Episode 478: The Village of Dragons
On the next morning after winning the battle over Shamus, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Axew, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair stepped out and went off to Opelucid City while making a stop to Iris's hometown, the Village of Dragons. Before they did, Sora exchanged Charizard and Infernape for Beartic and Cryogonal since both are Ice Type Pokémon. Iris felt uneasy as the memories of the battle with a Haxorus ran through her head. Aqua turned to Iris.
"Are you alright, Iris?" Aqua asked.
"Nothing, it's nothing!" Iris answered quickly.
Aqua shrugged her shoulders and went with that. Along the way, Sora thought it was a good idea to train for the upcoming Gym battle against the Opelucid City Gym Leader. Iris went on ahead and spotted her village up ahead.
"Hurry up!" Iris called out to her friends.
"Hold your horses, Iris! The village ain't going nowhere!" Meowth said.
The rest of the group caught up with Iris and they see the Village of Dragons with their own eyes.
"So, this is the Village of Dragons," Terra said.
"No wonder you call it home, Iris! It's nice here!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
They came down the hills and sees Axew, Fraxure, Haxorus, Deino, Zwelious, Hydreigon, and Druddigon all around.
"Dragon Type Pokémon everywhere you look," Cilan said.
Just when they were looking around, a girl with reddish-violet hair and blue eyes. She wore a dark yellow shirt and an green vest. She has a light green skirt on and brown sandals. She silently gasped when she saw Iris in the village.
"Iris, is that you?" The girl asked. Iris turned to see the girl. "Iris, it's been forever since I've seen you!"
"Shannon!" Iris exclaimed happily. Shannon went up to Iris and gave her a welcoming hug.
"Iris, I missed you! The village hasn't been the same since you left!" Shannon said. "How have you been?"
"Shannon, I'm glad to see you!" Iris said. Shannon noticed the group with her.
"Who are they?" Shannon asked.
"These are friends of mine. Meet Sora, along with his girlfriend Kairi, his cousin Ventus, and his twin sister Karen. This is Aqua, and that's her boyfriend Terra. And this is Cilan, a Pokémon Connoisseur," Iris introduced her friends. "Guys, this is Shannon. She's a friend of mine from we were little."
"It's nice to meet you, Shannon," Sora said.
"You too," Shannon said. She spots the Pikachu, Eevee, and Meowth with them. "Wow! Pikachu! And an Eevee! And a Meowth! I never seen any of these Pokémon before!"
"Well, now you have," Meowth said.
"Oh my gosh! A talking Meowth! This is so exciting!" Shannon said.
"It's not that exciting," Sora said.
"What brings you here after you began your journey?" Shannon asked.
"Well, uh..." Iris paused.
"Sora is going for nine at the Opelucid City Gym and challenge the Gym Leader," Ventus answered.
"Pikachu," Sparky said.
"Wait! Nine? You won eight Gym Badges already?" Shannon asked. "Not many trainers could get that done!"
"So, we've been told," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"You should go see the elder. I'm sure she would like to hear of your progress," Shannon said.
Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Axew, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair have entered the Elder's home. Iris stood before. The elder is an elderly woman, wearing an outfit that seems suitable for a village elder.
"I have returned, elder," Iris said.
"Welcome home, Iris," the elder greeted. "I see you have brought friends with you."
"Yes, elder. I met them a short time after I began," Iris said.
"You must be Sora, Kairi, Ventus, Aqua, Terra, Karen, and Cilan. Welcome to the Village of Dragons," the elder greeted.
"Thank you, ma'am," Sora said.
"I have heard whispers of your accomplishments. Your journey has done you well, Iris," the elder said.
"They have been a great deal of help to me, elder," Iris said.
"Wonderful. And how has Axew progressed?" The elder asked. Axew climbed out of Iris's hair.
"Axew has been doing well. He hasn't evolved yet," Iris said.
"Evolution isn't everything, my dear," the elder said. She looked right into Axew's eyes. "You have taken such good care of Axew."
