Episode 71: Pokémon League Final Preparations
Time passes as the Pokémon League tournament was slowly making its way in just two weeks. Sora had to make his final preparations since he's been training hard ever since he got home, not counting the fights with the Heartless and the masked figure in Hollow Bastion, and the hooded man who brought them there again.
There were no signs of the Heartless or of Team Rocket, but Sora didn't seem to mind since he could use a break from them. But he knew had to keep his Keyblade handy just in case.
On this particular morning, Kairi is helping her mother in the kitchen when Mirei suddenly felt something.
"Ooh!" Mirei yelped. This catches Kairi's attention.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Kairi asked with concern.
"Kairi, my water broke. The baby is coming," Mirei said.
"What?! I gotta get dad right now!" Kairi races out of the kitchen to inform her father. "Dad! Dad!" Yuta is currently cleaning the bathroom, so Kairi busts in. "Dad!"
"Kairi, what's the matter?" Yuta asked.
"Mom's water broke! She's having the baby!" Kairi exclaimed.
"What?! I'm glad you told me!" Yuta said, running out of the bathroom.
Outside, Karen stepped out, spotting Kairi and her parents stepping out.
"Kairi, what's going on?!" Karen asked.
"My mom's having the baby!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel exclaimed.
"I'll let Sora know!" Karen said. Karen ran inside the house and right in her brother's room; Sora and Pikachu are playing cards when Karen opened the door. "Sora! Kairi's mom is having the baby!"
"Now?!" Sora exclaimed.
"Pika?!" Pikachu also exclaimed.
"Yes! Kairi and her parents are heading to the hospital right now!" Karen said. Sora and Pikachu both looked at each other.
"Pikachu, come on!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded.
Sora and Pikachu raced out of the house and slammed the door. Delia groaned.
"Sora, don't slam the door!" Delia called out.
Over to Team Rocket, they had to pay the dues they owed. It wasn't close to much. They sat before a Team Rocket grunt assigned to collect the payment.
"Is this all you got?" The Team Rocket grunt asked.
"Yes," Jessie, James, and Meowth said flatly.
"This is pathetic. You better have more money to pay the next time!" The Team Rocket grunt said, taking off.
"This we don't need," Jessie said.
"It could have been worse," James said.
"Please don't say that, because it can get worse when you say it," Jessie said.
"She's right. The Heartless could shown up and attack us," Meowth said.
"That's what I mean," Jessie said.
"Well, we haven't seen any Heartless since we got back from that weird place. And when that twerp turned into a Heartless," James said. Jessie and Meowth looked at him.
"Why bring that up?" Meowth asked.
"Sorry, it's still fresh in my mind. I mean, it was something I didn't expect to see," James said.
"Ugh, please don't remind me. Thinking about Heartless is not good for my complexion," Jessie said.
"It's no picnic for me neither," Meowth said.
"But at least he changed back. I think I liked him better as human," James said.
"I'll admit, I'm glad he didn't stay that way, but still, the way he risked his life for her like that. That shows how much he loves her. I used to think they didn't have a Snorunt's chance in hell, but this is one of those rare occasions that I'm happy to be wrong," Jessie said. "Just don't tell anyone I said that."
"Don't worry," Meowth said.
"Nobody is gonna believe us even if we did," James said.
Meanwhile in Domino City, a corridor of darkness opened up and a hooded figure stepped out. Yugi is standing and waiting for him.
"What did you find out?" Yugi asked. The hooded figure removed his hood and revealed his face. He resembles Yugi greatly, but he appeared to be more mature and being taller in stature. His eyes are also narrower with a more intense, determined gaze. He also appears more muscular.
"It happened. The Organization has a new member," the taller Yugi said with Yugi's voice but deeper. "Not only that, but the Organization's leader made contact with your friend Sora." Yugi was surprised just suddenly.
"Sora? Why would he go after him?" Yugi asked.
"I don't know, but what I do know is the Keyblade has chosen him for a reason," the taller Yugi said.
"It can't be," Yugi said.
"There's more," the taller Yugi said. He hesitated for a moment before he said it. "Sora has turned into a Heartless, saving Kairi." Yugi was shocked to hear it.
"Sora, no," Yugi said.
"Don't worry, Yugi. Sora has regained his human form, but he hasn't lost his memories of who he was before," the taller Yugi said.
"I thought after they turn into Heartless, they lose all their memories as humans," Yugi pointed out.
