Episode 535: An Appetite For Battle
Several hours came after meeting Espurr and Lacey's granddaughter Elise, so Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, and the Digimon are joined by Higgins and Frogger.
"Ven," Bonnie said.
"Yeah?" Ventus asked.
"I wanted to thank you for staying with me when we were in that old house," Bonnie said.
"Well, someone had to keep you safe. Other than Dedenne, of course," Ventus said.
"And I'm grateful for it, Ven," Bonnie said. "So, here's a little something for you." She gave Ventus a kiss on the cheek. Ventus ends up blushing up a storm. Bonnie smiled as she took his hand. He just smiled while he blushed.
Along the way, the group came across a wild Dedenne. Kairi decided she wanted one of her own ever since Clemont caught him for his sister. Kairi took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Pumpkaboo!" Kairi called out. Pumpkaboo came right out to battle. "Pumpkaboo! Use Leech Seed! The wild Dedenne dodged and came at the pumpkin Pokémon with a Tackle. It doesn't work on Pumpkaboo due to her being a Ghost Type Pokémon. "Flamethrower!" Pumpkaboo fired another Flamethrower right at the wild Dedenne fired Thunder Shock, hitting Pumpkaboo. "Use Shadow Ball!" Pumpkaboo fired Shadow Ball right at the wild Dedenne, landing a hit. "Use Leech Seed!" Pumpkaboo unleashed another Leech Seed. Leech Seed lands a hit, sapping the wild Dedenne's energy. Kairi saw it was weakened enough, and took out a Pokéball and threw it. The wild Dedenne flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball confirming the catch. "Now, I have my own Dedenne!"
"Eevee, vee!" Angel cheered.
"That's a good catch, Kairi," Sora said, complementing his girlfriend.
"Thanks, Sora," Kairi said, giving her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek.
Bonnie cooed as she held Ventus's hand even tighter.
Not too far, SEES are wondering the Kalos region, and they don't see anything familiar to them. Koromaru sniffed around and barked at the bird Pokémon, scaring them.
"Koro, don't get too excited,"Ken said. The dog's ears perked up and gave off a hostile growl. "What's wrong, Koro?" The rest of SEES heard the growling coming from the dog. Suddenly shadowy figures emerged from the ground. They take on all sorts of forms.
"You gotta be kidding! Shadows?! Here?!" Junpei exclaimed.
"They must have followed us here," Mitsuru said.
"We can't let them spread here like the plague," Akihiko said.
"You're right. We'll have to get rid of them," Minato said. Each one of them drew out their weapons and began to engage the Shadows. As they fought the shadowy creatures, more kept on showing up.
Not too far, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, Frogger, and Higgins hears the commotion.
"What's that?" Meowth asked.
"I don't know, but it sounds like trouble," Sora said. Deciding to look into it, they saw the band of teenagers fighting the Shadows. "What the heck?"
"What are they?" Bonnie asked. "Are they Pokémon?"
"I don't think they're Pokémon, Bonnie," Kairi said.
"But they don't look like they belong here," Sora said. He turned to his partner. "Pikachu, get ready."
"Chu," Pikachu nodded.
"Go!" Sora called out. Pikachu rushed at the Shadows as did Angel, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, and the Digimon. SEES saw the creatures fighting the Shadows. They assumed they were Shadows as well until one came at Ken, and Pikachu lands an Iron Tail on the creature.
"We're on your side," Agumon said.
"I see that now," Minato said.
More Shadows began to show up, and then a whip struck one of the creatures. Sora recognized the whip used on the Shadow just now.
"The Vampire Killer. Richter, where are you?" Sora asked. The figure who appeared wasn't Richter, but it was a different man with blonde hair. He wore a brown leather armor. "Richter?"
"No, it's Simon!" Frogger corrected.
"Simon?" Sora asked.
"Who the hell are you?" Shinjiro asked.
"Simon Belmont, vampire hunter. I was in the area when I saw these demons," Simon said.
"Belmont?" Sora asked in awe. Kairi remembered Simon Belmont being mentioned before, along with Trevor Belmont, both are Ricther's ancestors.
"Think we can finish this later?" Veemon asked.
"I agree," Simon said.
They continued to fight off the Shadows, unaware that they're being watched by Kefka and Kuja.
"Well, well, more otherworldly visitors have come to play. This should be fun," Kefka said.
"We didn't come here to play, Kefka. We came to get information on them, and then report," Kuja said.
"Yeah, yeah. It's just, things hasn't been this exciting ever since those Autobots and Decepticons woke up after being in a nap for ten thousand years; then it got boring fast after they left. And who would have thought it gets exciting once again just when things were growing even more duller," Kefka said.