"Thank you, elder," Iris said.
"I hope Iris hasn't been too much of a problem for you," the elder said.
"No, no, no trouble at all," Sora said. He chuckled nervously.
"As you may have guessed, she always been such a free spirit ever since she was little," the elder said.
"We would like to see more of your village, elder," Kairi said.
"Of course," the elder said. "Iris, I would like you to show your friends around."
"Of course," Iris said. She turned to her friends. "How about we start with Shannon's house."
"Yeah, I would like to hear more about the two of you," Sora said. With that said, the group left as the elder stood on her feet. She sees a slightly old, but a tall and muscular, respected figure. He has white hair and a beard, which, notably enough, covers his mouth and resembles a toothy lower jaw of a reptile. He wore a white shirt with rolled sleeves. He also wore gray pants, which are attached by two purple suspenders (with two shoulder pads with spikes), as well as some black shoes. In addition, He wore some black gloves and a green gem etched onto the collar of his shirt, with two green strings.
"Have you been there long, Drayden?" The elder asked.
"I have heard she has returned to the village, so I came to see for myself," Drayden said. "I can tell she has grown."
"Indeed. She feels that you would be angered with her since she has left without your permission," the elder said.
"I see. I would like to see what she has gained in the path she has chosen for herself," Drayden said.
The group made it to Shannon's house to talk about much. Shannon smiled when she saw Iris again.
"Iris, it's good of you to drop by," Shannon said.
"I brought Sora and the others with me; hope that's okay," Iris said.
"Why wouldn't it be? I would like to get to know Iris's new friends and hear all about your travels," Shannon said.
"Sure thing, Shannon," Sora said.
With that said, they shared all about the adventures they had together. Iris told her all about the trainers she met along the way. She mentioned very fondly about Riku, Hilbert, Hilda, Nate, Rosa, Stephan, and about Lillie and her brother Gladion. She was surprised to hear Lillie used to travel with Sora and Kairi during Kanto and Johto. Not just her, but eight other trainers before they returned home to Alola to run their Gyms. Shannon was hanging onto every word of their story.
"Wow, you had yourself quite an experience," Shannon said. "I'm going to admit, I am envious."
"Yeah," Sora said. "I lived in a small town for my life, but I have admit, the fresh air feels great here."
"It sure does," Karen said. "I wonder if mom feels that way."
"She does," Sora said.
"It must be nice to go out an travel around like Iris does," Shannon said.
"Have you thought of traveling yourself, Shannon?" Aqua asked.
"To be honest, Iris and I talked about it a lot since we were little," Shannon said. "But I just don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know? You said you wanted to be a Pokémon Breeder. Maybe we could go to the elder and speak with her and you can ask her yourself," Iris said.
"You think she'll let me?" Shannon asked.
"She'll have to. How could she refuse?" Iris asked.
"You know something, it never hurts to ask," Sora said.
"Yes, but I can't do it now because of the two Zwelious I'm taking care of," Shannon said. She shows them the two Zwelious she's taking care of.
"You're taking care of the both of them?" Karen asked.
"Yeah. The elder asked me to do this. They both hatched on the same day, so it was like they came from the same family, so they became brothers. The one on the right is the older brother, and the one on the left is the younger brother," Shannon said.
"They look well-taken care of," Cilan said.
"I was thinking of asking the elder as soon as both Zwelious has evolved into Hydreigon," Shannon said. The older Zwelious lets out a loud cry.
"What's going on with the older Zwelious?" Ventus asked. The older Zwelious started to evolve.
"He's starting to evolve!" Kairi said. The older Zwelious then evolved right into a Hydreigon.
"He's a Hydreigon!" Iris said.
"This is wonderful!" Shannon said. The newly evolved Hydreigon notices something odd, seeing what looks like two additional heads on its arms. Hydreigon then looked right into the reflection in the water and is horrified by what he was seeing. Hydreigon screams in horror.
