Episode 558: Showdown At the Shalour City Gym
After dealing with Muggshot, and rescuing a handful of hostages, they're joined by Kid Klown as he explained what he knew about Blackjack. Also a series of introductions went around. Kid Klown also heard about their own experiences as well.
"And that's about it," Kid Klown said.
"That's quite a story, Kid Klown," Sora said.
"Same with you guys. To be honest, I wasn't sure about this world when I first got here. I mean, I thought it was just weird, since I'm not seeing anything I'm used to," Kid Klown said.
"First thing we should do is hit the Pokémon Center and rest up," Kairi suggested.
"Not a bad idea," Terra said.
"Let's go," Ventus said.
With that said, the group entered inside the Pokémon Center. After they got inside, Bonnie spotted a young woman with short brown hair. Bonnie took a good look at her, and she decided that she was the one for her brother.
"Yes, she's a keeper!" Bonnie said, giggling. She approached the girl. "Excuse me, miss?" The young woman turned to see her. "You're a keeper! So, please take care of my brother!"
"Huh?" The young woman asked in confusion. Clemont blushed in embarrassment, and catching the group's attention. He uses his Aipom arm to grab Bonnie.
"Bonnie, I told you a thousand times to stop doing that!" Clemont yelled.
"Think about it, won't you?" Bonnie asked.
"How many times do I have to tell you? Don't propose to some random girl that you come across!" Clemont scolded.
"I can't keep taking care of you, Clemont!" Bonnie argued. "Besides, you need a dependable wife."
"I don't need that kind of help, Bonnie!" Clemont argued back.
"Okay, what's going on?" Gray asked.
"Bonnie has a habit of asking every girl she deemed to be a keeper to marry her brother, and that downright embarrasses him," Sora said.
"A keeper? Marry?" Lucy asked. "
"Bonnie's such a little matchmaker," Happy said.
"Her heart's in the right place, I'll give her that," Charla said.
The siblings argued on when Korrina entered the Pokémon Center and she spots the group.
"Sora!" Korrina called out. Sora turned to Korrina and he smiled.
"Hey, Korrina," Sora greeted her.
"When did you get here?" Korrina asked.
"Just now," Sora replied. "What brings you in here?" Before Korrina could answer, Nurse Joy and her Wigglytuff came strolling up to the Shalour City Gym Leader.
"Korrina, your Pokémon are feeling much better. I recommend that they all have a night's worth of sleep," Nurse Joy said.
"I'll make sure they get plenty of rest," Korrina said, taking the Pokéballs from the nurse.
"Did you win or lose your last battle?" Sora asked.
"I lost my last battle. As soon as I got back, I had my battles with Chan Lee and Will, and I lost to them both. After that, Lucario and I spent some time training and preparing for the battle with you," Korrina explained.
"So have I," Sora said.
"Who is that?" Kid Klown asked.
"Korrina. She's the Gym Leader of the Shalour City Gym. We helped her out control her Lucario's aura when Mega Evolving," Karen explained. Kid Klown looked at her with a puzzling expression. "We'll explain later."
"I was wondering maybe if we could have our battle tomorrow. Your Pokémon needs to rest," Sora said.
"Sure thing, Sora. We can have it tomorrow morning," Korrina said.
With that said, the battle is arranged, and it meant one more day to train.
Outside, Matthew is sitting on a rooftop across the street of the Pokémon Center. He watched Sora from where he stood.
Matthew took off his hood and he thought about the Malefic Pokémon. He couldn't believe someone would sink so low to do this sort of thing to innocent Pokémon. There was no way he could forgive someone or something like it.
"If stealing someone else's Pokémon wasn't bad enough, this is a whole lot worse," Matthew said. "What line won't those guys cross?"
Matthew continued to watch Sora and his friends from outside the Pokémon Center, since he couldn't risk exposing himself sooner than he planned.
That night, Korrina brought the group over to her home to rest for the night.
"You sure it's okay for us to stay over for the night?" Sora asked.
"I'm sure. My grandpa's the one who wanted to meet with you as soon you got here. He said he told me to bring you over to him when you arrive. For some reason, he requested to see only you and your Pokémon," Korrina said. Sora wondered what Gurkinn wanted to see him about. They eventually reached the house and Sora and Pikachu went with Korrina as Kairi and the others took a chance to relax. Korrina led Sora and Pikachu to a small room. She opened the door and bowed her head in respect. "Grandpa, I have brought Sora as you requested. Gurkinn has his eyes shut, and he opens them and looked right at Sora.
"Hello again, young man," Gurkinn greeted.
"Hello, Gurkinn," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu added.
"Is there a special reason you wanted to see me, sir?" Sora asked.
