Episode 250: That's Just Swellow
After leaving Rubello Town where Kairi had won her fourth Contest Ribbon and Sora caught himself a new Spoink, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel continue on their way to Fortree City for Sora be in for his sixth Gym battle.
After leaving, Sora and Kairi had been wondering how Lisia had been doing since she left for home to Sootopolis City.
"I know Lisia hasn't been gne from us for long, but I think I'm already missing her," Kairi said.
"Me too. I'm just hoping that nothing went back home," Sora said.
"And I just hope it doesn't have anything to do with Team Magma or Team Aqua since we last saw them on Mount Chimney," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I won't lie, Kairi, but I'm having those exact same worries," Sora said.
Over to Lisia, she flew on Ali's back. THe Altaria flew as fast as she could go.
"Hurry Ali! Hurry!" Lisia said. Just then a group of Golbat came and fired Air Slash right at the Altaria. "Golbat? Where did they come from?" The attacking bat Pokémon fired again, making Ali drop Lisia. She dove down to catch her. Ali caught her before she could hit the ground, but ended up in a net. "What? Who's doing this?!" She got her answer when Tabitha and the members of Team Magma came towards their capture. "Team Magma!"
"Well, I wasn't expecting this. I thought it was some passing Pokémon, but I was only half right. Not just an Altaria, but a trainer to boot," Tabitha said.
"When my uncle Wallace hears that you have me, you're going to be very sorry!" Lisia threatened.
"Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots," Tabitha said, pretending to be scared. "Just let your uncle Wallce find out, because I have plans for you." Tabitha laughed.
"Sora, Kairi, uncle Wallace! Help me!" Lisia said in her thoughts.
Back to Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel, they made their way through a mountain path when a Solrock is in the area.
"A Solrock?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
"Didn't think that I would run into one of those," Sora said.
"Me neither, but you should go for it, Sora," Kairi said. Sora got into position and took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go for it, Lairon!" Sora called out. Lairon comes out and skids the ground. Solrock starts up by firing Flamethrower at the intruding Lairon. "Dodge and use Metal Claw!" Lairon avoids Solrock's attack and swipes at the sun-shaped Pokémon. Solrock tries again by firing another Flamethrower, but Lairon dodges again. "Now use Iron Head!" Lairon lands a hit onto Solrock. "Now use Rock Slide!" Lairon uses Rock Slide and it pelts Solrock. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it right at Solrock, making it flow inside it. the Pokéball wobbles around and around to see if the capture is a success. Stars swirls around it to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokédex starts buzzing asking him if he wants to keep Solrock with him or send it to Professor Oak's lab. Sora chose to send Solrock over. "Good job, Lairon." He pets Lairon and he beams at his trainer's praise. Just then, an Ice Beam is fired at them. It came from a Lunatone.
"It's a Lunatone," Kairi said. Lunatone glares right at Lairon and fires another Ice Beam. Lairon dodges the attack just by running on the left.
"Looks like it challenged Lairon into a battle because of Solrock," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"That might be it," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Then, let's do this. Lairon! Iron Head!" Sora ordered. Lairon comes at Lunatone to land a hit on the moon-shaped Pokémon. Lunatone avoids it and fires Moonblast. "Block with Metal Claw!" Lairon swipes at the attack with his claws, shattering it. "Now use Rock Slide!" Lairon uses Rock Slide, but Lunatone blocks it with Psychic and sends it back at the iron armor Pokémon.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Lairon did his best to avoid his own rock attack, but a few rocks hits him. Lunatone fires Ice Beam, freezing Lairon. Sora calls back Lairon and looks right at Pikachu. "You're up, Pikachu."
"Pikachu," Pikachu said. Pikachu stood in front of Lunatone who fires Moonblast right at the mouse Pokémon. Angel was worried aout Pikachu getting hurt even though he is capable of battling.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu avoids Lunatone's Moonblast using his speed. "Now use Iron Tail!" Pikachu swings at Lunatone with Iron and landed a hit. Lunatone had been taken down. Sora takes out a Pokéball and threw it right at Lunatone, making it flow inside. The Pokéball wobbles around and around for a moment before stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokédex starts buzzing asking him if he wants to keep Lunatone or send it to Professor Oak's lab. He chose to send Lunatone over to Professor Oak's lab. "First a Solrock and then a Lunatone. A complete set."
