wallace was the same way. I didn't mind it one bit," Lisia said. "Besides, my mom always said that a good Gym Leader is a strict Gym Leader."
"Funny, my dad always said the same thing," May said. "He always had time to play with us after his battles."
"I hate to interrupt your stroll down memory lane, but there's something I have to let out," Kenny said.
"Right," Lisia said. Before either May or Lisia could ask a Slakoth comes hanging down.
"Hey! Slakoth!" Max said with joy.
"Come on, you guys, it's important," Kenny said. Max spots a large, bulky, ape-like bipedal Pokémon. Its fur being colored light brown except for the lighter colored hands, feet, face and chest, and its white collar that begins at the top of its head, downwards.
"Look! Slaking!" Max said.
"That's cool," May said.
"I remember how dad has always told me that Slaking can be a total pain in the neck to raise, but if you raise them the right way, they get easier to handle," Max said. Kenny couldn't take the interruptions any longer.
"Look, I cannot take it anymore. I need to tell you right now," Kenny said.
"Go ahead, Kenny," May said.
"For one thing, I think your mom and dad's marriage might be falling apart," Kenny said.
"What?! No way!" May gasped in shock. Max didn't like what Kenny had just said. "Tell me it isn't true!"
"Believe me, I wish it wasn't. Your dad has been heading out to the Pokémon Center everyday," Kenny said.
"So, a lot of trainers head for the Pokémon Center everyday," Max said.
"That seems rather normal for most people, but it isn't so normal with him. Afterwards, the two of them have been arguing. I even asked about it, but he told me not to worry. I can't help but worry," Kenny said. "Your mom gets all upset whenever someone would say the word Beautifly, and I have no idea why."
"And how long has it been going on?" Lisia asked.
"For the last few weeks. I think your dad might be having an affair with Nurse Joy," Kenny said.
"No, no, no, no, it can't be possible!" May exclaimed.
"Because it's not true!" Max argued.
"Max might be right. I'm sure he was going there to pick up vitamins for his Pokémon," Lisia said.
"For May and Max's sake, I hope you're right, Lisia," Kenny said. "I honestly do."
Caroline is in the bedroom packing her belongings in her suitcase. She looked at an old photo of the two of them in a meadow filled with all sorts of flowers and Beautifly. She slams the photo faced down.
"That ungrateful idiot," Caroline hissed. "How could he cheat on me with that pink-haired skank? I give him all the love that a loving wife can give, and I give birth to our two beautiful children, and this is the thanks I get? On all of the days, he had to pick the day of our marriage! To think I saved myself for him on our wedding night! Well, I hope he can do well with his lover."
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel made their way to the greenhouse and entered inside it. The couples found their friends, talking.
"No wonder it's been quiet. This is where the party is being held," Sora said.
"Sora, Kairi," May said.
"So, you must be Sora and Kairi. I heard about you from Norman. Happy to finally meet you two. My name's Kenny," Kenny said.
"You too, Kenny," Sora said.
"May and Max has told us about you, too," Kairi said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"How did you know where to find us?" May asked.
"Your mom pointed us in this direction. Is your mom doing okay?" Sora asked.
"She looks like she's having some kind of mood," Kairi said.
"Sora, where's our dad?" May asked.
"Down at the Pokémon Center. Why?" Sora asked. May, Max, Lisia, and Kenny winced when he said it.
"I was afraid of that," Kenny said.
"What do we do?" May asked.
"I think we should confront your dad and get the answers right away," Lisia suggested.
"Good idea. That's what we're gonna do," Kenny said. Kairi couldn't help but feel there was some tension going on. Lisia, May, Max, and Kenny rushed down to the Pokémon Center. Vigoroth falls right on the human couple as Pikachu and Angel ran up to them.
"Hey there, Vigoroth. Nice of you to drop in," Sora said.
"Roth," Vigoroth said.
Unknown to them, a long, robotic Pokémon with three claw-like appendages on its backside, floating inside. It has but merely one, red eye. Its eye is on a sphere that is attached to the rest of its body. It manages to get in without drawing some attention to itself.
Over to the Pokémon Center, May, Max, Lisia, and Kenny came into the Pokémon Center. May and Max gasped in shock. They saw Norman and Nurse Joy smiling and
"I knew it!" Kenny exclaimed.
"I can't believe my own eyes!" May exclaimed.
"I still say it's not true!" Max exclaimed. Norman heard his kids and he smiles warmly at the sight of his own kids.
"May! Max! Looks like Sora and Kairi weren't kidding you would show up today! Seeing my own kids on our anniversary. I heard you caught some new Pokémon," Norman said. He saw the frowining faces on his kids' faces. "Hey, what's the matter? Are you okay?"
"Not really," May said. He saw Lisia with his kids.
"I see you brought a friend with you. Any friend of my kids are welcome in my house," Norman said.
"Um, my name is Lisia," Lisia introduced herself.
"Well, it's very nice to meet you," Norman said.
"Dad, we need to talk," May said.
Back to the greenhouse, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel took a look through the greenhouse. He saw the Slakoth up in a tree.
"Well, you must be Norman's Slakoth. You remind me of the Slakoth that I have. I know you and him will become fast friends," Sora said.
"Slakoth," Slakoth said. Kairi spotted Slaking laying on the grass and sleeping soudly.
"Sora, there's a Slaking in here," Kairi said.
