Episode 269: Only Juan Badge Left
Aboard the ship bound for Sootopolis City, Sora thought of having a practice battle before they got there. Riku volunteered to help him out as Kairi, Angel, Meowth Tai, Kari, and their friends all decide to watch closely. Team Chaotix snuck aboard, posing as some passengers. They all read newspapers and sneaking a look.
"You ready to go, Sora?" Riku asked.
"Ready when you are, Riku," Sora said. THey both took out a Pokéball and threw them at the exact same time. "Come on out, Cacnea!"
"Sharpen your needles, Cacturne!" Riku called out.
Both Cacnea and Cacturne both entered the fray, ready to battle each other.
"Cacnea! Bullet Seed!" Sora ordered.
"Cacturne! You use Pin Missle!" Riku ordered. Cacturne fires Pin Missle and it blocks out Cacnea's Bullet Seed.
"Needle Arm, Cacnea!" Sora ordered. Cacnea comes at the scarecrow Pokémon with his arm out.
"Cacturne! You use your Needle Arm!" Riku ordered. Cacturne comes at Cacnea and lands a Needle Arm on the cactus Pokémon. Cacnea was strong, but Cacturne is much stronger. "Now use Dark Pulse!" Cacturne fires Dark Pulse and the attack was enough to finish Cacnea off.
"You okay, Cacnea?" Sora asked.
"Nea," Cacnea responded.
"Don't worry, bud. You'll better in your next battle," Sora assured.
"I would say that's another one you owe me, but it was just a practice battle. So, I'll let that one slide," Riku said.
"Thanks. Gotta say, your Cacturne is pretty awesome," Sora said.
"The same can be said about your Cacnea. He's got some spunk, just like you, Sora," Riku said. Cacnea glares at his evolved form.
"Cac, Cac, Canea! Cacnea, nea, nea, nea, Cacnea, nea!" Cacnea said.
"What was that about?" Joe asked.
"Cacnea just told Cacturne that he wins this round, but next time, he's not going to lose to him again," Meowth translated.
"That could only mean, Sora's Cacnea just got himself a new rival," TK said.
"Just like those two," Matt said. "Those two can give it everything they've got and not back down once."
"I'll, say. It's been like that ever since their very first battle," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"A feirce rivalry and a strong friendship. Kinda reminds me of Sonic and Shadow," Espio said.
"Yeah, those two can go at it until they're old and gray," Charmy said. "And they'll still be fast."
"Those two can considered this world's own Sonic and Shadow from what I can see," Vector said. "Can't help but wonder how those two would handle Chaos Control."
Meanwhile in Canterlot High, Sunset Shimmer wrote to Princess Twilight about the incident of Cia and King Dedede being kidnapped by her. Right in Equestria, Twilight had no idea how to help her in that department. The Poipole whom had made its way from Ultra Space to Equestria entered the magic mirror and came into Canterlot High.
Sunset Shimmer and the rest could only sit around in the room they're occupying.
"So, what did the princess say, Sunset?" Oil Man asked.
"She says she doesn't know how she's gonna help us get to other dimensions," Sunset Shimmer said.
"Oh, bummer in the summer," Pinkie Pie said.
"Well, at least ya tried," Applejack said.
"Indeed. I am not sure why she even wanted him in the first place," Rarity said.
"I only hope we hit this Dream Land place and find Kirby, the one he mentioned before," Chunky Kong said.
"You think he could help us?" Fluttershy asked.
"He might if he learned about this," Time Man said.
"Yeah, Mega Man would do the same thing for him," Oil Man agreed.
The Poipole entered the high school building and saw a whole bunch of high school students. Poipole entered through an open door as a dimensional rift opens up in front of them.
"What the?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"Crickey! Not again!" Dingodile yelped.
"Whoa!" Everyone shouted as they're all sucked up inside. The Poipole follows them through the rift as it closes. They all end up in the world of Avalar as they all dog piled on one another. The professor watches the scene unfold.
"Oh my! Oh my!" The professor exclaimed.
"That... was... AWESOME!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"And fun! Can we do that again?!" Pinkie Pie asked.
"How 'bout we don't," Tiny Kong said. The Poipole floats to the group, catching Fluttershy's attention.
"Hello there, little one. Where did you come from?" Fluttershy asked.
"Poi, Poi, Poi!" Poipole said.
"Where are we?" Twilight asked. The group all looked at the professor with an odd look on each of their faces.
"This isn't how I would have expected an important rescue mission," Spike said.
Back in the Hoenn region, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth Riku, Naminé, Eevee, Azurill, Tai, Kari, Matt, TK, Sara, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, and Amy all arrived in Sootopolis City. Team Chaotix departed the ship after they did. They hid in the alleys, not being seen by the people or Pokémon.
