Episode 473: Fighting Fear With Fire
An hour has passed since the Technodrome has teleported out of their world, and things has settled down. All of the Pokémon were sleeping soundly from their long and hard day.
"Get some sleep, guys. You had a real exciting day," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu said while asleep.
"Vee," Angel said, cuddling up to Pikachu very lovingly. Sora chuckled to himself since it reminded him so much as himself and Kairi so much. He rejoined the rest of the group to talk about the what Sora has seen.
"So, Sora, spill it. What was it that you saw off of Valiant's Pokémon?" Terra asked.
"To be honest, I'm not sure if there's a right way to put it, but the aura they were giving off wasn't anything I have ever seen before," Sora said. "I don't think it was normal."
"I still can't believe you have that kind of power, Sora. I was totally surprised when I saw you use it for the first time," Iris said.
"It was something I had. Something my dad had, and his dad before me," Sora said. "I didn't know that I had it until we took the final fight to the Brotherhood of Darkness."
"You don't think it has something to do with that mutagen that made the turtles into what they are now, right?" Karen asked.
"I don't think so. That aura was coming from somewhere. None of the other Team Shadow members Pokémon had it on them, but Valiant's seems to be different," Sora said.
"If what you saying is true, then we could have a serious problem on our hands," Rydia said.
"Tell us something we don't already know," Aqua said.
"The upside to this is Team Plasma hasn't shown up; but at the same time, it's completely weird, because they would have shown up to try and stop them just like back at the Desert Ruins," Sora said.
"It has been a while since we dealt with Team Plasma," Ventus pointed out.
"Yeah. It's pretty weird that they hadn't shown up as much as I thought they would. What are they waiting for?" Sora asked. He sighed. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I think I'm fed up with thinking about evil organizations for one day."
"You and me both, Sora. How about we get some sleep and take off in the morning," Cilan said.
"Good idea. That's what we'll do," Kairi said.
The group all got their tents out and went right to sleep to rest up. Rydia waited for the rest of the group to fall completely asleep, so she made contact with PHOP HQ.
"Anything to report?" A voice asked.
"Yes. The reading we picked up was some kind of craft from a different dimension. And just as suspected, Team Shadow has caught wind of it," Rydia said.
"I find it strange that they would try to get their hands into inter dimensional affairs again. Was Sora Ketchum involved in this?" The voice asked.
"Yes. And we made contact with with one of their top agents, Golbez," Rydia said.
"I see," the voice said. "Carry on as planned, and keep your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary."
"Right. I'll make contact again when I have something to report," Rydia said, breaking contact. She fell right to sleep as soon as her head hits her pillow.
Meanwhile over to Team Shadow HQ,
Snattle entered Ein's lab.
"Golbez has just returned," Snattle announced.
"And you're telling me, why?" Ein asked. "And why not announce it to Master Mateus?"
"Because he doesn't want to be bothered by anyone," Snattle said. "Golbez was told to report directly to him. And you wouldn't believe who was among the peons sent to Twist Mountain. It was that rogue Valiant. He was a whole lot more trouble than he was worth."
"So you keep saying," Ein said.
"Oh, I do. I honestly don't know why we even bothered to keep him around. All he does ever since he joined was just whatever he wanted to do, whenever he wanted. Sephiroth acts like it's nothing. Kefka just laughs about it, and Ultimecia brushes him aside like he isn't even there. You cannot tell me that it has gone unnoticed. It was hard not to notice," Snattle said.
"What is your point, Snattle?" Ein asked.
"I'm just saying that someone needs to do something about him, Ein. If the rest of us Admins aren't going to, I might as well," Snattle said.
"Leave him be, Snattle," Ein said. "That's all we can do. Besides, what good is a dog if we don't let him off his leash to excersize?"
"You mean we're just going to let him do as he pleases?" Snattle asked. "You cannot be serious, Ein!"