"Pi, Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
Kairi and Angel went to their boyfriends and gave them an earned kiss on the cheeks for the two battles and captures.
"Wonderful as always, Sora," Kairi said. That just made Sora blush. Pikachu also blushed when Angel kissed him on the cheek and nuzzled him. Pikachu nuzzled her back with so much affection.
In the next couple of days, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel ventured through the mountains and they made it to Crossgate Town.
"Look at that. What could that be?" Sora asked.
"I think I remember Lisia call this place Crossgate Town. She said its known as 'The Cross of the Winds'."
"Makes sense to me," Sora said as the wind starts blowing. "It feels like we're flying."
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
They spotted a Swablu flying above them with a ring in its beak.
"Look, a Swablu," Sora said.
"He's got something in his mouth," Kairi said. A gust of wind picks up and it knoks the cotton bird Pokémon down towards the jagged rocks. Thinking fast, he took out Taillow's Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Taillow!" Sora called out as Taillow had emerged from inside the Pokéball. "Help out Swablu!" Taillow flew right towards Swablu and catches him before he reaches the sharp rocks. Taillow flies back to the couples. "Good job, Taillow."
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Swablu!" A new voice called out The voice belonged to a boy around the same age as Sora and Kairi, running towards them. He had dark blue hair styled the same way as a Swablu and he wore a yellow shirt and green pants. He also wore green shoes. "Are you alright? Ah man!" Swablu flew back to whom Sora and Kairi can guess to be his trainer. "I'm glad that you're okay!"
"I think your Swablu had some trouble with that wind," Sora said.
"Oh, well thanks a lot for helping him. My name's Shane by the way," he introduced himself. He looked right at Sora. "Say, aren't you Sora Ketchum, the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto and Johto?"
"That's right. And this is my girlfriend Kairi," Sora introduced.
"It's nice to meet you, Shane,. And this is my Eevee Angel," Kairi said.
"Eevve," Angel said.
"It's nice to meet you. And again thanks for helping my Swablu," Shane said. Sora and Kairi both looked right at the ring.
"What's with the ring?" Sora asked.
"Oh, we use 'em in the Pokéringer Competition," Shane explained.
"Pokéringer Competition?" Sora asked. Shane led Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel down to the hot air balloon area where several trainers has their Flying Type Pokémon out.
"The Pokéringer Competition's been held in this area for years. We're known for it. Team's consist of a trainer and a single Flying Type and air borne Pokémon. While battling in mid-air, each team has to FIRST get the ring hanging from a hot-air balloon. Then, the first team to hang that ring on a hook on the goal post wins!" Shane explained.
"Sounds like loads of fun," Sora said at awe. He turned to Shane. "Is that you and your Swablu were practicing for, Shane?"
Yep. We're planning in entering the next competition," Shane said.
"And I can see why it's such a huge hit around here. Everybody here is really into it," Kairi said. They spotted three bird Pokémon flying above them. They were bird Pokémon they had not seen before. One of them resembles a chickadee. Its face is covered by a black "mask" that extends into small protrusions on top of its eyes and beak and extends downward under its wings to divide the belly from the rest of its rounded body. Its eyes are red with no visible pupils and semicircle-shaped white markings underneath them. Its beak is short and grey, with the top half larger than the bottom half. Its back, tail, and wings are blue, while its belly is yellow. Its legs and feet are long and grey. There is another that looks like a crow or a jay. Its head is black with a blue marking running from the top of the beak down to the back, while black feather "crests" go over its eyes and black feathers surround its face down to the bottom of its neck. Its eyes are similar to first bird Pokémon, but smaller, with the white marking forming the top of its long, grey beak. Its body is a slightly lighter blue than the rest of its blue feather. Its wings share a similar color scheme to its head, with its flight feathers black while its covert feathers are blue. Its tail is blue, and its legs and three-toed feet are grey with black claws. The third one is a large Pokémon that resembles a large, dark blue, armored raven or crow. The "mask" on its face like the first two, but resembles a helmet, with peaks on the top and extending over its beak. The lower half of its beak is dark grey. The white markings beneath its eyes are now black, but its eyes remain small and red. Its neck is covered in dark blue armor at the back but has thick feathers in front, while its belly and covert feathers are armored. Its upper legs and four-toed talons are also armored, while its lower legs are dark grey. "Look at those three." Sora was amazed to see those three Pokémon.
