Episode 549: The Cave of Trials
After dealing with Team Shadow and the Malefic Pokémon, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Will, Helen, Korrina, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, and the Cooper Gang are with the Panda King as well as Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza, Wendy, Happy, and Charla.
"You look great, Sora," Natsu said.
"Same with you, Natsu," Sora said.
"Pika, Pikachu, Pika," Pikachu said. Natsu grinned.
"Glad to hear it, Pikachu," Natsu said.
"Eevee," Angel said. Lucy noticed the female Eevee on her lap.
"So, who's this?" Lucy asked.
"This is Angel. She's an Eevee," Kairi said.
"Vee, Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"It's really nice to meet you, Angel," Lucy said. She pets her. Angel likes the feeling of her touch. "That little ribbon is really cute on you."
"Vee," Angel said.
"Where are Lillie and the others? Aren't they with you guys?" Wendy asked.
"They're back home in Alola," Sora said. "Anyway, how did you get here?"
"Come to think of it, we got here when some weird portal opened up and sucked us all in," Lucy said.
"It was the weirdest thing we've been through," Gray said, taking off his shirt.
"Hey, why are ya taking off your shirt?" Meowth asked.
"Before we get off topic, we haven't heard why the Panda King is here," Bentley said.
"Panda King?" Happy asked.
"Him," Sly said, pointing at him. "So, what are you doing here, old timer? Last thing I heard, you were retired."
"I was. The thing is, I was looking for you," the Panda King admitted.
"And why us?" Sly asked.
"General Tsao has escaped from prison. Just recently, I fear," the Panda King explained.
"General Tsao? I thought I locked him up and threw away the key," Carmelita said.
"You did," the Panda King confirmed. "I do not know how, but he did."
"Aren't you worried about Tsao making a move on your daughter just like the last time?" Murray asked.
"I was. Fearing for Jing King's safety, I hid her in a place where no one but my family knows. And I told her not to leave there until I come back for her," the Panda King explained. "Ever since, I have been searching for you. My first stop was in Dimitri's home, but he spoke in a fashion I did not understand. I continued my search until I have ended up in the same situation as them" He points to the Fairy Tail wizards.
"I'm going to guess Tsao's going to be after us after we stole the bride before the wedding," Sly said
"And not to mention, we stole his treasure," Bentley said.
"And me for slapping the cuffs on him," Carmelita said. "Sending an army of hopping vampires out in the streets isn't very law-abiding."
"All the same, we have another old enemy to worry about; the only difference is, one of your old enemies came to warn you," Terra said.
"Pikachu," Thor said.
"So, who are you?" Natsu asked.
"Right, you haven't been introduced to one another. Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza, Wendy, Happy, Charla, meet our friends. The kid here is Ventus, my cousin; we call him Ven. And this girl here is Karen, my twin sister. The tall guy is Terra, the bluenette is Aqua. The cat Pokémon is Meowth. The guy with the glasses is Clemont, and the little girl with him is his little sister, Bonnie. The little Pokémon with her is Dedenne. This is Will and his girlfriend, Helen. And this is Korrina. Those Pikachu there are Blossom, Thor, Sparky, and Eclair," Sora introduced.
"I'm Sly Cooper. The turtle is Bentley, the brains of our team. And this is Murray, the muscle," Sly introduced. "And this is the Panda King as you have guessed."
"I'm Inspector Carmelita Fox. Interpol," Carmelita introduced.
"And what about them?" Erza said, pointing at the Digimon.
"What kind of Pokémon are they?" Gray asked.
"We're not Pokémon at all," Agumon said.
"Whoa!" Natsu exclaimed.
"That one just talked!" Happy also exclaimed.
"And the blue talking cat isn't weird at all," Lucy said with a hint of sarcasm.
"They're not Pokémon like he said. They're creatures called Digimon," Sora said.
"Digi-what?" The Fairy Tail wizards asked.
"Digimon," Sora said. "I think I'll let them introduce themselves."
"I'm Agumon."
"I'm Gabumon."
"My name's Veemon."
"I'm Wormmon."
"I'm Armadillomon."
"I am Hawkmon."
"I'm Biyomon."
"I'm Palmon."
"My name's Tentomon."
"I'm Gomamon."
"I'm Patamon."
"And I'm Gatomon."
"I'm Lucy Heartfilia. And the guy with the scarf is Natsu, and the blue talking cat is Happy," Lucy introduced.
"After one of the seven dwarves, right?" Meowth joked.
"The girl with the red hair is Erza Scarlet, the guy who keeps taking off his shirt is Gray, the other girl is Wendy, and the white cat is Charla," Lucy introduced.
"Nice to meet you," Korrina said. "This is Lucario, my partner."
"Cario," Lucario said.
"We should head for a Pokémon Center to heal our Pokémon," Helen suggested.
"Great idea," Will agreed. "Our Pokémon could use a rest after what they went through."
With that said, the group arrived to the local Pokémon Center in Geosenge Town. The Fairy Tail wizards were amazed by how the place looked. There were Pokémon everywhere they looked. There were in colors, sizes, and how they looked like certain plants, animals, and other things. They went up to the counter.
