INT. CASTELIA CITY GYM - DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOTS of the honeycomb-themed gym. The whole place even drips with honey.
HILBERT stands on the battlefield, his SEWADDLE fighting against a DWEBBLE, a tiny hermet-crab like Pokémon in a large rocky shell.
BURGH, the gym leader, stands on the other side. Dressed in flamboyant and jaunty clothes with a hardy smile. He strikes a pose and commands his Dwebble to attack.
HILBERT (V.O.)
I immediately went to the Castelia Gym -
The dialogue is muted and all we hear is the narration. Hilbert commands his Sewaddle to battle - Sewaddle leaps forward and shoots a barrage of sharpened leaves at the crab, it is her Razor Leaf attack.
HILBERT (V.O.)
- Decided that little Sewaddle could use some training.
SHOTS of the two Bug-types exchanging blows. A tackle here from Sewaddle and a Slash there from Dwebble. Sewaddle performs a Bug Bite attack right on Dwebble's face, then leaps back and kicks it back with her tiny balled feet.
Dwebble flies backward, landing on its back, unconscious. Burgh retracts the shelled bug and sends out his next Pokémon, Sewaddle's final evolutionary form, LEAVANNY. A long, stick-like Pokémon with sharpened leaves as 'claws' and a friendly, welcoming face. Leavanny strikes a pose along with Burgh. Hilbert and Sewaddle exchange looks.
HILBERT (V.O.)
If those triplet gym leaders were ambiguously gay, Burgh was just plain ousted.
Sewaddle fights against Leavanny fiercely, Sewaddle uses her String Shot to wrap Leavanny tightly in some binds as he flies at her with a Tackle attack, throwing her back.
Sewaddle tries desperately to fight the binds, then SUDDENLY, she begins begins to glow. EVOLUTION. The shadow of Sewaddle is replaced by a moody-looking, wrapped-in-leaves cocooned form with a draping dress of leaves behind her, called SWADLOON. On Hilbert's beaming face...
HILBERT (V.O.)
The timing there couldn't have been more perfect...
CUT to Leavanny's CLAWS slashing at the String Shot, breaking free.
HILBERT (V.O.)
...For Burgh.
Leavanny flies at Swadloon like a rocket, repeatedly slashing at the tiny cocooned bug. Swadloon lands, giving an angry look. She swings her draped blanket of leaves, revealing a SHARPENED portion that SLASHES Leavanny across the chest.
BURGH
Swadloon replaced her whimpy Razor Leaf with a simply gaw-geous Leaf Blade! How remarkable!
Leavanny falls with a thud, DOWN AND OUT - Hilbert runs forward and SCOOPS Swadloon in a tight hug. Swadloon returns the favor by spraying String Shot all around him, wrapping them even tighter together in a hug. Hilbert just laughs hysterically.
EXT. CASTELIA CITY - DAY
HILBERT marches proudly with SHELDON at his side, and IRIS behind him.
HILBERT (V.O.)
With my third badge, a new Pokémon, and an evolved Swadloon, I was ready to go. More confident than ever...
INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY
Hilbert is in sportier clothes. Shorts and a t-shirt.
He, Sheldon, Pikachu, and Swadloon train in a gym. Hilbert lifts weights with Sheldon at his side, Swadloon does stretches using her Silk String, and Pikachu runs the treadmill. Outside, through the massive glass window, we see the humongous ARCHEOPS doing laps around the huge track inside. Hilbert waves to her, she gives a loud SQWAK in return.
HILBERT (V.O.)
We went to train at the local sporting gym...
EXT. CASTELIA PARK - DAY
Iris and her Axew practice Axew's Dragon Rage attack in an open field...
HILBERT (V.O.)
...While Iris and Axew went and did who-knows-what.
Axew once again fails, chomping down and causing a massive pulse to surround his body, throwing Iris to the ground. She looks at the little dragon, who stares back at her apologetically, and then starts to laugh. She stands, pets him on the head.
IRIS
You will get it soon...
INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY
HILBERT wipes down his face with a towel, he is back in his regular clothes. Throwing on his jacket, he exits the locker room.
EXT. ROUTE 4 - DAY
HILBERT and IRIS move through the DESERT together, both wearing safety goggles and both have scarves wrapped around their faces, as sand blows in all directions.
Hilbert sees a huge gathering of Pokémon. He smiles, excited.
HILBERT
I think it's about time we had another friend to add to the team...
IRIS
(skeptical)
We'll see how these Pokémon feel about you attacking them.
Hilbert sends out his SWADLOON. The nearest Pokémon is a DARUMAKA - a red, circular Pokémon. Above its eyes are yellow curly eyebrows and its face is orange. Three yellow ovals are on its abdomen and a curvy yellow line is on its back. Its paws are orange and have three digits each. This one is small, a youngster.
