Episode 295: The Land of Subcon: Caves and Snow
After the group made their way to a huge waterfall, they looked up to the large waterfall with such amazement.
"That is the biggest waterfall I have ever seen," Kairi said.
"Took the words right out of my mouth, Kairi," Luigi said.
"You don't think maybe, the next keyis all the way up there, right?" Meowth asked.
"Well, it's either we go up or we take the plunge," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I vote for go up," Meowth said.
"I second that vote," Sorrel said.
"But how are we going to do that?" Mario asked.
"It's not like we could grow wings and fly all the up there," Luigi said. Sora then got an idea.
"Or don't have to grow wings," Sora said Sorrel and Verity were confused by what Sora meant. He took out his Pokémon Box and he exchanged Mudsdale, Cacturne, Runerigus, and Camerupt for Aerodactyl, Charizard, Pidgeot, and Salamence. "Okay, Charizard, Salamence, Pidgeot, Crobat, and Aerodactyl! Come on out!" Sora's flying Pokémon were let out to assist them. "Why grow wings when we got Pokémon that already has wings? And big enough to carry us if I may add."
"Good-a thinking, Sora," Mario said. Sora and Kairi got on Salamence as Charizard carried Sorrel. Meowth grabbed Crobat as Pikachu and Angel got on Aerodactyl and Verity got on Pidgeot. Aerodactyl carried Mario and Luigi in his talons. They flew up to the waterfall. Above the cliff, a lone Pidgit along with a squad of red albatross-like birds are flying close by with some black bombs with white eyes, yellow feet, and a wind-up key on their backs. The Pidgit looks through a telescope.
"There they are. The ones we were told about. Tyrone will be happy with us tonight, also we won't end up on the menu," the Pidgit said, putting the telescope away. He turned to the red birds. "Okay, Albatoss squad! Bob-Ombs away!" The Albatosses started to make their way to the group. Pikachu and Angel hear the sound of flapping coming close. The Pokémon couple turn to see the Albatosses heading their way.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed.
"Eevee!" Angel also exclaimed.
"Pikachu, Angel, what's wrong?" Sora asked. Meowth turned and winced at the sight of the red birds coming.
"I thnk I know what! Trouble's flying our way!" Meowth exclaimed pointing to the red birds. The trainers and the plumbers turned to see the Albatoss squad heading their way.
"It's a bunch of birds," Sora said.
"But what are they carrying?" Kairi asked. Mario and Luigi took a closer look at the bombs they're carrying and saw they were weren't ordinary bombs.
"Mama Mia! Bob-Ombs!" Mario exclaimed.
"Bob-Ombs?" Sora, Kairi, Sorrel, and Verity asked.
"They're bombs with an explosive bad attitude! And the explosive part is literal," Luigi said. The Albatosses tossed the Bob-Ombs and they explode in the air. The flying Pokémon were trying to avoid the sentient bombs much to their abilities, but got harder each time they dodged.
"Enough is enough! Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt and shocked some of the the Albatosses.
"Angel! Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel fires Swift and the stars all strike the Bob-Ombs, causing some explosions.
"Charizard and Salamence! Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Charizard and Salamence fired Flamethrower and it roasts the Albatosses. The birds were afraid of the dragon-like Pokémon and they flew away.
"Hey, come back! We're not done yet!" The Pidgit called out to them. He turned to see Crobat and Meowth in their faces. "On second thought, we are!" The Pidgit flew off on his magic carpet.
"And don't come back, ya turkeys!" Meowth taunted. "Okay, pal, back to the others." Crobat flew back to the group. "Those bird-brains won't be giving us trouble anymore."
"No, but their friends are going to when we bump into them," Sora said.
"Then, let's head on up and find that next key," Mario said.
The flying Pokémon finally reached the top of the waterfall. They were all popped from all the flapping they were doing. Sora took his five Pokéballs.
"Here, guys, you should take five. And you can rest for as much as you want back home," Sora said, calling his Pokémon back. Sora took out his Pokémon Box again and he exchanged Charizard, Salamence, Crobat, Pidgeot, and Aerodactyl for Gyarados, Sharpedo, Huntail, Arrocuda and Lapras as Kairi took hers out and exchanged Frosmoth, Flaffy, Sunflora and the Kantonian Ponyta for Gorebyss, Seadra, Dewgong, and Milotic. The couple called their Water Type Pokémon to cruise through the river and be ready for anymore surprise attacks.
Back in Pallet Town, Knuckles was having a sparring match with Hitmonchan to test his boxing abilities. Knuckles is wearing a pair of boxing gloves. Axl, Rouge, and Spyro were watching the event.