"Nurse Joy, could you have our Pokémon healed?" Sora asked.
"Of course," Nurse Joy said. She turned to her Wigglytuff for assistance. "Wigglytuff, be sure they receive the best care."
"Wigglytuff," Wigglytuff said. It took the Pokéballs with it to have the Pokémon inside to be healed.
"Your Pokémon will be healed momentarily, so please wait until then," Nurse Joy said.
"Thanks," Sora said.
"What was that about? Why are you letting them take them like that?" Natsu asked.
"That's how they get healed," Sora said. "Nurse Joy will let us know when she's done."
"After dealing with Team Shadow and those Malefic Pokémon, they need such a healing," Clemont said.
"Team Shadow? Malefic Pokémon?" Wendy asked.
"The handsome devils who you saved us from earlier," Veemon said.
"And the same fellas who tried to make off with our black and white friend here," Hawkmon said.
"Tell us what you know of this Team Shadow, Sora and Kairi," Erza said.
"We dealt with them several times. They said they plan on covering the world with eternal darkness," Sora explained.
"And we all think they plan to use their Malefic Pokémon to make it happen," Kairi said. "We don't even know how they did it, but all we know is they crossed the line." The bell rings, indicating that the group's Pokémon were completely healed. The group returned to the counter.
"All of your Pokémon are fighting fit," Nurse Joy said. "I should recommend that they do not battle for the rest of the day."
"Of course," Clemont said.
"And thank you," Karen said.
With that said, the group went into a room to talk privately. Unknown to them, Xande was follwoing them. He got what he needed, and vanished.
"So, Sora, what was that Pokémon doing with that nurse earlier?" Wendy asked.
"It seems to be very helpful to her," Charla added.
"That Pokémon with Nurse Joy is a Wigglytuff; a Normal Type and a Fairy Type Pokémon," Terra said.
"Pokémon Centers in different regions they have a certain Pokémon helping them out," Aqua said.
"They don't just fight each other, do they?" Gray asked in his underwear.
"PUT YOUR CLOTHES BACK ON!" Meowth yelled.
"That's one thing that hasn't changed," Sora said.
"And I doubt it ever will," Lucy said.
"That'll be right, Gray. There are people who keeps Pokémon as pets," Sora said. "And there are certain places that have a certain Pokémon helping them out with different tasks, much like construction, or police work."
"Cool," Natsu said.
"Sora, how about you tell us about what you've been up to since we last saw each other," Lucy said.
"Okay. It was shortly after we came back from Earthland," Sora started. He explained their past experiences. They included Kairi meeting her long-lost parents again, and right up to the Johto Pokémon League. The couple explained that most of the Alolan nine are now Gym Leaders while Lillie is helping with research on Pokémon worldwide. He continued on with their journey through the Hoenn region, and how Meowth joined them when Lucy realized he was one of the "Moron Trio" he mentioned before. Kairi shared that she was partaking in Pokémon Contests. Sora even told them about Team Magma and Team Aqua, and their own plans to make the world how they wanted by using Groudon and Kyogre. And that was when Meowth joined them when they thought Jessie and James died. The couple shared their experiences with different dimensions right after winning the Hoenn Pokémon League and Grand Festival, and putting Team Rocket out of business for good. They shared their journey in the Sinnoh region after defeating the Brotherhood of Darkness, and before learning about the Digital World, and the Digimon. The Digimon shared about how Myotismon attempting to rule both worlds, and how he was manipulating Paul. Sora and Kairi shared about their experiences with Hunter J, Team Galactic, and their leader, Cyrus. They even told them about how Cynthia helped them stop Cyrus from accomplishing his goals, and how his obsession for a perfect world led to his death. The Digimon told them about the final battle with Myotismon and AxeKnightmon, and they continued to accompany the group right up to the Sinnoh Pokémon League and Grand Festival. The story led up to when the Digimon returned home to rebuild it, and the group began their journey in the Unova region. And it was there that they told the Fairy Tail wizards about Iris, who was learning how to be a Dragon Master. Natsu really wanted to meet her. And they told them about Cilan, who is a Pokémon Connoisseur, and a Gym Leader. They shared about their first encounter with Team Shadow, how Karen is Sora's twin sister, about how they met Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair, about Team Plasma. They were surprised that Sora was going for ten instead of the traditional eight. They told them about seeing the Ninja Turtles again, and meeting Splinter, Casey and Irma, along with Shredder, Kraang, and the Foot. They told them about how they saw to Team Plasma's downfall, and right up to reuniting with the Digimon and the Mane Six again. They were shocked to hear Twilight is ruling Equestria now. The story continued on with the Unova Pokémon League and Grand Festival, and about Kairi and Ventus having younger siblings. They told them about the Autobots and Decepticons from the planet Cybertron, and about their war that almost destroyed Earth like it did Cybertron. The Fairy Tail wizards were surprised to hear that they reunited with their inter dimensional friends, and formed an organization to protect the different dimensions from possible threats, and gaining a space station hovering above the planet. It continues on with journey in the Kalos region, leading them right up to this point. "And that's about it."
