Episode 567: Tournament Hijinks
A little while after dealing with the evil Malamar a second time, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, SEES, and Team Natsu continued on their way to Courmarine City. Unknown to any of them, a mystery Pokémon is following them. It is revealed to be a Sneasel, but it was different.
This Sneasel has a white and purple body. The left ear is colored light purple. The face, shoulder, and chest have dark purple spots. There is a yellow gem on both head and chest. The two toes on each foot are closed. It continued to follow them.
As they continued on, they heard a light and weakened cry.
"Anybody hear that?" Sora asked.
"It sounded awfully close," Kairi said.
The group followed the cry and they saw it was a sickened Furfrou.
"Is that a Pokémon, too?" Wendy asked.
"It is. A Furfrou," Karen said.
"He must be very sick," Kairi said. She and Angel went to help the sick Pokémon up. "Are you alright, Furfrou?" She placed her hand on the poodle Pokémon's head. "You have a fever."
Walking by them, is a Gogoat. Riding on Gogoat's back is an old, lanky man with pale skin, a hunchback, and perpetually closed eyes. Fittingly for his advanced age, he is also bald and has very little hair on his head, save for his eyebrows and his spiky white beard. For clothing, He wore a rolled-up long-sleeved green shirt with black buttons and brown suspenders, gray work pants with a brown belt and a holster, and green boots with brown soles. To complete his outfit, he also wore an orange scarf, a green cap, and thick green gardening gloves. Additionally, he had a pair of gardening scissors, with him. He spots the group.
"Looks like we got us some folks to help, Gogoat," the old man said. Gogoat walked over to the group. "What seems to be the problem, youngsters?" The group saw the old man coming up to them.
"Thank goodness. We came across this sick Furfrou," Kairi said.
"A sick Furfrou, you say, missy?" The old man asked. He took off one of his gloves and placed his hand on Furfrou's forehead. "This Pokémon is burning up bad. Which one of you does this Pokémon belongs to?"
"None of us, sir. We just found him laying here," Ventus said.
"So maybe, we thought we could get Gogoat to the nearest Pokémon Center," Aqua said.
"Nothing to fret about. My Gogoat can help Furfrou by carrying it on his back," the old man said.
"We don't want to trouble Gogoat to go through that," Kairi said.
"It's no trouble at all, little lady. My Gogoat can handle it," the old man said.
"We do need to get Furfrou to the Pokémon Center fast," Karen said.
"Natsu, think you can help Furfrou get on Gogoat's back?" Sora asked.
"Not a problem," Natsu said.
"Okay, be careful," Sora said. Natsu lifted the poodle Pokémon on the goat Pokémon's back.
"Alright, Gogoat. You know what to do," the old man said. The group started to walk with Gogoat carrying the sickly Furfrou on his back. Gogoat made sure he was gentle with the sick Furfrou. They were not aware of the Sneasel and Matthew following them. They eventually reached the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy spots the group arriving with Furfrou.
"My goodness, what happened?" Nurse Joy asked.
"We found this Furfrou, and he needs help," Kairi said. Nurse Joy looked at the Furfrou.
"Looks like I'm going have to work fast," Nurse Joy said. She called for her Wigglytuff, and they carried the sick Furfrou to the back.
"Will he be okay?" Sora asked.
"Don't worry. Furfrou is the best of care," Nurse Joy said. She went with the Wigglytuff to help out.
They waited for a while until Nurse Joy came out.
"How's Furfrou doing?" Kairi asked.
"Furfrou is just fine. In fact, he's sleeping right now. I do have to say, it was a good thing you brought Furfrou here, because any later than it would have been too late. Furfrou had the worse kind of fever I have ever seen. Luckily, you have Ramos to thank," Nurse Joy said.
"I only did what anyone would have done," Ramos said.
"Ramos. Wait, as in the Courmarine City Gym Leader?" Sora asked.
"That is right. Sorry for the delayed introduction. I was greatly concerned for Furfrou same as you, but that's hardly an excuse," Ramos said.
"It's okay, Ramos. We were lucky you came along," Sora said. "Also, we were told that you specialize with Grass Type Pokémon from Korrina in the Shalour City Gym."
"You were told right, sonny. May I ask for your name?" Ramos asked.
"I'm Sora. And I was wondering if I could ask you to battle me in your Gym?" Sora asked. Ramos smiled.
"Course, Sora. I will need to prepare for our Gym battle. In the meantime, there is a tournament being held here soon," Ramos said.
"What tournament?" Sora asked.
