Episode 349: Gardenia's Return
A couple of days went after Chimchar has concurred his fear of Zangoose, so things were getting better for Chimchar.
Sora exchanged Zangoose, Thwackey, Drizzile, and Raboot for Turtwig, Prinplup, Hippopotas, and Carkoal. As they were taking a little break, Gabumon found something on the ground.
"What's this thing?" Gabumon asked. He picked up a King's Rock. Ventus went up to the rock with a smile.
"Hey, a King's Rock!" Ventus said.
"A King's Rock? What's that?" Gabumon asked.
"A King's Rock is a rock that's shaped like a crown. When a Pokémon wears one, they can make another Pokémon flinch. It's also used to make a Slowpoke evolve into a Slowking, or a Poliwhirl evolve into a Politoed," Ventus explained.
"Doesn't Kairi have a Poliwhirl?" Gabumon asked. Sora saw his cousin and the fur-wearing Digimon and went up to them.
"She does," Ventus said.
"Ven, Gabumon, what did you two find?" Sora asked.
"Sora, look what we found," Ventus said as Gabumon held it to Sora.
"A King's Rock," Sora said.
"Ven said it can be used to make a Poliwhirl evolve into a Politoed, isn't that true?" Gabumon asked.
"Yeah. I'm sure Kairi would like that," Sora said. And he was right, because her face lit up when she saw the King's Rock and placed it on the tadpole Pokémon's head.
"Here you go, Poliwhirl. Doesn't that look good on you?" Kairi asked.
"Poliwhirl," Poliwhirl said. Poliwhirl then started to evolve. Everyone were astounded by the sudden evolution. Kairi's Poliwhirl was now a Politoed. "Politoed, Politoed, Politoed, Politoed." Politoed started to shake the hands and claws of the Digimon and other Pokémon.
"Nice to meet you," Meowth said.
"Kinda like Lana's Politoed after evolving," Sora said. Meowth gave a heavy sigh.
"Please don't bring that up," Meowth groaned.
"Right, we were enemies back then," Sora said.
The newly evolved Politoed clapped his hands while doing a small dance. Everyone all laughed as they all enjoyed the show the frog Pokémon was giving off.
"I'm telling you, I heard something this way," a familiar voice spoke.
"Someone's coming," Armadillomon said.
The other Digimon were worred that another evil Digimon was coming their way as they all saw it was Elio. Now he wore blue sleeveless shirt with a white Poké Ball logo, rather than a short sleeved shirt, he also wore white board shorts with black leggings underneath, red and white shoes and wore a black and red bucket hat. His hair is now shorter but scruffier.
"Elio!" Sora and Kairi both said.
"Sora! Kairi! Is that you?" Elio asked.
Coming out as well was Selene, but she wore a sleeveless orange shirt with a white trim. The straps of the shirt are also white, and red flowers dot the surface along with an opening resembling flower petals at the bottom. She wore puffy white shorts and black, green, and, white sandals. On her head, she wore a yellow pork-pie hat with a salmon pink flower in it. Her hair is also longer and braided.
"Selene!" Sora and Kairi both said.
"Sora! Kairi! Oh my gosh! I don't believe it!" Selene said. "Haven't seen you since you came to Alola!"
"Right back at you," Sora said.
"What have you lovebirds been up to?" Elio asked.
"You know us, just traveling," Sora said. "Isn't Lillie with you?"
"Elio, Selene? Where are are you?" Another familiar voice asked. It turns out to be Lillie. She saw Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, and the Pokémon couple and she gave a big smile. "Sora, Kairi, Ven, Terra, Aqua!"
"Lillie!" Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, and Aqua all said happily. The Digimon were confused since they had no idea who she is.
"What brings you here in the Sinnoh region?" Kairi asked.
"You know, just Pokémon research. I had a feeling I would see you here sooner or later," Lillie said. She looked right at Meowth. "Staying out of trouble, Meowth?" He chuckles nervously.
"You know me," Meowth said.
Lillie, Elio, and Selene sees the twelve Digimon with them.
"What are these? I never seen Pokémon like them before," Lillie said.
"We're not Pokémon," Agumon corrected the blonde. Lillie, Elio, and Selene were in shock when he spoke.
"It talks!" Elio exclaimed.
"What are they?" Selene asked.
