Episode 563: A Race For Home
A little while after dealing with Valiant, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, SEES, and Team Natsu were recovering from the fight, so Kairi has provided more than enough for everyone.
"Here, eat as much as you want," Kairi said.
"Thanks, Kairi," Junpei said.
"We are very grateful," Renamon said.
"Man, when I see that guy again, I'm gonna make him sorry he has ever found us," Natsu grumbled.
"Not before me you're not," Gray said. Natsu was about to retort when Erza gave them both a bash on the heads.
"Knock it off, the both of you," Erza scolded.
"Ow," Natsu and Gray groaned in pain.
"Hard to believe Garland's hate can live on throughout the centuries," Charla said.
"That's how it is with him," Agumon said.
"We're fortunate his brother isn't the same way as him," Veemon said.
Over to Sora, he gave off a heavy sigh, knowing that he will have to break the news about making contact with him again. He makes contact to Gabriel on his S-Pod. Gabriel answers it.
"Hello?" Gabriel asked.
"Gabriel, it's me," Sora said.
"Sora? Hi, how's it going down there?" Gabriel asked. Sora gave off a huge sigh.
"Not so well right now. We bumped into your brother again," Sora said. Gabriel's eyes widened at the mention of his brother.
"Is Valiant okay?" Gabriel asked.
"Valiant just attacked us again, and well, you might as well use your imagination," Sora said. Gabriel sighed.
"Thought as much. I appreciate it, Sora," Gabriel said. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention."
"I thought you should know," Sora said. "I'll contact you again when I do see him."
"I'm looking forward in hearing from you, Sora," Gabriel said. Sora hung up on Gabriel and he sighed again. He then remembered seeing Zero, but he figured it was the Zero he met before, but he had to make sure, so he made contact with the SMASH Tower. Alia answered it.
"Alia here," Alia said.
"Alia, is Zero up there with you?" Sora asked.
"Yeah. He's been up here doing some training since yesterday. Why?" Alia asked.
"We saw someone who kinda looked like him, but something was different. He looked like Zero, he fought like Zero, and he has the same voice and name as Zero, but it was a completely different Zero," Sora said. Alia was surprised to hear what Sora told her.
"Should I get Zero for you?" Alia asked.
"No, but you could just tell him," Sora said. With that said, Alia broke contact with Sora. Kairi came up to her boyfriend and she hugged him from behind. Serena looked at them and she sighed.
"Sora," Kairi could only say.
"Kairi, I'm glad to have you by my side," Sora said.
"I'm not going to leave your side, Sora. Not after what happened today," Kairi said in a nurturing manner. Serena was envious towards her. She wanted Sora for herself.
Aboard the SMASH Tower, Alia has informed Zero about Sora bumping into a Reploid who looked a lot like him.
"You're kidding, right?" Zero asked.
"It's true, Zero. He said this Reploid looked like you, and he fought like you," Alia said. Zero thought for a moment.
"Alia, I'm going to need you to head down to Kalos," Zero said.
"Sure," Alia said.
A few minutes later, Zero got ready to set off for Kalos as Iris came across her lover.
"Zero," Iris said.
"What is it, Iris?" Zero asked.
"I heard you were heading for the Kalos region, aren't you?" Iris asked.
"Yes. Sora said there's a Reploid that looked a lot like me, so I need to see for myself," Zero said. Iris hugged Zero.
"I've probably said this before, but be careful out there, won't you?" Iris asked.
"I will," Zero assured her, giving her on the lips. He smiled at her as he ran his hand down her cheek. "And I'll keep in touch with you." Iris smiled and she gave him a light kiss on the lips. Zero teleported off of the SMASH Tower. He appeared before the group.
"Zero, hey," Ventus greeted. Zero rubbed Ventus's head.
"Hey, Ven. How's it going, kiddo?" Zero asked.
"Who's this guy?" Wendy asked.
"It's Zero. The Zero we know," Ventus said.
"I gotta talk to Sora," Zero said. Meowth just pointed to where Sora is. Zero walked up Sora being comforted by his girlfriend. "Kairi, you mind giving us a little privacy?"