"Look at the poster behind you and you'll see," Ramos said. Sora and his friends turned to see a tournament taking place like Ramos said. "That there tournament is taking place in a matter of days, so it's not too late to sign up if you're interested."
"Sora, you should sign up for that," Ventus said.
"Ven's right. You should enter it! You'll kick loads of butt there!" Natsu said.
"I mean, it should be fun to enter, right?" Minato asked.
"I guess you're right. So, why not? I could use the practice," Sora said. He walked up to the counter. "Excuse me, Nurse Joy. Is there still time to sign up for the upcoming tournament?"
"Yes there is. And you're so lucky because there's only a few spots left," Nurse Joy said.
"Is there some special rules I should know?" Sora asked.
"Yes. You get to use three Pokémon each right up to the finals. In the final battle, it will be a full six-on-six battle," Nurse Joy said.
"That sounds like any typical tournament I entered before, but it does sound fun," Sora said. Sora registered for the tournament. Nurse Joy smiled.
"Congratulations, Sora from Pallet Town. You are now eligible to participate. Congratulations once again," Sora said. Sora thought about which ones he should enter. He thought long and hard, so he made up his mind. He exchanged five of his Pokémon for Eiscue, Carnivine, Araquanid, Sirfetch'd, and Bouffalant. Kairi has exchanged five of her Pokémon for Sunflora, Jumpluff, Politoed, Bellossom, and Maractus.
A little while later, Furfrou woke up and walked out.
"Hi, Furfrou. You feeling better?" Kairi asked. Furfrou barked happily and licked her face. Kairi giggled from the licks. "Stop that, it tickles!" He nuzzles affectionately. "You wanna come with me because I helped you, right?" Furfrou nodded. Kairi took out a Pokéball and held it. "Okay, you can join me." She pressed the Pokéball and stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Kairi's Pokémon Box goes off her if she wants to keep Furfrou with her. She chose to send Furfrou to Professor Oak's lab.
A few days later, Sora has been prepared for the upcoming tournament as fireworks were going off.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! We are about to begin our official tournament! Just as a reminder to those trainers who may have missed the rules, each trainer may use up to three Pokémon each with substitutions permitted, and there is no time limit! Whomever makes it to the final match and wins it will win our championship belt, and our wonderful trophy!" The announcer announced.
"Isn't Sora going on first?" Bonnie asked.
"No, Bonnie, he's going to be the third battle," Clemont said.
"I wonder what Sora had planned for his first battle?" Lucy asked.
"We're going have to wait and see," Gray said.
The first two battles raged on, so it was eventually Sora's turn to battle.
"And now, time for battle number three! Hailing all the way from Pallet Town, and Champion of the Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova Pokémon Leagues, we have Sora 'Kingdom Hearts' Ketchum!" The announcer announced. Sora entered the battlefield with Pikachu by his side. Kairi and Serena are by his side as his cheerleaders. Kairi had Angel, Politoed, Jumpluff, Maractus, Sunflora, and Bellossom cheering with Kairi as Serena had her Fennekin and Pancham cheering along with her. A young man with an orange mohawk walks in the battlefield. "And coming in is one of the meanest trainers to ever enter! We have Rowdy Roger!" The crowd cheered as Rowdy Roger roared. Many of his fans roared just the same as him.
"Rowdy Roger? They got the rowdy part down," Charla said.
"I heard this guy is wild, so he might not be easy to beat," Clemont said. The referee enters the battlefield.
"Choose your Pokémon and begin!" The referee announced. Rowdy Roger took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Gurdurr!" Rowdy Roger shouted. His Gurdurr came out, twirling its beam. It slams it to the ground. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up, Sirfetch'd!" Sora called out. His Sirfetch'd emerged from inside and held his sword and shield tightly.
"Rowdy Roger has chosen Gurdurr, and Sora has chosen Sirfetch'd! To those who do not know, Sirfetch'd is the evolved form of the Farfetch'd living in the Galar region! A clash between two Fighting Type Pokémon, and both forces to be reckoned with!" The announcer announced.
"Rowdy Roger has the first move!" The referee called out.
"Gurdurr! Use Brutal Swing on that drippy duck!" Rowdy Roger ordered. Gurdurr came swinging at Sirfetch'd.
"Block it!" Sora called out. Sirfetch'd uses his shield to block.
"A beautiful block with that leafy shield of Sirfetch'd's!" The announcer announced.
"Use Night Slash!" Sora ordered. Sirfetch'd came rushing at Gurdurr with Night Slash.
