Episode 28: The Punchy Pokémon
Where we last left off, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel have arrived in Odaiba City on the way towards Fushia City.
Upon getting there, they came across a girl named Kari Kamiya in the local Pokémon Center, taking pictures of the Trainers and Pokémon there. At the same time, a gang of Koffing have invaded for unknown reasons, and they have been causing trouble for the city and its inhabitants.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel met up with Kari's other friends, and they meet up with Tai Kamiya, Kari's older brother. He challenges Sora in a battle which ended in a draw. And that was when the gang of Koffing attacked. Sora has caught the leader of the hoarde of Koffing, forcing them to take off elsewhere.
And this is where we get caught up...
It didn't take long until Sora was getting mobbed by the people for his battling skills and catching one of the troublemaking Koffing.
Fortunately, they got pulled out by Tai, Kari, and their friends before anything else happened.
"Thanks for the assist," Sora said.
"Anytime, Sora 2," Davis said.
"Would you sto-" Sora groaned. "Nevermind. Thanks all the same."
"Question, where will you stay for the night?" Tai asked.
"We were thinking of the Pokémon Center, so it should be fine," Sora said.
"I have a better idea," Tai said.
It didn't take long before Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel were brought to an apartment building, and they reached theirs. Tai opened the door.
"You sure your parents won't mind, guys?" Sora asked.
"We don't want to get you into any trouble for this," Kairi said.
"It's no trouble, you two. Besides, they're huge battle fans," Tai said. "So, I'm gonna guess they watched our battle."
"Is that a fact?" Sora asked, sitting down.
"Kids, we're home!" Tai and Kari's mother announced.
"And speak of the devil," Tai said. She and her husband walked in and saw Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel.
"I know you! You were the one battling Tai earlier!" The woman said.
"We were watching that battle from before, and we were impressed," the man said.
"Thanks," Sora said.
"My name is Susumu Kamiya, and this is my wife Yuuko," Susumu introduced himself.
"It's nice to meet you both, Mr. and Mrs. Kamiya," Sora said. "I'm Sora Ketchum. This Pikachu is my partner."
"And I'm Kairi," Kairi introduced herself. "And this little Eevee is Angel."
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Mom, dad, is it okay that Sora and Kairi stay for the night?" Kari asked.
"Of course, dear," Yuuko said.
"Any Trainer who can go toe-to-toe with my son, and catch one of those Koffing is welcome in my house," Susumu said.
"Thanks," Sora and Kairi both said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
With that said, they got settled for the night.
Meanwhile, Nancy has arrived to the park where the battle has taken place.
"Those Koffing have been quite a nuisance, but at least they're gone," Nancy said. "I was suspecting this was a Team Rocket plot." She took out a Pokéball and opened it. Out came a fox-like, quadrupedal Pokémon covered in thick, luxurious golden-white fur. It has a small mane of thicker fur around its neck and a long, fluffy crest atop its head. It has slender legs with three-toed paws and nine, long tails with pale orange tips. It has red eyes, pointed ears, and a triangular black nose. "Ninetales, could you sniff around for anything for me?"
"Nine," Ninetales said. Ninetales did exactly that and found nothing.
"Thanks anyway, Ninetales," Nancy said, calling Ninetales back inside. "What's the connection?"
Back to the Kamiya home, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel were in the siblings bedroom as Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Poliwag, Dratini, Raichu, Clefairy, Ponyta, Chansey, and Gloom were relaxing. Kari took their pictures and she smiled.
"They look well-taken care of," Kari said with a smile.
"Thanks. Kairi had her hands in raising my Pokémon as well as her own," Sora said.
"Kids! Dinner's ready!" Yuuko announced. Tai and Kari weren't too thrilled. Sora and Kairi saw their expressions.
"Great," Tai and Kari both deadpanned.
"Something wrong with your mom's cooking?" Kairi asked.
"Yeah. She has a habit of coming up with super-weird recipes," Tai said. "So, don't be surprised when you end up getting sick later."
"Oh, stop that, Tai. You shouldn't say something bad about your mom's cooking. I'm sure it'll be great," Kairi said.
With that said, Sora and Kairi joined the family for dinner after Kairi has prepared some Pokémon food for their Pokémon. Flame, Drake, and another Dratini joined in the meal.
At dinnertable, the family did was talk with their guests.
"Now, Tai and Kari told us that you're on a Pokémon journey, is that right?" Yuuko asked.
"Yeah. Sora and I have traveled throughout the Kanto region, and we've seen some different kinds of Pokémon," Kairi said.
"Has it just been the two of you?" Susumu asked.
"Yeah, it has," Sora said. "I'm challenging the Gyms and earning Gym Badges from the Gym Leaders."