"It's okay, Zero, she can stay," Sora said.
"Alright. What's this I'm hearing about a Reploid looking like me?" Zero asked.
"Like I said. There's a Reploid who looked like you, but he seems to be you, I don't know. He just showed up when Valiant attacked," Sora explained.
"Valiant. Isn't he the one who kidnapped your mom just to get to you?" Zero asked.
"That's him," Sora said.
"He just shows up and fought him?" Zero asked.
"Yup," Sora said.
"Of course," Kairi added.
"I'm going to look for him, and report my findings. Iris will fill you in," Zero said. Zero took off to find his double.
Meanwhile, the other Zero is walking through the Kalos region as wind blew in his long, blonde hair. He hears a strange sound and turned to see a bunch of Heartless that has smooth, conical, red, green, yellow, and blue bodies and has a Heartless emblem is emblazoned on their chests. The top of their body flares outward and forms a jagged "collar" below the Heartless's spherical, pitch black head. They also wore a conical, orange hat that has a jagged brim, a yellow and green band, and a thin, slightly bent tip. They all have useless feet sport three small, thin toes. He didn't recognized any of the creatures, but he knew they were hostile. The red ones fired fire, the blue ones fired ice, and the yellow ones fired lightning. The green ones gave off green sparkles. The other Zero took out his saber and slashed through the Heartless. Hearts floated up in the sky. He slashed through more of them when a similar Heartless appeared. It has predominantly cyan with a white swirling pattern at its base. He came at it, but it just attacked by creating a strong tornado around itself. He fired at the creature, but it easily dodged, but he managed to strike some of the Heartless. He lunged his Z-Saber forward and slashed at the Heartless, destroying it. All of the Heartless all vanished. He scoffed and continued on.
Unknown to him, a man is seen taking pictures of the action. He wore a white shirt under his black leather jacket. He wore green pants, held by a black belt, and brown shoes. He has short, black hair.
"This should earn me an award," the man said, putting his camera away. He took off and headed for a blue truck. He has several photos, such as one with Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Korrina, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Lucario, the Digimon, the Cooper Gang, Carmelita, the Panda King, and Team Natsu dealing with the Koopas. He even had one of Matthew fighting the Unversed and when the group fought Muggshot. He starts up the engines and drives off. The license plate read "FRNK WEST" on it.
Meanwhile in an unknown location in Kalos, Herculious and Kuwagust stood along with Sage Harpuia and a band of Mavericks. One of them is designed after a falcon with an Aztec design, but he has lightning rods for wings. The other is based off a black panther, but has huge, razor-sharp claws.
"Herculious Anchus, Kuwagust Anchus, Aztec Falcon, Panther Flauclaws. Proud members of the Strong Air Battalion of Neo Arcadia. Our mission is to bring back the head of the hated member of the Resistance, the legendary hero, Zero," Sage Harpuia said.
"He has caused us so much trouble in the war," Kuwagust Anchus said.
"So, we shall crush him," Herculious Anchus added.
"I just don't understand why we have to come here of all places," Panther Flauclaws said.
"We were able to track him in this world. TheDeep Sea Squadron, the Scorched Earth Squadron, and the rest of our forces are searching for him. Our objective is to capture him alive, and place him before the Eight Gentle Judges for crimes against Neo Arcadia," Sage Harpuia said.
"Long live Neo Arcadia!" The Mavericks proclaimed.
Over to the group, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Pikachu, Angel, and Blossom joined Serena for the Pokémon Showcase while the rest of the group were staying at the Pokémon Center.
"Sorry we had to come along, Serena. I know you had planned for just be Sora coming along," Karen said.
"I know. But it's okay," Serena assured.
The show begins as lasers activates. A man wearing a blue and black half tuxedo (blue on the right, black on the left and a top hat with the same coloring (blue on the left, black on the right), and he is holding a cane with a Klefki resting on the top. He has blonde hair, and a blonde goatee. He has light blue eyes, and he wore a big key as a necklace.