"What kind of Pokémon are those?" Sora asked.
"I have no idea. I never seen those Pokémon before," Shane said. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned the three bird Pokémon.
Rookidee, the Tiny Bird Pokémon
Type: Flying
Rookidee will bravely challenge any opponent, no matter how powerful. This Pokémon benefits from every battle—even a defeat increases its strength a bit. Rookidee jumps nimbly about, this small-bodied Pokémon takes advantage of even the slightest opportunity to disorient larger opponents.
Corvisquire, the Raven Pokémon
The evolved form of Rookidee
Type: Flying
Smart enough to use tools in battle, these Pokémon have been seen picking up rocks and flinging them or using ropes to wrap up enemies. The lessons of many harsh battles have taught it how to accurately judge an opponent's strength.
Corviknight, the Raven Pokémon
The evolved form of Corvisquire
Type: Flying/Steel
In its domain, Corviknight's luster of its steel body strikes fear into the heart of any foe. Corviknight is an intelligent Pokémon and quite skillful with its flying skills, Corviknight very successfully act as the Galar region's airborne taxi service.
"So, it's an evolution line," Sora said.
"Those three can't be found in Hoenn, otherwise we would see them if they were," Kairi said.
"You're right. Who do they belong to?" Sora asked.
"They belong to us," a voice said. The voice came from one of three boys who are identical to each other. They all had the same brown hair and the same brown eyes. They wore the same colored pants, but one wore a red shirt, one wore a yellow shirt, and one wore a blue shirt.
"Rookidee belongs to be," the blue in the blue shirt said. He happens to be the youngest as Rookidee landed on his shoulder.
"Corvisquire is my partner," the boy in the yellow shirt said. He happens to be the second oldest.
"And you can guess who Corviknight belongs to," the boy in the red shirt said. And it's obvious that he's the oldest. "My name is Eddy. The guy in yellow is Neddy, and the other one is Freddy. We're all brothers."
"In case you didn't know," Neddy said.
"Just doing some last minute training for the competition going on today," Freddy said.
"Wait aminute! The competition is going on today?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, this afternoon. You two gonna enter it?" Shane asked.
"I might as well since it looks loads of fun. I can enter it with my Taillow," Sora said. Shane turned to Kairi.
"You gonna enter it, Kairi?" Shane asked.
"No, just going to support my boyfriend. I would rather trade my right arm rather than win over Sora," Kairi said.
Sora had registered for the competition. Fireworks starts going off as Sora, Shane, Eddy, Neddy, and Freddy got ready for the Pokéringer Competition. All sorts of trainers gathered all around.
"Welcome to the annual Pokéringer Competition! This year should be a great one, so let's get started!" The announcer announced. Snapshots of various trainers have shown up with the Pokémon with them. Volbeat, Beedrill, Spearow, Pidgey, Skiploom, Wingull, Yanma, Heracross, Taillow, Crobat, Ninjask, Jumpluff, Golbat, Skarmory, and various other Flying Type Pokémon.
"So, who are they?" Kairi asked.
"Those are all of the previous winners!" Shane answered.
"So, it's a hall of fame?" Kairi asked.
"And not only that, every winner gets made an honorary citizen of Crossgate Town for life!" Shane said.
"Honorary citizenship for life? That sounds cool," Sora said.
"It is," Shane said. "In fact, a lot of the winners have been first-time Pokéringers." The couple looked right at him.
"You're kdding!" Sora said.
"Nope. To tell the truth, today's gonna be MY first time competing," Shane said.
"And how long did you have your Swablu?" Kairi asked.
"Just for a little while. We're not of a team yet," Shane said. But I still think we'll win. Cause I'm determined."
"Let's do our best, Shane," Sora said.
"I am grateful to you and your girlfriend, Sora, but it doesn't mean I'm gonna hold back," Shane said.
The three brothers locked hands, promising each other a good game.
"Let's give it everything we have," Eddy said.
"Yeah!" Freddy said.
"Even though I'm going to win it," Neddy said. Eddy didn't like his brother's cocky attitude.
"You mean, I'm going to win, Neddy?" Freddy asked.
"No, me," Neddy stated.