"Yes. If it's alright, I would like to see your Lucario as well. I feel that it's appropriate for all of our Lucario to participate in our meeting," Gurkinn said. He let out his Lucario from his Pokéball. Sora and Korrina did the same thing. All three Lucario sat with their trainers. "Sora, when I first met you, I could tell there is something extraordinary about your Lucario. Neither mine nor my granddaughter's has this uniqueness. It's my belief that you may fill in the gaps to this mystery."
"It looks like I couldn't fool you, Gurkinn. My Lucario is unique. He hatched from an egg I got from a friend of mine who left for the Sinnoh region to study with Professor Rowan. Lucario's egg was in the care of other trainers, but for some reason, none of them could get it to hatch," Sora explained. Gurkinn stroked his chin.
"Lucario's egg couldn't hatch when they had it? No way," Korrina said.
"I share Korrina's astonishment. May I presume you were able to get the egg to hatch in succession?" Gurkinn asked.
"You may. The egg hatched into a Riolu shortly after we arrived in the Sinnoh region. And here it really gets interesting. My Riolu had the ability to use Aura Sphere," Sora said. Korrina and her Lucario were amazed by this bit of news.
"A Riolu that can use Aura Sphere, hm? I never would have imagined," Gurkinn said. "Tell me, Sora. Are you able to speak with your Lucario through aura?" Sora looked at Gurkinn quite surprised. Sora's Lucario was just as surprised.
"How long did you know about me?" Sora asked.
"From the moment we met. I saw the connection between you and your Lucario, and I could tell you and your Lucario have are able to speak with each other through the power of aura," Gurkinn said.
"Grandpa, what are you getting at?" Korrina asked.
"You mind raising your hand in front of me?" Gurkinn asked. Sora complies him by raising his hand. Sora then activates his power through his hand. Korrina and her Lucario were amazed by what they were seeing. "And here it is. Right before my very eyes."
"Sora, you're an Aura User? I didn't think there were any left," Korrina said.
"Neither did I," Gurkinn said. "I have seen my share of Lucario in my life, and I have never seen what you possess."
"I was surprised when I first used it," Sora said.
Over to Erza, she sat down and she laid down on a pillow. She shuts her eyes and she reflects back to when Sora and Kairi first arrived in Earthland.
(Flashback)
Erza is summoned by Makarov to his quarters of the guild building. It was after Lucy left with Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Togepi, and the Pichu to her home.
"Master, you wanted to see me," Erza said.
"I did," Makarov said. "There was a strange presence all around, and it wasn't from any of the ponies nor the turtles. Have you felt it?"
"Yes," Erza said. "I suspect it is coming from Sora."
"I agree. I don't know what it is, exactly, but I felt it from the moment we met. I find it hard to believe he has something not of this world," Makarov said. "Has he shared what it was?"
"No, he hasn't. I don't believe he is quite aware of whatever it is," Erza said.
"I see," Makarov said. "Then, it could only mean, it is still sleeping within him."
"Sleeping within him, Master?" Erza asked.
"I might be wrong, but I am now certain he is unaware of his sleeping power. Time only knows when it shall awaken and how it shall," Makarov said.
Erza didn't know how to respond to what he said, but she knew he was right about a possibility.
(Flashback ends)
Erza opened her eyes and looked up to the ceiling.
"I wonder if you're aware of your gift by now, Sora," Erza said in her thoughts.
Meanwhile at Professor Oak's lab, Professor Oak has just entered his lab when Isa approached him.
"Professor, good of you to come, because I was about to send Lea out to find you," Isa said.
"I'm here now, so what could be important?" Professor Oak asked.
"Okay, someone has called the lab a little while ago, and I saw a video that was sent to the main computer," Isa said. "I think you should see it with your own eyes." Isa led the professor to the main lab and to his computer. Isa played the video. Professor Oak watched the video, and he was astounded by what he was looking at. It looked like a Zorua. It was covered in fluffy grayish white fur with red tints, that transition to a faded reddish-pink color, on the tips of its tail, neck fur and head tuft; the fur atop its head and around its neck is much larger and longer than that of its Unovan counterpart, and, along with its tail, features long strands trailing above and behind its head. It has round, yellow eyes with pink eyelids and round red eyebrows. Its ears feature faded reddish-pink tips, with dark gray insides, and the tips of its paws are dark gray in coloration. Isa paused the video and Professor Oak looked at the image on the screen.
"How extraordinary. You were right to bring this to my attention, Isa," Professor Oak said.
"Well, I thought it was either a Growlithe or a Vulpix at first, that is until I got a much closer look," Isa said. "And that's when I figured out it was neither of them. It's a Zorua."
"Who sent this video?" Professor Oak asked .
"Just someone I don't know. Like I said, this vid was sent to you a little while ago," Isa said.
"Where was this located?" Professor Oak asked.