"Bonjour, Pokémon lovers, and welcome! I am your humble host Monsieur Pierre," the man introduced himself. "Prepare yourselves for a competition magnifique! And now, the Lagoon Town Pokémon Showcase will amaze, starting off with our Rookie Class Division!" The audience applauds. "But first, our reigning Kalos Queen, Mademoiselle Aria has agreed to put on an exhibition performance for one and all!"
He comes off stage through the trap door. Sparkles appeared on stage.
"Be fantastic!" Aria said. A fireball rolls on the stage. The fireball swerves on stage, and then the spotlight shines on Braixen. Braixen began to twirl its branch while it's on fire. "Use Fire Spin!" Braixen unleashed Fire Spin as Aria comes on stage.
"And here she is! Our beautiful Kalos Queen, Mademoiselle Aria!" Monsieur Pierre announced. The light shines on her.
"There she is!" Serena exclaimed.
Braixen threw the twig, and Aria caught it. She twirls it around and threw it back. Braixen and its trainer twirls the twig and played catch. Braixen caught the stick and balanced with its forehead.
"And for our finale, Fire Blast!" Aria called out. Braixen placed the stick in its tail and unleashed Fire Blast straight into the air. It exploded, amazing everyone watching.
"Wow, I can see why she's Kalos Queen," Kairi said.
"Agreed!" Karen seconded it.
Over to the Pokémon Center, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Meowth, Dedenne, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, Team Natsu, and SEES were waiting for Sora, Kairi, Karen, Pikachu, Angel, and Blossom to come back as Clemont was doing some inventing as X arrived from the SMASH Tower.
"You sure it's what Sora said?" X asked.
"It is, X," Aqua confirmed.
"And you let Zero go off after him?" X asked.
"Zero's a big boy, so he can handle it," Meowth said.
"You're right," X agreed. "But Zero can't do everything by himself. Besides, he needs me rather he can admit it or not."
"You sure, X?" Agumon asked.
"I'm sure, Agumon. Sigma might be involved in this mess. It's the only rational explanation that I have," X said.
"If you're right, it can't be good. Nothing involving the Brotherhood of Darkness is never good," Meowth said.
With that said, the blue Maverick Hunter stepped out of the Pokémon Center to begin his search for Zero.
"I'll keep in touch with you," X said. "And tell Sora sorry I couldn't stick around."
"It's okay. Sora will understand," Clemont said. "Also, I would like to hear about how Reploids work."
"That would have to wait for another time," X said. He began to search for Zero.
Over to Zero (the original Zero), he followed the trail of his doppelganger. He heard something, and saw what looked like X, but something was off about them.
"What the hell?!" Zero exclaimed in shock. "Am I going crazy, or I'm seeing complete knockoffs of X!" They aimed their weapons at the red Reploid. They began firing at him, but he manages to deflect their fire and cut them into ribbons. "Man, whose idea is this?"
"Zero, agent of the Resistance, you are under arrest for crimes against Neo Arcadia," one of the robots said.
"Neo Arcadia? Don't know what that is, and frankly, I don't care," Zero said, coming at them. He slashed into more of them. He activates his Z-Buster and fired at the X fakes. He kept it up until the last one was brought down. "Geez, this really weird. What the heck is Neo Arcadia? They must have thought I was that other guy. That's why they attacked me."
"Zero, can you hear me?" Iris asked through his communicator.
"Loud and clear, Iris," Zero said.
"Good. I lost your signal for a little while, and then it spiked back up," Iris said.
"Iris, you are going to believe this; I just fought a bunch of copies of X," Zero reported.
"What? Why would you say something like that?" Iris asked.
"They looked like him, but they weren't him. And I don't smell Sigma's stink on this," Zero said.
"You were right, I don't believe this," Iris said. "I'll send Tails and Bentley down to retrieve one of them."
"Okay. I'm going to lock down my current coordinates and continue my search," Zero said.
With that said, Zero sent the coordinates and continued his search.
Back to the Pokémon Center, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Serena, Pikachu, Angel, and Blossom returned to the Pokémon Center, so they told them that X was just there, and he left to find Zero and the other Zero.
"Sounds like something X would do. Other than Iris," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Anyway, Serena. Have you decided on what you want to do with your life?" Sora asked.