"The Sootopolis City Gym should be around here somewhere," Davis said.
"So, where do we look?" Matt asked.
They were about to start looking when they saw a crowd heading somewhere, following some fireworks going off. Being taken by curiosity, they followed to see what the commotion was about. Team Choatix follows them to where they are heading. They all stumbled to what looks like a water-themed theater.
"What's going on over here?" Sora asked.
"Looks like a show is going on, that's what," Izzy said.
"Should be entertaining to watch," Naminé said. Riku sighed as Eevee shared his trainer's sympathy. The mayor came on stage to make the announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" The mayor called out. "Since our beautiful town has been known and praised as 'The Water City,' it is only fitting that a new piece of water art has been brought to life here! And so, I'll introduce it to you! And as the mayor of Sootpolis City I can think of no greater honor!" The crowd starts applauding. "But of course, none of this would've been possible without the tireless help of our beloved Gym Leader, Juan!"
"I was wondering who was running the gym since Wallace isn't anymore," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Now, without any further ado, it's my great pleasure to introduce our man, Juan!" The mayor announced as he stepped off the stage as Juan makes his entrance. Juan is a man with dark eyes, a small, trimmed moustache and black hair with two white locks standing out in the front and one on his right side of the head. Juan wore a skin tight black suit, a regal blue mantle, a white scarf with a blue gem etched into it. He also wore purple cargo shorts and a pair of white penny loafers. Many of the women in the audience were especially astounded to seeing him.
"We love Juan! We love Juan!" Many of the women chanted.
"Wow, the ladies are sure going gaga for that guy," Charmy said.
"What's be expected? It's obvious that he's a local celebrity. And judging how he's dressed I would say that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth," Vector deduced. Juan waved his arms as water bursted out from the sea water, much to everyone's amzement. It creates a beautiful rainbow.
"I'm truly humbled," Juan said, taking a bow. Everyone cheered for him. "I thank you all from the bottom of my heartfor being here on this special day. I also want to thank the mayor for his kind words on my behalf but I'm afraid they're far better suited to my Pokémon," Juan said. "Dear Pokémon, come greet your fans!" One by one, Juan's Pokémon jumped out of the water. In this order: a Gorebyss, Seadra, Azurill, Luvdisc, Goldeen, Wailmer, and Milotic all appear on the stage.
"Wow, his Pokémon are all amazing," Kari said.
"And what an entrance!" TK said.
"Just look at that Milotic," Mimi said. "It's just the prettiest Milotic I have ever seen; no offense to you, Kairi."
"None taken," Kairi said.
"They look well taken care of," Meowth said.
"Is it me or does Juan has Pokémon Coordinator written on his face?" Kairi said.
"Now, for your pleasure! Sit back and feast your eyes!" Juan announced as his Pokémon launched their water attacks. They combine and it sparkles. A Corsola, a Barboach, a Chinchou all come out of the water and fire their water attacks as well. A Wingull, a Masquerain, a Pelipper, a Lapras, and a Primarina, all do the same. It was absolutely an amazing sight to see. Several Staryu, Tentacruel, and Buizel all come out and do the same. The crowd cheers heartily to the performance.
"That was so beautiful," the girls all said. The mayor approaches the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all so much!" The mayor announced. The continued on as Juan had put on another wonderful display of his water art.
Once the show had concluded, Juan had taken his final bow.
"Thank you all for attending!" Juan said.
"This is it. Time to make my move," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu agreed. Sora approaches Juan.
"Excuse me, sir," Sora said. Juan turned to see Sora.
"How may I help you, young man?" Juan asked.
"Sir, I traveled all over the Hoenn region and earned seven Gym Badges and I only need just one more," Sora said.
"Ah, so you're here for a Gym battle, yes?" Juan said.
"Yes. My name is Sora Ketchum and I have come to challenge you to a battle," Sora said.
"Then I accept, young Sora. I am looking forward for a splendid battle," Juan said. With that said, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Azurill boarded his personal boat as Tai, Kari, and the rest had gone to the Pokémon Center for a bit. Team Chaotix boarded on the back before anyone would notice.
"I have to say, it was a beautiful performance, Juan," Kairi said.
"I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed it, Kairi," Juan said.
"The way your Pokémon performed their moves like that was kinda like watching a Pokémon Contest," Naminé said as Juan sighed humbly.
"Ah, yes. That takes me back. You see, I was a Pokémon Coordinator many years ago," Juan said.
"I knew it. You were a Coordinator," Kairi said.
"We were told Wallace was the Gym Leader before you came along," Riku said.
