Episode 73: Fields of Water, Ice, Rock, and Grass
Shortly after the battle with Annette, Sora is greeted by a hug from his girlfriend. She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm glad you made it to the main competition, Sora," Kairi said.
"Thanks, Kairi," Sora said.
"But she is right. You deserve to get right in the competition," Leaf said. "I'm proud of you, Sora."
"Thanks, Leaf," Sora said. "You have a battle after Gary and Ash, and I'll he watching closely." Leaf smiled.
"I know I have your support, Sora," Leaf said.
Unknown to anyone, Axel had arrived just in time for Sora's battle and he watched the whole thing.
"Not bad. This tournament should be fun to watch if I didn't have to work," Axel said.
Later, we Gary entering the battlefield, ready to go, battling a femaleTrainer with a Lickitung. Gary has chosen a Kingler.
"Trainers begin!" The referee called out.
"Lickitung! Use Lick!" The girl ordered. Lickitung extends its tongue out of its mouth and right at the crab-like Pokémon.
"Use Harden!" Gary ordered. Kingler harden its body, making Lickiting's tongue bounce off. "Use Guillotine!" Kingler extends its over-sized claw, hitting Lickiting with one hit. Lickitung has been taken down.
"Lickitung is unable to battle! Kingler wins! Gary Oak has earned the right to participate in the main competition!" The referee announced.
"Like there was any doubt," Gary scoffed. The crowd cheered on for Gary on his latest win.
Next Ash has stepped in after a couple of other battles. He had let out his Gengar to battle while his opponent has let out a Parasect.
"Begin!" The referee called out.
"Parasect! Use Throat Chop!" The Trainer ordered. Parasect came at the Shadow Pokémon with a purple aura around its claws.
"Gengar! Dodge it!" Ash ordered. Gengar has turned invisible and Parasect has missed its target completely. Gengar turned visible again. "Use Ice Punch!" Gengar lands an icy punch onto Parasect, dealing some major damage. "Use Shadow Ball!" Gengar unleashed Shadow Ball right at the Mushroom Pokémon, dealing some additional damage.
"Use Energy Ball!" The Trainer ordered. Parasect fired Energy Ball right at Gengar, landing a hit. "Use Energy Ball again!"
"Dodge and use Shadow Ball!" Ash ordered. Gengar dodges and fired Shadow Ball right at Parasect, landing a heavy hit. Parasect tried to get back up, but fell back down, exhausted.
"Parasect is unable to battle! Gengar wins! Ash has earned the right to participate in the main competition!" The referee announced.
Now it was Leaf's turn to battle. She has a Sylveon out while her opponent has sent out a Poliwhirl.
"Poliwhirl! Use Bubble Beam!" The Trainer ordered. Poliwhirl fired Bubble Beam right at the Intertwining Pokémon.
"Use your feelers to block!" Leaf ordered. Sylveon smacks the bubbles with its feelers. "Use Attract!" Sylveon blinked and a heart comes right at Poliwhirl, and it fell in love with its opponent.
"Snap out of it, Poliwhirl!" The Trainer said.
"Okay, use Dazzling Gleam!" Leaf ordered. Sylveon unleashed rainbow stream at Poliwhirl, sending Poliwhirl on its back. Poliwhirl was knocked out.
"Poliwhirl is unable to battle! Sylveon wins! Leaf has earned the right to participate in the main competition!" The referee announced.
The crowd cheered on as Sora clapped his hands.
"And Leaf makes four," Sora said, clapping his hands. "I knew they will all make it into the main tournament. Ash and Leaf I was hoping for the most. I'm hoping that we all make it all the way to the finals."
After the preliminary round has concluded, Sora stood before the clerk and she smiled.
"I see that you're in the main tournament. I hope you're ready for what's coming next," the clerk said.
"I trained for this for the last couple of months for this. And I'm not going call it quits after coming all this way," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika, Pikachu," Pikachu said. The clerk smiled.
"You seem to have enthusiasm. But we shall see where it takes you," the clerk said. The screen displays symbols for ice, water, grass, and rock.
"What are those?" Sora asked.
"Since this will be your first time participating in a Pokémon League tournament, I'll be glad to explain it to you," the clerk said. "You will be battling on these battlefields one at a time; grass, water, ice, and rock. You must win on all four of these battlefields in order to battle on the main stadium."
"The rules sounds simple to follow," Sora said.
"I was about to explain it. You and your opponent will be using three Pokémon each. Substitutions are permitted by either or your opponent, and there are no time limits. The battle is not over until all three of either Trainer's Pokémon are unable to battle," the clerk explained. "Please press the button in front of you." Sora presses the button and the randomizer moves about. The randomizer selects the water symbol. "You will be participating on the Water Field. And your opponent will be randomly selected to you." The images shows a young man with long teal hair. He wore a pink vest over a white shirt, a yellow handkerchief, light green pants, and lavender shoes. "Your first opponent's name is Mandi. Your battle will be the third battle at 1:00. Good luck."
Sora and Pikachu stepped out of the booth and he saw the rest of the group.
"How did it go, Sora?" Riku asked.
"I'm going to be battling on the Water Field at 1:00," Sora said.
"You feel nervous?" Naminé asked.
"No. I worked hard to get here, and I'm not going to turn back and quit," Sora said.
"Good for you," Riku said.
"I have every confidence in you, Sora.I know you can do it," Kairi said.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel said. The compliment made Sora smile warmly. He was lucky that he had a good girlfriend and friends.
"Thanks. I'm lucky to have good friends like you," Sora said.
"You're going to need all the luck you can get," a familiar voice said. Sora turned to see Gary having some tea. "You won that preliminary battle just by luck; nothing else." Sora growled, but Riku stepped up.
"Haven't you learned to keep your mouth shut yet, Gary?" Riku asked.
"Why should I?" Gary asked.
"Because I can kick your ass without really trying, that's why," Riku said.
"I'd like to see you try," Gary dared him. Riku came a little closer, making Gary back up.
"Ha! Made you flinch!" Riku said.
"No, I was just backing away from your bad breath," Gary said.
"That's funny. I remember brushing my teeth," Riku said.
"Riku, I appreciate you backing me up, but I can handle him," Sora said.
"I understand, Sora," Riku said.
"Gary, you should save it for the battlefield, because that's where that kind of talk belongs," Sora said.
"You can say all you want, Sora, but I had my hopes of being your first opponent in the main competition, because I wanted to battle you myself and show you what a real Pokémon Trainer looks like," Gary said.
"You'll have to win your upcoming battle first," Sora said.
"I plan to," Gary said. Gary walked off. He felt the sting of Sora's words to him. He never felt such disrespect before in his life. "I won't lose to him. I won't lose to Ash or Leaf or anyone! I will become the Pokémon League Champion, and he will be nothing and a nobody forever."
Unknown to him, Axel was watching the scene go down.
"Wow, doesn't he have such an ego? If he turned into a Heartless, and his Nobody was created, he wouldn't have lasted long in Organization XIII; especially with Saïx and Xemnas. No Keyblade or anything of value to the Organization," Axel said. "Better wait for Sora's battle to start. And see if he's good at handling Pokémon as he is with a Keyblade."
After their encounter with Gary, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, and Togepi sat alone at a table with some drinks.
"Say, Sora, have you thought about which one of your Pokémon you'll be battling with on the Water Field?"
"I thought about using Blastoise and Tentacruel for this one. Then again, I could send Articuno over to Professor Oak's lab and have Lapras brought here. There's also Slowbro, Cloyster, Poliwrath Kingler, and Kabutops," Sora said.
"Good thinking of bringing Water-type Pokémon over," Kairi said.
"I think I'll do that now," Sora said, taking out his Pokémon Box and exchanged Dragonite, Pidgeot, Arcanine, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres for Kabutops, Lapras, Slowbro, Kingler, Cloyster, and Poliwrath after giving it much thought. Sora thought of using either Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, but he figured they would be too powerful in a regular Pokémon battle, and he decided to use them as a last resort.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket are disguised as news reporters. They approach a random Trainer.
"Sir, you're on TV!" Jessie said.
"I am?" The Trainer asked in surprise.
"I can bet you're a Pokémon Trainer competing in the Pokémon League, so please tell us about your rare and valuable Pokémon," Jessie said.
"Ha! My Pokémon are all winners! I have a Dodrio, a Venomoth, and a Raticate!" The Trainer said, holding up three of his Pokéballs. Team Rocket gave a deadpanned expression.
"Oh, you have those. A three-headed bird, an overgrown rat, and bugzilla," Jessie said, walking off with her colleagues.
"Hey, I thought you were gonna do an interview," the Trainer said.