"Normally, yes, but Sora's case is an unexpected exception," the taller Yugi said.
"Sora. I never thought he would be full of surprises," Yugi said.
"There's more," the taller Yugi said. Yugi looked at him. "The newest member of the Organization is-"
Meanwhile, the hooded girl arrived in the beach of Porta Vista, and she looked at the ocean and she was mesmerized by the sea.
"Wow, it's beautiful," the girl said. Just then, she looked at the seashells in the sand. She took one in her hands and she removed her hood. It's revealed she has a strong resemblance to Kairi, but her hair is black. She held the seashell by her ear and she heard the sound of the ocean inside the shell. "It sounds like the ocean." She started to collect the seashells and took off when she has enough of them.
Over to the hospital, Sora and Pikachu have arrived to the hospital.
"Kairi, I came as soon as I heard!" Sora said, going up to his girlfriend.
"I'm glad you came, Sora. I could use some support," Kairi said, happy that Sora has come.
"I wanted to come," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
They nuzzle each other lovingly. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, and Togepi waited for several hours for the baby to be born. Sora and Kairi fell asleep at one point when Yuta approached the couple.
"Kairi," Yuta said, gently waking her up. "The baby has come."
"The baby is he?" Kairi asked.
"Go and see," Yuta said. He leads Kairi to her mother. She smiled to see her mother holding her newborn son in her arms, wrapped in a blue blanket. Mirei turned to Kairi, stepping in.
"Kairi, come meet your new baby brother Seth," Mirei said. Kairi walked over to the bed and she sees her newborn baby brother. "Seth, this is Kairi."
"Hi, Seth. It's nice to meet you," Kairi said. Mirei hands Seth over to her. He opened his eyes and looked at her. Kairi smiled lovingly at her new brother.
Outside, Sora had woken up, so he and his Pokémon are standing outside, smiling. Sora was happy for Kairi and her family.
A few days later, Sora went back to training for the Pokémon League, so Mirei and Seth were allowed to leave the hospital. Both mother and baby were greeted by Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, Delia, Yuta, Karen, Riku, Naminé, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Eevee, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair.
"Welcome home!" Everyone greeted.
"Is my mother here?" Mirei asked.
"She's right inside," Yuta said.
They stepped in to be greeted by a small, elderly woman with thick, grey hair tied into a bun. She is seen smiling pleasantly with her eyes closed; she open them and we see has blue eyes like Kairi. She wore a sleeveless, purple dress with a white apron that has laces at the bottom, over it. She also wore a dark cloth tied around her neck, and a white ring on her left ring finger.
"Hello, Mirei," Kairi's grandmother greeted.
"Hi, mom. Meet your new grandson. Seth, this is your grandma," Mirei said, holding him in her arms.
"Hello there," Kairi's grandmother greeted. Mirei handed him to her mother and she cooed.
Kairi had already introduced her boyfriend to her grandmother, so she has taken an immediate liking to him.
A whole week later, Sora is getting prepped for the upcoming the Pokémon League. Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres helped out with the training. Moltres provides the flames, Articuno provides the cold, and Zapdos provides the electricity.
"Good work, everyone! You're all doing great!" Sora said. "We don't need any distractions, counting the Heartless and Team Rocket." He looked at all of his Water-type Pokémon. "Okay, practice swimming! Lapras! Take the lead!" Laras does exactly that. Psyduck is the last one to swim. Psyduck jumps right in last and starts swimming. Sora was amazed and proud of Psyduck for swimming at last. "Way to go, Psyduck! You're swimming at last!" Psyduck then realized he was in the water and started splashing around.
"Psy-y-y-y-y-y-y!" Psyduck splashes around.
"Or not," Sora said. "Lapras, you think you can help out." Lapras takes Psyduck by the tail and placed him on her back. She swam back to Sora she placed him down next to Sora. "Thanks, Lapras." He looked at the Duck Pokémon. "I don't get how you can't swim. I mean Psyduck are natural-born swimmers."
"Duck," Psyduck said.
"But I'm not going to give up on you, Psyduck," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
Kairi, Angel, and Togepi watched closely to their training. A few moments later, Sora decided to have a practice battle by pinning his Pokémon against one another. He decided to use Pikachu against Marowak in the first round.