"And how many Gym Badges did you win?" Susumu asked.
"Four," Sora said. "I just need four more to participate in the Pokémon League."
"Halfway done, huh?" Susumu asked, impressed. "No wonder you duked it out with Tai."
"Hardly anyone was able to keep up with him," Yuuko said.
"Glad I was able to impress you," Sora said.
"And it's kinda funny though. He has the same name as the Takenouchi girl, you notice that?" Yuuko asked.
"I wasn't going to say anything, but since you brought it up, I have to agree," Susumu said.
"It's just a coincidence, isn't it?" Sora asked.
"Yeah. And I thought I should inform you that Tai has bit of a crush on her," Yuuko said. Tai almost choked on his drink, making Kari chuckle.
"Mom, it's not like that!" Tai snapped, blushing.
"Then, why is your face red, Tai?" Kari teased.
"Shut up!" Tai snapped at his sister.
"Why are you telling us this?" Kairi asked.
"Oh, you two would have figured it out," Yuuko said. Sora and Kairi looked at Tai, and they could tell something was up with him and the girl Sora.
The meal went on, but Sora and Kairi could barely stomach the food they were given. They ate it and smiled just so they wouldn't seem to be rude. Night came as Sora was laying on a guest futon.
"Ugh, I didn't think mixing chicken with vinegar, and sugar was even possible," Sora said with his face almost turning green.
"Don't worry, Sora. Just sleep it off, and you'll feel better in the morning," Kairi said.
"Yeah, I hope the aftertaste would be gone by morning. Also, Pikachu and Angel are getting settled," Sora said, seeing Pikachu and Angel, cuddling up next to each other. Kari thought it was cute seeing them cuddle up next to each other.
Meanwhile, a boy wearing a white bandana and a white karate outfit is training a small humanoid Pokémon with a predominantly pale purple body and brown hips and feet that resemble short pants and shoes. It has three blunt protrusions on top of its head, yellow eyes, and circular sections on each side of its head that resemble protective padding. There are white bands resembling bandages on its torso and wrists. It has thin limbs, and its hands have three fingers each. This Pokémon is known as Tyrogue.
"Okay, Tyrogue! Let's keep up the training! You'll be number one in the P-1 Grand Prix! I just know it!" The boy said.
"Tyrogue!" Tyrogue said.
On the next morning, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel went out for breakfast, fearing what Yuuko would cook up for breakfast.
"Thanks for inviting us for breakfast, Kari," Kairi said.
"Anytime, Kairi," Kari said. "We like having you around."
"Yeah, we sure do," Tai said.
"Let's go, let's go, let's go!" A voice shouted. They turned to see the boy and his Tyrogue jogging down the street. Sora was curious about the Pokémon with him, so he took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Tyrogue, the Scuffle Pokémon
Type: Fighting
It is famous for its eagerness to fight and always nurses injuries from challenging larger foes.
"A Tyrogue, huh?" Sora asked, putting his Pokédex away.
"That's gotta be Lee. He's always training hard," Kari said.
"You know him, Kari?" Sora asked.
"Yeah. He uses Fighting-type Pokémon. He helps keep up their strength by sparring with them," Kari explained.
"Okay, Tyrogue! Use Mach Punch, followed by High Jump Kick!" Lee said. Tyrogue came at Lee with his fists glowing light blue and it punches Lee, so he blocked. Tyrogue jumped and came down hard. Lee blocked it as well. Both Trainer and Pokémon sparred with each other. "Great! You're improving!"
"Tyrogue!" Tyrogue said, raising his fists in the air.
"Training hard as usual, Lee?" Tai asked. Lee turned to Tai and he smiled.
"You know me, Kamiya. Just gotta stay in shape for the P-1 Grand Prix," Lee said.
"P-1 Grand Prix? What's that?" Sora asked.
"What's that? What planet are you from? It's the one tournament to be in!" Lee said.
"You wanna compete in it bad, don't you?" Kari asked.
"I do. And I'm heading out there to get started! Come on, Tyrogue! Let's go!" Lee said.
"Rogue!" Tyrogue said.
Both Lee and Tyrogue took off towards the P-1 Grand Prix to compete.
A little later, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel were doing some training just in case they have any unwanted visitors coming their way.
"Poliwag! Water Gun!" Sora ordered. Poliwag fired Water Gun in the trees. Leaves starts to fall. Sleeping in the tree, there is a Pokémon resembling six light pink eggs, usually seen arranged with five heads huddled around a sixth. Each "head" has a slightly different facial expression, but each face has triangular eyes with tiny black pupils and a small mouth. Each shell has some cracks, and one member of the bundle usually has its yellow insides or brain exposed. The Pokémon fell right out of the tree. Sora saw the Pokémon and scanned it.