"You always did take the pleasure of conflicts. Just like when that idiot went out on his own and kidnapped Ketchum's mother," Kuja said.
"It would have gone smoother if some buttholes didn't spoil the ending for me," Kefka said. "And this time, it won't be the same."
The raged on as they took out the last of the Shadows.
"Done," Minato said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Thanks for the save, Simon," Agumon said.
"Killing demons is pretty much in my blood," Simon said. Simon was about to take off when Sora stepped in.
"Wait a minute!" Sora called out to him. Simon turned to see the rest of the group. "Where did you get that whip?"
"It was passed down to me by my father," Simon said. "Why?"
"Let's just say we know someone who has one just like it," Sora said.
"I supposed I can go with that for now," Simon said. He looked at Frogger and Higgins. "And where were you?"
"Long story," Higgins said.
"One we can explain later," Frogger said.
"We should get back," Simon said. He turned to Sora. "Keep your eyes open for more of those creatures, and watch your back." Simon took off with Frogger and Higgins following him.
"What was that about?" Yukari asked.
"Um, I don't know," Fuuka said.
"Did you send these things to help us?" Minato asked.
"Yeah. We heard the sound, and we came to see what it was, and that's when we saw you," Sora said.
"We're just glad that you're okay though," Biyomon said.
"Just who are you?" Sora asked.
"And where did you come from?" Kairi asked.
"We do owe you that much. I'm Minato Arisato," Minato introduced himself.
"I'm Aigis."
"I'm Mitsuru Kirijo."
"I'm Akihiko Sanadas."
"The name's Shinjiro Aragaki."
"I'm Yukari Takeba."
"Junpei Iori."
"My name's Yuuka Yamagishi."
"Metis."
"I'm Ken Amada, and this is Koromaru, my dog," Ken introduced as Koromaru barked.
"I'm Sora Ketchum. And this is Pikachu."
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"My name's Kairi, and this is Angel."
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I'm Karen, and this is Blossom."
"Pika," Blossom said.
"I'm Ventus, but call me Ven. And this is Sparky."
"Pika, Pika," Sparky said.
"I'm Terra, and this is Thor."
"Chu," Thor said.
"I'm Aqua, and this is Eclair."
"Pika," Eclair said.
"I'm Clemont."
"My name's Bonnie, and this is Dedenne."
"Denne," Dedenne said.
"I'm Meowth."
"I'm Agumon."
"I'm Gabumon."
"The name's Veemon."
"Wormmon."
"I'm Biyomon."
"My name is Hawkmon."
"I'm Tentomon."
"I'm Armadillomon."
"I'm Palmon."
"The name's Gomamon."
"I'm Patamon."
"And I'm Gatomon."
"So, what were those things you were fighting?" Terra asked.
"Those things were Shadows," Akihiko said.
"Shadows?" Sora and the rest of the group asked.
"Shadows are the lower parts of the psyche everyone has... Suppressed human thoughts given physical form. When people are unable to face their darker selves, they break loose, free from all control," Metis said.
"You mean, they used to be people?" Bonnie asked, worriedly.
"Sounds like a Heartless, but a little bit darker," Meowth said, breaking the fourth wall.
"In some ways they were," Mitsuru said.
"We should have known they would follow us here," Yuuka said.
"Just where did you come from?" Clemont asked.
"We all came from Iwatodai City, which is located on an island close to Japan," Minato said.
"Ever heard of Iwatodai City?" Karen asked.
"No," Clemont said.
"I'm going to guess you came from another dimension, right?" Sora asked.
"How did you know that?" Junpei asked.
"I didn't, I guessed," Sora said.
"I would call it a really good guess," Yukari said.
"You think you can show us around since we don't know our way around here?" Ken asked.
"We were going to do that anyway," Hawkmon said.
"Yeah, and we would never know when we're going to bump into those things again," Wormmon said.
The two Team Shadow members took their leave as they chuckled. They got what they needed from them.
Back on the SMASH Tower, Tron is still sitting in her cell as Mega Man Volnutt came in the cells, and unlocked the cell.
"You're letting me out?" Tron asked.
"I might as well. Just don't be a pain for everyone," Mega Man Volnutt said.
"I make no guarantees," Tron said.
Elsewhere on the SMASH Tower, all of the Servebots were fished out of the ocean with the help of Magnezone.
"Thanks for the assist, Magnezone," Tails said. He took out its Pokéball. "I'll send you back home now. He called Magnezone back inside and sends the Pokéball back to Professor Oak's lab. Just then, Mega Man Volnutt and Tron walk right in the lab.