"That was the third dud we ran into today, and we got nothing," James said. Meowth spotted someone.
"Hey, look! I can bet a lunch that guy has some decent Pokémon," Meowth said.
Unknown to Team Rocket, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, and their Pikachu partners were watching a mini-magic show from Mandi, Sora's opponent. They weren't the only ones. There were other people there as well. Mandi held a Pokéball in front of a little girl. He made the Pokéball disappear and made a Pidgey appear. Several Pidgey came and flew out.
"Wow, that guy is good," James said.
"If he can do that with all those Pidgey, then that guy must have some rare Pokémon that'll be up for grabs," Meowth said.
"Perfect! We'll ask him!" Jessie said. Team Rocket approached Mandi while he continued doing his tricks. "Excuse us." Mandi made a rose appear in his hand.
"For you," Mandi said, holding it for her. Jessie reluctantly accepted the rose.
"Um, would you happen to be a Pokémon Trainer?" Jessie asked. Mandi sighed.
"You must not be a good reporter, otherwise you'd know I'm the astounding Mandi, the biggest news around," Mandi said, spinning a Pokéball on his finger. Jessie was starting to get irritated by his rude comment.
"And the biggest pain the a-" Jessie before James cut her off.
"Don't blow your cover," James said.
"What network are you from?" Mandi asked.
"Oh, we are from LCN," Jessie answered
"LCN?" Mandi asked as he repeated.
"Lovely Charming Network," Team Rocket said in unison.
"I'm Jessie, and I came up with the name," Jessie said, doing a pose. "I felt caught the essence of me."
Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair clearly weren't buying it. They knew they were up to something. And they weren't the only ones.
"That may be, but Mandi the Astounding only appears on networks that have viewers. Buh-bye," Mandi said, blowing them off. Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair walked off, but not before they hid just so they could listen to what they're up to. Jessie was pissed about Mandi brushing them off like that.
"Oh yeah, magic boy! How about I make your teeth disappear! I bet a lot of viewers would love to see that!" Jessie said, marching forward, but Meowth stopped her.
"Wait, Jessie! If you blow our cover, they'll give us the boot, and we'll never get a hold of any Pokémon!" Meowth said, stopping her.
"You've got to hold your temper, or people will start getting suspicious, so act like a TV host, not some radio talk show host!" James said. Jessie quickly perked up.
"You're right. It'll be a crime for this face to end up on the radio," Jessie said, powdering her face.
"You scare me," Meowth said.
Over to Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair, they listened in on their talk.
"I knew they'd be trying to steal Pokémon from the competing Trainers here," Terra said.
"Pikachu," Thor said.
"Sora did say those dum-dums never learn their lessons," Ventus said.
"Pika," Sparky said.
"I think we should tell Sora about this. He'll deal with them," Aqua said.
"Pika," Aqua said.
"No!" Karen said. The trio looked at her. "I don't think we should be troubling him about this. Besides, he's got too much on his plate, getting ready for his battle. We should just tip off the police."
"Pikachu," Blossom said.
"Karen's right. Sora doesn't need any stress dealing with them, or any Heartless," Terra said. He takes out his smartphone and he called 911. He hears the ringing on the other end.
"911, what is your emergency?" The operator asked from the other end.
"Hello, I want to report that members of Team Rocket have been spotted in the Indigo Plateau," Terra said.
"How can you tell they're with Team Rocket?" The operator asked.
"I believe I've seen a mugshot of these Team Rocket members. They appear to be a man, a woman, and a Meowth," Terra said.
"Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, but what's your name?" The operator asked.
"Just call me John Doe," Terra said.
"Okay, Mr. Doe, we'll send a squad to investigate this immediately. You have a pleasant day," the operator said.
"Can do," Terra said, hanging up. "You three will be blasting off into jail." They chuckled.
Over to Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, and Togepi, they meet up with Riku, Naminé, Eevee, Ash and Leaf.
"Hey, Sora. Made up your minds about the Water Field?" Ash asked.
"Yeah. I'm going with my Blastoise, and I also got Lapras as backup," Sora said.
"Nice," Ash said.
"But you should be careful, Sora. All the other Trainers won't go easy on you," Leaf said.
"She's right, Sora. Just look around," Naminé said. Sora does exactly that. "The key to winning your battles is choosing the right Pokémon. A single mistake is something you can't afford." Sora looked kept looking around.
"Leaf and Naminé are right. As far as I can see it, we're all in the same boat. Everyone here wants to get to the top. But what happens when I eventually get there? I guess I'll have to wait and see when I come to that bridge and cross it," Sora said in his thoughts. Kairi noticed how silent he was being.
"Sora?" Kairi asked. Sora looked at his girlfriend.
"I was just thinking, Kairi. Anyway, I'm going have to do my best in my upcoming battle," Sora said.
"Your best will be enough," a voice spoke. They turned to see Mandi standing in front of them. "I am Mandi the Astounding, and I'll be your opponent." Sora walked up to him.
"Nice to meet you," Sora said, holding out his hand. Mandi just shrugged it away and placed a Pokéball in his hand.
"I'm sorry, but my hands are for Pokéballs, not people," Mandi said. Riku didn't like this attitude.
"Hey, what are you afraid of? You think he has a horseshoe in his gloves? It wouldn't hurt to shake someone's hand before your battle!" Riku said.
"Eevee!" Eevee hissed.
"That's an unfortunate word," Mandi said, spinning the Pokéball on his finger. "But I'm afraid your spiky-headed friend will be no match for me." Sora didn't like Mandi's attitude one bit.
"You know, people can surprise you," Sora said. Mandi scoffed at the thought.
"I sincerely doubt it," Mandi said. "Lovely meeting you." He walks off.
"Well, he's certainly charming," Kairi said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi said.
Gary had his first battle on the Ice Field, Ash had his first battle on the Rock Field, and Leaf had hers on the Grass Field. Sora is approached by the staff member.
"You will be battling in the green corner," the staff member told him.
"Thanks," Sora said as he and Kairi went to the side waiting for his turn. As they waited for his turn, Kairi noticed that her boyfriend was sweating.
"Are you okay?" Kairi asked.
"Yes and no," Sora said. "Just feeling a little nervous."
Kairi placed her hand on his shoulder. Sora looks at her.
"You have nothing to be nervous about," Kairi assured him. "You will do fine. You trained hard for this. Just do your best. Win or lose, you'll always be a winner to me." Kairi kissed Sora on the cheek. "Better?"
"Much better," Sora said. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Kairi said.
The doors open and Sora takes a deep, deep breath.
"Here we go, Pikachu. You ready?" Sora asked.
"Pikachu," Pikachu nodded. They entered the battlefield.
"Now it's time for the third battle on the Water Field!" The announcer announced. Sora takes his place on the green podium. Annette takes her place at the red podium. The crowd roars with anticipation as the battle is about to go underway. Sitting in the stands were Tai, Kari, their parents, their friends, and their families. Elsewhere is Yugi, Téa, Joey, and Tristan sitting in the stands as well. Karen, Riku, Naminé, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Eevee, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair are sitting close to the battlefield. "On the green side is newcomer Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town. Ketchum is accompanied by his coach as he battles Mandi the Astounding in the red side. He is clearly the crowd favorite. He is known for his exciting battling style."
Team Rocket were surprised that Sora is battling him.
"It's him!" Meowth exclaimed.
"Yeah," James said.
"Each Trainer is allowed to use three Pokémon each! Substitutions are permitted on either side! Now, let's begin the battle!" The referee announced.
"Get ready to be astounded by my magic," Mandi said, taking out a Pokéball.
"I got some tricks of my own, Houdini," Sora said, taking out a Pokéball of his own.
"Hey, twerp!" Jessie's voice bellowed from the announcer's stand.
"Huh? What the hell was that?" Sora asked.
"Listen up, kid! We're on your side this time, so better dump that skunk!" Jessie spoke through the microphone.
"Use some spunk, and leave him sunk!" James added.
"Who would have dunk that we'd be rooting for that little punk?" Meowth asked through the microphone.
"Those morons are actually rooting for me?" Sora asked in surprise.
Up in the booth, several Officer Jennys show up and stand behind them.
"We got you now, Team Rocket," the Cerulean City Officer Jenny said.
"We were hoping it was a matter of time before we got a hold of you," the Viridian City Officer Jenny said.
"Wait, you know it was us?!" Jessie exclaimed in shock.
"We got an anonymous call that you were here," the Celadon City Officer Jenny said.
"So, you're under arrest for trespassing and conspiracy of Pokémon theft," the Saffron City Officer Jenny said.
"How did you see through my disguise?" Meowth asked.