"What's wrong with Hydreigon?" Terra asked.
"Uh-oh, I don't think I like the looks of this," Cilan said.
"That's not good," Meowth said.
A sphere of bright orange energy forms inside of Hydreigon's mouth.
"Oh no!" Shannon gasped.
"He's getting ready to use Draco Meteor!" Ventus exclaimed.
He fired into the sky, where it explodes and releases several spheres of energy that rain down on the village, hitting what's around.
"Hydreigon, you've got to calm down!" Shannon pleaded.
"Zwelious!" Zwelious added.
It was no use. Hydreigon was going berserk from his new evolution.
"Stop, Hydreigon!" Shannon pleaded. Hydreigon flapped his six wings and blew her back. Zwelious tried to fight back by using Double Hit, but Hydreigon fought back by using Dragon Rush. Zwelious gets struck hard by the attack. "Zwelious, are you alright?"
"Shannon, are you okay?" Iris asked with concern.
"I'm fine, but I just don't understand it! What could be wrong with Hydreigon. He's always been on his best behavior until he evolved," Shannon said.
"Sometimes Pokémon can get caught off guard after evolving and briefly lose control!" Cilan said.
"Hydreigon's freaking out because he evolved from out of nowhere," Karen said.
"Correct," Cilan said.
"We've got to calm Hydreigon down without making things worse," Shannon said.
"How?" Aqua asked.
"Meowth, maybe you can try," Ventus said.
"Even if I wanted to, I don't think I can do a thing," Meowth said.
Iris thought for a moment until she remembered something. She remembered how the elder would calm a raging Dragon Type Pokémon by telling them to relax and rubbed them to calm them down. That's when it hits her.
(Flashback)
We have a look back then when the elder was calming down a raging Haxorus. She rubbed it by its chest and belly.
"Relax," the elder said. "Good." She kept it up until Haxorus was completely calmed down. "That's a good Haxorus."
"Wow, that was amazing, elder!" Iris said.
"Is it?" The elder asked.
"It is! The way you calmed that Haxorus down, it was something no one in the village could do!" Iris said.
"It is a gift not many can possess," the elder said. "You have that gift as well." This surprises Iris.
"I do?" Iris asked.
"Yes. From the day you were born, I knew you have the gift to communicate with Dragon Type Pokémon," the elder said. "It is one of the many qualities of being a Dragon Master."
"Really?" Iris asked.
"Yes. You have the ability to communicate with Dragon Types, and I know you will make a fine Dragon Master, Iris," the elder said.
"But Elder, how will I know it?" Iris asked.
"You will know it, Iris. It takes great amounts of training when you are old enough," the elder said. "And when you have calmed a
raging Dragon Type like this Haxorus, then you will know you are well on your way."
The flashback ended as she let the words what the elder said to her sink in. She knew what she had to do.
"Think I have an idea," Iris said. They all turned to her.
"What's your idea, Iris?" Sora asked.
"I'm going to need a place that I can get close enough to Hydreigon," Iris said. She stroked her chin. "A place that is surrounded by hills."
"There's that one valley on the other side of the lake, remember?" Shannon pointed out.
"That's perfect. Sora, we'll need your Cryogonal since he can float," Iris said. Sora understood what she meant.
"Gotcha," Sora said. Kairi took out Swanna's Pokéball and threw it as Sora threw Cryogonal's Pokéball.
"Come on out!" Both Sora and Kairi called out. Cryogonal and Swanna both came out.
"Cryogonal, we'll need you to get Hydreigon to that cliffside on the other side of the lake!" Sora said.
"You too, Swanna! Just don't hurt him!" Kairi added. Cryogonal and Swanna flew towards the brutal Pokémon. Cryogonal fired Ice Beam right at Hydreigon, sending him backwards. Swanna fires her own Ice Beam, so Hydreigon backs up as both Pokémon are driving Hydreigon back. Cryogonal and Swanna kept up firing Ice Beam as Hydreigon is being chased.