"I can't believe all of that happened," Gray said.
"Tell us about it," Sora said.
"It's hard to believe you managed to win five of these tournaments in a row," Erza said. "You have my undying respect."
"Same here. I had no idea who you were until now," Korrina said. "I figured you looked familiar. Sora Ketchum, the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova. I even saw your battle with Diantha."
"Yeah, she gave me a real run for my money," Sora said.
"Who's Diantha?" Wendy asked.
"Diantha is the Champion of the Kalos region," Gomamon said.
"She's the number one Pokémon trainer in the entire Kalos region," Veemon said.
"She even challenged Sora into a full six-on-six battle," Ventus said.
"It had to be pretty epic!" Natsu said.
"So, did you win it, Mr. Champion?" Happy asked.
"No, I lost," Sora said. The Fairy Tail wizards frowned when he admitted it.
"You lost?!" Natsu exclaimed.
"Yeah, but there was no shame in losing against her," Sora said.
"You were pretty close though. It was a long time since anyone was ever able to catch up with her," Korrina said.
"Like I haven't heard that before," Sora said.
"And I want you to know that you're welcome to a Gym battle anytime," Korrina said. Sora looked right at her. Korrina chuckled. "Okay, I might as well tell you. I'm the Shalour City Gym Leader."
"You're the Gym Leader? And you waited until right now to tell me?" Sora asked.
"Well, it was because of the excitement, I got distracted," Korrina said, laughing nervously. Sora chuckled just as nervously.
"Okay, that's fair enough," Sora said.
"If you're a Gym Leader, then what are you doing out here?" Bonnie asked.
"The thing is, I came looking for Lucarionite," Korrina said.
"Lucarionite? As in a Mega Stone?"
"Yeah. I was sent by my grandfather," Korrina said.
(Flashback)
We have a look at Korrina and her Lucario battling a trainer with a Krookodile. Lucario has beaten the intimidation Pokémon like it was no problem.
Watching the battle closely is a nearly bald, old man, who only has a lock of hair on his head. He has large, yellow eyebrows, which slide down to his ears. He wore a red undershirt, some gray rolled pants and a sleeve-rolled jacket, the latter having red outlines and a black mark on the left part of his chest, showing a Key Stone with the Mega Evolution mark. He wore black shoes with red soles. He also has a left black fingerless glove, where he keeps his Key Stone.
"Things were going smoothly for us, but then one day, he told me this," Korrina narrated.
"Your Lucario is becoming arrogant, and therefore, you are unfit to communicate with your Lucario properly!" Korrina's grandfather said.
"Grandpa, what do you mean?" Korrina asked. "I don't understand!"
"You're right. You don't understand! I feel that you're not taking your training seriously!" Korrina's grandfather said.
(Flashback ends)
"So, he sent me out here to find a Lucarionite to get Lucario to Mega Evolve," Korrina said.
"What's Lucarionite?" Lucy asked.
"It's this," Sora answered, taking out the Mega Stone. "Lucarionite is one of several Mega Stones to make a Pokémon Mega Evolve."
"Mega Evolve?" Gray asked.
"Mega Evolution is a phenomenon which occurs when a Pokémon and a trainer shares an incredibly strong bond," Clemont explained.
"Not only it changes their appearances, but it also makes them much stronger than they would normally be," Aqua added.
"We have to see that," Natsu said, grinning, wondering if Pikachu could do that. Somehow, he pictured Pikachu having muscles on his chest, and muscles on his muscles.
"Not even close," Sora said to Natsu. He looked at Korrina. "Look, Korrina, how about tomorrow we tag along with you for moral support."
"Thanks, I could really use it since I have no idea where to look," Korrina said.
Night came as the group were fast asleep. The Panda King was having trouble falling asleep due to his worries about his daughter. Sora was quick to notice.
"You're worried about your daughter, aren't you?" Sora asked. The Panda King looked right at him.
"Shouldn't you be asleep by now?" The Panda King asked.
"It's kinda hard to do that when you're tossing and turning like crazy," Sora said.
"I suppose," the Panda King said. "And you are correct. I am worried about Jing King. Ever since General Tsao's escape from custody, I could only worry."
"Can't say I know what you're going through, but I can understand your fears," Sora said.
"Since you knew Cooper from your past, I assume that he has shared with you our past, correct?" The Panda King asked.
"Pretty much. He mentioned you and the rest of the Fiendish Five helped kill Sly's family and took their family book," Sora said. "How did it go down from your end?"
"I remember it like I remember seeing fireworks for the first time as a child," the Panda King said. "It was just years ago when Cooper eventually confronted me."
(Flashback)
We have a look at the fight between Sly Cooper and the Panda King. By then, he didn't have the fireworks strapped to his shoulders.
"I see you carry the cane of the notorious Cooper thief clan. Have you come here for revenge? To steal back theThievius Raccoonus?" The Panda King asked.
