Episode 460: Take to the Skyla!
A couple of days has passed since they parted ways with Lillie, so Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew continued on their way to Mistralton City for Sora's very next Gym battle.
Upon hearing that he will be up against Flying Type Pokémon, he was going to make good on his promise to Pikachu.
"Well, since Skyla uses Flying Type Pokémon, you'll have the upperhand, buddy," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu beamed.
"What other Pokémon you got that's a match for Skyla?" Karen asked. "You have a Tynamo, a Blitzle, and a Boldore. which one of those will you be using?" Sora thought for a moment.
"Well, Pikachu and Crustle will be a couple of good choices. Still working on a third," Sora said as he thought and thought. He accessed his Pokémon Box and searched for the ideal Pokémon to use. He looked over the Rock Types he had caught while in the Unova region. He exchanged Crustle, Servine, and Dewott for Boldore, Tirtouga and Archen. "I'll make up my mind when we get there."
"It's so exciting to see you have another Gym battle since you took on Clay," Karen said.
"Yeah, you do remember that Clay gave me a hard time with that Excadrill of his, don't you?" Sora asked. Karen placed her hand on her brother's hand.
"I have faith in you, Sora. Just as much as Kairi does," Karen said.
"Thanks. Love you, sis," Sora said, giving his sister a kis on the forehead. Karen smiled as she hugged her brother.
"Love you too, big bro," Karen said. "Now, Kairi wanted me to fetch you because she's prepared a special meal for you."
"Yum!" Sora cheered happily as brother and sister went to have some lunch. But they were unaware of a Bouffalant coming out and snorting.
The twins rejoins the rest of the group as Kairi and Cilan has prepared a meal for the whole group.
"And here we go. A little something I made for you. A nice tuna salad sandwich," Kairi said, presenting her boyfriend a sandwich. "I made it special with the celery you love so much." Sora face lit up.
"The extra crunchy celery?" Sora asked.
"The crunchiest," Kairi said.
"You are the best," Sora said, taking a bite of the sandwich. Pikachu, Angel, Boldore, Pignite, Tirtouga, Archen, Foongus, Emolga, Watchog, Liepard, Deerling, Munna, Pansage, Ferroseed, Amoongus, Axew, Deino, and Druddigon were all eating the Pokémon food that Cilan and Kairi had made.
Meowth took a bite of his sandwich.
"Tasty as ever," Meowth said.
"I'll say. It's just as good as Cilan's!" Iris said.
"I said this before, but I'll say this again; the food you make is great," Karen said.
"Thank you, Karen," Kairi said.
"Don't tell mom this, but Kairi's cooking is the best," Sora said.
"I won't tell, Sora," Karen said.
Both siblings laughed as Kairi smiled and laughed along with the twins. Terra and Aqua beamed as well.
"We only knew Karen for a short time, but it feels like they knew each other for their whole lives," Terra said.
"I was thinking the same thing," Aqua said.
The group were enjoying the meal much to their hearts content when the Bouffalant came ramming in.
"Crap! A Bouffalant!" Sora exclaimed. Bouffalant charges right at the Pokémon with the full force of its attack.
"He's using Head Charge!" Kairi gasped.
"Guys!" Sora called out. "Tirtouga! Hurry and use Protect!" Turtouga uses Protect to form a protective barrier, making Bouffalant's attack bounce right off. "That close. Tirtouga! Rock Throw!" Tirtouga unleashed Rock Throw right at the bash buffalo Pokémon. Bouffalant charges with Horn Attack and lands a hit with great force. Sora was impressed bu Bouffalant's power and strength. "Use Water Pulse!" Tirtouga forms a ball of water and sends it right at Bouffalant. The bash buffalo Pokémon became confused by the attack. "Use Water Pulse again!" Tirtouga lands a hit onto Tirtouga again, but it was much stronger than before. Despite Bouffalant's confusion, Bouffalant lands another hit onto the proto turtle Pokémon. Tirtouga withdrew into his shell.
"Tirtouga!" Kairi and Karen both gasped.
Tirtouga came out of his shell and started to evolve. Everyone was surprised to see Tirtouga evolve. Tirtouga has now became a Carracosta.
"Tirtouga evolved!" Ventus exclaimed.
"Now, they're on equal terms," Terra said.
Bouffalant charged right at the prehistoric Pokémon right a great force of his body.