"Who would be stupid enough to believe that a Meowth could pose as a human being?" The Viridian City Officer Jenny asked.
"Let go of me! I want my lawyer!" Jessie yelled.
"I want my mommy!" James also yelled.
"Team Rocket's being carted off again!" Team Rocket exclaimed.
"Wow, I knew they were stupid, but I didn't think they were THAT stupid!" Riku said.
"Vee," Eevee said.
Back on the battlefield, the announcer clears his throat.
"Please excuse the interruption, ladies and gentlemen. Let us proceed," the announcer announced.
"Go! Exeggutor!" Mandi called out and his Exggutor emerged from inside.
"Okay, here we go, Blasto-" Sora was cut off when Psyduck popped out instead. Sora was dumbfounded by Psyduck coming out instead.
"Psy, y!" Psyduck said. He lands on his feet. "Duck."
"Sora has chosen Psyduck as Mandi has chosen Exeggutor! And juding by Types, Exeggutor has the advantage. Will this be a quicky for Madi? Or does Sora has an ace up his sleeve?" The announcer asked. Mandi chuckled.
"That Psyduck looks laughable. This should be easy," Mandi said. "Exeggutor! Psyshock!" Annette ordered. Exeggutor fired Psyshock towards Psyduck.
"Psyduck! Fire Water Gun on the ground!" Sora called out. Psyduck fired Water Gun on the ground avoiding the attack. "Water Gun again!" Psyduck obeyed hitting Exeggutor on the spot.
"Will you look at that! Psyduck has dodged Exeggutor's Psyshock by using Water Gun and fired with another Water Gun. How will this go for this Water-type?" The announcer asked.
"Exeggutor! Egg Bomb!" Mandi ordered as Exeggutor fired egg-like projectiles and knocks Psyduck in the water. Psyduck starts splashing around. Everyone was watching in confusion.
"I'm not sure what's happening, but that Psyduck looks like it cannot swim!" The announcer announced.
"What? A Psyduck that can't swim?" Nancy asked in disbelief.
"I was afraid this would happen," Aqua said.
"Psyduck still hasn't learned how to swim," Terra said.
"Now use Psychic on the water!" Mandi ordered. Exeggutor used Psychic to create a whirlpool around Psyduck.
"Psyduck looks like a rubber duck in a bathtub caught in the whirlpool," the announcer announced.
"Psyduck won't last long at this rate. I have to switch to Blastoise now," Sora said in his thoughts. He tried to call back Psyduck, but Exeggutor's Psychic blocks all attempts.
"Mandi's Exeggutor has created a wall of water keeping Ketchum from recalling his Psyduck. Mandi has trained his Exeggutor well," the announcer announced.
"Now use Egg Bomb again!" Mandi ordered. Exeggutor fired Egg Bomb hitting Psyduck right on the head. Each hit made Psyduck's headache even worse.
"Psyduck!" Sora shouted.
"Pika Pi!" Pikachu added.
"Psyduck," Kairi said worriedly.
"Eevee!" Angel said also worried.
"Togepi," Togepi chirped.
With one last hit of Exeggutor's attack, Psyduck's eyes started to glow blue.
"PSYDUCK!" Psyduck cries echoed throughout the stadium. Everyone watching were shocked.
Psyduck stops the whirlpool and hurls it back to Exeggutor. The coconut Pokémon gets drenched in the attack.
"I am not sure what is happening! But Psyduck seems to be manipulating the water by using its psychic powers!" The announcer announced
"Psyduck! Use Confusion!" Sora called out. Psyduck makes Exeggutor float in the air. Exeggutor tries to struggle, but nothing is working.
"Outstanding! Psyduck is holding Exeggutor with its Confusion! Exeggutor is trying to break lose, but Psyduck has a strong hold," the announcer announced.
"Exeggutor! Egg Bomb!" Mandi ordered. Exeggutor tried to fire Egg Bomb, but Psyduck is preventing it from happening.
"Now use Scratch!" Sora called out. Psyduck gave a couple of scratches on Exeggutor. Exeggutor falls to the ground beaten.
"Exeggutor is unable to battle! Psyduck wins!" The referee announced.
"Way to go, Psyduck!" Sora cheered.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"You did it, Psyduck!" Kairi cheered.
"Eevee!" Angel added.
"Togepi," Togepi chirped.
Psyduck then started to evolve. Sora and Pikachu as well as the spectators watched on as Psyduck had evolved into a Golduck.
Back in Pallet Town, Delia, Professor Oak, Yuta, Mirei, Kairi's grandmother, and everyone watching were all smiling at Psyduck's sudden evolution.
"It looks like the intensity of the battle has caused Psyduck to evolve into a Golduck!" The announcer announced.
"Sora now has a Golduck! So cool!" Ventus cheered.
"Pi, Pikachu!" Sparky said.
"And it looks like it's going to be even more intense after evolving," Aqua said.
"Pikachu," Eclair said.
Sora smiled when he witnessed Psyduck's evolution.
"I knew you had it in you. You still good to go?" Sora asked.
"Golduck!" Golduck responded giving a thumbs up.
"Great! Let's go for another whirl!" Sora said.
"Now, the Astounding Mandi must decide on which of his two remaining Pokémon will he choose to battle against Sora's Golduck!" The announcer announced.
"Ha! The kid's had some beginner's luck, but his luck's run out," Mandi said, holding two of his Pokéballs in his fingers. He enlarges one of them. "Go! Seadra!" His Pokéball opened and Seadra came out of the Pokéball to battle.
"So, he had a Water-type waiting for me," Sora said.
"His Golduck looks strong, but it won't be a match against my speedy Seadra," Mandi said. "Seadra! Use Agility!" Seadra swam around the Water Field with its speed.
"Okay, Golduck! Use Water Gun!" Sora ordered. Golduck fired Water Gun at Seadra, but it easily dodged Golduck's Water Gun. "Keep firing Water Gun!" Golduck does exactly that, but the results are the same.
"Seadra is too fast for your Golduck to land a hit," Mandi said. Golduck jumped in the water, much to Sora's surprise. He wasn't the only one. Kairi, Angel, Togepi, Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Riku, Naminé, and everyone else were all surprised by what Golduck was doing. As a Psyduck, he couldn't swim to save his own life, but he's swimming like a professional Olympic swimmer. Golduck was actually swimming, and very fast too.
"What a plot twist, ladies and gentlemen! Just a little before evolving, it was splashing around in the water, but now it's swimming like it's not a problem! What does Sora have planned for Mandi's Seadra?" The announcer asked.
"Oh no!" Mandi gasped.
"Oh yes! Golduck! Use Fury Swipes!" Sora ordered. Golduck slashed at the Dragon Pokémon, sending it flying.
"Seadra!" Mandi exclaimed.
"Bring Seadra down with Psychic!" Sora ordered. Golduck uses his Psychic to grab Seadra and slammed Seadra down to the water hard.
"It looks like Seadra's speed was a match for Golduck's speed in the water!" The announcer announced. Seadra was down and out.
"Seadra is unable to battle! Golduck wins!" The referee announced.
"That's two in a row for Sora and his Golduck! Mandi the Astounding is down to one Pokémon left in reserves!" The announcer announced.
"You know, I don't know what's even more amazing. My brother's Psyduck was even goofier than Goofy, and then became a total different Pokémon after evolving," Karen said.
"What do you mean, Karen?" Naminé asked.
"I mean, I thought he was going to be like this even after evolving into a Golduck, but I think I was completely wrong here," Karen said.
"To be honest, I thought the same thing, Karen. Professor Kukui told me that Pokémon can develop a change in personalities after evolving. I don't know if it has to do with Sora getting through to Golduck, or not. Whatever it is, it seems to be working in his favor," Riku said.
Mandi was angered by how Sora has taken two of his Pokémon by using only his Golduck.
"This cannot stand! I refuse to accept this! This is a direct insult!" Mandi said, gritting his teeth.
Up to Axel, he was watching from the very start. He grinned.
"Wow, he's doing even better than that preliminary battle. Looks like Xemnas was right to send me to eye this kid. Still, I didn't like leaving Roxas out in the cold like this," Axel said in his thoughts.
Mandi is clutching his fists in frustration.
"Now the Astounding Mandi is just one Pokémon away from defeat! Can he stage a magical comeback?" The announcer asked.
"The answer is, he can and he will," Mandi said. He took out his final Pokéball. "Let's see if your Golduck can stand up to this" Sora knew he was ready for what's coming up next. "And now, Pokémon fans, may I present... Golbat!" His Pokéball opens and Golbat flew right out of its Pokéball.