"Slaking?" Sora asked before he saw it. "Hey, you're right. That is a Slaking." He took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Slaking, the Lazy Pokémon
The evolved form of Vigoroth
Type: Normal
Slaking spends all day lying down and lolling about. It eats grass growing within its reach. If it eats all the grass it can reach, this Pokémon reluctantly moves to another spot.
"No wonder it's called the lazy Pokémon," Sora said, putting his Pokédex away.
"And to think this is what Slakoth will evolve into," Kairi said.
"I know. Just look at it. I can bet there would be a contest on which one will be the laziest, Slaking or Snorlax," Sora said.
"Well, Snorlax for one thing, since Snorlax can sleep for days, unless it's hungry," Kairi said.
"Yeah, that'll be a dumb question," Sora said. Sora and Kairi both shared a laugh.
"Changing the subject, what did Norman wanted to talk to you about?" Kairi asked. He knew it had something to do with Norman's surprise for his wife.
"W-What do you mean?" Sora asked.
"Don't play dumb, Sora. You know what I'm talking about. Now out with it. What did he talk to you about?" Kairi asked.
"Nothing. Just some boy talk, like he said," Sora said. She wasn't buying it, so she had one alternative.
"Okay, mister, if you won't just let it out, then I'll force it out," Kairi said.
"And how do you plan to do that?" Sora asked. Kairi grinned sadisticly as she gave off a wicked cackle when she held out her hand. He didn't like what was going through her mind. "No, no. Not that! Anything but that!" Pikachu, Angel, Slakoth, Vigoroth, and Slaking wondered what could she have in store for him. The Pokémon got their answer when Kairi started to tickle him. Sora started to laugh uncontrollably. "Stop it, Kairi! Stop!" Sora kept laughing.
"Not until you tell me!" Kairi said.
"I'll tell you! I'll tell you! Just stop! Just stop!" Sora laughed. Kairi did stop tickling him. He started to catch his breath and wiped the tears he shed during the laughter. "But before I tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone, becuase Norman made me promise not to tell anyone."
"Just spill the beans, Sora," Kairi told her boyfriend. He took in a deep breath.
"If Norman gets mad at me, then it won't be my fault. The thing is-" Sora started.
Back to the Pokémon Center, Norman was having no idea what was going on.
"I honestly have no idea what you mean," Norman said. Caroline came in, carrying her suitcase.
"Norman!" Caroline said in an angry tone.
"Caroline. Where are you going with that suitcase?" Norman asked.
"Anywhere, but here," Caroline said.
"Okay, I can say you deserve a good vacation," Norman said, making everyone do an anime-style fall.
"It's not a vacation! She's leaving!" Kenny said.
"Right. Could it be your mother's?" Norman asked.
"Anywhere but here," Caroline said.
"Won't someone fill me in on what is going on? It feels like that I'm missing something," Norman said.
"Okay, it's like this-" Kenny started.
Back to the greenhouse, Kairi was surprised by what Sora had told her.
"And that's the whole story," Sora said.
"I honestly had no idea. Sorry for making you break your promise, Sora," Kairi said.
"It's okay, Kairi. You didn't know. Now Norman is gonna be so mad at me for blurting it out," Sora said.
"I'll take my share of the blame. I mean, it's my fault that I made you spit it out," Kairi said.
"Not as long as you don't say anything about it," Sora said.
"Of course. Did he say where it is, exactly?" Kairi asked.
"No. He just told me the surprise and that's it," Sora said.
"Did you notice how Nurse Joy and Norman were friendly with each other?" Kairi asked.
"I did notice it," Sora said.
"You don't think Nurse Joy has something to do with the surprise?" Kairi asked.
"She has a lot to do with it, because Norman hired her for the job," Sora said.
"That's good. For a moment there, I thought he was cheating on his wife," Kairi said.
"At least it wasn't," Sora said. Pikachu and Angel's ears perk up.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed.
"Eevee!" Angel also exclaimed.
Just then the Pokémon came diving down, making Sora and Kairi duck. Slakoth and Vigoroth also duck their heads.
"What was that?!" Sora asked. They looked around and saw it.
"It was that thing!" Kairi said.
"What the heck is that thing?" Sora asked, taking out his Pokédex.
Beldum, the Iron Ball Pokémon
Type: Steel/Psychic
Beldum keeps itself floating by generating a magnetic force that repels earth's natural magnetism. When it sleeps, this Pokémon anchors itself to a cliff using the hooks on its rear.
"Okay, Beldum," Sora said.
"Here it comes again!" Kairi gasped. Beldum dives down towards them and they duck again. Beldum's head gives off a metallic glow and it misses Pikachu and Angel.
"Man! What is that Beldum's problem?!" Sora exclaimed.
Back to the Pokémon Center, Kenny had explained to the Gym Leader on what's been going on.
"And that's about it," Kenny concluded.
"Is that what's it's all about?" Norman asked.
"How could you think such a thing? I would never do anything to betray your trust, Caroline!" Nurse Joy said.
"But you did. I didn't want to believe it, but I see the truth with my own eyes! And so, I'm leaving," Caroline said. She turned to her kids. "Don't worry about me, kids. I'm going to be okay."
"But mom!" May cried.
"Caroline, I want you to know, it's not what you think! How about we all go back to the house and talk it over," Norman said.
"There is nothing to talk about. You can discuss it with your significant other," Caroline said.