"Alright, show me what you've got! Let's see whose punches are stronger!" Knuckles challenged. Hitmonchan started with a Fire Punch. Knuckles ducked before Hitmonchan could lay a punch on the red echidna. "Too slow!" Knuckles attempted to land a punch, but Hitmonchan dodged and came in with an Ice Punch. "No more pulling your punches! Let me have it!" Hitmonchan wasn't going to go easy on the echidna and started to deliver a Thunder Punch as Knuckles lands a powerful punch, resulting in a double knockout.
"Wow, my money was on Knuckles," Axl said.
"My money was on the boxer," Rouge said.
"Looks like they're evenly matched," Spyro said. He looked over to Elora and he saw she was being nuzzled by some of the Growlithe. Spyro beamed to see the faun was smiling.
Hunter and Bianca looked at the purple dragon and saw they were digging on each other.
Back in Porta Vista, the Mane Seven, Spike, Tails, Amy, Cream, Cheese, Shantae, Bolo, Sky, Rottytops, Crash, Coco, Roll, and Team Choatix were doing some souvenir shopping. Shantae went crazy for the fashions that showed.
"I love this world! We should have started this a long time ago!" Shantae said.
"Yeah, of course you love it here, I asked just about every girl here and they all said no to me," Bolo groaned.
"I'm sure there's someone for you somewhere," Charmy said.
"If only," Bolo groaned.
Once they got back to Ventus's house they all gathered for dinner as they shared some stories about their adventures. After the meal was done, Cream gave Ventus, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus's parents a crown made of flowers. She also shared the ones she made with the rest.
Back in Subcon, the group kept their eyes open for Wart's army and for any nasty surprises coming their way. Through the shrubs, they're being watched by a pair of purple porcupines.
"Those have got to be the ones we were told about. We should tell the others," one of the porcupines said.
"Right," the second porcupine said. They went off to inform the rest of the 8-Bits. Swimming in the water along with the water Pokémon are a bunch of red fish with yellow fins and eyelids.
"Are they the ones to keep a lookout for?" One of the fish asked.
"They have gotta be since I never seen those things before," another fish said.
"Let's inform the other Trouters about this," the leading fish said.
"Right," the rest of the Trouters said. The Trouters swam back to get the rest of them.
Over to the porcupines, they told the squad of Shy Guys of who they saw.
"Good work, Porcupos," one of the Shy Guys said, feeding them some cherries. "Tyrone will be happy to have his next meal delivered right to him." The Shy Guy laughed.
The group were cruising through the river, and they kept their eyes open for any more surprises like with the Albatosses and the Bob-Ombs. Just then, a whole bunch of Trouters started to jump out of the water.
"A fish attack? Really?" Sora asked.
"I would say it's better than a bunch of Snifits or Beezos," Sorrel said. The girls looked up.
"I think you spoke too soon, Sorrel," Verity said. The plumbers, trainers, and Pokémon looked up to see the swarm of Beezos and Albatosses heading their way.
"Nab them at once!" One of the Beezos said.
"Sharpedo and Arrocuda! Aqua Jet!" Sora ordered. Sharpedo and Arrocuda launched themselves at the flying enemies. "Huntail! Use Water Pulse! Lapras! Ice Beam! Gyarados! Hydro Pump!"
"Poliwag! Seadra! Water Gun! Milotic! Hydro Pump! Dewgong! Ice Beam! Gorebyss! Water Pulse!" Kairi ordered.
Poliwag, Lapras, Huntail, Gorebyss, Gyarados, Milotic, and Dewgong fired their attacks, making the attackers scatter. It forces them to retreat. Gyarados scared the Trouters off and they swim for their lives.
"I think we lost them for now," Sora said.
"We should head for shore, before they come right back," Sorrel said. Not needing a second opinion, the group made it to shore. Upon arrival, a dimesional rift openes up from above. Two figures fell from the rift and make a crash landing. The group went over to the spot where they crashed and saw it was two teenaged boys. One is a teenage boy with light orange skin and two-tone sapphire hair. He is wearing a black jacket with a bolt of lightning across a shield on the shoulders and ia waering blue jeans and sneakers with lightning bolts on the sides. The other is a teeenage boy with light tangelo skin with two shades of dark aquamarine hair. He wore a black beanie, a gray shirt with a dark gray vest with orange trims, mustrad yellow pants, and brown sneakers with an orangish colored laces.
"What was that?" The boy with the blue hair asked.
"Man, this is getting out of hand," Sora said. "You two okay?" The two boys looked at the group looking back at them.
"Who are you?" The boy in the beanie asked.
"We can explain that once we have somewhere to hide," Sora said. He looked up in the sky. "And not a moment too soon! Get down!" Sora pushes the blue haired boy down. Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Mario, Luigi, Sorrel, Verity, and the other boy did the same when a squad of Beezos came buzzing by. Luckuly, not one of the Beezos has seen them. "That was close."
