Episode 502: Valiant Strikes Back
A couple of days had passed, and since then, things had been pretty quiet. So far, no one from Team Shadow has made a move, but they all knew it would be too good to be true. Sora was concerned about evil Digimon making a move on them just like back in Sinnoh.
"So far, so good, guys," Sora said.
"You pretty much kept saying that, Sora," Gatomon deadpanned.
Sora sighed, "You're right. We've been used to things going on, I'm almost starting to hope they'll strike."
"And that can be a bad thing," Spike said.
"Exactly that, Spike," Gabumon said.
"To take the tension away from Team Shadow, Twilight and the other ponies told us you eat gems, right?" Veemon asked.
"Yeah, we eat gems," Smolder said.
"We eat it like it's candy," Spike said.
"Aren't you worried that it'll break your teeth, eating those?" Biyomon asked.
"No, because dragons have pretty strong jaws, and they can handle the minerals in the gems," Twilight answered.
"Makes me glad I don't have to worry about that," Hawkmon said.
"That's because birds don't have teeth to break," Tentomon said.
"But, they still can break their beaks," Armadillomon said.
Some of the Digimon started chuckling.
"Now, that isn't funny. You wouldn't be laughing if it happened to you," Fluttershy scolded.
"While we're here, we thought it'll be a good idea to show you how the Pokémon live in the wild," Cilan said.
"That'll be awesome," Cilan said.
"You mean another field trip?! So cool!" Silverstream exclaimed.
"Technically we're already on a field trip, but it should be fun," Ocellus said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Eevee, Angel, Meowth, Axew, Azurill, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Mane Six, Spike, Starlight, the Young Six, and the Digimon all looked around the forest to see the different kinds of Pokémon that lived there. Fluttershy has brought out some birdseed and fed the Pidove and Tranquill. Sandbar, Smolder, Gallus, and Yona were observing a group of Durant carrying some leaves back to their colony as Silverstream and Ocellus were checking out the wild Lillipup and Herdier working together as a Stoutland kept the younger ones from wondering off. Spike almost got a snootful of Poison Powder from wild Foongus and Amoongus before Cilan's Amoongus came to the rescue.
"You should be careful, Spike. You could have ended up being poisoned by Poison Powder," Cilan said.
"Moongus" Cilan's Amoongus said.
"Thanks for the save," Spike said.
Rarity was admiring the majesticness of how a flock of Swanna were taking flight. It gave her an inspiration for a new outfit idea, using the feathers of Swanna.
"How marvelous! So majestic! What a lovely dress those feathers will make," Rarity said.
"You really do have an eye for fashion, Rarity. Sora did say you run your own business, right?" Karen asked.
"Indeed I do, darling. I just hope Swanna feathers won't affect my hearing like those phoenix feathers I tried," Rarity said.
"I only heard about phoenixes from mythology, but unicorns, pegasi, dragons, griffins, hippogriffs, and centaurs wouldn't be far off when it came to phoenixes," Karen said.
"Pika," Blossom said.
"If you like, Karen, I could make a designer dress for you and Blossom," Rarity offered.
"That's very nice of you, Rarity," Karen said. "Wouldn't you like a pretty dress, Blossom?" Karen asked.
"Pika, Pika!" Blossom said.
Later, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Eevee, Angel, Meowth, Axew, Azurill, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Mane Six, Spike, Starlight, the Young Six, and the Digimon took a break as Sora has exchanged his entire team for Simisage, Simisear, Simipour, Braviary, and Gigalith as Kairi exchanged her team for Watchog, Emolga, Audino, Gothitelle, and Reuniclus.
As Sora was training for the Unova Pokémon League, he is met with a familiar face. It was Lillie who was doing some exploring. She was awestruck seeing her old friends again.
"Sora, Kairi, and the rest!" Lillie exclaimed.
"Lillie!" Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Meowth, the Mane Six, Spike, Starlight, and the Digimon all exclaimed as well.