"Carracosta! Use Protect!" Sora ordered. Carracosta uses Protect to block Bouffalant's Head Charge. "Now, use Water Pulse!" Carracosta forms a ball of water and sends it right at the bash buffalo Pokémon. "Now, use another Rock Throw!" Carracosta unleashed Rock Throw and it lands a hit onto Bouffalant pretty hard. Bouffalant had been taken down, so Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Bouffalant flows inside it and wobbles around and around. Bouffalant bursts right out.
"Bouffalant still has some fight left!" Cilan said. Bouffalant charges right at Carracosta again.
"Water Pulse!" Sora ordered. Carracosta unleashed Water Pulse and it lands a hit onto the bash buffalo Pokémon. He took out another Pokéball and threw it. Bouffalant flows right inside of it. Bouffalant wobbles around and around. Sora knew it wouldn't be able to stay in so easy. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Bouffalant with him. He chose to send Bouffalant over to Professor Oak's lab. "And that's done."
"That was a great catch, Sora," Kairi praised her boyfriend. Sora smiled right at her.
"Thanks, Kairi," Sora said. He have his girlfriend a kiss on the lips and she kisses him back. The group all smiled warmly at the sight.
Over to Professor Oak's lab, a Pokéball appears. Professor Oak smiled at the Pokéball.
"My, my, it's another catch made by Sora. He sent me so many wonderful gems before, so I wonder what he sent me this time," Professor Oak said. The Pokéball opens up and Bouffalant came on out and he charges right at the Pokémon researcher. "It was bad enough that he sent me a Muk, but a rampaging Bouffalant is another thing!" He ran around the lab. "Lea, Isa! I need your assistance here!"
Lea and Isa both entered the lab and they see the chaos going on.
"Professor!" Isa called out.
"What's going on?" Lea asked.
"Help get Bouffalant under control!" Professor Oak exclaimed.
"Right! I think I know how!" Lea said. He ran out the lab. He came back in a few seconds later. He came in with ultra soundproof earmuffs. "Okay, Jigglypuff, do your thing!"
Jigglypuff starts to sing her song. While singing, Lea quickly hands Isa and Professor Oak a pair. Bouffalant is starting to get sleepy and fell right to sleep. Professor Oak grabs Bouffalant's Pokéball and calls him back while sleeping.
"Man, I am so glad Tails made these soundproof earmuffs," Lea said.
"Same here. The tech that little fox made has come in handy during the fight with that Eggman guy," Isa said.
"Indeed. And it was an excellent idea of using Kairi's Jigglypuff to sooth Bouffalant's rage," Professor Oak said.
"Yeah. Figured we put them to the ultimate test," Lea said.
"Speaking of Kairi, have you heard from her or Sora lately?" Isa asked.
"I was just contacted by Professor Juniper and it appears he's doing well. They even made contact with Lillie lately," Professor Oak said.
"Not a surprise," Isa said.
"Just hope the next Pokémon Sora sends us doesn't go berserk like his latest one," Lea said.
"As do I," Professor Oak said.
Meanwhile, Ghetsis smiled as he holds the Dark Stone in his hands.
"The Dark Stone. Years of planning could not have come any smoother than this," Ghetsis said. "As soon as we get hold of the Light Stone and my master plan will be set."
Ghetsis grinned evilly. As it turns out, he plans on being the only Pokémon trainer in the world. He would use Pokémon to enforce fear and his might to the people. The obstacle he's concerned about is N.
Speaking of which, he looked up to the sky.
"Father. Reshiram tells me that you have obtained the Dark Stone. I cannot allow you to obtain the Light Stone," N said. He took off to find the ruins of Reshiram.
Back to the group, they finally arrived in Mistralton City. All that was left was to challenge the Gym Leader Skyla. Upon arriving they entered the Pokémon Center to rest up their Pokémon before the Gym battle coming up. Upon arriving, they saw all sorts of trainers, many of them were disgruntled.
"You guys lost the battles against the Gym Leader?" Sora asked.
"Lose is a bit of a stretch!" One trainer exclaimed.
"What do you mean?" Iris asked.
"The Gym Leader Skyla just had a look at all our Pokémon and said that we're all gonna lose" The trainer said. Cilan didn't like how that turned out.
"What?" Cilan asked.
"Perhaps you should explain what you mean," Aqua said.