"They haven't seen us, but they are looking for us," Sorrel said.
"Why are those guys after you in the first place?" The blue-haired boy asked.
"Let's just say that there's someone here who doesn't want us here because he hates company," Sora said.
"And here I thought it has something to do with some evil magic from another world," the boy in the beanie joked.
"Uh, something like that," Sora said. "We better get a move on before they come back and double check." The group made their way through the shrubs and walked into a nearby cave. It looked like a safe place at the moment.
"This cave should distance us from any unwanted visitors for now," Sorrel said.
"And that gives us a moment of rest. Anyway, it's a good thing that we got to you guys before something happened," Sora said.
"So, who are you guys?" The blue-haired boy asked.
"The name's Sora and this is my girlfriend Kairi. This is Pikachu, Kairi's Eevee Angel, and this is Meowth," Sora introduced.
"I'm Sorrel."
"My name's Verity."
"I'm Mario, and this is-a brother Luigi," Mario introduced.
"My name is Flash Sentry," the blue-haired boy introduced.
"And I'm Timber Spruce," the boy with the beanie introduced.
"It's nice to meet you, but what did you mean by some evil magic from anohter world?" Kairi asked.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"It's kinda like this," Flash started. He explained to them about his hands in some magic from Equestria. Sora and Kairi knew it wasn't a good thing. And they thought the Shadow Empire trying to conquer everything was a bad thing. Sora and Kairi were amazed by the fact that he knew the Twilight from Equestria. "And that pretty much sums it up."
"And that landed you two in the middle of this whole inter dimesional mess, huh?" Sora asked.
"It kinda did. After Sunset and the other Rainbooms disappeared with the new friends they made," Flash said.
"They're at my world right now. And we were on a rescue mission and then we ended up here with some other magic," Sora said.
"And we have-a four more golden keys to collect," Mario said.
"Just as soon as we get out the vae befire they come here to check," Luigi said. A loud roar is heard from behind them. They all flinched when they heard the sound.
"What was that?" Meowth asked.
"I don't know, but it sounded pretty big," Verity said. Pikachu sniffed the air and his ears perked up.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"You hear something, Pikachu?" Sora asked his partner.
"Pika!" Pikachu said. Pikachu went on ahead.
"Pikachu, wait!" Sora called out, chasing after his partner. Kairi, Angel, Meowth, Sorrel, Verity, Mario, Luigi, Flash, and TImber followed them. They went deeper inside the cave and heard the roar growing louder with each step they took. The group saw Tyrone inside the cave.
"I'm so glad Wart had called me becuase I am looking forward in having some company over for dinner," Tyrone said.
"DIdn't you say something about hating company?" Flash asked.
"I can't wait to see what they taste like," Tyrone said.
"Then again," Flash groaned.
"And Wart will be so pleased with me, he;ll reward me with an endless meal! Espeically that I did a great job at guarding the golden key," Tyrone said.
"He's got a golden key?" Luigi asked.
"That means he's another one of Wart's generals!" Meowth said.
"We just gotta get his attention, somehow," Verity said. Sora and Kairi got an idea. They took out their Pokémon Boxes and they exchanged Huntail, Gyarados, Lapras, Sharpedo, Arrocuda, Goreybss, Poliwag, Dewgong, Milotic, and Seadra for Butterfree, Venomoth, Vikavolt, Beedrill, Dustox, Beautifly, Volbeat, Illumise, Ribombee, and Ledian.
"Nothing's more irradiating than having bugs in your face," Sora said.
"They'll drive him buggy," Kairi added.
They let out their bug Pokémon to distract Tyrone long enough to get the key.
"Guys, we need you to keep that big guy busy long enough to get that key," Sora said.
"Be careful while you're doing it," Kairi said.
The Bug Type Pokémon nodded as they took flight to launch their assault on the large general. Vikavolt made the first strike with a Thunderbolt. Tyrone was caught by surprise.
"What was that?!" Tyrone exclaimed. Vikavolt kept firing Thunderbolt as Butterfree and Beautifly came in from the left and Venomoth and Dustox came from the right. Volbeat and Illumse dashed around as Tyrone tried to swat at them. Beedrill stung Tyrone as Ribombee sprinkles a Pollen Puff on Tyrone. He saw the Bug Types flying around. "Ew, bugs in my cave! I squish you!" Tyrone moves his claws around to smack the Pokémon, but they too fast for the tyrannosaurus rex to catch them. Tyrone chased asfter the bugs and the rest went for the key. Tyrone kept on trying to swipe at the Bug Types. Tyrone was getting dizzy. The group searched for the key through the pile of bones.