"I am," Ein stated. "Besides, Valiant is expendable, just like the rest of them. Now, if you excuse me, I must continue with my work."
Over to Golbez, he enters into Mateus's office.
"Master Mateus," Golbez said.
"Good to see you have returned safely, Golbez," Mateus said.
"I have done what you have asked of me," Golbez said.
"Wonderful work, Golbez. What of the Technodrome?" Mateus asked.
"I can presume that Sora Ketchum and his friends has sent it back to where it came from. But it matters not because we have what we acquired; the dimensional teleporter," Golbez said.
"Good. We can use that alien's technology to our advantage," Mateus said. Golbez looked right at Mateus, but he picked up on it quickly.
"What is it, Golbez? Something on your mond?" Mateus asked.
"Is it really necessary for us to wield such a power? We allowed the Brotherhood of Darkness to do as they pleased with Team Rocket, so what purpose would the power of dimensions serve again?" Golbez asked.
"More than you realize, Golbez," Mateus said. "Return to the others and wait for further instructions."
"Yes, sir," Golbez said, taking his leave. Mateus grinned as Mateus calls for Xande.
"Xande, come," Mateus commanded. Xande appeared before Mateus.
"Yes, your majesty?" Xande asked.
"How goes the search?" Mateus asked.
"It is more difficult than anticipated. It has been centuries since I have laid eyes on them," Xande said. "But, there is something I want to ask you."
"What is it?" Mateus asked.
"Why would you want to acquire something of science when I could have easily teleport into different dimensions?" Xande asked.
"Even with your magic, it is severely limited. Even if you are capable of doing so, but it will drain you of your power; and your life if you use it carelessly," Mateus warned Xande. "Besides, I need you for this task."
"I thank you, your majesty," Xande said.
"Continue the search," Mateus ordered.
"At once," Xande said, vanishing.
"The plan is going smoother than expected," Mateus said. "Only the matter with Team Plasma is more important now."
Back on Twist Mountain, Sora and Kairi called back their Pokémon inside their Pokéballs as Sora has exchanged Heatmor, Durant, Bouffalant, Sigilyph, and Excadrill for Servine, Pignite, Dewott, Pawniard, and Elgyem.
"Everyone all set to go?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, let's get moving," Ventus said.
"Thank you for your help, Solosis. We couldn't have done it without your help," Kairi said.
"Sis, Solosis, sis," Solosis said.
"What is she saying?" Kairi asked.
"Solosis is saying that she would like to hang with you as your Pokémon," Meowth translated. Kairi took a look at the cell Pokémon.
"You sure?" Kairi asked.
Solosis nodded. Kairi smiled.
"There's always room for one more," Kairi said, taking out a Pokéball. Solosis pressed the button and flowed inside it. The Pokéball wobbles around for a second. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Kairi's Pokémon Box goes off asking her if she wants to keep Solosis with her. She chose to keep Solosis in exchange for Unfezant.
After catching Solosis, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Rydia, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Axew, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair were starting to make their way down from Twist Mountain, unaware of Zorua following them.
Just when they were walking down the mountain, Sora was getting a ring on his Xtransceiver.
"Who's making contact with me?" Sora asked.
"One way to see," Kairi said.
"Right," Sora agreed as he answered it. The face of the local Don George shows up.
"You're Sora, right?" Don George asked.
"Yeah. Something I can help out with?" Sora asked.
"Actually there is. A challenge has been made on you," Don George said. Standing next to him is a young man with large black hair, resembling Tai's hair, but messier, and his outfit consists of a slightly tattered black jacket with grey trimmings and sharp edges over a purple shirt, dark blue pants and brown shoes.
"Sora Ketchum, right? I'm challenging you to battle to see what you're made of," the young man said.
"And you are?" Sora asked.
"Chazz Princeton. The one who's going to take you down hard," Chazz said. "Meet me at the Pokémon Battle Club, and don't even think about running."