"That was my plan at first, but now I'm more interested in putting an end to your avalanche extortion racket," Sly said.
"Why should you care if I bury a few worthless village in snow? You are a thief, just like me," the Panda King said.
"No, that's only half right. I am a thief, from a long line of master thieves. While you... you're just a frustrated firework artist turned homicidal pyromaniac!" Sly countered. This insults the Panda King.
"Insolent child! You shall pay dearly for your disrespect. Still, to honor your Cooper ancestry, I will send you to your doom with the beauty of my new firework technique... Flame-Fu!" The Panda King declared. The fight went on as the Panda King attempts to land a hit on the young raccoon, but he was defeated. "Your skill with that cane is unparalleled." He coughed. "Aaahhh!"
(Flashback ends)
"Not long after that, I was taken into prison for my crimes," the Panda King said. "When I was realized, I returned to my daughter's side, only to have her taken from me by General Tsao's soldiers against her will. I reluctantly aided the Cooper Gang in an attempt to rescue her from her captives. The results have been successful."
"And I'm gonna guess you stuck with him to repay your debt with the Cooper Vault," Sora said.
"That is correct," the Panda King said.
"Well, you got nothing to worry about. We can help keep her safe," Sora said. The Panda King looked right at him.
"You?" The Panda King asked.
"Didn't you hear everything we were talking about earlier? We saved the world from bad guys who plan on using living creatures to destroy the world, we saved an entire multiverse from bad guys who wanna take over everything, and you're telling us we can't help you? You gotta be kidding," Sora said. The Panda King chuckled.
"You remind me of Cooper, but you are not a thief," the Panda King said. "You have a pure heart." Sora smiled, knowing he got through to him. "You should sleep now."
"So should you," Sora said. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," the Panda King said. He fell right to sleep.
Meanwhile, over to Team Shadow HQ, Xande appeared before Mateus.
"What have you learned, Xande?" Mateus asked.
"I don't seem to know, your majesty. I sensed that their magic is quite different than what I am used to," Xande said. "But two of them are giving off some kind of magic feeling I am not familiar with. But for some reason, they reek of dragons."
"Dragons, you say?" Mateus asked.
"Indeed. But, the smell is not like any dragon I have ever seen," Xande said.
"Interesting. We should wait to see what develops, Xande," Mateus said.
On the next morning, the Cooper Gang, Carmelita, and the Panda King were sent back to the SMASH Tower, to send them back to their world to check on Jing King. The Fairy Tail wizards were learning about their current environment.
They ventured through the streets of Geosenge Town, and amazed by the markets. As for Korrina's current outfit, she wore red sunglasses in place of her helmet and a gray V-neck over her top as well as white high tops with red wheels fitted in the bottom.
"Just look at this place. So many rocks here," Natsu said.
"I wonder if they also have some rock candy here," Happy added.
"Those aren't ordinary rocks, Natsu. Those are Evolution stones," Sora said.
"Which one's the one we're looking for?" Gray asked.
"None of them," Sora said. "They're just used to make certain kind of Pokémon evolve."
"Explain what you know about these stones," Erza said.
"Okay," Sora said, pointing to each of the Evolution stones. "That one is a Moon Stone. That's pretty much how you would have a Wigglytuff evolve from a Jigglypuff. That one's a Thunder Stone. It make Pikachu evolve into Raichu, or Eevee into a Jolteon. That one's a Fire Stone. It works on Fire Type, because of the fire pattern."
"Wonder what the Fire Stone tastes like?" Natsu asked.
"That's not for eating," Bonnie said.
"Just because it's called a Fire Stone, doesn't make it fire, for real," Lucy said.
"Anyway, that one there is a Water Stone, so it works on Water Type Pokémon. That one's a Leaf Stone. That one is a Sun Stone. That one's a Dawn Stone. That one's a Dusk Stone. That one's a Shiny Stone. And that one is an Ice Stone," Sora finished. A trainer walked out with a Sun Stone and with a Helioptile. "And right on cue."
"You ready to evolve?" The trainer asked.
"Helioptile!" Helioptile said. The lizard Pokémon touches the Sun Stone, and began to evolve right into a Heliolisk.
"That's amazing!" Wendy exclaimed.
"So that's Pokémon evolution," Charla said.
"By Evolution stone," Karen said. "Most Pokémon evolves through experience in battle, and there are others that evolve through a trade."
"Also, they can evolve after they know a certain move like Rollout," Ventus said.
"Cool," Natsu and Happy both said.
"Now, let's search for that Lucarionite!" Korrina said.
"Lucario!" Korrina's Lucario said. They went around, searching for the Lucarionite in each shop she searched. "Crap! I can't find any Lucarionite anywhere!"
"It would have been too easy to find in a shop," Kairi said.
"Sora, you got yours, so how did you get your hands on one?" Korrina asked.
"I don't know if you know him, but a trainer named Edgar just mailed it along with several other Mega Stones to me when we were at the Sinnoh Pokémon League," Sora said. "He which ones could Mega Evolve and which ones couldn't." Korrina hung her head in defeat.