"A mountain somewhere in the Hoenn region, I think. Could it be a new species just discovered?" Isa asked.
"No," Professor Oak bluntly said. "What we're seeing is nothing new; it's something old. So old, I thought they were extinct." Isa looked at him.
"Professor? What do you mean?" Isa asked.
"What we are looking at is a Hisuian Zorua," Professor Oak said.
"Hisuian Zorua? As in the Hisui region?" Isa asked.
"Indeed. Did you know, the Sinnoh region was once known as the Hisui region?" Professor Oak asked.
"Yeah. Lea and I read about it in history class. Well, I did mostly," Isa said. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Everything. In the ancient days of the Hisui region, it was rare for Pokémon and human beings to interact with each other. And in those days, there were Pokémon that had the Hisuian regional appearance, much like the Pokémon of the Alola and Galar regions. The Zoura of the Hisui region are Normal and Ghost Type Pokémon, as well as the Zoroark," Professor Oak said.
"Funny you should bring that up, because there is more to it," Isa said, playing the video. Professor Oak watches the video and a large shadow flies at the camera man. The camera drops as the sounds of falling is heard through the snow. Just then, it looked like a Zoroark. Like Zorua, consists of light gray fur on its body, a white mane with red tips resembling tendrils, red spots on its arms and legs and deep navy blue claws. Its eyes are yellow with red markings on the edge and deep blue inside of its ears.
"This is incredible," Professor Oak said.
"Professor, what could this mean for us?" Isa asked.
"I do not have an answer for this, Isa, but I can tell you that the past is indeed coming into light," Professor Oak said.
"You mean, the Pokémon of the Hisui region are just resurfacing just like Kabuto, Aerodactyl, and Archen from time-to-time?" Isa asked.
"Possibly, but don't jump into any conclusions, because it's too soon to tell. We should keep a close eye out for any new information in case they come out," Professor Oak said.
"Good idea. I'll pass this bit of news to Lea," Isa said.
Back in Shalour City, Sora had just rejoined the group as they gathered for dinner. As they ate, Korrina shared about the battles she had with Will and Chan Lee.
"I tell you, Will was easygoing, but Chan Lee really gave me a run for my money. The way she handled her Incineroar was intense," Korrina explained. "A Dark Type taking out my Fighting Type Pokémon is nothing out of ordinary."
"That kinds me of an Incineroar that I know," Sora said. He thinks about Riku's Incineroar. He remembered that Incineroar is one of the strongest Pokémon Riku has under his belt, along with his Eevee, Midnight form Lycanroc, Tyranitar and his Silvally and Urshifu. The rest of Riku's Pokémon weren't pushovers, that he knew.
"So, which ones is he gonna be using?" Kid Klown asked.
"You would have to see him action tomorrow, Kid Klown," Bentley said.
"It'll be so awesome, it'll knock you out of your shoes," Murray said.
"Sora, just hope I don't plan on going easy on you when we have our battle," Korrina said.
"I don't want you to go easy on me, Korrina. Gimme everything you've got," Sora said. Korrina smiled.
"You got a deal," Korrina said.
After their meal, the group decided to head to bed early since they all wanted to get an early start on the next morning. Sora was still awake. He knew this was going to be his third Gym battle in Kalos. But there was something else going on as well. He took Lucario's Pokéball and spoke through his aura.
"Lucario, I have a feeling that mysterious guy is lurking around outside. I know because I can sense him. Can you sense him, too?" Sora asked through his aura.
"Yes, Master. I sensed him ever since we arrived to the summer camp, and again when we met this Kefka and this Muggshot. I didn't think it was of any importance to any of us," Lucario said through his aura.
"I thought you did," Sora said in his aura.
"And there's more. I also sense two other presences with him as well. They appeared and then vanished, like the wind," Lucario said through his aura. "It felt very familiar to me."
Sora didn't know how to respond to it and he shuts his eyes.
"Who are you, and where did you come from?" Sora asked in his thoughts. Sora began to dream and he saw an empty void. He opened his eyes and looked around. He saw nothing familiar to him. He looked around and saw what looks like a Wyrdeer. Sora had never seen that Pokémon before in his life.
"Deer," the Wyrdeer said, walking.
"Hey, wait!" Sora exclaimed. He tried to get the deer-like Pokémon to stop, but Wyrdeer vanished in a puff of gray smoke. It was very bizarre. The dark void vanishes as he looked around. He saw what looks like Palkia and Dialga. Both Pokémon roared as a bright shining light shines on Sora. That was when Arceus appeared before him as well. "Arceus?" The alpha Pokémon looked at Sora before vanishing into the light. "Arceus! Wait!" Arcues sends Sora an object, shrouded in bright light. Sora reached with his right hand and he looked at it. The light almost blinded him. He woke up as the sunlight coming from the window hits his face. It was Kairi who opened the shades.