"You're my significant other, honey! You always have been and you always will be!" Norman said.
"A likely story," Caroline argued. Max has taken all he could stands, and he could stands no more.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Max yelled. Everyone all turned to Max. "YOU'RE NOT GIVING DAD THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT! NONE OF YOU ARE! My dad is the greatest Gym Leader in the world and he's my hero! There is no reason having to yell and fight over something that isn't true!"
"He's right. We were all jumping to conclusions and we weren't giving him a chance to properly explain," Lisia said.
"I guess you're right," May said, feeling a little regretful of the accusations.
"Now, how about we all head home and we can straighten all this out," Norman said. Caroline didn't say anything, but she had to give her husband a chance for her son's sake.
Back at the greenhouse, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Slakoth, and Vigoroth were avoiding the attacking Beldum by ducking. Slaking didn't seemed to be bothered by the iron ball Pokémon.
"Gotta head outside!" Sora called out. Not needing to be told twice, he, Kairi, and the Pokémon all jumped out of the greenhouse just in time for Lisia, Kenny, Norman and his family to come back.
"Sora! Kairi! What's going on?" Norman questioned.
"Rampaging Beldum! It's attacking us for no reason!" Sora said.
"Beldum?" Norman asked. Beldum came out and started to come down again. Beldum repeated the dive attacks. Beldum dove down one more time and it struck what in some shrubs and it explodes. "No!"
"What was that explosion?" May asked.
"That does it!" Norman hissed. Norman was angered by what Beldum had done. "I won't let you get away with what you just did! Slaking!" Hearing, its trainer's voice, Slaking came charging out of the greenhouse sharing its trainer.
"Why is dad so mad?" Max asked.
"Power-Up Punch!" Norman ordered. Slaking lands Power-Up Punch onto the iron ball Pokémon and sends it right into a tree. Sora was impressed by how fast and strong Beldum was and he saw how it wasn't backing down, so he decided to catch it for himself. He took out a Pokéball and threw it. Beldum flows inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around it to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokédex starts buzzing asking him if he wants to keep Beldum with him. He chose to send Beldum right to Professor Oak's lab.
"Well, Norman may have weakened it, but at least I got myself a newe Beldum," Sora said. Norman went to the wreackage and of the fireworks display.
"Oh no. It's now ruined," Norman groaned.
"What was it?" Max asked.
"It was a fireworks display for your mom," Norman said.
"Fireworks?" Caroline asked surprised.
"Wow! Giving fireworks for a present is the most romantic thing I ever heard of!" May beamed at her father's thoughtful gesture.
"And all that hard work damaged by one Beldum," said. Everyone except for Nurse Joy, Kairi and Norman all looked at him.
"Wait a minute! You mean you knew about this, Sora?" Lisia asked., surprised.
"Norman made me promise not to tell anyone because it was a surprise," Sora said. The Contest Idol looked at Kairi.
"Did you know too, Kairi?" Lisia asked.
"Only because I forced the truth out of him," Kairi admitted.
"Sorry, Norman," Sora said.
"It's okay, Sora. I should have guessed she would get you talk," Norman said.
"I can get another fireworks display for you tonight," Nurse Joy offered. Everyone except for Sora, Kairi, and Norman all looked at her.
"How can you do that?" May asked.
"Other than being a nurse, I'm also a licensed pyrotechnician," Nurse Joy said. "Norman asked me to prepare the fireworks to surprise his wife. He also made me promise not to tell anyone."
"That takes a huge load off of my mind because I was afraid Norman was sleeping with Nurse Joy, but now I'm glad it isn't true," Kenny said.
"You were right to never doubt him, Max. My mom always said you will find only confusion when you jump into a conclusion," Lisia said. Caroline felt foolish since she now she really knew the truth.
"I can't believe it, Norman! You mean, you went through all that trouble just for me?" Caroline asked, starting to understand.
"Of course, dear. I'm just sorry for making you think I was seeing someone else while your back was turned," Norman apologized.
"Don't apologize, Norman. I'm the one who really should be sorry. I should have known better than to ever doubt you. Just hearing what you did for me just shows how much you care for me," Caroline said.
"If it helps, I would walk on hot coals for you," Norman said. Feeling moved, Caroline smiled before the parents lands a passionate kiss. May was in tears having to see her parents make up. Max was relieved that his parents hadn't split up. Sora and Kairi smiled, knowing everything was okay. Pikachu and Angel shared their trainers' enthusiasm as the human and Pokémon couples hugged.
Later tht night, Nurse Joy had gotten what she needed ready for the fireworks display. May and Max's friends were invited to attend to the festivities.
"Norman, everything is all set to go," Nurse Joy said.
"Perfect. I hope you're ready for something special," Nurse Joy activated the fireworks and the fireworks fired straight into the air. The image of a Beautifly had appeared in the night sky.
"Oh wow, it's a Beautifly," May said.
"So pretty," Kairi said, leaning her head on Sora's shoulder. Angel did the same to Pikachu and both males had wrapped their arms around their significant others. Love was in the air that night. More fireworks fired up into the sky and the images were all Beautifly.
"How come all these fireworks are Beautifly, mom?" Max asked.
"That's a good question. I was wondering about that too," Sora said. Caroline giggled.
"Well, you see," Caroline said as Norman scratched the back of his head and blushed.