"Tails," Mega Man Volnutt said. Tails turned to see him.
"Hey. Let her out, huh?" Tails asked.
"Yeah, I decided she's been punished enough," Mega Man Volnutt said.
"Mistress Tron!" The Servebots all exclaimed.
"Took you long enough!" Tron said.
"It took a while to find them all," Tails said.
"Anything from Sora?" Mega Man Volnutt asked.
"Who's Sora?" Tron asked. "Wait, I'll bet it's a girl you're flirting with behind my back!"
"Sora's a boy," Tails said. "And no, not since his last call. I have been working on their presents for a while now."
"How soon until they're ready?" Mega Man Volnutt asked.
"I should be done within a few days," Tails said. "That's if I don't have any interruptions."
"Un, who is this exactly?" Tron asked.
"Miles Prower, but we call him Tails," Mega Man Volnutt said.
"And I can see why you call him that," Tron said under her breath.
"How about I show you around?" Mega Man Volnutt asked.
"Sure," Tron said.
Mega Man Volnutt and Tron went for a walk throughout the SMASH Tower, thinking it was a date for the two of them.
Back in Kalos, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, and the Digimon are joined by SEES on their journey. Along the way, the group shared some tales to SEES about their journey. They explained about the Pokémon and the Digimon. They were surprised to hear so much about the experiences they had. SEES explained to the group about their organization being a school club in Gekkoukan High School, and SEES standing for the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad.
"Sounds like quite a club," Agumon said.
"It's gotta be if it's all about exterminating monsters," Sora said.
"As for you, Sora. You're saying you're heading to Cyllage City for a Gym battle against a Gym Leader," Minato said.
"That's pretty much the sum of it," Sora said.
"And you also said you need seven more to participate in a tournament that Pokémon battles each other," Shinjiro said.
"Yeah," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"And you also explained that Pikachu is its name and species. Just how many kinds are there?" Aigis asked.
"More than we can count," Terra said.
"Especially when more kept being discovered," Meowth said.
"And since you're a Pokémon, how come you can talk, and Pikachu, Angel, and the other Pokémon can't?" Fuuka asked.
"It's a long story, I would rather not share," Meowth said.
The group made a stop at the Pokémon Center to rest for the night, and Sora would make contact with the SMASH Tower.
"Is this a hospital?" Ken asked.
"A hospital for Pokémon. Trainers come in here to have them healed after an intense battle or when they get sick," Kairi said.
"Also, it helps to have them checked up every once in a while," Clemont said.
"I see," Mitsuru said. Sora, Kairi, and Clemont went to the counter to have their Pokémon checked up. Sora made contact with the SMASH Tower and Layer answered it.
"Sora, how's it going?" Layer asked.
"Layer, pass the news to the other members of SMASH, because we made contact with some more people from another dimension," Sora said.
"Again?" Layer asked.
"Yeah. And we got a handful of them with us right now," Sora said.
"I see," Layer said.
"Also, tell Richter that I bumped into someone calling himself Simon Belmont," Sora said.
"I'll be sure Ricther gets the news," Layer said. She breaks contact with Sora. He went to pick up his Pokémon from Nurse Joy and Wigglytuff. Kairi took back Angel, Vulpix, Pumpkaboo, the Elegant pattern Vivillon, and her Dedenne.
A little later, Kairi was baking a batch of macarons from a recipe she found before, and she wanted to have Sora taste them.
"I know Sora will love these," Kairi said happily.
"Those look yummy," Ken said. He attempted to take one, but Kairi slapped his hand.
"No you don't, Ken. You're going have to wait," Kairi scolded. Agumon, Veemon, and Armadillomon also attempted to grab one each, but Angel used Swift on the Digimon.
"Eevee!" Angel sternly said.
"Angel's right, you three. You'll have to wait like everyone else," Kairi said just as sternly.
"But we're hungry," Agumon, Veemon, and Armadillomon whined.
"Then go eat with the others," Kairi said. The three Digimon pouted, wanting to eat Kairi's freshly baked macarons.
Outside, Sora started to train Pikachu, Fletchling, Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie, and the Pokéball pattern Vivillon for battle. The rest of SEES watched him train to see how it was done.
"Good work, guys," Sora said. "Our next Gym battle won't be easy, but I know you can manage," Sora said.
"He's really getting into it," Mitsuru said.
"He did say he wants to be ready for anything what this Gym Leader will throw at him," Minato said.