"So, you've met him. Wallace met up with Steven Stone when Teams Magma and Aqua were making their move to creating the world into their image. Wallace asked me to look after the Gym in his absence, so I could not refuse him," Juan explained.
"Yeah, we also met Lisia. Also, we were in the middle of the whole Primal Groudon and Kyogre theme. We thought we were done for when Rayquaza came along," Sora said.
"Yes, Wallace has shared it with me. Even as we speak, he and Steven are preparing for this year's Hoenn Pokémon League. So, I am still running the Gym until then," Juan said. Meowth's heart sank having to bring up that part since he lost Jessie and James. Sora noticed it since he, Kairi, Riku, Tai, Steven, and Wallace saw the submarine they were on get destroyed.
They arrived to the Gym; much to their surprise, it looked more like a mansion. Standing outside, a butler stands outside awaiting Juan to return.
"Welcome back, master Juan. I trust your performance went well," the butler greeted.
"These are Sora and his friends. Sora will be our challenger today," Juan announced.
"I see. I am Sebastion. I am master Juan's personal butler and I shall be the referee for the Gym battle," Sebastion said. He led the small group to the battlefield. Team Chaotix made sure no one was around and went forward to the window to watch the battle personally. They reached a window as Both Sora and Juan had taken in their positions. The whole battlefield is a huge swimming pool.
"Here we are. This has got to be Gym battle they were going on about," Vector said.
"Let's see how it works," Espio said.
"The Gym battle between the Gym Leader Juan and the challenger Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town is about to begin! This will be a full six-on-six battle! This battle shall be different than the previous battles before! The first round shall be a double battle! During the first round, both the challenger and the Gym Leader will be using their first Pokémon and no substitutions. The first round shall be over when either two Pokémon is unable to continue! The second round shall allow both contestants to use their remaining Pokémon. During the course of the second round, only the challenger is allowed make substitutions. The battle shall be over if all of either the challenger's or the Gym Leader's Pokémon are unable to continue battling! Choose your Pokémon and begin!" Sebastion announced. Juan took out two Pokéballs and threw them.
"Go forth, Sealeo and Seaking!" Juan called out. Both his Sealeo and Seaking entered the battlefield. Sora looked over to his partner.
"You go in first, Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu nodded.
"And Pokémon number two shall be Cacnea!" Sora called out as he threw his Pokéball and Cacnea swings his arms upon entry.
"I see you have come prepared, Sora. Both a Grass and Electric Type Pokémon are wise choices," Juan said.
"Starting things up with a double battle. I didn't think they would be uch a rule," Kairi said.
"Juan must have set this up. He wants to test his challengers abilities to adapt to a changing situation," Riku said.
"No wonder it's the last Gym," Naminé said.
"Rill," Azurill chirped.
"And I thought the last one was a challenge," Meowth said.
"You may have the honor of making the first move, Sora," Juan offered.
"Pikachu! Start things up with Thunderbolt on Sealeo!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fires Thunderbolt right at the seal-like Pokémon, but Juan had an ace up his sleeve.
"Seaking! use Horn Drill!" Juan ordered. Seaking's horn spins like a drill and uses it to block Pikachu's electricity much to Sora's surprise.
"No way!" Sora exclaimed.
"Now, let's send it flying," Juan said. Seaking sends Pikachu's Thunderbolt back and it struck Cacnea.
"Cacnea!" Sora gasped. Cacnea was hurt, but because of being able to withstand Electric Type attacks, Cacnea was okay. "Right, because Cacnea is a Grass Type, Pikachu's Electric Type attacks won't bother him much. But I shouldn't count Sealeo out because it's an Ice Type Pokémon. Cacnea! Bullet Seed! at Seaking!" Cacnea fires Bullet Seed right at the goldfish Pokémon.
"Dodge it, the both of you," Juan called out. Sealeo and Seaking dodges by diving underwater and Cacnea's Bullet Seed misses them.
"Get ready, you guys! They're going to be coming from below!" Sora called out.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Sealeo! Use Aurora Beam!" Juan ordered.
"Jump!" Sora called out. Pikachu jumped off the platform before Sealeo could land a hit.
"Seaking! Hyper Beam!" Juan ordered. Seaking poked its head out of the head to fire Hyper Beam.
"Cacnea! Needle Arm!" Sora ordered. Cacnea came down, swinging his arm. Seaking fired, but misses. Cacnea lands a heavy blow onto the goldfish Pokémon. Seaking goes flying towards Sealeo and collides with the ball roll Pokémon. "Thunderbolt! Full Power!" Pikachu fires Thunderbolt and it was too powerful for Seaking to block and both ended up receiving a huge shock. Both of Juan's Pokémon ended being knocked out.