"Hey, look at that, we're all out of drinks. How about I go inside and get some more," Norman said.
"It goes back to when your father first proposed to me," Caroline said.
"Yeah? Tell us," May said, becoming interested in the story.
"We were in a meadow filled with gorgeous flowers. And there were more Beautifly than I could even count. It was like we had our own Cupids watching over us. When he asked me to marry him, my answer was of course, yes and we got married as the months passed. I have never forgotten and neither has your father. And that is why he made all those fireworks into Beautifly," Caroline explained.
"You know, I was wondering why he chose only Beautifly, but I understand now," Nurse Joy said.
"He sure can be romantic," Lisia said, feeling moved.
"Looking back on this now, I'm glad he kept it a secret, because I wouldn't have gotten this wonderful present," Caroline said. May wondered how Brendan was doing. She couldn't help but think about the boy she had a crush on for a long time.
"Brendan, I wonder how you're doing right now. On this special day for my parents, I can't help but think about you. And I want to tell you that I love you," May said in her thoughts.
Elsewhere in Rustboro City, Brendan looked up in the night sky and he was thinking of May. Ever since he first met Sora and Kairi on the day they arrived in the Hoenn region, he felt so envious of Sora because he had a wonderful girlfriend, the kind he wanted May to be.
"May. I can't help wonder how you're doing. You're all I can think about lately. I want to tell you right now that I love you," Brendan said. More than anything he wanted to confess his love for his crush, but he couldn't do it.
Back in Petalburg City, May had a romantic idea. She decided to have Kairi sing for her parents on her day. May still couldn't forget about her beautiful singing voice. The song she chose her to sing is "A Dream Worth Keeping." Max knew his sister wanted to hear her sing again.
The music starts up and Kairi takes out a microphone and she looked over to Sora and he nodded. She smiled back to him.
(Kairi)
Anytime you want to be right here
Just imagine me and all this will appear
You can keep this moment all your life
Forever near
A dream worth keeping
When your feeling lost I'll be your star
Feelin' all alone, but I'll be close at hand
And every time you see a rainbow
Paint the sky behind the rain
You'll be here again
Some day you might be thinking
Life has passed you by
Spirits might be sinking
Hope in short supply
That's the reason why
That's the reason why
I know this dream's worth keeping
As long as it will stay
Even when you see the darkness come creepin'
A dream worth keeping
Don't let it fade away
Her small audience applauded it as Lisia was in tears. Sora was especially clapping as Kairi had finished singing.
"That was a good song you chose, May," Sora said.
"Thanks. I know it's my parent's day, but I figured I'd give it to you too," May said.
"Thanks May. I appreciate it," Sora said.
"That's what friends are for, Sora," May said.
After the anniversary party, the couples and Lisia ended up sharing a room together in a guest room. In the bedroom of the Gym Leader and his wife, they slept soundly and held each other as they did.
Finally, the big day had come. Sora and Norman were having their battle.
"Sora, I have been looking forward to our battle ever since we met. Just because you and Kairi are friends with my kids, doesn't mean I'm gonna go easy on you," Norman said.
"I don't want you to, Norman. It wouldn't be much fun if you did," Sora said.
"This is it. I knew this day was gonna come eventually," Kairi said.
"Yeah, the day my dad mops the floor with your boyfriend," Max said.
"I just can't wait how this turns out," May said.
"Are you saying that dad doesn't stand a chance of winning?" Max asked, getting upset at her sister.
"I never said he was going to lose, Max," May said in her defense. "I just don't want to see either one of them lose."
"I'm sure it's going to be fine," Lisia said.
"People are going around saying, that dad is so strong, he could be a mamber of the Elite Four. I know Sora is an awesome trainer, but he doesn't stand a chance against dad," Max said.
"Max, I think you need to cut back on the soda," May said.
"She's right, hun. I know this is the first time seeing your dad in a Gym battle, but you need to relax and enjoy it," Caroline said. "I have a feeling that it's going to be a good one."
"I know you can take him, Sora. He's no different from the other Gym Leaders you faced in the past. You came out on top and you didn't take giving up as an option," Kairi said in her thoughts. Kenny took his place as the referee of the battle.
"The battle between the Gym Leader Norman and the Pokémon League Champion Sora Ketchum will begin now! Both trainers will be using three Pokémon each! When either the challenger's or the Gym Leader's Pokémon are unable to continue, then the match is over! Only the challenger is allowed to make substitutions during the match!" Kenny announced.
"Are you ready, Sora?" Norman asked his opponent.
"When you are," Sora said. Norman took out a Pokéball.
"For my first Pokémon, I choose Slakoth!" Norman said as he threw it. His Slakoth sways around on the battlefield. Sora grinned since he knew he was going to start up with Slakoth. He took out his Pokéball as well.
"Then, my first is going to be, Makuhita!" Sora shouted as he threw it. Makuhita does a few thrusts in the air upon entry.
"A Makuhita. A Fighting Type is a smart move since Slakoth is a Normal Type," Norman praised his opponent.
"Thanks. Makuhita! Arm Thrust!" Sora ordered. Makuhita thrusts his hands forward to hit Slakoth. Slakoth just sways with ease. "Wha?!"
"Slakoth dodged?" May asked. Max was giddy to see Slakoth dodge with ease.
"Slakoth! Use Shadow Claw!" Norman ordered. Slakoth comes at the guts Pokémon with its claw, emitting a dark aura.