"Okay. Word was going around that she takes on at least sixteen trainers in one day; but they aren't really battles. She boasts that she's really strong, but the truth is she's just scared of losing," the trainer said.
Everyone all looked at each other. Cilan wasn't too thrilled in hearing how Skyla runs her Gym.
"You think she's scared of losing?" Ventus asked.
"Yeah, that's why she set up that stupid Sky Battle thing," the trainer said.
Not too far, a man wearing a suit comes by searching for the Gym Leader. An elderly man saw him there.
"Something I can help you with?" The elderly man asked. The younger man approached him.
"Yes, I was wondering if you knew where she would be," the man said. The elderly man sighed.
"Probably flying on one her planes as we speak," the elderly man said. "You can find her at the Mistralton Cargo Company."
"Can you point me in the right direction?" The man asked.
"Just down this way," the elderly man answered, pointing him down to the right.
"Thank you. That's all I needed to know," the man said, taking off. The elderly man sighed again. "If only I was able to get through to her." He spotted the group approaching the Gym. "Something I can help you with?"
"We're looking for the Gym Leader, Skyla," Sora said.
The elderly man groaned.
"Maybe you should come with me," the elderly man said.
The elderly man took the group to a diner to talk about the situation Skyla has put on the Gym.
"So, what's the deal with Skyla, and what are Air Battles?" Ventus asked.
"Air Battles are just a way of Skyla could have time for herself," the elderly man said.
"What do you mean by that?" Terra asked.
"Perhaps I should start from the beginning. When I retired as Gym Leader, Skyla was taking her duty as a Gym Leader seriously. Challengers from all over the Univa region all flocked all over, so it was taking the time for her love of flying away from her, and that's when she came up with Air Battles. It allowed her to have time for herself. Everyone seems happy," the elderly man explained. Cilan sat there, letting his temper rise.
"THAT IS NO EXCUSE!" Cilan exclaimed.
"Cilan?" Sora asked surprised.
"That's exactly what I told her. She says that she's not getting any complaints, so why bother go through the trouble, and that's the way it has been," the elderly man said.
"I will not accept this!" Cilan said.
"Cilan?" Kairi asked.
"What she's doing is an unforgivable insult to Gym Leaders everywhere! This will not stand!" Cilan said.
"Cilan, calm down," Aqua said.
"I will not calm down! What she's doing is making a mockery of the title of Gym Leader, and it cannot stand! I'll see to it!" Cilan said.
Over to the Mistralton Cargo company, the man from before walks right in and spots a young woman who has blue eyes and dark-red hair, with a light accessory resembling a propellor and a bun. Her outfit consists of a long-sleeved light blue crop top, bulky dark blue gloves, light blue short-shorts, dark blue boots, a dark blue holster attached on her right thigh, and dark blue straps with white buckles that wrap around her stomach and hips.
The young man watched as she did her Air Battles in her head. The young man looked on with disapproval.
She stroked her chin as she did an analysis on an Emolga, a Boldore, and a Zebstrika. In her head she have visualized the results of the battles.
"You sure have a great strength. So, I'll present you the Jet Badge," Skyla said.
"Stop right there!" The young man called out. Everyone all looked at him as he started to make his approach.
"Um, excuse me, but do you have an appointment?" Skyla asked.
"Do you have any business in being a Gym Leader?" The young man asked. Skyla was caught off guard by the question.
"Excuse me?!" Skyla asked, not liking his tone. "Who do you think you are to ask me such a thing?" The young man flashed out his ID card.
"I'm an inspector of the Unova Pokémon League Association!" The young man said. "And I just want to say that YOU are in a lot of trouble!" Skyla was confused by what he just said to her.
"Huh? What do you mean I'm in trouble?" Skyla asked.
"You gave your Gym a new rule without the approval of the League Association. And I was monitoring your activities, so it is grounds to having your title as Gym Leader revoked!" The inspector said.
"You can't do that!" Skyla yelled.
"Yes I can, and yes I will," the inspector said.
Not too long, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew all arrived to the cargo company and witnesses the commotion.
"You can't just come on down and tell me that you're going to fire me as a Gym Leader!" Skyla said.
"I just did! And that's what's going to happen!" The inspector said.
"I haven't gotten any complaints about my methods!" Skyla argued.