"I thought I had a clue for a sec," Korrina sighed.
"Sorry for getting your hopes up, Korrina," Sora said.
"Uncalled for, Sora," Happy said.
"Hey, it's not like I did it on purpose!" Sora exclaimed.
"No, you didn't get my hopes up. I did that myself," Korrina said. "He did warn me it wasn't going to be easy."
"You plan to keep going, Korrina?" Lucy asked.
"You bet your blonde hair I do!" Korrina said.
"That's the spirit!" Erza said. "Your grandfather gave you this test; and you should see it to the end."
"Erza's right. It's way too early to quit," Biyomon said.
"Excuse me, young lady," a man's voice with an Irish accent. They turned to see a middle-aged man coming up to them.
"Who are you?" Gray asked.
"My name is McGinty, and I'm a photographer," McGinty said. "How would you like a souvenir photo? It's what I do, and I know you'll be very happy with it."
"Souvenir photo? Oh boy!" Bonnie cheered.
"Nne, nne!" Dedenne said.
"Aye!" Happy added.
"How about we make it a group photo?" Sora suggested.
"That sounds a great idea, Sora," Patamon said.
"Since we're all here anyway," Meowth said.
"Alright! We're in Geosenge Town, and I want to show grandfather we made it all the way!" Korrina said.
Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Will, Helen, Korrina, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Lucario, the Digimon, and Team Natsu got together for the photo.
"Okay, gimme some big smiles, everyone!" McGinty said. Everyone gave a smile as Natsu gave Gray bunny ears. He snaps the picture. "Done! It should be done soon." He hands the roll of film to his assistant. "Make it quick, okay?"
"On it!" McGinty's assistant said, taking the film to be developed. Clemont approached McGinty.
"Do you by any chance know anything about locating Evolution stones?" Clemont asked.
"Evolution stones are out there, in a cave hidden somewhere inside of that mountain," McGinty said, pointing to the mountain.
"A mountain cave?" Terra asked.
"And sir, do you know anything about Lucarionite?" Korrina asked. "I need to find it right away!"
"Lucarionite, eh? I don't think I've ever heard of it before," McGinty said, stroking his chin. Sora took out his Lucarionite and showed it to him.
"It looks like this," Sora said. "The reason we're looking for one is to help her Lucario Mega Evolve."
"I see," McGinty said. "And since you brought it up, I might as well tell you that I remember hearing about a cave where it's possible to locate a special kind of Evolution stone."
"You mean it?! Please tell us where it is!" Korrina shouted.
"Where, where, where?" Bonnie asked.
"If you go even further into the mountain than I already told you about, you'll find small entrance to another cave. That's where it is," McGinty said.
"Sounds too good to be true," Charla said, being skeptical.
"Where's your sense of adventure?" Armadillomon asked.
"I think I left it with my old shell I shedded just a few days ago," Tentomon said.
"I don't think we needed to know that," Wormmon said.
"Hey, I'm a beetle. I shed when I outgrow my shell," Tentomon said.
"You know, it's said that terrible things can happen to people who are not worthy enough to enter," McGinty warned.
"And right on cue," Charla said.
"What kind of terrible things are you talking about?" Helen asked.
"I can't tell you for certain, but there's some evidence that terrible things really do happen there, and that's why the people of this town never ever venture into that cave!" McGinty said.
Natsu scoffed. "That's it? I'm sure we can handle just about anything that happens in there."
"Yeah, because we're a team!" Happy said.
"I'm not gonna turn back now! I'm going to get that Lucarionite, even if it kills me," Korrina said. She turned to Lucario. "Come on, Lucario, let's go!" She was about to take off when McGinty stopped them.
"Hold it! Your photo's not finished developing yet!" McGinty said.
"Oh, sorry," Korrina said, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment.
"Just what we need, a girl version of Natsu," Lucy said.
"At least she doesn't get motion sick," Gray said.
"Motion sick?" Will asked.
"Don't ask," Lucy and Gray said.
They waited for the pictures to be finished.
"There, your pictures are all done!" McGinty said. They each got a photo.
"These look great," Sora said.
"My parents and grandma will love these," Kairi said. "And little Seth, too."
"Same with my parents, and Yuki," Ventus said.
"And so will my adopted parents back in Unova," Karen added.
"I can't wait to show it to grandpa!" Korrina said proudly. She turned to Lucario. "Don't you think he'll love it?"
"Car!" Lucario said.
The group started to take off as the Cooper Gang, Carmelita, and the Panda King arrived on the scene.
"Hey, wait up!" Murray shouted. They caught up with the group.
"How did it go with Jing King?" Sora asked.
"She is safe," the Panda King said. "She is with her aunt as we speak."
"On top of that, did we miss anything?" Sly asked.
"Not too much," Sora said. "And you're just in time for our next adventure."
The group took off towards the mountain as McGinty smiled.
"The work is going better than Gurkinn planned," McGinty said.
Meanwhile, General Tsao approaches Ganondorf.
"I request to speak with you," General Tsao said.
"What is on your mind, general?" Ganondorf asked.