Exeggcute, the Egg Pokémon
Type: Grass/Psychic
If even one is separated from the group, the energy bond between the six will make them rejoin instantly.
"Must be a strong connection if it's six brains for this Pokémon," Sora said. He looked at Charmander, and nodded. "Charmander! Go!" Charmander stepped forward to battle against the Egg Pokémon. Exeggcute attacked by unleashing Egg Bomb at the Lizard Pokémon. "Dodge and use Dragon Rage!" Charmander dodged and unleashed Dragon Rage, landing a hit. Exeggcute then responds by firing multiple light green seeds at Charmander, landing a hit. "That was Bullet Seed! Charmander! Use Flamethrower!" Charmander unleashed Flamethrower, landing a hit. Exeggcute has been taken down. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Exeggcute flows inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Exeggcute with him. He chose to send Exeggcute to Professor Oak's lab. "Good work, Charmander. That was a great battle out there."
"Char, Char," Charmander said.
Over to Kairi, she and her Pokémon are training for whatever is coming towards them.
"That's good work, everyone!" Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I'll say it is," Sora said as he, Pikachu, and his other Pokémon rejoined her.
"I see you trained hard, Sora," Kairi said.
"Well, yeah, you too. Also I caught an Exeggcute. Not sure if it was a boy or girl," Sora said.
"I'll help identify Exeggcute when you bring it here," Kairi said.
With their training done, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel stood at the edge of the city to say goodbye to their new friends.
"Good luck in your Gym battle, Ketchum," Tai said.
"Thanks, Tai. That means a lot coming from you," Sora said.
"Also, next time, I plan on winning," Tai said.
"You're gonna have to try hard if you wanna win, Tai," Sora said.
"He's right, Tai. He might not pull any punches with you," Sora T said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel continued their journey down the road.
A couple of days later, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel walked down the path towards Fushia City when they saw something down their path.
They stopped when they spotted six kids and two Pokémon with them.
One of them is a young boy with lightly tanned skin, brown hair and eyes. He wears a yellow T-shirt with a black "D"-like symbol in chest, under a red jacket with a pocket on each side of chest, a dark brown bermuda, light brown gloves, white socks, orange and red sneakers with white soles, and a light brown cap over which he puts his goggles.
Another one of them is a preteen boy with pale skin, shoulder-length black hair which is tied in a low ponytail, and dark blue eyes. He wears a blue jacket with yellow stripes on the sleeves over a yellow T-shirt with a blue neckline and sleeve trimmings, grey pants that end at his ankles, long blue socks, and white sneakers with blue stripes. On his head, he wears a blue bandana with dark grey stripes.
Another is young boy with light skin, short brown hair and green eyes. He wears a mustard-colored shirt under a white V-neck shirt with short sleeves, a dark green collar and dark green trimmings at the sleeves and the bottom. He also wears yellow shorts with two pockets at the front and red suspenders hanging loosely from the sides, orange socks, and white and green snickers. On his head, he wears an oversized orange newsboy cap.
Another happens to be the only girl in the group. She has chest-length blonde hair and green eyes. She wears a mauve cap resembling a beanie with a purple trim and two points that resemble a cat's ears coming out of it. She also wears white and pink shoes and long purple socks. She wears a blue and white striped shirt under a mauve vest and a mauve skirt. Both the skirt and the jacket have white vertical stripes on the sides. Her shirt is cut to expose her navel, and her jacket is also open.
Another is a young, overweight boy with spiky brown hair and eyes. He wears an orange shirt under a blue jumpsuit with yellow pockets, white socks, and blue and yellow sneakers.
And the sixth one is a young boy with pale skin, short black hair that is parted to the sides of his face, and dark blue eyes. He wears a red long-sleeved shirt under a green open button-up shirt with short sleeves, white pants, and green sneakers with yellow streaks. His face is identical to the one wearing the bandana.
They had a Munchlax and a Mime Jr with them.
"What are they doing?" Sora asked.
"Not sure, but I think we should find out," Kairi suggested.
"Right," Sora said. went up to the six kids as they were all looking at something. "Hey there!" Sora called out getting their attention. "What are you all doing?"
"Shh!" the boy with the googles shushed. "If you think that you can muscle on in, you're sadly mistaken. I saw that Hitmonchan first!"
"A Hitmonchan?" Sora and Kairi asked in unison.
"Over there," the chubby boy said pointing at what they're looking at. They all saw a Hitmonchan throwing some jabs. Sora and Kairi gasped at the sight. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Hitmonchan, the Punching Pokémon
An evolved form of Tyrogue
Type: Fighting
When Hitmonchan twists its arm while throwing a punch, the blow will pulverize even concrete. The Pokémon rests after three minutes of fighting.