"Wouldn't dream of it, Chazz," Sora said.
"The challenge is set," Don George said.
"Okay, who was that guy exactly?" Iris asked.
"I think I heard of him. Chazz Princeton. I think he's the youngest brother of the Princeton Brothers. Word is they're working their way up to take the world through, finance, politics, and Pokémon battles," Terra said.
"Have you ever met them, Terra?" Karen asked.
"No," Terra said. "But I heard that the Princeton Brothers did business with Stanley Silas before he was arrested."
"Don't even mention that man's name, Terra," Aqua said. "He got exactly what he deserved after what he did to Ven's dad's restaurant."
Meowth chuckled nervously because he remembered that he, Jessie, and James were once hired to do the job to help sabotage Sora's charity dinner.
Just when the group were continuing down the mountain, a beam of aurora struck their path. And it was a Cryogonal coming right at them. Iris hid behind Terra.
"Eek! Cryogonal!" Iris shrieked.
"Xew!" Axew added.
"What's wrong with her?" Rydia asked.
"Iris is scared of Ice Type Pokémon," Ventus said.
"It's not that I'm scared of them, it's just I don't do so well with them!" Iris said.
"Axew!" Axew added.
Cryogonal fired an Ice Beam right at the group as Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Pignite!" Sora called out. Pignite came on out to battle against the crystallizing Pokémon. Rydia shivered at the sight of the fire pig Pokémon.
"Rydia, you okay?" Kairi asked.
"I'm fine," Rydia said.
Cryogonal fires Aurora Beam right at the fire pig Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Pignite dodges Cryogonal's Aurora Beam and fires Flamethrower. Cryogonal dodges Pignite's Flamethrower and fires Ice Beam right at him. Ice Beam lands a hit onto Pignite. "Flame Charge!" Pignite charges right at the crystallizing Pokémon with Flame Charge and lands a hit on it. "Power-Up Punch!" Pignite lands a punch onto Cryogonal. Cryogonal began to freeze everything around it.
"Sora! That's Sheer Cold! It causes instantly takes out a Pokémon when it hits!" Kairi called out.
"Dodge with Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Pignite dodges Cryogonal's Sheer Cold with Flame Charge and lands a hit. Cryogonal's body gave off a yellow glow and heals itself. "That's Recover. Pignite! Fire Pledge!" Pignite slams his hand on the ground as pillars of fire erupts from the ground and surrounds Cryogonal. Cryogonal has taken heavy damage. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Cryogonal flows inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Cryogonal with him. He chose to send Cryogonal to Professor Oak's lab. "That was some good exercise."
"Pignite," Pignite said.
"Okay, let's go," Sora said.
The group has arrived to the Battle Club an hour later and entered through. Standing close to the entrance was a young man with brown hair with a light brown top. He also has brown eyes. He wore a black shirt and light gray pants. He also wore red shoes. He noticed Sora and his friends walking in.
"I know you! You're Sora Ketchum, right? You're the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh!" The young man said.
"Yeah," Sora said. "And who are you?"
"I'm Jaden Yuki. I've been a big fan of yours since watching you back in the Indigo Plateau," Jaden said.
"Thanks a lot," Sora said.
"So, what brings you here?" Jaden asked.
"Just here for a battle," Sora said. "I got challenged through my Xtransceiver."
"Sweet! You think I can watch?" Jaden asked.
"Um, okay," Sora said.
Don George shows up to meet with Sora.
"Good, you're here. I'll inform your opponent that you arrived," Don George said. "In the meantime, you would have to wait at the battlefield for him. It'll take a few minutes."
With that said, Sora and his friends are joined by Jaden as they get to the battlefield. Walking in is a short boy with small frame glasses and large turquoise hair. He wore a yellow shirt and black pants. He wore yellow shoes. Also coming in with him is a young woman with dark blonde hair is sporadically arranged, with a large portion trailing the upper part of the nape of her neck. She also has hazel eyes.She wore an open blue jacket with a black shirt underneath. She also wore a blue mini-skirt and blue boots. Also with them is a girl with ling dark blue hair and brown eyes. Bastion and Hassleberry came in along with them.