"Rise and shine, lazy bum. Don't want you to oversleep," Kairi said.
"How long were you up?" Sora asked.
"Not long," Kairi said. "Just a little while before I opened the shades."
"Man, you wouldn't believe the weirdest dream I just had," Sora said, sitting up. Kairi noticed something in Sora's right hand.
"Sora, what's that?" Kairi asked.
"What's what?" Sora asked. She points to his right hand. Sora looked at it and he flinched when he saw it. It was a smartphone with the appearance of Arceus. "WHOA!" He almost dropped it. "I never thought of Freddy Krueger leaving behind a present like Santa!"
"What is it?" Kairi asked.
"I don't know. All I know is, I-" Sora paused when he realized what Arceus has given him. "Did Arceus want me to have it?" Kairi just looked at her boyfriend, very puzzled.
"Sora?" Kairi asked. Sora looked at her.
"I seriously don't know what it is, but I can tell you, it was very weird that I got it," Sora said.
"What kind of dream did you have exactly?" Kairi asked.
"I saw Palkia and Dialga. And that was when Arceus came along. It just looked at me. I was completely overwhelmed. It then gave me something, covered with a light. When I touched it, I woke up," Sora said. Kairi was amazed to hear it. It was like the Burned Tower all over again.
"Arceus must have saw something in you, Sora," Kairi said. He looked at his girlfriend. "Why else would you get something like this?"
"You're right, Kairi. Let's see how this thing works," Sora said. He tests out his new phone and saw the features it has. It has a Pokédex feature. He accessed it, making a list of Pokémon he has seen, and what Pokémon he has. Each one of Sora's caught Pokémon has a Pokéball icon next to them. Sora saw how different the Pokéballs all seem to be. Most of them were regular Pokéballs as Dragonite and Poliwrath had Dive Balls. Ambipom has a Fast Ball. Azumarill has a Friend Ball. Naganadle has a Beast Ball, while Tauros, Venomoth, Kangaskhan, Rhydon, Arcanine, Toucannon, Salazzle, and Kommo-o all had Safari Balls. "This thing knows which Pokémon and what kind of ball they were all caught in."
"It's incredible," Kairi said.
"It works as a Pokédex, but better test it out," Sora said. He uses it as he pressed on Pikachu's icon.
Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon
The evolved form of Pichu
Type: Electric
Possesses cheek sacs in which it stores electricity. This clever forest-dweller roasts tough berries with an electric shock before consuming them.
"That did it," Sora said. "Looks useful, so I'll keep it." He puts it in his pocket. He and Kairi decided to look into it more later since battling Korrina was the goal for right now.
Sora thought of using Hawlucha, but Hawlucha has pulled a muscle while training, so he was in no condition to battle like this. He decided to use Inkay, Fletchinder, and Lucario for this one.
A few hours later, the group made it to the Shalour City Gym as Korrina took her position. She grinned as she looked at Sora.
"The time has finally come, Sora. I have been looking forward to this," Korrina said.
"I know you have, Korrina. So have I," Sora said.
"This is the match we've been waiting for," Agumon said.
"I'm at the edge of my seat," Lopmon said.
"Wonder how this will go," Wendy said.
Gurkinn entered the battlefield as the official judge of the match.
"The battle between the Gym Leader Korrina and the challenger Sora is about to begin! Each trainer will be using four Pokémon each, and the battle will be over when all four of either side's Pokémon is unable to continue battling! Furthermore, only the challenger is allowed to make substitutions during the match! There is no time limit! Let the match begin!" Gurkinn announced as Korrina took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Okay, Hawlucha! Take you're going in!" Korrina called out. Her Hawlucha came out with a pose, same as Sora's Hawlucha. Sora turned to Pikachu.
"Okay, Pikachu, this'll be your first Gym battle since we battled Marlon, so you're up first!" Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said, entering the battlefield.
"Sora's starting the battle with Pikachu. Good choice since Hawlucha's a Flying Type Pokémon," Karen said.
"True, but that Hawlucha looks ready for anything Pikachu can throw at it. If you ask me, I would say, it looks stronger than Sora's Hawlucha," Terra said.
"It kinda sucks for Korrina since she can't make any switches," Natsu said.
"A Gym Leader has to put the challengers on their toes when battling. It'll be like it's the only one they've got," Aqua said.
"Yeah, and Sora knows that," Sly said.
"Hawlucha! Start up with Brick Break!" Korrina ordered. Hawlucha came rushing at Pikachu with Brick Break.
"Pikachu! Block that with Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu swung his tail and he successfully blocked Hawlucha's attack. "Use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu lands a Thunderbolt onto Hawlucha, dealing some heavy damage.