"Wrong, it's going to be me," Freddy argued. Eddy stepped in.
"The both of you are wrong. It's going to be me who is going to win it," Eddy said.
"Yeah? How do you know?" Freddy asked.
"I'm glad you asked, Freddy. It's because I'm much older than the both of you and I pretty much won most of everything we ever competed in. Oh wait! Did I say most? I mean to say all of it," Eddy said.
"Rookidee can whoop Corvisquire and Corviknight with both of his wings tied behind his back!" Freddy argued.
"No way! Corvisquire is way better than both Rookidee and Corviknight put together!" Neddy stated.
"Your Rookidee and Corvisquire are good, but Corviknight is way stronger than the both of them, so it'll be over for the both of you before it started," Eddy stated. Both of his brothers glared at the oldest, determined to finally beat him in something.
All of the competitors gathered and waited to see who is going to be against who.
"The computer will now randomly group all of our Pokéringer contestants into blocks of four teams each," the announcer announced. "And the first in the A Block." The computer has randomly chosen Shane against trainers with a Wingull, a Pelipper, and a Yanma. "Here are your four teams!"
"At least it wasn't against Sora," Shane said in his thoughts.
"Now it's time to select the B Block," the announcer announced as the computer starts selecting again. The B Block consited of Sora against a trainer against a Volbeat, whom he saw in the hall of fame along with a trainer with a Golbat and a Ninjask. "And here he is, folks! Volt! Returning champion and the hands-down favorite in this year's competition, going up against Pokémon League Champion Sora Ketchum and his Taillow!" Kairi gasped when her boyfriend ends up against lasty year's winner. The champ from the previous winner wore a coboy outfit which is a brown vest over his abs and a toothpick in his mouth. He looked at Sora and scoffed.
"You gotta be joking? A champion of a Pokémon League is just a scrawny spiky-haired kid?" Volt laughed.
"Don't judge a book by its cover," Sora said.
"You're in over your head, kid. You call yourself a champ? You won't even make a good warm-up," Volt taunted.
"Anything can happen when the battle starts," Sora said. Volt laughed.
"Why don't you go home to mommy before it's too late?" Volt taunted.
"Why don't you go home to mommy before it's too late?" Sora repeated mocking his voice. Volt turned with s our scowl while Sora whislted innocently.
"What did you say?" Volt demanded.
"Who me?" Sora played dumb.
"Don't get cute with me," Volt said.
"I wasn't trying to be," Sora said. Some of the other competitors started to chuckle a bit, forgetting about the tensions. Shane even chuckled.
"Wipe that look off your face, because I'm going to enjoy seeing you cry when you lose," Volt said.
"And finally the C Block team!" The announcer announced as the computer had set up. It is Eddy, Neddy, and Freddy against each other against a trainer with a Crobat. "There they are!" The brothers grinned as they were hoping they were going to be paired against each other.
"This is it, bros," Freddy said.
"I kinda figured they woud have us on the first round," Neddy said.
"Just remember this. Just because you're my brothers, doesn't mean I'm gonna hold back," Eddy said.
"Wouldn't dream of it, Eddy," Neddy said.
"Me neither," Freddy said.
On the stage, doors opens letting out a gold balloon with a ring tied to a rope.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the ring balloon has been released! Now the four A Block trainerswill climb to battle altitude. And at the start signal, the first match in the Crossgate Pokéringer Competition will begin!" The announcer announced. Shane and the other A Block trainers rode in the hot air ballons of their choosing. Shane rode in a Swablu balloon .
"Come on out, Swablu!" Shane called out as the Pokéball opens and Swablu takes flight. Wingull, Yanma, and Pelipper all go after the ring, the same as Swablu. Pelipper fires Hydro Pump at Swablu, but he flies through thw water attack. Yanma fires Sonic Boom at Swablu, but misses. "Swablu! Don't just focus on the ring!" The wind begins to pick up. "Climb up! Wind's coming!" Swablu uses the wind going straight up into the air.
"Why isn't Shane going after the ring?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
The wind blows Wingull, Pelipper, and Yanma in it. Swablu flew right towards the ring and grabs it.
"Alright! Now take it to the goal!" Shane called out. Swablu got close to the goal and placed the ring on the goal post.
"GOAL!" The annoouncer announced, and the crowd starts roaring. "First-time Pokéringer Shane has taken the first round!"