"Gurdurr! Use Bulk Up!" Rowdy Roger ordered. Gurdurr built up its muscles and Night Slash did little damage to him.
"That had little effect on Gurdurr!" The announcer announced.
"Use Dynamic Punch!" Rowdy Roger ordered.
"Use your shield to block it!" Sora called out. Sirfetch'd used his shield to block it. Gurdurr lands a devastating punch, and it pushes Sirfetch'd back. "Okay, now use Brutal Swing!" Sirfetch'd took his shield and gave it a toss. Sirfetch'd lands a hit onto Gurdurr.
"Incredible! Sirfetch'd tossed its own shield and lands a hit with Brutal Swing!" The announcer announced as Sirfetch'd caught his shield.
"Use Night Slash!" Sora ordered.
"Gurdurr! Use Brutal Swing!" Rowdy Roger ordered. Gurdurr came rushing at Sirfetch'd. Sirfetch'd lands a hit, swinging his leek, landing a hit. Gurdurr lands a hit with Brutal Swing.
"Use Meteor Assault!" Sora ordered. Sirfetch'd held his leek and he held it in front of him. Sirfetch'd charged at Gurdurr.
"Use Bulk Up!" Rowdy Roger ordered. As Gurdurr raises his defense, Sirfetch'd came rushing at Gurdurr with his signature move. Despite Gurdurr's Bulk Up, it landed a devastating blow. Gurdurr is sent flying backwards. Gurdurr lands on its back and its beam lands right on it.
"Gurdurr is unable to battle! Sirfetch'd wins!" The referee announced.
"Sora takes the lead in this battle!" The announcer announced as he called back his Gurdurr. He took out a Great Ball and threw it.
"You're up, Krookodile!" Rowdy Roger shouted. Krookodile came out with a roar.
"Rowdy Roger's second Pokémon is Krookodile! He put himself in a real disadvantage because Sirfetch'd is a Fighting Type Pokémon!" The announcer announced.
"Maybe so, but Sirfetch'd won't be able to attack again right away because of the force of that attack," Terra said.
"Oh no," Bonnie said.
"Krookodile! Use Aqua Tail!" Rowdy Roger ordered. Krookodile swings its tail, and lands a hit with Aqua Tail. Sora took out Sirfetch'd's Pokéball and called the Galarian wild duck Pokémon back.
"It looks like Sora is making a switch in Pokémon!" The announcer announced. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up, Araquanid!" Sora called out. Araquanid emerged from inside.
"And Sora sends out Araquanid, a Water and Bug Type!" The announcer announced.
"That ain't gonna make any difference! Krookodile! Use Crunch on that water bug!" Rowdy Roger ordered. Krookodile ran towatds Araquanid with Crunch, ready to go.
"Use Bubble Beam!" Sora ordered. Araquanid fired Bubble Beam, hitting Krookodile. "Use Bug Bite!" Araquanid gave Krookodile a bite on its arm.
"Sora makes good use of Krookodile's weakness to both Water and Bug Type moves!" The announcer announced.
"Okay, use a full powered Signal Beam!" Sora ordered. Araquanid fired a powerful Signal Beam, landing some heavy damage. Krookodile then lands on its back. Krookodile had been taken down.
"Krookodile is unable to battle! Araquanid wins!" The referee announced.
"And Sora remains in the lead in this battle! Rowdy Roger has better get his head in the game if he wants to stay in this tournament!" The announcer announced. Rowdy Roger calls Krookodile back and growled.
"You're really pissing me off! Better bring this out!" Rowdy Roger said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "You're up, Druddigon!" His Pokéball opened and Druddigon emerged from inside and roared.
"And his third and final Pokémon is Druddigon!" The announcer announced.
"Okay Druddigon! Use Draco Meteor!" Rowdy Roger ordered. Druddigon fired its attack upwards and it unleashed a meteor shower.
"Dodge it, Araquanid! Hurry!" Sora called out. Araquanid tried to dodge Draco Meteor, but it came too fast for the water bubble Pokémon to dodge. Araquanid was taken down with just one hit.
"Araquanid is unable to battle! Druddigon wins!" The referee announced.
"Rowdy Roger has finally taken down one of Sora's Pokémon! Looks like he's due for a comeback!" The announcer announced. Sora called back Araquanid into his Pokéball.
"Get some rest, Araquanid. You earned it," Sora said.
"Come on, Sora! You can beat this guy!" Natsu shouted.
"Take this guy down!" Happy added. Sora remembered Eiscue, so he took out his Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up, Eiscue!" Sora called out. Eiscue emerged from inside. He almost fell over because of the block of ice on his head.