"I must ask why are we dealing with these so-called heroes that you mentioned before," Tsao said.
"Allow me a question, Tsao. Do you feel grievance for this?" Ganondorf asked.
"I am grateful for you releasing me from prison, but I cannot understand why we cannot just kill them all now. We have the power to do so," General Tsao said.
"Perhaps, but we cannot take any risks. They could be more powerful than they were previously. Your failure against Sly Cooper should have taught you better than to underestimate your enemies," Ganondorf said.
"No one is greater than the Family Tsao! Not even you!" General Tsao barked. Ganondorf gave the rooster a punch, emitting darkness. He grabbed Tsao by the throat.
"Do not test my patience, general! You would still be in that prison cell if I have decided that you were not needed!" Ganondorf said. He dropped him. "You may have a talent for dark magic, but even that is no match for me. You can summon an army of undead warriors to aide you, but you and your ghouls will try to fight me, and you will lose. I will not be questioned by the likes of you! Will you continue to try my patience, chicken?" Tsao looked right at him. His expression was a fearful one.
"No," Tsao said.
"I hope so for your sake, Tsao. And I hope you listened well, because I have no intentions of repeating myself!" Ganondorf said. Tsao went to rejoin the others. "Have you been there long?" Mateus appeared behind him.
"I was just listening in on your conversation, Ganondorf. I must say, you have a knack for leadership as you have previously displayed," Mateus said.
"Yes. There are those who think they are more powerful than the one calling the shots. I assume you had to deal with this yourself, Mateus," Ganondorf said.
"Perhaps. As you know, there were nobles and wizards who thought they were more powerful than I, but I have shown them the errors of their ways. Palamecia was my empire, and I was not gonna give it up without a fight. Even now," Mateus said.
"But are you more powerful than all of us combined?" Ganondorf asked.
"Indeed," Mateus said. "Surely, you already knew that."
"I did," Ganondorf said. "I required only a confirmation."
"You must be satisfied to have this knowledge," Mateus said. Ganondorf grinned.
"Yes," Ganondorf answered. "I am."
Back in Kalos, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Will, Helen, Korrina, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Lucario, the Digimon, Team Natsu, the Cooper Gang, Carmelita, and the Panda King made their way through the mountain. By then, Erza has switched into her hiker's outfit. She wore a large backpack. Everyone wondered what she was packing.
"We've made it," Murray panted.
"Just what did he mean by terrible things will happen to those who aren't worthy?" Bentley asked.
"You're not worried about that, are you?" Sly asked.
"Sure I am. Remember when we were in Haiti, with all sorts of ghosts, zombies, and other spooky things?" Bentley asked.
"I think we'll be okay as long as we stick together," Will said.
"Will's right, Bentley. As long as we stick with them," Sly said.
"I guess I was just being jittery," Bentley said.
"Sora, I've been wondering something for a while now. Hope you don't mind me asking," Clemont said.
"What?" Sora asked.
"I was wondering why you never gotten your Pikachu to evolve into a Raichu. I mean, he looks ready to evolve, but he hasn't. Why?" Clemont asked.
"It was Pikachu's choice," Sora answered.
"Pikachu's choice?" Clemont asked.
"I considered evolving Pikachu once, but he decided against it. He said that he wants to stay the way he is," Sora explained.
"Pika," Pikachu confirmed.
"The same for Angel, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, and Riku's Eevee," Sora said. "They decided they rather not evolve at all."
"I get it," Clemont said. "And I can understand, Sora."
The group continued their way through the mountain. Lucario stopped and he looked in a different direction. The group were quick to notice.
"Hey, what's up with Lucario?" Natsu asked.
"Lucario must have sensed something," Korrina said.
"If you're right, then we can be on the right track," Tentomon said.
"Lead the way, Lucario," Korrina said. Lucario led the group the path it was looking. They stopped a few times. It was assumed that there was danger at first, but pressed on.
"Does Lucario even know where to find it?" Gray asked.
"Korrina's grandpa did give her this test, so this be a part of it," Gatomon said.
"I agree," Erza said. "We might not be the only ones looking for it."
Inside a cave, a gang of Koopa Troopas were ahead of them. They opened a door. They entered a chamber that is a chamber surrounded by water which glowed like moonlight. They grinned when they saw the Lucarionite right before their eyes.
"Jackpot!" One of the Koopa Troopas said. With the smaller Koopa Troopas is a large red Koopa Troopa. He is wearing large glasses.
"And it's mine!" The large Koopa Troopa said.
"Hey, we helped you get in here, Kent C!" One of the smaller Koopa Troopas said.
"And I'll let you look at it when I want to! And now, I'm gonna get it!" Kent said. A mysterious figure appeared before the Koopa Troopas.
Outside the cave, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Will, Helen, Korrina, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Lucario, the Digimon, Team Natsu, the Cooper Gang, Carmelita, and the Panda King were about to enter inside it when they heard a scream from inside.
"What was that?" Agumon asked.
"It sounds like a ghost!" Clemont said.