"It's not unusual to see wild Hitmonchan training out here," Kairi said.
"That Hitmonchan isn't going to be wild for long! That Hitmonchan is gonna be mine!" The boy said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it.
"There he goes again," the boy with the bandana sighed. "Always on the move."
"Always rushing in without a plan," the boy identical to him said.
"Okay Aguni!" The goggled boy said throwing his Pokéball. "Go get it!" the boy lets out a Charmander wearing similar goggles as the trainer. "Okay Aguni, use Fire Punch!" Hitmonchan took notice of this Charmander in front of it. Unknown to anyone, a young woman wearing a a white short sleeve shirt with yellowish orange stripes at the ends and a blue short skirt watching the battle about to begin.
"Charmander," Aguni yelled as it ran towards the Hitmonchan with its claws on fire. Hitmonchan just held its punching glove stopping the Charmander as it tried to get through. "Char!"
"Aguni! Do a Spinning Rocket Punch!" The goggled boy shouted as his Charmander launched itself like a rocket and began spinning like a top. The punch hits the Hitmonchan square on the right side of the face.
"That actually landed a hit," Sora said.
"It sure did," Kairi agreed.
"I'm just as shocked as you are," the blonde girl said.
The Charmander cheered as the Hitmonchan stood there rubbing its cheek feeling mighty sore at the punch.
"Well, at least it hit," the little boy with the big hat said.
"But not a pretty hard one," Sora said.
"And he looks mad," Kairi said.
"No, no, no!" A new voice in a Brooklyn accent called out. Everyone saw a muscular man with slightly big chin came out and he wore a red towel over his shoulders. It was obvious to everyone that the Hitmonchan belonged to that man. "How many times do I have to tell ya? Never let yer guard down! Keep your gloves up; fighting smart hurts less than fighting stupid!" The man said to Hitmonchan as it nodded. "Now get in there and show that little fire bug who's boss!" Hitmonchan nodded as the goggled boy and his Charmander got wide-eyed as the Hitmonchan darted towards the Charmander. "Let it have it! Comet Punch!" Hitmonchan repeatedly punched the Charmander. Everyone watched on as the Hitmonchan kept punching and punching. "Now give it a Sky Uppercut!" Hitmonchan gave Charmander on last uppercut to the chin and falls to the ground beaten.
"Aguni!" The goggled boy ran up to his fallen Charmander. "You okay, buddy?"
"Char," Aguni responded sadly.
His five friends and the two Pokémon just sighed as Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel all looked, not sure what to make of it.
"And I declare Hitmonchan to be champion!" The man announced, raising his Hitmonchan's right hand in victory. "HOORAH!"
"Aw man, I was sure that it was wild," the goggled boy said as he hung his head in defeat. Sora was feeling pity for him.
"Don't worry about it," Sora said, patting him on the back. "There's always next time."
The goggled boy looked at Sora as he gave him an assuring look. The man walked up to the two boys.
"Your Charmander has some guts," the man said. "But like the Trainer, it's just green. Here's a word of advice for ya. Ya gotta have a plan before ya start fighting. Cause if ya go in without thinking, you're gonna lose." He looked over to Sora. "And what's your name, kid?"
"Sora," Sora answered.
"Sora, ya thinking of entering the P-1 Grand Prix, yer more than welcome to participate," the man said. "But ya have got to hurry." He looked at his Hitmonchan. "Let's get back to the gym." Sora remembered hearing about the P-1 Grand Prix from Lee back in Odaiba City. Hitmonchan nodded as they were a out to take off.
"Daddy, wait!" The young woman said, finally coming out of her hiding place. The man recognized her.
"Rebecca? What are ya doing here?" The man asked his daughter.
"Mom and I want you to stop Pokémon training and come home," Rebecca said. "We miss you."
"I'm sorry, Rebecca. But I ain't coming home until I become the champion of the P-1 Grand Prix," Rebecca's father stated. "Come on Hitmonchan! Let's get back to more training!" Hitmonchan nodded as they continued on.
"Oh Daddy," Rebecca said sadly as she took one look at the group and left.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, and the six kids watched her take her leave.
"The P-1 Grand Prix. Just like the one Lee mentioned before," Sora said.
"Man, if only that Hitmonchan was a wild Pokémon, I would have had a chance," the boy with the goggles said.
"You heard what that guy said. You gotta have a plan to battle or you're gonna lose," the boy with the bandana said.
"Do you know what the P-1 Grand Prix is?" Kairi asked.
"You're asking us?" The boy with the bandana asked.
"We're just as clueless as you are," the identical boy said.
"So, who are you?" The boy with the big hat asked.