"Hey, guys," Jaden greeted.
"I know you lot," Hassleberry said.
"We meet again," Bastion said.
"Hassleberry? We saw you back at the Clubsplosion," Ventus pointed out.
"And we saw you back during the Battle Giant ordeal," Aqua added.
"You know them?" The boy asked.
"Indeed," Bastion said. "I had a feeling we would bump into each other again."
"You know them, Jaden?" Sora asked.
"Yeah. We hang together," Jaden said. "Meet Alexis Rhodes, Syrus Truesdale, Blair Flannigan, and you already know Hassleberry and Bastion."
"Good to meet you," Sora said.
"And we already know you. You're Sora Ketchum," Alexis said. "And you're Kairi. You're that Pokémon Coordinator who won the Hoenn and Sinnoh Grand Festivals; and his rumored girlfriend."
"Yes," Kairi said.
"And as for the rest, this is my cousin Ventus, and my twin sister Karen," Sora introduced. "And this is Terra and his girlfriend Aqua. This is Cilan, a Pokémon Connisseur, and Iris, a budding Dragon Master."
"You're Rydia! I saw you back in the Clubsplosion, too! What brings you here?" Hassleberry asked.
"Just passing through with them," Rydia said.
After waiting, Don George walked in with Chazz, ready to battle Sora.
"You made it at last," Chazz said. "For a minute, I thought you weren't going to show up."
"I never turn away from a challenge. Also, I could use some exercise before my next Gym battle," Sora said. "What are conditions?"
"We'll make it two-on-two! Substitutions allowed! The battle's over when both of our Pokémon are unable to battle!" Chazz said.
"I'll take you on that, Chazz," Sora said.
"Get ready to lose, because I'm going to Chazz it up!" Chazz said.
"Man, and I thought Tucker was full of himself," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Take him down, Sora!" Ventus called out to his cousin.
"Pika!" Sparky added.
"The battle between Sora Ketchum and Chazz Princeton is about to begin! Both trainers will be using two Pokémon each and the battle is over when both of either side's Pokémon are unable to continue! Sora, Chazz, choose and begin!" Don George called out. Chazz took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Trevenant!" Chazz called out. A Trevenant came on out to battle against Sora. He took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Pawniard!" Sora called out. Pawniard came on out to battle against the elder tree Pokémon.
"Sweet! That Pawniard looks tough," Jaden said.
"And he made a smart move. Pawniard is a Dark and Steel Type Pokémon, so Trevenant's Grass Type moves won't do much damage, and Trevenant is also a Ghost Type," Alexis said.
"And I think Chazz knows, so he must be planning something," Rydia said.
"I'll make the first move! Trevenant! Use your Focus Blast on that little runt!" Chazz ordered. Trevenant forms a blue ball of energy and hurls it right at Pawniard.
"Dodge and use Metal Claw!" Sora ordered. Pawniard dodged and slashed at Trevenant with Metal Claw. "Now, use Night Slash!" Pawniard slashed at Trevenant with Night Slash, causing some heavy damage. Chazz took out Trevenant's Pokéball and calls back Trevenant.
"You did what I wanted you to, Trevenant," Chazz said. He threw his Pokéball. "Go! Pangoro!" His Pangoro came on out to battle against Pawniard.
"Who's that Pokémon?" Iris asked.
"It's a Pangoro," Aqua said.
"And this is bad," Terra said.
"Pangoro's a Fighting Type, so Dark and Steel Type Pokémon are weak against Fighting Type moves," Ventus said.
"That's just like Chazz. Always ready to put pressure on his opponents," Blair said.
