Episode 546: A Battle by Any Other Name
A while after their meeting with SMASH and making their first Pokévision video, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, and the Digimon are currently on route to Shalour City, but a slight detour would help Sora prep up for his next Gym battle.
"So, where are we heading first?" Sora asked.
"Thought we would head for the Glittering Cave before moving on," Clemont said.
"Why do they call it the Glittering Cave, Clemont?" Bonnie asked.
"Because it is full of gems that glitters like starlight. The walls are also covered by Lumiose Moss. But inside are said to be Pokémon fossils," Clemont explained.
"Wow, Pokémon fossils," Ventus said.
"I have a feeling there's a catch to this," Meowth said.
"The caves inside are dark, so it's easy to get lost inside," Clemont said.
"Oh, and I thought it meant something bad," Meowth said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Cut the sarcasm, Meowth," Sora said. "Nothing's gonna happen as long as we have our flashlights." He took out a flashlight for each one.
"Good thinking, Sora," Karen said, praising her brother.
"Figured we would need them in case of an emergency," Sora said. He checked his S-Pod and activated the map. "And the Glittering Cave is just outside Ambrette Town."
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, and the Digimon started to make their way to Ambrette Town to check out the Glittering Cave before they set off for Shalour City.
Meanwhile inside the Glittering Cave, an archeologist is currently in an for Pokémon fossils. He smiled when he unearthed an jaw fossil.
"Yes, this is wonderful! A Jaw Fossil!" The archeologist said. Coming from behind him are people wearing fashionable red suits, under which is a white shirt and a black tie, along with black gloves, shoes, and matching red sunglasses. Their signals resides on the belt buckle of the outfit. The group has also styled their hair to look like red flames. The archeologist heard their approach and turned around. "Who's there? Who are you?"
"Your research is at an end, doctor," one of the men said.
"Those Pokémon fossils are now the legal property of Team Flare," one of the women said.
"Team Flare? What do you plan to do with these fossils?" The archeologist asked.
"That is no concern for you," the male Team Flare grunt said. The Team Flare grunts tied him up.
"Unhand me, you ruffians!" The archeologist demanded.
Outside the cave, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, and the Digimon all arrived and saw there was a red light coming on from the inside.
"Um, is the light inside supposed to be on?" Ventus asked.
"No, it shouldn't be possible, unless someone's inside," Clemont said.
"You think it might be a crook on the inside?" Gabumon asked.
"I think we should go inside and find out," Terra suggested.
"Terra's right. We won't learn anything just by sitting out here," Sora said.
With that said, the Pokémon inside were affected by the light as they saw red light bulbs shine brighter than normal.
"This is a very painful familiar scene. It's just like Mt. Moon all over again," Kairi said.
"Please, do not bring that up," Meowth said. He didn't needed to be reminded of the whole Moon Stone incident when he was with Team Rocket.
"You were right, Clemont, someone is inside," Sora said.
"I hear something," Aqua said. The group got closer and closer, and the digging got louder and louder. They made it to the source of the disturbance and saw the people.
"Oh no. It's them," Clemont said.
"Who are they?" Karen asked.
"They're from a criminal organization called Team Flare. They're the number one crooks in the entire Kalos region," Clemont said.
"Judging by their colors, I have to assume they're the reason why it's bright red in here," Hawkmon said.
"Quiet, they're about to say something," Aqua said.
"Those fossils have to be around here somewhere," one of the male Team Flare grunts said.
"Keep digging," one of the female Team Flare grunts said.
"They're looking for Pokémon fossils in here, too?" Bonnie asked.
"Looks like it," Patamon said.
"The Pokémon resurrected from these ancient remains will serve Team Flare for our master plan," the first male Team Flare grunt said.
"That's what we wanted to know," Karen said. Growling is heard from behind. The group turned to see a pack of Houndour growling at them.
"Houndour!" Sora exclaimed.
"I'm going to bet my coin those guys knows we're here," Meowth said.