"I have. I decided to become a Pokémon Performer like Aria. Shauna has already taken interested in it," Serena said. "So, I would like to accompany you for a while."
"Good for you, Serena," Sora said.
Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, SEES, and Team Natsu departed from the Pokémon Center and continued on their way towards Courmarine City for Sora's fourth Gym battle.
A few days later, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, SEES, and Team Natsu were making their way through a mountain path and they saw a Swanna flying overhead.
"Hey, a Pokémon!" Bonnie said.
"What kind of Pokémon is that?" Natsu asked.
"It's a Swanna," Clemont said. Something dropped from the ground and landed right on Sora's face.
"Yuck!" Sora cried while muffled. He pulled the slimy object off of his face. "So slimy!" He saw it was a Goomy. "Huh?"
"Is it a Pokémon?" Bonnie asked, poking it with a stick.
"It's a Goomy," Sora said.
"What's he doing out here?" Kairi asked.
"That Swanna is what carried him over here," Karen said.
"That could be it," Kotone said.
"What Type of Pokémon is he?" Natsu asked.
"Goomy's a Dragon Type Pokémon," Clemont said. "The weakest of Dragon Types."
"He doesn't look like one," Wendy said.
"Goomy's body looks very dry," Clemont said.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Shinjiro asked.
"Goomy's body is made mostly out of water, so he must have been out of water longer than he should have been," Clemont said.
"I have some water right here," Serena said. She began to pour it on him. Goomy stirs awake and sees the group looking back at him. Goomy was weakened by the dehydration.
"It should help, but it's not enough," Sora said. "Goomy needs more."
"Hey! There's a river down there!" Lucy said. Sora walked to the edge, and spots the river.
"Yes! A river! Good call!" Sora said.
"You're not going down there, are you?" Aqua asked.
"Goomy needs water, and it looks like more than enough to help," Sora said. "Also, I'm gonna need Happy's help."
"Aye!" Happy said, taking Sora and he flew him down to the river. Sora placed Goomy in the water.
"There you go," Sora said. He poured water some water with his hands as the rest of the group comes down to the river. "Just enough to make you feel better." Goomy looked right at Sora. "Feel better?"
"Goomy," Goomy said.
"Oh, he's really cute," Kairi cooed. Goomy jumped right at Kairi and nuzzled her. "Aw, you're sweet."
"Goo," Goomy said. Dedenne came out of Bonnie's bag.
"Denne, ne!" Dedenne said.
"GOO!" Goomy yelped and lept right at Sora and shivered.
"Goomy, what's wrong?" Sora asked.
"Goomy's scared?" Ken asked.
"I think Goomy's afraid of Dedenne because Goomy's A Dragon Type Pokémon, and it's common knowledge that Dragon Type Pokémon are weak against Fairy Type moves," Clemont said.
"I don't blame him," Meowth said.
"It's okay, Goomy. It's okay. I'm right here," Sora said.
"Goomy's scared of cute, little Dedenne? That's weird," Bonnie said. Goomy jumped right at Bonnie and smacked her legs with his horns. It tickles Bonnie. "Stop that! It tickles!" Goomy then got tired fast.
"Take it easy, Goomy," Sora said. He looked at Bonnie. "You shouldn't have called Goomy weird. That hurt his feelings." He took out an Oran Berry. "Here, are you hungry?" Goomy ate the berry and smiled. "Is that good?"
"Goo!" Goomy beamed.
"Thought you'd like it," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
"Let's see what moves you know," Sora said, taking out his ArcPhone. He saw the moves Goomy can use. It was Bide, Water Gun, Dragon Breath, and Rain Dance. "What a selection of moves. No way a Pokémon like you could be weak."
"Goo," Goomy said.
"I can make you strong, so how about it?" Sora asked.
"Goo!" Goomy said. Sora took out a Pokéball and held it. Goomy tapped on it and flows inside it. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Goomy with him. He chose to keep Goomy in exchange for Quilladin. He lets out his newest Pokémon and he smiled. "Welcome to the team, Goomy."
The soft tissue Pokémon smiled and nuzzled him.
"Goo!" Goomy said.