"Okay, Pangoro, use Power-Up Punch on that weakling!" Chazz ordered. Pangoro lands a punch onto Pawniard before he could dodge the attack. It builds up Pangoro's attack power. "And that's that." Chazz was certain he won the first round, but Pawniard stood back up. Pawniard refused to go down so easily. "What's up with that Pawniard? It should have stayed down!" Chazz grits his teeth in frustration.
"Wow, Pawniard is still just as stubborn as ever," Ventus said. Syrus looked right at him.
"What do you mean?" Syrus asked.
"Pawniard was the same way when we met him," Karen explained. "Pawniard fights the hardest when he's up against larger opponents. We got a demonstration when he fought against my brother's Golurk."
"Okay, he who?" Syrus asked.
"She's talking about Pawniard," Meowth said. "Kairi has a way to tell a male and female Pokémon by their personalities." Jaden, Syrus, Alexis, and Blair looked right at Meowth in shocked.
"No way! A talking Meowth!" Jaden exclaimed.
"That's to be expected everywhere I go," Meowth said.
"Pawniard refuses to call it quits," Sora said in his thoughts. "He wants to stay in this battle. I'll have to believe in his strength. I do believe in his strength."
"Give it up, you loser!" Chazz called out to Sora. "My Pangoro is way stronger than that pathetic excuse for a Pokémon! And I'm going to prove it to you! Pangoro! Use Fire Punch on that loser Pokémon now!" Pangoro came right at the sharp blade Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Metal Claw!" Sora ordered. Pawniard dodges and slashed at the panda-like Pokémon with Metal Claw. "Now, use Iron Head!" Pawniard jumped and lands a hit onto Pangoro.
"Fire Punch!" Chazz ordered. Pangoro attempted to land a Fire Punch on Pawniard, but he grabbed Pangoro and gave it a toss to the side.
"For such a little guy, he's sure muscular," Meowth said.
"Pika," Thor said.
"Okay, Pawniard! X-Scissor!" Sora ordered. Pawniard lands an X-Scissor onto Pangoro, resulting in a knockout.
"Pangoro is unable to battle! Pawniard wins!" Don George announced.
"PAWN!" Pawniard shouted to the heavens.
"What the hell?! I should have won it! How could that runt be so freaking strong?!" Chazz exclaimed. "Doesn't matter, because I still have Trevenant!" He calls Pangoro back and took out Trevenant's Pokéball and threw it. Trevenant came back out to battle. "Okay, Trevenant! Use Forest's Curse!" Trevenant's eye shine, and a ring of the same color shoots out of their eyes and hits the ground. The ground grows purple and purple vines grow out from it to constrict Pawniard.
"What just happened?" Ventus asked.
"It's Forest's Curse," Cilan said. "It's a move that only Trevenant and their pre-evolved form Phantump uses. It has the power to make any opponent into a Grass Type."
"And when it's a dual Type, it adds that Type as a third," Alexis added.
"Okay, Trevenant! Use Focus Blast!" Chazz ordered. Trevenant forms Focus Blast and hurls it right at the sharp blade Pokémon.
"Dodge it and use Iron Head!" Sora ordered. Pawniard dodges Trevenant's attack and heads right towards the elder tree Pokémon.
"Dodge by using Phantom Force!" Chazz ordered. Trevenant vanishes from underneath.
"So that's Phantom Force. It's much scarier than I thought," Karen said.
"With Phantom Force, the user disappears briefly before it reappears and lands an attack," Bastion said. Pawniard looks around for any signs for Trevenant. After a few seconds, Trevenant remerged from underneath and struck the sharp blade Pokémon on the spot.
"Finish it off with Focus Blast!" Chazz ordered. Trevenant forms Focus Blast and sends it right at Pawniard.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pawniard got struck hard by Trevenant's Focus Blast before Pawniard could avoid the attack. "Now use Shadow Claw!" Trevenant came right at Pawniard with Shadow Claw. It swipes right at Pawniard with Shadow Claw, taking him down.