"That's it, you two! Keep it up!" Iris said Cryogonal and Swanna kept up the pace, pushing Hydreigon into the corner. "Almost there! Keep it up!"
"It's going as planned!" Kairi said.
"True, but from this point, it's going to get a lot harder!" Cilan said. Hydreigon is pushed into the corner as Cryogonal and Swanna flew to trap Hydreigon.
"Axew, help me out!" Iris said.
"Axew!" Axew said, climbing out of Iris's hair. She took out Deino and Druddigon's Pokéballs.
"You too, Deino and Druddigon!" Iris called out. Deino and Druddigon came out keep Hydreigon from escaping. Hydreigon tried to escape, but the white bird and freezing Pokémon prevents him by threatening him with Ice Beam. Hydreigon backs down. Hydreigon prepares to use Dragon Rush. "Druddigon! Use Focus Blast! Axew and Deino! Use Dragon Rage!" Druddigon, Axew, and Deino unleashed their attacks at the brutal Pokémon. "Okay, all of you, make sure Hydreigon doesn't escape!" Iris went to the hillside to get to Hydreigon.
"What is she going to do?" Aqua asked.
Hydreigon snarls at the Pokémon as Iris made it above Hydreigon.
"Okay, Hydreigon, here I come!" Iris said. She jumped onto his back. Hydreigon starts to fight her off. Hydreigon thrashes around until he successfully shook her off. Iris flips right on her feet. "Again!"
"Iris, no," Shannon said.
"She can't do it by herself," Cilan said.
"Looks like we'll have to help out," Ventus said. Kairi and the others agreed and attempted to help out.
"No," Sora said. He stopped them.
"Huh? Why not?" Meowth asked.
"This is something feels she should do herself," Sora said.
"He is correct," the elder said, showing up. Iris was unaware of Drayden standing and watching the events. Iris jumps on Hydreigon's back again, but again, Hydreigon fought her off his back. Iris landed right on her face.
"Axew," Axew said with concern.
"No, Axew, stay there. When I give the word, move in, okay?" Iris instructed. Axew nodded as Iris tried again.
"We'll just going to stand here and wait for the best?" Karen asked.
"Yes. This is her struggle, so we mustn't interfere," the elder said.
"But, if my Pokémon gets Iris hurt, I'll never forgive myself," Shannon said.
"Just watch. You'll learn a lot that way," the elder said. "And believe in Iris's skills. Trust the spirit of one who wishes to become a Dragon Master."
"A Dragon Master's spirit?" Shannon asked. Iris climbed up to position.
"Okay, I'm ready! Axew, Deino, Druddigon! Now!" Iris called out. Axew nodded as Axew and Deino unleashed Dragon Rage as Druddigon unleashed Focus Blast. They struck the ground. Hydreigon turned around and snarls at them.
"Hydreigon!" Iris shouted as she lands right on Hydreigon's back and hangs on as Hydreigon tries to shake her off his back. Hydreigon's hands bit Iris on the wrists. She yelped in pain. She endured the pain and placed her cheek against Hydreigon. "There, it's going to be okay. Now, just relax. You're doing great." Hydreigon tried to get Iris off his back, but she held on tight. Hydreigon felt more relaxed the more Iris held on. "Hydreigon, there's nothing to be afraid of." She placed her hand on Hydreigon's cheek. "That's good. That's good. You're a lot stronger, but that's because you evolved. You're going to be just fine" Hydreigon looked at his two extra heads. "You need to learn to control all that power. That's part of evolving. Good, Hydreigon. Good. You were just a little surprised, weren't you? It's okay. It's okay. That's it. There you go." Drayden was watching closely. He had to admit, Iris has grown just a little.
"Well done, Iris," Drayden said in his thoughts. Iris got off of Hydreigon's back.
"Good, you're all better," Iris said. She turned to Shannon. "Everything's alright now, Shannon. Hydreigon's calm now."