"They're actually Digimon. They came from the Digital World. Meet Agumon, Gabumon, Veemon, Wormmon, Biyomon, Tentomon, Palmon, Gomamon, Patamon, Gatomon, Hawkmon, and Armadillomon," Sora introduced each one of the Digimon. "Guys, this is Lillie. She's one of our old traveling companions. And this is Elio, and Selene."
"We heard a lot about you," Biyomon said.
"It's very nice to meet you too," Lillie said.
"Yeah. You all look very cute," Selene cooed.
"I was more thinking of cool," Elio said.
"So, are Riku and Naminé here as well?" Lillie asked.
"Yes. We saw them days ago. The last time we saw them is when they went to Hearthrome City with us," Terra said.
"And they also have other Digimon with them too," Ventus added.
"Other Digimon?" Lillie, Elio, and Selene questioned.
"It's a long story," Sora said. Sora and the rest explained to them about the war going on in the Digital World against Myotismon and his plot to take over both the real and Digital Worlds. Lillie, Elio, and Selene pretty much understood what they meant. And they were pretty much shocked to hear that's where Porygon, Porygon2, and Porygon-Z all came from. Lillie wasn't surprised by hearing about evil villains taking over since the Shadow Empire. Lillie was also happy to hear that the inter dimensional friends they made all helped take down Team Rocket, and the Brotherhood of Darkness, courtesy of Riku. She also was happy to hear they all returned home safely after the Brotherhood of Darkness were brought down.
"I find it shocking to hear that Porygon and its evolved forms all came from a world of living computer data," Elio said.
"I'm sure Professor Redwood would like to research on that," Selene said.
"He would. But if they're coming into our world, then we could be having some trouble on our hands," Lillie said.
"Not if we have anything to say about it," Sora said. Lillie smiled as she knew she could always have faith in him and Kairi. The same can be said for the Alolan eight.
"I know I can always count on you, Sora. You never let the world down before and I know you won't now," Lillie said. "Putting that aside, how many Badges and Ribbons did you win?"
Afterwards, Lillie, Elio, and Selene joins the group for a little while as they went on to the nearest town.
"Three," Sora and Kairi said. The couple shows them the Badges and Ribbons they both collected.
"The Relic Badge and the Hearthtrome Contest Ribbon speaks for themselves," Sora said.
"Three each. Sora now has to win five more Badges and Kairi only needs two more," Selene said.
"So, now, we're on our way to Veilstone City for my fourth," Sora said.
"You don't mind if we join you for a bit, do you, Sora? Just like old times?" Lillie asked.
"You're always welcomed to tag along," Sora said. The Alolan trio smiled as they joined up with their friends.
So, the group were making their way to the next town known as Emeagrove Town.
Speaking of which, a bunch of kids were crowding around Gardenia as she is making an appearence in town.
"Look! It's Gardenia for the Eterna CIty Gym!" On boy said happily.
"Hi there, kids! How are you?" Gardenia asked.
"Fine, Gardenia!" All the kids said.
"That's great! You sure sound good!" Gardenia said. As the group has arrived in Emeagrove Town, they spotted her with the kids.
"Hey, look who's here!" Ventus said.
"It's Gardenia!" Sora said.
"You know her?" Lillie asked.
"We met her in the Eterna Forest before coming to the Eterna City Gym," Terra explained. "She specializes with Grass Type Pokémon. She battled Sora twice and lost twice. The second time was the official Gym battle."
"She's a Gym Leader?" Elio asked.
"Yes she is," Kairi answered.
"She's extremely obessed with Grass Type Pokémon," Aqua said. "She's very fond of Palmon."
"Kinda like Acerola when it comes to Ghost Type Pokémon," Lillie said.
"And she would be someone who I know will get along with Mallow," Elio said.
"She sure would," Sora agreed. He and the rest approach Gardenia. "How's it going, Gardenia?" Gardenia smiled when she saw the group.
"You look great," Kairi said.
"Hey, it's been a while, hasn't it?" Gardenia asked. She looked over to Palmon with a smile. "Hi, Palmon!"
"Hi," Palmon greeted. She notices the three additional kids with the group.
"Are they friends of yours?" Gardenia asked.
"They are. Meet, Lillie, Elio, and Selene from the Alola region," Sora introduced.
"Alola, Gardenia," Lillie greeted.
"So, Gardenia, how come you're here in Emeragrove Town?" Ventus asked.
"Simple, Ven. I'm promoting Pokémon battling by having battles all over the area," Gardenia said.
"That's a great idea," Sora said.