"He didn't give up on the ring. He just knew when it'll pick up," Kairi said.
"Clever way of using the wind to his advantage," Sora said. Swablu flew back to Shane with joy on his face.
"You were great, Swablu!" Shane said with pride for his Pokémon.
The B Block trainers were up next as Sora rode in the Pikachu balloon. Volt smirked, thinking that he found an easy win.
"He doesn't scare me," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Now, B Block! Will our returning champ Volt, make it two victories in a row? Here they come!" The announcer announced.
"Take flight, Taillow!" Sora called out, throwing his Pokéball. Taillow does indeed take flight upon entry. Ninjask and Golbat also enter right after. Volt just smirked.
"Taillow, Golbat, and a Ninjask, huh? This is a joke! Go! Volbeat!" Volt called out, throwing his Pokéball. His Volbeat makes an entrance and is a ta more aggresive than Kairi's Volbeat. "Knock 'em out with Thunder!" Volbeat fires Thunder, shocking Ninjask and Golbat. Taillow avoids the attack, using his speed.
"Volbeat scores a direct hit! And just like that, two of the teams are finished!" The announcer announced. Ninjask and Golbat fall straight to the ground.
"So that's his style. He takes out the others before going after the ring just by using Thunder. Climb up, Taillow! Get the ring before Volbeat unleashes Thunder!" Sora called out. Taillow climbs up the wind, heading for the ring.
"No good, punk! Volbeat! Shoot it down with Thunder!" Volt ordered. Volbeat strikes the tiny swallow Pokémon with Thunder.
"I know you can take it, Taillow! I know you can!" Sora called out. Taillow does take the hit. Taillow flies up into the air. Volt was stunned by how Taillow was able to take Volbeat's Thunder.
"What? Why wasn't that working?!" Volt exclaimed.
"How was Taillow able to shake that off? That was a direct hit!" Shane said. Taillow grabs the ring in his beak.
"Just in time! Head for the goal!" Sora called out. Taillow flies right towards the goal with the male firefly Pokémon pursuing him.
"Hit that ring with Thunder!" Volt ordered. Volbeat fires Thunder. Taillow let's go of the ring, avoiding Volbeat's Thunder. "Now grab the ring and take it to the goalpost!" Volbeat grabs the ring with his mouth and starts to head for the goal.
"No you don't! Aerial Ace!" Sora ordered. Taillow darts at Volbeat, using Aerial Ace, making him drop the ring.
"WHAT?!" Volt exclaimed.
"Head straight for the goal!" Sora called out. Taillow flies right at the goal, placing the ring on it.
"GOAL! Volt is defeated! What a victory for Sora Ketchum!" The announcer announced. Kairi was happy for boyfriend for winning it as was Angel since Pikachu was with him.
"Good job, Taillow!" Sora said. Taillow flew back to Sora.
"Man, how could I let a punk kid like that beat me?" Volt asked.
"Hey Volt! What was that about seeing me cry? I'm not crying right?" Sora taunted, making Volt growl in anger.
It was now time for the C Block trainers to go in and Eddy, Neddy, and Freddy are in the balloons of their choosing, Rookidee, Corvisquire, and Corviknight. The trainer with the Crobat looked right at the three brothers.
"C Block teams are in positions, so let's begin the final round of the first round!" The announcer announced. They all took out their Pokéballs and threw them.
"Rookidee! Go!" Freddy shouted.
"Corvisquire! Go!" Neddy shouted.
"Take the air, Corviknight!" Eddy called out.
"Crobat! Go!" Crobat's trainer called out.
"Rookidee! Head for the ring!" Freddy called out as Rookidee snatched the ring.
"Don't think so! Corvisquire! Use Power Trip!" Neddy ordered. Corvisquire let's out a black aura and it struck Rookidee, making it drop the ring. "Grab that ring now!" Corvisquire heads for the ring.
"Corviknight! Dual Wingbeat!" Eddy ordered. Corviknight struck Corvisquire with its wings twice and flew for the ring. Crobat tries to head for the ring, but Rookidee pecks at the bat Pokémon, before heading for the ring. Corvisquire started to head for Corviknight for payback, but Corviknight proved to be strong for the both of them and headed down for the goal and places the ring on it.