"Both Seaking and Sealeo are unable to battle! Pikachu and Cacnea wins! The Gym battle shall now proceed to a single battle! And as you know, the battle shall be over if all of the remaining Pokémon are unable to continue!" Sebastion announced.
"Way to go, Sora!" Kairi cheered.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel cheered hardly for her boyfriend for winning.
"Wow, they took them down at once," Meowth said.
With that done, Cacnea started to evolve. Cacnea had evolved into a Cacturne. Sora's newly evolved Cacturne is much larger than both Harley's and Riku's Cacturne.
"Cacnea's a Cacturne!" Sora said. Juan applauded for Sora.
"Well done, Sora. You have made it to the second round of our battle. Now, we shall begin the second round," Juan said. He took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Go forth, Luvdisc!" His Luvdisc enters the battlefield. Sora calls back Cacturne.
"Take five, Pikachu," Sora said. Pikachu returns to Sora's side. He takes out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Ludicolo!" His Pokéball opens and Ludicolo starts dancing upon entry.
"My, my, such a lively Ludicolo," Juan complimented. "You raised your Ludicolo well."
"Thanks. Ludicolo! Razor Leaf!" Sora ordered. Ludicolo fires Razor Leaf and heads right towards Luvdisc.
"Dodge!" Juan called out. Luvdisc avoids Ludicolo's Razor Leaf with great speed. "Now use Attract!" Luvdisc sends out a heart and struck the carefree Pokémon. Ludicolo fell in love with the rendevous Pokémon.
"This is a problem. All of the Pokémon on my team are all boys! This is just like the stunt Whitney pulled on me on our Gym battle. I turned that around because Meltan is a genderless Pokémon," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Ludicolo got bit by the love bug," Meowth said.
"And that's a real problem because all of the Pokémon he has with him are all boys," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said concerned for Pikachu.
"Just hope he can turn it around and soon," Naminé said.
"He's gonna have to," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said. Knowing Ludicolo wasn't gonna attack much due to Attract, he calls Ludicolo back for the moment and taes out Cacturne's Pokéball.
"Okay Cacturne! Back to action!" Sora called out. Cacturne comes back out to battle.
"Calling back your Ludicolo because of Attract was a wise move, Sora. But will your Cacturne manage to last long?" Juan asked.
"Cacturne! Bullet Seed!" Sora ordered. Cacturne fired Bullet Seed right at Luvdisc, but she ducked in the water and creating some rain.
"Luvdisc, use Attaract!" Juan ordered. Luvdisc launches Attract to strike the scarescrow Pokémon.
"No you don't! Cacturne! Pin Missle!" Sora ordered. Cacturne fires Pin Missle in attempt to stop Attract. The hearts kept on coming.
"It's not working!" Kairi said.
"What is he trying to pull?" Meowth asked.
"Do a spin around and then do Pin Missle!" Sora ordered. Cacturne spins around like a top and the hearts chases after him. Cacturne then fires Pin Missle to strike Luvdisc while spinnning, but she quickly dodges the attack.
"What was that?" Meowth asked.
"It's Luvdisc's ability called Swift Swim," Riku said.
"On no. The increases Luvdisc's speed in the rain," Kairi said.
"Two things Sora is gonna have a problem with: Luvdisc's speed and attract," Naminé said. Cacturne kept spinning around and around, but ended up getting dizzy and stopped. With that, Attract hits its mark, making Cacturne fall in love with his opponent.
"Uh oh," Sora said.
"Luvdisc! Use Draining Kiss!" Juan ordered. Luvdisc dashed towards Cacturne and gave the Scarecrow Pokémon a kiss on the cheek. The kiss saps Cacturne's stamina and fell to the ground beaten.
"Cacturne is unable to battle! Luvdisc wins!" Sebastion announced.
"That's one loss for Sora," RIku said.
"Draining Kiss can do that when draining an opponent's stamina; plus it was super-effective since Cacturne is weak against Fairy Type moves," Naminé said. Sora takes out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"Back to action, Ludicolo!" Sora called out. His Ludicolo dances again when he entered the battlefield. He figured Ludicolo had the same ability as Luvdisc and maybe and hopefully, Ludicolo would be much faster.
"So, you're sending your Ludicolo back out. I trust you have some sort of surprise in store for me?" Juan asked.
"And what a surprise it'll be," Sora said.
"Luvdisc! Draining Kiss!" Juan ordered. Luvdisc moved in to give the carefree Pokémon a kiss. Sora waited until Luvdisc was close enough.