"And Sora's third Pokémon is Eiscue!" The announcer announced.
"Sora's using an Ice Type Pokémon against that Druddigon! He's got the edge!" Tentomon said.
"Will it be enough?" Ken asked.
"And can it battle with that block of ice on its head?" Happy asked.
"Wait till you see that ice break," Meowth said.
"Eiscue is such a cutie!" Bonnie cooed.
"Okay, Druddigon! Use Dragon Claw!" Rowdy Roger ordered. Druddigon rushed at the penguin Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Eiscue!" Sora called out. Eiscue manages to dodge Druddigon's attack. "Use Ice Punch!" Eiscue's flipper emits ice and gave Druddigon a punch in the face. It dealt some heavy damage.
"Esicue lands a chilling Ice Punch on Druddigon's face!" The announcer announced.
"Use Dragon Claw again!" Rowdy Roger ordered. Druddigon lands a hit, shattering Eiscue's icy head. Eiscue placed his flippers on his now naked head.
"What a shattering blow on Eiscue's pride! Sora must have felt that upset a mile away!" The announcer announced.
"Eiscue! Use Hail!" Sora ordered. Eiscue releases a gust of cold air from his body, causing snow to start falling. When one touches Eiscue's head, it quickly regained Eiscue's Ice Face. "Is that much better, Eiscue?" Eiscue nodded as he smiled under his Ice Face.
"Eiscue is able to make another one quickly?" Lucy asked.
"It's Esicue's ability, Ice Face. When Eiscue takes a hit from a physical attack, it shatters. Eiscue then regains its Ice Face when it hails," Terra said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
"A useful ability to have," Erza said.
"Also with Hail in effect, it does damage to non-Ice Type Pokémon," Aqua said.
"Chu," Eclair said.
Druddigon is pelted by the hail coming down.
"Druddigon! Use Draco Meteor!" Rowdy Roger ordered. Druddigon unleashed Draco Meteor.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Eiscue manages to dodge Druddigon's Draco Meteor to the best of his abilities. He was almost hit by the falling meteors. "Okay, Eiscue! Use Surf!" Eiscue forms water from underneath and forms a huge tidal wave.
"Ride that surf!" The announcer announced.
"Ice Punch!" Sora ordered. Eiscue lands an Ice Punch on the tidal wave, turning the water into snow. Druddigon is struck by the falling snow.
"That is unexpected! Who would have thought Surf could be used like that!" The announcer announced. Druddigon is sticking out of the snow, knocked out by the attack.
"Druddigon is unable to battle! Eiscue wins! The winner is Sora!" The referee announced.
"And Sora has won the third battle! Who to thunk it?!" The announcer exclaimed.
"We would have thunk it," Agumon said.
Over to the Sneasel, it was watching the battle closely, and it was amazed by the battle Sora had won. It wanted to see more of Sora's strength.
The other battles have taken place. It was now the next part of the tournament. Sora decided to use Bouffalant for the next one. He was going to be the second battle.
"And now it's time for battle number two for our tournament!" The announcer announced. "On the left side is Sora , and on the right is Astrid!" Sora entered the battlefield along with a young girl, who has violet eyes and waist-length blonde albino hair in which she has a purple pin to hold her bangs. She wore a purple long-sleeved vest with fuchsia lines at the end of the sleeves and white buttons. She also wore a matching white handkerchief with the buttons attached to the collar of her vest. She wore a simple, deep purple skirt with a fuchsia line that surrounds the whole garment.
"Wow, she's very pretty! She's a keeper!" Bonnie exclaimed happily.
"Um, I wouldn't play matchmaker right now, Bonnie," Lalamon said.
"Her good looks is not what I'm concerned about. I'm more concerned about her battling skills," Karen said.
"Chu," Blossom said.
Astrid took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up first, Pyroar!" Astrid called out. She unleashed a male Pyroar from inside the Pokéball and roared upon entry. Sora turned to Pikachu.
"You're up first, Pikachu," Sora said. Pikachu entered the battlefield, ready to go.
"Astrid first sends out Pyroar while Sora sends out Pikachu!" The announcer announced.
"Astrid has the first move!" The referee called out.
"Pyroar! Use Fire Fang!" Astrid ordered. The large lion Pokémon came charging at Pikachu with Fire Fang.
"Dodge and use Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodges Pyroar's Fire Fang and lands an Iron Tail onto Pyroar. "Thunderbolt!"