With that said, the group continued onwards towards Courmarine City.
On the very next day, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, SEES, and Team Natsu have come across a ranch.
"Who would have figured there was a ranch here?" Ventus said.
"It says it's the Baa de Mer Ranch," Serena said.
"Baa de Mer Ranch?" Lucy and Happy both asked. Natsu burst out laughing.
"Baa de Mer Ranch is a famous ranch that produce dairy products made from Skiddo milk," Serena explained.
"And I thought Moo Moo milk from Miltank sounded good," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Ooh, I want some! I want some!" Bonnie exclaimed happily.
"What are those goat things there?" Gray asked, pointed to the Skiddo and Gogoat.
"Those are Skiddo and their evolved forms Gogoat," Terra said.
"We should check it out, because I would like to know what cheese made from Skiddo milk tastes like," Armadillomon said.
"Same here," Guilmon said.
They had a look around the ranch. They were amazed by the sights of it. Bonnie spotted three girls standing in line in the store, and she ran up to them.
"Excuse me!" Bonnie called out and does her proposal pose. "Will one of you please take care of my brother?" The girls turned to her confused.
"Bonnie, no!" Clemont exclaimed, blushing.
"You, or you. You're all keepers!" Bonnie said. Clemont used his Aipom Arm to grab Bonnie and pull her towards him. He blushes to no end.
"Bonnie, I told you to stop this a million times!" Clemont exclaimed while blushing. "A million and one!" Bonnie pouted.
"There's something that hasn't changed," Akihiko said as Koromaru made a sound, sounding like laughter. The ice cream vendor hands Karen a couple of cones.
"Here, Bonnie. This is for you," Karen said.
"Thanks!" Bonnie said, taking her cone. She had a taste. "Yummy!"
A little while later, the group made their way to an area where there are kids riding on Skiddo.
"Wow! They let you ride Skiddo, too! Oh boy!" Bonnie said.
"That looks loads of fun!" Ventus said.
Serena's mother saw Serena with the group and approached them.
"Serena, I thought it was you," Serena's mother said. "The first step to become a Rhyhorn racer."
"Mom!" Serena said.
"And it looks like you have a lot of friends here. My name's Grace, and as you've figured out, I'm Serena's mom," Grace said.
"Nice to meet you, ma'am," Sora said. Grace took a look at Sora.
"Hey, you must be Sora. Also, I saw you on TV. I saw you when you trying to calm down that Garchomp," Grace said.
"Not one of my best moments," Sora said.
"Also, Serena has told me about you. She mentioned she knew you when my Serena was little," Grace said. Sora knew what she meant.
"I'm flattered," Sora said.
"What are you doing here?" Serena asked.
"I was invited to be a special coach for the Rhyhorn racer training camp. Isn't that just wonderful?" Grace asked. "But I never thought I'd be running into you here, Serena dear."
"Mom!" Serena hugged her mother.
"So, tell me. Have you been doing your race training like you should?" Grace asked.
"Well," Serena said. She felt nervous because she didn't do any of her Rhyhorn racing training.
"It's so good to meet all of you. Serena looks so happy," Grace said.
"You too, ma'am," Kairi said.
"It fills me with motherly pride to see my daughter make such good friends," Grace said.
"It really is a pleasure to meet you," Aqua said.
"It's kinda funny because Serena doesn't mention too much," Terra said.
"But we did know you were a Rhyhorn racer," Ventus said. "Do we get to ride on Rhyhorn?"
"Yup. But today is for beginners, so we start their training with Skiddo," Grace said.
"Why Skiddo?" Wendy asked.
"Rhyhorn are a bit too big and strong for beginners. That's why start with Skiddo," Grace said. "While you hold their horns while riding them, Skiddo can actually sense your feelings. Even kids can ride them."
"I rode on Mudsdale before," Sora said.
"You also rode on Tauros right after Hapu taught you how to properly ride on him," Kairi added. Sora remembered all the times Tauros bucked him off before Sora eventually got the hang of it, after trying for hours.
"I still remember the rough landings I went through before then," Sora said.
"Sora, isn't it? Since you rode on a Tauros and Mudsdale before, there's no need to start with Skiddo," Grace said.