"Golbat is the ace Mandi had hiding in his sleeve! Now Golbat is taking this water round sky-high! There's no telling what will happen now!" The referee announced.
"Get ready, Golduck!" Sora said.
"Golduck!" Golduck said.
"Golbat! Wing Attack!" Mandi ordered. Golbat flew down at Golduck, making him dodge from the aerial assault.
"Jump in the water!" Sora shouted. Golduck dove in the water to avoid the Bat Pokémon's attacks.
"I knew he would do that. We got them now," Mandi said.
"Okay, Golduck! Use Fury Swipes!" Sora ordered. Golduck jumped out of the water, but Golbat easily dodges Golducks swings of his claws. Mandi grinned again. "Use Razor Wind!" Golbat flapped its wings, hitting Golduck hard on the spot.
"A stunning turnaround! This could be the end for Golduck!" The announcer announced.
"Use Mega Drain!" Mandi ordered.
"Golduck! Use Psychic!" Sora ordered. Golduck stops Golbat in its tracks before it could launch its attack. Golduck sends the Bat Pokémon right at the wall, hitting the wall. Golbat comes sliding down, knocked out.
"I can't believe it!" Mandi gasped.
"Golbat is unable to battle! Golduck wins! The winner of the battle is Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town!" The referee announced.
"It's all over, and what a finish! Pokémon League newcomer Sora has defeated the Astounding Mandi without switching a single Pokémon!" The announcer announced. Golduck swam up to Sora with a smile.
"Way to go, Golduck! You really came through for me," Sora said. He and Golduck high-five each other. "You evolving was totally unexpected. No headaches for you."
"Duck," Golduck said.
"But I'm the Astounding Mandi. How could I lose?" Mandi asked in disbelief.
"Congratulations, Sora. I knew you'll pull through," Kairi said. She gave him a kiss on the cheek. Sora blushes deep.
"Thanks, Kairi," Sora said, blushing. She looked at Golduck.
"I'm very proud of you, Golduck. You're a whole lot stronger than ever. And you're very handsome to boot," Kairi said. Golduck gave a thumbs up and a pose.
Just after Sora has climbed down, he is approached by a reporter and her crew.
"Sora, you just won your first battle in the main tournament, how do you feel for your win?" The reporter asked.
"Well, I feel great. Madi threw everything he had at me and that is something to be taken seriously," Sora responded. Gary and his cheerleaders are seen watching Sora's interview on the screen. "What I learned is that you should always show respect for your opponents; and that is always to be taken to heart."
"And would you feel the same even if you didn't win?" The reporter asked.
"Of course. Good sportsmanship is key to any competition," Sora answered. "And to someone I know, whose name I won't bother mentioning should think it over before you talk trash about them. Because there is such a thing as a bad winner." Sora imitated Gary's laugh.
"I know he's talking about me!" Gary hissed gritting his teeth.
"Cool it, Gary," Ash said. "Keep up that attitude, and you'll be knocked out of the tournament faster than a Dodrio."
"I don't need any advice from you, Ash!" Gary said.
"I'm giving you any advice. Even if I did, you'd never take it," Ash said. Gary growled.
After the battle has ended, Sora was approached by some of the fans asking for his autographs. Many of them were girls around his age, and Kairi felt a little jealous.
"If this keeps up, my hand might fall off from signing so many autographs," Sora said.
"But at least I'll be on your side to keep that from happening," Kairi said. She kissed Sora on the cheek.
"I am so glad that you came along, Kairi," Sora said placing his arm around his girlfriend. He gave her a kiss on the cheek making her giggle. "How about we check the Pokémon in the Pokémon Center and have some alone time."
"You mean a date?" Kairi asked.
"Of course. What do you say? Just you and me," Sora said.
"Oh okay," Kairi said turning to Ventus. "Ven. You think you can babysit Togepi for me?"
"Okay," Ventus said.
"But Aqua and I will help out with that," Terra said.
"So it will be a learning experience for Ven on how to take care of a Pokémon," Aqua said.
With that matter settled, Sora and Kairi set off to a nearby Pokémon Center to drop off his Pokémon. Pikachu joined Ventus and his friends as Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Karen set off for some sight seeing.
Sora and Kairi took on many of the sights at the Indigo Plateau. They made a stop to watch a movie together, holding each other's hands while watching the movie. Sora was lucky that he was a participant because he got to eat for free. Sora took his girlfriend for a romantic dinner for two. There, some of the customers were singing some karaoke.
"Isn't that good?" Sora asked.
"Very good. Thank you for asking," Kairi answered.
"You're welcome, Kairi. Just happy to see you enjoying yourself," Sora said, smiling.
Sora looked at the stage and he got an idea. Kairi looked at her boyfriend.
"What?" Kairi asked.
"I was wondering if you would like to go up and sing a song, show off that beautiful singing voice of yours," Sora said.
"Sora, you sure?" Kairi asked.
"I'm sure, Kairi. You sing like an angel," Sora said, remembering her singing "Simple and Clean" to Togepi.
"Okay," Kairi said. She stood up and walked on stage. She selected the song she was going to sing. The music starts playing as Kairi took the microphone in her hands.
(Kairi)
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile and with me
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
There is no life - no life with out its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity
You raise me up,so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be
You raise me up, so Ican stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when Iam on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be
You raise me up, to more than I can be...
Everyone applauds her for her singing voice.
The couple returned to their table for some dessert before heading back to their villa. Sora and Kairi went by the Pokémon Center from earlier to pick up his Pokémon and returned to their villa to find everyone else sleeping. Ventus was sleeping soundly with Togepi in his arms. Terra and Aqua were sleeping sharing a blanket and Pikachu and Angel sleeping beside them.
"You warm, Kairi?" Sora asked.
"Very warm," Kairi answered. "Thank you for this wonderful date, Sora."
"You're welcome. I'm just glad you had a good time," Sora said.
They kissed each other goodnight and drifted off to sleep. As they had slept, both had wonderful dreams. Sora and Kairi held each other as they slept.
Sora and Kairi went off to the registration booth and saw that Sora will be battling on the Rock Field and his battle will be against a boy with light skin and brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a blue shirt.
"Your opponent is named Arnold. And you'll be the second battle on the Rock Field," the clerk said. "Good luck."
"Thanks," Sora said.
Gary has won his battle on the Grass Field, Leaf has won on the Water Field, and Ash has won on the Ice Field. Now it was time for Sora's battle next on the Rock Field. Before the battle, Sora has exchanged Golduck, Cloyster, Slowbro, Kingler, and Kabutops for Tauros, Snorlax, Marowak, Hitmonlee, and Hitmonchan. Sora retook his position at the green podium as Arnold took the red podium.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the second battle on the Rock Field is about to begin!" The announcer announced. "On the red corner is Arnold from Pewter City and on the green corner is Sora from Pallet Town! Both trainers shall now select their first Pokémon!" Arnold took out his Pokéball and threw it.
"Go Onix!" Arnold threw his Pokéball letting out his Onix. Onix lets out a loud roar upon entry.
"Tauros! Go!" Sora said as he took out a Pokéball and threw it letting out Tauros.
"Moo!" Tauros said upon entering the battle.
"Begin!" The referee shouted.
"Onix! Move in with a Tackle attack!" Arnold ordered as Onix charged in with a full force of its body.
"Tauros! Block it with Iron Head!" Sora called out as Tauros charged with his head glowing metallicly. Both attacks collided with one another. Tauros is sent back.
"Onix starts off with a brutal Tackle while Tauros attempted to block with an Iron Head! Tauros did have the edge with the Type the attack had, but that proved to be too much for this bovine Pokémon due to Onix's size! Sora needs to rethink his strategy!" The announcer announced.
"Tauros! Horn Attack!" Sora called out as Tauros charges towards Onix.
"Tauros is charging in with a Horn Attack! What could he be thinking?" The announcer asked.
"Onix! Rock Tomb!" Arnold ordered as Onix slammed its tail on the battlefield as Rock pillars started to sprout up and head towards Tauros. The rocks hits Tauros.
"That was a rock hard hit for Arnold! That could cut Tauros's speed pretty bad!" The announcer announced. "That was a rock hard hit for Arnold! That could cut Tauros's speed pretty bad!"
"Tauros! Earthquake!" Sora called out as Tauros slammed his hooves on the ground causing the whole battlefield to shake. Onix started to get shaken by the attack.
"I can tell you ladies and gentlemen, I can feel the shakes from here! Sora must be attempting to catch Onix off guard with that Earthquake! And it seems to be working! Arnold better come up with a plan fast or Onix will be tasting dirt!" The announcer announced.
"Onix! Fire your Dragon Breath!" Arnold ordered. Onix fired its Dragon Breath attack.