"Use Flamethrower!" Astrid ordered. Pyroar unleashed Flamethrower at Pikachu, landing a hit Pikachu tumbles back, and then gets back up.
"Use Electro Web!" Sora ordered. Pikachu forms a web of electricity and hurls it right at Pyroar, trapping him in the web.
"Pyroar is trapped inside that electrified web!" The announcer announced.
"Pyroar! Try to break free!" Astrid called out. Pyroar struggled to get through.
"Use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dashed at Pyroar and lands a hit with Quick Attack. Pyroar has broke free of Pikachu's Electro Web.
"Pyroar has broken loose from Pikachu's Electro Web!" The announcer announced.
"Pyroar! Use Hyper Beam!" Astrid ordered. Pyroar opened his mouth to unleash Hyper Beam.
"Pyroar has unleashed a devastating Hyper Beam attack! How will Pikachu be able to handle it?!" The announcer exclaimed.
"Pikachu!" Sora called out. Pikachu jumped straight into the air as Pyroar kept firing Hyper Beam.
"Look at that! Pyroar has completely missed its target!" The announcer announced.
"Use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt, shocking the lion Pokémon. Pyroar has been taken down.
"Pyroar is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" The referee announced.
"And Pyroar has been taken down!" The announcer announced as Astrid called Pyroar back.
"Have your rest, Pyroar. You've earned it," Astrid said kindly. She took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Meowstic!" Her Pokéball opened and a female Meowstic came right out to battle.
"Astrid's second Pokémon is a Meowstic! Can Pikachu handle this opponent?" The announcer asked. Pikachu starts panting, exhausted from the battle with Pyroar.
"Don't overdo it, Pikachu! Come back!" Sora called out. The mouse Pokémon returned to Sora's side. Sora took out a Pokéball and he threw it. "Go! Araquanid!" Araquanid came right out to battle.
"And Sora's next Pokémon is Araquanid! Sora has the edge, using a Bug Type against a Psychic Type!" The announcer announced. Astrid grinned.
"This will be easy. Meowstic! Use Charge Beam!" Astrid ordered. Meowstic fired Charge Beam at Araquanid.
"Block with Signal Beam!" Sora ordered. Araquanid fired Signal Beam, blocking Charge Beam.
"Meowstic and Araquanid collides with their beam attacks! Which one will still be standing after this?" The announcer asked. An explosion occurs and they both take severe damage from the explosion. "They both felt that hit!"
"I take it back; it's not as easy as I thought. The way he counterattacked me is living proof," Astrid said.
"Man, Astrid's Meowstic is a tough cookie, and her Pyroar was nothing to sneeze at. Okay, I'll have to try this! Use Lunge!" Araquanid came right at Meowstic with his legs ready to strike.
"Meowstic! Dodge and use Disarming Voice!" Astrid ordered. Meowstic dodged Araquanid's leg and fired Disarming Voice, landing a hit. "Use Psychic!" Meowstic lifts Araquanid in the air and sends him down. Araquanid gets back up. "Use Charge Beam!" Meowstic prepared to fire Charge Beam at Araquanid.
"Dodge and use Signal Beam!" Sora ordered. Araquanid manages to dodge Meowstic's Charge Beam and fired Signal Beam, landing a hit. "Use Bubble Beam!" Araquanid fired Bubble Beam, landing a watery explosion. Meowstic has been taken down.
"Meowstic is unable to battle! Araquanid wins!" The referee announced.
"Sora remains in the lead, taking down two of Astrid's Pokémon! Which one will she send out next?" The announcer asked. Astrid calls back Meowstic and smiled.
"Have yourself a rest, Meowstic. You earned it," Astrid said kindly. She took a her third Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Absol!" Her Pokéball opened and Absol emerged from inside. Araquanid was panting from the attacks he fired at Meowstic. Sora calls Araquanid back inside and took out his third Pokéball and threw it.
"Your turn now, Bouffalant!" Sora called out. His Bouffalant came on out with a snort.
"And Sora sends out a Bouffalant as his third Pokémon!" The announcer announced. Astrid was confused.
"Bouffalant? I thought he was going to send out that Sirfetch'd, or stick with Araquanid. No matter. I'll have to make a comeback, and that's what I plan to do," Astrid said. She placed her hand on her Mega Stone, making it glow. The Keystone Absol is wearing starts to glow along with it.
"Is she going to do what I think she's going to do?!" The announcer asked.