"You're right. We do," a female voice spoke Approaching the group is a female Team Flare grunt. "What are you kids doing in here?"
"Oh, we were just passing through, and we thought-" Sora said before he was cut off.
"None of you are going anywhere," the Team Flare grunt said.
"Famous last words," Sora said.
"Leave it to us!" Agumon said. "Pepper Breath!" The Houndour dodged as did the female Team Flare grunt.
Gabumon, "Blue Blaster!"
Biyomon, "Spiral Twister!"
Tentomon, "Super Shocker!"
Palmon, "Poison Ivy!"
Gomamon, "Water Shot!"
Patamon, "Boom Bubble!"
Gatomon, "Cat Laser!"
Veemon, "Vee Shot!"
Wormmon, "Sticky Net!"
Armadillomon, "Diamond Shell!"
Hawkmon, "Feather Strike!"
Gabumon fires a blue flame, Biyomon fires green sprialing fire, Tentomon fires lightning from his antennae, Palmon shoots her thorny vines, Gomamon spews water from his mouth, Patamon fires an air shot, Gatomon fires a laser from her eyes, Veemon fires a bit of energy from his mouth, Wormmon fires silk from his mouth, Hawkmon threw the feather from his head, and Armadillomon rolls right towards his target. Some of the Houndour dodged, but the rest were struck by their attacks.
"Not bad, but not good enough," the female Team Flare grunt said.
"You think we could Digivolve in here?" Patamon asked.
"No room," Wormmon said.
"He's right, we will get cramped in here," Biyomon said.
"You keep them busy, we'll deal with the rest!" Sora said. The rest of the Team Flare grunts turned to see the rest of the group. "Stop what you're doing!"
"And who's going to make us? You?" The first male Team Flare grunt asked.
"We know what you're doing here, and what you're up to," Kairi said.
"So, make it easy for yourselves and surrender," Aqua said.
"It is you who should surrender, because we have you outnumbered," the first female Team Flare grunt said. Pikachu, Angel, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair stood in front of their trainers. Clemont took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Helioptile!" Clemont called out. His Helioptile came out and joined the party. "Helioptile! Use Thunder Shock!"
"Thunderbolt!" Sora, Karen, Ventus, Terra, and Aqua ordered.
"Angel! Use Swift!" Kairi ordered.
The Pokémon launched their attacks at the Team Flare grunts, but they dodged their attacks. The first male Team Flare Grunt took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Houndoom!" The first male Team Flare grunt shouted. His Houndoom came on out with a growl. The rest of the Team Flare grunts followed as Zubat, Gulpin, Scraggy, and Houndour came on out as well.
"Attack!" The Team Flare grunts all shouted. The Team Flare Pokémon all launched their assault against Pikachu, Angel, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair as Meowth made it pass them.
"The cat burgular in me never did leave me," Meowth said. He sees the archeologist tied and gagged. "Hold on there, doc, I got ya!" He cuts the restraints with his claw, leaving the archeologist stunned. He removes the gag.
"Did you just talk?" The archeologist asked.
"Not important. What is important is making sure you're safe," Meowth said.
"Agreed," the archeologist said. Meowth points to the group.
"This way!" Meowth said. The archeologist obliged him. The Team Flare Pokémon were being beaten, leaving Team Flare annoyed.
"You're such little pests," the first Team Flare grunt hissed.
"We have that effect on bad guys like you," Sora said.
"How dare you," the first female Team Flare grunt growled.
Back to the Digimon, the Houndour were taken down by the Digimon, making the female Team Flare grunt irritated.
"I won't forget this," the female Team Flare grunt said, taking off. The Houndour followed her.
As for the rest of Team Flare, the lights go off.
"Who killed the lights?!" Ventus exclaimed. He turned on his flashlight as did the rest of the group.
"Where did they go?" Terra asked.
"Great, they're gone!" Sora groaned.
"Let them go, Sora," Kairi said. "I have a feeling we're going to see them again."