Watching from the bushes are a bunch of Digimon. There were Numemon among other Digimon. There were also some plant-like Digimon with vine arms, red leaves on their heads with blue tips and red-orange eyes. There was a few Digimon that are shaped like yellow blobs, that has large mouthes, splitting them in half with a large tongue in the lower mandible. They have long arms with two belts on each wrist, a belt on the upper part of its right arm, and multiple metal rings on their long fingers. Riding on the yellow Digimon are bipedal rat-like Digimon with pink fur, large ears, and black eyes. They five digits on each hand and foot with black nails.
"Look, guys, those are a bunch of human kids gathering around," one of the Numemon said.
"Looks like fun!" One of the yellow Digimon added.
"Yeah," one of the pink rat Digimon said.
"Let's go!" One of the plant Digimon said.
The Digimon all came out as they came before the group.
"Hi, everyone!" Another Numemon greeted. Everyone all looked at the strange Digimon.
"We came to see what the fuss is all all about!" Another of the yellow Digimon said.
"And it looked like a fun gathering," another of the pink rat Digimon added.
"What are those?' Elio asked.
"Are they Digimon too?" Elio asked.
"They are," Agumon said.
Sora took out his Digidex and he used it to look up the Numemon.
"Okay, these are Numemon. They're slimy Digimon that likes dark places. And they're Champion level Digimon? It says that they're pretty weak and pretty dumb," Sora said. Kairi uses hers on the plant-like Digimon.
"The plant ones are called Vegiemon. They're plant Digimon that has a sweet-smelling scent that can attract smaller Digimon and grabs them with their viney arms. And they're also Champion level Digimon," Kairi said. Ventus took out his Digidex and used it on the yellow Digimon.
"Those yellow ones are Sukamon. They're pretty gross Digimon that are shaped like, I am not even going to say it, but they also like dark places, and they're also weak and dumb. And they're Champion level Digimon too. And those pink things are Chuumon. They're Rookie level Digimon, and they act like the brains of Sukamon, they actually have a brain.
"If you're here to cause trouble, you might as well just pack up and leave!" Sora said. Gardenia went up to the Vegimon and embraced them.
"Oh, what little cuties you are," Gardenia cooed. The Vegiemon smiled as they took a shine to her. The group all sighed since there couldn't be a Grass Type Pokémon or a plant Digimon she didn't like.
"We don't wanna fight. We'll get creamed by you guys if we do," the first Numemon said.
"We only came here to have some fun," the second Numemon added.
"If you don't wanna fight then why are you here in the first place?" Agumon asked.
"We don't know," the first Sukamon said.
"We're just as clueless," the first Chuumon added.
"So, what else is new?" Meowth deadpanned.
"We were thinking the same thing," Gabumon, Tentomon, Palmon, Wormmon, Patamon, and Gatomon also deadpanned.
"Well, if you guys aren't causing trouble, then you can stick around if you want," Sora said.
"Okay," the Numemon, Sukamon, Chuumon, and Vegiemon all said.
"And what is going on here?" A third Numemon asked.
"Gardenia is going to have a battle," one of the boys said.
"Yeah. You didn't forget, did you?" A second boyt asked.
"Oops. Sorry. I got sidetracked. How about we have a tag battle. WHat do you say?" Gardenia suggested.
"A tag battle?" Sora asked.
"You bet. So let's make it my Turtwig and one of you with a Grass Type Pokémon against Sora and his girlfriend. What do you say?" Gardenia proposed.
"I can take you on that, Gardenia," Selene said. "I have a Grass Type Pokémon we can use and I caught a short time ago," Selene said. She took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Come on out, Steenee!" Her Steenee came on out.
"This should be fun," the third Sukamon said.
"Yeah, fun! Fun! Fun!" The third Chuumon said.
"Pokémon battles are always fun to watch," the second boy said.
"Loads of fun," the first boy added.
"How about we make it interesting. How about Terra acts as a referee?" Gomamon asked.
"That's a great idea, Gomamon," Terra said.
The Numemon, Sukamon, Chuumon, and Vegiemon all chanted, "Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle! Battle!" They kept on chanting over and over again. Gardenia took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Turtwig, come on out!" Gardenia called out as Turtwig came out to battle.
"Okay, let's go, Carkoal!" Sora called out as Carkoal came on out to battle.
"And the one I'm choosing is Kricketune!" Kairi called out as her Kricketune came on out to battle.
"Hey, that's a Kricketune! But what's that other one?" One of the girls asked.