"But riding on a Skiddo does sound like fun," Sora said.
"I like your enthusiasm, Sora. You can still ride on one," Grace said.
"I want to ride, too!" Bonnie said.
"Me too!" Ventus said.
"Those Skiddo are so cute! Can I?" Bonnie asked.
"Yes! Why don't you all do it together!" Grace said. She smiled and grabbed Sora and Serena by the shoulders.
"So, how about it?" Bonnie asked. Clemont felt nervous.
"Uh, you mean me?" Clemont asked.
"It'll be more fun if we all ride together!" Bonnie said, pushing her brother in the Skiddo pen.
"But I don't want to!" Clemont said.
"Serena, you'll help too, right?" Grace asked. Serena turned to her mother. "My hands are quite full with all the riders." Serena had to agree to help out.
"Sure, mom," Serena said.
"Alright, shall we begin?" Grace asked.
"Yeah!" Everyone all answered. Sora approached one and he got on its back. He placed his hands on Skiddo's horns. Skiddo felt his feelings and started to walk.
"Sora is a natural," Yukari said.
"Having to ride on some of his Pokémon can do that," Junpei said. Grace came up to Bonnie with a Skiddo.
"Here, Bonnie. Here's an ideal Skiddo for you," Grace said.
"Yay!" Bonnie cheered.
"I'll look after Dedenne for you, Bonnie," Minato offered.
"Thank you, Minato," Bonnie said, handing Dedenne to him.
"Okay, get on Skiddo slowly. And be sure you don't speak too loudly. Skiddo are easily frightened," Grace said.
"Right," Bonnie said. She took the Skiddo by the horns. "I'd really like to make friends with you, Skiddo. So do you wanna go take a walk together?" Skiddo's horns gave off a light green glow from her touch. Skiddo started to walk. "Look at me! I'm riding! I'm riding!"
Serena watched on and she remembered how much trouble she had riding on a Skiddo.
"Take it slow and calm," Grace said.
The Skiddo Natsu is riding is going wild as Natsu laughed like a maniac.
"Git along, little goat!" Natsu yelled.
"Natsu, go easy, will ya? It's a Pokémon, not one of the animals from Earthland!" Sora said. Natsu and the Skiddo he rode on, kept going, and then bucked the fire dragon slayer off its back and lands on his back. Grace approached Natsu.
"You got too excited, so that made your Skiddo too excited, too," Grace said.
"I thought he got motion sick from riding on transportation," Fuuka pointed out.
"He does, but it's from vehicles like trains and boats, not anything he sees as a friend," Charla added.
"I see," Fuuka said as she understood.
"I don't think Skiddo racing is for you, Natsu," Kotone said.
"Agreed," the rest of SEES agreed as Koromaru barked in agreement.
"You're all natural riders. Not many beginners would have gotten the hang of it on their first try," Grace said. "You've got the stuff to be real Rhyhorn racers."
"Great!" Bonnie said.
It went on right until lunch. Sora and Kairi had let out Froakie, Fennekin, Goomy, Tyrunt, and Bunnelby as Kairi has let out Vulpix, Spritzee, Swirlix, Vivillon, and Pumpkaboo. The Skiddo Sora rode on before has taken a real shine to Sora. Kairi placed some Pokémon food for it. As they kept eating something fell from a counter. Spritzee looked and saw it was a small purple satchet with a black ribbon. Spritzee flew up to it and sniffed it.
"Spritzee, what are you doing?" Kairi asked. She took the perfume Pokémon and she saw the item. "Is that what caught your attention?" Spritzee nodded.
"Caught whose attention?" Sora asked.
"Just this," Kairi said, holding the small sack.
"Looks like you found a Sachet," Clemont said. The couple turned to him. "When you have your Spritzee hold it, Spritzee can evolve into an Aromatisse."
"Really?" Kairi asked. Spritzee started to evolve much to everyone's surprise. Spritzee has now evolved into an Aromatisse. "You evolved! You're an Aromatisse!"
"Romatisse," Aromatisse said.
