Episode 451: The Return of Gladion
A few days came and went since Sora has added Elgyem to the team. Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew continue on their way towards Driftsveil City when they came across a Pokémon not one of them expected to meet. The Pokémon is revealed to be a Sivally.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Meowth asked.
"Who is that Pokémon?" Iris asked.
"Xew?" Axew added.
"It's a Silvally," Sora answered.
"A Silvally? I never heard of one," Cilan said.
"You probably wouldn't have anyway," Sora said. Silvally looked right at them.
"It's looking right at us," Ventus said.
"Sora, just out of curiosity, just how do you know about Silvlly so much?" Cilan asked.
"I know I actually seen one before. Also, I have one of my own," Sora said. CIlan and Iris both looked right at him.
"You do?" Iris asked.
"Yeah. Silvally is actually an artificial Pokémon, created by Faba of the Aether Foundation. Riku also has one, as well as one more person I know," Sora said.
The person making an appearence is Gladion himself. He sees the group in surprise.
"Sora! It has been so long,' Gladion said.
"Gladion! I don't believe it! Long time no see!" Sora said.
"Hello there, Kairi, Terra, Ventus, Aqua," Cilan greeted.
"It's so good to see you again, Gladion!" Kairi said.
"And I had a feeling who this Silvally belonged to. There's no other people in the world who has one other than Sora and Riku," Terra said.
"This is just unexpected," Aqua said happily.
However, not everyone was happy about this reunion. Meowth didn't have a good history with him since he busted their phony inspection plan in the Indigo Plateau.
"Just when seeing that Lillie girl was bad enough, but now her bro is making a comeback! He's going have my tail and nine lives in a real sling!" Meowth said.
"We haven't seen you since Johto. Did you see Lillie by any chance?" Kairi asked.
"I saw her just the other day. She wanted me to give you her regards when I do see you," Gladion said. Gladion looked over to Cilan and Iris. "Who are they?"
"Right. These are friends of ours; Iris and Cilan. Iris is learning to be a Dragon Master, while Cilan is a Pokémon Connisseur, and one of the Gym Leaders of the Striaton City Gym. Cilan, Iris, this is Gladion. He's one of our friends and he's one of my old rivals," Sora introduced.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Gladion," Cilan greeted.
"Nice to meet you," Iris said.
"Likewise," Gladion said.
"So, Gladion, what brings you into Unova?" Cilan asked.
"When I have learned that the Alola region is having its own Pokémon League, I have decided to go on my own journey once again, so I have stopped into the Galar region. It was there that I have met Professor Magnolia and her granddaughter Sonia. I traveled all over the Galar region and saw the Pokémon that inhabited there, as well as the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomenon. I was at awe when I have seen it with my own eyes for the first time," Gladion said.
"Dynamax?" Iris asked.
"It's something that only happens in the Galar region. We never seen it ourselves, but what we heard that Pokémon can grow into gigantic size during the battle," Terra said.
"From what we heard it's kinda like Mega Evolution," Aqua added.
"Speaking of which, I then took my journey into the Kalos region where I have heard the origins of Mega Evolution. It was there that I met Professor Sycamore who is doing some research on the subject. And then my journey led me here into the Unova region, and to all of you," Gladion said.
"And how is Hau nowadays?" Sora asked.
"I heard he is in Alola visiting his grandfather. I heard about how Riku's mother has taken in an intern from Sinnoh to attend the Pokémon School with Professor Kukui teaching the class," Gladion said.
"And I can bet that he has been having a good time with his battling as usual," Sora said. Gladion chuckled.
"As a matter of speaking, he has," Gladion said, laughing.
"Just how are two familiar with each other, if you don't mind me asking?" Cilan asked.
"Kairi, our friends, and I first met Gladion when we were heading for Saffron City for my sixth Gym battle. It was right after the P-1 Grand Prix that we met Gladion. He filled us in about his journey, and how the Ultra Beasts," Sora explained.
"Ultra Beasts?" Iris asked.