"Tauros! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Tauros runs across the battlefield avoiding the attack. Onix kept firing and firing until it landed a hit. Tauros started to sparkle a bit.
"It looks like that Tauros is paralyzed! Tauros dosen't look like it'll last much longer out there!" The announcer announced. Sora calls back Tauros. "It looks like Sora is switching Pokémon. Which one will he choose?"
"Go! Snorlax!" Sora threw his Pokéball, letting out Snorlax.
"It looks like Sora will be sending out his Snorlax! It appears to be another Normal-type Pokémon he has at his disposal!" The announcer announced.
"That was a clever move on your part. But your Snorlax is no match for my Onix! And I'll prove it too! Onix! Heavy Slam!" Arnold ordered. Onix jumps in the air and dives head first towards Onix.
"Judging how this looks, it looks like Onix will be landing a pretty powerful blow due to both its size and weight! Can Sora make a comeback?" The announcer asked.
"Snorlax! Ice Punch!" Sora ordered as Snorlax threw an icy punch hitting Onix cancelling the attack.
"Snorlax has blocked Onix's Heavy Slam with Ice Punch! Sora is definitely starting to make a chilling comeback!" The announcer announced.
"You got that right," Sora said to himself. "Now you throw your weight with Heavy Slam!" Snorlax jumps and landed right on Onix causing serious damage.
"Ooh! Snorlax has landed with its own Heavy Slam attack! Will it take?" The announcer asked. Onix was down and out.
"Onix is unable to battle! Snorlax wins!" The referee announced.
"What a crushing defeat from Sora! His Snorlax really did a number on Arnold's Onix! What Pokémon will he choose next?" The announcer asked. Arnold calls Onix back and pulls out another Pokéball.
"Okay, Scizor! Go!" Arnold said, throwing his Pokéball letting out his Scizor. Arnold's Scizor is bright green and stars swirls around it upon entry.
"Arnold's second Pokémon is going to be his Scizor! It looks like Arnold has a shiny Scizor!" The announcer announced.
"Scizor! Metal Claw!" Arnold called out as Scizor's pincers gives off a metallic glow and heads towards Snorlax.
"Snorlax! Heavy Slam!" Sora called out as Snorlax jumps in the air to hit Scizor, but the bug Pokémon avoids the attack.
"That was a close call for Scizor! Sora's Snorlax is going to have a real hard time with Scizor's speed," the announcer announced. "How will he manage?"
"Scizor! Quick Attack!" Arnold called out as Scizor hits Snorlax with its speed attack. "Now fire Swift!"
"Snorlax is really taking a pummeling from Scizor since Quick Attack and Swift is doing a real number on this heavyweight!" The announcer announced. "Arnold is looking confident for this one!"
"Scizor! Hyper Beam!" Arnold called out as Scizor fired Hyper Beam hitting Snorlax hard. Snorlax hits the rocks behind him and his knocked out in the rubble.
"Snorlax is unable to battle! Scizor wins!" The referee announced.
"And Arnold knocks out Snorlax! Both Trainess now has two Pokémon each! Will he bring back Tauros or will he send out something different this time?" The announcer asked. Sora calls back Snorlax and pulls out his Pokéball.
"Tauros! Go!" Sora threw the Safari Ball. Tauros is still pretty paralyzed from Onix's Dragon Breath.
"It looks like Tauros is back in the battle despite the paralysis it endured during the battle with Onix," the announcer announced. "Will Tauros stay in this or will this be over in a heartbeat?"
"Tauros! Headbutt!" Sora ordered. Tauros charged towards the shiny Pokémon.
"Scizor! Metal Claw!" Arnold ordered. Scizor charged towards Tauros with its metallic pincers.
Scizor and Tauros clashed into each other, not one was backing down. At some points, Scizor had the upper hand while Tauros had the same moment.
"Tauros! Iron Head! Sora called out as Tauros charged with a metallic glow.
"Scizor! Metal Claw!" Arnold ordered as Scizor moved its pincers giving that same metallic glow. Both give each other a heavy blow and both Pokémon falls to the ground exhausted.
"Both Scizor and Tauros are unable to battle! The battle is tied!" The referee announced.
"Sora and Arnold has ended up with a double knockout! Both trainers has only one Pokémon each! And this one will decide which one will be moving on!" The announcer announced. Arnold takes out his Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Machamp!" Arnold said, letting out his Machamp.
"Machamp!" Arnold's Machamp flexes its muscles upon entry. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Marowak! Go!" Sora called out. Marowak came out, twirling his bone.
"Arnold has chosen Machamp for his last Pokémon and Sora has sent out Marowak! This looks like it can go either way for either Sora or Arnold. Will Sora pull through like last time? Or will it cost him?" The announcer asked.
"Machamp! Use Cross Chop!" Arnold called out as Machamp has all four arms crossed and charges towards Marowak.
"Marowak! Bonemerang!" Sora called out. Marowak his bone at Machamp. Machamp gets hit, but isn't bothered by the hits. Machamp's Cross Chop hits Marowak hard.
"And that was a heavy hit!" The announcer announced. Marowak gets back up and growls. "It looks like Marowak isn't going to throw in the towel just yet! What could Sora have up his sleeve?"
"Bone Rush!" Sora ordered as Marowak charged towards Machamp with a full force.
"Strength!" Arnold called out. Machamp's body becomes surrounded by a light blue aura and grabs Marowak and gives him a toss.
"Outstanding! Machamp stopped that Bone Rush cold! Arnold really wants to stay in this tournament! Can he do it?" The announcer asked.
"The answer is yes! Machamp! Superpower!" Arnold ordered. Machamp flexes its muscles to increase power and its body becomes outlined in a light blue aura. It then moves in to grab Marowak.
"Machamp is moving in to use Superpower! It looks like it's all over for Sora!" The announcer announced.
"Marowak! Bone Rush! But aim for the rock pillars!" Sora ordered. Marowak does exactly that; Marowak dashes towards the rocks before Machamp could get a hold of the Bone Keeper Pokémon. Machamp chases after Marowak hoping to grab him.
"Oh no!" Arnold gasped.
"Oh yes! Marowak seems to be dashing from rock pillar to another. And everytime Machamp has it in its sights, Lycanroc jumps onto a rock pillar like a flea on a hot brick! What an amazing turn of events!" The announcer announced.
Arnold growls in frustration having enough of Marowak's speed. He ordered, "Machamp! Use Superpower! But use it to smash all those rocks!" Machamp begins to smash all the rocks one by one.
"Machamp is smashing every rock in sight! Arnold has really sunk Sora's strategy. Sora really needs to rethink his plan," the announcer announced as Sora smirked.
"Gotcha," Sora said. Kairi heard that and smiled as she knew what he had in mind. "Marowam! Bone Club!" Marowak moves towards Machamp and gives the muscular Pokémon a bash on the leg. "Now use Bonemerang!" Marowak hurls his bone at Machamp hitting it clean.
"So, Sora was leading Machamp into a trap! And Arnold fell for it! It doesn't look good for Machamp!" The announcer announced.
"Use Bone Club!" Sora ordered. Marowak came at Machamp with his bone.
"Machamp! Cross Chop!" Arnold ordered. Machamp was about to move in when the injury from Marowak's Bone Club took its toll making Machamp unable to walk or run. Marowak hits Machamp pretty hard on the chest.
"That was a good clean hit!" The announcer announced. Machamp skids backwards with all four arms in front. "But will Machamp keep going after taking that kind of abuse?"
"Machamp!" Machamp shouted raising its arms. Machamp falls to the ground on the front.
"Machamp is unable to battle! Marowak wins! Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town wins!" The referee announced.
"And Sora wins his second match here in the Indigo Plateau! Will he keep going to battle his way to the top? Sora just has to win two more matches of the first round to go!" The announcer announced.
The crowd roars as many had rooted for Sora to win. Some of the girls were wearing cheerleader outfits rooting for him.
Gary watched the whole battle from the start, right to the finish.
"He got lucky. I'm hoping I'm gonna be his next opponent, because I want to take him out," Gary said.
Team Rocket have popped out of trashcans.
"I'm tired of all the rotten luck we've been having lately," Jessie said. "Either we just have bad luck, or we just plain suck."
Meowth growls and shouts, "Let's think of a plan and get out of these cans!"
"Say, I have a plan so we can swipe Pikachu," James said. "Listen..." James whispered into Jessie and Meowth's ears and grins evilly liking the idea.
Team Rocket has set up their trap to snag Sora and his Pokémon and steal Pikachu from him. Jessie is wearing a nurse's uniform and a Nurse Joy mask. Meowth is seen playing solitaire. James come back in wearing a nurse's uniform as well, but wearing coke bottle glasses and a medical mask.