"So far, each Pokémon Gym has their own rules, and each has a specific Type, which is Normal, Grass, Electric, Water, Electric, Flying, Ground, Rock, Poison, Psychic, Ghost, Bug, Ice, Fighting, Dragon, Steel, Dark, and Fairy, and they each have their strengths and weakness," Akihiko said.
"So, what Type does that guy has anyway?" Junpei asked.
"I guess we would have to find out when we get there," Aigis said.
After staying the night, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, and SEES continued on their way. They spent the whole day walking, and stopping to take a break when it was necessary. They kept their eyes opened for any surprise attacks, but miraculously there was no signs of the enemy, and that's what made Sora worry. The sun was starting to set as they kept on going.
"It's dark out here pretty fast," Junpei said.
"Yeah, I think we should stop for the night," Agumon said.
"Not a bad idea. We can keep going first thing in the morning," Sora said.
"You mean, we have to camp out here?" Yukari asked. "I was looking forward in sleeping in a nice comfy bed."
"We're used to it anyway," Ventus said.
"So, you might as well get used to it, too," Gabumon said.
The group made one more stop as dinner was being prepared. It was Sora who was doing the cooking. He made a spaghetti dinner, enough for everyone. Kairi had prepared Pokémon food for the Pokémon, and Koromaru didn't hesitate to eat some. They didn't think that a dog would be able to stomach it, but they were surprised. Koromaru gave a satisfying howl.
"This is great," Shinjiro said.
"You made this, Sora?" Ken asked.
"Yeah. Kairi's not the only one who can cook a fancy meal," Sora said.
"How did you cook like this, Sora?" Clemont asked.
"It was my friend Cilan who taught me how," Sora said.
"Who's Cilan?" Minato asked.
"Cilan was one of our traveling companions along with a girl named Iris," Sora said.
"It was back when we were traveling in the Unova region. Cilan is a Gym Leader of the Striaton City Gym, and he uses Grass Type Pokémon," Ventus said.
"A Gym Leader like me?" Clemont asked.
"Yeah. Not only that, but he is also a Pokémon Connoisseur; a class of trainer not known outside the Unova region," Terra said.
"Cilan was really impressed by Sora's battling skills, he wanted to know his recipes for battle," Aqua said. SEES looked at the bluenette with dumbfounded expressions. "That's how he would put it."
While the group was preoccupation and the Pokémon were eating, Chespin wolfed down the last of his meal, and he sniffed for something. Chespin made his way to Kairi's bag, and he saw the macarons. His mouth watered at the multicolored treats. He grabbed them all and placed it back in the bag. Chespin went to a nearby bush and started to wolf down the macarons.
"My god, that was a great meal," Junpei said.
"It was a while since I eaten like that," Minato said.
"It sure was, Sora. You sure picked a good teacher," Kairi said.
"Well, it was mostly for you, but everyone else is welcomed to have some, too," Sora said. Kairi smiled affectionately as Yukari and Fuuka smiled at the sight of their love. Kairi then stood up.
"I hope you all saved room, because I have some macarons ready," Kairi said.
"Yay!" Bonnie cheered.
"I want one!" Ventus said.
"There's plenty for everyone," Kairi said.
"I'll get the tea ready," Clemont said. He poured the tea in a cup. "Tea and macarons make the perfect combination."
"It sure does," Sora said. He opened the basket, and he sees the macarons are all gone. "Hey, the macarons are all gone!"
"What?" Kairi asked. She saw they were gone as well. "But I was really careful with them."
"Confess, you three! Which one of you was it?" Hawkmon asked.
"It wasn't me," Agumon, Veemon, and Armadillomon all said at once. "It was him!" They point at one another. Agumon points at Veemon, who is pointing at Armadillomon, who is pointing at Agumon.
"They didn't just get up and walked off, did they?" Meowth asked sarcastically.
"That would be illogical," Metis said. Sora saw Chespin sitting behind the bush.
"Chespin, you eating the macarons again?" Sora asked. Chespin turned around to see his belly being bloated, and crumbs on his face. Chespin is holding one left. "Drop that macaron now, mister!" Chespin playfully ran when Sora tried to get it from him. He tripped and fell, making the macaron fly in the air, and lands in his mouth. The spiny nut Pokémon greedily swallowed the macaron. "That was the last macaron!" He groaned as he bowed his head in forgiveness. "Sorry about Chespin eating the macarons."
"Don't worry about it, Sora. I'll just make some more," Kairi said.
"We know Chespin can't help himself when it comes to food," Karen said.
"Are Chespin normally bottomless pits?" Shinjiro asked.
"No, just Sora's," Aqua answered.
