Episode 569: Under the Pledging Tree
After winning his fourth Gym Badge, and Clemont left the group to prepare for his upcoming Gym battle, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Serena, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, SEES, and Team Natsu returned to the Pokémon Center and they bumped into Calem who was sitting on the couch. He spots the group.
"Guys! Hey!" Calem greeted.
"Hey, Calem," Sora greeted back. "I bet you came here for a Gym battle."
"I already did. I'm also here to partake in the festival," Calem said.
"You mean the festival the city holds every year?" Karen asked.
"That's the one," Calem said. He noticed Clemont isn't with them. "Hey, where's Clemont?"
"He left for Lumiose City to prepare for our upcoming Gym battle," Sora said.
"Also, we're keeping an eye on Bonnie until we get there," Kairi said.
"That's right, I forgot he's a Gym Leader," Calem said. "Anyway, Sora. Saw you on TV, and congratulations on your victory in that tournament."
"Thanks," Sora said.
"Calem, do you know anything about the festival going on?" Lucy asked.
"And when does it take place?" Meowth asked.
"It's actually taking place tonight at sunset," Calem said. "Also, a long time ago, there was a trainer traveling along with his Pokémon. They had many adventures together. They eventually settled down, and they lived here in this land. In honor of their everlasting friendship, the trainer gave the Pokémon a little tree as a reminder of their travels. Before long, the tree started to grow and grow, making it the largest tree in the entire Kalos region. Ever since then, it became the city's tradition for a trainer to give a gift to the Pokémon. It is said that it can make the bond between Pokémon and trainers grow stronger."
"Wow, that's quite a story," Wendy said.
"It looks like we came at the right time. Too bad Clemont left for home," Ventus said.
"He doesn't even know what's he's missing," Bonnie said.
"It can't be helped," Mitsuru said.
"She's right. Besides, we knew this event was gonna come up," Yukari said. Nurse Joy then approached the group.
"Excuse me," Nurse Joy spoke up. The group turned to the nurse. "Which one of you is named Sora?"
"That's my name," Sora said.
"You have a phone call all the way from Kanto," Nurse Joy said.
"I think I have an idea who's calling me right now," Sora said. He went for a phone and he answered. Professor Oak is on the screen with a smile on his face.
"Sora, I'm so glad you could make contact with me," Professor Oak said.
"Hi, professor. I can bet you're calling me about my latest catch," Sora said.
"Well, yes, my boy. I have to admit, I was amazed by the Sneasel you sent over to my lab. Infact, I have been doing some research on the matter," Professor Oak said.
"I thought you would, professor," Sora said.
"To tell the truth, that isn't the real reason I'm calling," Professor Oak said.
"It's not?" Sora asked.
"No. The reason I'm calling is because there was a series of recent sightings of Hisuian Pokémon as of late. Pokémon we thought we would never see again," Professor Oak said. Sora blinked twice.
"Hisuian Pokémon, really?" Sora asked in surprise.
"Indeed. Isa was the one who brought this to my attention. In fact, it was a Zorua and a Zoroark. And they were sighted in the Hoenn region in an icy region where Snorunt occupy," Professor Oak said.
"Why are you telling me about this now?" Sora asked.
"I knew you were going to ask me that question, Sora. To answer your question, I felt I should gather more information before bringing this to your attention. But with these recent sightings, it seemed beyond my control, and also I knew you would come across a Hisuian Pokémon regardless if I said anything or not. But I have a question I want to ask you. How did you come across such a gem?" Professor Oak asked.
"It came right out of the blue. That Sneasel challenged me to a battle, and I saw Sneasel had potential, so I caught him," Sora explained.
"I see," Professor Oak understood.
"It might just be an idea, but I think these Hisuian Pokémon might have come through a dimension rift," Sora said.
"What makes you say that, if I may ask, Sora?" Professor Oak asked.
"Well, when Kairi and I traveled in different dimensions to stop the Brotherhood of Darkness the first time, we came across lost Pokémon there, also I thought they might have come through a different time-line since the dimensional rifts can also jump time as well as space. And that was Coco's talking," Sora said. Professor Oak stroked his chin.
