Episode 100: Sora Puts Up a Flight!
It was a short time right after dealing with Ansem in the realm of darkness, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Lyra, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi and Team Rocket made it back to the realm of light after sealing the Door to Darkness with the help of the spirit of Sora's father who used a Keyblade forged from the dark realm. The good news is the Door to Darkness was shut, but the bad news is the Heartless are still active.
"Just how does it feel to have a Keyblade, Ethan?" Sora asked.
"I have to admit, it was awesome. I never had something like it before. I never even held a sword before either," Ethan said. He summomed his Heart Gold Ho-Oh and held it. "Now that I have it, does that mean I'll have to fight the Heartless that comes my way?"
"You're going to have to defend yourself and everything that matters to you," Sora said.
"You're right, Sora. My mom, my home, and my friends all matter to me," Ethan said. "I'm gonna have to try hard to be a Pokémon Trainer and a Keyblade wielder," Ethan said.
"You gonna say it or do it?" Sora asked.
"You'll have to see it, Sora," Ethan said. They both laughed.
Meanwhile, Ash came to DiZ to tell him about his experience in the realm of darkness.
"What happened to you, Ash?" DiZ asked. "I tried to find you, but my attempts to locate you were in vain."
"Sorry, DiZ. I was lost in the realm of darkness along with my friend Leaf. And she ends up with a Keyblade of her own," Ash said.
"The realm of darkness? You went to that place?" DiZ asked in surprise.
"I did. I wasn't there by choice. But there was someone I met. He pushed me in it. He called himself Ansem," Ash said.
"There is a name I have not heard in ages," DiZ said.
"Do you know him, DiZ?" Ash asked.
"I do, unfortunately. Ansem was a researcher long ago. He did not research Pokémon as you would think. He was researching the heart. But he was greatly obsessed with the darkness, thusly and without any concern, gave birth to the Heartless," DiZ said.
"Diz, are you saying that the Heartless came from Ansem?" Ash asked in shock.
"Yes and no," DiZ said. "Regardless, the Heartless have begun to ravage through countless worlds and taking the hearts of any living creature they come in contact with. He sacrificed worlds in order to satisfy his own curiosity. And then, he became the man you and your friend saw."
"I can't believe he brought this on us. There is a question I want to know. You know someone named Xehanort?" Ash asked. DiZ became uneasy.
"How did you learn that name?" DiZ asked in a frantic.
"It was from a Keyblade wielder I met in the realm of darkness. So I thought I'd bring it to yo-" Ash was cut off.
"You needn't know of Xehanort!" DiZ said, quickly dismissing the knowledge Ash has obtained.
"But, DiZ!" Ash said.
"Enough. Forget you ever knew that name," DiZ said. Ash didn't say anything else about this Xehanort person and left DiZ's side.
"Sorry to bother you about, DiZ," Ash said.
"Wait!" DiZ said, stopping him. Ash stopped.
"What?" Ash asked.
"A member of the Organization has been spotted in Odaiba City. I ask that you look into it, Ash," DiZ requested.
"Okay," Ash said. He assumed DiZ had more to say, but he didn't, so he left. DiZ shuts his eyes.
"I lied to Ash about Xehanort. I will bear the consequences when the time comes. Until then, the truth will have to be hidden," DiZ said. "Xehanort. There no one but myself to blame for your madness."
In Odaiba City, Roxas is walking in the alleys of the city, seeing the city Pokémon, consisting of Rattata and Raticate in the garbage cans while there were Meowth and Persian in others. The Grimer were lurking in the sewers while the Porygon were hovering around.
"There are different kinds of Pokémon everywhere I go. Different shapes, sizes, and types. Axel did say there are a lot of them," Roxas said in his thoughts.
Unknown to him, two hooded figures were watching him from the shadows. They removed their hoods. The tall figure is the taller Yugi while the other is a boy who looks like Ken, but he wore glass and has messy dark purple hair.
"Is that him?" The boy in the glasses asked.
"Yes. He is the Organization's newest member. The one who uses the Keyblade," the taller Yugi said.