"How hard is it to find a gold key beneath a pile of bones?" Flash asked.
"Not as easy as we thought. But we better hurry and find it before that big lizard gets wise to wise and turns back around," Luigi said. The Bug Types, continued to keep Tyrone busy by chasing the Bug Type Pokémon, but he sniffed the air.
"Hey, what's that smell? It smells like..." Tyrone paused and saw that he had visitors going through his bone pile. "It smells like little pests going through my bones." Tyrone heads right back to the group. The Bug Types winced when they saw their trainers were in harm's way.
"That key's gotta be around here somewhere," Meowth said.
"It should be, but it ain't gonna do you any good," Tyrone said. Everyone all turned around and saw the large dinosaurian creature. "Not after I get done with you little morsels."
"Run for your lives!" Sora yelled. Everyone started running as Tyrone tried to grab them. Tyrone chased after the group.
"Don't run, because you're burning precious calories," Tyrone said. The group ran out of the cave and made their way back to the river. Standing on the other side are the 8-Bit army, getting their nets ready.
"We're trapped!" Kairi said.
"We got two choices here. Either be prisoners of Wart of be his meal," Luigi said.
"And-a we have-a less than-a minute to make-a that-a choice, becuase hes-a coming this-a way!" Mario said. Tyrone makes it right towards the group.
"Mama mia," Luigi said.
"I got you now, my tasty little snacks!" Tyrone said. Tyrone was about to grab them when Butterfree, Venomoth, Dustox, Vikavolt, Beedrill, Beautifly, Ledian, Volbeat, Illumise, and Ribombee launched their combined attacks onto Tyrone and started to make a dive into the water. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Mario, Luigi, Sorrel, Verity, Flash, and TImber dodged him. He fell right in the water, making a splash, catching many of the 8-Bit solders with him. "I can't swim!" Tyrone and the soldiers all head right for the waterfall. The remaining soldiers were forced to retreat.
"We won't be seeing him again," Mario said.
"Where does that river lead?" Flash asked.
"Let's just say that he's going to have a great fall just down river," Sora said.
"Oh, as in waterfall. Is taht how you got up here?" Timber asked.
"It is," Sora said.
Right over to Tyrone and the many 8-Bit soldiers, they all go over the waterfall much to all of their dismay.
"Does that mean no reward for me?!" Tyrone asked as he fell into the water below. Back to the group, the key they're looking for levitates to them and lands right into Kairi's hands.
"Great! Now, we have half of what we need!" Kairi said.
"Now, we better get to the next section of Subcon and get the next one before Wart's forces comes back with a vengeance," Sora said. Wart was watching through his crystal ball.
"Impossible! No one has ever gotten pass Tyrone! Now they have three out of six golden keys! The sector ahead of them is the tundra! Fry Guy is going to turn up the heat while they're down there!" Wart said. He makes contact to his next general. On the crystal ball appears a flame wearing a mask.
"You called for me, your highness?" The flame asked.
"Fry Guy, Mouser, Tryclyde, and Tyrone had all failed to capture a band of invaders. They are heading into the tundra as we speak, so I need you to have them captured at once!" Wart commanded.
"As you wish, your majesty. I'll give them a hot foot all over when I get them!" Fry Guy said.
"I hope so, because I don't take too kindly to failure," Wart said. Fry Guy winced at the thought of failing.
A couple of days have passed since they had found the third golden key and are now heading for the tundra. There was ice and snow everywhere they went. To combat the cold, Sora and Kairi exchanged their Bug Types for Arcanine, Ninetales, Typhlosion, Blaziken, Scorbunny, Magby, Magcargo, the Kantonian Ponyta, Mismagius, and Raticate. Sora, Flash, and Timber rode on Arcanine as Kairi rode on the Kantonian Ponya. Scorbunny wasn't happy about being apart from Bianca, but he was hoping he wasn't going to stay away for long.
"Good idea on the Fire Types, Sora, because I was starting to get pretty cold," Kairi said.
"At least we don't have to worry about Wart and his army around here. They wouldn't have a snowballs chance out in this cold," Sora said.
Watching them from the snow are armless snowman-like creatures wearing yellow buttons. They poke their heads down to keep themselves from being spotted.
"Fry Guy did say that we were going to have some company," one of the snowmen said.
"He also told us to get them when we do see them," another snowman said.
"We better round up the other Flurries and let them know that they're here," the first snowman said. They took off to inform their comrades.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Mario, Luigi, Sorrel, Verity, Flash, and TImber kept their eyes open for any signs of trouble when they are suddenly met with a couple of fireballs.
"Holy great balls of fire!" Sora exclaimed.
"Mama mia!" Mario also exclaimed.
"Whoa!" Flash added.