"I think I heard of them. They're Pokémon that are said to appear from another dimension. But, I have always thought they were just stories," Cilan said.
"They're very real. Sora, Kairi, Lillie, and the others had their share of them," Terra said.
"And Silvally was created to combat these Ultra Beasts by Faba himself. He created two additional ones for Sora and Riku when the need should come," Gladion said.
"And I thought extraterrestrial Pokémon were farfetched," Iris said.
"Axew," Axew said.
"How is Lillie doing these days when you last saw her?" Ventus asked.
"She is doing well. She and the other two were doing some research the Legendary Pokémon here in Unova when I saw them," Gladion said. "But I have curious about your progress here, Sora."
"So far, I won, five Gym Badges," Sora said, showing Gladion his Gym Badges. "Kairi has won three Contest Ribbons, and we caught some Pokémon that live here."
"Lillie wasn't exaggerating when she told me that you are now a Pokémon Coordinator," Gladion said. "News of your accomplishments has not gone unnoticed with me."
"I figured it wouldn't," Sora said.
Meanwhile, the injured Team Plasma grunt was in the infirmary as Rocky has come on over.
"I presume that you're with Team Plasma," Rocky said.
"What do you want?" The Team Plasma grunt asked.
"Answers. Who was it that did this to you?" Rocky asked.
"Like I would tell someone like you," the Team Plasma grunt stated. Rocky figured it wasn't going to be easy.
"Okay, let's see how this thing works," Rocky said, moving the lever, lowering his broken limbs.
"Okay, okay! It was just one guy!" The Team Plasma grunt answered.
"Was that so hard?" Now, did he say who he was?" Rocky asked.
"I don't remember," the Team Plasma grunt said. He wasn't buying it, so he moved his hand closer. "Okay, okay! He was huge! He had face paint! And he wore Pokéballs around his neck like a necklace! Big red hair, look like fire! And he was tough! He beat us baddly without breaking a sweat! Called himself Dakim, and that's all I know!"
"And that's all I needed. Get some rest," Rocky said, taking his leave. He made contact with Tifa.
"My hunch was right. Dakim had his hands in this," Rocky said.
"You sure, Rock?" Tifa asked.
"I'm certain of it. There's no other member of Team Shadow that didn't have that kind of strength like he does," Rocky said.
"I hear you," Tifa said.
"Where are you right now?" Rocky asked.
"I'm in Drfitveil City," Tifa answered.
"I'll meet up with you later," Rocky said. Rocky breaks contact with Tifa and he looked up to the sky. "I know in my gut Sora will have something to do against Dakim."
A little later, Sora and Gladion has caught up with each other about their accomplishments since they last saw each other.
"It's not real surprising to me, Sora," Gladion said.
"Right back at you, Gladion," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but why would you bring Meowth with you? I know Team Rocket has been taken out, but I would like an explanation," Gladion said.
"Meowth along with Jessie and James were betrayed by Team Rocket after they found out they didn't care about them, sending them out on a false mission to get dirt on Team Magma and Team Aqua. Kairi and I thought they were dead until we saw them at Professor Oak's lab and led us to their headquarters," Sora said.
"Then everyone is at peace, knowing that they are gone for good," Gladion said.
"Yes and no. There's something else I think you should know about. There's these guys called Team Shadow going around. And those guys are nothing bad news," Sora explained.
"I appreciate that you brought this to my attention, Sora," Gladion said. "Just how do you know about this?"
"We met them before; twice. There was this guy Miror B, and a lady calling herself Lovrina. Keep your eyes open for them," Sora said.
"I will," Gladion said. "There is something I would like to request from you, Sora." Sora grinned.
"What?" Sora asked.
"I was wondering if you would like to have a battle against me. I want to see how well you have imporved since we last battled," Gladion said.
"I had a feeling you would challenge me again," Sora said. "How do you wanna do this?"
"We shall make it a full six-on-six battle. Subsitutions are permitted anytime. The battle shall be over when all six are unable to continue battling," Gladion proposed. Sora remembered the last battle Sora had with Gladion and how he lost. He didn't doubt that Gladion has been training hard since then, and so has he.