"Just what's his deal? You said that he didn't up from down or who he was when he came around," the boy said.
"I did, Sam. But the thing is, he lost all the memories as his original self. The only thing that remained was his ability to use the Keyblade," the taller Yugi said.
"The Keyblade is certainly the reason why the Organization would want him. He is the only one who can use it. Not even their leader can use it," Sam said.
"True. His ability to use the Keyblade is what makes him dangerous. He should never have existed in the first place, and Xemnas knows it," the taller Yugi said.
"That's pretty cold, even if it's true. We should just deal with him and be done with it," Sam said.
"No. The Organization will only come after us. Our plan to thwart them could be ruined before we could act on it," the taller Yugi said.
"I agree," a new voice said. A corridor of darkness appeared and Kaito appeared in it. "Organization XIII are too powerful for us. We're just ghosts after all."
"I trust your trip in the realm of darkness was productive," the taller Yugi said.
"Yeah. I found the dark realm's Keyblade and used it to seal the Keyblade with my son. The Door to Darkness isn't likely to open up anytime soon. Ansem's plan failed," Kaito said.
"Good. That is one less problem to deal with," the taller Yugi said.
"That just leaves that Roxas kid for right now. We're just sitting in the dark and doing nothing but sit on our butts," Sam said.
"That's all we can do. We can't do anything unless we have to," Kaito said. "Besides, someone else is taking care of it for us."
He was right because they saw Ash riding on the back of Charizard and he lands on the ground.
"Who's he?" Sam asked.
"My son's friend. I saw him when we sealed the Door to Darkness," Kaito said.
Ash called back Charizard and he looked around.
"He's gotta be around here somewhere," Ash said, looking around. He walked forward and kept on walking even after he reached the alley. Roxas was in the same area.
"It feels like I've been here before, but this is the first time I have ever been here," Roxas said in his thoughts. He kept on walking, not knowing that he was getting close to Ash. Roxas stopped when he spots him. Ash sees him as well.
"There you are!" Ash shouted.
"Who are you?" Roxas asked. He then starts to get a headache.
"You're with the Organization!" Ash said. He saw Roxas holding his head. "Hey, what's the matter with you?" Roxas looked at him.
"I've seen you before. You were in my dreams," Roxas said. Ash was confused. He was also surprised because he recognized his voice.
"What are you talking about?" Ash asked. He went up right to him and he took a look at his face. He gasped. "No way! Ven?!"
"That's not my name! My name is Roxas!" Roxas said. He summoned a Kingdom Key in his hand and he held it. Ash summoned his Star Seeker and he held it in defense. He pushes Roxas back, but he wasn't phased by Ash's push.
"Who are you and where did you get that Keyblade?!" Ash asked. Roxas held it up.
"Shut up!" Roxas shouted, swinging his Keyblade at him, but Ash swings it, clashing with it. They clashed their Keyblades at each other. Roxas jumped on the walls, so Ash went right after him.
Meanwhile, TK and Kari are posing for a photo as Mimi snaps the photo.
"Best one yet," Mimi said.
"Thanks, Mimi. This will make a nice picture for the album," Kari said.
"It sure would," TK said. "The scrapbook could use a few more pictures." Kari looked behind her.
"Did you feel that?" Kari asked.
"Feel what?" TK asked.
"It felt familiar, but at the same time, it wasn't," Kari said. Light erupts from the alley area. "It's over this way!"
"Kari, wait for me!" TK called out, going after her.
"TK, Kari, hold on!" Mimi called out, also following them.
The light came from Ash and Roxas fighting. They stopped firing the beams of light and clashed their blades again. He glared right at Roxas.
"This guy's good. He's just as skillful as Sora. But for some weird reason, he does feel familiar. I only know Ven, but he looks like Ven, only older," Ash said in his thoughts. Roxas came at him again, but Ash moved and tackled him to the ground after dismissing his Keyblade. "That's enough!"
"Get off me!" Roxas yelled, kicking Ash off. Ash got got up and summoned his Star Seeker again and points it at Roxas. TK, Kari, and Mimi showed up and saw the Keyblades in each of their hands.