"That is a possibility. But it does warrant some research. Speaking of which, I would request that you allow me to do research on your new Sneasel until further notice," Professor Oak said.
"I don't have a problem with that, professor," Sora said.
"Wonderful. I'll be sure to let you know if I come across some new developments," Professor Oak said.
"I'll be waiting for it. Also, Kairi told me that you sent my Dragonite on an errand," Sora said.
"Actually, it was picking up something from Professor Magnolia. She said it's very important," Professor Oak said.
"Okay. I just wanted to ask you, professor," Sora said. "And thanks for the talk."
"No, thank you for making this astonishing discovery," Professor Oak said. They both broke contact. Sora rejoined the group.
"What did the professor say, Sora?" Ventus asked.
"For starters, he's doing some research on my new Sneasel for a while," Sora said. "And there's more than we already know." Everyone got curious.
"What?" Terriermon asked.
"Professor Oak said there were other Hisuian Pokémon that were sighted elsewhere," Sora said.
"You mean, that Sneasel wasn't the first Hisuian Pokémon?" Karen asked.
"Just the first we've seen since Riku's Kleavor," Sora said.
"That's right. It was when Sora accidentally found a Black Augurite and gave it to Riku just to get his Scyther to evolve into a Kleavor, and battle against Sora's Scizor," Meowth said.
"I remember. You think Riku has come across any like we did?" Ken asked.
"If he did, he wouldn't waste time. He would have made contact with Professor Kukui," Sora said.
"I can't believe Clemont is missing this," Junpei said.
Meanwhile, Clemont is making his way to Lumiose City.
"Okay, just gotta go through this way and..." Clemont said before he stopped. He heard a strange sound. "What is that?" Clemont investigated the area and he saw what he did expect to see. He saw a Voltorb, but it looked like it was made of wood. It has a hole on top and the bottom. The bottom is creamy light brown while the top is a different shade of red and it has a distinctive red, wooden eyebrow. Clemont couldn't believe his eyes. "A Hisuian Voltorb. First a Sneasel, and now a Voltorb. If I remember correctly, Hisuian Voltorb are Electric and Grass Type Pokémon. Maybe, I should catch it. And I figure I use Luxio for this one." He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Luxio!" His Luxio emerged from inside, surprising the Voltorb. "Use Swift!" Luxio attacked with Swift, hitting the Hisuian Voltorb. The ball-like Pokémon attacked by using Energy Ball. Luxio is struck by the attack. "Luxio! Use Thunder Fang!" Luxio came at Voltorb, landing an electrified bite. "Use Discharge!" Luxio gave Voltorb a hit of Discharge. He took out a Pokéball and threw it. Voltorb flows inside of it and wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Clemont walked up to it and smiled. "I got a Hisuian Voltorb! This is great! Sora will be in for a great surprise." With that said, Clemont started to take off. Just when he was going through the woods, he came across a man, stepping out of a truck. He looked at Clemont.
"Hey, kid. You need a lift?" The truck driver asked.
"Are you heading for Lumiose City by any chance?" Clemont asked.
"Yeah. Any special reason you're heading there?" The trucker asked.
"For a Gym battle," Clemont said. "But I don't wanna trouble you."
"It's no trouble, kid. Besides, you don't look like you can get too far with that on your back," the trucker said. "Step inside and I'll get you there, faster than a Surskit in the rain." With that said, Clemont got in the passenger's door and the engine goes off as the trucker starts driving.
Back in Courmarine City, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Calem, Serena, Bonnie, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, SEES, and Team Natsu didn't wait long until Sora's Pokémon were fully healed. Sora has exchanged Fletchinder and Hawlucha for Quilladin and Frogadier.
Sora decided that he should leave Pikachu and the other Pokémon in the Pokémon Center just so Sora could buy the ideal present for his partner. Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, and Aqua thought the same way while the Digimon went to the mess hall and have some lunch. SEES had to clean their weapons while Natsu, Happy, Lucy, Erza, Gray, Wendy, and Charla did some exploring around the town.
"Okay, we meet at the Pledging Tree before sunset, right?" Sora asked.
"Right," everyone agreed.