"You're right to think that," Sora said.
"Thank you, kids. I am grateful that you came to save me," the archeologist said.
"We didn't even know you were in here, but it's a good thing we caught them in the act," Aqua said.
"We heard they were planning to revive prehistoric Pokémon and then use them as weapons," Sora said.
"It's true. I managed to hide one of them in here," the archeologist shows them the Jaw Fossil.
"Is this what it looks like?" Meowth asked.
"Yes. It's the fossil of Tyrunt," the archeologist said. "The Jaw Fossil."
"Any idea what their master plan is?" Clemont asked.
"Not a clue, but it cannot be good," Sora said.
Meanwhile, the Team Flare grunts made it out of the Glittering Cave and inside a building with Team Flare's insignia. They stood before a woman who has short orange hair and technologically advanced glasses covering her eyes. She sports a red and white, long sleeved shirt, a small orange tie, a belt with Team Flare logo on it, short red and black skirt, as well as having red gloves. Light orange stockings with the knees missing can be seen under her red and white, high heeled boots.
"Miss Aliana, we failed to retrieve the fossils," the first male Team Flare grunt reported.
"A band of trainers have interfered with our mission," the first female Team Flare grunt added.
"Let me guess: you ran away," Aliana said.
"The trainers we battled were tough," the first male Team Flare grunt said.
"You got careless! Don't let it happen again!" Aliana said.
"No ma'am," the Team Flare Grunts said.
"I'll deal with your failure later. I'll have to go and report to the boss," Aliana said. The Team Flare grunts obliged her as she made contact with Lysandre. "Sir, we hit a snag in the Glittering Cave."
"What happened?" Lysandre asked.
"Sir, a short time ago, our forces have made an encounter with a band of Pokémon trainers, and they were beaten," Aliana reported. "They got careless in their job. I'll deal with them for their failure."
"No. Leave it be," Lysandre said. "There will be other opportunities. In the meantime, continue the search for the Ultimate Weapon."
"Sir," Aliana said, breaking contact.
Back at the Glittering Cave, the group could see why it was called that.
"You weren't kidding, Clemont," Sora said.
"Just a little something to share with you and Kairi, Sora," Clemont said.
"It's really pretty," Kairi said. Ventus then took Bonnie by the hand. She blushed and looked at him. She smiled at him.
The group managed to find their way out of the cave, almost getting lost inside.
A few days have passed as they went through Ambrette Town and Cyllage City again, and continued on their way to Shalour City.
Along the way, Kairi has taken up to learn how to make Poké Puffs. Kairi was amazed by the Poké Puff recipes.
"Those look yummy," Agumon said. He attempts to grab one, but Kairi smacked his claw.
"Sorry, Agumon. These are for Pokémon, I don't know about Digimon," Kairi said.
"No fair," Agumon pouted.
A little while later, Kairi brought out the Poké Puffs out for Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair.
"And here we are. Some Poké Puffs, fresh out of the oven," Kairi said. The Pokémon started to eat the Poké Puffs. Meowth took a bite out of one, and his tastebuds went nuts.
"Wow, these are great!" Meowth exclaimed.
"Glad you like them, Meowth," Kairi said. "Have another one."
"Don't mind if I do," Meowtg said, reaching for one. Dedenne wanted to taste one.
"Can Dedenne please have one?" Bonnie asked.
"Sure, Bonnie," Kairi said. She was about to hand one to Dedenne, when it suddenly levitates, and heads into the mouth of a Slurpuff. The meringue Pokémon chews on the Poké Puff and grinned.
"What the?!" The Digimon exclaimed.
"A Slurpuff!" Sora said.
"What's she doing there?" Kairi asked. Slurpuff uses Psychic to lift the one Meowth was about to eat out of his paws.