"Any luck?" Jessie asked under her mask.
"No. I looked everywhere for him, but I had no luck," James said. "We could just wait for him to come. Easier said than done!"
Team Rocket waited, and waited, and waited. Many hours came and went.
"We've been waiting for hours. He isn't coming at all," Meowth said. He looks over at the clock. "It's already 2:00 in the morning."
"James! I think you're plan just sprung a leak," Jessie hissed.
"I just thought it'll work. But we can wait for him for a little while longer," James said making Jessie and Meowth sighed. They waited for another two hours and fell asleep at some point. They snore so loudly when Matori and her Alolan Meowth walked in. She takes out a paper bag and blows into it and pops it waking them up.
"We're up! We're up!" Jessie, James, and Meowth yelped. They looked around and saw the woman and her Pokémon with her.
"It's Matori!" Meowth shaked.
"Miss Matori," James said.
"What brings you here?" Jessie asked.
"I have come for the monthly dues you owe," Matori said.
Jessie, James, and Meowth gave off really cold sweat.
"Yeah, about that," Jessie said.
Matori just sighed feeling incredibly irritable just by looking at them.
Over to Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, Riku, Namine, Eevee, Karen, Blossom, Terra, Ventus, Aqua, Thor, Sparky, and Eclair went out for breakfast once again before Sora went over to see which battlefield he was going on next.
As soon as they finished, Sora went over to the registration desk and saw that he'll be on battling on the Ice Field against a young man with sunglasses and short black hair wearing a dark blue jacket with a white shirt that reads "Johnny" across the chest.
"You'll be battling Johnny Blake on the Ice Field," the clerk said. "You'll be the third battle."
"Thanks," Sora said. He stepped outside and joined his friends.
"So where will you be today?" Ventus asked.
"It'll be on the Ice Field. Against someone named Johnny Blake," Sora answered making Aqua cringe at the name.
"Johnny Blake? That guy is a total egomaniac," Aqua said. "Thinks he's untouchable just because he's starred in some movies."
"Never liked him. He always tried to hit on Aqua and never succeeded," Terra said.
Sora and Kairi understood how Aqua must feel about him. Riku and Naminé were just confused since they never heard of him or seen any of his movies.
The group were going to have some lunch before Sora's battle started, but they get approached by Johnny Blake himself. He wore black pants with a "Blake" emblem on his belt.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't my favorite little bluebird," Johnny Blake greeted much to Aqua's disgust. "It's been a while, honey. You on for our date?"
"What date? I never agreed to go out with you," Aqua said.
"Ooh-hoo-hoo! Still as feisty as ever," Johnny Blake said. "Just you and me. After I win my next battle."
"And that would be against me," Sora said. Johhny turns around and scoffs at him.
"Wait, seriously? This little shrimp is my next opponent?" Johnny asked.
"More like a big bad prawn," Sora countered.
"And big talk from a little kid; the one I'm gonna beat," Johnny taunted.
"Fraid not," Sora shot back.
"Fraid so," Johnny countered.
"Fraid not," Sora said.
"Fraid so," Johnny said.
"Fraid not," Sora said.
"Fraid so," Johnny said.
"Fraid so," Sora said.
"Fraid not," Johnny said.
"Fraid so," Sora said.
"Fraid not and that is that," Johnny said.
"Okay, have it your way. You won't beat me in our battle," Sora said as Kairi, Karen, and Ventus chuckled.
"That's right. I won't beat you in our bat-HEY!" Johnny said realizing what he just walked into. Everyone started laughing at Johnny making his nostrils flare up. "Nobody makes a fool out of Johnny Blake and gets away with it!"
"Whoa! Take it easy. It was a joke," Sora said.
"That wasn't funny, shrimp. And when I beat you, you'll think think twice before you make a monkey out of me!" Johnny said leaving in a sulk.
After a few minutes, Aqua smiled at Sora.
"Thanks for that, Sora," Aqua said. "You made me forget about my dislike for him."
"Why is he so obsessed with you anyway?" Sora asked.
"Well, it's like this..." Aqua started.
(Flashback, one year ago.)
"It was back in Porta Vista. Johnny Blake had came to town and he had his sights on me when he first saw me," Aqua narrated.
Johnny Blake had stepped out his limo and he spotted Aqua from afar. He lowers his sunglasses and he became interested.
"Mm-mm-mm. Such a lovely little bluebird. Here I come sexy momma," Johnny Blake said. He approached Aqua from behind. "Hey there beautiful. Johnny Blake."
"Good for you," Aqua said.
"What? Doesn't Super Macho mean anything for you? Agent Bobby Thunder? Anything?" Johnny asked.
"Not a one. Not much into movies," Aqua said.
"Oh. Don't matter anyway. How about a date? Just me and you," Johnny offered.
"No thanks," Aqua said. "I should be going." Johnny grabs her by the hand and Aqua turned around.
"Johnny Blake doesn't take no for an answer," Johnny said.
"I said no anyway. So let go of my hand!" Aqua said.
Aqua tried to fight back from his grip only for Terra to intervene and push him off.
"She said no!" Terra told him.
Johnny got up on his feet and smirked.
"Johnny Blake doesn't give up so easily. My dad always said no means yes," Johnny said.
"Well, our dads taught us no means no," Terra said.
Johnny made a swing at Terra only for him to twist his arm.
"Ow! Uncle! Uncle!" Johnny bellowed. Terra lets go of him. "I'll remember this!" Johnny shouted. "Johnny Blake always gets what he wants!"
(Flashback ends)
"If Terra didn't come along, I don't even wanna think about it," Aqua said. Terra smiles. Aqua takes a look at Sora and she gives him a determined look. "Do me a favor and take him down!"
"You can count on me, Aqua!" Sora said.
Sora accessed his Pokédex and exchanged Marowak, Tentacruel, and Snorlax for Primeape, Espeon, and Umbreon. But he decided to go with Primeape, Poliwrath, and Pikachu for this one.
Ash have won his battle on the Grass Field as Gary have won his battle on the Water Field, Leaf has won her battle on the Rock Field. Now it was Sora's battle on the Ice Field.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Up next we have international movie star, Johnny Blake versus Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town!" the announcer announced. Many of the fans started roaring as they held up Johnny Blake's name in a banner. The others are die-hard Sora fans after winning two matches. "Juding how the crowd must be going, it's a fifty-fifty chance for both trainers. But only one of them will be moving on!"
Sora took out his Pokéball and threw it.
"Poliwrath! Go!" Sora called out. His Poliwrath entered the battle. Johnny Blake took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go in there, Hitmonlee!" Johnny Blake shouted. The Pokéball opens and lets out his Hitmonlee.
"Sora has chosen Poliwrath and Johnny has chosen Hitmonlee! They're both using Fighting Types! This should be interesting!" The announcer announced.
"Begin!" The referee instructed.
"Hitmonlee! Mega Kick!" Johnny ordered. Hitmonlee moves in to land a powerful kick.
"Poliwrath! Dynamic Punch!" Sora ordered as Poliwrath charged in and landed a punch to block the kick.
"Johnny starts up with Mega Kick and Sora blocks with Dynamic Punch! Talking about a real clash of power!" The announcer announced making the crowd roar.
"Hitmonlee! High Jump Kick!" Johnny ordered as Hitmonlee jumped in the air really high and dove down foot first towards its target.
"Hitmonlee is diving like a missle with that High Jump Kick attack! I hope Sora has a counter measure against that," the announcer announced.
"Poliwrath! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Poliwrath slides on the ice making Hitmonlee miss and hurt itself.
"That has got to be painful! Hitmonlee has missed hurt itself upon missing! What a lucky break for Sora. But I wonder how long it will last," the announcer announced.
"Not for long. Hitmonlee! Rolling Kick!" Johnny ordered. Hitmonlee swings its leg around and roundhouse kicks Poliwrath. "Mega Kick!" Hitmonlee lands its kick on Poliwrath hitting him hard.
"Hitmonlee does a number on Poliwrath! Can Sora's Poliwrath stay in this battle long enough or will it be over before it really starts?" The announcer asked.
"Mega Kick again!" Johnny ordered. Hitmonlee kicks Poliwrath in the air. "Now use High Jump Kick!" Hitmonlee jumps in the air again and heads towards Poliwrath to deliver the finishing blow.
"Hydro Pump!" Sora called out. Poliwrath fired Hydro Pump towards the kicking Pokémon sending the kicking fiend back and hits an icicle sticking out. Hitmonlee falls to the side knocked out.
"Hitmonlee is unable to battle! Poliwrath wins!" The referee announced.