"Pokémon are like people. Each one of them has their own personality. For example, Sora's Chespin has quite an appetite. We saw that when he first had a taste for Kairi's Pokémon food," Terra explained.
"Talk about addicting," Minato said.
"How about a battle?" Karen asked.
"You sure?" Sora asked.
"Why not, Sora? It might help Chespin lose that weight," Karen said.
"Not a bad idea," Sora said. He looked at the spiny nut Pokémon. "Chespin, you up for a battle? Some exercise might be what you need to burn off those unneeded calories."
"Chespin, pin," Chespin said, getting up on his feet. His bloated stomach flaps. Sora and Karen got ready.
"You ready, Blossom?" Karen asked.
"Pika, Pika!" Blossom said.
"Okay, Chespin! Let's start things up with a Tackle!" Sora ordered. Chespin ran towards Blossom, but he's slower than usual. He fell over when he was halfway towards Blossom.
"Chespin is usually faster than that," Kairi said.
"His tummy's full," Bonnie said.
"Chespin! Try again! Tackle!" Sora ordered. Chespin got back up and ran towards his opponent.
"Blossom! Double Kick!" Karen ordered. Blossom lands a couple of kicks onto Chespin, resulting in a knockout. Sora was dismayed having to lose to his own sister because of Chespin's slow speed.
"Chespin!" Sora exclaimed.
"Sora, if it makes you feel better, I don't think this should count, because that was too easy even for Blossom," Karen said.
"Pikachu," Blossom agreed.
"I appreciate it, Karen," Sora said, helping Chespin on his feet.
"With things the way they are now, I bet even Dedenne can beat Chespin in a battle," Bonnie said.
"Ne, ne," Dedenne said.
"I don't think I'd push it, Bonnie," Sora said. Chespin was determined to try anything despite Sora's objections.
"Why not? Battle us," Bonnie said, holding Dedenne.
"I wanna see that," Agumon said.
"How about, Chespin?" Sora asked.
"Chespin, pin," Chespin said.
Both Sora and Bonnie got ready as Chespin got ready for his battle against Dedenne.
"Let's go, Dedenne!" Bonnie said.
"Denne, ne, ne!" Dedenne said.
"Okay, don't get too cocky just because your opponent is smaller than you are," Sora said.
"Chespin!" Chespin said.
"Okay, start up with Tackle!" Sora ordered. Chespin ran towards Dedenne with Tackle, but he tripped just like before. Dedenne gave Chespin a jolt of Thunder Shock. Chespin was taken down with one hit. Sora hung his head and sighed.
"You did it!" Bonnie cheered.
"Denne, ne!" Dedenne cheered.
"Man, this is embarrassing. If this keeps up, Chespin is guaranteed to lose," Sora said, helping Chespin up.
"What do you plan to do about this?" Mitsuru asked.
"The one thing I can think of," Sora said. "Chespin, until you lose that weight, you are going on a diet. That means, no snacking between meals."
"Sora, I think I have an idea that'll make Chespin lose weight faster," Clemont proposed.
"Yeah, how?" Sora asked.
"I can make an invention to help Chespin lose that weight. The more speed Chespin will go through, the more Chespin will burn through the fat, slimming Chespin down," Clemont said.
"You sure that's safe? Your last invention did explode on us, if you remember," Sora said.
"It'll be fine. You'll have to put my trust in me," Clemont said.
"Well, Chespin does need to lose that weight, but at this point, I'm willing to try anything," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
Clemont started to work while the rest of the group were falling right to sleep. Clemont kept at it all night as Chespin slept soundly.
"Okay, Chespin, my invention will help you get the exercise you need to get your battling posture back. And my invention will help you with that," Clemont said. A stream of steam ventured its way to Chespin's nostrils. Chespin sat up while Clemont sat up and sleepingly walked in the direction the aroma was coming from. Clemont was unaware of Chespin walking away. "I mean, I agree with Sora. You just need to control your eating habits. And my invention will help you control your eating. And with this machine, you'll be full of energy in no time." He grinned as his glasses flashed. "There, it is done! My Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad is completed!" He wore an exoskeleton as he stood beside a treadmill. "Now, to put it to the ultimate test." He activates the exoskeleton tightening his body. "Begin test!" He activates the treadmill, and started running along the treadmill. "Yes, this is going smoothly!" He kept on running and running on the treadmill, and then it started to malfunction. "Oh no! This shouldn't be happening!" He kept on running until it explodes. It woke up everyone. Koromaru started barking in alert.
"What was that?!" Junpei exclaimed.
"That wasn't supposed to happen," Clemont said.
"Let me guess, your invention exploded again," Veemon said.