"Pawniard is unable to battle! Trevenant wins!" Don George announced. Sora called Pawniard back.
"Get some rest. You earned it," Sora said.
"You're supposed to be a champion? Don't make me laugh!" Chazz said. "Whatever Pokémon you can throw at me, the Chazz will defeat!" Sora scowled at Chazz's attitude.
"Man I am totally disliking this guy's attitude! I am going to knock this guy down flat on his arrogant ass, and maybe that'll shut him up!" Sora said in his thoughts. He took out Pignite's Pokéball and threw them. He called out, "Go! Pignite!" Pignite came right out to battle against Trevenant.
"A Pignite, I'm shaking; not!" Chazz taunted.
"Are you done?" Sora asked his opponent. "Because I am getting tired of your mouth! Pignite! Fire Pledge!" Pignite unleashed Fire Pledge all over the battlefield. Rydia fell on her knees as her memories were kicking in again. The fire attack gathered around Trevenant and resulted in an explosion. The flames subsided as Trevenant was defeated much to Chazz's dismay. "And that's that!"
"What?! No way! I can't believe I lost!" Chazz exclaimed.
"That's what you get for running your mouth, Chazz," Sora said.
"How could this loser beat me? There's no way I could lose!" Chazz exclaimed. He called his Trevenant back.
"That was an excellent battle!" Don George said. "Both of you take your Pokémon to be healed!"
With that said, Chazz glared right at Sora and took off.
"Whatever, he got lucky," Chazz said.
Later, the group all had a meal to celebrate Sora's victory.
"I could see why you're the champ, Sora. That was an awesome battle," Jaden said.
"Thanks, Jaden," Sora said.
"So, what's the story with you?" Jaden asked.
"We're on our way to Iccirus City for a Gym battle, and a Pokémon Contest," Iris said.
"So far, Sora has won seven Badges, and Kairi has three Contest Ribbons," Cilan said.
"I see," Bastion said. "I thought it would interest you to know that the Gym Leader of the Iccirus City Gym uses Ice Type Pokémon."
"That means Fire, Rock, Steel, and Fighting Type Pokémon are your best bets," Ventus said.
"You're right, Ven. Pignite, Pansear, and Darumaka really helped me out in my battle against Burgh," Sora said. "Okay, there's Pignite and Pawniard. Pignite is a Fighting Type and a Fire Type, and Pawniard is a Steel Type, so that works out with me. Speaking of Fire and Steel Types, there's also Heatmor, Durant, Simisear, Klang, Excadrill, Darumaka, Escavalier, Lampent, Larvesta, and Ferroseed. As for Fighting, there's Sawk and Throh. And there's also Conkeldurr and Scrafty. And Rock Types are Boldore, Crustle, and Carracosta, and Archeops."
"The Gym battle can be hard to contend with, but choosing the right Pokémon can be difficult," Terra said.
"It's just like preparing a meal. The ingredients has to be carefully chosen to prevent a disastrous result," Cilan said.
Rydia was quiet for the most part. Just then, a flame erupted, catching everyone off guard.
"Whoa!" Everyone all exclaimed. Rydia ducked her head down. A trainer with a Simisear shows up.
"Sorry about that!" A trainer called out. "My Simisear was just letting out a burp! It happens when he's enjoying himself."
"Sear," Simisear added.
"No one was hurt, so it's okay," Sora said.
"But we could have been! Keep it under control!" Rydia snapped at the trainer. Everyone were surprised by the sudden outburst.
"Rydia?" Sora asked.
"You could have burned the whole building down if you handled it carelessly!" Rydia snapped.
"I said I was sorry!" The trainer defended. Rydia regained her posture.
"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. Like he said, no one was hurt," Rydia said. The trainer and Simisear took off as Rydia sighed.
"I'm letting it get to me again!" Rydia said out loud.