HILBERT
Leaf Blade!
Swadloon whips around her blanket of leaves that drapes behind her, sending a sharpened segment of the blanket in Darumaka's direction. Direct hit! Darumaka flies backward, and the other Pokémon - small brown crocodiles with black eyes called SANDILE and lizards with saggy skin that resemble the look of sagging pants called SCRAGGY - look disturbed by the potential battle. Hilbert doesn't seem to notice all of their reactions. Iris does, though.
IRIS
(nervously)
Uh... Hilbert.
Hilbert is about to throw a Poké Ball at the dazed Darumaka, but the enraged group of Pokémon approach from behind.
IRIS (CONT'D)
HILBERT, TURN AROUND-!
As Hilbert and Swadloon turn, their eyes widen as the Sandile and Scraggy send attacks flying at them in all directions, chasing Hilbert around. The Sandile's chomp their teeth at him and Swadloon, while the Scraggy kick furiously. This is buying enough time for the fainted Darumaka to recover and flee. As the entire flock of Pokémon flee, Hilbert and Swadloon stop running. They stop, Hilbert puts his hands on his knees and pants like a tired dog.
HILBERT
(dejected)
Wow... that was disappointing.
One particular Sandile, oblivious to the entire situation, has its head stuck in the sand. Its feet kick furiously in the air.
Grabbing this opportunity, Hilbert smiles.
HILBERT (CONT'D)
YAHOOOO! A Pokémon!
(beat)
Swadloon, use Tackle!
Swadloon propels herself from the ground, full body slamming the back of the Sandile. It goes flipping out of its place in the ground, landing right on its head with a grumble. It then manages to get onto its feet, and tries to regain an awareness of its surroundings. As it is doing so, Hilbert takes the opportunity. Iris watches excitedly -
HILBERT (CONT'D)
Swadloon, Leaf Blade!
With one fell swoop, Swadloon briskly swings her draping blanket of leaves, sending the sharpened portion in Sandile's direction, slashing it across its belly. The dazed croc lands on its back. Hilbert quickly throws a Poké Ball, and Sandile turns into a red blob of energy that is soon drawn into the red-white sphere. The ball lands on the ground, and starts tethering back and forth.
Hilbert, Swadloon and Iris watch quietly, waiting for the indication on the Poké Ball to signify Sandile's capture. The ball drops and shakes, Hilbert waits in anticipation. Will he be able to catch it?
The red light soon disappears, and the ball stops moving. Hilbert has caught Sandile!
HILBERT (V.O.)
Shortly after catching Sandile, we arrived in Nimbasa City...
INT. NIMBASA CITY - NIGHT
HILBERT and IRIS arrive in NIMBASA CITY. ESTABLISHING shot of the bright lights. A large FERRIS WHEEL spins around in a clockwise motion while small sideshows and games surround it in a huge park area.
HILBERT
Oh my God. Look at all the COLORS!
FREEZE-FRAME on Hilbert's surprised expression, going googly-eyed over the lights. Iris stands in the background, rolling her eyes.
HILBERT (V.O.)
I was a country boy exposed to neon lights to the first time. Give me a break.
Hilbert runs through the carnival, separating from Iris. Iris frowns -
IRIS
Hilbert, wait!
She tries fighting through the crowds of people but can't find Hilbert. She moves toward the brightly-lit ferris wheel, only ending up bumping into someone who waits in line -
IRIS (CONT'D)
Oh, I'm so sorry...
He turns around. We recognize him...
N
That's quite alright.
It's N. He smiles at her. These two haven't met yet, and Iris seems charmed. He turns around, his attention focused ahead. CLOSE-UP on his face as his lips curve into a pursed smile.
The line moves up - CUT to Hilbert as he spins his arm and THROWS - Knocking a whole tower of cans over with the Poké Ball-colored baseball. The vendor presents him with a prize.
VENDOR
It's called a Heal Ball! Very rare.
Hilbert frowns at the pink Ball.
HILBERT
I'm a dude. I'm not gonna use this.
He frowns and puts it in his bag, sulking off disappointed.
HILBERT (V.O.)
I nearly trashed it right then and there. Pink just wasn't my style... Little did I know then, but I was lucky I didn't.
CUT back to Iris and N, the line moves up to where they're the next two. The person operating the wheel looks at N.
FERRIS WHEEL OPERATOR
You two together or separate?
Iris goes to speak but N clasps his hand over hers with a smile.
N
...Together.
Iris looks speechless, she goes to say something but is entranced by N as he turns to face her. She simply gives an uncomfortable smile as the operator ushers them into one of the gondolas.
INT. FERRIS WHEEL GONDOLA - NIGHT
Their GONDOLA is up above the city at this point. N stares down at the brightly-lit buildings and the crowds. IRIS frowns in her place on the other side of the gondola.