"Don't be silly!" Bonnie said, clinging to Ventus. "There's no ghost inside, right, Ven?"
"Right. There's nothing to be afraid of," Ventus said.
"Don't be so sure," Clemont said, acting his Clemontic gear. It resembles a Heliolisk's frills. "Flashlight Mode activate!" The light came on.
"You can make a light with that thing?" Natsu asked.
"It's one of my inventions," Clemont said.
"Clemont's an inventor," Kairi said.
"So cool!" Natsu exclaimed.
His joy was cut short when several turtle shells go flying and the creatures inside screams from inside. They go flying in the sky with a star twinkling in the distance.
"What was that about?" Will asked.
"Sora, I think those were Koopas," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"What the heck are those goofy turtles doing here?" Meowth asked.
"Up to no good, I can bet my necklace on that," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu agreed.
"Come on!" Korrina said. Lucario held its arm in front of her. "Lucario?"
"I think there's something back there," Sora said.
"So what! We can't just run away! We got to get the Lucarionite now!" Korrina said. Both she and her Lucario ran ahead of them. Sora's Lucario came right out of his own Pokéball.
"Master, there are two sets of auras inside the cave. One of them is another Pokémon, while one of them is human," Lucario said through his aura.
"I sense them, too. We should follow them inside before they get further ahead of us," Sora said through his aura.
"Agreed," Lucario said through his aura. Both nod to each other.
The group followed Korrina inside the cave. They could hear a growling sound ahead of them. Only Sora and his Lucario knew what it was. They came to the door from before.
"What's that?" Lucy asked.
The group entered with caution and they see the Lucarionite sitting in the center.
"That's it!" Gomamon said.
"The Lucarionite!" Palmon said.
"It's beautiful," Bonnie said.
"Let's go get it!" Korrina said. She and her Lucario went to retrieve it when a Blaziken appeared and attacked them both. The Blaziken was the mysterious figure that attacked the Koopa Troopas from before.
"What's that?" Wendy asked.
"It's a chicken," Happy said.
"It's a Blaziken!" Karen said.
Korrina's Lucario attempted to kick the attacking blaze Pokémon, only to jump in front of the Lucarionite.
"Are you okay, Lucario?" Korrina asked.
"What's a Blaziken doing here?" Clemont asked.
"That Blaziken must have been what threw those turtles out of here," Veemon said.
"And probably us, too," Karen said.
"If I'm right, that Blaziken must be guarding the Lucarionite," Bentley said.
"It makes a good security guard," Carmelita said. Korrina looked right at Blaziken and then at the Lucarionite. She understood what she had to do.
"I see. If we want the Lucariorite, first we're going to have to defeat Blaziken in a Pokémon battle," Korrina said. Her Lucario nodded in agreement. She took off her backpack and hands it to Sora. "Sora, I need you and everyone else to stand back and let me handle this." Sora took the backpack.
"Okay," Sora said.
"You mean, we can't help you out?" Natsu asked.
"This is my battle, and I plan to win it on my own terms," Korrina said.
"I see," Erza said. "Do what you have to."
Korrina switches to her battling clothes and she grinned.
"Blaziken, I challenge you into a battle for the Lucarionite! Battle begin! Lucario! Power-Up Punch!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Lucario came at Blaziken with Power-Up Punch. Blaziken fought back with a Blaze Kick. Blaziken came right at Korrina's Lucario "Lucario! Dodge it!" Korrina's Lucario kept on dodging from left to right. Blaziken has incredible speed.
"Look at it go," Gray said.
"It's so fast!" Wendy said.
"Lucario! Use Metal Sound!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Lucario puts the spikes on its paws together, causing white sound waves accompanied by a sound like scraping metal to emit from the tips and spread towards the target, making Blaziken cover its ears in pain. Korrina's Lucario also growls in unison with the ringing. Korrina's Lucario came at Blaziken with another Power-Up Punch, landing a hit, but Blaziken blocked with its left arm, making the water splash upwards with the clash. Korrin's Lucario attempts to land another Power-Up Punch, but Blaziken ducks and fired a Flamethrower right into the aura Pokémon's face, sending it flying towards the ceiling. "Lucario!"
"What a Flamethrower!" Agumon said.
"That's really bad. Lucario's a Steel Type Pokémon, so it's a bad match up against a Fire and Fighting Type Pokémon like Blaziken," Patamon said.
"Patamon's right, it's not looking good," Clemont said.
"And what makes it worse is Blaziken's amazing speed," Biyomon said.
"Lucario!" Korrina shouted. Blaziken fired another Flamethrower, making her back up, and the photo she has from earlier gets burned in the process. Korrina was shocked. Blaziken grabbed Korrina's Lucario by the face and tossed it to the wall on its left. Korrina's Lucario struck the wall, and falls in the water beneath him.
"This isn't fair! We gotta put a stop to this now!" Sly said.
"No!" Sora firmly said. Sly looked right at Sora.
"Why not?" Sly asked.
"Because this is Korrina's battle," Sora said.
"He's right. Our best course of action is to stay out of it," Erza said.