"We might as well introduce ourselves. I'm Sora Ketchum," Sora introduced himself. "And this is Pikachu."
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"I'm Kairi, and this is Angel," Kairi introduced.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel said.
"Good to meet you, guys," the boy with the goggles said. "My name's Takuya. Takuya Kanbara. And this is my Charmander, Aguni."
"Charmander," Aguni said.
"I'm Koji Minamoto," the boy with the bandana said.
"I'm Kouichi Kimurua," the boy identical to Koji said. "And in case you didn't figure it out, I'm his twin brother."
"I'm Tommy Himi," the boy with the big hat introduced himself.
"My name is Zoe Izumi," the girl with the cat eared hat introduced herself.
"And my name's JP Shibiyama," the chubby boy finished.
"Mime Jr," Mime Jr said.
"Munchlax," Munchlax said.
"Now that we have the introductions out of the way," Koji said. "Mind telling us what brought you guys here?"
"We were just passing by," Sora said. "We're on our way to Fushia City for my fifth Gym Badge."
"You won Gym Badges?" Tommy asked with his eyes sparkling with stars. "So cool!"
"We were just passing by, too," Zoe said.
"How about we head down to the Pokémon Center just so we can talk?" Sora suggested.
"I'm with him," Takuya said. "Aguni could use some treatment."
"Char," Aguni said.
With that said, the eight kids and four Pokémon made their way to the local Pokémon Center as they share some stories about how they all met. Takuya, Koji, Tommy, Zoe, JP, and Kouichi were surprised to hear Kairi being kidnapped by Pokémon hunters. But they were glad that she was okay. Pikachu and Angel had hit it off with Mime Jr. and Munchlax as well.
"That's quite a story," JP said.
"It sure was," Takuya agreed.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but how exactly you two brothers when you have different last names?" Kairi asked.
"Our parents divorced when we were babies," Koji said.
"Until we met, we had no idea we were twins," Kouchi said.
"That sums it up," Sora said. Sora then saw the girl from before.
"Isn't that the girl from before?" Kairi whispered to Sora.
"It is," Sora whispered back. "Wonder what she's doing here." Sora and Kairi went to Rebecca as she looks around. "Excuse me, miss." She turned to see Sora and Kairi walk up to her. "Rebecca right?"
"That's right," Rebecca said. "You're two of those kids from earlier."
"What are you doing here?" Sora askes the woman.
"I'm here looking for some Pokémon trainers," Rebecca said. "Anyone who would defeat my father's Hitmonchan."
Sora and Kairi just stared at her for a moment before looking at each other and then back at her.
"What?" Sora and Kairi questioned at once. The couple led Rebecca to the area the kids were occupying as they listened to the reason why they wanted them to beat her dad's Hitmonchan.
"My father has been spending a lot of time on Pokémon training than he had with his family," Rebecca said.
"It must be very hard on you and your mom," Kairi said sympathetically.
"It is," Rebecca said sadly. "He decided to compete into the P-1 Grand Prix, so he's been ignoring his family."
"Isn't that why you want us to beat his Hitmonchan?" Takuya asked.
"Yes," Rebecca nodded.
"So what's the P-1 Grand Prix, exactly?" Koji asked.
"It's short for 'The Pokémon Number One Grand Prix. It's a tournament to which a Trainer is to use one Pokémon each," Rebecca explained. "It caters especially for Fighting-type Pokémon. It's sponsored by the Sylph Co. every year."
"And if we defeat your dad's Hitmonchan, he will come to his senses and come home?" JP questioned.
"Right," Rebecca nodded.
"It's not right to ignore your family just to win a competition," Sora said as he sighed. Sora thought for a moment and decided to help her out. "Okay, Rebecca. I'll do it."
Everyone looked at Sora. Kairi just smiled as she knew he was going to help some random person out of kindness.
"That's so like you, Sora," Kairi said smiling. "Helping out someone in need." Sora blushes at her kind compliment.
"Well, my mom always said I have a heart of gold," Sora said.
"But you'll need a Fighting-type Pokémon to enter the tournament," Tommy said.
"You're right, Tommy. And I just happen to have a couple of them under my belt. A Machop and a Primeape," Sora said, taking out his Pokémon Box and he exchanged Poliwag and Dratini for Primeape and Machop. "Now, which one to use." He took out his smartphone and accessed his coin flip app. "Heads, Primeape. Tails, Machop." He flipped the coin on his smartphone and it came out heads. "Heads, Primeape wins."
"You sure you wanna use Primeape, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"Well, Primeape is a Fighting-type Pokémon, and the rules says I have to use just one. I can use Machop to battle another time," Sora said.
"Right, of course," Kairi said.