"There you have it, ladies and gentlemen! Sora has defeated Johnny Blake's first Pokémon!" The announcer announced. "Sora is once again, getting into a good start!"
"That's what you think!" Johnny said calling Hitmonlee back. He pulls out a Pokéball and throws it. "Cloyster! It's your time to shine!" The Pokéball opens and lets out his Cloyster.
"Johnny has let out his Cloyster! This Pokémon really has a hard shell to crack!" The announcer announced. Poliwrath started panting from the Hydro Pump Poliwrath had fired. "And Poliwrath looks pretty pooped from that Hydro Pump and the beat down it got."
"Poliwrath does have the advantage over Cloyster because of types, but Poliwrath is exhausted from that Hydro Pump and from all those kicks. Better switch with Primeape to play it safe," Sora said in his thoughts. He calls back Poliwrath.
"It looks like Sora is calling back his Poliwrath! Which one will he send out against Johnny Blake's Cloyster?" The announcer asked. Sora took out Primeape's Pokéball.
"Primeape! Go!" Sora said throwing the Pokéball and letting out his Primeape.
"So it's Primeape against Cloyster! This kid came fully prepared for Cloyster since it's an Ice Type," the announcer announced.
"Your little furball won't even phase my Cloyster. And I'll prove it to you!" Johnny said. "Cloyster! Spike Cannon!" Cloyster closes its shell, glows white, and fires multiple white spikes from the shell at Primeape. Primeape takes several hits from the Shellfish Pokémon.
"This looks like a devastating hit from Cloyster!" The announcer announced. Primeape gets back up and began to get infuriated. "And it looks like Primeape is really getting steamed up! And I doubt very much even the Ice Field will be enough to cool it down!"
"Primeape! Use Power-Up Punch!" Sora called out as Primeape headed towards Cloyster to land a punch.
"Withdraw!" Johnny ordered as Closyter closes its shell. Primeape punches fhe hard shell of Cloyster.
"Johnny's Cloyster managed to save itself by using its hard shell for defense!" The announcer announced. "Sora's Primeape landed very little damage on Cloyster."
"Let's see if I can do a little more damage," Sora said.
"Go for it, Sora! I'm with you all the way!" Kairi cheered.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel also cheered.
"Togepi!" Togepi also cheered.
"Primeape! Stomping Tantrum on Cloyster's shell!" Sora called out. Primeape jumps and land onto Cloyster still having its shell shut. Primeape began stomping on Cloyster's shell.
"It looks like Primeape is trying to force Cloyster in opening up! But it doesn't seem to be working! What could Sora be planning to do?" The announcer asked.
"Yeah, what gives?" Johnny asked.
"Withdraw is a good defense, but Cloyster is taking damage at the same time," Sora said. "Primeape! Keep going!" Primeape continues the stomps.
"Primeape just keeps stomping on Cloyster! And it dosen't look like Cloyster is going to last much longer!" The announcer announced as Cloyster opens up.
"Uh-oh," Johnny said.
"Power-Up Punch!" Sora shouted. Primeape shoots an even stronger punch hitting Cloyster hard.
"And that Power-Up Punch was even stronger than the last one! Sora really has Cloyster on the ropes now!" The announcer announced. Cloyster falls over knocked out.
"Cloyster is unable to battle! Primeape wins!" The referee announced.
"And it doesn't look good for Johnny boy! Sora has knocked off two of his Pokémon! Johnny really needs to keep his head in the game if he wanna stay in the tournament!" The announcer announced as Johnny growls in frustration. He calls back Cloyster and pulls out another Pokéball. "But what Pokémon will Johnny send out next? Maybe another Water-type? Or will it be an Ice-type?"
"Arcanine! Go!" Johnny said throwing his Pokéball letting out his Arcanine.
"This is an unexpected turn of events! He has sent out Arcanine! A Fire-type Pokémon! It looks like things are about to get hot now!" The announcer announced. Sora calls back Primeape and pulls out his Pokéball.
"Back to action, Poliwrath!" Sora said throwing the Pokéball letting out Poliwrath.
"And Sora has sent out his Poliwrath! He really wants to win this since he knows very much about how Water-types are strong against Fire-types," The announcer announced.
"I knew you'd send Poliwrath back out to put out my fire," Johnny said. "But my fire isn't easy to put out!"
"Poliwrath! Hydro Pump!" Sora ordered. Poliwrath fired Hydro Pump to land a hit on Arcanine.
"Arcanine! Dodge it!" Johnny called out. Arcanine jumps as Hydro Pump misses. Poliwrath kept firing, but each one misses.
"Poliwrath seems to be having a hard time keeping up with Arcanine's majestic speed! It looks like Johnny is making a comeback!" The announcer announced.
"Now use Dragon Pulse!" Johnny ordered. Arcanine fired a purple dragon-like aura towards Poliwrath and hits the icicle behind the amphibious Pokémon. The referee raises the red flag.
"Poliwrath is unable to battle! Arcanine wins!" The referee announced.
"Fire trumps water! It looks like Arcanine was too hot for Poliwrath to handle!" the announcer announced. "Sora needs to rethink his plan or else it's all over!" Sora calls back Poliwrath and pulls out Primeape's Pokéball.
"Primeape! Back to action!" Sora threw it letting out his Primeape.
"And Ketchum sends Primeape back on the battlefield! Will Johnny mop the floor with Primeape or will Sora claim his victory?" The announcer asked.
"Primeape! Stomping Tantrum!" Sora called out. Primeape went over to stomp on Arcanine as he did with Cloyster, but Johnny saw that coming.
"Arcanine! Flame Charge!" Johnny ordered. Arcanine charged towards the pig monkey Pokémon surrounded by fire. Arcanine hits Primeape clean and Primeape lands on his face knocked out. The referee raises the red flag.
"Primeape is unable to battle! Arcanine wins!" The referee announced.
"And Johnny has taken out two of Sora's Pokémon! Both has one left! Sora is now the one who needs to keep his head in the game!" The announcer announced. "What Pokémon will Sora send out next?" Sora looks over to Pikachu.
"Go for it, Pikachu!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded and went into battle.
"And it looks like Sora's final Pokémon is his Pikachu! Let's see how this will go!" The announcer announced.
"Pikachu! Quick Attack! Run around the field!" Sora ordered. Pikachu started to run around hoping to catch Arcanine off guard. Arcanine watches the yellow mouse Pokémon run around and around.
"A very impressive bold move as Pikachu on ice runs circles around Arcanine!" The announcer announced.
"Very cute. But not good enough! Arcanine! Fire Blast!" Johnny ordered. Arcanine fired its Fire Blast attack. It misses Pikachu, but melted part of the Ice Field. Kairi was pretty worried now.
"We're too fast for a Fire Blast!" Sora taunted.
"Yeah. But your only chance of winning is just melting away," Johnny countered as Arcanine fired the Fire Blast again and again until only two icebergs were left.
"Unbelievable! Arcanine's Fire Blast has melted the whole field into two little icebergs! Sora's speed plan has really backfired!" The announcer announced. Sora looked at the melted field and gets an idea. "With nowhere to run, Pikachu is trapped! It can't use its Quick Attack!"
"Payback time for making a fool out of me, kid! Now I have you! Arcanine! One more Fire Blast!" Johnny called out. Arcanine fired its attack.
"Pikachu! Jump in the water!" Sora called out. Pikachu jumps in the water. Fire Blast misses and the small iceberg melts. Pikachu swims towards Arcanine. Pikachu resurfaces for air and Arcanine glares down at Pikachu. Sora began to grin. "Gotcha!" Johnny raised a brow. Kairi knew what her boyfriend was up to. She saw it on his last battle. Angel knew what was coming up.
"What are you grinning about?" Johnny asked.
"Let's just say that you'll be in for a shocking surprise," Sora said with a pun. Johnny frowned as he realized what he did.
"Uh-oh," Johnny said.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu gave Arcanine a really big shock as Arcanine lands in the water.
"Arcanine!" Johnny gasped. Arcanine floats in the water dazed from Pikachu's shock. The referee raises the green flag.
"Arcanine is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The victory goes to Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town!" The referee announced. The crowd roars as Sora had just won the third round.
"How do you like that, Mr. A-List?" Sora taunted.
"I don't believe it! I lost to some little kid?!" Johnny groaned. "This cannot be happening! This cannot be happening!"
Aqua was glad Sora has beaten him, because she figured Johnny would now leave her alone.
A few hours later, they started to celebrate Sora's win.
"I'm glad you won, Sora," Aqua said.
"Someone like him definitely wouldn't want to humiliate himself over a girl a second or third time in a row," Karen said.