"Dodge it, Ludicolo!" Sora called out. Ludicolo avoids Luvdisc's Draining Kiss much faster than normal.
"Ah, I see. Surely you knew your Ludicolo shares Luvdisc's ability and used it to your advantage. An excellent strategy, my boy. I truly applaud you. But will it be enough?" Juan asked. "Luvdisc! Use your Attract!"
"Ice Punch!" Sora ordered. Ludicolo ran lands an icy punch onto Luvdisc. "Ice Punch again and again!" Ludicolo ran across the battlefield and lands several punches onto Luvdisc. "Now wrap it up with Energy Ball!" Ludicolo forms a ball of green energy and hurls it at Luvdisc and lands a heavy blow. Luvdisc had been knocked out.
"Luvdisc is unable to battle! Ludicolo wins!" Sebastion announced. It stopped raining.
"Juan had lost three of his and Sora just lost one of his. Sora will either win it or he'll find a way around it," Riku said. Juan calls his fallen Luvdisc back.
"You are full of potential, Sora. Now feast your eyes on this," Juan said, taking out his next Pokéball. "Go forth, Crawdaunt!" Crawdaunt clamps its pincers upon entry.
"Still good to go, Ludicolo?" Sora asked.
"Colo," Ludicolo nodded.
"Great! Okay Ludicolo! Razor Leaf!" Sora ordered. Ludicolo fires Razor Leaf to strike at the lobster-like Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Night Slash!" Juan ordered. Crawdaunt avoids Ludicolo's Razor Leaf and swipes its pincer at Ludicolo. "Now use Guillotine!" Crawdaunt clamps onto Ludicolo hard, earning a knockout in Juan's favor.
"Ludicolo is unable to battle! Crawdaunt wins!" Sebastion announced. Sora calls back Ludicolo and pulls out another Pokéball.
"So far, the only ones left are Pikachu, Breloom, Sceptile, and Shiftry. Pikachu is still worn out from that double battle, so I gotta use one I haven't used yet. And I have just the one," Sora said to himself. "Go! Breloom!" He threw it and stars swirls around Breloom upon entry.
"My, my, such wonderfully colored Breloom you have. And strong-looking as well," Juan complimented.
"Thanks. Breloom! Mach Punch!" Sora ordered. Breloom goes in blinding speed to deliever a punch onto Crawdaunt.
"Block it with Guillotine!" Juan ordered. Crawdaunt blocks Breloom's Mach Punch with Guillotine. "Now use Crabhammer!" Crawdaunt swings its pincer at Breeloom to deliver a hit.
"Counter with Force Palm!" Sora ordered. Breloom uses his hands and pushes the ruffian Pokémon back. "Now use Seed Bomb!" Breloom fired Seed Bomb right at the ruffian Pokémon and explodes upon making contact.
"Such a splendid display, Sora. Your series of attacks are quite impressive," Juan said.
"You think he's feeling sorry for him?" Charmy asked.
"He's not pitying him. He's respecting him," Espio said. "He has proven himself quite honorable."
"I'm with Espio. He's giving everything he's got. And I thought he was good before," Vector said.
"Crawdaunt! Crabhammer Guillotine once more!" Juan ordered. Crawdaunt moved in to deliever Guillotine with hopes of finishing him off.
"Breloom! Mach Punch!" Sora ordered. Breloom moved in to deliever the finishing blow to Crawdaunt. Breloom landed a punch as Crawdaunt grabs Breloom with one of its pincers. Both Pokémon collided with one another and earned a knockout for each side.
"Crawdaunt and Breloom are both unable to battle! This round is a draw!" Sebastion announced.
"Now Juan's down to two Pokémon left," Naminé said.
"And Sora's down to three. Can't help but wonder how it's going to look for Sora when Juan manages to take down most of Sora's remaining team," Riku said. Juan calls back his fallen Crawdaunt as Sora called back Breloom.
"You have done well, Sora. Most of my challengers would have a difficult time against my Pokémon. But you are an exception," Juan said, taking out his next Pokéball. "Go forth, Whishcash!" A Whishcash came out and made a splash on the battlefield.
"Whishcash is a smart move on Juan's part since it's a Ground Type. That means Electric Type attacks aren't even gonna tickle it. Shiftry and Sceptile are my best bets," Sora said, taking out his next Pokéball. "You're up, Shiftry!" He threw it and Shiftry makes his entrance. "Shiftry! Start things up with your Solar Blade!" Sora ordered. Shiftry came at Whishwash with his leaves glowing brightly and charging up energy.
"Whishcash! Stop Shiftry with your whiskers!" Juan called out. Whishcash stops Shiftry cold. "Now use Tickle!" Whishcash's whiskers tickles the wicked Pokémon, making him laugh uncontrollably.