"GOAL! Not wasting any time against its pre-evolved forms, Corviknight overpowers them both and heads for the goal! Eddy and his Corviknight have made it to the second round!" The announcer announced.
"I knew that Corviknight was gonna make it since Corviknight is much stronger than Rookidee and Corvisquire combined," Sora said.
The competition rages on as Sora, Shane, and Eddy have now moved onto the semi-final of the Pokéringer Competition.
"We're seeing some fantasti battles in this competition! with Volt eliminated from the tournament Sora has taken the spot as the competitiion's favorite, but I wouldn't be counting out either Shane nor Eddy for their outstanding victories! We'll now move to the next stageand begin one-on-one battles!" The annuncer announced. The computer had selected Sora to be up against trainer with a Skarmory.
"We're in the semi-finals! I can't believe it, can you?" Shane asked.
"Glad that we both made it to the semi-finals, Shane. Let's the both of us win and head right into the finals," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
The round had gotten started as Skarmory had taken the ring and Taillow chases right after the armor bird Pokémon.
"Go after that ring, Taillow! Quick Attack!" Sora called out. Taillow lands a hit onto Skarmory and snatches the ring from it. "Head for the goal!" Taillow places the ring onto the goal, resulting in another win for Sora.
"GOAL!" The announcer announced.
"Now, we're in the finals," Sora said.
Now it was Shane vs Eddy. Shane had his Swablu out while Eddy had his Corviknight out. Both have been waiting patiently for the wind to pick up. Neddy and Freddy were wondering what was he waiting for.
"The start signal for the semi-final round went off eight minutes ago! Nut, neither Eddy or Shane has moved a muscle!" The announcer announced.
"The win'ds been flat for a while. We're due for a good strong breeze any second now," Shane said in his thoughts.
"He's waiting to climb with the wind. There's something about the cloud is moving," Eddy said in his thoughts. A strong wind starts to kick up.
Shane called out, "Do it!"
Eddy called out, "GO!"
Both Swablu and Corviknight flew towards the ring with the wind beside them.
"They're both using the updraft to climb quickly tiward the ring balloon!" The announcer announced.
"You're winning, Swablu! Get to that ring and grab it!" Shane called out. Swablu starts to head for the ring, but Eddy ad an ace up his red sleeve.
"Corviknight! Metal Sound!" Eddy ordered. Corviknight makes a screechy sound as silver rings heads for Swablu, imbolizing him. "Now, head for the ring!" Corviknight heads towards the ring and snatches it. Corviknight heads for the goal, earning the win for the final round.
"GOAL!" The announcer announced. "Eddy waited for the right moment for Swablu to get close and fire Metal Sound to throw Swablu off course puts Eddy in the finals!" Corviknight flies back to Eddy and he pats the raven Pokémon on the head.
"Good job as always, Corviknight. I couldn't ask for any better Pokémon than you," Eddy said. Swablu flies back to Shane, feeling sad about losing.
"Don't worry, Swablu. You deserve a rest," Shane said. "Looks like it's all up to you now, Sora."
It was now time for the final round. Eddy was now more determined to win since he's competing against Sora. The doors on the stage opens, letting out the ring balloon for the last time.
"The ring balloon has been released and both Pokéringers are in position! The final round of the Pokéringer Competition is underway!" The announcer announced.
"I have to count myself lucky to be up against the Kanto and Johto Pokémon League Champion in the finals. If it was either Neddy or Freddy here, they wouldn't last five minutes against him," Eddy said.
"Can you believe Eddy made it so far in the competition?" Neddy asked.
"I can. I hope he wins because we both know he always beat us and he wouldn't let anyone else beat him," Freddy said.
"You're right, little bro. He's always been better than us. Just don't tell him right in his face," Neddy said. Freddy did a lip zip.
"Let the match begin!" The announcer announced. Sora and Eddy called out Taillow and Corviknight for the final round. "It's a battle of Taillow's spunk versus the brute strength of Corviknight!"
"Corviknight! Metal Sound!" Eddy ordered. Corvikinght fires Metal Sound and it immobilizes Taillow. "Now move in wth Steel Wing!" Corviknight moves right in to strike at Taillow.
"Corviknight starts up with a screeching Metal Sound and follows with a strong Steel WIng! How will Sora manage?" The announcer asked.
"Taillow! Just head for the ring!" Sora called out.