"Where did that come from?" Luigi asked.
"From us!" A voice called out. They saw a bunch of Shy Guys riding on large wheeled cannons with an M on the side. "The Autobomb Squad is here to toast you!"
"Not if we toast you first!" Sora said. "Blaziken! Flame Charge!"
"Mismagius! Mystical Fire!" Kairi ordered.
Blaziken charged with Flame Charge as Mismagius forms circle of fire and sends it right at the Shy Guys. Blaziken's speed goes up and dashed as the Shy Guys fired from their Autobombs.
"Arcanine, Ninetales, Flamethrower! Typhlosion! Eruption! Scorbunny! Ember!" Sora ordered.
"Magby! Incinerate! Magcargo! Flamethrower!" Kairi ordered.
The Fire Types fires their Fire Type attacks the Shy Guys. They return fire with their Autobombs, but Scorbunny fires back with Ember. The Shy Guys started to come at the rabbit Pokémon, but Scorbunny was too fast for them.
"Get that rabbit!" One of the Shy Guys yelled.
"Raticate! Flame Wheel!" Kairi ordered. Raticate rolls into a fireball and plow right through the Shy Guys.
"Retreat!" Another Shy Guy started to run.
With the Shy Guys gone, the group continued on with their mission to save Subcon. Sora fed Blaziken a Sitrus Berry to replenish his strength. The couple called their Pokémon back to rest up. They across a beach with no way to get around. There wasn't even a boat to take them across.
"Don't think we can go through there," Sorrel said.
"We could always build a boat," Timber said.
"It's not like we can just find a rocket and go through," Meowth said.
"That's very unlikely, Meowth," Sorrel said.
"Then, what do you call that?" Meowth asked. They saw a rocket ship right in front of them.
"Who would have thought there could be a rocket just laying around?" Flash asked.
"Does it even work?" Verity asked.
"I hope it does, because we gotta go further," Sora said. They got inside the rocket ship and looked around. Meowth went to the controls and saw a big red button.
"What does this button do?" Meowth asked, pushing the button. The rocket starts to lift them up into the sky. The rocket was going mighty fast as they were against the wall. It was like they were on a gravitron ride at an amusement park, but only without the spinning.
"I don't know how much I can take," Sora said. Pikachu started to climb down from the wall, despite the speed. Pikachu crawls to the floor, fighting the force of the rocket. Pikachu reaches the controls and pushes the button. The rocket then starts to slow down and falling. The rocket crashes down into the snow. Mario opens the door as the rest had came out. Meowth kisses the ground repeatedly.
"Solid ground! I love you!" Meowth said, kissing the ground. Pikachu gave Meowth a shock of Thunderbolt. "AAAAAHHHHHH!" Pikachu stopped shocking the scratch cat Pokémon and fell faced down on the ground. He got up all fumed over the shock. "What the hell was that for?!"
"You deserved it after that little ride you gave us! What were you thinking when you when you pushed that stupid button?" - Pikachu subtitle.
"Hey, I didn't know what was gonna happen! So, don't blame me if a rocket goes flying out of control! We're alive aren't we?" Meowth asked.
"No thanks to you!" - Pikachu subtitle.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Meowth exclaimed. Pikachu was about to answer when Angel placed her paw on Pikachu's shoulder. She nuzzles Pikachu's cheek.
"It was an accident, Pikachu. None of us knew it was still working. At least we got across, didn't we?" - Angel subtitle. Pikachu knew Angel was right.
"You're right, Angel. In Meowth's defense, he did get us further. I just wanna find this next key and get back to saving Princess Peach after what that brat did." - Pikachu subtitle.
"So do I, but that doesn't give ya the right to use me for a lightning rod!" Meowth said.
"You wouldn't cut it as a lightning rod, since a lightning rod doesn't talk back." - Pikachu subtitle.
"Yeah, a lightning rod wouldn't talk back at- Hey!" Meowth exclaimed. Pikachu and Angel laughed. Timber was listening on them.
"Is Meowth talking to Pikachu and Angel" Timber asked.
"Yeah, because can understand what other Pokémon are saying. Most Pokémon anyway," Sora said.
"If Meowth is a Pokémon, then how does Meowth been able to talk? Magic?" Timber asked.
"I don't think so. Meowth told us that he learned to talk on his own. To be honest, Kairi and I don't when or why he decided that he wanted to talk, so we found it best that he would tell us if he's up for it," Sora said.
"Hey, can't we stop yammering, because I'm getting frostbite here!" Meowth said.
"I'm getting chilly too. We better get a move on and find that next fortress," Verity said.
"Right. The Subcon Fairies are counting on us," Sora said.
The group continued on through the tundra. They were spotted by the bunch of Flurries in the snow. They followed the group through the snow.