"You're on, Gladion. And I know that you have been ready for this," Sora said, shaking his hand. They both promised each other a good battle.
Sora and Gladion got set for their battle as Kairi, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Iris, Angel, Meowth, and Axew were sitting to watch with Cilan as the referee.
"Come one, come all to the battle between Sora on my left, and Gladion on my right! As the rules states, this is a full six-on-six Pokémon battle, and the battle will be over when all six of either side's Pokémon are unable to continue battling. Is that understood?" Cilan asked.
"Yes!" Sora and Gladion answered.
"Then, begin!" Cilan called out. Gladion took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Your shall be first, Crobat!" His Crobat came on out to battle. Sora knew Gladion used his Crobat first in their last battle. Sora turned to Pikachu.
"You're in first, Pikachu!" Sora said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said. He steps in to battle Crobat.
"Déjà vu," Kairi said.
"What do you mean, Kairi?" Iris asked.
"Gladion started with his Crobat and Sora started with Pikachu," Kairi said.
"This is how our last battle started," Sora said.
"That it did," Gladion agreed.
"Care to make the first move like last time?" Sora asked.
"Gladly. Crobat! Cross Poison!" Gladion ordered. Crobat flew right towards Pikachu with Cross Poison.
"Dodge and use Quick Attack!' Sora ordered. Pikachu dodges Crobat's Cross Poison. "Now, use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu fires Thunderbolt right at Crobat, but it easily dodges with great speed.
"As you can see, my Crobat is much faster than before. We worked on its speed for countless hours!" Gladion said. Sora was impressed.
"It shows! Okay Pikachu! Use Thunder!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed Thunder right at the bat Pokémon, but it easily dodges the electric attack with its new improved speed.
"I highly doubt your Pikachu knew Thunder before. I am impressed," Gladion said.
"Glad to hear it. But I have some other tricks up my sleeve! Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt right at Crobat, but the bat Pokémon dodges again. "Keep it up!" Pikachu firing Thunderbolt again and again. Crobat kept on dodging again and again.
"Crobat! Steel Wing!" Gladion ordered. Crobat came right at Pikachu and lands a hit onto the mouse Pokémon. "Use Venoshock!" Crobat fires Venoshock right at Piakchu, and lands a hit. He fell on his back.
"Pikachu, you okay?" Sora asked. Pikachu stood up on his feet.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Great! Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu ran right towards Crobat. Pikachu grabbed Crobat by the lower wings. "Thunderbolt!" Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt, shocking Crobat hard. Crobat was now paralyzed. "Now, use Iron Tail!" Pikachu swings his tail right at Crobat.
"Crobat! Cross Poison!" Gladion came right at Pikachu with its slow speed because of its paralysis.
"Dodge and use Thunder!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed Thunder right at Crobat and lands a hit. Crobat is now down for the count.
"Crobat is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" Cilan announced. Gladion calls back his Crobat and smiled.
"You have battled well, Crobat. Have yourself a good long rest," Gladion said. He then took out an Ultra Ball and threw it. "Your turn now, Lycanroc!" The Ultra Ball opens and Lycanroc came on out with a howl.
"Okay, Pikachu, you did enough," Sora said. Pikachu came right back. He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go right in, Dewott!" Dewott came on out to battle the wolf Pokémon.
"That's a smart move Sora made! Lycanroc is a Rock Type and Dewott is a Water Type!" Iris said.
"Yeah, but Lycanroc is just as strong as ever; even with a Type advantage," Aqua said.
"Dewott! Sacred Sword!" Sora ordered. Dewott came right at Lycanroc with Sacred Sword.
"Lycanroc! Counter!" Gladion ordered. Lycanroc uses Counter and gave the otter-like Pokémon a hit with double the power. Sora took out Dewott's Pokéball and calls Dewott back. He took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Your turn now, Snivy!" Sora called out. Snivy came on out to battle. "Use Attract!" Snivy uses Attract on the wolf Pokémon. Lycanroc then fell in love with the grass snake Pokémon. Gladion calls Lycanroc back and took out a Pokéball that is black and has green spots and an orange line and button.