"Not bad, but not good enough! Hawlucha! Use Hone Claws!" Korrina ordered. Hawlucha's claws extend and glow red as Hawlucha jumps into the air and spins around. An orange glow then shoots up along Hawlucha's body, increasing its attack power and accuracy. "Great! Now, use Power-Up Punch!" Hawlucha came running towards Pikachu.
"Dodge and use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu manages to dodge Hawlucha when it got close enough to him. Pikachu then darts at Hawlucha.
"Two can play the speed game! Hawlucha! Dodge that and use High Jump Kick!" Korrina ordered. Hawlucha dodges Pikachu's Quick Attack and lands a kick onto Pikachu, dealing some heavy damage as well.
"That was a good hit," Murray said.
"If that Hawlucha missed, that would have done some damage to it," Biyomon said.
"What do you think, Bentley?" Carmelita asked.
"Since Korrina trained for this, I'm going to guess, she must have figured out Sora's strategy since it would involve speed, she figured she would use that to her advantage as well. That Hawlucha looks quite agile enough," Bentley said.
"So, it's a battle of speed. Not too shabby," Gray said.
"A good counter against a weakness to Electric Type moves," Meowth said.
"Very impressive strategy," the Panda King said.
"Sora will have to think of something fast to keep it in his favor," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Hawlucha! Use Brick Break!" Korrina ordered. Hawlucha came at Pikachu and lands a hit with Brick Break. "Use High Jump Kick!" Hawlucha lands a successful kick on Pikachu. He rolled on the ground.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel cried.
"Hawlucha! Use High Jump Kick again!" Korrina ordered. Hawlucha jumped in the air and came on down right at Pikachu with incredible speed. It looked imminent, but Pikachu manages to dodge at the last moment, so Hawlucha has taken damage from the miss. Korrina grits her teeth.
"Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt right at the wrestling Pokémon.
"Dodge it!" Korrina ordered. Hawlucha manages to dodge the attack. "That was close. Hawlucha has taken some damage from that failed High Jump Kick, and it's too risky to use it again. Use Hone Claws and follow up with Power-Up Punch!" Hawlucha came running towards Pikachu with Power-Up, ready to land a hit.
"Pikachu! Dodge and give Hawlucha a toss in the air!" Sora called out. Pikachu manages to dodge, and gave Hawlucha a boost with his legs. Hawlucha goes flying.
"Use Brick Break!" Korrina ordered. Hawlucha came right at Pikachu with Brick Break.
"Use Electro Web!" Sora ordered. Pikachu forms a ball of electricity and sends it right at Hawlucha. The wrestling Pokémon gets caught in the electrified web.
"Good one, Sora!" Natsu called out.
"Give that flying chicken a good plucking!" Happy added.
"Use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed one more Thunderbolt, shocking Hawlucha inside. Hawlucha then fell to the ground, beaten. Pikachu starts panting from the speed and power he used.
"Hawlucha is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" Gurkinn announced.
"I knew you'd win, Pikachu!" Bonnie said.
"Dedenne, ne, ne!" Dedenne cheered.
"One down, three to go!" Lucy said.
"Sora still has some serious challenges ahead of him," Erza said.
"You're right. It's just the start," Clemont said. Korrina calls Hawlucha back.
"Hawlucha, you were awesome. Get yourself some rest," Korrina said. She looked at Sora. "Not bad, Sora. But this one isn't going to be as easy." She took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Mienfoo! Let's go!" Mienfoo emerged from inside and does a fighting stance. Sora could see how tired Pikachu was.
"Pikachu, get yourself some rest. You'll need it," Sora said. Pikachu obliges him and returned to his partner's side. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Inkay!" The Pokéball opened and Inkay emerged from inside.
"Good thinking. He's using a Psychic Type Pokémon to battle against a Fighting Type Pokémon like Mienfoo," Clemont said.
"Didn't you say something about challenges ahead of him? That thing doesn't look challenging to me," Gray said.
"Don't be so sure," Kairi said. "Mienfoo looks tough enough. I would know since I trained one myself."
"Inkay! Use Peck!" Sora ordered.
"Fake Out!" Korrina ordered. Mienfoo clapped its hands and sends out an orange shockwave, hitting Inkay. The revolving Pokémon then flinched.
"What just happened?" Gray asked.
"Fake Out makes an opponent flinch. It only works after they enter the battlefield," Clemont said.
"Mienfoo! Use Double Slap!" Korrina ordered.
"Inkay! Use Psybeam!" Sora ordered. Inkay attempted to use Psybeam, but Mienfoo just slapped Inkay twice in a row.
"Great! Now, use Swift!" Korrina ordered. Mienfoo unhurls Swift, landing a hit on the squid-like Pokémon. "Use Force Palm!" Mienfoo uses Force Palm, sending Mienfoo backwards. Inkay has taken some extra damage.