"What are those?" TK asked.
"I don't know," Kari said. She looked at Roxas and gasped. "Isn't that Sora's cousin Ven?" TK and Mimi were surprised to see Roxas with their own eyes. They remembered meeting Ventus at the Indigo Plateau and at Professor Oak's party and that was i
"It does look like him, but he looks a little older and taller than Ven does," TK said.
"But what's with that black coat? It looks ugly," Mimi said, disgusted.
"I felt it coming from him," Kari said, pointing at Roxas.
"What do you mean, Kari?" TK asked.
"I know we met him before, but we never met him before. It feels weird. Who is he?" Kari asked.
"Okay, Roxas! Who are you really?" Ash asked.
"I told you, Ash! I'm Roxas!" Roxas said.
"Then how do you know my name?" Ash asked, surprising Roxas.
"I didn't. The name just popped up," Roxas said.
"What about the names of the other two? What are their names?" Ash asked.
"Leaf and Gary," Roxas said. He then starts getting another headache. "What's happening to me?"
"What's wrong with him?" TK asked. "Hey, kid!" Roxas turned and saw TK and the girls looking at him.
"Come here!" Kari said.
"You were in my dreams, too!" Roxas exclaimed through the pain. He screamed loudly as a corridor of darkness appeared and Axel came out.
"Roxas!" Axel gasped.
"You're not getting away!" Ash said, but Axel zipped behind him and knocks on the ground.
"I'm warning you! Stay out of this Get it memorized!" Axel said. He picked up Roxas. "Come on, Roxas. Let's go!" The Nobodies disappeared in the darkness as Ash stood up.
"Wait!" Ash yelled. He tried to catch them, but it was too late. "Shoot! They got away!" He saw TK, Kari, and Mimi running up to him.
"You okay?" TK asked.
"Yeah. That other guy showing up didn't help out a bit," Ash said. He looked at TK and the girls and chuckled a bit. "How much did you see?"
"Enough," Mimi said.
"I guess I have some explaining to do," Ash said.
"I think everyone should hear this," TK said.
Meanwhile, Sora, Kairi, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and Marill have arrived in Violet City.
"And here we are. Violet City," Lyra said.
"The home of the first Gym in the Johto region. We each have to collect eight Gym Badges if we want to compete in the Johto Pokémon League," Ethan said.
"That's right, Ethan. But who should have the first challenge?" Sora asked.
"Uh," Ethan said and then started to stammer.
"We should have a coin toss," Lyra suggested. She displayed a coin on her PokéGear. "So boy, what will it be? Heads or tails?"
"I'll take heads," Ethan said.
"Tails is fine with me," Sora said.
"Okay. Here we go," Lyra said, pressing the coin on the coin. The coin lands on tails. "Tails. Sora wins."
"Dang!" Ethan said. He looked at Sora with a smile. "Hey, be sure to win it, Sora."
"I'm gonna say the same thing in your Gym battle," Sora said.
Sora and Ethan shook hands and took off to find the Pokémon Center before they head for the Violet City Gym.
Pikachu made a slight detour and started to look for a flower for Angel. He wanted it to be the prettiest flower he could find. He is then caught in a game of tug-o-war between two kids, a boy and a girl.
"A Pikachu! How cute!" The girl exclaimed.
The were pulling on Pikachu and ended up fighting over him. Sora knew what he was about to do.
"Pikachu, no! Don't shock those kids!" Sora yelled, grabbing Pikachu. He screamed when Pikachu shocked him. "This might come to a shock, but this Pikachu is mine."
"Bummer, we thought it was a wild Pokémon," the girl said.
"Aw, I wanted to be the one to catch it," the boy said.
"Zackie! Lizzy!" A woman came out, running to the two kids. "What are you doing? You should be in class!"
"I was trying to catch a Pikachu," Zackie said.
"I am so sorry. I hope my students didn't cause too much trouble for you," Miss Priscilla said.
"It's okay. They were just lucky I was around or else they would have taken the shocks instead of me," Sora said.
"Since that Pikachu is with you, are you a Pokémon Trainer?" Zackie asked.