With that said, Sora registered for the P-1 Grand Prix and signed up his Primeape.
Over to the local colosseum, Team Rocket spots a poster with a Hitmonchan and a Hitmonlee right on it.
"Look at this! The Pokémon P-1 Grand Prix taking place right in this little town!" James said.
"And check out the grand prize! That championship belt!" Meowth said.
"I'd love to get my hands on that belt," Jessie said.
"And if we sold that belt, we can be able to stuff our faces at the all-you-can-eat buffet," James said.
"Yeah, unlimited food!" Meowth said, drooling. "Fried chicken, pepperoni pizza, lamb chops, honey-cooked ham!"
"Salisbury steak, chocolate cake, and ice cream! Mmm!" James said as Jessie bashed them both on the heads.
"Can't you two think of anything other than food?!" Jessie yelled.
"Okay, Jessie, what would you do with the money?" Meowth asked.
"Oh, come on, Meowth, like you had to ask. She'd blow it on getting her hair and makeup down. And then go on a shopping spree to pick up some designer dresses," James said.
"Oh, you know me so well. And on top of all that, a private dinner with some closest friends," Jessie said.
"And which friends are those?" Meowth asked under his breath.
"There are two problems with that plan of ours," James pointed out. "One, we don't have any friends. Two, we need a Fighting-type Pokémon to enter, and we don't even have one!"
"Well, I have a solution for one of our problems. And that is to borrow one for ourselves," Jessie said.
"And where are we going to find one?" Meowth said.
"We can just wait for one to come our way," Jessie said. She spots a large man in a trenchcoat, smoking a cigar, walking with a Hitmonlee right beside him.
"That's a Hitmonlee, the Kicking Pokémon," James said.
"See? I told you I'd find us one and I have," Jessie said.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The Sylph Co. is proud to present the Pokémon Number One Grand Prix Competition!" The announcer said through the microphone as the crowd roared. Kairi held Pikachu and Angel on her lap along with Rebecca, Kouichi, Tommy, Zoe, JP, Munchlax, and Mime Jr.
Meanwhile in the men's bathroom, Team Rocket has taken the large man's trenchcoat and Pokéball containing Hitmonlee. They tied him up. James is carrying Jessie on his shoulders.
"We have our Fighting-type," Jessie said, holding the Pokéball. "Thanks for your co-operation, and please remain seated." The large man muffled for help. "Okay, James, forward."
Underneath the trenchcoat, James is sweating.
"Forward. Got it," James said.
Back on the ring...
"The contestants of the P-1 Grand Prix is about to enter the ring!" Rebecca's father and his Hitmonchan were the first to enter. "Introducing the number one contender, the punching machine, Hitmonchan and its trainer, Anthony!" Giant and his Hitmonlee were second to enter the ring. "Entering the ring is the kicking fiend Hitmonlee and its trainer, Giant!" Hitmonlee waves as "Giant" tips his hat to the roaring crowd. She almost loses balance.
"James, hold still! You're making me dizzy!" Jessie hissed.
"Jessie, I'm tired and I'm sweating down here! Let's trade places," James said.
"James, two reasons why you're carrying me. One, I can't carry you like you can carry me. Two, you're taller than I am," Jessie said.
"I'm gonna break my back, holding you up," James said.
"Shut up and stop complaining, and be a man!" Jessie said.
"And now, making his P-1 Grand Prix debut, please give a warm welcome to Sora!" The announcer announced.
"The twerp again!" Jessie exclaimed in her thoughts. Sora turned, making Jessie turn her head.
"For a moment there, I thought I felt a sudden chill," Sora said.
The first battle was about to get started when Sora was pinned against a preteen boy with a Machop. Takuya was standing with Sora as Primeape was in the ring.
"And now, for our first match! Sora and his Primeape vs Willy and his Machop! Machop is really rearing to go! And the same can be said for Sora and Primeape," the announcer said. "Let the match begin!" The ring goes off as the battle starts.
"Machop! Move in with Karate Chop!" Willy calls out as Machop charges at Primeape and chops Primeape good. One last chop sends Primeape to his corner.
"Get up, Primeape!" Sora said.
"Take that scrawny Machop down!" Takuya added.
"And it looks like that Machop has the advantage from the word go! Machop may be small it packs plenty of power!" The announcer said.
"Use Dual Chop!" Sora called out as Primeape charges at Machop. But the small Pokémon stops the attack with the palm of its hands. Sora and Takuya gasped at the sight. The same can be said for Koji as they were watching. Kairi and the rest were starting to get worried.
"This looks bad!" Kairi said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"Seismic Toss!" Willy called out to Machop. Machop grabs Primeape by the torso as it jumps in the air and rolls in the air.