"I think that's a Carkoal. It's a Rock Type and a Fire Type. Both of Kricketune and Carkoal has the advantage over those two Grass Types," anoher boy said.
"Okay, the battle between the Gym Leader of the Eterna City Gym and Selene against Sora and Kairi is about to begin! This will be a Pokémon tag battle! Each trainer will be suning one Pokémon each and there are no substitutions allowed and there's no time limit! The battle is over when both Pokémon on either side is able to battle! Now, begin the battle! The team of Sora and Kairi will make the first move!" Terra announced.
"Carkoal! Start things up with your Tackle on Steenee!" Sora ordered. Carkoal charges right towards Steenee.
"Kricketune! Start up with your Fury Cutter on Turtwig!"' Kairi ordered. Kricketune comes at Turtwig. Turtwig and Steenee avoids their attacks with their incredible speed.
"Steenee! Use your Magical Leaf!" Selene ordered. Steenee fires Magical Leaf right at the two couple's Pokémon.
"Not bad, Selene! Turtwig! Use Leaf Storm!" Gardenia ordered. Turtwig unleashes a powerful Leaf Storm and hurls it right towards.
"Dodge it, Carkoal!" Sora called out.
"You too, Kricketune!" Kairi called out.
Carkoal and Kricketune avoided Turtwig's Leaf Storm attack. Lillie was proud to see Sora's skills hasn't faltered one little bit. SHe still hadn't forgotten the day she met the couple before they became a couple. Sora did his best against Riku. She knew he's a lot more stronger than he was back then.
"That was a couple of good dodges," Elio said.
"Not bad, you two! You too, Selene and Gardenia!" Lillie said.
"Okay, Kricketune! Use Cut!" Kairi ordered. Kricketune heads towards Turtwig to land a Cut. Turtwig dodges Kricketune's Cut.
"Turtiwg! Bite! Go!" Gardenia ordered. Turtwig heads towards Kricketune to land a Bite onto him.
"Steenee! Use Double Slap on Kricketune!" Selene ordered. Steenee rushed over to Kricketune and gave him a couple of slaps across the face.
"Carkoal! Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Carkoal comes at Steenee.
"Kricketune! Move!" Kairi called out. Kricketune moves out of the path of Carkoal and lands a hit onto Steenee.
"Use Rock Tomb!" Sora ordered. Carkoal slams on the ground as pillars of rocks emerged from the ground and traps Turtwig in it.
"Turtwig! No!" Gardenia gasped.
"Steenee! Stomp!" Selene ordered. Steene charges and moves her feet down to stomp onto Kricketune.
"Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Carkoal charges right at Steenee and he was a lot faster than earlier.
"Hey, That Carkoal is a lot faster than before!" THe first boy said.
"That's because Flame Charge builds up speed each time it's used. The more times Flame Charge is used, the faster Carkoal will go," the third boy said.
"Now, use Flame Charge on Turtwig!" Sora ordered. Carkoal charges right towards Turtwig and the attack builds up the coal Pokémon's speed some more. "Now, use Rapid Spin!" Carkoal spins around and rams into Turtwig.
"Kricketune! Use Fury Cutter on Steenee!" Kairi ordered. Kricketune lands a Fury Cutter onto Steenee. Both hits from the couple's Pokémon has resulted in a double knockout.
"And that's it!" Turtwig and Steenee are both unable ti battle! The winners are Carkoal and Kricketune! Sora and Kairi both wins the match!" Terra announced.
"That was great with that Fury Cutter, Kairi," Sora complimented his girlfriend.
"Thanks, Sora. That Rapid Spin was pretty good too," Kairi added.
"I can't believe Gardenia lost," the second boy said.
"Yeah, but those two are so awesome trainers," the first boy said. Gardenia picks up her Turtwig.
"Thanks, Turtwig, you were great. You should have yourself a good long rest," Gardenia said, calling her Turtwig back. Selene picks up her Steenee.
"You were amazing, Steenee. You deserve a good rest," Selene said, calling her Steenee back. She went up to the couple with a smile. "You two are even better than I remember. It's no wonder Team Rocket went down on their faces. I doubt Guzma and the rest of Team Skull stand a chance against you."
"Well, if I ever do meet Guzma, I'll be sure to give him a good battle," Sora said.
"Say, Selene, you riased your Steenee well. When did you catch her?" Gardenia asked.
"I had her for a few weeks. She was just a little Bounsweet at the time. It was in the Lush Jungle. Mallow said she had her Tsareena when she was a Bounsweet as well," Selene said.