Back in Kanto, the Mane Seven, Spike, Tails, Amy, Cream, Cheese, Team Choatix, Shantae, Bolo, Sky, Rottytops, Roll, Crash, and Coco returned back to Pallet Town along with Ventus, Terra, and Aqua. They wanted to hear if they heard back from Sora since he, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and the Mario Brothers left for the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Peach.
"Anything from Sora, Alia?" Tails asked.
"Just when he got three golden keys from one of Wart's generals. Also, the modifications on their Pokémon Boxes did the trick since they've been switching Pokémon when they needed to," Alia said.
"Like a charm," Tails said.
"I hope that they hurry and find that next key and get back to rescuing the princess, because I don't want to think about her in Bowser's clutches another day longer," Coco said.
"Sora will do fine. And they'll be back," Vntus said.
"Ven's right. He's been in tighter spots than this. And how much trouble can some villain in another world cause?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I was thinking somewhere between minimum to maximum," Espio said.
"I hope Ven is right, because they'll need us if things get hairy," Alia said.
Back in Subcon, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Mario, Luigi, Sorrel, Verity, Flash, and Timber continued on their way through the tundra when Sora stepped on something.
"Ow!" A new voice yelled.
"Did you just hear that?" Sora asked.
"It sounded awful close," Luigi said.
"But what made that sound?" Flash asked.
"I did," the voice admitted. The voicce belonged to a Birdo, much to th group's dismay.
"Hey! You're one of those Birdos!" Sora exclaimed.
"Wait! I'm not with Wart!" The Birdo said.
"And why should we believe anything you say?" Sora asked.
"Because I wanna help you. Wart is my enemy just the same as yours. And I know where Fry Guy's next fortress is," the Birdo said.
"Fry Guy?" Flash asked.
"Is-a Fry Guy one of-a Wart's generals?" Mario asked.
"Yes. He is a living flame that was created by Wart through his magic. He was placed in charge of the tundra by Wart after he took complete control of Subcon. However, there are those of us who don't agree with him, so we left. Wart didn't like the idea of some of us leaving, so he captured them and brainwashed them, so they had forgotten that they ever left," the Birdo explained.
"Just how many of you defectors are left?" Verity asked. THe group huddled together for a private talk.
"I don't know. It's possible that I'm the only one left," the Birdo said. "So, if you wanna get to Fry Guy, then you'll need my help. So what do you say?' The group was skeptical.
"What-a do you think?" Mario asked.
"I don't think we should trust her. It's possible that this Birdo could be leading us into a trap," Sorrel said.
"I'm with him. All those guys tried to do since we got here was trying to catch us or kill us trying," Sora said.
"You're not just saying that because some of those Birdos were shooting at us, aren't you, Sora?" Verity asked.
"There's that and there's the fact that she happens to know where the next key is hid. You can't say that it's a coincidence," Sora said.
"You got a point, Sora. But I think we should hear her out. You gotta at least give the Birdo a chance. You gave Meowth a chance, remember?" Kairi asked.
"Your girl's right, you did, Sora," Meowth said.
"That's because- it's different. Oh, I can't even convince myself at this point. Okay, but don't any of blame me if it is a trap," Sora said. They turned to the Birdo. "Okay, Birdo. Lead the way."
"Great! It's this way!" The Birdo said, pointing to the north. "And if we hurry, we can get there before a blizzard hits. And you don't wanna get caught in one of those." The Birdo led the group through the tundra. After what seems like ten to fifteen minutes, the group found the fortress. "Right there." They found that the fortress is on an island. "And there it is. Fry Guy's fortress is right down there."
"Wow, for a living fireball, he's got quite a moat," Meowth said.
"You should be able to get in through the back. It's the least guarded area. So far, only Flurries have been there, since they're literally walking snowballs. Once inside, the rest is up to you," the Birdo said.
"That's good to know," Sora said.
"And there's one more thing you should know about Fry Guy before you go in," the Birdo said.
"He's a living wisp of fire, what's there is know?" Meowth asked.
"You know, Meowth is right. We could use some water to put that living fire," Sora said.
"That's what I was gonna tell you. Fry Guy was created with magic, so he's magic fire. Not even water's gonna put him out. But there is something you can do to put him out for good. Fry Guy can only be defeated when you throw blunt objects at him. A little something I found out by complete accident. There are Block Mushrooms you can use inside. Just throw them and he'll get hurt," the Birdo said.
"We'll try that and thanks," Sora said.
"So, are we gonna get across?" Flash asked.
"There some whales in the area. Just hop right on and you'll make it over. Just be careful when they spout some water," the Birdo said. The group took off to get to the island. "Good luck." Once they reached the beach, a whole bunch of purple whales emerged from the water.