"Thanks Iris!" Shannon said, hugging her friend. Zwelious went to his older brother and nuzzled him. "You look great, Hydreigon." Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair went up to Iris to praise her.
"You were awesome, Iris!" Ventus said.
"In my humble opinion as a Pokémon Connoisseur, you two are a perfect match," Cilan said.
"Sora was right to tell us to back off," Karen said.
"You did a great job calming down Hydreigon, Iris. You really have the makings of a Dragon Master," Sora said.
"I agree with your friend, Iris. You have done a great job raising your Pokémon. Your journey has done well for you. I never doubted you for a second," the elder said.
"That means a lot, elder. Thank you," Iris said.
"I still wonder," a voice spoke. Only Iris, the elder, and Shannon knew who the voice belonged to.
"Could it be? That voice," Iris said. She saw Drayden standing on the hill above them.
"Who is he?" Ventus asked.
"Wait, I know who that is! That's Drayden!" Karen said.
"You know him, Karen?" Kairi asked.
"No, but I heard of him. He's Drayden. He's the Opelucid City Gym Leader, and not only that, but he's also Opelucid City's mayor," Karen said.
"But, what is he doing here?" Iris asked, feeling surprised.
"Drayden heard you were visiting the Village of Dragons, so he came out of his way to check on your progress," the elder said. Iris felt nervous having to see him.
"Mr. Drayden, sir. I'm sorry that I dropped out of school, sir. I hope that you can forgive me," Iris said.
"There is nothing to forgive, Iris," Drayden said. "I am well aware that you were afraid that I was angered with you, because you left without my permission, but you had it backwards the whole time. I was never angry at you. It was I who recommended that you go on your journey, Iris, because I felt that it would educate you more than the academy ever would have. And I can see I was correct." Iris was surprised to hear Drayden was never angry at her, and that her fears were for nothing. "I am proud of the progress you have made, Iris. And I would like to see some more of your progress, Iris. I would like to witness a battle." Sora stepped in.
"Would it be alright if I was her opponent, sir?" Sora asked.
"Very well," Drayden said. "What is your name?"
"Sora Ketchum. I came from Pallet Town in the Kanto region," Sora answered.
"You wish to test her skills, Sora of Pallet Town?" Drayden asked.
"Yes sir," Sora said.
"Then, I will allow it," Drayden said. "The battle will begin when both are ready to go." Sora turned to Iris.
"You ready to go, Iris?" Sora asked.
"You bet," Iris said. "Let's do this."
After a few minutes, Sora and Iris got ready for their battle. Drayden sat with the elder and with Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Shannon, Angel, Meowth, Axew, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Hydreigon, and Zwelious. A villager is acting as referee.
"The battle between Sora of Pallet Town and Iris of the Village of Dragons shall begin! Both trainers have agreed to use one Pokémon each! The battle shall be over when either one of the trainer's Pokémon are unable to battle! Sora, Iris, choose your first Pokémon and begin!"
"Go! Axew!" Iris called out.
"Axew!" Axew said. Sora turned to Pikachu.
"Okay, Pikachu! Go for it!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said, entering the battlefield.
"Okay, Sora knows Axew won't be bothered by Pikachu's electricity," Ventus said.
"Right, Ven. Sora wants to see if Axew can handle the pressure of an experienced opponent," Terra said.
"You have the first move, Iris!" Sora said.
"Axew! Use Scratch!" Iris ordered. Axew ran towards Pikachu with Scratch.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu dodged Axew's claws. "Now, use Iron Tail!" Pikachu swings his tail down at Axew.
"Dodge it!" Iris called out. Axew dodged Pikachu's Iron Tail pretty fast. It was thanks to Sora's suggestion to train hard after dealing with Team Shadow. "That was awesome, Axew! You dodged it fast!"
"Axew, ew!" Axew said.
"Sora, that was a great idea to train hard on a regular basis," Iris said.
"Thanks, Iris! But it was you behind Axew!" Sora said. Drayden watched on. He was impressed by Axew's speed. "Okay, Pikachu! Quick Attack!" Pikachu ran towards Axew with his speed.