"Inkay is sure taking a beating," Murray said.
"Yeah. Inkay is also a Dark Type Pokémon, so that'll be pretty difficult to try to win," Aqua said.
"Pika," Eclair said.
"Mienfoo! Use Force Palm again!" Korrina ordered. Mienfoo moved in to land a hit on Inkay, but he grabbed Mienfoo's arm with his tentacles.
"Tackle!" Sora ordered. Inkay lands a Tackle onto Mienfoo. "Use Peck!" Inkay lands a few pecks onto Mienfoo, dealing some extra damage.
"Double Slap!" Korrina ordered. Mienfoo gave Inkay a couple of slaps in the face. "Double Slap again!" Mienfoo does slap Inkay again and again, forcing Inkay to let go of him. "Use Force Palm!" Mienfoo was about to land a hit with Force Palm when Inkay stopped Mienfoo with his telepathic powers.
"What's Inkay doing now?" Lucy asked.
"Inkay must have just learned a new move! It's gotta be Psychic!" Meowth said.
Mienfoo struggled to move, so Inkay lifts Mienfoo in the air with Psychic. Inkay then slammed the martial arts Pokémon down on the ground hard. It wasn't enough to bring Mienfoo down.
"Inkay has learned a new move after taking hits from Mienfoo's Double Slap. Okay, use Psychic again!" Sora ordered. Inkay uses Psychic to lift Mienfoo in the air and sends it down on the ground hard. Mienfoo was now down and out.
"Mienfoo is unable to battle! Inkay wins!" Gurkinn announced.
"Way to go, Inkay! Not bad for your first Gym battle!" Sora praised. Inkay blushed, rubbing the back of his head.
"Korrina still has two, and Sora still has all four," Wendy said.
"It looks like Sora has this down," Charla said.
"For now," Renamon said.
"I agree. Korrina will probably send out her Lucario next, or she's got another ace up her sleeve," Kairi said.
Korrina called Mienfoo back and took out another Pokéball.
"Okay, try this on for size, Sora! Go! Machoke!" Korrina called out. Her Machoke came out, flexing its muscles.
"Another Fighting Type," Charla deadpanned.
"She can't win with those," Wendy said.
"Machoke! Rock Tomb!" Korrina ordered. Machoke punches the ground and a pillar of rocks erupted from underneath Inkay, trapping him. The rocks came too quickly for Inkay to react.
"Inkay!" Sora gasped.
"Okay, Machoke! Use Mach Punch!" Korrina ordered. Machoke dashed at Inkay, and lands a punch. The rocks shattered as Inkay goes falling. Inkay then lands on his back, beaten.
"Inkay is unable to battle! Machoke wins!" Gurkinn announced.
"Korrina finally got one," Lucy said.
"Looks like Korrina found a way around Psychic. It's no good when Inkay can't focus," Meowth said. Sora called back Inkay and he took out another Pokéball.
"Okay, let's take this match to the air," Sora said. He threw it. "Go! Fletchinder!" The Pokéball opened and Fletchinder emerged from inside.
"Feathers are going to be flying around in this bout," Sly said.
"Fletchinder! Use Dual Wingbeat!" Sora ordered. Fletchinder came flying at Machoke with Dual Wingbeat.
"Use Low Sweep!" Korrina ordered. Machoke lands a kick onto Fletchinder when he got close enough. Fletchinder is sent backwards. "Use Rock Tomb!" Machoke punches the ground and the rocks erupts from the ground.
"Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Fletchinder manages to dodge Rock Tomb, and lands a hit with Flame Charge. His speed goes right up from the hit.
"Way to go!" Karen cheered.
"Pikachu," Blossom said.
"Well done," the Panda King said.
"Now Fletchinder is now much faster than before," Ventus said.
"Pika, Pika," Sparky said.
"Use Aerial Ace!" Sora ordered. Fletchinder dashed at Machoke and lands a hit onto Machoke.
"Use Focus Blast!" Korrina ordered. Machoke starts to build up energy to hurl at the ember Pokémon.
"Dual Wingbeat!" Sora ordered. Fletchinder flew right at Machoke and then lands a hit with Dual Wingbeat, dealing some heavy damage. Machoke is flipped and lands on the ground, beaten.
"Machoke is unable to battle! Fletchinder wins!" Gurkinn announced.
"Three to one," Kairi said.
"And I have a feeling I know who's next," Ventus said.
Korrina called back Machoke and she took out a Pokéball and held it.
"Not bad, Sora. You're much better than I remember. And now, I'm sending out my final Pokémon! Lucario!" Korrina called out. Her Lucario came right out to battle.