"Those are whales alright," Timber said.
"Just how are we gonna get to the island? Play hop scotch across?" Meowth asked.
"Swimming isn't an option since the water looks too cold to swim in," Sorrel said. A whale swims up to the group.
"Excuse me. I couldn't help but overhear that you need to get to that island. Can I ask you why?" The whale asked.
"Yes. We need to get there to get a golden key from one of Wart's generals," Kairi said.
"You mean you're going to take on Fry Guy?" The whale asked.
"That's why we're here," Verity said.
"Then, hop aboard and I can take you there myself," the whale said, holding out his flipper. The group climbed on top of the whale. "Here we go. And try to avoid my blowhole, because you will get wet if you're not careful."
"Just don't spout any water and we'll be okay," Flash said.
"I'll try not to," the whale said. "While I'm taking you there, tell me what's so important about some key?"
"The key in-a there is-a one of six we need-a to take on-a Wart and put-a an end to his rule," Mario said.
"Is that right? It's about time someone was doing something about Wart! Hold on tight because it's going to be a bumpy ride!" The whale said, picking up the speed. The whale made it to the back of the island. "Here I can drop you off at. And good luck inside."
"Thanks, man," Sora said.
"Think nothing of it, little man. Just put that fire out and get that key. And save Subcon," the whale said.
"Can do," Sora said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
The whale drifted from the shore and the group went inside to deal with Fry Guy. Once inside, they found the place to be less freezing inside than outside.
"How can a living ball of fire live in here without melting the ice in here?" Meowth asked.
"That Birdo Fry Guy said he was made from Wart's magic, so what if she was telling the truth?" Flash asked.
"To be honest, I have been putting that into thought. We haven't bumped into any trouble, yet," Sora said.
"But we should keep our eyes peeled in case we bump into any trouble," Sorrel said. Meowth winced.
"And not too soon!" Meowth said. "He pointed behind them. "Look!" The group turned to see a squad of Flurries coming right at them. They're armed with spears. The Flurries threw their spears.
"Angel! Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel fires Swift at the spears, cutting them up. "Sora, let's turn up the heat!" Kairi took out two of her Pokéballs.
"Right!" Sora agreed, taking out his Pokéballs. "Blaziken, Typhlosion, Scorbunny, Ninetales, and Arcanine!"
"Go! Magcargo and Magby!" Kairi called out. The couple's Pokémon came out of their Pokéballs.
The Fire Type Pokémon started to let out some flames, making the Flurries stop and turn tail.
"Get back! We'll melt if we get close!" The leading Flurry said. The rest of the Flurries ran to escape the heat.
Back in Kanto, Sonic was cruising through the land of Kanto, witnessing the cities. Sonic witnessed a Gym battle between Lt. Surge and a challenger. His Raichu is battling against a Hypno.
"I'm going to earn that Gym Badge, and you're not going to stop me! Hypno! Use Shadow Ball!" The trainer ordered. Hypno forms a ball of shadow and hurls it right at Raichu. Lt. Surge grinned.
"Raichu! Dodge and use Mega Punch!" Lt. Surge ordered. Raichu dodges Shadow Ball and lands a Mega Punch onto Hypno. "Now use Mega Kick!" Raichu lands a Mega Kick on the hypnosis Pokémon. "Finish up with a Thunderbolt!" Raichu launches a powerful Thunderbolt and gave Hypno quite a shock. Hypno had been taken down.
"Hypno is unable to battle! Raichu wins! The victor is the Gym Leader, Lt. Surge!" The referee announced.
"Great job as always, Raichu," Lt. Surge said. The challenger left to take his fallen Pokémon to a Pokémon Center. "Hope you were taking notes, Visquez."
"I have, lieutenant. Very much," a woman spoke. She has dark skin and long blonde hair with a plug at the end. She wore a military outfit with her midriff being exposed.
"Good, because I expect great things from you when training under my wing," Lt. Surge said.
"I am more than willing to learn, sir," Visquez said.
Sonic took his leave of the gym and ran back to Pallet Town.
"Hey guys. Had fun?" Sonic asked.
"We did. You should have been there," Tails said.
Back in Subcon, the group continued on their way to find Fry Guy. Along the way, they ran into more of the 8-Bits and managed to make it through. As they went even further, they felt the temperature go up, knowing Fry Guy was close.
"Stop me if it's obvious, but I think Fry Guy is near," Sora said.
"I think you're right, Sora. We should proceed with care since we're dealing with an enemy whose body is made of fire," Sorrel said.
"Didn't that Birdo say something about water won't be able to put out that fire?" Kairi asked.