IRIS
You seemed so eager to hop on this Ferris wheel with me. I thought it was like, a date or something, but you're just sitting there being all emo and silent.
N
(softly)
I love Ferris wheels... The circular motion... The mechanics... They're like collections of elegant formulas.
Iris just stares at him... What a weirdo.
IRIS
Uh-huuuuh...
Her AXEW pops out of her massive head of hair and stretches out on her lap, giving a yawn. N eyes the little dragon with pure delight.
N
You've raised your Pokémon well. I can tell by just looking at it that you two have a unique bond.
N reaches out for the Pokémon egg in Iris's lap. She moves over, uncomfortable, but he lays a hand on it. Smiles.
N (CONT'D)
Your egg is very warm. A Fire-type. It should be hatching soon.
IRIS
What do you want?
N
(beat)
I am the newly-throned king of Team Plasma...
Iris stares at him, completely taken aback. She holds her Axew close to her chest.
N (CONT'D)
I need someone to be by my side. A personal confidante per se. I have Ghetsis, but he's far too busy being our frontman, visiting different cities...
(pause)
I always... thought I could use a queen.
IRIS
(disgusted)
Never. Your people sicken me. You may think you have good intentions but your methods make you an extremist group who's a danger to everyone.
N winces at these words - his fist shakes.
N
You... You can't mean that. You're far too beautiful, far too pure to mean that.
His eyes are alight and Iris looks slightly frightened. As the gondola comes around toward the docking point again, Iris's eyes wander... make a break for it...
IRIS
Like I said - I don't want anything to do with this.
Iris holds on tight to Axew and her Egg, and HOPS out the gondola window-
IRIS (CONT'D)
Toodles!
-She lands on her feet on the docking station. As she RUNS off, we CLOSE on N's emotionless face...
EXT. NIMBASA CITY - CARNIVAL - CONTINUOUS
IRIS bolts through the carnival, rushing through people. She's very athletic, running super-fast through the crowds.
IRIS
Hilbert! Where are you, we hafta get outta - !
SWOOOOOOSH!
Above her, a giant bird with a brilliant pink head plumage - an UNFEZANT - swoops down and KNOCKS her onto her chest. N rides on the bird's back. Iris clambers onto her feet.
N
Stop her in her tracks, Unfezant... Use Air Slash!
Air is manipulated to look like SPINNING SAWS that Unfezant sends flying at Iris. She SCREAMS and jumps out of the way.
Panic ERUPTS and people start to scream and yell. Some send out their Pokémon to attack Unfezant, but the giant bird simply fights them off and moves like a missile through the air, following Iris.
ON HILBERT; He hears the shouting and chaos. From the skies, he sees the UNFEZANT firing attacks.
HILBERT
What the - ?
He rushes off in that direction, swooping into hero mode.
ON IRIS; Who dodges the numerous air saws. She slips as she runs - scrambling back on her feet and charging through the crowd.
ON HILBERT; on the other side of the gathering crowd, people push through, screaming and pushing him in the other direction.
HILBERT (CONT'D)
MOVE -
He pushes through the crowd -
ON IRIS; A kiosk nearby her is hit by the Air Slash, completely destroying it in an tiny explosion. Iris is thrown to the ground and can barely react as one of the spinning air-saws flies for her face. She SWINGS out of the way - her arm blocking her face - it SLICES her arm open, drawing blood. She SCREAMS.
ON HILBERT; as he finally makes it through the crowd and finds Iris on her back, screaming as her arm BLEEDS. Unfezant lands and N steps down - holding his hand out to keep Unfezant still.
N
(to Iris)
Please. I want you to reconsider.
HILBERT
Reconsider this!
N spins around and sees Hilbert, who tosses out a Poké Ball. PIKACHU lands in front of him. Gives a tiny growl and crackle of his red cheeks.
HILBERT (CONT'D)
Calm down, I know it's been a while Pikachu, but can you please trust me? We're in trouble...
Pikachu's sparks brighten and he SPINS around - turning for Unfezant and N.
N
I wish not to battle. I feel like the two of you would be great assets to Team Plasma...
HILBERT
I'd never join you.
IRIS
Me neither.
Iris holds her bleeding arm. N stares down at her, disappointment in his eyes.
N
You're quite strong, child. But I have a future that I must change. And, for that future... I'll defeat the Champion and become unbeatable, revered and listened to by all of Unova. THEN everyone will know that Team Plasma isn't to be scoffed at. Ridiculed. Ignored.
(beat)
I'll make all Trainers free their Pokémon! If you want to be together with Pokémon, your only hope is to collect the Badges from each area and head for the Pokémon League! If your conviction is not strong enough, you will never be able to defeat me.
N hops on Unfezant's back and flies off.
FREEZE-FRAME as Hilbert watches him go.
HILBERT (V.O.)