"Hey, that had my name all over it!" Meowth yelled. Slurpuff ate it and swallowed it whole. "Hey, what's the big idea, ya greedy ball of fluff?" Walking in the scene is a short young girl with fair skin, brown eyes, and short, yet layered dark blue hair that she secures with light blue maid-like headwear and an orange headband. She wore an elegant and fashionable outfit that consists of a teal shirt with long light blue sleeves, a sleeveless green overshirt with cyan squares on both sides, an orange tie, and cyan shorts with light blue lines. On her feet, she wore orange shoes and plain white socks that nearly reach her knees. For storage, she carried around an orange backpack with brown straps.
"Slurpuff is my Pokémon. And my Slurpuff said yours tasted decent enough," the girl said.
"Decent enough?" Aqua said, vexed by her remark.
"Who are you?" Karen asked.
"I'm Miette. And this is Slurpuff, my partner," Miette introduced. She recognized Sora and Kairi. "Wait, I know you two. You're Sora and Kairi from that Pokévision video! And that's the Pikachu and Eevee who were with you!"
"Yeah, that's us," Sora admitted.
"I didn't think I would be bumping into you two," Miette said. "It's a total surprise on my part."
Sora and Kairi weren't in the least surprised that Miette has recognized them both. Aqua stepped up.
"Just who do you think you are, having your Slurpuff taking the Poké Puffs that were meant for Dedenne and Meowth? You need to control your Pokémon better!" Aqua scolded.
"Aqua, take it easy. They're just Poké Puffs," Terra said, trying to calm his girlfriend down.
"You're right. Slurpuff does that that sometimes, but that's no excuse," Muette said. She took out a couple of Poké Puffs from her basket. "Here. Have some of my Poké Puffs." She hands one to Dedenne, and the other to Meowth. She took out some more for Pikachu and Angel. "And here's one each for Pikachu and Eevee."
"Pi," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Anyway, since you already know Sora and Kairi, my name's Karen. I'm Sora's sister. And this Pikachu is Blossom," Karen introduced.
"Pika," Blossom said.
"I'm Ventus, but everyone calls me Ven. And this is Sparky," Ventus introduced. "I'm also Sora's cousin."
"Pikachu," Sparky said.
"I'm Terra, and this is Thor," Terra introduced.
"Chu," Thor said.
"My name's Aqua, and this is Eclair," Aqua said, in an irrate tone.
"Pika," Eclair said, sharing Aqua's tone.
"Clemont's my name," Clemont introduced himself.
"I'm Bonnie," introduced herself.
"I'm Agumon."
"The name's Gabumon."
"I'm Veemon."
"My name's Wormmon."
"I'm Biyomon."
"I'm Tentomon."
"I'm Palmon."
"The name's Gomamon."
"I'm Patamon."
"I'm Gatomon."
"My name is Hawkmon."
"And I'm Armadillomon."
Miette smiled as she chuckled.
"Nice to meet you," Miette said.
"I wanna try those," Agumon said, grabbing a Poké Puff from Miette's basket. It was one with red frosting.
"Wait, that's-" Miette tried to warn, but Agumon took a bite and he fired a huge fireball straight into the air, much to everyone's surprise.
"That was the biggest Pepper Breath I ever shot," Agumon said.
"I'm going to guess that was meant for Fire Type Pokémon. It's no surprise that a fire elemental Digimon would let out that big ball of fire," Sora said.
"I guess I should have realized a Digimon would find it enjoyable, too," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Poké Puffs are baked for any individual Pokémon in mind. That is one of the basics. Poké Puffs 101," Miette said.
"I pretty much do that with the Pokémon food I make," Kairi said.
"It's true, she does," Meowth said.
"Eevee, Eevee, vee, Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"That's telling her, Angel," Meowth said.
"What did Angel say?" Bonnie asked.
"She said Kairi's Poké Puffs are way better," Meowth translated. Miette glared at Meowth. "Hey, don't take it out on me for translating a Pokémon's honest opinion!"
"I can bake circles around you, Kairi," Miette said, trying to get a rise out of Kairi.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kairi asked.