"I see. I'm sure that your Steenee will make a beautiful Tsareena with some proper training. And when that day comes, I would like to have a battle with you, an official Gym battle or not," Gardenia said.
"I will take you on that offer," Selene said.
"Gardenia, can we see more of your Pokémon, please?" The second boy asked. Gardenia smiled at the kids.
"Sure! First, we will making a trip to the Pokémon Center. And will Sora and his friends be joining us?" Gardenia asked.
"Sure thing, kids," Sora said. He turned to the Numemon, Sukamon, Chuumon, and Vegiemon. "Will you guys be coming along?" They all smiled as they joined them. Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Lillie, Elio, Selene, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and the Digimon joined the group and headed for the Pokémon Center.
Vorvomon and the Dracomon Brothers searched for any signs of Sora and his friends after entering Emeragrove Town.
"They got to be here somewhere. Spread out and find them!" Vorvomon ordered. The Dracomon Brothers flew to find the group. "Just you wait, Sora and Agumon. I'll Digivolve into my Ultimate Form and crush you with my awesome power! Just you wait!" Vorvomon flew to find them.
Over in the Pokémon Center, Sora, Kairi, Lillie, Elio, Selene, and Gardenia shows them their other Pokémon. They weren't surprised to see Elio's Torract has evolved into an Incineroar and Selene's Brionne has evolved into a Primarina. WIth them they also have an Alolan Raticate, a Hakamo-O, a Makuhita, a Shelgon, and Alolan Exeggutor as Selene also had a Oricolio in its Pom-Pom Style, a Ribombee, a West Sea Shellos, and a Stufful. The kids were astounded in seeing an Alolan Vulpix, an Alolan Raticate and Alolan Exeggutor for the first time ever. The same can be said about an Oricolio.
"So, cool," the first booy said. Snowy looked around to Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, and Aqua, so she happily went up to them.
"Hey, Snowy. Have you been?" Sora asked.
"Vul!" Snowy responded.
"That's good," Kairi, petted her.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"Vulpix!" Snowy said.
After a few hours, the kids all went home as Gardenia was joining the group for dinner in the messhall. Sora and Kairi shared the stories of how they knew Lillie so well, and about their many adventures together.
"Wow, you had quite an experience," Gardenia said.
"As Mina would say, yeah," Ventus said.
"After we left to build our Pokémon League in Alola, I became one of Professor Redwood's assistants to help on his research," Lillie said.
"Out of all of our other travel companions, the one you would get along with is Mallow since she uses Grass Types," Sora said.
"I'll make it my mission to meet her as soon as I come to the Alola region," Gardenia said.
"Speaking of Mallow, how is she doing? And how is her sister-in-law as well?" Kairi asked.
"She's doing great. She misses you like crazy, same as Lana and the others. Just recently, she found out she's going to be an aunt," Lillie said. The couple smiled as they were happy for their friend.
"When you see her, tell her we said congratulations," Sora said.
"I will," Lillie said.
"Do they know about us being in the Sinnoh region?" Ventus asked.
"Yes. They knew that you would be out and about on a new journey after everything else you've been through," Selene said.
"It's always good have some good friends who will have your backs no matter where you'd go," Gardenia said.
"Well, that's why Kairi gave us these," Lillie said, holding out a Wayfinder.
"What's that thing you're holding?" Veemon asked.
"It's a Wayfinder. When you have close friends, you can always find a way back to them, so you will never truly be apart form them," Lillie said.
"Sora and I have one too," Kairi said, holding out their Wayfinders.
"They must have worked when you hold on to them," Wormmon said.
"I want one of my own," Hawkmon said.
"Me too," Patamon said.
"Maybe, we'll make one for the each of you," Aqua offered. The Digimon all smiled as they were looking forward in having one.
Morning came as the group had to continue onto Veilstone City.
"It was great seeing you again, Lillie, Elio, Selene, Gardenia," Kairi said.
"Same to you guys," Elio said.
"And it was nice meeting you, Agumon," Lillie said.
"You too, Lillie," Agumon said.
"I know Illima and the others will be happy to meet you," Selene said.
"We're already looking forward in meeting them," Biyomon said.
"Good luck in your Gym battle, Sora," Gardenia said.
"Thanks. And good luck in the many Gym battles you have," Sora said. Gardenia smiled and nodded.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and the Digimon all said their goodbyes and continued on their journey. And they promised to see other again soon.