"Dodge and use Low Sweep!" Sora ordered. Makuhita attempts to give the sloth-like Pokémon a kick, but Slakoth easily avoids the attack. "Again?!"
"Way to go, Slakoth!" Max cheered.
"Don't let him throw you off, Makuhita! Stay in the game!" Kairi called out.
"Slakoth! Hidden Power!" Norman ordered. Slakoth forms small circles and sends it right at Makuhita.
"No time to dodge! Bulk Up!" Sora orderd. Makuhita bulks his body up and takes the hit of Hidden Power. Makuhita's attack and defense had raised. Little damage was done to Makuhita.
"How come Makuhita had taken that hit and not be bothered by hit?" May asked.
"Bulk Up raises the attack and defense of its users. Sora knew Bulk Up would come in handy when he needs it," Kairi said.
"Also I know why Norman chose Slakoth as his first choice," Lisia said. Everyone all looked at the Contest Idol.
"What do you mean?" Max asked.
"Makuhita is small and fast and that would normally work with a regular opponent, but it doesn't work with Slakoth. Even with the Type advantage in Sora's favor, it doesn't matter if it's in speed or power in the attack tries, Slakoth manages to swirm out of the way. And because of that skill, it gives Norman the unique ability to fight at whatever pace he chooses. That makes Slakoth the perfect Pokémon to start," Lisia said.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
"Eevee?" Angel asked.
"That's exactly right, Lisia. Well said," Caroline said.
"Sora will turn it around. I know it," Kairi said.
"No he won't. He's going to lose," Max said.
"Okay Makuhita! Arm Thrust!" Sora ordered. Makuhita comes at the sloth-like Pokémon with his arms going forward.
"Dodge and use Blizzard!" Norman ordered. Slakoth avoids Makuhita's Arm Thrust and get hit by Slakoth's Blizzard. It did little damage due to Makuhita's body fat, but it was enough to send him back. Sora took out Makuhita's Pokéball and calls back the guts Pokémon. He takes out another Pokéball.
"I know which one he's gonna have a hard time with. Go! Aron!" Sora called out. The Pokéball opens and Aron has entered the battle.
"Why did Sora call Makuhita back?" May asked.
"Sora couldn't decide which of his hard-bodied he was gonna go with, but he decided on Aron since Aron is a Steel and Rock Type," Kairi said.
"A smart move to make," Lisia said.
"Aron! Iron Head!" Sora ordered. Aron charges at Slakoth to land a hit.
"Slakoth! Blizzard!" Norman ordered. Slakoth fires Blizzard, but Aron was flowing through the Blizzard like a plow in a blizzard. Aron lands a critical blow on the sloth-like Pokémon, sending it flying against one of the walls. Slakoth had been taken down.
"Slakoth!" Norman gasped.
"Slakoth is unable to battle! Aron wins!" Kenny announced.
"No way. How could dad's Slakoth's lose this one?" Max asked, feeling disappointed.
"Max, it's going to be fine," Caroline said, assuring her son. The siblings turned to their mother.
"What mom? What is it that you're trying to say?" May asked.
"You'll see. Just keep watching," Caroline said. Norman calls Slakoth back to its Pokéball.
"Sora, switching your Makuhita with your Aron was a wise decision, and I'm quite impressed with that Iron Head. I never expected it to plow through Slakoth's Blizzard. Your hard work is really paying off," Norman said. He takes out another Pokéball. "Will it be enough?" He throws it. "Vigoroth! Go!" The Pokéball opens and Vigoroth enters the battlefield in a fierce manner.
"I knew Vigoroth was next," Sora said. He remembered seeing Vigorth in action when Brendan battled Norman and lost. Sora wasn't going to make the same mistake with his Pokémon like Brendan did. "You think you can keep going, Aron?" His Aron nodded in confirment. "Great! Use Rock Throw!" Aron uses Rock Throw against the wild monkey Pokémon. Vigoroth had dodged Aron's Rock Throw with incredible speed. "Oh no!"
"Vigoroth, let's go! Hammer Arm!" Norman ordered. Vigoroth comes down and swings its arms, striking Aron on the spot. The attack knocks Aron out with just one hit.
"Aron! No!" Kairi gasped.
"Eevee!" Angel also gasped.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed.
"Aron is unable to battle! Vigoroth wins!" Kenny announced.
"Excellent job, Vigoroth!" Norman praised his Pokémon.
"Roth, Roth, Roth!" Vigoroth said, swinging his arms.
"Can you believe Vigoroth just beat Aron with just one attack?" Max asked, feeling proud. May was starting to get bored.
"Why not? This battle is so exhausting I'd believe anything," May said.
"Norman has an impressive strategy. Slakoth are slow moving Pokémon, but when evolving into a Vigoroth, it gains speed. It'll be enough to confuse any challenger," Lisia said. "It's a pretty good plan. It allows Norman to test the limits and abilities of his opponents."
"Dad is better than I thought," May said.
"Well, what did you expect?" Max asked.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said. Sora takes out Makuhita's Pokéball and throws it.
"Back to action, Makuhita!" Sora called out. Makuhita is sent back out, still a bit shaken by the battle with Slakoth.
"Makuhita again. Not surprising to see that you want to finish what you started," Norman said.