"And it looks like Machop stops Primeape's chop, cold! And now Machop now has Primeape is a pretty good hold as it is a out to deliver a devastating Seismic Toss!" The announcer said.
Machop tosses Primeape down on the ring as he rolls back to the corner.
"Primeape!" Sora shouted out. Primeape slowly gets up and looks at Sora. "Are you okay?" Primeape nodded as he snorted. "That's good! I have confidence in you, Primeape! Get in there and give it everything you've got!"
"Yeah! Kick some ass!" Takuya pitched in. Primeape was definitely motivated leered at Machop as he went back tonthe battle.
"Okay Primeape! Stomping Tantrum!" Sora called out as Primeape stomped on the ring making it shake as Machop tried to keep it's balance. "Dual Chop again! And make it count!" Primeape gave a series of chops on Machop.
"Did you see that ladies and gentlemen?! One moment, Machop had the upperhand on Primeape, and how its making a stomping comeback!" The announcer said. "That Stomping Tantrum had Machop shaking and followed by Dual Chop! I tell you ladies and gentlemen, that I can feel the shakes from here! I wonder what other surprises this young underdog has in store next!" The announcer was about to get his answer as Sora smiled.
"Power-Up Punch!" Sora called out as Primeape let out a powerful punch attack on Machop, knocking the superpower Pokémon out.
"My Machop!" Willy exclaimed. "I lost to this little kid?!"
"And this match is over! Machop is down and out! Sora's Primeape wins the battle!" The announcer announced. Sora and Takuya high fived at Sora's victory.
"Way to go, Sora! You won!" Takuya shouted.
"He's even better than I thought," Koji said. "And I thought that he didn't stand a chance."
"It's just getting started," Takuya said.
"Way to go, Sora and Primeape!" Kairi cheered.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel added.
"That Primeape is tough," Anthony said.
"Monchan," Hitmonchan said.
The second match was about to begin as Lee and Tyrogue entered the ring.
"And now, it's time for the second match. We have Hitmonlee, against its pre-evolved form, Tyrogue!" The announcer announced.
"Tyrogue is at a disadvantage. Tyrogue is up against one of his evolved forms," Kairi said.
Sora looked at Hitmonlee and scanned him with his Pokédex.
Hitmonlee, the Kicking Pokémon
An evolved form of Tyrogue
Type: Fighting
Its legs can stretch to double their length. First-time foes are startled by Hitmonlee's extensible reach.
The bell rings as the match begins.
"Tyrogue! Mach Punch, let's go!" Lee ordered. Tyrogue came at Hitmonlee and lands a punch. "Use High Jump Kick!" Tyrogue jumped and heads on down at Hitmonlee.
"Block that little runt with your Double Kick!" Jessie ordered. Hitmonlee gave Tyrogue a couple of kicks, dealing some heavy damage. Tyrogue is sent right into a corner.
"Tyrogue, stay tough!" Lee called out. Anthony came over to Lee with a towel.
"Listen, kid. There are times when you have to know when you're beat," Anthony said. Lee looked right at him. "So, lose today, win tomorrow." Lee saw how right he was and he threw the towel in the ring. The bell rings, indicating that the match is over.
"And Hitmonlee is the winner!" The announcer announced. Lee entered the ring and picked Tyrogue up in his arms.
"Sorry, Tyrogue. I was too focused on winning, I should have known you weren't ready for the big leagues yet. No, we weren't ready yet," Lee said.
"Rogue," Tyrogue said.
As the tournament went on, Sora, Team Rocket, and Anthony fought on. All three of them were at the semifinals and Sora had won over a Machamp. Sora was definitely in the finals. Kairi cheered for Sora for his victory. The semifinal round was between Team Rocket and Anthony.
"Sora and his Primeape will advance to the final match, while the Fighting Spirit Gym's own Hitmonchan, the number one contender in this tournament takes on Hitmonlee and Giant for a chance at the championship!" The announcer said.
"This is gonna be tough. If we fight fair, we'll lose," Jessie said. James stuck his head out.
"Not with the plan Meowth and I cooked up. And speaking of cooking, I'm baking like a meatloaf under here," James said. Jessie conked him on the head.
"Get back in!" Jessie said.
The battle goes on as Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee duke it out with a series of punches and kicks.
Under the ring, Meowth pulls out some glue.
"Now to stick it to that Hitmonchan," Meowth said, poking the glue out. He squirts it out. Hitmonchan stepped on it and got stuck.
"Double Kick!" Jessie ordered. Hitmonlee gave Hitmonchan some kicks in the face.
"Anthony, get Hitmonlee out of there!" Sora said. Anthony growled.
"Finish it off with one more kick!" Jessie said. Hitmonlee was about to give Hitmonchan a finishing kick when Rebecca got up and ran down towards the ring.