"Go forth!" Gladion called out with his Silvally coming right out.
"What the?!" Sora exclaimed.
"Silvally?" Ventus asked.
"Use Night Daze!" Gladion ordered. Silvally came right at Snivy with a crimson aura surrounding its claws. SIlvally lands a hit onto Snivy.
"Night Daze? There's only to Pokémon I know that can use that move; Zoura and Zoroark. And that's got to be one of them using Illusion to throw me off," Sora said in his thoughts.
"I didn't know SIlvally could use Night Daze," Ventus said.
"Silvally can't use it. That's got to be either a Zorua or a Zoroark using it," Meowth said.
"Meowth's right. That has be Illusion," Aqua said.
"Snivy! Leaf Blade!" Sora ordered. Snivy jumped and swung her tail right at Silvally. Illusion shook off and revealed to be a Zoroark. "So, it was a Zoroark. When did you get that?"
"This Zoroark actually belongs to my father. I knew Zoroark since I was a baby. Zoroark has been a part of my family for many years," Gladion said.
"How come I never knew Zoroark before?" Sora asked.
"Zoroark was inside of the Dusk Ball for the duration of your visit," Gladion said.
"Should we continue battling or continue to take a strol down memory lane?" Sora asked
"I was about to ask you the same thing, Sora. Zoroark! Use Night Slash!" Gladion ordered.
"Dodge and use Leaf Storm!" Sora ordered. Snivy dodges and unleashed Leaf Storm right at the illusion fox Pokémon. Zoroark gets struck hard by the leaves. "Now, use Leaf Blade!" Snivy jumped and landed a Leaf Blade onto Zoroark.
"Shadow Ball!" Gladion ordered. Zoroark forms Shadow Ball and sends it right at Snivy, landing a hit. Snivy stands back up and started to evolve.
"Snivy's evolving!" Ventus said. Snivy was now a Servine.
"Snivy had evolved into a Servine!" Sora said with awe.
"Servine," the newly evolved Servine said.
"Okay Servine! Use Vine Whip!" Sora ordered. Servine sends out Vine Whip and lands a hit onto the illusion fox Pokémon. "And now you learned a new move! Gras Pledge!" Servine whips up a much more powerful move than Leaf Storm right into where Zoroark is standing. Zoroark is struck hard. "Now, use Leaf Blade!" Servine heads towards Zoroark and lands a hit onto it. Zoroark is down for the count.
"Zoroark is unable to battle! Servine wins!" Cilan announced. Gladion calls Zoroark back.
"Well done, Zoroark. You have always done your best," Gladion said. He smiled. "I have to admit, you have grown so much stronger than the last time we battled. But will it be enough?" Gladion took out his Ultra Ball and threw it. "Come back out Lycanroc!" His Lycanroc came back out to battle.
"Lycanroc again? Okay, let's see how well this will go. Servine! Leaf Blade!" Sora ordered. Servine came right at the wolf Pokémon with Leaf Blade.
"Counter!" Gladion ordered. Lycanroc countered Servine's Leaf Blade. "Now use Crush Claw!" Lycanroc smacked Servine with Crush Claw. Servine had been taken down.
"Servine is unable to battle! Lycanroc wins!' Cilan announced.
"Sora, your Servine is strong, but even though it had the advantage over Lycanroc, it still stood no chance," Gladion said. Sora calls Servine back.
"Yeah. You did a lot of training, and the way your Lycanroc executed his attacks is proof. And here is someone coming back out to play," Sora said, taking out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Back to action, Dewott!" Dewott came back out to battle against Lycanroc.
"There's no surprise. You want to finish what you started," Gladion said.
"Dewott! Water Gun!" Sora ordered. Dewott fires Water Gun right at the wolf Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Stone Edge!" Gladion ordered. Lycanroc sends out Stone Edge and the rocks heads right towards Dewott.