"It's been a long time!" Agumon said.
"Agumon," Lillie said, embracing the dinosaur-like Digimon.
"What brings you back here in Unova?" Kairi asked.
"Just on a little solo trip again. Professor Redwood sent me because of a rumor of sightings of an extinct Pokémon in the Unova region, so I came by looking into it," Lillie said.
"About that, Lillie," Sora said.
"You know about that, Sora?" Lillie asked.
"You can say we know all about that. We should start from the beginning," Sora said. Sora explained to Lillie about the Pokémon known as Genesect. The group explained to Lillie about Sora's encounter when a Pokémon Hunter by the name of Hot Cole and his team of Coalossal. Lillie was surprised to hear Sora would have a Genesect under his belt, and about how the Mane Six, Spike, Starlight, and Young Six fits in the story; especially when Team Shadow is involved.
"My goodness. There's no surprise you'd get caught in the middle of it," Lillie said.
"Yes, Team Shadow is a bitter ingredient. One that's not easily subdued," Cilan said.
"And not to mention, they're pretty stubborn," Iris added.
"I can't even help but wonder what sort of tricks they could be planning," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
Back in Team Shadow HQ, Mateus sat in his office as Xande appeared before him.
"You summoned me, your majesty?" Xande asked.
"Xande, have you sensed anything unusual as of late?" Mateus said.
"No, your majesty. Why do you ask?" Xande asked.
"I believe there is a new development in the Kanto region. My Team Shadow forces are looking into it, but I feel that not even them will be enough," Mateus said.
"I shall do as you desire, my emperor," Xande said, bowing his head.
"I will need you to use your abilities to search for signs of this strange occurrence and observe them when you do," Mateus said.
"It shall be done, my lord," Xande said, vanishing.
"How is it possible that this event can occur without me knowing? I cannot allow such an under sight escape my notice, nor can I give the enemy an edge to use against me," Mateus said.
In Ein's lab, Ein was fascinated by the discoveries he had made. The robot they have discovered was more than a robot. He looked deeper in the Vehicon's memories and saw that they can transform into vehicles. The one he received an transform into a jet, but with a design he had never seen before.
"How extraordinary," Ein said as Snattle enters.
"And is so extraordinary, if I may ask?" Snattle asked.
"This robot is by far the most fascinating thing I have ever witnessed. The technology is literally out of this world," Ein said.
"Literally?" Snattle asked in shock.
"What I mean is, this could be the greatest discovery in the history of man and Pokémon. What we have could the product of I dare say, alien origin," Ein said.
"Alien? How absurd," Snattle said.
"You would say that, Snattle. Further analysis is required," Ein said. "I am quite curious to know who made such a design and how to obtain it."
"You do that, Ein," Snattle said. "In fact, Master Mateus is sending a handful of us to investigate this matter. And you're willing to catch a live specimen, now is your chance."
Ein said nothing as he joined the other Team Shadow members as Miror B, Dakim, Venus, Snattle, Lovrina, Snattle, Gorigan, Golbez, Exdeath, Kefka, Ultimecia, Jecht, Sephiroth, and several Team Shadow peons all head for the Kanto region to investigate. This did not escape the notice of PHOP.
"What are they up to?" Tifa asked.
"You know there's one way to find out, Tifa. We should follow-up on them," Cloud said.
"Agreed," Red XIII said. "Team Shadow's activities in Unova has caused quite an uproar."
"Sora managed to foil them. I thought he was just some kid, but after hearing how he was able to foil them. It's no wonder Team Rocket were brought down," Cloud said.
Tifa agreed with Cloud. So she couldn't help but wonder what sort of trainer Sora is. It seems she'll get her answer when she battles him.
Back in Unova, Lillie joined Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Eevee, Angel, Meowth, Axew, Azurill, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Mane Six, Spike, Starlight, the Young Six, and the Digimon for the trip down to Vertress City. In the coming weeks, Sora has been training non-stop, changing the team to give his Unova Pokémon a shot at training. Terra and Aqua helped out with the training along with Cilan and Iris. At the same time, Kairi has been training along with her boyfriend to be ready for Team Shadow's surprise attacks.