"Okay, Pikachu, Marowak, you two are first. We're gonna pretend that it's an actual battle. Pikachu, Marowak, start! Pikachu! Iron Tail! Marowak! Bone Club to block!" Sora ordered. Marowak successfully blocked Pikachu's Iron Tail. Marowak pushes the Mouse Pokémon, and he pushes Marowak back. They separated and stared at each other. "Good work! Marowak! Use Bonemerang, and Pikachu, you try to dodge it!" Marowak threw his bone, so Pikachu jumped out of the way before it could land a hit. "Marowak! Bone Rush!" Marowak came at Pikachu with Bone Rush. "Pikachu! Duck!" Pikachu tried to duck, but Marowak came too fast for Pikachu. "You okay, Pikachu?"
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"Great! Okay, Pikachu! Quick Attack! Marowak! Use Skull Bash!" Pikachu and Marowak ran at each other and they clashed at each other. They backed up from each other. "Good work, you too." Pikachu and Marowak shook hands. "Okay, Nidoking and Rhyperior! Step in!" Nidoking and Rhyperior stepped in for their sparring. "Okay, Nidoking! Use Drill Run! Rhyperior! Dodge and use High Horsepower!" Nidoking and Rhyperior ran towards each other and clashed at each other. They skid backwards. "Horn Attack!" Rhyperior and Nidoking came at each other again with their horns and held on. They kept on pushing and pushing. "Okay, stop!" And they did. "That was great, guys." He looked at Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee. "Okay, Hitmonchan versus Hitmonlee! Hitmonchan! Use Fire Punch! Hitmonlee! Blaze Kick!" Hitmonchan came at Hitmonlee with Fire Punch while Hitmonlee came at Hitmonlee came at Hitmonchan with Blaze Kick. "Hitmonchan! Use Mach Punch! Hitmonlee! Use Rolling Kick!" Hitmonlee came at Hitmonchan with Rolling Kick while Hitmonchan came at Hitmonlee with Mach Punch. They collided at each other. They backed up.
Leaf was watching Sora sparring. She smiled proudly, seeing how close Sora is with his Pokémon. She walked down to Sora to challenge him to a battle.
"Sora, you got a minute?" Leaf asked. Sora turned to Leaf and he smiled.
"Hey, Leaf. What can I do for you?" Sora asked.
"I was wondering if I could battle you for a bit. Make it two-on-two," Leaf said.
"Sure thing," Sora said. Sora and Leaf stood in opposite sides. Leaf has chosen a Dodrio as her first while Sora has chosen Electrode as his first. Her Dodrio has brown necks.
"Dodrio! Use Drill Peck!" Leaf ordered. Dodrio came at the Ball Pokémon with Drill Peck.
"Dodge and use Charge!" Sora ordered. Electrode dodges Dodrio's Drill Peck and starts to build up electricity in its body. "Use Thunderbolt!" Electrode unleashed Thunderbolt at the Triple Bird Pokémon.
"Double Team!" Leaf ordered. Dodrio makss several copies of itself.
"Use Rollout!" Sora ordered. Electrode rolls right at Dodrio, but hits one of the copies instead. Electrode kept coming at Dodrio. Another copy is hit.
"Use Hyper Beam!" Leaf ordered. Dodrio fired Hyper Beam, struck Electrode hard. Electrode rolls backwards, beaten by Dodrio's Hyper Beam.
"You alright, Electrode?" Sora asked.
"Trode," Electrode responded.
"You take a rest, Electrode," Sora said. Electrode rolls back to Sora. Sora turned to Pikachu. "Your turn, Pikachu." Pikachu stepped in the battle against Leaf. "Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu fired Thunderbolt at Dodrio. The Triple Bird Pokémon, earning a shock.
"Use Tri-Attack!" Leaf ordered. Dodrio forms red, blue, and yellow balls of energy. Dodrio fired it at the Mouse Pokémon, but he dodges.
"Thunderbolt again!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed another Thunderbolt, hitting Dodrio again. The Triple Bird Pokémon was down. Dodrio stood up and returned to Leaf's side. She turned to her Venusaur.
"You're up, Venusaur," Leaf said. Venusaur steps right in.
"Pikachu! Use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu ran towards Venusaur.
"Use Vine Whip!" Leaf ordered. Venusaur sends out a vine to Pikachu. Pikachu dodges Venusaur's Vine Whip and lands a hit onto the Seed Pokémon. "Use Iron Tail!" Pikachu swings his tail at Venusaur, hitting her in the face. "Electro Ball!" Pikachu forms a ball of electricity at Venusaur.