"Use Razor Shell to block it!" Sora ordered. Dewott grabs his scalchops and swings at the rocks, cutting them into ribbons. "Now, use Aqua Jet!" Dewott launches himself with Aqua Jet and heads right towards Lycanroc.
"Dodge and use Outrage!" Gladion ordered. Lycanrock dodges Dewott's Aqua Jet. Lycanroc's eyes glow red and a burst of light red energy comes from the ground and momentarily surrounds his body. He then repeatedly punches the discipline Pokémon with one of his claws.
"Use Razor Shell!" Sora ordered. Dewott came right at Lycanroc with Razor Shell only be blocked again and lands another hit with Outrage. Dewott gets back up and then Lycanroc became confused. Gladion calls back Lycanroc and took out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"Come forth, Umbreon!" Gladion called out. His Umbreon came on out to battle.
"There's another one I'm very familiar with," Sora said. Sora calls back Dewott and took out another Pokéball and threw it. "And here's another! Go! Pignite!" Pignite came on out to battle Umbreon.
"Using a Fighting Type against my Umbreon is a wise move, Sora. Umbreon! Use Dark Pulse!" Umbreon fired Dark Pulse right at the fire pig Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Arm Thrust!" Sora ordered. Pignite came right at Umbreon with Arm Thrust.
"Dodge it, Umbreon!" Glaion called out. Umbreon moved when Pignite was moving from left to right to avoid Pignite's Arm Thrust. "Now, use Iron Tail!" Umbreon came right at Pignite with Iron Tail. Pignite was struck before he could dodge. "Umbreon! Use Shadow Ball!" Umbreon unleashed Shadow Ball and it landed a hit onto Pignite. "Now, use Dark Pulse!"
"Dodge and use Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Pignite dodges and unleashed Flamethrower right at Umbreon, landing a hit. "Now, use Flame Charge!" Pignite charged right at Umbreon, and lands a hit, increasing Pignite's speed.
"Well done, Sora. Your Pignite is impressive in both speed and strength. You have done a wonderful job in raising your Pignite," Gladion said.
"Thanks. Your Umbreon is even stronger than I remember," Sora said. "Okay, Pignite! Fire Pledge!" Pignite slams his fist onto the ground as pillars of fire appeared. It created a powerful sea of flames due to Servine's Grass Pledge in effect. Umbreon has taken some heavy damage from Pignite's Fire Pledge.
"Whoa, that was awesome!" Ventus said.
"Pignite's attack combined with Servine's Grass Pledge and in turn, caused lots of damage to Umbreon," Terra said. Umbreon was still standing even after taking Pignite's Fire Pledge.
"How is Umbreon is still standing after taking that kind of damage?" Iris asked.
"I don't know, but it looks like both of Umbreon and Pignite are exhausted from those moves," Meowth said.
"Sora's strength is unreal! He certainly didn't have this kind of strength when he and I battled before," Gladion said in his thoughts.
"Gladion's Umbreon just took it, even after taking all that damage. Gladion's Pokémon are forces to be reckoned with," Sora said.
"Gladion! Iron Tail!" Gladion ordered.
"Pignite! Flame Charge!" Sora ordered.
Both of Pignite and Umbreon came right at each other and landed a hit onto one another. They did a stance before Umbreon eventually went down.
"Umbreon is unable to battle! Pignite wins!" Cilan announced. Gladion called back his Umbreon.
"Well done, Sora. I am impressed by your strength," Gladion said, taking out a Luxury Ball and threw it. "Go! Lucario!" His Lucario came on out to battle.
"So, it's a Lucario. It looks just as strong as mine and Riku's. And Pignite has the edge since being a Fire and Fighting Type, but he's pooped from that battle with Umbreon," Sora said in his thoughts. He called out, "Pignite, you still good to go?" Pignite turned and nodded. "Okay, if you wanna keep going, then I'm going to support you! Flamethrower!" Pignite unleashed Flamethrower right at the aura Pokémon. Gladion grinned.