"Okay, everyone. Let's go," Sora said. Sora and Kairi went one way as Karen, Ventus Terra, Aqua, and Bonnie went another way. Natsu and Happy went into a restaurant and ordered ten of everything on the menu. Lucy went to the local shopping centers and tried on a few clothes. Gray made a stop in the pear and he stripped down to his underwear. Of course, that just made Officer Jenny slap the cuffs on him for indecent exposure. That has earned the ice wizard some laughs. Erza entered a bakery and she happily ate a slice of cake. Wendy and Charla became enthralled when they saw a poster of Diantha. They wondered how good a trainer she was if she battled Sora and won.
Over to Natsu and Happy, the bill came, and they didn't have any money to pay for the meals they ate, so they had to wash dishes to make up for it. As for Gray, he was getting an earful from Officer Jenny while some kids were laughing at him. Lucy was approached by a man in the suit and he was asking her some questions that just made her huff and walk off.
Over to the Pokémon Center, Meowth was taking a nap as Pikachu and Angel were spending some time together. Sparky and Dedenne were playing with Koromaru while Blossom was picking some flowers for Karen. Thor and Eclair were eating an apple together.
Over to Sora and Kairi, they entered the shopping district and they were searching for the perfect gift to buy Pikachu and Angel.
"What do you think, Kairi? It has to be something they can both love," Sora said.
"You're right, Sora. It can't be too expensive, though," Kairi said.
"Right," Sora said. As the couple had a look around, Calem and Serena entered inside right behind them. Serena was disappointed that she didn't get to go with Sora, but she thought of getting him something he would love to have. Calem was happy to be with Serena.
"Say, Serena," Calem said. Serena looked at him.
"Yeah?" Serena asked.
"Just what do you think would be a great gift for my Frogadier?" Calem asked.
"Sora did say something our Pokémon would like," Serena said.
"I know. I was wondering if you had a clue," Calem said.
Over to Sora and Kairi, they came across a a shop that makes clothes for Pokémon. They saw an elderly woman standing at the counter.
"Hello, dearies. What can do for you?" The elderly woman asked.
"We were wondering if you have something to cater to a Pikachu and an Eevee?" Sora asked.
"Something that is matching as we are," Kairi said. The elderly woman smiled.
"I think I have something for that," the elderly woman said, walking to the back. She came out a pair of plain white hats. "Here you are. And you want them to say something?"
"Yeah, here's what they should say," Sora said. Sora made a note that reads "Angel's Lightning" for Pikachu, and "Pikachu's Angel." The I's were dotted with hearts.
A little while later, the couple made trips that caters to the needs of each of their other Pokémon. Calem and Serena did the same thing. Calem went and found a blue ribbon for Serena.
Over to Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, and Bonnie, they entered a floral shop and Karen saw the kinds of flowers that Blossom lives so much.
"Blossom's favorite flower," Karen said.
"They're very pretty," Bonnie said.
"They sure are," Karen agreed.
Karen paid for the flowers and headed out. Terra and Aqua picked out a couple of gifts that suits Thor and Eclair perfectly. Ventus and Bonnie bought some gifts suited for Sparky and Dedenne.
Everyone all met at the Pledging Tree as the sun was now setting. They all placed their presents at the foot of the Pledging Tree. Natsu and Happy were tired from all the washing they did.
Gray was placed in a straight jacket to avoid him to strip any more clothes off as Erza is carrying her purchases and pulling a huge wagon.
"It looks like everybody had a busy day," Sora said.
"My arms are gonna fall off," Natsu said in his tiredness.
"Aye," Happy said in the same tiredness.
"You should have known when not to bite off more than you can chew," Lucy said.
"It definitely serves them right," Charla said.
"What's with the straight jacket?" Agumon asked.
"Don't even ask," Gray said.
"Anyway, we have presents for all of you," Sora said. They each gave their partners their gifts. Blossom gave Karen the flowers as well. Meowth sighed sadly, but luckily for him, Sora had a gift for him. "We got you one, too, Meowth."
"For me?" Meowth asked.
"It's from all of us," Sora said, giving a box to the scratch cat Pokémon. Meowth saw it was a small Meowth figurine. Meowth smiled as he took it. He read the card on the box. He reads the contents.