"You know it, Norman," Sora said. "Go at Vigoroth and use Vital Throw!" Makuhita ran towards Vigoroth with the intent of throwing Vigoroth.
"Dodge it, Vigoroth!" Norman called out. Vigoroth avoids Makuhita with lightning speed. "Now use Slash!" Vigoroth comes at Makuhita to swipe at him.
"Block it with Arm Thrust!" Sora ordered. Makuhita uses his Arm Thrust and it blocks Vigoroth's Arm Thrust.
"Nice block!" Kairi cheered.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Eevee!" Angel added.
"Flamethrower!" Norman ordered.
"Flamethrower?!" Sora exclaimed. Vigoroth fires Flamethrower right at Makuhita. "Bulk Up!" Makuhita bulks his body up again to raise his attack and defense and it did little damage like with Blizzard, but it was still pretty strong. Makuhita was starting to pant.
"It's so cool that dad can get Vigoroth to use Flamethrower," Max said.
"It's just your father's way of showing how fired up he is," Caroline said.
"Makuhita! Low Sweep!" Sora ordered. Makuhita came at Vigoroth to bring him down.
"Dodge it, Vigoroth!" Norman called out. Vigoroth avoids Makuhita's attack. "Now use Slash!"
"Dodge it, Makuhita!" Sora called out. Vigortoh swipes his claws at Makuhita, and he avoids the Slash. Makuhita avoids Slash again and again. Sora was hoping it'll tire out Vigoroth. But suddenly, something unexpected happened. Makuhita was starting to evolve, catching everyone by surprise.
"What's happening?!" May asked.
"It's Makuhita! He's evolving!" Kairi said. Pikachu and Angel held each other as they watched. Sora and Norman were astounded by Makuhita's sudden evolution. Makuhita had now become a Hariyama.
"Hariyama!" The newly evolved Hariyama said.
"Makuhita is now a Hariyama!" Kairi exclaimed.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Vee!" Angel said.
"You evolved! You must have building up some energy during the battle, causing you to evolve," Sora said.
"Yama," Hariyama said.
"Let's show off your new power, Hariyama!" Sora said.
"Hariyama!" Hariyama agreed.
"I wasn't expecting your Makuhita to evolve. And I'm impressed by your resolve, Sora. It's not over yet. Vigoroth! Flamethrower!" Norman ordered. Vigoroth fires Flamethrower right at the newly evolved Hariyama.
"Block it!" Sora called out. Hariyama blocks Flamethrower with his large hands. Norman was caught by surprise by what he is witnessing.
"What?!" Norman exclaimed.
"Vigoroth's Flamethrower backfired?" Max asked.
"Way to go, Hariyama!" Kairi cheered.
"Eevee!" Angel also cheered.
"Now use Vital Throw!" Sora ordered. Hariyama grabs Vigoroth and gave the wild monkey Pokémon an effective throw and slams into the ground hard. Vigoroth had been taken down.
"Vigoroth is unable to battle! Hariyama wins!" Kenny announced.
"Now dad has one left to use," Max said.
"Wow, Sora is just full of surprises," May said.
"Now that Norman has one left to use, Sora is going to be finding the next opponent more challenging than before," Lisia said.
"I think you're right, Lisia. And I have a good idea on which one Norman will be sending out next," Kairi said. Norman calls back his Vigoroth.
"Thank you, Vigoroth. You battled hard. You deserve a good long rest," Norman said. He looked over to Sora. "You're even better than I thought you were, Sora. You took down two of my Pokémon and you only lost one. I have been saving the best for last." He took out his Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Slaking!" The Pokéball opens and his Slaking stomps onto the ground.
"Hariyama! Use Vital Throw, like before!" Sora ordered. Hariyama comes at the lazy Pokémon to throw Slaking, but Norman saw that coming.
"Slaking! Power-Up Punch!" Norman ordered. Slaking lands a powerful punch attack onto Hariyama. He takes a few steps back.
"No way!" Sora gasped.
"Now use Hyper Beam!" Norman ordered. Slaking fires Hyper Beam and it lands a critical blow onto the arm thrust Pokémon, earning a knockout.
"Hariyama is unable to battle! Slaking wins!" Kenny announced.
"Now both Sora and Norman has one left," Kairi said.
"That means dad is close to winning," Max said.
"It looks that way," Lisia said. Sora calls back Hariyama and takes out his next Pokéball.
"This is it. The final round of one of the toughest Gym battles I ever been in. I'm gonna have to give it everything I've got, so there's no backing down and no running away," Sora said in his thoughts. He throws his Pokéball and called out, "Go! Combusken!" The Pokéball opens and his Combusken enters the battlefield and glares at Slaking. Slaking glares right at Combusken.
"So, it's another Fighting Type Pokémon you've sent out. And I don't doubt that it's the same Torchic you've caught since you and Kairi first came to the Hoenn region," Norman said.
"Just you know, Norman, I am not going to throw in the towel. Give me everything you've got! I'm ready for anything you can dish out!" Sora said.
"I like your spirit, Sora. Just be careful what you ask for," Norman said.
"Combusken! Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Combusken charges towards Slaking with a full force of his body while covered in flames.
"Block it, Slaking!" Norman called out. Slaking held out its hands. Flame Charge makes contact with Slaking. Combisken lands his feet and his speed went up. Kairi hoped it landed a hit, but Sora knew it would be too easy. And he was right because Slaking was still standing.
"So cool!" Max cheered.