"I heard differently! We got a phone call and the higher-ups sent me down to monitor it, and I have seen enough!" The inspector said.
The group all approached a trainer waiting in line.
"What's going on?" Sora asked.
"That guy says he's an inspector, and he's threatening to give her the boot," the trainer explained.
"It doesn't look good for her, does it?" Kairi asked.
"No it doesn't. If he's an inspector sent by the Unova Pokémon League Association, then she's a whole lot of trouble," Cilan said.
"She's in trouble for those Air Battles? Doesn't she have the right to run her Gym however she wants?" Iris asked.
"They do. The thing is, the rules has to be approved by the Unova Pokémon League Association first. And of the rules meets the approval, then it passes, but if not, then they are forbidden to do so. And if they carry on without the approval, then they can have their Gym Leader licenses revoked and the Gym will shut down until a new one is appointed," Cilan explained.
"That is unfair!" Skyla exclaimed. "Why should I run it by you?"
"Because it's one of the rules to do so. And a Gym Leader who breaks the rules don't deserve to be a Gym Leader!" The inspector stated.
"Look, I'm sorry! I didn't know!" Skyla argued.
"Ignorance is no excuse!" The inspector argued back.
"Please! Gimme a chance! I'll prove to you that I'm a good Gym Leader!" Skyla pleaded. The inspector looked right at her. He reluctantly decided to give her a chance.
"Okay. I'll give you once chance to prove yourself. It will be an official Gym battle. And it will be a trainer who comes to challenge you," the inspector said.
That was when Sora spoke up.
"I'll take that challenge!" Sora called out, catching everyone's attention.
"Who's that guy?" One trainer asked in surprise.
"I think I know him! That's Sora Ketchum, the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh!" Another trainer said.
"Okay, what's your name?" Skyla asked.
"I'm Sora, and I came from Pallet Town in the Kanto region. And I'm here to challenge you to a Gym battle," Sora said.
"And how many Bades did you win?" Skyla asked.
"I've got six," Sora said. The inspector turned to Skyla.
"I have made myself perfectly clear. Do you accept?" The inspector asked.
"Will she accept?" Karen asked.
"She'll have no choice since the inspector has made his condition very clear. And if she refuses, then that'll be all he'll need to revoke her terms," Cilan said.
"Since I'm confident in my abilities, I accept!" Skyla said.
"Good. And one more thing! You will not be allowed to see the challenger's Pokémon until the battle commences! Is that understood?" The inspector asked.
"Understood," Skyla replied.
"Good. We take place at the Gym. And I will be watching!" The inspector said.
Everyone all headed for the Gym for Sora's Gym battle. Sora stood on one side as Skyla stood on the other side.
"This is unfair. Not allowed to see his Pokémon until the battle? My Sky Battles has always been so reliable. No matter, because I'm going to win," Skyla said.
"The Gym battle between the Gym Leader Skyla and the challenger Sora is about to begin! Both trainers will be using three Pokémon each! Only the challenger will be allowed to substitute Pokémon! The battle is over when all three Pokémon on either side is unable to continue battling! Choose and begin!" The referee announced. Skyla took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Okay, Swoobat! Come fly with me!" Skyla called out. Swoobat came on out to battle. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Boldore!" Sora called out. Boldore came on out to battle. "Okay Boldore! Start things up with Rock Blast!" Boldore unleashes Rock Blast right at the bat-like Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Supersonic!" Skyla ordered. Swoobat unleashed a spjmdwave from its mouth and confuses Boldore. "Now, use Air Cutter!" Swoobat unleashed Air Cutter, striking the ore Pokémon on the spot.
"Boldore! Use Flash Cannon!" Sora ordered. Boldore manages to fire Flash Cannon despite his confusion. "Now use Stone Edge!" Boldore attempts to fire Stone Edge, but he hurts himself in his confusion.
"Boldore's so confused," Karen said.
"Boldore is going to knock himself out unless Boldore shakes off his confusion. Sora calls back Boldore and took out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Archen!" Sora called out. Archen came out to battle.
"Hm, an Archen. It's not often that I get to battle a prehistoric Pokémon, but it won't stand a chance against Swoobat! Use Gust!" Skyla ordered. Swoobat flapped its wings right at the prehistoric flying Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Dragon Claw!" Sora ordered. Archen manages to avoid Swoobat's Gust and started to come at Swoobat with Dragon Claw.