"Try to snap out of it!" Sora called out.
"Use Hyper Beam!" Juan ordered. Whishcash fires Hyper Beam and it was enough to knock out Shiftry.
"Shiftry is unable to battle! Whishcash wins!" Sebation announced.
"Now both has two left to use," Meowth said.
"That Whiscash is much stronger than it looked; and I thought it was already strong," Riku said.
"Can't let Pikachu back out because of Whishcash. Sceptile's speed does have its advantages. Just gotta play my cards, right," Sora said, taking out his next Pokéball. "Your turn now, Sceptile!" He threw it and his Sceptile places his branch into his mouth upon entry.
"Aw, so it is another Grass Type Pokémon. I must hand it to you, each and every one of your Pokémon are splendid. And next to your Pikachu, I can say your Sceptile is the most excellent," Juan complimented.
"Thanks Juan. Your Pokémon are just as awesome; just like you are. Now, let's keep this show of ours going," Sora said.
"Yes, let's keep it going, indeed," Juan agreed. "Whiscash! Grab Sceptile with your whiskers!" Whiscash sends its whiskers to grab Sceptile. Sora wasn't gonna fall for it again.
"Dodge it, Sceptile!" Sora called out. Sceptile avoided Whiscash's whiskers just by jumping out of the way before they could grab him. "Fool me once, Juan, then it's shame on you. Fool me twice, then it's shame on me."
"Well, that is a mistake I definitely will not make again. Whishcash! Mud Bomb, if you please!" Juan ordered. Whiscash fires Mud Bomb right at the forest Pokémon.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Sceptile avoids Whishcash's Mud Bomb just by running. "Now move in with Leaf Blade!" Sceptile ran towards the catfish-like Pokémon and swiped it with Leaf Blade just when he got close enough. "Wrap it up with Dragon Claw!" Sceptile swipes at Whishcash with Dragon Claw and it was enough to knock out Whischash.
"Whiscash is unable to battle! Sceptile wins!" Sebastion announced.
"Now Juan has one left to use," Kairi said.
"It might be that Milotic. Then again, it could be anything. Juan might be saving the best for last," Riku said.
"Wonderful job, Sora. You have defeated all of my Pokémon, all but one," Juan said, taking out his next Pokéball. "Go forth, Kingdra!" He threw it and his Kingdra enters the battlefield.
"A Kingdra. Thought he was gonna send out Milotic," Riku said.
"I think we all did, Riku. That Kingdra looks really strong," Naminé said.
"He looks stronger than the one Claire has; and that was a strong Kingdra. Also, since Sceptile knows Dragon Claw, a Dragon Type move should be effective on him," Kairi said.
"Hope so, because there's a chance that Kingdra knows some tricks to turn the battle to his favor pretty quick," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"So, his last one is a seahorse thing?" Charmy asked.
"That seahorse looks like it could sink a whole ship just by sneezing," Vector said.
"I agree. I'm curious to see how much damage it can do against the boy's lizard," Espio said.
"Sceptile! Dragon Claw! Let's go!" Sora ordered. Sceptile started to run towards the dragon Pokémon with his claws ready to swipe and glowing with purple dragonish energy.
"Kingdra! Ice Beam! Full power!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Ice Beam and it struck Sceptile causing some heavy damage. "Now! Finish it with your Dragon Pulse!" Kingdra sends out Dragon Pulse and it was enough to bring Sceptile down.
"Sceptile is unable to battle! Kingdra wins!" Sebastion announced.
"Both down to one," Kairi, Riku, and Vector all said at once.
"This should be entertaining to watch," Vector said.
"How do you think it's gonna go?" Espio asked.
"The way I see it, this fight is gonna go either way. Especially after seeing how it's going for the both of them," Vector said.
"Okay, this is it. Most of his and my Pokémon are out of commission and I'm down to Pikachu. Better make this count," Sora said, turning to his partner. "Ready to go back out to play, Pikachu?"
"Pika," Pikachu nodded.
"Good. Go for it," Sora said. Pikachu heads back out to battle Juan. This is the final round of his Hoenn Gym challenge and everything greatly depended on him. He couldn't afford to lose after coming so far. "Bottom of the barrel, gotta make this count."
"Kingdra! begin with Dragon Pulse!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Dragon Pulse to strike at the mouse Pokémon.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu narrowly avoids Dragon Pulse just by running across. "Now use Iron Tail!" Pikachu comes at Kingdra to hit him.