"Share my passion with Absol, and grant her strength! Mega Evolve!" Astrid shouted. Absol started to Mega Evolve. Absol's appearance doesn't change much except for larger and more curved horns. Its white fur has gotten fluffier and longer around its ankles. The fur on its back stiffens up giving it the appearance of wings.
"Yes! Astrid's Absol has Mega Evolved!" The announcer announced.
"I had a feeling she had one of those. Now that Absol has Mega Evolved, it's going to be a whole lot stronger than normal. As Cilan would say, 'an unexpected ingredient should give it some extra flavor, and end up with a delicious result'," Sora said. "Bouffalant! Use Megahorn!" Bouffalant charged right at Absol with his horns extending, and glowing light green.
"Mega Absol! Use Megahorn, too!" Astrid ordered. Mega Absol's horn gave off the same glow and charged at Bouffalant, clashing into each other.
"Look at that! Bouffalant and Mega Absol are locking horns!" The announcer announced. Mega Absol pushed right at the bash buffalo Pokémon, but Bouffalant held his own. He refused to let up.
"Bouffalant! Use Iron Head!" Sora ordered. Bouffalant gave Mega Absol a toss. "Use Head Charge!" Bouffalant charges at Mega Absol and the afro on his head glows red. The front of him also glows yellow. He then slams the yellow part of his afro into Mega Absol, dealing some damage. Bouffalant has suffered recoil damage from the hit.
"Bouffalant lands a devastating hit with its signature attack!" The announcer announced.
"Wow, that was amazing!" Wendy said.
"Yeah, but Bouffalant has suffered some recoil damage from Head Charge," Clemont said.
"Mega Absol! Use Psycho Cut!" Astrid ordered. Mega Absol swings its horn and sends out a psychic energy at Bouffalant.
"Use Horn Attack!" Sora ordered. Bouffalant charges at Mega Absol with Horn Attack. He manages to break through the attack, and land a hit. "Okay, Bouffalant! Use Giga Impact!"
"I think not! Megahorn!" Astrid ordered. Mega Astrid charges at Bouffalant with a Megahorn. Both Pokémon land a hit, resulting in an explosion. The smoke clears and results in a double knockout. Mega Absol reverts back to normal.
"Both Absol and Bouffalant are both unable to battle! But Sora is the winner!" The referee announced.
"And Sora is moving right on to the semi-finals! A huge congratulations is in order!" The announcer announced. Sora and Astrid shook hands.
"I can see why you're a champion, Sora. You're one of the most toughest trainers I have ever faced," Astrid said.
"Same with you, Astrid," Sora said.
Sora went to rest in the locker room for a bit as Bonnie went pass him and kneeled to Astrid.
"Excuse me, miss," Bonnie said. Astrid turned to her. "You're a keeper! Please take care of my brother!"
"Huh?" Astrid asked. Clemont blushed.
"Bonnie, I told you a thousand times to stop that!" Clemont exclaimed, activating his Aipom Arm and grabbed Bonnie.
"Think about it, won't you?!" Bonnie called out.
"Bonnie, why do you keep doing this, even after I tell you not to?!" Clemont scolded.
"Because I can't keep taking care of you!" Bonnie argued. "I was only helping you!"
"I don't need that kind of help, Bonnie!" Clemont argued.
The siblings argued as Sora chuckled.
"Bonnie's heart is in the right place," Sora said.
We take a look in the semi-finals as Sora prepares for his battle.
"And we arrive into the semi-finals, so now only one of them will be moving on to the final match, having a full six-on-six battle! Now we have Sora Ketchum against Douglas!" The announcer announced. Douglas is wearing a white shirt and brown shorts. He wore reddish-pink shoes and white socks with blue lines.
"Man, I'm up against Sora Ketchum, the Champion of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova Pokémon Leagues. I trained hard to make it far, so I'll have to try," Douglas said in his thoughts.
"Okay, Douglas, let's see if you can hold your own. Show me everything you've got," Sora said in his thoughts. Douglas took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Ludicolo!" Douglas shouted. He let out a Ludicolo. The zigzags on his Ludicolo aren't as thick as Sora's. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Carnivine!" Sora called out. Carnivine emerged from inside the Pokéball.
"Sora has sent out a Carnivine and Douglas has sent out a Ludicolo, both are Grass Type Pokémon!" The announcer announced.
"Ludicolo! Use Mega Punch!" Douglas ordered. Ludicolo came rushing at Carnivine.
"Use Crunch!" Sora ordered. Carnivine opened his mouth and clamped on Ludicolo. Ludicolo struggles to get loose.
"Carnivine has Ludicolo locked in its mouth!" The announcer announced.