Not too far, Valiant has also been training. He's been training for his revenge ever since he lost to Sora back at the Technodrome. He brought his Grimmsnarl over this time.
"Sora Ketchum, I might have underestimated you the last time, but it is a mistake I will not make again! If only we can have our paths cross with each other. The only question is how to draw your attention to me," Valiant said. He hired a Pokémon Hunter to start capturing the local Pokémon in the forest. He's driving around in his truck with cages full of Pokémon.
"This here is Big Time. I gathered so much Pokémon in the area," Big Time said.
"Good. Meet me by the river," Valiant said.
"Gotcha, boss," Big Hunter said as he kept on driving.
Back to the group, Sora's team consisted of Pikachu (of course), Unfezant, Serperior, Emboar, Samurott, and Krookodile. They've been training for hours as they took a break. Sora and his Pokémon were panting non-stop.
"What a workout," Sora panted.
"Pika," Pikachu also panted.
"You don't think we might be overdoing it a little?" Sora asked his partner. Pikachu gave him a look that screams "What do you think?", making Sora chuckle nervously. "Okay, I guess I have been getting carried away with the training." Sora sighed. "Sorry if I've been running you ragged, but I just wanna be ready for anything; course you already know that."
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"Okay, I'll cut you a deal. We take a breather tomorrow and give you a chance to cool off. Deal?" Sora asked, holding out his hand.
"Pi," Pikachu said, shaking his hand.
It was now lunch time as Cilan has prepared some of his vegetable paella along with Sora and Kairi's help. Kairi prepared the rice while Sora diced the vegetables. Lillie was surprised to see Sora lending a hand to cooking. Aqua filled her in about the pancakes he made before.
"Soup's on!" Sora said.
"Mm, looks good," Pinkie Pie said.
"Sure does," Meowth agreed.
Everyone started to dig in. Lillie took a bite and her tastebuds were dancing.
"Delicious," Lillie said.
"Glad you like it, Lillie. Cilan taught me since I wanted to surprise Kairi with it," Sora admitted.
"He could ask Kairi to do it, but he felt it wouldn't be a special occasion," Cilan said.
"That's what I would be expecting, Sora," Lillie said.
After the meal has concluded, the sounds of Pokémon fleeing is heard as the group went to the source of the disturbance. They saw a bunch of Venipede caught in nets and placed in cages.
"Gotcha! That guy will be paying big money for the likes of you," Big Time said.
"Then, he'll be demanding for a refund!" Sora called out as the hunter saw the group. "Especially when we set those Pokémon free!"
"You are welcome to stop me," Big Time said. Valiant was watching through the binoculars and lowered them down as he smiled.
"The bait has been taken. Just gotta wait a little longer before I boat this Basculin," Valiant said.
Big Time took out an Ultra Ball and threw it.
"Go! Hydreigon!" Big Time called out. Hydreigon came on out with a roar. Iris was disgusted by how someone would use a Dragon Type Pokémon to commit crimes.
"You are not going to get away with this!" Iris said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Dragonite!" The Pokéball opens as Dragonite lets out a loud roar.
"Hydreigon! Dragon Rush!" Big Time ordered. Hydreigon rushes towards Dragonite with Dragon Rush. Dragonite didn't budge as he grabbed the brutal Pokémon by the arms.
"Thunder Punch!" Iris ordered. Dragonite lands a Thunder Punch onto Hydreigon, dealing some heavy, but little damage. "Use Flamethrower!" Dragonite unleashed Flamethrower, covering its body with flames.
"Go for it, Iris!" Spike said.
"Take him down!" Smolder added.
"Hydreigon! Use your Outrage!" Big Time ordered. Hydreigon's glowed red and came right at Dragonite. The dragon Pokémon looked right at Iris, and she looked back at him. Iris nods as Dragonite nods back. Dragonite turns to face his opponent.