"Kingdra! Use Dragon Dance and then use Hydro Pump!" Juan ordered. Kingdra performs a dance, increasing both his speed and attack. Kingdra then fires Hydro Pump right at Pikachu. Pikachu tries to avoid it, but Hydro Pump had hit its mark. Kingdra had ceased fire. "Now fire Ice Beam!" Kingdra fires Ice Beam to strike at Pikachu.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu avoids Ice Beam just by jumping out of the way before Ice Beam could hit.
"That was close," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said with concern.
"That was a lucky break for Pikachu," Naminé said.
"Yeah. Kingdra's attacks won't be easily avoided since Dragon Dance pumped up both of Kingdra's speed and attacks," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Azurill," Azurill chirped.
"Your Pikachu has excellent speed and spirit. We shall see where that spirit takes you. Kingdra! Use Hydro Pump again!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Hydro Pump once again.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu ran to avoid Hydro Pump. It wasn't easily dodged when Kingdra's attack had hit its mark.
"Now! Fire Ice Beam!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Ice Beam to freeze Pikachu in his tracks.
"Pikachu! Block it with Electro Ball!" Sora ordered. Pikachu forms a ball of electricity and hurls it to block Ice Beam. The two attacks collides and creates an explosion. It creates some smoke.
"Blow that smoke away with Hydro Pump!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Hydro Pump and it cuts through the smoke. Pikachu was already close to Kingdra to much to the surprise of Kingdra and his trainer. "What in the world?!"
"Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu swings his tail at Kingdra and landed a successful hit.
"Pure genius of using the smoke of our previous attacks as a cover. Well done," Juan said.
"That was pretty sneaky," Meowth said.
"Yeah, but he's gonna have to come up with something fast if he wants to keep this in his favor," Riku said.
"I'm gonna have to put an end to the battle fast. How?" Sora asked himself. He then remembered that water conducts electricity. "Gotta wait for Juan to use Hydro Pump again. Dragon Pulse and Ice Beam, I'll have Pikachu dodge."
"Now use Dragon Pulse!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Dragon Pulse again. Kingdra fires it right towards Pikachu.
"Dodge!" Sora called out. Pikachu avoids Dragon Pulse with his speed.
"Ice Beam!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Ice Beam rigtht at Pikachu.
"Dodge again!" Sora called out. Pikachu avoids Ice Beam with his speed. Kairi and Riku knew Sora had something up his sleeve. They just had to wait and see. Vector figured that Sora was up to something, but he couldn't figure it out.
"What is he waiting for?" Vector asked. It then struck him. "He's waiting for that water attack. Becasue water conducts electricity."
"Kingdra! Hydro Pump!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Hydro Pump right at Pikachu. Sora smirked, knowing he was going to use it again.
"Stand your ground!" Sora called out. Pikachu stood there and took the hit of Hydro Pump. Angel covered her eyes, but Eevee kept his open.
"Is he throwing the battle?" Meowth asked.
"No. He planned for Hydro Pump," Riku said. Meowth was about to ask why when Sora gave the word.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt and turn up the juice!" Sora called out. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt and is greatly shocks Kingdra. The electricity sends Kingdra flying into the air and he falls back to the water as Pikachu stops his attack. Juan wondered if his Kingdra could still go on or has he lost the battle. Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Meowth, and Team Choatix waited anxiously for the results. Kingdra then resurfaced, beaten.
"Kingdra is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The winner is Sora Ketchum of Pallet Town!" Sebastion announced.
"He did it!" Kairi praised.
"Eevee!" Angel also praised.
"He did it!" Team Choatix all said.
Juan smiled and calls his fallen Kingdra back.
"Thank you, my friend. Take a good long rest. You have certainly earned it. You all have," Juan said. Juan clapped his hands as he approached Sora. "Congratulations, Sora. You have battled gallantly. And you are worthy of recognition among Pokémon trainers of the world. I have truly enjoyed our battle."
"Thanks Juan. I did too," Sora said. Sebastion walks up to Juan with a chest and the Gym Leader opens it.
"As proof of your victory here in the Sootolpolis City Gym, it is my honor and privilege to present to you the Rain Badge," Juan said, presenting him his final Hoenn Gym Badge. It is shaped like three raindrops arranged in a triangle. Sora accepts his Gym Badge.
"And this makes eight," Sora said.
"Indeed it does. Sebastion, would you be so kind to tell our victor of the tournament's location?" Juan asked.
"With pleasure, sir," Sebastion said, taking a bow. "The Hoenn Pokémon League is taking place in the Evergrande stadium in Evergrande City. And now that you have acquired all eight of your badges, you now qualify to participate in the Hoenn Pokémon League tournament."
"Than, I've some heavy training to do," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu agreed.
"Before you go, Sora, there is a request I would like to ask of you," Juan said.