"Letting what get to you?" Syrus asked. Rydia realized they could hear her.
"I said it out loud, didn't?" Rydia asked.
"Yeah," Jaden said.
"You know something, something hasn't been sitting right with me," Cilan said. "You do have a habit of freezing up when it came to Fire Type Pokémon."
"Now that ya mentioned it, I kinda saw that back at the Clubsplosion," Hassleberry said.
"So did I," Sora said. "I saw it when you and I battled each other. Something is really up."
"Was it really that obvious?" Rydia asked.
"Uh-huh," the group all said. Rydia sighed.
"Well, you were going to find out eventually. The reason for that is because, I'm afraid of fire," Rydia admitted. Everyone were suddenly surprised by this revelation.
"You're afraid of fire and you're a Dragon Type Pokémon trainer?" Iris asked.
"Everyone has something they're afraid of, Iris," Terra said. "And I'm sure there's a reason behind it."
"There is," Rydia said. "My fear goes back to my childhood days." She sighed heavily. "I was really little at the time. My mom and I lived in an apartment building. By then, I have decided to become a Dragon Type Pokémon trainer. But then, one night, something unexpected happened. My mom woke me up and told me that the building was on fire. I was afraid beyond belief when I saw the roaring flames for the first time. When we were trying to get out, my mom was crushed by the falling debris. I tried to help her, but nothing I did would help. Then, I saw something moving around in the flames. I couldn't tell what it was because of the smoke and fire going around. I was so scared, I couldn't move. The figure grabbed me and I guess I passed out. When I woke up, I was in the hospital. I thought I passed out because of the smoke, but it turned out that I passed out from shock. My mom wasn't so lucky, because she died from the injuries of the falling debris and from the burns. I was sent to a foster home when I was well enough to walk, but ever since then, I was terrified of fire; it didn't matter if it was from a Pokémon or not."
Everyone were surprised by the story that they were told. They figured anyone would be afraid of fire if they went through what she did.
"That does explain a lot," Sora could only say.
"I'm just sorry that you went through that," Kairi said.
"I tried to get over my fears, but I couldn't do it at the end," Rydia said. "It got harder the more I tried." Sora thought for a moment and decided to help her out.
"What if I gave it a shot?" Sora offered. Rydia looked right at him.
"You?" Rydia asked. "You're willing to help me out?"
"Course," Sora answered. "You'll never get over your fears by avoiding Fire Type Pokémon. And the only way to get over your fear of fire is by interacting with Fire Type Pokémon," Sora said. He took out his Pokémon Box and sent Servine and Dewott to Professor Oak's lab and had Darumaka and Simisear brought over. He lets them out. Rydia flinched when she looked right at them.
"D-D-Do they have to be out?" Rydia asked.
"I'm not a therapist, but I think it's just a good a start as any," Sora said.
"He does have a point," Kairi said. She picked up Darumaka. "How about we start with one that is small and cute. Darumaka is a little cutie, don't you think?" She pets Darumaka on the head. Darumaka purrs at the touch of her hands. Rydia shook in fear.
"You can do this, Rydia. I gotta get over my phobia and move on with my life," Rydia said in her thoughts. She was hesitant, but she had to get it done. Her hand shook as she eventually placed her hand on Darumaka's head. She felt how warm he is.
"Maka," Darumaka said. She looked right at Darumaka.
"I did it. I actually touched a Fire Type Pokémon. It feels warm," Rydia said.
"You made that first step yourself, Rydia," Sora said. Okay, now let's try the next step." He gestured Pignite and Simisear to come. Rydia was hesitant to try to pet Pignite and Simisear. It took her about an half hour, but she eventually pets Simisear and Pignite. As she was, she felt her fears slowly fading away. For some reason, she didn't feel afraid anymore. She wasn't afraid of Fire Type Pokémon anymore.
"Feel better?" Karen asked.
"I do," Rydia said. "They don't seem so scary to me anymore."