"Lucario! Use Detect!" Gladion ordered. Lucario avoids Flamethrower by taking a step. "Now, use Dragon Pulse!" Lucario unleashed Dragon Pulse and lands a hit onto Pignite. "Finish it with Aura Sphere!" Lucario fires Aura Sphere and lands a hit onto Pignite, resulting in a knockout.
"Pignite is unable to battle! Lucario wins!" Cilan announced. Sora calls back Pignite and smiled.
"Get some rest, Pignite. You earned it," Sora said. He looked right at Lucario and took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Elgyem!" Elgyem came on out to battle Lucario.
"Lucario! Dragon Pulse!" Gladion ordered. Lucario sends out Dragon Pulse right at the cerebral Pokémon.
"Block it with Confusion!" Sora ordered. Elgyem blocks the attack with Confusion. "Send it back!" Elgyem sends it right back right at its owner.
"Lucario! Detect!" Gladion ordered. Lucario uses Detect to dodge Elgyem's counterattack. "Now, use Force Palm!" Lucario came right at Elgyem with Force Palm.
"Dodge and use Zen Headbutt!" Sora ordered. Elgyem dodged and came at Lucario with Zen Headbutt and lands a hit onto the aura Pokémon.
"Lucario! Aura Sphere!" Gladion ordered. Lucario fires Aura Sphere right at Elgyem, landing a heavy hit. Elgyem had been knocked out.
"Elgyem is unable to battle! Lucario wins!" Cilan announced. Sora calls back Elgyem.
"You did your best, Elgyem. Get some rest," Sora said. He took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Your turn now, Archen!" Archen came on out to battle. "Archen! Dragon Claw!" Archen flew right at Lucario with Dragon Claw.
"Detect!" Gladion ordered. Lucario dodges Archen's attack. "Now, use Force Palm!" Lucario lands a Force Palm onto Archen, resulting in a paralysis.
"Archen! Dragon Breath!" Sora ordered. Archen tried to fire Dragon Breath, but he had a hard time doing so since being paralyzed.
"Lucario! Dragon Pulse!" Gladion ordered. Lucario unleashed Dragon Pulse and it knocks out Archen.
"Archen is unable to battle! Lucario wins!" Cilan announced. Sora calls back Archen and took out Dewott's Pokéball.
"Back to action, Dewott!" Sora called out. Dewott came on out to battle against Lucario.
"Lucario, be ready," Gladion said.
"Dewott! Razor Shell!" Sora ordered. Dewott came right at Lucario with Razor Shell.
"Detect!" Gladion ordered. Lucario dodged Razor Shell. "Now, use Force Palm!" Lucario came right at Dewott with Force Palm.
"Dodge and use Water Gun!" Sora ordered. Dewott fires Water Gun and it lands a hit onto the aura Pokémon. "Now, use Sacred Sword!"
"Dodge and use Aura Sphere!" Gladion ordered Lucario unleashed Aura Sphere and it lands a hit onto the otter-like Pokémon. "Now, use Dragon Pulse!" Lucario uneashed Dragon Pulse right at Dewott.
"Block with Razor Shell!" Sora ordered. Dewott uses Razor Shell to cut Lucario's Dragon Pulse in half. "Now, use Aqua Jet!" Dewott fires himself right at Lucario and lands a hit onto Lucario. "Keep it up!" Dewott keeps hitting Lucario with Aqua Jet. "Now use Sacred Sword!" Dewott lands a hit with Sacred Sword, knocking out Lucario.
"Lucario is unable to battle! Dewott wins!" Cilan announced. Cilan calls back Lucario and smiled.
"You battled well, Lucario. Rest for now," Gladion said, taking out his Ultra Ball. "You're coming back out, Lycanroc!" His Lycanroc came back out to battle. "Lycanroc! Crush Claw!" Lycanroc charged right at Dewott with Crush Claw.
"Dodge and use Razor Shell!" Sora ordered. Dewott lands a hit onto Lycanroc.