"Dodge and use Air Cutter!" Skyla ordered. Archen got close to Swoobat, but it dodges and lands a hit onto him with Air Cutter.
"Archen! Use Dragon Breath!" Sora ordered. Archen unleashed Dragon Breath and lands a hit. "Now, use Rock Slide!" Archen unleashed Rock Slide and lands a hit onto Swoobat. Skyla was stunned to see Archen turn the tables on Swoobat very quickly.
"Okay, use Supersonic!" Skyla ordered.
"Dodge and use Rock Slide!" Sora ordered. Archen dodges and unleashed Rock Slide right onto Swoobat. "Now use Wing Attack!" Archen flew right at Swoobat, landing a hit. Swoobat then goes down.
"Swoobat's unable to battle! Archen wins!" The referee announced. Skyla calls back Swoobat and smirked.
"Well, I should have expected that from a Rock Type," Skyla said, taking out another Pokéball. "And here's number two! Unfezant! Fly with me!" She threw her Pokéball and came out to battle. This Unfezant is female. Sora looked right at Archen.
"You still okay to keep going?" Sora asked. Archen nodded. "Great! Dragon Breath!" Archen unleashed Dragon Breath right at the proud Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Pluck!" Skyla ordered. Unfezant's beak glows white and she hits Archen with it. "That was good, Unfezant! Now use Aerial Ace!" Unfezant darts right at Archen, landing a hit. "Now, use Air Slash!" Unfezant unleashed Air Slash and lands another hit onto Archen. The first bird Pokémon fell on the ground, but barely got back up.
"Archen has taken lots of damage from those hits," Ventus said.
"Even though Archen is a Rock Type and a Flying Type, that Unfezant has a cafe worth of experience in battle. I fear Archen might not be able to last against it," Cilan said.
"Sora," Kairi and Karen both said with worry.
"Hang in there, Archen," Sora said. Archen flies back up and then started to evolve. Archen had now become an Archeops. "Whoa, Archen just evolved into an Archeops." Everyone watching were awestruck by what they were seeing. "Okay, Archeops! Use Dragon Claw!" Archeops came right at Unfezant and lands a slash onto Unfezant, dealing some heavy damage. "Now, use Rock Slide!" Archeops unleashed Rock Slide and lands a hit onto Unfezant, dealing some heavy damage. Skyla wasn't phased by it.
"Just because Archeops evolved doesn't mean it stands a chance against my Unfezant! Aerial Ace!" Skyla ordered. Unfezant darts right at Archeops and lands another hit. "Now use Pluck!"
"Dragon Breath!" Sora asked.
"Huh?!" Skyla exclaimed. Archeops unleashed another Dragon Breath and lands a hit, resulting in a paralysis. "Now, Rock Slide!" Archeops lands a hit with Rock Slide again. Unfezant goes down hard, resulting in a knockout.
"Unfezant is unable to battle! Archeops wins!" The referee announced.
"Okay, I'll admit, I kinda underestimated you. I have been saving the best for last! So, get ready to lose!" Skyla said, calling back Unfezant and took out another Pokéball. She threw it. "Swanna! Come fly with me!" Her Swanna came on out with a majestic cry.
"That Swanna's going to be a tough one to beat. I better call back Archeops to play it safe," Sora said. Sora calls back Archeops and took out Boldore's Pokéball and threw it. "Okay, Boldore! Back to action!" Boldore came back out to battle.
"Sora's making a gusty move, using Boldore against Swanna since it's a Water Type," Iris said.
"Swanna's not going to be easy to take down and Sora knows it. He must have some kind of trick up his sleeve," Terra said.
"Boldore! Use Sandstorm!" Sora ordered. Boldore whips up Sandstorm and it lands a hit onto Swanna. The whole battlefield is now caught in a sandstorm. Skyla groaned.
"How dare you use a Sandstorm on my battlefield!" Skyla exclaimed.
"Yes, Sandstorm!" Ventus cheered.
"Skyla's about to learn that Sora won't be easy to beat; especially with Sandstorm in effect!" Cilan said.
"Now Sora's gotta do is get it done fast," Meowth said.