"How was Slaking able to take Combusken's attack like that?" May asked.
"Slaking's hands must be built up like it has steel platings put in," Lisia said.
"And that's not all. Because Slaking is known as the lazy Pokémon, attacks like Flame Charge won't rouse any interest," Norman said.
"Gotta try something else. But what?" Sora wondered. He thought maybe he could try speed over power. It was a long shot against a powerhouse like Slaking, but it was gonna be worth it. "Combusken! Quick Attack!" Combusken ran towards the lazy Pokémon with incredible speed.
"Grab hold of Combusken, Slaking!" Norman called out. Slaking grabs Combusken in its arms.
"Oh no!" Sora gasped.
"Now, throw it!" Norman called out. Slaking threw Combusken to the side.
"You call that power," Max said.
"That's for sure. Slaking's got more than a strong defense," May said.
"Yes. Slaking has some some muscle and speed," Lisia said.
"You can do it, Sora," Kairi said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Use Power-Up Punch!" Norman ordered. Slaking came at the young fowl Pokémon to land a punch. Sora knew it increases in power after in every use, so he had to attack.
"Combusken! Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Combusken darts into Slaking and cancels out Power Up Punch. "Now use Fire Punch!" Combusken's fist emits fire and lands a punch onto Slaking. "Now use Double Kick!" Combusken gave Slaking a couple of kicks. Was it enough to take Slaking down? Sora knew it would be too easy if it did. Slaking raises its arms and starts pounding on its chest.
"All those attacks made Slaking angry," Caroline said.
"Doesn't sound good," May said.
"Slaking's really getting into the battle now," Lisia said. Max was at the edge of his seat, eager to see his dad win. Kairi wanted to see her boyfriend win it.
"I wonder is Sora is ready for this," Caoline said.
"He is ready," Kairi said. "He is not going to walk away from this."
"Alright Slaking! Earthquake!" Norman ordered. Slaking jumps and slams its feet into the ground, making the whole battlefield shake.
"Jump, Combusken, jump!" Sora called out. Combusken jumped to avoid Slaking's Earthquake. "Use Fire Punch!" Combusken comes at Slaking with his fist emitting fire and attempted to land a punch, but Slaking grabs the young fowl Pokémon by the arm.
"Good! Now send it flying!" Norman called out. Slaking hurls Combusken right into the ceiling.
"Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Combusken charges towards Slaking with his body covered in flames.
"Hyper Beam!" Norman ordered. Slaking fires Hyper Beam right at the young fowl Pokémon.
"Dodge and keep going!" Sora called out. Combusken avoided Hyper Beam, but Slaking directed the beam right into Combusken's path despite his speed and lands a hit. Combusken lands on his back as Slaking pounds its chest in triumph.
"Slaking is just too strong!" May exclaimed.
"Especially when Slaking can use Hyper Beam!" Kairi said. "But I know Sora isn't going to give up." Combusken gets back on his feet and starts panting.
"Combusken got up?" Max asked, surprised.
"You okay, Combusken?" Sora asked.
"Wait, Sora!" Norman called out to him. He looked at the Gym Leader. "Slaking's Hyper Beam has taken a lot out of your Combusken. There's no shame in calling it off. It'sa trainer's responsibilty to think about the well-being of their Pokémon." Sora knew Norman was right. He had to considering giving up, but Combusken refused to call it quits. Sora looked at his Pokémon and saw how determined he was to win. Sora knew how determined he was when he was a Torchic. Sora then reconsidered since he saw how his Combusken wanted to keep going.
"Are you sure you wanna keep going, Combusken?" Sora asked. Combusken nodded. "If you wanna stay in this, then I'm going to support you one hundred percent. Your fire isn't easy to put out and we're going to prove it here and now. Let's show how passionatley your fire burns!" Combusken starts giving off a red glow. Kairi knew what it was. She saw it in his Charmander when he caught Primeape.
"What's going on with Combusken?" May asked.
"It's Blaze," Kairi said.
"Blaze?" May asked.
"Blaze is an ability that Fire Type Pokémon like Charmander, Litten, Cyndaquil, Scorbunny, and Torchic all share and passes on to their evolved forms. When their energy is down, the power of their Fire Type attacks increases. The power of Combusken's Fire Type attacks should be now much stronger than they normally would be," Kairi said. "I saw this before in his Charmander when Sora, Lillie, our other friends, and I were travelling in Kanto."
"Why did it wait until now to show up?" Max asked.
"Combusken had to hear Sora's voice to reach him and that's what caused it to come," Kairi said. "Combusken didn't want to let down Sora or any members of Sora's team, so he was able to call into his inner strength."
"Let's do this thing!" Sora said.
"Looks like the real battle is just beginning," Norman said. "Slaking! Use Earthquake!" Slasking slams into the ground, making the battlefield shake once more.
"Jump and use Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Combusken jumps and uses Flame Chrge in the air.
"Stop Combusken now!" Norman called out. Slaking attempted to get hold of Combusken, but he was going too fast for the ape-like Pokémon to catch the young fowl Pokémon.
"Double Kick!" Sora called out. Combusken gave Slaking a couple of good kicks. Norman wasn't going to call it quits either.
"Use Hyper Beam!" Norman ordered. Slaking fires Hyper Beam fires another Hyper Beam, but misses because Combusken is much faster than before.