"Spit Ludicolo out!" Sora called out. Carnivine spat Ludicolo out of his mouth.
"And Carnivine spits out Ludicolo like bubble gum! Carnivine must not have liked the taste Ludicolo had!" The announcer announced.
"Okay, use Water Gun!" Douglas ordered. Ludicolo fired Water Gun right at Carnivine. Carnivine is hit hard by the water attacked despite his resistance to Water Type moves.
"Carnivine has definitely felt some damage from Ludicolo's Water Gun!" The announcer announced.
"Carnivine! Get out of there now!" Sora called out. Carnivine struggled to get out of the line of fire of Ludicolo's attack. "Use Bullet Seed!" Carnivine fired Bullet Seed right at Ludicolo, landing some hits. "Use Vine Whip!" Carnivine unleashed Vine Whip and tangles Ludicolo in it.
"Carnivine has tangeled Ludicolo with its Vine Whip attack!" The announcer announced.
"Send Ludicolo down!" Sora called out.
"Water Gun on the ground!" Douglas called out. Ludicolo fired Water Gun on the ground, softening its landing. Carnivine lets go of Ludicolo, and it is unharmed.
"Incredible! Ludicolo isn't hurt by Carnivine's Vine Whip!" The announcer announced.
"Use Mega Punch!" Douglas ordered. Ludicolo came right at Carnivine with Mega Punch.
"Crunch!" Sora ordered. Carnivine bites on Ludicolo's fist. "Give Ludicolo a twirl!" Carnivine takes Ludicolo up and spins it above him.
"Carnivine is taking Ludicolo for a spin!" The announcer announced.
"Let go of it!" Sora exclaimed. Carnivine lets go of Ludicolo and it hits the wall behind it. Ludicolo fell on the ground.
"Ludicolo is unable to battle! Carnivine wins!" The referee announced.
"Sora has taken the lead of this battle! How will Douglas push back?" The announcer asked. Douglas took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up next, Yamper!" Douglas called out. Yamper has come out to battle.
"Douglas's next Pokémon is Yamper! He should know Electric Type moves does little damage to Grass Types like Carnivine!" The announcer announced.
"He should know that. He must have something planned for me," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Yamper! Use Nuzzle!" Douglas ordered. Yamper went up to Yamper and nuzzled against Carnivine, leaving him paralyzed.
"Carnivine's paralyzed from that Nuzzle! Could this be part of his strategy?" The announcer asked.
"I just got lucky," Douglas said
"No, that was impressive! Your Yamper's awesome!" Sora praised his opponent. "Carnivine! Use Vine Whip!" Carnivine tried to attack with Vine Whip, but unfortunately, his paralysis kicked in.
"Use Fire Fang!" Douglas ordered. Yamper came at Carnivine, landing a hit with Fire Fang, resulting in a knockout.
"Carnivine is unable to battle! Yamper wins!" The referee announced.
"And the battle is tied up with Sora! Will Douglas take the lead in this battle as well?" The announcer asked. Sora called back Carnivine into his Pokéball.
"Take a good rest, Carnivine. You deserve it," Sora said. He thought for a little while. Sora looked at Pikachu. "You up for another good battle, Pikachu?"
"Pi," Pikachu nodded.
"Thought so. Go for it," Sora said. Pikachu enters the battlefield.
"And Sora's second Pokémon is Pikachu! Both using Electric Type Pokémon!" The announcer announced.
"That's his Pikachu. Word is that Pikachu's been with him since the Indigo Plateau. I gotta play it cool," Douglas said. "Yamper! Use Fire Fang!" Yamper runs towards Pikachu with Fire Fang.
"Yamper makes the first move with Fire Fang!" The announcer announced.
"Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodges Yamper's Fire Fang and lands a hit with Quick Attack. "Use Iron Tail!" Pikachu swung his tail to strike Yamper.
"Use Dig!" Douglas ordered. Yamper dug underground to avoid Pikachu's Iron Tail.
"A good save on Yamper's part!" The announcer announced. Yamper then came up and bit Pikachu on the tail.
"Pika!" Pikachu yelled in pain.
"Ooh, I sure felt that from up here!" The announcer announced.
"Fire Fang!" Douglas ordered. Yamper came at Pikachu, not giving him time to dodge.
"Douglas is making a comeback after all!" The announcer announced.
"Pikachu! Come back for now!" Sora called out. Pikachu returns to Sora's side.
"Sora calls back Pikachu! What could he have planned now?" The announcer announced as he took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Sirfetch'd!" Sora called out. Sirfetch'd came out and held his leek sword and shield closely.