"Okay, Boldore! Flash Cannon!" Sora ordered. Boldore fires Flash Cannon and lands a hit onto Swanna. "Now, use Rock Blast!" Boldore unleashes Rock Blast right at the swan-like Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Bubble Beam!" Skyla ordered. Swanna attempts to dodge, but has a hard time doing so because of Boldore's Sandstorm. Swanna fires Bubble Beam right at the ore Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Stone Edge!" Sora ordered. Boldore dodges and then unleashed Stone Edge and the rocks heads right towards Swanna.
"Dodge and use Brave Bird!" Skyla ordered. Swanna flew right at Boldore.
"Try to get out of the way!" Sora called out. Boldore attempts to move, but he wasn't fast enough to move, so he was struck hard with Brave Bird.
"That was very good! Now use Bubble Beam!" Skyla ordered. Swanna unleashed Bubble Beam and lands a hit onto Boldore. Boldore had been taken down due to his weakness to water.
"Boldore is unable to battle! Swanna wins!" The referee announced.
Sora calls back Boldore and he looked right at Pikachu.
"Alright, Pikachu, you're up," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
Pilachu entered the battlefield. Skyla just smirked.
"I figured he was going to use Pikachu at some point. Pikachu might have the advantage since being a Water and a Flying Type Pokémon, but Pikachu won't be able to match up my Swanna," Skyla said.
"Don't be so sure, Skyla. My Pikachu doesn't go down easily," Sora said.
"We'll see about that! Okay, Swanna! Use Air Slash!" Skyla ordered. Swanna unleashed Air Slash right at the mouse Pokémon.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu avoids Swanna's attack by dashing with his speed. "Okay, use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt right at the swan-like Pokémon and lands a hit.
"Not bad, but not good enough! Swanna! Use Aqua Ring!" Skyla ordered. Swanna creates multiple rings of water around its body. The rings heal Swanna. Swanna heals itself from Pikachu's attacks.
"I figured it was going to be like this. Swanna's Aqua Ring heals a Pokémon from its injuries, and it's going to keep healing until Swanna's taken down," Cilan said.
"Swanna! Use Brave Bird!" Skyla ordered. Swanna came right at Pikachu with a devastating Brave Bird. Pikachu has taken some damage from the hit and fell on his backside. "Looks like I win." Pikachu manages to slowly to get up on his feet, leaving the Gym Leader stunned. "Huh?! How?!"
"Like I told you, Pikachu isn't easy to take down. Use Thunder!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed Thunder right at Swanna, landing a hit. Swanna was now paralyzed from Pikachu's Thunder.
"Use Bubble Beam!" Skyla ordered. Swanna unleashed Bubble Beam and they all land hits onto the mouse Pokémon. Pikachu was then taken down.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Swanna wins!" The referee announced.
Sora went to pick up Pikachu in his arms. He smiled.
"You did great, buddy. Get some rest," Sora said. He took out Archeops's Pokéball and got ready to throw it.
"Okay, you're my last shot, so make it count," Sora said, throwing it. "Archeops! Back to action!" Archeops came back out to battle.
"Now that Archeops is back out, we are about to have ourselves a sky battle," Ventus said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Okay, Archeops is at a disadvantage since Swanna is a Water Type, but at the same time Archeops is a Rock Type. But the thing is, he's still tired from the battles with Swoobat and Unfezant. I have to make this count," Sora said to himself.
"Okay, Swanna! Air Slash!" Skyla ordered. Swanna flapped its wings and unleashed Air Slash right at Archeops.
"Dodge and use Dragon Claw!" Sora ordered. Archeops managed to avoid Swanna's Air Slash and swiped at it with Dragon Claw. "Now use Rock Slide!" Archeops unleashed Rock Slide and lands a hit onto Swanna.
"How is Swanna moving so slow?" Skyla asked herself when she realized something. She saw a sparkle emit from Swanna's body. "No! Swanna's paralyzed! No wonder Swanna's moving so slow!"
"Okay, Acheops! Use Draon Breath!" Sora ordered.
"Use Bubble Beam!" Skyla ordered. Swanna fires Bubble Beam to block Archeops's Dragon Breath. "Now, use Brave Bird!"
"Wait until Swanna is close to you, Archeops," Sora said. Swanna started to fly right at Archeops with Brave Bird. The first bird Pokémon waited for Sora's signal to move. Sora saw Swanna was close enough. "Now!" Archeops avoids Swanna's Brave Bird at the last moment. "Now use Wing Attack!" Archeops smacked Swanna with Wing Attack. "Now, use Dragon Breath!" Archeops fires Dragon Breath and lands a hit onto Swanna.