"Dragonite! Ice Beam!" Iris ordered. Dragonite fired Ice Beam, freezing Hydreigon solid. "Use Dragon Rush!" Dragonite came at Hydreigon with Dragon Rush, dealing some heavy damage. Hydreigon fell to the ground, beaten.
"How awesome is that?!" Smolder exclaimed as she and Spike hi-five each other. He called Hydreigon back and took out another Ultra Ball. "Hydreigon's not the only one I got! I still have more up my slee-" Big Time was cut off when Wormmon jumped in.
"Sticky Net!" Wormmon shouted as he unleashed his string tying up Big Time. He was encased in the silk faster than the could blink. Big Time fell to the ground.
"Why you little fish bait!" Big Time shouted.
"Nice netting, Wormmon," Pinkie Pie said.
"Thank you," Wormmon said.
"Now to get the Pokémon he's captured and set them all free," Lillie said.
"Good idea," Sora said. Just before the group could go forward, they are greeted by a Grimmsnarl. The bulk up Pokémon roars at the group.
"What is that?" Gallus asked.
"It's a Grimmsnarl!" Veemon said.
"Where did he come from?" Kairi asked.
"From me," a familiar voice spoke. The voice belonged to Valiant.
"You!" Sora exclaimed.
"We meet again, Sora Ketchum. For the last time," Valiant said.
"Who is he?" Lillie asked.
"Valiant," Riku answered. "He has a vendetta against Sora's family. He wants to wipe them out for what Sora's ancestor did to his ancestor."
"What do you want, Valiant? Didn't you learn your lesson back at the Technodrome?" Sora asked.
"I underestimated you when we met last time. This time, it'll be a whole lot different. I just love it when a plan comes together," Valiant said.
"What do you mean by that?" Starlight asked.
"Hey! Untie me! Just gimmie the money, and I'll be on my way!" Big Time said.
"Shut up!" Valiant yelled kicking in the gut. He fell backwards as Big Time wheezed. "I hired you to lure him out and you accomplished that goal."
"You hired him?" Iris asked.
"Why would you do that?" Naminé asked.
"This guy was only a distraction. I simply knew you would come along when I hire a Pokémon Hunter. He was nothing more than bait to get you to come. I was counting on Sora using one of his Pokémon to battle his, but all the same, it worked!" Valiant laughed evilly.
"What?! You used me?! It was a trap all for him?!" Big Time exclaimed.
"When it comes to hunting, what you need to bait what you're hunting for is to use the right bait. And a Pokémon Hunter is the perfect bait," Valiant said.
"When I get out of this, I'm going to run you over with my truck!" Big Time threatened as Grimmsnarl smacked him from behind.
"You'll have to get out first, Pokémon Hunter," Valiant said.
"So, it was just to get our attention. Well, I'll have to say, you got it. And you're going to get it," Sora said.
"Not if you get it first! Now that I have you where I want you, revenge will be mine! Garland will be avenged when I go after the rest of the Ketchum bloodline, starting with your whore mother!" Valiant said. This made Sora's blood boil.
"YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY MOM! AND DON'T YOU DARE CALL HER THAT!" Sora roared.
"Did I touch a nerve? Good! I'm going to enjoy watching you wriggle like a worm on a hook!" Valiant said. He turned to his partner. "Grimmsnarl! Go!" Grimmsnarl leapt at Sora as Pikachu dashed right into Grimmsnarl. "You'll pay for that, you yellow vermin!"
"You wanted to take me out, and you think it'll be easy for you? Well, I'm going to make it extremely hard for you to do that!" Sora said. "Pikachu! Use Quick Attack again!" Pikachu dashed right at Grimmsnarl.
"I don't think so! Grimmsnarl! Use Spirit Break!" Valiant ordered. Grimmsnarl came right at the mouse Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodged and swings his tail, and lands a heavy blow onto Grimmsnarl.