"Rebecca, wait!" Kairi called out.
"Stop it! Don't hurt my father's Pokémon!" Rebecca stepped in front of Hitmonchan. Sora, Takuya, Koji, and Anthony all gasped at the sight.
"Rebecca!" Anthony called out as he took the kick for his daughter.
"Daddy, are you okay?" Rebecca asked.
"I'm fine," Anthony said, standing up. He took the towel and threw it. The bell rings, indicating that the match is over.
"Anthony has thrown in the towel! Hitmonlee has won the right to enter the final round!" The announcer announced.
"Ya okay, Hitmonchan?" Anthony asked. Hitmonchan replied sadly. "All that matters is that you and Rebecca are safe." He turned to his daughter and smiled. "I'm sorry that I worried you and your mother so much. I wouldn't be able to face her if something bad happened to ya because of my pig-headed pride."
"Oh Daddy!" Rebecca hugged her father.
"That's my girl." Anthony hugged her back.
Sora smiled at the sight of the father and daughter rekindling their relationship. Sora felt envious of Rebecca since her father was still alive; Sora had wished he knew his. Kairi, Kouichi, Tommy, Zoe, JP, Munchlax, and Mime Jr walked up.
"I knew you would put a stop to this, Sora," Kairi said.
"It was the fact Anthony saw his daughter about to be kicked that set him off," Sora said. "Now, all that's left is to finish off the tournament."
"With us as the winners!" Jessie said, making Sora flinch.
"Am I having a nightmare or am I hearing things?" Sora asked. They all turned to see Team Rocket.
"Oh, it is a nightmare for you, when we put you in your little place," Jessie said. James stuck his head out.
"How about we skip the motto for once and cut right to the chase," James said, finally going down.
"Team Rocket, I knew I smelled the stink of morons in the air," Sora said.
"You know those guys?" JP asked.
"Unfortunately, yes," Kairi said.
"We are going to show you goody-good brats what losers you are," Jessie said.
"You can bet your buffet on that," James said.
The final round begins as Primeape and Hitmonlee have their battle.
"Use Dual Chop!" Sora ordered. Primeape moved in to give Hitmonlee some chops.
"Kick, kick, kick, kick!" Jessie called out. Hitmonlee started to give the Pig Monkey Pokémon a series of kicks. Primeape braces himself.
"If this keeps up, Primeape will lose!" Zoe said.
"Primeape, you gotta move in and show Hitmonlee, you're not afraid!" Sora said. Primeape ducks under one of Hitmonlee's kicks and gave him a punch in the face. "Great! Use Punch!" Primeape gave Hitmonlee a punch in the face. "Use Stomping Tantrum!" Primeape stomped on the ground, making the ring shake. Meowth was trying to place a timer bomb on it, but he's having a hard time, due to the shaking.
"Ooh, I can't focus with that Primeape stomping arou-" Meowth was cut off as the bomb fell and broke. "Good thing it wasn't armed, because we all would have gone flying right now."
"Grab Hitmonlee and use Seismic Toss!" Sora ordered. Primeape grabbed Hitmonlee and gave the Kicking Pokémon a devastating throw, landing on the ground hard.
"And this match is over! It's prime time for Primeape!" The announcer announced as Sora and Primeape raised their hands in triumph.
"I knew you could do it, Primeape!" Sora said proudly.
"Let's get out of here while the getting's good," Meowth said.
Team Rocket were about to sneak off when the real Giant and a security guard stepped out.
"There they are! Those are the jack-asses who jumped me and stole my clothes and Pokémon!" Giant exclaimed.
Team Rocket takes off running as the security guard gave chase.
"Come back here, you two!" The security guard shouted.
"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" Team Rocket shouted as they ran and ran.
Outside of the stadium, Anthony and his daughter stood outside.
"Thanks, kids. You made me remember what was really important than winning; being with your loved ones," Anthony said.
"We're just glad you get it now," Koji said.
"So, now what?" Sora asked. "What will you do now?"
"I'm going to start making things right with my wife and my daughter," Anthony said.
"Daddy," Rebecca said.
"Just don't make a habit of skipping out on them, okay?" Zoe asked.
"Don't worry about a thing, because I have learned my lesson," Anthony said.
"You can get to Fushia City if you go through this path," Rebecca said.
"Thanks a lot," Kairi said.
"Just take care of your family," Sora said.
"I'll do that. Just train your Pokémon hard and make them champions. And that goes for that Primeape of yours," Anthony said.
"I will," Sora said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel said their goodbyes and started to head for Fushia City for Sora's fifth Gym battle. Who knows what adventures awaits them next? Just wait and see.