"Again?" Yukari asked.
"Clemont's inventions has the habit in exploding," Bonnie said.
"I see," Yukari said.
"Apart from Koromaru barking, that was one way to wake everyone up," Agumon said.
"I'm surprised Chespin wasn't bothered by the- AAAAHHHHH!" Sora screamed.
"By the AAAAHHHHH?" Bonnie asked.
"Chespin's gone!" Sora exclaimed.
Everyone saw Chespin was gone. All that was left was the blanket Chespin was using.
"Where did he go?" Kairi asked.
"Clemont, how could you not notice Chespin was gone?" Sora asked.
"I was so busy with building my invention, I didn't know he was gone until just now," Clemont said. "I am so very sorry, Sora."
Sora sighed, "It's not your fault, Clemont. It's my fault, because Chespin's my Pokémon. Maybe he was just mad at me for putting him on that diet."
"He didn't look mad to me, Sora," Ken said.
"Ken's right, Sora. There's gotta be a logical explanation for why Chespin left," Aigis said.
She didn't know how right she was, because Chespin sleepwalked to a house, still drawn by the smell. Chespin laid on the steps, and slept soundly.
Back to the group, they looked around for the spiny nut Pokémon, trying to figure out why Chespin left like he did.
"Chespin, where are you? Chespin, come out, this isn't funny!" Sora called out. Koromaru sniffed the air for Chespin's scent. The akita inu followed the scent of Chespin.
Back at the house, Chespin was still sleeping on the steps as an elderly woman stepped out of the house. That was when she spots the little Pokémon sleeping on the steps.
"Oh my, what a cute little Chespin. What are you doing here, I wonder?" The elderly woman asked, picking up the sleeping Chespin.
Kairi had an idea of using some Pokémon food as bait to lure Chespin out of hiding. She left a trail leading to a pile. Her plan backfired when a Munchlax was eating the food she left out.
"D'oh!" Sora and Kairi exclaimed.
"What kind of Pokémon is that?" Akihiko asked.
"A Munchlax. Not the Pokémon we're looking for," Sora said. Munchlax walked up to the group. "Sorry, no free handouts for you." Munchlax held out its hands. "I said no free handouts. So, you're going have to vamoose." Munchlax ignored him and kept holding out its hands.
"What's its deal?" Minato asked.
"Munchlax is still hungry," Terra said.
"Munchlax are very well-known for their bottomless appetites; so they'll eat anything that's edible," Aqua explained.
"Even it's rotten and moldy," Ventus said. Sora knew battling Munchlax was going to take time, so he did the one thing he could think of.
"Look over there! A big pile of berries!" Sora shouted. Munchlax turned around. "Go, go, go!" The group started to take off. Munchlax turned to see the group gone. Munchlax started to follow them, wanting to know where they went. He was still hungry, and he wanted more of the food from the group.
Over to the house, Chespin was still sleeping until the smell of freshly baked macarons entered his nostrils. Chespin woke up, drooling.
"Chespin, Chespin, Chespin, Chespin, Chespin!" Chespin said with so much excitement, catching the elderly woman's attention.
"So, you're awake," the elderly woman said with a smile. "I just baked some delicious macarons. Chespin was so excited.
Koromaru sniffed around for Chespin. He came out of the bushes and saw Chespin happily eating the macarons.
"So that's where he's been. Sora will worry if doesn't know," Koromaru said in his dog thoughts. He left to find Sora and the rest of the group.
Speaking of which, they managed to lose Munchlax, but they didn't know for how long.
"Man, that was one determined Munchlax," Sora said.
"Not even the Munchlax that was with Takuya, Koji, Kouichi, Zoey, JP, and Tommy was that needy for food," Ventus said. Just then, a bark is heard. They turned to see Koromaru. He was barking at the group.
"What is it, Koro? What is it?" Sora asked. Koromaru kept on barking.
"Koro's saying he's found Chespin, and he wants to show us," Aigis said.
"How do you know that?" Agumon asked.
"I am fluent with all human languages, as well as animal languages; even that of dogs," Aigis said.
"Good boy, Koro," Sora said. "Lead the way." The dog leads the group to Chespin.
Speaking of which, the spiny nut Pokémon was stuffing his face with macarons.
"I see that eating my macarons seems to make you happy," the old woman said.
"Chespin," Chespin said.
"I'm glad you enjoy them so much," the old woman said.
"Hey, there!" A voice of an elderly man said.
"Sounds like Wily's back again," the old woman said.
"Home again, home again," the old man said from the inside. He wore a large brown stetson hat, and carried a cane. He was carrying a gold trophy.