"So, what now?" Ventus asked.
"That depends on her," Cilan said. "Does that mean you might teach your Pokémon some Fire Type moves?"
"Do I have to?" Rydia asked.
"You know something, you're right, Cilan. It might help Rydia conquer her fears completely if Rydia can have her Pokémon learn some Fire Type moves," Terra said.
"It's common knowledge that Dragon Type Pokémon to master elemental attacks," Bastion said. "And fire is the most basic of elements."
"So, I would like to have a look at all of your Pokémon, please," Cilan said.
"Sure," Rydia said. She lets out her Dragonite, Haxorus, Flygon, Goodra, Salamance, and Altaria. Cilan has taken a close analysis at each one of them. "And done!"
"So, what have you come up with?" Jaden asked.
"Rydia, as you know, Dragon Type Pokémon are vulnerable to Ice Type attacks, yes?" Cilan asked.
"Of course. What does that have to do with anything?" Rydia asked.
"Everything. As you know, Fire Type attacks are super-effective on Ice Type Pokémon, so spice up your recipe, there are certain moves that each of your Pokémon can learn! All except for Haxorus can learn to use Flamethrower!" Cilan said.
"Flamethrower?" Rydia asked.
"Yes. Flamethrower is a powerful move, and yet at the same time, it display burning passion. When people thinks of a dragon, their first impression will be a dragon that can breathe fire, like in the tales!" Cilan said. "It's true that fire can be terrifying, but at the same time, it can display beauty that cannot be displayed unless it is from a dragon's flame!"
"You're right! I think I'm getting it!" Rydia said. "Perhaps you can teach me how!"
"I'm afraid I cannot," Cilan said. "But there is one who can." He gestures to Sora.
"You know something, he's right," Iris said.
"He's the only one here with Pokémon that can use Flamethrower," Aqua said.
"You sure, Cilan?" Sora asked.
"I am. What better way to teach than through a proper demonstration?" Cilan asked.
"You got a point," Sora said.
Everyone made it outside to help Rydia's Pokémon learn how to use Flamethrower.
"Sora, would you like to do the honors?" Cilan asked.
"Right. Pignite, Simisear, and Darumaka! Flamethrower straight in the sky!" Sora ordered. Sora's Fire Type Pokémon all fired Flamethrower right in the sky. "And cease fire!" They stopped firing their attacks. "And that's how you use a Flamethrower. Now, it's your turn."
"If you say so," Rydia said. She turned to Dragonite, Flygon, Goodra, Altaria, and Salamence. "Okay. I already as far as touching Fire Type Pokémon, so I'll have have them know a Fire Type move. I can do this." She took a deep breath. "Okay, Flamethrower!" Dragonite, Flygon, Salamance, Goodra, and Altaria attempted to use Flamethrower, but it didn't go so well.
"It's okay. We got all day," Sora said.
This went on for hours as Rydia's five Pokémon were training to master Flamethrower. It went on until they finally mastered Flamethrower fully. Rydia watched on in awe as Flamethrower was more beautiful than she used to think. Also, images of actual dragons breathing fire burned into her retinas.
"I did it. I'm not afraid anymore," Rydia said. "I finally conquered my fear of fire. I didn't think I could do it, but you had faith me when I didn't have faith in myself." She turned to the group with a smile. "I owe you one, Sora."
"I didn't do much," Sora said. "You decided to beat your fear and came out on top of it."
"All the same, I couldn't have done it without your help. Now, I'll be off," Rydia said.
"You're leaving?" Ventus asked.
"I have some other things to do. But when we see each other again, I would like to have a battle with you. And I'll be a new woman by then," Rydia said.
"Okay, I'll be more than happy to battle you again," Sora said.
With that said, Rydia left the group and continued down her own path. Iccirus City was closer than ever. Now the matter of Kairi's Contest and Sora's Gym battle is on everyone's minds. The excitement shall take place very soon.