"Congratulations on your Pokémon evolving, Kairi," Grace said. She turned to Serena. "Serena, I was thinking we have some practice with our Rhyhorn racing after lunch."
"Uh," Serena said.
"I just want to see your progress as a Rhyhorn racer," Grace said. Serena looked at her mother and she sighed.
"Mom, I have something I wanna say is I don't want to be a Rhyhorn racer," Serena said. Grace just looked at her.
"You don't?" Grace asked.
"I decided that I want to be a Pokémon Performer," Serena bluntly said.
"You're not serious, are you?" Grace asked.
"I am," Serena said.
"So, you did decide," Sora said.
"I did. The truth is, I wanted to find my own dream, not live yours, mom," Serena said.
"Serena, as soon as you realize how hard it is, you would simply quit," Grace said.
"I have made up my mind," Serena said. "And I know how to settle this. We're going to have a race. Just you and me." Grace could see the determination she has, but she had to see to how determined she was to carry it out.
"Alright, Serena. If you win, you will be a Pokémon Performer that you want. But if I win, you will come home with me and continue your training to be a professional Rhyhorn racer," Grace said.
"I accept," Serena said.
"Serena, there's no way you can win! She's a pro!" Junpei said, earning a jab in the chest.
"Shut up, Stupei!" Yukari said.
"Actually she's right. You don't stand a chance," Veemon said.
"Her mind's made up," Sora said. Everyone looked at him. "I say, let her try."
"Then, we'll have to support her," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
With that said, everyone gathered to the track to watch the race. Serena and her mother both rode on Skiddo since Rhyhorn would be too rough for the race.
"Okay, this will be a one lap race! Whoever crosses over to the finish line first wins the race!" Meowth announced. "On your marks! Get set! And go!"
The racers took off from the starting line. Both Skiddo ran as fast as their hooves could carry them. Grace could definitely see how serious Serena was being. Serena's Skiddo tripped much to everyone's surprise. Serena would have given up from her childhood, but she got back up and kept on racing. Grace was ahead in the race and was nearing the finish line. Serena has caught up with her mother. Grace looked and she saw the horns on her Skiddo was glowing. She knew that Skiddo could sense her dreams. Serena has gotten pass her mother and crossed the finish line.
"Yes!" Everyone cheered.
"The winner is: Serena!" Meowth announced.
"Congratulations, Serena," Agumon said.
"Well done," Renamon said.
"You pulled it off!" Armadillomon said.
Everyone all praised her as Grace just smiled. She realized her daughter has made up her mind, and she had to honor her part of the deal.
"Congratulations, Serena," Grace said. Serena turned to her mother.
"Mom," Serena said.
"You beat me fair and square. All I can say is, I'm proud of you, Serena. So, I lost the race, I'll support your choice," Grace said.
"Aren't you disappointed that your daughter isn't going to be a Rhyhorn racer like you wanted?" Ken asked.
"Truth be told, I am. But at the same time, I'm glad I lost, because Serena wouldn't have wanted to be one," Grace said. "I knew that from the start. I was too proud to accept it. All it took was one race to make me realize that I was trying to turn her into me, when she's not me."
"Mom," Serena said.
"It's okay, Serena. You have your own dreams, and it's only best you see them out to the end," Grace said. Serena smiled and hugged her mother.
"Thank you, mom," Serena said, hugging her. Grace hugged her back.
Just when the group was about to take their leave, Skiddo nuzzles Sora.
"Hey, what's up?" Sora asked.
"That little one likes you, Sora. And it seems he wants to be your Pokémon," Grace said.
"You sure that's okay?" Sora asked.
"I had a talk with the owners and they said it was okay. Besides, this little one wants to have his own dream," Grace said. Sora looked at Skiddo and he nuzzled him again. Sora smiled and took out a Pokéball.
"Okay, Skiddo. You're welcome to come along," Sora said. Skiddo pressed the button on the Pokéball and flows inside. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Skiddo with him. He chose to keep Skiddo in exchange for Bunnelby.
Now that Sora has gotten a new Skiddo, the group has continued onwards towards Courmarine City, and Serena has set her own future. All she has to do is see it right towards the end.