"Hey, if you're gonna compete, why not have a bake-off!" Bonnie suggested. Everyone turned to see the youngest members of the group, along with Sparky and Dedenne standing in front of the poster.
"A bake-off? What bake-off?" Karen asked.
"Look at this! It's a Poké Puff contest going on today," Ventus answered.
"And the finals round's tomorrow," Bonnie added.
"That sounds like a great idea, you two," Karen said.
"I never heard of a Poké Puff contest before," Clemont said.
"Neither have I," Terra said.
"That's the reason I came here in the first place. I'm competing," Miette said.
"That does sound fun," Kairi said.
The preliminary round of the Poké Puff contest has officially begun as people and Pokémon have gathered all around.
"Now, the preliminary round of the Poké Puff contest is about to get underway! Contestants will compete using their own original Poké Puff recipes!" The announcer announced. Not only Kairi and Miette are competing, but Serena and Fennekin are as well. Miette has her Slurpuff by her side, as Kairi has Angel to assist her. "I can hardly wait to see all the Poké Puffs!"
Kairi took hers out, and they were all dark pink.
"Those look great, don't they, Angel?" Kairi asked.
"Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"Look at Kairi go!" Ventus said.
"Those look fluffy!" Bonnie said.
"I can eat those all day," Meowth said.
"And now, two kinds of delicious frosting," Kairi said, putting the frosting on the Poké Puffs. "The frosting is grandma's own original recipe whenever she was baking cake. It's always delicious." She readies a candy bow. "And now, the finishing touch."
"Vee," Angel said.
Serena places a twig on top of her first frosted Poké Puff.
"There," Serena said proudly. "A tasty small twig for Fennekin."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we're already halfway through the preliminary round's alloted time, and all our contestants are feverishly baking away!" The announcer announced as the contestants had finished their designs. "I'm seeing quite an amazing array of Poké Puffs! There's a lot of skill on display this year." A few minutes later, everyone were anxiously waiting to see who has made it to the finals. "It's time to announce the contestants who'll be moving on to our final round!" Kairi, Serena, Miette, and their Pokémon partners sat with the rest of the group. A woman, wearing a baker's outfit, and wearing a chef's hat walks on stage. "Joining us is Cena, world class Poké Puff patisserie and our Poké Puff contest head judge!" The crowd applauds as she bowed her head.
"Hidden inside each Poké Puff is one thing: the hope that it will bring the hearts of people and Pokémon closer together then ever before. An exquisite Poké Puff is certain to make the bond between trainer and Pokémon even stronger!" Gena announced through the microphone.
No one notices that Bonnie has gotten up from her seat. She tugged on her sleeve.
"Gena? Excuse me?" Bonnie asked. She turned to Bonnie, seeing her eyes sparkle. She grins before she goes into a proposal pose. The group finally notices Bonnie being gone, especially Clemont since he knew what she was about to do.
"Baa-ooo-raw!" Clemont groaned.
"I need you to take care of my brother!" Bonnie proposed. Gena was confused by what she was asking. Clemont rushed to the stage, blushing.
"Bonnie, I told you to stop this a million times!" Clemont exclaimed. He uses his Aipom arm to grab her.
"I hope you'll think about it, please!" Bonnie called out.
"Ignore her!" Clemont added. "This is so embarrassing..." Everyone watched as Clemont ran, leaving a dust cloud behind him.
"Called it, Kairi," Karen said.
"You sure did," Kairi did.
"Take care of her brother, huh?" Miette asked, sitting next to Sora. She begins to flirt with him. "So, Sora, is Kairi the one who's taking care of you?" Kairi started to get jealous when Miette starts to flirt with her boyfriend. Serena was getting irritated when she was flirting with her crush.
"You could say that," Sora said. Miette could see how jealous both girls were getting.
"I will be announcing the three contestants who will be moving on to the final round," Gena announced.
"Only three of them? Wow," Clemont said.
"This is going to be close," Tentomon said. "I can feel it in my thorax!"