"Dodge and use Dragon Rage!" Iris ordered. Axew fires Dragon Rage right at the mouse Pokémon. Pikachu got hit hard by Dragon Rage. "Now, use Scratch!" Axew scratched Pikachu across the face. "Scratch again!" Axew scratched Pikachu again. "Now, use Dragon Rage!" Axew fires another Dragon Rage and gets hit by the attack.
"You okay, Pikachu?" Sora asked.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"You good to keep going? I don't want you to overdo it," Sora said.
"Chu!" Pikachu said.
"If you wanna stay in this, then I'm with you to the end!" Sora said. "Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt right at the tusk Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Axew!" Iris called out. Axew dodged with incredible speed. "Use Outrage!"
Axew's eyes glow red and his body becomes outlined in a red aura as well. He then jumps up and continuously punches and kicks the mouse Pokémon. Pikachu fell on his back, but he gets back up. Axew's eyes are still glowing, so now he's confused.
"Axew's confused," Karen said.
"Pikachu," Blossom said.
"Well, that's what happens when you use Outrage," Meowth said.
"Right. Outrage is a strong move, but it's a risky one as well," Cilan said.
Axew stumbles around in his confusion. After a few seconds, Axew's confusion eventually wore off.
"Your confusion wore off! Okay, Axew! Use Scratch!" Iris ordered. Axew went running towards Pikachu with his claws out, but it came out as Dragon Claw instead.
"Hey, that's not Scratch!" Ventus said.
"It's Dragon Claw! Axew must have just learned it," Shannon said.
"Gotta say, Iris, I wasn't expecting Axew to learn Dragon Claw just now. That training has really paid off!" Sora said.
"It sure has," Iris agreed. "I bet you're sorry that you have given it to me and Axew."
"No way," Sora answered. "I expect the best out of my opponents, Iris. And that applies to you, too, Iris."
"Still, after this match, I'll make you sorry!" Iris said. "Axew! Dragon Claw again!" Axew came at Pikachu again with Dragon Claw.
"Pikachu! Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu ran towards Axew. The two Pokémon clashed into each other. Pikachu and Axew each landed a hit on one another. Pikachu and Axew panted from the energy they exhausted as they both fell on the ground, exhausted.
"Pikachu and Axew are both unable to battle! This battle is a draw!" The referee announced.
"None of us won," Iris said.
"I know how hard you tried, Iris. I don't think winning was the point. The point was to show how far you came since you started your journey. And I know you made loads of progress," Sora said.
"He is right, Iris," Drayden said. He walked up to Iris. I was very impressed by your display, Iris. You have grown so much stronger than when we battled each other in the past; and this battle is proof of that. You have made me proud, Iris." Iris smiled as the Opelucid City Gym Leader has praised her.
"Thank you, Mr. Drayden," Iris said. Drayden turned to Sora.
"And it seems I have you to thank, young man. Iris has chosen her friends wisely. Iris has now become a well-accomplished Pokémon trainer," Drayden said.
"Thank you, sir," Sora said. "Iris has taught us so much as well." Iris smiled, knowing Sora has praised her, too. "And if it's not too much trouble, I would like to challenge you into a Gym battle."
"I have expected such a request," Drayden said. "How many Gym Badges have you earned?"
"Eight. I was told that I can earn up to nine to ten, so I went for it," Sora said.
"I see. As a Gym Leader, I shall accept your challenge," Drayden said. "We will have our battle in the Opelucid City Gym anytime you are ready, Sora. Iris wasn't the only one who has impressed me. You have shown me you have great potential. Until then, I shall return to Opelucid City." With that said, Drayden took his leave as Sora was filled with pride that he has impressed Drayden greatly.
Opelucid City wasn't too far away, and Sora was about to take a step into his toughest challenge so far. How will Sora fare with Drayden and his the might of his Dragon Types? Just you wait and see.