"Energy Ball!" Leaf ordered. Venusaur fired Energy Ball at Pikachu's Electro Ball, resulting in an explosion. Both Pokémon have taken some heavy damage from the explosion.
"Use Leaf Storm!" Leaf ordered. Venusaur unleashed Leaf Storm right at the Mouse Pokémon.
"Dodge!" Sora called out. Pikachu is caught in the storm of leaves and he is sent backwards. He tried to get back up, but he fell back down, beaten.
"Way to go, Venusaur!" Leaf said. Venusaur nuzzles her Trainer with affection. "You'll do great in the Pokémon League, Sora."
"Thanks. So will you," Sora said.
With that said, they shook hands to a great practice battle between the two of them.
A week has passed, so Sora has made his preparations. Sora has gotten Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Psyduck, Pidgeot, Arcanine, Tentacruel, Dragonite, Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno with him. Professor Oak stood before Sora.
"You've trained long and hard for the Pokémon League, Sora," Professor Oak said. "You have come a long way since you began your journey. You worked hard to get to where you are today."
"I know I have, professor," Sora said.
"Well then, you should get a move on. Gary had just left and I suggest you do the same," Professor Oak said.
"Right then. Don't wanna be late," Sora said. Sora and his friends got ready to head out to the Indigo Plateau for the Pokémon League tournament. "I'm all set." Sora stepped outside his house with Kairi, Karen, Terra, Ventus, Aqua, Angel, Togepi, Blossom, Thor, Sparky, and Eclair waiting for him. Riku, Naminé, and Eevee decided to stick around Pallet Town a bit longer. "You sure you guys aren't coming?"
"Sorry, Sora. It's been a while since I saw my mom, so I'll be spending a little time with her," Riku said.
"But we will join up with you before the start of the opening ceremony," Naminé said.
"So, you better get moving before you're late," Riku said.
"We will," Sora said.
Delia, Yuta, Mirei, Seth, and Kairi's grandmother came out to see them off.
"We'll be watching you on TV, so give it everything you've got," Yuta said.
"I will," Sora said.
"And have fun," Delia said.
"Okay," Sora said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Before you go, Sora. I just want to say to you is do your best. I'm sure your hard work and sacrifice will pay off," Professor Oak said.
"I will. Come on, guys. Let's go!" Sora said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
The group said their goodbyes to their families and friends and set off for the Indigo Plateau opening ceremonies. It took them a couple of hours and they finally made it to the Indigo Plateau. They made it just in time for the opening ceremony. They were approached by an elderly man with a huge white beard wearing a baseball cap backward and a blue and purple stripe at the center. He also wore light brown shorts, white long socks, and brown shoes.
"Well. You came just in time," the old man said.
"That's a good thing," Sora said. The elderly man looked at him quite curiously, and he could see something special about Sora.
"What would your name be?" The elderly man asked.
"I'm Sora Ketchum," Sora introduced himself.
"My name is Charlie Goodshow. I'm the president of the League Competition Committee. And I take it that you'll be competing in the Pokémon League?" Charlie Goodshow asked.
"Yes, sir," Sora said.
"And your hometown would be?" President Goodshow asked.
"I came from Pallet Town," Sora said.
He looks at the Pikachu on his shoulder.
"I can see that you care deeply for your Pokémon," Sora said.
"I do," Sora said smiling.
"That's good. Pokémon and their Trainers can only get stronger when they work together. And seeing you and your Pikachu is living proof of that," President Goodshow said. "Also, I'm looking for some trainers who would carry the flame of Moltres to begin the competition."
Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, and Aqua, looked among themselves for a moment and thought about it. Sora gave his answer.
"It'll be an honor, sir," Sora said smiling.
It didn't take long before Sora had been approved to carry the flame of Moltres. Sora got changed into a jogger's uniform to carry on the torch. Sora had chosen Arcanine for the opening ceremony. Riku, Naminé, and Eevee were on their way to the Indigo Plateau when they came across Team Rocket hearing their plan.
"Just imagine what money we can make with that," Jessie said.
"We can be even richer than the boss! We can even buy Team Rocket and make Cassidy and Butch our personal servants!" James said.
"And kick that snobby Persian out on the curve!" Meowth said. "And make our debts go away!"
"We're in the money! We're in the money!" Team Rocket sang.