"You're right, Kairi. We should bring in our Water Types, just in case she was lying. But we should use Rock Types, since blunt force is effective, as she said," Sora stated. The couple took out their Pokémon Boxes and exchanged Blaziken, Typhlosion, Ninetales, Arcanine, Scorbunny, the Kantonian Ponyta, Magby, Raticate, and Mismagius for Blastoise, Swampert, Aggron, the Alolan Graveler, Tentacruel, the Kantonian Marowak, Cloyster, and the Lycanroc "Ready?" Everyone all nodded and entered. They saw the living wisp of flames.
"So, you're the ones causing all the trouble! You're going to find that I'm too hot to touch!" Fry Guy said. Sora and Kairi took out their Pokéballs and threw them.
"Blastoise, Lycanroc, Swampert, Graveler, and Aggron! Go!" Sora called out. HIs Pokémon came ouot to battle. Sorrel and Verity were amazed by the sight of Sora's Lycanroc.
"My turn! Magcargo, Marowak, Tentacruel, Lycanroc, and Cloyster! Go!" Kairi called out as her Pokémon came out.
"Blastoise! Hydro Pump! Swampert! Muddy Water!" Sora ordered. Blastoise and Swampert fires their water attacks and they struck Fry Guy.
"Cloyster! Tentacruel! You use Hydro Pump!" Kairi ordered. Tentacruel and Cloyster both fired Hydro Pump and they struck Fry Guy. The water Pokémon ceased their attacks and they found Fry Guy was still burning. He was laughing much to everyone's surprise. "WHAT?!"
"So that Birdo was telling the truth after all!" Sora exclaimed.
"Did you think that'll work on me! I was born from magic! Nothing you do is going to phase me!" Fry Guy taunted.
"Oh no, hot head?" Meowth asked, grabbing a Block Mushroom and threw it. Fry Guy dodged it.
"Hey! Someoe could hurt when you throw that around!" Fry Guy yelped.
"That's the idea!" Meowth said.
Sora, Kairi, Mario, Luigi, Sorrel, Verity, Flash, and Timber grabbed a Block Mushroom, and threw them. Fry Guy dodges.
"Lycanroc! Aggron! Use Rock Slide! Graveler! Use Rock Throw!" Sora ordered.
"Lycanroc! Magcargo! You use Rock Slide too! Marowak! Bonmerang!" Kairi ordered.
The Lycanroc, Aggron, Magcargo, and the Alolan Graveler used their rock attacks to rain on Fry Guy and tried to dodge, but got hit by the rocks. Marowak threw her bone and struck Fry Guy. With each hit, smaller versions of Fry Guy were made. They kept up the assault until all was left were mimi Fry Guys. When everyone stopped they saw all the mini Fry Guys hop around everywhere.
"Where did those little guys come from?" Meowth asked.
"I don't know, but I think we better put those out before they give us a hot foot," Timber said.
"Leave that to me. Marwoak! Bonmerang!" Kairi ordered. Marowak threw her bone again and struck all of the mini Fry Guys until not one of them were left.
"Now that the fire's out, we can go and find that golden key," Luigi said. Just then, the fourth golden key shatters the ice it was encased in and floats into Luigi's hands.
"Or we let it come-a to us," Mario said.
"We got two more golden keys to get and save the Subcon Fairies and get back to the Mushroom Kingdom to save Peach," Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
Watching from his crystal ball, Wart roars in anger having to see a fourth general fail to catch them.
"What is going on here?! One failure is too much, but four times is unbearable! Now, they will be coming to the Land of Night next. And that would be Clawgrip's territory. And when they come across him, those outsiders will find themselves in a real pinch!" Wart said.
The group made it back outside of the fortress and saw no more signs of the 8-Bit soldiers left.
"Now that we got four keys, just where are we going next?" Verity asked.
"I'm more worried about where the next key is," Luigi said.
"I can help you with that," a familiar voice spoke. The whale from before came back to the island. "I knew you'd make it out and get that key."
"Hey, you know where the next key is located?" Sora asked.
"I sure do. It is in the Land of Night. I just happen to know where it is," the whale said.
"That's good to know," Flash said.
"Just what is the Land of Night exactly?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu also asked.
"The Land of Night is a land of eternal night. I have been there dozens of times. It used to be a peaceful place until Wart turned it into a complete nightmare," the whale said.
"How far is it from here?" Sorrel asked.
"I can get you here in three days, just as long I don't make any stops. Climb aboard," the whale said, holding out his flipper. The group climbed up on the whale. "Hold on tight!" The whale started to swim.
Now that they had four out of six keys, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Mario, Luigi, Sorrel, Verity, Flash, and Timber were heading for the Land of NIght. What kind of trouble will they find when they meet up with Clawgrip? Find out when we come back soon.