"Say, I was just thinking. There's something you can do for me," the old woman said. Chespin almost choked on a macaron.
Inside, Wily saw the freshly baked macarons.
"Those sure look tasty. And excellent timing, because I'm getting hungry," Wily said. Just then, the old woman grabbed the pan.
"Not so fast, Wily! You can't eat these yet!" The old woman asked.
"Why in tarnation not, Carrie? Not even one?" Wily asked.
"Not one bite until you have a battle with me," Carrie said.
"Battle again? You should know by now, there's no way you're gonna beat me," Wily said. He then realized what his wife up to. "Wait, maybe you found a Pokémon that can beat my Delphox?"
"That's right. I got a secret weapon today," Carrie said. "Meet Chespin!" The spiny nut Pokémon was shocked to hear that he's being used in a battle against a Delphox.
Ha, a Grass Type, eh? That's just fine. One condition. If I win, you'll forgive me for what I said yesterday," Wily proposed.
"Alright, but if I win, then you'll have to apologize to me!" Carrie proposed as she picked up Chespin. The elderly couple stepped outside, ready to go. Wily is holding a Pokéball in his hand. "Now, today's the day that I defeat you in a Pokémon battle! Let's go, Chespin!"
"Right, let's go, Delphox!" Wily called out, throwing the Pokéball. The Pokéball opens and Delphox came right out, scaring Chespin. Clearly, Chespin knew he is vulnerable to Fire Type attacks. And he was only able to follow Sora's instructions while only being with him for a short time. "Will-O-Wisp!" Delphox took out its stick and unleashed bluish purple flames at Chespin. He dodged by running. Koromaru led the group to the house he found him.
"Chespin!" Sora gasped.
"What's Chespin doing?" Shinjiro asked.
"He's having a battle," Bonnie said.
"And what kind of Pokémon is that?" Fuuka asked.
"It's a Delphox," Clemont said. "That's Fennekin's fully evolved form," Clemont said.
"Also, Delphox is a Fire Type Pokémon, so Chespin's at a huge disadvantage!" Karen said.
"Please, little Chespin, do something! Quick! Counterattack!" Carrie pleaded. Wily laughed.
"Looks like it's going to be another win for me!" Wily said.
"I'm guessing little Chespin doesn't know how to battle after all," Carrie said.
"Use Flamethrower!" Wily ordered. Delphox aimed its stick at Chespin, but Sora stepped right in.
"Block that with Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt right at Delphox's Flamethrower, blocking it completely.
"What in the world?!" Wily exclaimed.
"Chespin!" Sora called out, running towards the spiny nut Pokémon. "Found you at last." The rest of the group went up to Sora.
"Chespin, Ches," Chespin said.
"I'm sorry to interrupt the battle between you, but Chespin's my Pokémon," Sora said.
"Well, what do you know? I have made quite a mistake," Carrie said.
"Then, that's that. I supposed that makes me the winner again," Wily said. Carrie frowned sadly as Chespin looked right at her. He stepped forward and stood in front of Delphox.
"Chespin? You still wanna go?" Sora asked in surprise.
"Chespin, Ches," Chespin said. Sora saw how determined he was, so he had to agree and help out.
"Ma'am, if it's okay with you, I would like to battle in your place. It'll help me connect with Chespin more," Sora said. Chespin looked right at Sora.
"I'm exactly sure what you mean, but I'd be pleased to let you battle for me; and I'd be more pleased if you win. That old man owes me an apology!" Carrie said. Sora didn't know what kind of apology she meant, but he had to go along with it. "Wily, I hope that's okay with you."
"I have no problem with that. If that's how the boy feels," Wily said.
"Thank you, sir," Sora said gratefully. "You ready to go, Chespin!"
"Chespin!" Chespin said.
"Chespin tried battling before, but that didn't end so well!" Minato pointed out.
"If I know Sora as well as I do, then he's gotta have something planned," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"What does he have planned, I wonder," Tentomon said.
"Your house, your rules," Sora said.
"Will-O-Wisp!" Wily ordered. Delphox took out its stick and aimed it, unleashing Will-O-Wisp right at Chespin.
"Dodge by rolling!" Sora ordered. Chespin rolled out of the way of the flames. Sora said in his thoughts, "I don't know why I didn't think of this before, but Chespin's at a huge disadvantage when battling on a full stomach. By rolling and staying out of the way of the flames, maybe that help slim Chespin down."
"Delphox! Use Flamethrower!" Wily ordered. Delphox unleashed Flamethrower right at Chespin.