"Excellent strategy! Grimmsnarl is vulnerable to Steel Type moves since he's a Fairy Type Pokémon," Cilan said.
"Yeah, but don't count Grimmsnarl out just yet," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Grimmsnarl! Darkest Lariat!" Valiant ordered. Grimmsnarl spun around with Darkest Lariat. "Now, use Fire Punch!" Grimmsnarl's fist emits fire and lands a burning punch onto Pikachu. When Pikachu makes a rough landing, Grimmsnarl goes after Pikachu. He dodges when Grimmsnarl tried to stomp on him. Pikachu kept on moving as Grimmsnarl kept on stomping.
"Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu smacked Grimmsnarl on one of his legs. Grimmsnarl roared pain and anger as the mouse Pokémon stood his ground. "Thunderbolt!" Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt. Grimmsnarl jumped to dodge Pikachu's attack and landed right in front of him. "Uh-oh."
"Fire Punch!" Valiant ordered. Grimmsnarl gave Pikachu another Fire Punch, leaving a burn. "Now use Spirit Break!"
"Quick Attack!" Sora called out as Pikachu ran to dodge. Grimmsnarl manages to miss.
"I won't be denied my revenge again! I won't let you win! I won't let you get away with this! I won't! Grimmsnarl! Darkest Lariat!" Grimmsnarl came at Pikachu with Darkest Lariat. Pikachu tried to dodge, but he got hit pretty bad. Grimmsnarl then grabbed Pikachu and started squeezing.
"Pikachu!" Sora cried.
"I thought I would make your end an agonizing one, seeing your partner snuffed out," Valiant said.
"Hang in there, Pikachu!" Sora called out. Angel and Blossom were both horrified as well as the Digimon, Mane Six, Spike, and Young Six. Seeing enough, Angel and Blossom came to the rescue as Angel and Blossom gave Grimmsnarl a double Quick Attack.. He drops Pikachu as Angel and Blossom rushed to his side. Angel nuzzles him.
"Angel. Blossom." - Pikachu subtitle.
"You're safe now, my love." - Angel subtitle. Angel nuzzles him.
"Big brother." - Blossom subtitle.
"What the hell is this?! How dare you try to steal my revenge!" Valiant yelled.
"Can't you understand what revenge will get you, Valiant?" Kairi asked. "Revenge will only make things worse for you! You can't just attack whoever you want!"
"Shut up, you bitch! What do you know?!" Valiant yelled.
"Don't talk to her like that!" Karen yelled. "And she's right. Garland was an evil person, and you wanna follow in his footsteps?"
"Garland was a great knight, then that Zest came along and ruined everything! My family suffered a bad reputation because of him!" Valaint argued.
"No, Valiant! Your family's reputation suffered because of what he did! He decided he was better than everyone else, and he had to be stopped!" Sora said. "Nothing you do is going to change what happened! All I can say is accept what happened and let it go!"
"I'll never let it go! Never! EVEN IF I HAVE TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE DESTROYING YOUR FAMILY, THEN I'LL KEEP AT IT WITH EVERY OUNCE OF HATE COURSING THROUGH MY VEINS!" Valiant shouted as he points his finger at Sora. "AND I WILL NEVER KNOW PEACE UNTIL YOU AND THE KETCHUM BLOODLINE HAS BEEN WIPED OUT! GRIMMSNARL! SPIRIT BREAK!" Grimmsnarl came right at Pikachu, Angel, and Blossom with Spirit Break. Eevee, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair joined in as the Pikachu and Eevee all fired Thunderbolt and Swift, hitting Grimmsnarl, sending them flying. "NO! NO! NO! NOT AGAIN!" They fly out to the distance as a star twinkled.
"Valiant, why won't you get it?" Sora asked. Kairi placed her hand on her boyfriend's shoulder.
"Let it go, Sora. He won't give up that easily," Kairi said.
"You're right, Kairi. He'll be back," Sora said. "And we'll be ready for him." Kairi nodded in agreement.