"Swanna! Bubble Beam!" Skyla ordered. Swanna fires Bubble Beam and lands a hit onto Archeops. "Now, use Brave Bird!" Swanna flies right at Archeops and lands a hit. Acheops starts to fall right towards the ground.
"Archeops!" Sora called out. Archeops regains his balance and flew right back up.
"No way! How is Archeops still able to keep going?!" Skyla gasped.
"Skyla, you're a good Gym Leader, but you'll never get anywhere if you rely too heavily on Air Battles," Sora said.
"Huh? Where did this sudden arrogance come from?" Skyla asked.
"I didn't get to where I am right now by relying on Air Battles, because I expect the best from my opponents. They gave me everything they had, and that includes other Gym Leaders as well. They all took their jobs seriously as Gym Leaders and they gave me a Badge for my efforts," Sora said.
"Isn't a Badge, just a Badge?" Skyla asked.
"You would think that, but that kind of talk only makes it less valuable than it is," Sora said. Cilan smiled.
"Well said, Sora," Cilan said.
"Whatever. You're still going to lose me one way or the other! Swanna! Use Bubble Beam!" Skyla ordered.
"Archeops! Rock Slide!" Sora ordered. Archeops unleashed Rock Slide to block Swanna's Bubble Beam. "Now, use Dragon Claw!" Archeops flew right at Swanna and lands a hit. "Wing Attack!"
"Brave Bird!" Skyla ordered.
Both bird Pokémon flew right at each other and lands a blow into each other. Both Swanna and Archeops panted as they stared at each other. Both has taken lots of damage from the intense battle. They kept looking at each other as Swanna fell to the ground, beaten.
"Swanna is unable to battle! Archeops wins! Sora wins the battle!" The referee announced. Everyone cheered to the battle they all witnessed.
The inspector walked up to Skyla.
"That was well done, Skyla," the inspector said.
"I lost the battle. I thought I was going to win it," Skyla said.
"Maybe so, but you're challenger was right. You cannot rely on predictions to know the outcome of battles. I had the intent of stripping you of your position as Gym Leader because it is my job. Just because you don't hear complaints from your challengers doesn't mean you won't hear complaints from us. After the battle I have witnessed, I shall allow you to continue on as Gym Leader," the inspector said. There was one more thing. "On one condition!"
"Condition?" Skyla asked.
"That you agree to the traditional battles from now on. No more Air Battles," the inspector stated.
"Very well. No more Air Battles. I learned my lesson. So, I'll have to reward my challenger for his efforts," Skyla said. She walked up to Sora. "I have to admit, I really underestimated you. After seeing what you could do, I'm wondering what other fun ideas my next challengers will have for me. So, I'm going to give you this. The Jet Badge." Skyla presented Sora a Badge that is shaped like a stylized feather, with a soaring bird at the bottom. Sora accepts it.
"Thanks Skyla. Just glad you weren't fired from your position. I mean, it wouldn't feel right to let that happen even though you were a tad selfish," Sora said.
"Hey!" Skyla said as Sora laughed. Skyla couldn't help but laugh as well.
The group all went to the Pokémon Center to heal up Pikachu, Boldore, and Archeops. After waiting, Sora and his friends all have a meal in the mess hall to celebrate Sora's victory.
"Okay, Cilan, where to next?" Sora asked.
"That would be in Iccirus City," Cilan answered.
"Then, we'll head there first thing in the morning," Sora said.
"Excuse me," a voice spoke. They turned to see a girl with huge glasses. "Did you say that you're heading for Iccirus City?"
"Yeah. Why?" Sora asked.
"I thought it would interest you to know that there's going to be a Pokémon Contest taking place in Iccirus City as well," the girl said.
"That makes two reasons to head to get there," Meowth said.
"I would like to see Kairi in a Contest. I bet it'll be lots of fun," Karen said.
"Oh it will be," Sora told his sister.
"Which Pokémon will you be using in the Contest?" Karen asked.
"I'll decide on that later. For now, let's celebrate," Kairi said.
"Here-here!" Cilan said.
With that said, their next destination takes place in Iccirus City for Sora's very next Gym battle and Kairi's Contest. But what will come their way along the way? Just wait and see.