Meowth,
Even though we got off on a bad start, but you made a good effort to help make this friendship possible. Someone wise also said that yesterday's enemy can be today's friend. You helped us out so many times, we couldn't ask for a better Pokémon than you.
And may your friendship with us never die. We love you,
Sora, Kairi, Ven, Karen, Terra, Aqua, Bonnie, Clemont
This fills Meowth eyes with tears.
"Ya lugs," Meowth cried happily. "I love yas, too!" Meowth starts bawling.
"That is very nice," Kotone said.
"We mean every word, Meowth," Sora said.
"You guys are the best. Team Rocket would never have done anything this nice for me. Maybe, Jessie and James, but you guys definitely made my day," Meowth said.
Over to Calem and Serena, he took out a box. He cleared his voice.
"Hey, Serena. I know it's technically our Pokémon's day, but I wanted to give you something," Calem said, handing her the box.
"What is it?" Serena asked.
"Why don't you open it and find out?" Calem asked. Serena opened the box and she gave out a light gasp when she saw it was a white and pink dress with a red ribbon, a black and red mini-skirt, black pantyhose, pink bracelets on either wrist as well as white gloves, a black choker with a gold medallion, a thin black waistband, red flats with gold gems and black bottom, and a pink ribbon. There is also a blue ribbon added in it. "Calem, did you-?"
"Yeah, I did. I thought you would like it," Calem said. She smiled at him and her heart starts beating fast.
"Thank you, Calem," Serena said.
Calem blushed in a deep shade of red.
"You're welcome, Serena," Calem said.
Later that night when the festival has concluded, Serena marveled at the dress, but she realized something.
"Wait, why am I thinking of Calem when Sora should be on my mind?" Serena asked herself. "Maybe, I should just close my eyes and imagine who it is I really love." She does exactly that. She thought and she thought. Through Serena's closed eyes, an image was slowly taking shape. She knew it was the boy she had to love. The image has taken shape and she saw it was Calem, and not Sora. She opened her eyes and she realized she's in love with Calem and not Sora. "Calem? It's Calem, and not Sora?" She thought for a while and she couldn't believe it.
Over to Clemont, he had finally arrived in Lumiose City and he got off the truck. He entered the Gym and he saw Clembot standing in the door of the Gym.
"Clemont, it's good to see you have returned. Isn't Bonnie with you?" Clembot asked.
"No, Clembot. She's in the care of Sora and the others right now. Sora has earned five Gym Badges and I need to be prepared for my upcoming Gym battle," Clemont said.
"Excellent, Clemont. I shall assist anyway I can," Clembot said. Clemont smiled.
"I know I can count on you," Clemont said.
Unknown to anyone, Sting Chameleon was eavesdropping on him and he left undetected. He made it out and met up with a man with dark gray hair and wearing a white lab coat.
"Right on schedule," Sting Chameleon said.
"He's back?" The man asked.
"He arrived just a little while ago. Luckily, that trucker got him here just as you paid him," Sting Chameleon said. "Anyway, you all set to steal the data, Belmondo?"
"You bet I am. I have been waiting for this chance," Belmondo said. "I'm just asking you to hold on your end of the deal."
"Yes, yes. You'll have what is promised, but not before," Sting Chameleon said.
"Fine," Belmondo said.
"Now, if you excuse me," Sting Chameleon said, turning invisible again. He takes off as he laughed. He went pass AZ who is sleeping in a cardboard box. He made it to a small chamber and turned visible again. He made contact with the Brotherhood of Darkness.
"Sting Chamelon, this better be important," Sigma said.
"Everything is going into motion. Sora Ketchum has won his fourth Gym Badge, and the Gym Leader has arrived Lumiose City ahead of them," Sting Chameleon reported.
"Well, this makes up for the whole failed Zero clones plan," Dr. Weil said.
"Regardless, the plan has been set. Belmondo will be an excellent pawn for our operation," Ganondorf said.
"All we have to do is make sure he gets there, right?" Blackjack asked.
"Yes," Sigma said. "Excellent work, Sting Chameleon. Monitor his progress and report back to us." Sting Chameleon nods.