"No, you are not," Riku said, making an entrance. "You're in anything but the money." Riku took out a Pokéball. He tosses it up to let out Gyarados! Teach them a lesson." The Atrocious Pokémon obeyed.
"You're not going to get in the way!" Jessie said, taking out a Pokéball. "Arbok! Go!"
"Get in there, Victreebel!" James said. Both Pokéballs open to let out Arbok and Victreebel. The flycatcher Pokémon chomps onto James's head once again. "How many times must I tell you not to do that with me!"
"Gyarados! Use Aqua Tail!" Riku ordered. Gyarados swings its tail at Arbok and Victreebel. Both Pokémon and their Trainers are sent flying backward. "Gyarados! Hyper Beam!" Gyarados fires Hyper Beam right at Team Rocket, sending them flying in the air.
"IT LOOKS LIKE TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Rocket shouted.
"That should take care of them for a while," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee agreed.
"But for how long?" Naminé asked.
"Who knows?" Riku asked.
Pikachu was with Kairi for the opening ceremony while Sora was passed the flame into his torch and ran with Arcanine. Sora hands President Goodshow the torch.
"President Goodshow. It pleases me to present you the flame of Moltres," Sora said.
"Thank you," President Goodshow said. "I trust that you will all be present for the opening ceremony tomorrow."
"Yes sir," Sora and his friends said.
Riku, Naminé, and Eevee made it to the Indigo Plateau for the opening ceremony and met up with Sora and the rest. They walked down the streets to get to the place they were staying when Gary spotted them while drinking his tea with his cheerleaders.
"Well, looks who's here," Gary said.
"Gary, can't we for once have a friendly talk and not have you insult me?" Sora asked.
"Insult you? You mean how much of a loser you are for coming here?" Gary taunted.
"That's what I mean, Gary," Sora said. "I mean come on. I just can't stand it anymore."
"Can't stand what? How you're a pathetic fourth-rate loser of a Trainer?" Gary taunted. Sora groaned in annoyance.
"Gary, for once in your life, why don't you shut the hell up before I shove my foot up to where the sun doesn't shine, you spoiled, snobby brat!" Sora barked at his rival. Gary was shocked when Sora said that to his face.
"What did you just call me?" Gary asked, feeling angered by Sora's shot at him.
"You heard me," Sora said.
"I dare you to say that again," Gary said, getting in Sora's face.
"Okay, you're a spoiled, snobby brat! That is what you are! Someone who would go around flaunting about how you're the grandson of a Pokémon researcher like a little kid with a fancy new bike on the schoolyard! I never knew my own dad, but your grandpa treated me like his own grandson! He was even there for my mom when my dad died! He loved my mom like she was his own daughter ever since she was a kid! And he was your grandpa and you just took that for granted!" Sora stated.
"I did not take it for granted!" Gary yelled.
"Yeah, you did! You've been rubbing my nose into it from day one! You go around and talk about how you're better than everybody else and those bimbo cheerleaders just follow you around and cheer you on for every little thing!" Sora said. "They just cheered you on just for every little thing you do! Just to boost your big fatass ego!" The cheerleaders were offended when he called them bimbos.
"Well excuse me! Well, I don't know why you didn't just give up! The other two did!" Gary yelled.
"Because I am not a quitter," Sora argued.
"Not a quitter," Gary scoffed.
"And I can tell you something else I'm not! I'm not what I said before! A spoiled snobby brat! That's what I'm not! I busted my butt going all over the Kanto region, earning my Gym Badges, and catching Pokémon, leading up to this day! I actually worked hard to get to where I am today! Or do you think hard work is something only a loser would use? If it is, then you just made me feel sorry for you!" Gary grits his teeth. "So now if you excuse me, we'll be heading to use our condo." Sora turned around and the group started walking.
"Way to put him in his place," Riku said.
"You get the hell back here! I'm not done with you!" Gary called out to him.
"But I'm done with you!" Sora said, not looking at him.
"I said get your loser ass back here!" Gary yelled. Sora just ignored him. Gary had enough of this and rushed over and gave Sora a shove on the ground.
"Sora!" Kairi gasped. They looked at Gary who is really pissed off.
"What the hell is your problem?!" Riku yelled, helping Sora up.
"Nobody talks to me like that and walks! Nobody!" Gary yelled.
"That's enough!" A familiar voice said. They turned to see Leaf coming to the group. "I saw what you just did! That was immature, even for you! I have a good mind to tell your grandpa and your sister about your behavior!" Leaf has seen it as well.