"Use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Combusken lands a darting attack onto Slaking, making it take a few steps back.
"Yes! I knew Sora would turn it around," Kairi said.
"With Combusken's agile ability, Slaking's Earthquakes won't land a hit," Lisia said.
"I'm impressed by your strategy, Sora. But to beat Slaking, you're going to need strength as well," Norman said.
"Be careful what you asked for," Sora said, using Norman's words.
"Let's finish this, Slaking! Power-Up Punch!" Norman ordered. Slaking ran towards Combusken to land a powerful punch onto Combusken.
"Okay Combusken! Fire Punch! Give it everything you've have!" Sora called out. Combusken did the same thing with his fist emitting fire. Both Pokémon ran towards each other and they both landed a hit. They took a stance as Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel were hoping for the results for Sora's win. Max was hpoing that Slaking had won it. May and Lisia didn't care who won it, just as long it was over. Sweat ran down Sora's face waiting to see who was going to fall first. Norman did the same thing. Combusken fell on his knee as Max was sure his dad was going to win it, much to the dismay of Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel. Slaking smirked, feeling determined that it had overpowered its opponent, but its injuries kicked in and fell onto the ground beaten.
"Slaking is unable to battle! Combusken wins! Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town wins the battle!" Kenny announced.
"Yes, yes, yes, yes! I knew he would win!" Kairi cheered.
"Pika, Pika, Pikachu!" Pikachu said, giving Angel a spin in his arms.
"I can't believe it! Sora actually beat dad!" May said.
"Now, I know why he's the Pokémon League Champion. He didn't give up even once," Lisia said. Norman walked up to his Slaking.
"You put up a great battle, Slaking," Norman said, praising his Pokémon. Slaking didn't care that it won just as long it made its trainer proud.
"Wow, dad actually lost this one. I guess you can't win 'em all, right Max?" Caroline asked. No answer came from her son. She turned to him. "Max? Huh?" She saw how upset Max is for seeing his dad lose the battle. Max was certain Norman was going to win it, but his hopes were crushed. Norman calls back his Slaking and walked up to Sora and he smiled.
"Sora, I haven't enjoyed a battle like this in a long time. I can now see why you're a Pokémon League Champion. All that display you showed me tells me that you deserve to win. And this Balance Badge is proof of that," Norman said, holding out a badge that is shaped like two circles, counterbalancing each other or a barbell. "Here."
"Thanks Norman," Sora said. Before he could accept his latest badge, Max ran down towards them.
"NO WAY!" Max yelled and took the badge and ran off.
"Max, what's wrong? Where are you going?" May asked.
"Honey!" Caroline said.
Norman knew how upset his son is for seeing him lose. Max ran to the greenhouse and locked the door. He started to cry. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Lisia, May, and her parents have caught up with him.
"Come on, Max! Why are you doing this?" May asked, trying to understand her brother's reason.
"Max, open the door, please," Caroline said.
"Why daddy? Why did you have to lose?!" Max cried. Tears ran down his cheeks. "Why did you have to lose, huh? Now you're saying you had a great time battling, but you lost! I don't like it! This doesn't make any sense at all!"
"Max, you've got to remember that dad's a Gym Leader. And you know how Gym battles work," May told her brother.
"Dad lost! Why aren't you upset?!" Max exclaimed.
"I am upset, Max! It wasn't easy having to watch dad lose that battle, but he fought as hard as he could and that's what's important," May said.
"Gym Leaders don't work hard and hold battles just to keep winning all the time," Lisia said.
"BUT IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT IT'S OKAY TO LOSE!" Max yelled.
"Yes it does!" Norman finally spoke. Max was shocked to hear his own father say that. "Losing is an important part of being a Gym Leader. If you battled hard and done your best, then defeat can be quite a teacher. Think about how hard Sora and his Pokémon had battled together, never once accepting defeat as an option. Sora used the strength he always had and that's what led him to victory."
"Your dad's right, Max. You can learn from your losses just like you learn from your winning streaks. I lost some battles before and it wasn't the end of the world. And your dad losing isn't the end of the world either," Sora said.
"That is something you should take to heart, Max. You know I would always stand by Sora's side even if he did lose. And I know your dad will always be your hero even if he didn't win. That is something more important than any Gym Badge or Contest Ribbon," Kairi said.
Feeling touched by those words, Max unlocked the door and stepped out with the tears wiped off his face. He looked up to his father.
"Hey dad, when I do become a trainer, will you have a battle with me?" Max asked. Norman smiled.
"Sure. I'm already looking forward to it, son," Norman said. Max turned to Sora with a regretful look on his face.
"Sorry Sora. You earned this badge," Max said, holding out the Balance Badge.
"It's okay, Max," Sora said, taking the badge from Max. "I do appreciate that you're taking it better now." He ruffled Max's hair. He smiled, knowing Sora has forgiven him for how he acted. He placed the Balance Badge with the other four Badges. "Five down, three to go." Kairi was proud of her boyfriend and she kissed him on the cheek.
After a night's worth of sleep, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel have prepared to set off to the next Hoenn Gym.
"So, where to from here?" Kairi asked. Norman walked up.
"The next Gym you'll find will be in Fortree City," Norman said.
"And that's where we're going next," Sora said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel have set off for their next destination, leaving May and Max bahind since she wanted to see Brendan since she knew he would come by somehow. Lisia sticks with them a little while longer and they continued on their way.