"I knew she was saving her Lucario for last," Sora said.
"Sora, will you change your Pokémon?" Gurkinn asked.
"No," Sora said. "Fletchinder, you ready to go?"
"Fletch," Fletchinder said.
"Okay, use Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Fletchinder flew right at Lucario with Flame Charge.
"Use Aura Sphere!" Korrina ordered. Lucario sends an Aura Sphere at Fletchinder, landing a hit. "Use Power-Up Punch!" Lucario rushed towards Fletchinder and lands a punch, sending Fletchinder flying. He struck the wall and slid down the wall, knocked out.
"Fletchinder is unable to battle! Lucario wins!" Gurkinn announced. Sora called back Fletchinder and he looked at Pikachu.
"Okay, Pikachu, back to action," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu nodded. Pikachu stepped forward and he stood before Lucario.
"Okay, Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu sends Thunderbolt right at Lucario.
"Dodge and use Bone Rush!" Korrina ordered. Lucario ran on the battlefield and lands a hit with Bone Rush. "Use Aura Sphere!" Lucario unleashed Aura Sphere at Pikachu, landing a hit. Pikachu goes rolling. Pikachu tried to get back up, but he fell back down.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Lucario wins!" Gurkinn announced. Sora went to Pikachu and picked him up.
"That battle with Hawlucha really did a number on you, Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Take a rest. You earned it," Sora said, placing Pikachu down. He took out another Pokéball and he threw it. "You're up now, Lucario!" His Pokéball opened and Sora's Lucario came right out.
"And here it is, Lucario versus Lucario," Karen said.
"Both are Fighting and Steel Types, and I have a feeling this will go either way," Clemont said.
"Especially with what's coming next," Agumon said.
"I think Sora planned this from the start," Kairi said. "Sora knew Korrina was saving her Lucario for last, so he sent out his Lucario. It's just like from before."
"I know what you mean. Korrina didn't exactly have her head in the game, but this will make the difference this time," Sly said.
"I was hoping I was gonna see your Lucario again, and you didn't disappoint me," Korrina said. "Let's make take this on an even level!" She presses her Keystone.
"Couldn't agree more!" Sora said, pressing his Keystone. Both Lucario started to Mega Evolve. Once it was accomplished, both Lucario stared at each other as the power of aura surged all around. Sora's aura spiked up and he took in a deep breath. "Okay, Lucario. We trained for this, and we both know their hearts are one. Let's show her that ours are the same way." Sora's Mega Lucario nodded in agreement. "Okay, Mega Lucario! Bone Rush!" Sora's Mega Lucario came rushing towards Korrina's Mega Lucario with Bone Rush.
"You use Bone Rush, too!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Mega Lucario rushed at Sora's Mega Lucario. They clashed their bone weapons like lightsabers. One was trying to overcome the other, but they cancel each other out. Korrina's Mega Lucario swung his bone weapon, but Sora's Mega Lucario just dipped backwards. Sora's Mega Lucario gave Korrina's Mega Lucario a smack on the back.
"Okay, Mega Lucario! Power-Up Punch!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Mega Lucario rushed at Sora's Mega Lucario and lands a punch onto Sora's Mega Lucario. "Power-Up Punch again!"
"Use Force Palm!" Sora ordered. Sora's Mega Lucario placed his hand on his opponent's chest and used it to push Korrina's Mega Lucario back. "Now, use Bone Rush!" Sora's Mega Lucario rushed at Korrina's Mega Lucario and gave Korrina's Mega Lucario another hit with Bone Rush.
"Aura Sphere!" Korrina ordered.
"You use Aura Sphere, too!" Sora ordered.
Both Mega Lucario unleashed Aura Sphere right at the same time, resulting in a huge explosion.
Kairi, Karen, and the rest shields their eyes as the smoke cleared.
"Use Power-Up Punch!" Korrina ordered.
"Use Double Team!" Sora ordered.
Sora's Mega Lucario makes several copies of himself. Korrina's Mega Lucario punches the one he was going for, but it wasn't the real thing.
"Focus and try to find the real one! And then use Aura Sphere!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Mega Lucario shuts his eyes and he focuses to find Sora's Mega Lucario. Once he found the real one, Korrina's Mega Lucario forms Aura Sphere and sends it at the real one. Sora's Mega Lucario is struck, and the duplicates all vanished.
"You okay?" Sora asked. His Mega Lucario stood back up and nods in assurance.
"Let's wrap this up right now! Use Power-Up Punch!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Mega Lucario rushed towards Sora's Mega Lucario with Power-Up Punch.