"Be careful not to burst out of shell, Tentomon," Sora said.
The rest of the Digimon almost laughed.
"I'm so nervous for you two," Bonnie said.
"Quiet, she's about to make the announcement," Karen said.
"Our first contestant: Miette!" Gena announced as the crowd applauds.
"No surprise," Miette said.
"Our next contestant is: Serena!" Gena announced as Serena walks to the stage.
"And finally, the third and final finalist: Kairi!" Gena announced. Sora smiled as Kairi stood up and walked down to the stage.
"You made it, Kairi!" Meowth cheered.
"You bet your fur, she did," Veemon said.
"Our finalists are to come up with a new, original Poké Puff recipe by tomorrow's round. They'll need to start gathering up the ingredients they'll be using," Gena announced.
"That's it! On to the finals!" The announcer announced.
After the first round has concluded, the group started to help out gather the ingredients they needed to make the Poké Puffs they'll be needing.
Serena was approached by Miette from behind.
"So, you got a thing for Sora, too, huh?" Miette asked. Serena turned to see her.
"What are you talking about?" Serena asked, playing dumb.
"I've seen how you were looking at him. You had that lovey-dovey look in your eyes. That's pretty sad. And what's even sadder is the fact that he's already spoken for. That Pokévision video had to set you off, right?" Miette asked.
Serena's cheeks puffed up when she mentioned that. When she first saw it, she felt her heart sink, but she was determined to have Sora to herself.
"I don't know what you're talking about. It's not like it means anything," Serena said.
"It doesn't, huh? Well, maybe, I might take him from both of you and her then," Miette said. Serena's turned red.
"Don't you dare!" Serena barked. Miette laughed.
"I knew it. We might as turn this love-triangle into a love-square," Miette said.
"I don't ever plan to lose to you; especially Sora!" Serena said.
"I hope you live up to those plans of yours, Serena," Miette said.
On the next day, Kairi, Serena, and Miette have finished their Poké Puff recipes. Kairi had another recipe to use as did Serena and Miette.
"And now, we'll announce the winner of our fabulous Poké Puff contest! Present our head judge, Gena!" The announcer announced. "Take it away!" She inspects each one of the Poké Puffs. Kairi had hers with the berries cut into crown-shapes. Serena has hers topped with a Passho Berry. And Miette's has hers with cotton candy and whipped cream.
"Looking at the crown-shaped berries, and her own frosting, Kairi has presented a Poké Puff that appears to be fit for a king's Pokémon. Using a Passho Berry for her Poké Puff topping, Serena has created a delight with flavor and a hint of heat. Fire Type Pokémon are sure to love that! And finally, Miette's Poké Puff is made with cotton candy and whipped cream, and topped with a Tamato Berry. Both Electric Type and Fairy Type Pokémon are certain to love this presentation!" Gena announced. She approached the microphone.
"And the winner is..." The announcer announced. Everyone was anxiously waiting to see who had won.Drums were rolling with anticipation. Gena has made up her mind.
"It's Kairi!" Gena announced as Kairi blushed.
"Huh?!" Serena and Miette exclaimed.
After the contest, Kairi is approached by Serena.
"Congratulations, Kairi," Serena said.
"Thanks, Serena. I have to admit, your Poké Puffs were absolutely cute. I mean it, they were," Kairi said.
"Thank you, Kairi," Serena said. Miette walked up to them both. "So, Miette, where are you heading from here?"
"Anywhere that'll help me make Poké Puffs," Miette said.
"Next time I see you, my Poké Puffs will be even tastier," Serena said.
"Mine too," Miette said. She leaned closer to Kairi. "You better keep your eye on her, Kairi." Kairi was confused.
"Huh?" Kairi asked.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Miette said. "And I might steal Sora away from you."
"You will try, Miette," Kairi said. "You will try."
Poké Puffs can make everyone happy. And it can bring people together with the love of baking. And we continue on towards Shalour City, and more adventure coming their way.