"Corviknight You do the same!" Eddy called out. Taillow and Corviknight flies towards the ring as well.
"Can Corviknight catch up before Taillow can grab the ring?" The announcer asked. The wind starts to kick up. "Wait! The Wind!"
"Watch out!" Shane shouted.
"Corviknight! Move away from it!" Eddy called out. Corviknight moves away from Taillow as a tornado suddenly appears out of the blue. This catches Kairi and Angel completely by surprise.
"Sora!" Kairi called out.
"Eevee!" Angel also called out.
"Unbelieveable! A flash tornado, the kind Crossgate Town is famous for!" The announcer announced.
"I was afraid one would be coming soon, but this is really bad timing!" Shane said.
"It doesn't look like either of them will get that ring until that tornado clears," Kairi said.
"Corviknight, as soon as the tornado clears, head for the ring," Eddy said. Corviknight nodded as it understood.
"Not gonna wait for the weather. That's exactly what they'll expect," Sora said. "Taillow! Head for the ring!" Taillow flies right into the tornado. Kairi, Angel, Shane, Neddy, and Freddy were shocked and surprised.
"Sora has sent Taillow straight into the tornado! Is he crazy?!" The announcer asked.
"What is he trying to do? Even my brothers wouldn't try something that reckless," Eddy said.
Taillow flew right in the tornado, not giving up for a single second.
"You can make it, Taillow. Remember, I have faith in you," Sora said. Taillow did his best to fly through the strong winds of the tornado, but the winds were proving to be too strong for the tiny swallow Pokémon to handle. Taillow is pushed back and right out of the tornado. "Don't give up, Taillow! Come on! Show me your fighting spirit!" Taillow started to head back for the tornado and lets out a loud cry as he began to evolve. Everyone were astounded by the sudden evolution of Taillow as he turned into a large, navy blue, swallow-like Pokémon with a somewhat chubby white underbelly and a red breast and face. His tail is deeply forked, his has a crest of feathers on the back of his head, and he appears to have a smug expression.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Sora's Taillow had just evolved into a Swellow! Outstanding!" The announcer announced.
"Swellow. Okay Swellow, go capture that ring!" Sora called out.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said.
Swellow flew right back to the tornado, but is using Wing Attack this time. He began to spin around.
"Swellow has charged back into the tornado with new strength, and a spinning Wing Attack!" The announcer announced. The tornado vanishes as the newly evolved swallow Pokémon is getting closer to the ring. "It's closing in on the ring!" Swellow grabs the ring in his beak. "And now diving for the goal!"
"Stop it, Corviknight! Use Your Power Trip!" Eddy ordered. Corviknight dove down towards Swellow and unleashes a much more powerful Power Trip than Corvisquire did. Swellow got hit by the attack and drps the ring. Corviknight moves in towards the ring.
"Use Wing Attack, but aim right at the ring!" Sora ordered. Swellow heads for the ring and smacked the ring before the raven Pokémon could grab it in its beak. The ring hurdles right at the goal, earning a win for Sora.
"What an incredible shot! Goal!" The announcer announced. Eddy was at a loss for words to what he saw. "And a victory for Sora Ketchum and his Swellow!" Swellow flew back to Sora.
"I knew you could do it, Swellow," Sora said. He took out his Pokédex and scanned his newly evolved Pokémon.
Swellow, the Swallow Pokémon
The evolved form of Taillow
Type: Normal/Flying
Swellow flies high above our heads, making graceful arcs in the sky. This Pokémon dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. The hapless prey is tightly grasped by Swellow's clawed feet, preventing escape.
"Eddy lost!" Both of Eddy's brothers groaned.
The crowd starts roaring as Sora had won the competition.
"Congratulations to Sora Ketchum, this year's winner of the Pokéringer Competition and new honorary citizen of Crossgate Town!" The announcer announced. Sora accept his honorary citizenship and the winner's trophy from the town's council. Eddy walks up to Sora along with his brothers.
"Sora, congrats on your win. I never had an opponent as challenging as you are," Eddy said.
"Thanks Eddy. You did awesomely too," Sora said.
"Also, your Taillow evolving into a Swellow threw me off. Also, your Swellow is one of the few Pokémon to ever last long against my Corviknight. You raised your Swellow right," Eddy said. Sora and Eddy shook hands.