"Use Bone Rush!" Sora ordered. Sora's Mega Lucario dodges and then rushed at Korrina's Mega Lucario, and lands a hit onto Korrina's Mega Lucario. "Use Aura Sphere!" Sora's Mega Lucario unleashes Aura Sphere, landing a hit. Korrina's Mega Lucario has taken loads of damage. "Use Force Palm!" Sora's Mega Lucario uses Force Palm, sending Korrina's Mega Lucario straight at the opposite wall, landing a hit. Korrina's Mega Lucario reverts back to normal, beaten.
"And Korrina's Lucario is unable to battle! Sora's Lucario wins! The victory goes to the challenger!" Gurkinn announced.
"He did it!" Bonnie cheered.
"Sora has grown a lot stronger than he was when we met him," Gray said.
"Indeed," Erza said. "He never gave up, he never backed down."
Sora's Mega Lucario reverts back to normal and went up to Sora with a smile.
"Way to go, Lucario. All that training paid off," Sora said. Korrina helped her Lucario up and she smiled.
"Wow, those two are better syched with their aura than I thought. Well, what's to be expected of an Aura User?" Korrina asked. She and her Lucario walked up to Sora, Pikachu, and his Lucario. "Congratulations on your win, Sora. I gotta hand it to you, you're one of the toughest trainers I have ever faced."
"Thanks, Korrina. You gave it everything you had as a Gym Leader should," Sora said.
"So, here," Korrina said, handing Sora a Gym Badge that is shaped like two fists clashing against each other. "As proof of your victory here at the Shalour City Gym, I am giving you the Rumble Badge." Sora accepts his Gym Badge and he placed it with the Bug and Cliff Badges.
"Three down, five to go," Sora said.
Just then, the rest of the group came to congratulate him.
"Way to go, Sora!" Lucy said.
"That was sweet!" Murray said.
"It was really incredible!" Kid Klown said.
"MVP, baby!" Bentley said.
After a series of congrats filled the air, everyone all stepped outside.
"Well done, Sora. You now have five more Gym Badges to qualify for the Kalos Pokémon League," Gurkinn said.
"So, where should we go for the next one?" Ventus asked.
"That'll be at Coumarine City," Korrina said.
"Courmarine City, got it," Sora said.
"I'll have you know that the Gym Leader there is well-experienced. You will not find this easy," Gurkinn said.
"I know. I'm just looking forward to seeing his strength with my own eyes," Sora said.
"The Gym Leader there goes by the name of Ramos, and he uses Grass Type Pokémon," Korrina said.
The Panda King stepped uo.
"Well after witnessing this splendid gym battle between the children I have to admit it was a big success. I must say my job here and now I must go to the space tower," the Panda King announced. Korrina looked right at him.
"Huh? What you talking about?" Korrina asked.
"When I got here, I was all by myself without any familiar face; then I saw the Cooper Gang and Inspector Fox and was intrigued by their proposal to join the SMASH Team. But when I saw you and your Lucario, I thought I could stay a little while longer to witness how much you grown. And now that you finally ready I decided to go to their headquarters and hone my skills," the Panda King said.
"Well don't worry about that, Panda King. We have some tough guys and Pokémon that you train and spar, too," Sora said. He looked at the Cooper Gang. Sly, Bentley, Murray and Carmelita take good care of him."
"I'll do my best Sora and I'll keep them in line, too," Carmelita said.
"C'mon Carmelita give us a break we don't need a babysitter 24/7 we're the good guys now remember?" Sly asked in a flirting matter. Carmelita narrow her eyes but she knew Sly was right.
"Something's never change. Well, good luck for you five, and tell the others we're doing fine," Kairi said.
"I think I should join, too. I mean, after what you guys told me, I could join your club since we have a common goal," Kid Klown said.
"You sure, Kid Klown?" Karen asked.
"Sure do. If your SMASH Tower can help, I need to make a report to King Klown anyway," Kid Klown said.
" Okay, Kid Klown. You're more than welcome to join SMASH. Oh, and Panda King if you want some good sparring partners, try Ryu and Ken. I have seen them in action. I know you're going to get along, too." Sora makes contact with the SMASH Tower. "Alright Sora to SMASH Tower, you, the Cooper Gang and Carmelita will bring a couple of new members of the team be nice with them."
"Thank you for the reception, Sora. I'll never forget your Kindness," the Panda King said with a bow huge light hits the anthropomorphic heroes, making them return to the tower.
"I'm gonna miss those guys a lot. Especially the Panda King," Korrina said.
"Yeah, but don't worry, I'll bring them back if we meet again," Sora said.
"Right," Korrina said. "And take care of yourselves out there. And next time we meet, I plan on winning."
"You gotta work hard to do that, Korrina," Sora said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, and Team Natsu started to make their way towards Courmarine City for Sora's fourth Gym battle. Also, SMASH have gained two new members to the team. But the Brotherhood of Darkness will still not be easy to defeat as the heroes will discover...