At that moment, I realized what I had to do. Not only did I have to defeat all the gyms in the course of the remaining week, but I also had this butthole to pummel in. As if I needed to make the week any busier...
Hilbert rushes over to Iris, helping her up. He slings her arm over his shoulder, she winces and limps as they walk. She checks to make sure Axew and her egg are okay. They are. Hilbert is more concerned about Iris herself.
HILBERT
You okay?
IRIS
(grumbles)
Just peachy.
HILBERT
What did he want?
IRIS
He said he was the King of Team Plasma. And he wanted me to be his Queen.
(beat)
So I booked it.
Hilbert smiles, raises his eyebrows, and puts his hands behind his head. Cocky.
HILBERT
Because you'd much rather stick with me?
Iris shoots him a dark look, rolls her eyes.
IRIS
Ew, don't even try to say it like that.
(pause)
He's just flat-out weird and really creeped me out. Plus his girly cologne was gag-worthy. You're a stupid, normal kid with natural, boy-like scent... So yeah, I guess I would rather stick with you.
HILBERT
Well, thanks, Iris. I am quite proud of my natural, boy-like scent...
IRIS
Hey, you still smell bad, but at least it's not intoxicatingly bad.
People start to swarm around them - now that the coast is clear, everyone decides to see how Iris is doing and mutter and gossip about what could've possibly went down just then...
INT. NIMBASA CITY GYM - NIGHT
TIGHT on a neon ROLLER COASTER CAR as it moves across a matching neon track. HILBERT and IRIS are inside as it runs through the entire GYM.
HILBERT (V.O.)
We had to speak to the authorities and explain what happened. Nothing could be issued on the "N" guy because he literally didn't exist...
CUT to the battlefield - Hilbert is across from ELESA, Iris in the stands. Elesa is the gym leader... a beautiful model, with electric yellow hair, and headphones hanging from her neck. A pair of EMOLGA - two tiny, adorable electric mice with small black wings - are stood on her shoulders.
Hilbert sends out his PIKACHU.
ELESA
Oh my God. That is ADORABLE!
HILBERT (V.O.)
Elesa went crazy for Electric-types... considering Pikachu wasn't native to Unova, she was fascinated by him.
Elesa looks at Pikachu with happy eyes. Pikachu blushes slightly as she raves over the little electric rat.
ELESA
I saw only a few of them on my travels through Kanto. They're absolutely amazing creatures...!
Elesa's pair of Emolga looked upset - JEALOUS -
CUT to later - the BATTLE. Pikachu and Emolga are exchanging blows. Pikachu RUSHES forward and unleashes a powerful electric blast - throws Emolga backward. But Emolga FLIES through the air, riding the wind and SLAMMING into Pikachu with an Aerial Ace.
HILBERT
Show that gliding wannabe which electric rodent's the best, Pikachu! Electro Ball!
Pikachu's tail ignites with a massive spark of energy that builds up in a ball... And is released, hitting Emolga in the chest. The tiny squirrel is thrown backward, knocked out. Hilbert gets on his knees and holds out a hand, offering a high five to Pikachu.
Pikachu simply SHOCKS Hilbert, enveloping him in a bright yellow light. Hilbert falls on his back, legs in the air and smoke rising from his body. FREEZE-FRAME on Pikachu's chuckling face.
HILBERT (V.O.)
It was foolish of me to think we had a bonding moment...
CUT to later - Hilbert's back on his feet, he's got KROKOROK - the evolved form of SANDILE - fighting against Elesa's ZEBSTRIKA - a flashy zebra Pokémon.
ELESA
Flame Charme, Zebstrika!
Zebstrika's body cloaks itself in a fiery veil, CHARGING at the large, two-legged crocodile.
HILBERT (V.O.)
Sandile and I did some training before the gym... he evolved into a fearsome Krokorok!
Krokorok rushes forward with glowing purple claws and slashes forward, stopping the flaming Zebstrika in its tracks. Krokorok regains its composure easily from the fiery zebra's recoil against his own body, charging back toward Zebstrika's injured form.
A mass of rocks hover in front of Krokorok out of nowhere, it spins around in the air, building up in size until flying like a massive bowling ball right toward Zebstrika. The zebra hurtles backward through the air, lands on its back, and is knocked out. STRIKE!
HILBERT (V.O.)
It was a tough battle, but we won. Got a sparkly new badge.
I know this seems pretty fast-paced, but as it would be a film, I figured I'd have to move at as quick a pace as I possibly could. The gym battles are really just sideshows to the actual plot. I hope everyone is enjoying it so far!
And just for reference, here are the teams for Hilbert & Iris at this point:
Hilbert: Sheldon the Dewott, Pikachu, Swadloon, Archeops, and Krokorok.
Iris: Axew, Servine, Ducklett, and un-hatched egg (a rare Fire-type).