"I'll bet," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
On the very next day, Ash won his battle on the Water Field. Gary has won his battle on the Rock Field. And Leaf have her battle on the Ice Field. Now it was Sora's turn. Sora has exchanged Primeape and Poliwrath for Arcanine and Arbok. Sora decided to use Arbok, Pikachu, and Arcanine for the battle. Sora entered the Grass Field as his opponent is a teenaged boy with turquoise hair is arranged in a "Beatles' Haircut" fashion, and his eyes are blue. He wore large round yellow glasses. His glasses have a beetle in the middle, and holes on the legs. His outfit consists of a green jacket with a raised collar, a white shirt underneath, a red bow tie, brown trousers, and brown shoes.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our next battle is just about to begin! In the green corner, is Sora from Pallet Town. In the red corner, we have the master of Bug-type Pokémon, Weevil Underwood!" The announcer announced.
"What do you know about this Weevil Underwood?" Sora T asked.
"From I can gather, Weevil is a cunning Trainer. There are rumors that suggests that he cheats," Izzy said.
"And they let that grub in?" Yolei asked, disgusted.
"It never could be proven," Izzy said.
"This is going to the last battle I gotta win if I'm gonna get to the main competition. Okay, here goes," Sora said, taking out a Pokéball and held it.
"This will be their last battle before they have earned the right to head for the main stadium! Now, let's see how this bout will turn out!" The announcer announced.
"This should be great. Time to make it to the main stadium," Weevil said.
"Trainers, begin!" The referee called out. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Arbok!" Sora called out. Arbok came out, raising up.
"Cha-bok!" Arbok hissed.
"My Pokémon should create quite a buzz," Weevil said. He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Beedrill!"
"Weevil has chosen Beedrill as Sora has chosen Arbok; both are Poison-type Pokémon!" The announcer announced.
"Beedrill! Come at Arbok with Poison Jab!" Weevil ordered. Beedrill came flying at Arbok with its stings giving off a purple glow.
"Wrap!" Sora ordered. Arbok wraps his whole body around Beedrill.
"Beedrill is being wrapped by Arbok's Wrap! How is this bee-like Pokémon going to get out of this one?!" The announcer questioned. Beedrill has managed to get out of Arbok's hold.
"Beedrill! Use Twineedle!" Weevil ordered. Beedrill fired green needles at the Cobra Pokémon.
"Arbok! Dodge and use Crunch!" Sora ordered. Arbok manages to dodge and lands a heavy bite onto the Poison Bee Pokémon. "Use Poison Fang!" Arbok came at Beedrill with his fangs emitting poison and lands a hit onto Beedrill. "Use Mud Bomb!" Arbok fired a gunk of mud at Beedrill, dealing some damage. Weevil was shocked to see what happened. Beedrill has been knocked out.
"Beedrill is unable to battle! Arbok wins!" The referee announced.
"And Sora has taken the lead in this battle! Weevil will have to try a whole lot harder if he wants to stay in this tournament!" The referee announced. Weevil called back his Beedrill.
"I'm not done yet!" Weevil said, taking out another Pokéball and threw it. "Scyther! Go!" Scyther came out, ready to battle. "Use Slash!" Scyther came flying at Arbok.
"Dodge and use Poison Fang!" Sora ordered. Arboke came at the Mantis Pokémon to land a poisonous bite.
"Use Slash to cut that legless lizard down to size!" Weevil ordered. Scyther swings its arms around, so Arbok is keeping his distance. Arbok hisses. Weevil chuckled. "Now use Double Team!" Scyther has made a couple of images of itself. "You'll lose twice as hard." Weevil laughed. Sora grits his teeth as a drop of sweat runs down his cheek.
"Now, move in!" Weevil ordered. Scyther and the duplicates attacked the Cobra Pokémon from different sides.
"Scyther has Arbok in a real bind! What can Sora and Arbok do to take this speedy Scyther?" The announcer asked.
"Arbok! Poison Fang!" Sora ordered. Arbok came at Scyther lands a bite, but it was a duplicate. Arbok tries again, but the real one struck Arbok on the spot. Arbok lands a hit with Poison Fang, poisoning Scyther on the mark. Scyther is hurt by the poisoning.
"Oh no! Scyther is poisoned!" Weevil gasped.
"Use Wrap!" Sora ordered. Arbok quickly wrapped around Scyther's body and started squeeze hard. Scyther tried to get loose, but Arbok kept squeezing.
"Arbok is putting the squeeze onto Scyther! This looks like the end for Scyther!" The announcer announced. Arbok unwrapped himself from Scyther. The Mantis Pokémon has been taken down.
"Scyther is unable to battle! Arbok wins!" The referee announced.
"Two down, one to go! Which one will he using next in order to make a comeback?" The announcer asked. Weevil smirked and he took out another Pokéball and held it.
"I've been saving you for last," Weevil said. "Now go! Venomoth!" Weevil threw his Pokéball and out came a Venomoth that is twice the size of a normal Venomoth; even his Venomoth. Everyone were surprised to see this giant Venomoth.
"Weevil's third and final Pokémon is a giant Venomoth! Will size matter or will Venomoth be brought down? Only one way to see!" The announcer announced.
"Use Gust!" Weevil ordered. Venomoth flapped its wings and blew Arbok in the wind. "Use Zen Headbutt!" Venomoth flew right at Arbok with some psychic energy, dealing some heavy damage.
"Super-effective!" The announcer announced. Arbok fell on the ground, beaten.
"Arbok is unable to battle! Venomoth wins!" The referee announced.
"Weevil has started to make his comeback! Will he keep it up and win this battle?!" The announcer asked. Sora turned to Pikachu.
"You ready to go?" Sora asked.
"Pika," Pikachu said, stepping in.
"Sora's second Pokémon is Pikachu! Let's see how it'll make a difference!" The announcer announced.
"Use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu unleashed Thunderbolt at the giant Poison Moth Pokémon.
"Use Gust!" Weevil ordered. Venomoth blew the electricity away before it could reach it.
"No way!" Sora exclaimed in shock.
"Pika!" Pikachu also exclaimed.
"Sora!" Kairi exclaimed.
"Eevee!" Angel also exclaimed.
"Use Bug Buzz!" Weevil ordered. Venomoth unleashes a soundwave from its wings, sending Pikachu flying. He struck the wall hard.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Venomoth wins!" The referee announced.
"Two in a row! This is going to either way, or will it?" The announcer asked. Sora took out a Pokéball after Pikachu walked right over to Angel and rested.
"I guess it's come down to this," Sora said. He threw his Pokéball. "Go! Arcanine!" his Pokéball opened and Arcanine came right out to battle.
"Sora's final Pokémon is Arcanine, a Fire-type Pokémon! I wonder how this is going to go down!" The announcer announced.
"Venomoth! Use Zen Headbutt!" Weevil ordered. Venomoth came flying at Arcanine.
"Dodge and use Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Arcanine dodges and came at Venomoth with his body emitting fire. "Use Fire Fang!" Arcanine came at Venomoth with Fire Fang, landing a hit.
"It looks like Arcanine is really giving its opponent a red hot beating!" The announcer announced.
"Use Poison Fang!" Weevil ordered. Venomoth came at Arcanine with Poison Fang.
"Extreme Speed!" Sora ordered. Arcanine dodges with super speed. Venomoth misses its target completely. "Use Flamethrower! Full power!" Sora ordered. Arcanine unleashed Flamethrower from his moth, engulfing the giant Poison Moth on flames. "Use Flame Charge!" Arcanine came at Venomoth, dealing some heavy damage, much to Weevil's dismay.
"No, I can't lose! Weevil Underwood cannot lose!" Weevil yelled. Venomoth lands on its back. "Get back up and battle!" Venomoth tried to get back up, but fell back down, beaten. "No!"
"Venomoth is unable to battle! Arcanine wins! The winner is Sora from Pallet Town!" The referee announced.
"And there you have it! Sora has earned the right to battle in the main stadium! A huge congratulations is in order!" The announcer announced.
Weevil glared at Sora with so much hate. He grits his teeth. He never felt so much humiliation..
"No, it cannot be! I shouldn't lose! I shouldn't lose!" Weevil yelled at the top of his lungs.
Once it was over, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, and Togepi have met up with their friends to celebrate.
"Congratulations, Sora," Karen said.
"Thanks, sis," Sora said, hugging his sister.
"I can't wait until I see you battle, Sora!" Ventus said.
"I'm going to give it everything I've got," Sora said.
Now that Sora has won all four of his required matches, he had earned the right to battle on the main stadium. We shall wait and see how well it turns out for Sora as we go on.