"So, what do we do with him?" Gallus asked.
"I think I have a good idea," Sora said. He turned to Pinkie Pie. "A really fun idea."
"Ooh! What is it?" Pinkie Pie asked, getting excited. Sora chuckled as he whispered into the pink earth pony's ear. She giggled as Big Time was suddenly feeling scared.
"Oh no," Big Time whimpered.
A few minutes later, Big Time muffled as Rainbow Dash and Smolder placed him at the police station wrapped in a big red ribbon, and placed freshly baked cakes and cupcakes with him. The Pokémon Hunter was dropped off at the police station along with the treats.
"It's that Pokémon Hunter, Big Time!" One police officer said.
"Looks like Big Time's time is finally up," Officer Jenny said, taking him inside along with the cakes and cupcakes.
"I'm more of a donut guy, but I love some cake and cupcakes," another police officer said.
Over to Valiant, he and Grimmsnarl were angered by his recent defeat.
"I could have had him! Revenge was right at my fingertips and it slips right through! I won't forgive this humiliation! I won't!" Valiant shouted. His communicator goes off. "What?!"
"Valiant, you're being ordered to return to Team Shadow HQ at once. Master Mateus wanted me to tell you that it is not a request," a Team Shadow peon said.
"Fine, I'm going," Valiant said, breaking contact. "I might as well see what he wants.
On the Nemesis, Starscream is yelping in pain as Knockout is tending to his wounds. Megatron approaches Starscream.
"Resting comfortably, Starscream?" Megatron asked. "Despite the extend of your injuries, my medical staff assures me that you should make a rapid recovery."
"Hopefully, every bit that is rapid as your wrath is swift," Starscream said, coughing a bit. Megatron laughed.
"It pleases me to hear how well you're taking this. Just know that will only be a taste compared to what will happen if you shall fail me again, Starscream," Megatron said.
"I assure you, the Autobot Windblade has caught me off guard, but I won't underestimate her again," Starscream said, coughing again.
"I hope not, Starscream," Megatron said. He turned to Knockout. "Knockout, how is Starscream's replacement arm coming along?"
"It's not quite finished yet, Lord Megatron, but I'll have reattached to Starscream as soon as I receive it," Knockout said.
"Then continue to monitor Starscream's condition until it is finished, doctor," Megatron said, taking leave of the medical bay.
Back in Unova, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Lillie, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Eevee, Angel, Meowth, Axew, Azurill, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Mane Six, Spike, Starlight, the Young Six, and the Digimon all made a stop to rest. Pikachu had suffered some bad injuries as Cilan and Lillie provided potions and berries to help Pikachu recover. Angel and Blossom stayed by his side as Sora and Kairi sat alone.
"Pikachu," Sora could only say.
"Pikachu is going to be okay, Sora. I promise," Kairi said.
"I know. I just can't believe that guy would just attack us the way he did," Sora said.
"Well, some things just can't be controlled. We should already know that by now," Kairi said.
"Yeah," Sora said.
"Sora, I know that look. There's more. What's wrong?" Kairi asked.
"It's just, what if he makes good on his threat? He could go after my mom, but also Ven's parents, and the unborn baby. And maybe, he'll make me suffer when he targets you, and your family," Sora said.
"I'm not going to lie, I had those worries, too. We're not going to let that happen, Sora. If Valiant did target my family, you would do what you can to protect them, just like you would protect your family. Valiant won't be able to make good on his threat as long as we're a team," Kairi said. This made Sora smile.
"You really know what to say, Kairi. This is why I love you," Sora said.
"Love you, too, Sora," Kairi said, giving Sora a kiss. He kisses her back. Lillie, Karen, Iris, and the Mane Six were all cooing at the sight of them kissing.
On the next morning, Sora decided to make good of his promise and allow him and his team to rest for a day. They could only hope nothing bad happens before the Unova Pokémon League. And that's just coming right up.