"Drop and roll!" Sora called out. Chespin dropped and rolled out of the way as Delphox kept firing Flamethrower.
"What is he doing? Why isn't he just attacking?" Junlei asked.
"Attacking head-on is a no go, and he knows it," Meowth said.
"By having Chespin dodging by rolling, he's certain to make Chespin lose that extra weight," Terra said.
"Is that what you meant, Kairi?" Ken asked.
"It is," Kairi said. Koromaru barked with excitement.
"Chespin's getting faster with each roll," Clemont said.
"Will-O-Wisp!" Wily ordered. Delphox unleashed one more Will-O-Wisp. Chespin gave one more roll, and he was now at the appropriate weight.
"I knew that was going to help out! Feeling good?" Sora asked.
"Chespin!" Chespin said.
"Alright! Tackle!" Sora ordered. Chespin ran towards Delphox, and lands a hit on the fox Pokémon. "Vine Whip!" Chespin unleashed Vine Whip right at Delphox, but it blocked with its stick.
"That won't work on us," Wily said. "Use Flamethrower!" Delphox fired Flamethrower, and it came too fast for Chespin to dodge. He took lots of damage from that attack. Sora gasped when Chespin took that damage.
"Chespin, you can't go down that easily! I know you can keep going! I believe in you! Get up!" Sora said. Chespin stood back on his feet and his whole body gave off a green glow.
"Why is Chespin glowing like that?" Yukari asked.
"It's Chespin's special ability! Overgrow!" Clemont said.
"What's Overgrow?" Minato asked.
"Overgrow is an ability that Chespin has that activates when its stamina is low. Chespin's Grass Type attacks will become much stronger than normal," Aqua said.
"Vine Whip!" Sora ordered. Chespin unleashed Vine Whip, knocking Delphox's stick out of its paws. "That's the way!"
"I still got a trick or two up my sleeve! I didn't think I'd have to use this, but I can see that there's no other alternative!" Wily said.
"Wily, no! You can't use that move! It's much too dangerous to use it, and you know it!" Carrie warned.
"You be quiet! There's no going back now!" Wily said.
"What move is that old man talking about?" Shinjiro asked.
"It's gotta be a move so powerful that using it might end up hurting the Pokémon who uses it," Ventus said.
"Stay on your toes!" Sora said.
"Chespin," Chespin said. Wily raises his arm into the air.
"Now, use Mystical Fi-" Wily's order was cut when a cracking his heard. "Aah! My back!" He fell on the ground backwards.
"Huh?" Sora asked. "Sir, you okay?" With concern, Carrie ran up to her husband.
"Wily, didn't I warn you that you'd hurt yourself? Poor dear," Carrie said.
"Oh, she was worried about him hurting himself, and not Delphox," Ventus said.
"Pika," Sparky said.
"I'd say that's enough battling for today, dear," Carrie said.
"I guess I'll let ya have this victory," Wily said.
"Let's just call it a draw," Carrie said.
The group were invited inside the house.
"I'm sorry for dragging all of you young folks into our little family squabble," Wily said.
"We had a fight yesterday," Carrie said. "He said I was eating too much soup."
"And she took away my bowl after that comment," Wily said.
"Well, you deserved to starve after that comment," Carrie said. She noticed a small box. "What is this?"
"Well, uh," Wily said, lifting the box, revealing a cake. It has blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries.
"A cake? You were going to apologize whether I wanted it or not," Carrie said.
"I figured you would come around sooner or later, so I wanted to make it up to you," Wily said. "So, I made a stop at the bakery on the way home and asked the baker to use your favorite toppings."
"That's so very sweet," Carrie said.
"That's the best thing about being with someone you love. Being able to forgive your significant other for anything," Karen said. Kairi remembered how Sora forgave her for how she treated AJ when they met him for the first time. She was glad he did.
"But, why did Chespin take off last night?" Sora asked.
"I'm guessing, your little Chespin smelled the macarons I was making," Carries said.
"Of course. The macarons," Sora said, almost laughing.
The elderly couple invited the group for a meal before they took off. The took their leave.
"Chespin dear, I just wanna say thank you for everything. And you're a lucky Pokémon to have such a caring trainer like him," Carrie said.
"Chespin," Chespin said.
"I'm just happy you're okay, Chespin. And I know we're going to be an awesome team, along with the rest of the team," Sora said.
"I could have told you that, Sora," Minato said. "Watching that battle earlier made me see how good you are in a battle."
"Thanks, Minato," Sora said.
"Come back anytime," Carrie said.
After a day of searching for Chespin with some new friends, the bond between Sora and Chespin grew even stronger, and the journey continues onwards.