"Sora's third Pokémon is Sirfetch'd!" The announcer announced.
"Use Night Slash!" Sora ordered. Sirfetch'd came running at Yamper, landing a hit with Night Slash, dealing some heavy damage. Yamper has been taken down.
"Yamper is unable to battle! Sirfetch'd wins!" The referee announced.
"So much for Douglas's comeback! Now he's down to one more Pokémon left to use!" The announcer announced as Douglas calls back Yamper.
"You did your best, Yamper. Take a good rest for right now," Douglas said. He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Seviper!" His Seviper emerged from inside the Pokéball.
"Douglas's final Pokémon is a Seviper! How will Sora's Sirfetch'd be able to manage?" The announcer announced.
"Be ready, Sirfetch'd," Sora said.
"Sirfetch'd," Sirfetch'd said, readying his leek.
"Seviper! Poison Tail!" Douglas ordered. Seviper came at Sirfetch'd with Poison Tail. Sirfetch'd lifts up his shield and used it to block the attack.
"Brutal Swing!" Sora ordered. Sirfetch'd swung his leek sword and lands a hit onto Seviper.
"I felt that with that Brutal Swing!" The announcer announced.
"Use Poison Fang!" Douglas ordered. Seviper came at Sirfetch'd with Poison Fang.
"Block it!" Sora called out. Sirfetch'd held up his shield and used it to block.
"Man, I have to deal with that stupid shield! Every time I make an attack, it blocks it!" Douglas said. "Seviper! Use Poison Tail! But go around!" Seviper quickly slithers behind Sirfetch'd and lands a hit before Sirfetch'd could react. Sirfetch'd ends up being poisoned.
"Ooh, Sirfetch'd is now poisoned! It cannot be good for Sirfetch'd!" The announcer announced.
"Great! Get behind Sirfetch'd and use Venoshock!" Douglas ordered. Seviper slithers behind Sirfetch'd again and fired Venoshock, dealing some heavy damage.
"That was really heavy! Venoshock does lots of damage when the target is poisoned!" The announcer announced. Sirfetch'd fell on the ground due to his poisoning.
"Sirfetch'd is unable to battle! Seviper wins!" The referee announced.
"And both trainers are down to one Pokémon each! Which one will be making it to the final round?" The announcerasked. Sora called back Sirfetch'd.
"Good work, Sirfetch'd. You earned a good long rest," Sora said. He looked at Douglas. "Taking advantage of Sirfetch'd's blind side was unexpected. But it was clever." He looked his partner. "I know you're pretty beat from that battle with Yamper, but do your best out there."
"Chu," Pikachu said. Pikachu enters the battlefield.
"And Pikachu re-enters the battlefield! Can Pikachu still keep going after taking that beating from Yamper or will Pikachu take a bad beating like before?" The announcer asked.
"Okay, Pikachu is back out. Okay. Seviper! Use Poison Tail!" Douglas ordered. Seviper swings its tail down at the mouse Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Pikachu!" Sora called out. Pikachu manages to dodge Seviper's Poison Tail.
"Pikachu has managed to get away from Seviper's Poison Tail! How long will it keep up?" The announcer asked.
"Seviper! Use Poison Tail again!" Douglas ordered. Seviper swings Poison Tail down at the mouse Pokémon again.
"Dodge and use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt, dealing some damage.
"Pikachu's making good use its Thunderbolt attack!" The announcer announced.
"Poison Tail!" Douglas ordered.
"Use Iron Tail!" Sora ordered.
Seviper came at Pikachu with Poison Tail, but Pikachu manages to come at the fang snake Pokémon with Iron Tail. Pikachu lands a hit.
"Pikachu makes a comeback with Iron Tail!" The announcer announced.
"Use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt and gave Seviper quite a shock. Seviper has been taken down.
"Seviper is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The winner is Sora!" The referee announced.
"And it is who has earned the right to enter the semi-finals!" The announcer announced as Sora and Douglas walked up to each other.
"That was a great battle, Douglas," Sora said.
"Thanks, Mr. Ketchum. That was a thrilling battle," Douglas said.
"Just call me Sora, Douglas," Sora said.
"Okay. Sora," Douglas said.
Ramos was watching the tournament from the beginning and he smiled.
"He's doing better than I thought," Ramos said. "I hope those PHOP people made the right call in testing him."
How is it a test? And will Sora fail or pass regardless if he wins or lose? Wait and find out when we get to the next chapter.