"Lycanroc! Use Outrage!" Gladion ordered. Lycanroc's eyes and body glowed red again and then came right at Dewott.
"Dewott! Dodge and use Sacred Sword!" Sora ordered. Dewott dodges Lycanroc's atttack and lands a hit onto Lycanroc. "Okay, now use Water Gun!" Dewott fires Water Gun and it lands a hit onto Lycanroc, resulting in a knockout.
"Lycanroc is unable to battle! Dewott wins!" Cilan annoucned.
"Now, Gladion has one more left," Ventus said.
"Sora might actually win this," Iris said.
"He might, but you know who his sixth is right?" Terra asked. Gladion calls back Lycanroc and took out his Premier Ball.
"Sora, you know who is in this one, don't you? I have been saving this one for last; I was hoping for this one," Gladion said.
"I knew you were saving Silvally for last anyway," Sora said. Gladion grinned.
"You were never easy to disappoint," Gladion said. He threw the Premier Ball. "Go! Silvally!" His Silvally came on out to battle.
"Be ready, Dewott!" Sora said.
"Silvally! Begin with Crush Claw!" Gladion ordered. Silvally started to come towards the discipline Pokémon with Crush Claw.
"Sacred Sword!" Sora ordered. Dewott came right at Silvally with Sacred Sword. Silvally overpowers Dewott and lands a hit, resulting in a knockout.
"Dewott is unable to battle! Silvally wins!" Cilan announced. Sora calls back Dewott and he turned to his partner.
"You're up, Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said. Pikachu stepped in front of the chimeric Pokémon.
"Piakchu! Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu charged right at Silvally, but it easily dodged the attack. Gladion grinned.
"Silvally! Air Slash!" Gladion ordered. Silvally unleashed Air Slash and it lands a hit onto Pikachu. "Now, use Crush Claw!" Silvally came right at Pikachu.
"Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Piakchu swings his tail right at Silvally. Both clashed their attacks. "Now, use Thunder!" Pikachu fires Thunder right at Silvally.
"Dodge!" Gladion called out. Silvally dodges the attack as Gladion took out a Ground Memory Disc. "Take this Ground Memory Disc!" He threw it, making Silvally a Ground Type Pokémon.
"Oh, this is bad for Sora," Kairi said.
"What did he just do?" Iris asked.
"Gladion gave Silvally a Memory Disc, making it a Ground Type," Kairi said.
"That means Pikachu's Electric Type moves will have zero effect on Silvally now," Meowth said.
"Silvally! Multi-Attack!" Gladion ordered.
"Dodge it!" Sora ordered.
Silvally came too fast for Pikachu to dodge and he is hit very hard. Pikachu fell on his side. Pikachu tried to get back up, but he fell on his side.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Silvally wins! The winner of the battle is Gladion!" Cilan annoucned. Gladion calls Silvally back as Sora helps Pikachu up.
"Don't sweat it, Pikachu. You did your best," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I have enjoyed our battle, Sora. You have gotten much stronger," Gladion said.
"Yeah. I can see you did some training since then. I'm looking forward in another battle with you," Sora said. Gladion smiled.
"As am I, Sora," Gladion said, shaking Sora's hand.
"Man, I can't believe Sora lost!" Ventus said.
"Don't worry, Ven. He did his best and that's what matters, right?" Kairi asked her boyfriend's cousin.
"She's right, Ven. Gladion was no slouch either," Aqua said.
"Gladion, I must say that as you and Sora battled, I must say that I have evauluated each and everyone of your Pokémon, and I must say that you have such a flavorful connection with them. Each one of them is a unique ingredient for one of the most unique recipes I have ever seen," Cilan complimented.
"Your words are kind, Cilan. I appreciate it," Gladion said. He turned to Sora. "I expect you to shape up the next time I see you."
"You won't be disappointed, Gladion," Sora said, giving him a thumbs up. Gladion took his leave of the group.
Seeing an old rival again has renewed a respectful rivalry with him. Sora will have to get even more serious if he wants to battle Gladion again and win it.