"To interfere would only be dishonorable," the Panda King said.
"Korrina has to make this step on her own; no one can do it but her," Sora said.
Korrina heard what they said, and she grinned.
"No wonder Sora's a Pokémon League Champion. He totally gets it," Korrina said. She stands up. "You're right, Sora! We'll never give up! No matter who we're up against in battle, we'll never turn and run the other way! Isn't that right, Lucario?" Korrina's Lucario heard her, and grinned same as her.
"Get on your feet," Sora's Lucario said through his aura to Korrina's Lucario. "You and your trainer have made it this far, and you're too far to give up! You have the potential to Mega Evolve, so you must prove it here and now! You are the one who can awaken the power that sleeps within you!" Korrina's Lucario got up with determination. Blaziken was surprised by the sudden resolve.
"Lucario! Power-Up Punch! Go!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Lucario gave Blaziken a series of punches. Korrina's Lucario was moving much faster than before, much to the blaze Pokémon's surprise. Lucario then came at Blaziken with Bone Rush. "Alright! Way to go!" Korrina's Lucario threw the bones to the ground, pinning Blaziken down from the neck. Lucario threw several more bones, pinning Blaziken down even more.
"Yes! Blaziken's pinned like a pincushion!" Meowth said.
"Speed isn't going to cut it now!" Helen said.
"We're almost done! Lucario! Let's finish this up!" Korrina said. Korrina's Lucario came at Blaziken with Power-Up Punch, but someone stepped in.
"Enough!" A voice shouted. Korrina's Lucario stopped in its place. Korrina and her Lucario looked ahead of them as the figure stepped forward. "You have won, Korrina." Korrina was surprised by this.
"Grandpa?!" Korrina gasped.
"Hey, who the hell are you?" Natsu asked.
"I'm the Mega Evolution guru. I'm Gurkinn," the elderly man introduced himself.
"Mega Evolution guru?" Sora asked.
"What is he doing here?" Clemont asked.
"You battled honorably, Blaziken. Rest," Gurkinn said, calling back Blaziken.
"What's going on? Does that mean that Blaziken is your Pokémon, grandpa?" Korrina asked.
"That's right," Gurkkin confirmed.
"But why all of this?" Korrina asked.
"I knew you would complete your training, and make it here successfully, so I thought I'd give you this final trail myself," Gurkinn said. "And you overcame it beautifully, as I knew you would. You passed your final test with flying colors." He smiled proudly for his granddaughter. "Well done, Korrina. And you as well, Lucario."
"Grandpa," Korrina said.
"Now, go forth, and take what you have earned," Gurkinn said. Korrina went for the Lucarionite and took it in her hands. She held it up with pride.
"We finally got the Lucarionite!" Korrina said with pride.
The group went back to McGinty waiting for them.
"Well now, welcome back, everyone! Did you find what you're looking for?" McGinty asked.
"We did," Korrina said. "My photo got burned up. I'm sorry." McGinty just smiled.
"Oh, don't fret, dear. We can just print you another one," McGinty said.
"Really? Thanks," Korrina said. McGinty sees Gurkinn walking behind them.
"Ah, Gurkinn. You weren't wrong when you said your granddaughter is something special," McGinty said. Gurkinn just smiled.
"Of course. She's my granddaughter after all," Gurkinn said. Everyone were all confused.
"Wait, you two know each other?" Erza asked.
"Of course. Gurkkin asked me to help you out in your quest to locate Lucarionite," McGinty said.
"That's right," Gurkinn admitted.
"So, you knew from the very start," Terra said.
"Pika," Thor said.
"Yes. Sorry to deceive you," McGinty said.
"So, what's up with that story about something terrible happening to anyone entering the cave?" Clemont asked.
"Yeah, what's up with that?" Lucy asked.
"I made it up," McGinty said.
"YOU MADE IT UP?!" Natsu exclaimed with shock.
"I ACTUALLY THOUGHT IT WAS REALLY TERRIBLE!" Happy added.
"If someone unworthy have gone inside the cave, Blaziken would have driven them off, so it wasn't a total lie," Gurkinn said.
"At least that part was true," Aqua said.
"Pika, Pika," Eclair said.
Gurkinn turned to his granddaughter with a stern look on his face.
"Now, Korrina," Gurkinn said.
"Yes?" Korrina asked.
"As proof that you overcame your trail, the Lucarionite is yours. I'm giving it to you," Gurkinn said.
"Thanks," Korrina said.
"You totally earned it, Korrina," Sly said.
"Ring tail's right. You won it fair and square," Carmelita said.
"Thanks," Korrina said.
"Are you ready, Korrina?" Gurkinn asked.
"Ready!" Korrina answered. She hands Lucario the Mega Stone. She pressed her Key Stone. "Lucario! Mega Evolve!" The energies from both Pokémon and trainer go into one another. Lucario underwent a transformation. Lucario is now Mega Lucario.
Korrina has overcame many obstacles and won a hard-fought battle against Blaziken, Korrina has earned the Lucarionite. Korrina has grown so much stronger as well as her partner.