"She's right, Gary," Ash said. "And so is Sora. All he said was what everyone was thinking! You took your own grandfather for granted just because he's Kanto's leading authority on Pokémon research! You act like you know everything when you sure as hell you don't! And I actually applaud Sora for saying it first!"
"Why do you care so much about him?!" Gary asked.
"Because he's my friend! And I'm glad to say it, too! And so were you back in the day!" Ash said. They took off, leaving Gary standing there.
The group made it to their quarters for the duration of the tournament and they made themselves at home.
"This place is nice," Karen said.
"Pika," Blossom agrees.
"How about we have ourselves some pizzas since we're going to have a blast here!" Ventaus said.
"I'll order. It's going to be on me," Karen said.
As Karen ordered the pizzas for their dinner, everyone made themselves at home when they turned on the TV. They watched some movies while eating the pizzas.
Sora stepped outside while everyone was having a bit of fun. He took the Rainbow Wing out and looked at it. He looked up to the night sky. President Goodshow steps outside and sees Sora outside. Kairi joins her boyfriend outside.
"You okay?" Kairi asked.
"Just thinking," Sora said.
"About what?" Kairi asked.
"Just about everything. Everything we've been through since the beginning. It's kinda funny, it feels like it was yesterday since we met," Sora said.
"I guess," Kairi agreed. "But, at least we've been through it together."
"Yeah, you're right," Sora agreed. He looked at Kairi and blushed at the moonlight shining on her. "You look really good in the moonlight."
"Sora," Kairi said blushing.
"I'm saying it because I mean it," Sora said.
"Well, it means a lot since it came from you," Kairi said.
"And I'm glad that you came along with me and Pikachu. Despite Riku, Naminé, Terra, Ven, Aqua, and Karen being with us," Sora said.
"I'm glad that I was coming along with you too," Kairi said. "You'd be lost without me."
"Yeah. And that's why I'm happy to have you," Sora said. "And why I love you."
"I love you too, Sora," Kairi said. The couple kiss each other on the lips. President Goodshow smiles at the sight.
"So sweet. Young love," President Goodshow said in his thoughts. He went back inside to get some sleep. "Only to be young again."
On the very next morning, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Eevee, Angel, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Karen, Terra, Ventus, and Aqua, sat alongside President Goodshow and took part in the festivities.
"And the opening ceremony Indigo Plateau Pokémon League is officially under way! This is where tough Pokémon trainers and their Pokémon come to prove their skills, their strength, and their spirit! These hopeful competitors will battle hard to thrive for excellence and victory! The victory being made in on the ranks of the Pokémon Master! And here they come!" The announcer announced. All the competitors come marching onto the battlefield. Sora with Pikachu on his shoulder and Kairi saw Sora smile thinking about the talk they had. Gary was among them. They could tell that Gary was still thinking about what Kairi said. Ash was right next to Gary and he just scoffed at him. "They all proudly enter the stadium! Each having to prove their worthiness by acquiring all eight Gym Badges!"
"Sora is in a chipper mood today," Karen pointed out. "And I wonder why?" She starts looking at Kairi with a grin.
Kairi blushed when all her friends were looking at her.
"I would know maybe," Kairi said blushing.
They all stand as they await for the flame of Moltres to the central torch to begin the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League. A girl wearing a joggers uniform comes running in with the torch.
"And now the Trainer carrying the flame of Moltres has entered the ring to light the central torch which will burn throughout the duration of the Pokémon League competition!" The announcer announced.
"This is exciting!" Ventus said.
"It sure is," Aqua agreed.
"I just can't wait until it starts! Can you Riku?" Naminé asked. She hears no response. "Riku?" Naminé noticed that Riku is no longer seated next to her; and neither is Eevee. "Where did he go?"
"Hey, look!" Karen said, pointing to two mysterious figures at the central torch. And they saw Riku right at the scene. He had Gyarados out of its Pokéball. "Are they supposed to be there?"
"No. They are not," President Goodshow said.
"This is a surprise. It looks like two robed figures representing the League have come to accept the flame," The announcer announced.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Riku said. "Gyarados Hyper Beam!" Gyarados attacked the two robed figures and their disguises burned off to reveal Jessie and James.
"Ow! That hurts," James whined.
"Don't you ever learn from your mistakes?" Riku asked.
"You!" Jessie hissed.