"Sure thing. What?" Sora asked.
"I would like you to promise me that you will continue to raise your wonderful Pokémon," Juan requested. Sora smiled.
"That's a promise I will gladly keep," Sora said.
"And Kairi, I understand that you have earned all five of your ribbons, yes?" Juan asked.
"Yes, that's right," Kairi replied.
"Then you shall like to know that the Grand Festival is taking place in Slateport City just before the Hoenn Pokémon League," Juan said.
"That's good to know," Kairi said.
"I can only wish you both the best of luck on your way," Juan said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, and the Pokémon all left the Gym and headed off for the Pokémon Center to heal up his team. Just then, Vivian spotted Sora and walked up to him.
"Excuse me," Vivian said, approaching Sora, "You wouldn't by any chance be Sora Ketchum, the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto and Johto, would you?"
"Yes," Sora said.
"Well, I've seen you around and I was wondering if you like to judge at the Pacifidlog Town Pokémon Contest, would you?" Vivian asked.
"Me?" Sora asked.
"Yes you. It's the very last contest before the Grand Festival. You don't have to answer right away, of course. I'll be back later to hear from you," Vivian said. She left the Pokémon Center to hear Sora's answer.
"Better hear what would be Kairi's say," Sora said. He explained to his girlfriend that he bumped into Vivian about being a judge for the Pacifidlog Town Pokémon Contest and that it's the last contest before the Grand Festival starts.
"You should go for it, Sora," Kairi said.
"Think I should?" Sora asked.
"It makes sense that you'd judge it since you're a well-known Pokémon trainer. I mean, it's not everyday that a Pokémon League Champion gets asked to be a judge in a Pokémon Contest. Besides, we knew it'll come," Kairi said. Sora couldn't argue that with her and decided to go along with it.
"Okay. I mean, it is just one contest, anyway," Sora said. "Maybe, I can give Vivian an answer as soon as I see her." With that said, Sora went to pick up his Pokémon from Nurse Joy, Vivian came back to ask Sora.
"So, Sora. Have you decided?" Vivian asked.
"I have actually. I decided to go along with it," Sora said.
"Wonderful. I'm looking forward to seeing you there," Vivian said. Pikachu looked at him confused.
"Pikachu?" Pikachu asked.
"I'll explain later, buddy," Sora said.
Back in Kanto, Jessie and James kept tabs on Team Rocket's activities out in the field while Genghis and Kahnnie were doing so within their base. Jessie and James had gotten information on all of Team Rocket's current hideouts. In one location, it was the old mansion Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and the Alolan nine all visited once in the woods.
"What the hell is going on? Everything was going well for us, until the cops were coming down on us more," one male grunt said.
"They're kicking down our doors and coming at us like crazy! So much of our fellows are in jail right now," one female grunt said.
"So, why are we here instead of heading back to HQ?" Another female grunt asked.
"I'll tell you why. Someone's a squealer! That's the only way they had us figured out!" The first male grunt said. All the other grunts all look at him.
"What do you mean?" Another male grunt asked.
"I overheard Proton and Petrel talking once. They said something about a leak. There's a squealer in our ranks and they know it! And so does the boss!" The first male grunt explained.
"How long did they know?" A third female grunt asked.
"I don't know! All I know is someone is ratting us out to the cops! And when we find who it is, we'll string him up!" The first male grunt said.
Back in Sootopolis City, Sora accessed his Pokédex and exchanged Cacturne, Shiftry, Ludicolo, and Breloom for his Snorunt, Vigoroth, Sealeo, and Metang while Kairi had exchanged her Delcatty, Roserade, and Corsola for Volbeat, Illumise, and her Snorunt. Tai, Kari, and their friends all approach Sora and Kairi.
"So, how did go?" Tai asked.
"I got my eighth and final badge," Sora said, showing them his eight Gym Badges.
"All eight badges! Sweet!" Davis said.
"You heading for the Evergrande City?" Sara asked.
"Well, the thing is, we're heading for Pacifidlog Town before that. Got asked to be a judge. And Kairi has the Grand Festival to train for. Luckily for me, the Grand Festival takes place before the the Hoenn Pokémon League gets started, so I got to train for that," Sora said.
"We'll meet up with you there, Ketchum. You made it so far ever since the Indigo Plateau," Tai said.
"So, train hard," Kari said.
"We will," Sora said.
"And good luck in the Grand Festival, Kairi," Kari said.
"I won't need it," Kairi said.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, and Meowth takes their leave of Sootopolis City and continue on with their island exploring adventures. The couple both got all what they needed, but they knew it was not going to be an easy win for each of them, so they had to work hard after making it so far.