"You guys make a great team, Sora. No one here could ever deny that the best Pokéringer won today!" Shane said.
"Thanks Shane. I appreciate it," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said. Sora turned to Swellow.
"Shane's right, we do make a good team, Swellow," Sora said.
Once the Pokéringer Competition had been concluded, Shane had treated his new friends for a meal at his favorite resturant. Pikachu, Angel, Lairon, Swellow, Vikavolt, Manectric, Spoink, Bewear, Roselia, Beautifly, Milotic, and her own Swablu were eating along with them. Shane's Swablu developed a little crush on Kairi's Swablu. Pikachu and Angel shared a Lady and a Tramp style kiss when they were biting into the same piece of Pokémon food.
On the very next morning, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel continue on their way to Foretree City for his battle against Winona. As they left, Sora had left behind a little piece of himself as he his in the Cossgate Town hall of fame next to Volt and his Volbeat.
Over to Lisia she and Ali have been taken hostage by Team Magma in an armed truck. As they were driving in their truck, something struck their tires.
"What the hell?!" The first grunt exclaimed.
"What's wrong?" The second grunt asked.
"Something hit the tires," the first grunt said. He turned to the him. "Go out and see what's wrong." The second grunt stepped out of the truck to see what was going on.
"Hey! Who are you?!" The second grunt asked from outside. He screamed in pain as he hits the side of the truck. The first grunt stepped out when he saw him on the ground unconscious. He turned to see Riku, Eevee, Naminé, Azurill, and a Cacturne with them.
"Hey! Did you do this?" The first grunt asked.
"Yeah, like this. Cacturne! Sucker Punch!" Riku ordered. Cacturne vanishes for a second and lands a hit onto him before he could do anything. They headed for the back of the truck. "Cacturne, get it open with Needle Arm!" Cacturne uses the spikes on its arms to break open the door and saves Lisia and Ali inside it.
"Who are you?" Lisia asked.
"The guys who saved you from Team Magma. Let's go!" Riku said. She and her Altaria joined the couple and ran off into the woods. The first Team Magma grunt regained conscious and saw the door opened and Lisia and Ali were gone.
"Tabitha to armored 1! Respond at once!" Tabitha spoke over the radio. He answered the radio.
"Armored 1 reporting. Hostage escaped. Repeat: hostage escaped," the first grunt replied. "We were ambushed by a trainer who came out of nowhere. He helped the target escape." Tabitha growled in anger.
"Find her and bring her back! Now!" Tabitha barked over the radio before breaking contact. The grunts began to search for Lisia and her rescuers, but it was too late since the trail was already lost. Ali had flown carrying Lisia, Riku, Naminé, and the small Pokémon in flight. Once they were far enough, Ali made a landing.
"That was close," Lisia said.
"I'll say. It was a good thing were near by. How did you end up mixed in with those guys?" Riku asked.
"I was on my way home to Sootolpis City when Team Magma captred me and planned to use me as a hostage. THey said something about a Red Orb," Lisia said.
"The same kind of orb they're looking for?" Riku asked.
"Yes," Lisia said. "Thank you for saving me, by the way."
"You don't have to thank us. We were happy to help," Naminé said.
"Now, we should get back to looking for Sora and Kairi and warn them about Team Magma," Riku said. Lisia got wide-eyed when she heard their names.
"You know Sora and Kairi?" Lisia asked,
"Yes. do you know them?" Naminé asked.
"Yes. I was traveling with them until the Rubello Town Pokémon Contest not too long ago," Lisia said.
"Where are they now?" Riku asked.
"Last time I heard from them, they were heading for Fortree City," Lisia said.
"Then, that's where well be going," Riku said.
"But Riku, what if Team Magma try to snatch her again?" Naminé asked.
"Azu," Azurill chirped.
"First, we'll have to make sure she gets out of harm's way," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said. He turned to Lisia.
"We'll have to take you to the police station at the nearest town before we do anything else," Riku said. "There's no doubt Team Magma will try to take you again."
"Okay," Lisia said.
An unexpected rescue by Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Azurill has derailed any plans Team Magma had for Lisia. Riku may have placed a much bigger target on the backs of himself and his girlfriend. They head for the nearest town to tell the police about Team Magma's kidnapping. And their search for Sora and Kairi continues after that.