"Of course," Sting Chameleon said. He breaks contact with the Brotherhood of Darkness. Just then, a mysterious figure entered the room.
It turns out to be a tall and slim young woman. She has small black eyes with purple eyeshadow and orange hair tied in big fluffy bunches at the side of her head and a spiky fringe at the front. She wore an orange and white t-shirt with a logo on the front over a long sleeved maroon shirt, blue, green and purple striped trousers and orange trainers with white laces. She also wore small silver hoop earrings in her ears.
"You got the word?" The young woman asked.
"Maddie, go an keep an eye on Belmondo, and make sure he does his part. I don't want him to think he's better than us before we want him to!" Sting Chameleon said.
"Just because you think you're better than me doesn't mean you can just boss me around," Maddie said.
"Just do what you're told!" Sting Chameleon said.
"Whatever," Maddie said, taking her leave. She took out a small device and plugged in. "Okay, ColorMan.EXE, you ready to go?"
A Net Navi is on her screen. It appears like a clown with a ball bottom.
"Ready as ever, Maddie," ColorMan.EXE said. She sends ColorMan.EXE to spy on Belmondo through his computer.
"Soon, my master plan will be effect. That kid will have to learn not to mess with his elders," Belmondo laughed to himself. "And once I'm done here, I'll reprogram that robot to do what I tell it to do." He laughed evilly. ColorMan.EXE chuckled to himself.
"The joke's gonna be on him when Sting Chameleon finds out," ColorMan.EXE said as he chuckled.
On the next morning, Serena woke up and she still have Calem in her thoughts. She didn't know who to turn to, but she had no choice but to turn to Kairi for advice.
"Kairi, can we talk?" Serena asked.
"Sure, Serena. What do you wanna talk about?" Kairi asked.
"Well, I wanna ask you something. Did you feel nervous when you confessed your feelings for Sora?" Serena asked. Kairi gave a huge sigh.
"I was really nervous. I wasn't sure if Sora had any feelings for me until I confessed my feelings to him," Kairi said.
"How did it work out?" Serena asked.
"I remember that night like it was yesterday. Sora was about to walk off until I stopped him. I spilled my feelings right out when I told him I loved him ever since we met, ever since he saved me from those awful Pokémon hunters," Kairi said.
"You were worried that he didn't have feelings for you? How could he not?" Serena asked.
"That's what I thought until he told me he felt the same way for me after all," Kairi said. "Why bring it up, Serena?"
"I have something I want to tell you, Kairi. The truth is, I had a crush on Sora when we met when we were little. Also, I felt jealous of you since you came into his life. And I was rude to you." Kairi turned to Serena. She blinked twice.
"You? Rude?" Kairi asked.
"It's true. I wanted Sora for myself, and well. After hearing about how you and he went through everything since the beginning, I realized I could never compete with you."
"Serena, you weren't rude to me at all," Kairi said. "Besides, I kinda knew you had a thing for him." Serena looked at her. "And I felt jealous of you, because I always wondered what it might be like to meet someone as wonderful as Sora in childhood."
"The thing is, I don't know if I'm even in love with Sora. What if what I'm feeling is just an old crush instead of love?" Serena asked.
"Then who are really in love with, Serena?" Kairi asked.
"Calem," Serena quickly answered.
"Really?" Kairi asked.
"Yes. It's Calem since he's been supportive of me. Shauna kinda had her hopes up that me and Sora would be an item, but I don't know how to face her; my best friend," Serena said.
"You should just tell her that you had your eyes on someone else, Serena. And know that I'm gonna support you for your love for Calem," Kairi said.
"I guess you're right. And I have one thing I wanna ask you to do for me," Serena said.
"Sure. What?" Kairi asked.
"Take good care of Sora," Serena said.
"I will," Kairi said.
It looks like they buried the hatchet. Just how will the love between Calem and Serena turn out? Find out when we go further in the story.
Okay, just so you know, I don't plan on having Myotismon gaining control over Serena, because it seems rather cliché for him to do so since he may have learned his lesson since Paul broke free of his control thanks to Sora. And the journey to Lumiose City will soon begin!