Sora looked up and recognized them, "Team Rocket?! What the hell are they doing here?!"
"We're just here to take the flame of Moltres and sell it to the highest bidder," Jessie said. "And you're not getting in the way!"
"You must be stupider than you look," Riku mocked. "And how are gonna take it?"
"Like this!" Jessie answered as she tossed the torch into the central torch and a giant robot Metapod climbs on.
"Ladies and gentlemen! It appears that the torch is being stolen by a giant mechanical monster!" The announcer announced.
"Gyarados! Break that toy! Hyper Beam!" Riku ordered as Gyarados fired another Hyper Beam, breaking the giant robot.
"You'll pay for that! Weezing! Go!" James shouted throwing his Pokéball letting out his Weezing. "Poison Gas!"
"Gyarados! Aqua Tail!" Riku ordered as Gyarados swung its tail at Weezing. Weezing tried to let out Poison Gas, but nothing was happening. "Now use Ice Fang!" Gyarados came at Weezing with its gangs emitting ice. Weezing ends up being frozen, hitting James. Sora ran up to join the battle.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu fired Thunderbolt right at Team Rocket screaming while they're being shocked. Sora took out an Ultra Ball and threw it. His Moltres emerged from inside the Moltres.
Suddenly, the flame started to come to life and it took a figure of Moltres. Everyone was at awe at the sight of the fire bird Pokémon. Sora and Riku were especially amazed as well as Pikachu and Eevee. Sora took out an Ultra Ball and threw it to let out his Moltres. The two Moltres fly into Team Rocket, sending them into the air.
"LOOKS LIKE TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Rocket shouted as they go flying in the air.
Moltres returns to the central torch and reignites it, beginning the Pokémon League tournament. Sora calls back his Moltres inside of its Ultra Ball. Everyone were amazed to see Sora has let out a Moltres and sent it at Team Rocket.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The opening ceremonies will now continue! Here is President Goodshow to greet our competitors!" The announcer announced.
President Goodshow smiles as he spoke into the microphone, "Welcome one and all! This day has a very special place! As the flame of Moltres burns passionately, let too your flame burns passionately as you all battle with your hearts and your spirits! It is up to you to keep that flame alive! Along with your heart and your spirit!"
Everyone cheered to the speech's conclusion. Sora and Pikachu looks at each other with a smile on both of their faces.
"We finally made it, Pikachu. Let's see if our hard work and sacrifice has paid off," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu agreed.
As the opening ceremonies has came to a close, everyone returned to their villa and celebrated with a private party of their own.
"Here's a toast to Sora! The champion of the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League!" Ventus said holding up a cup.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Ven. I just have to win the tournament first," Sora corrected.
"He's right, Ven. Sora worked hard to get all the way here," Terra said.
"Everything you did was all through all the hard training you did to get to where you are today," Riku said.
"And we know that you'll do great in the tournament," Aqua said.
"And you shouldn't let that jerk Gary get in the way with his words," Leaf added.
"Acerola!" Everyone shouted.
"Just can't believe that Team Rocket was stupid enough to try to steal the flame of Moltres," Terra said. "Wouldn't surprise me if they literally try to steal candy from a baby."
"And then they lose all their teeth in the process," Ventus said, laughing.
"But from who? The parent or the baby?" Karen joked.
Everyone laughed at the joke.
"It was a good thing Riku put a stop to it before they did," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"A very good thing," Riku said. "We heard them planning to steal it before and we put a stop to it."
"And it seems that they don't learn their lessons," Naminé said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
Everyone made some more jokes regarding Gary, his cheerleaders, and Team Rocket. They laughed at how bad the jokes were. Just then, Ventus had an idea.
"Say, how about we sing some karaoke songs!" Ventus suggested.
"Oh, come on, Ven!" Sora said. "What for?"
"Just for fun," Ventus said.
"Let's just watch a movie and go right to bed, okay? I wanna get a good night's rest for tomorrow," Sora said.
"Good idea," Kairi seconded it. "And I have the perfect one." Kairi said, pulling out a dvd. It was the movie, A Cinderella Story. Everyone else fell asleep while watching, Sora held Kairi as Riku did Naminé.
After everyone else was asleep, Sora, Kairi, Riku, and Naminé cleaned up a bit and placed blankets around their friends. The couples fell right to sleep drifting off into dreamland. Sora was able to fall asleep despite the excitement he had. But he knew he would have to give it everything he had to win the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League competition.