"We all are," Kairi replied.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"That's wonderful! The students will be so excited," Miss Priscilla said.
"Students?" Sora asked.
"I'm one of the teachers here in the Violet City Pokémon Academy," Miss Priscilla said.
"Pokémon Academy?" Sora asked.
"It's a school that caters to young children who wants to become Pokémon Trainers when they get older. I teach them about how to train them and how to take care of them," Miss Priscilla said.
"Yeah! When I grow up, I'm going to be the greatest Pokémon Trainer in the world!" Zackie said.
"Yeah? Good for you," Sora said.
A few minutes later, they're greeted by the principal who is wearing a tight body suit and a tutu. He was dancing like a ballerina. Sora, Kairi, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, and the Pokémon were looking at him funny.
"I welcome you all to the Violet City Pokémon Academy!" The principal said.
"Allow me to introduce you all to the principal, Earl Dervish," Miss Priscilla said.
"Um, nice to meet you," Sora said, chuckling nervously. Ethan and the girls chuckled nervously as well.
"The pleasure is all mine! I'm deeming you honorary teachers so you can teach our students all about Pokémon," Earl said.
"Oh, we couldn't do that," Sora said.
"Now, now. I shan't take no for an answer," Earl said, doing a twirl.
"Please say you'll do it. It'll mean so much to the students," Miss Priscilla said. Sora knew he couldn't get out of it even if he wanted to, so he had to go along with it.
"Okay, you've convinced me," Sora said.
"If you're in, Sora, then so am I," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
"I guess we're all in," Kris said.
"Wonderful," Miss Priscilla said.
Class has started as the principal did his dancing. The kids laughed at their principal's antics.
"Give teaching a whirl," Earl said.
"I might end up being dizzy," Sora said.
"Good luck," Earl said, spinning out.
"Okay," Sora said nervously. He cleared his throat. "Alright, kids. My name is Sora Ketchum, and I came from Pallet Town in the Kanto region."
"Kanto?" One of the kids asked.
"Kanto is the region right next to ours. And I'm sure Sora has been through Kanto, seeing all kinds of Pokémon there, right?" Miss Priscilla asked.
"Yeah. Kairi and I came across different kinds of Pokémon living in Kanto," Sora said. "Anyone have any questions?" All the kids raised their hands so Sora looked around and pointed to Zackie. "You."
"Have you won any Pokémon battles, Sora?" Zackie asked.
"Yeah. I won some and lost some," Sora said.
"Why should we listen to you if you lost some battles?" Zackie asked.
"There's no shame in losing. Trainers can learn from their losses as well as their winnings," Sora said.
"Why don't you tell them about how you won the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League a while back?" Ethan asked.
"Ethan," Sora and Kairi chided him.
"You won the Pokémon League?" One of the students asked.
"Yeah, I did," Sora said, getting mad at Ethan for it. "Just as Ethan said, I won the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League tournament. The key to winning any battle is by giving it your all. Even if you lose the battle, you shouldn't let it get you down, because your Pokémon as well as you have done your best."
"What Pokémon do you have with you?" Lizzy asked.
"We should step outside and you can see for yourselves," Sora said.
"That is if your teacher thinks it's okay," Kairi said.
"I think it's a wonderful idea," Miss Priscilla said.
Everyone stepped out and they let out their Pokémon. Ethan has let out his which consists of his Cyndaquil, a Weedle, a Poliwag, and a Geodude.
Kris's Pokémon consisted of her Totodile Wani-Wani, her Misdreavus Little Miss, and a Jigglypuff.
Lyra's other Pokémon consisted of a Chikorita, a Vulpix, and a Caterpie. Their faces lit up like it was Christmas, seeing so many Pokémon at once. They started to play with the Pokémon.
Zackie looked at Pikachu, so he tackled Pikachu down to the ground.
"I'm going to take you for myself, Pikachu!" Zackie said.
"Pika!" Pikachu yelled, shocking Zackie. Sora saw what was going on.
"Hey, Pikachu! Stop that!" Sora said. He took Pikachu in his arms. "You shouldn't have done that, Pikachu. He's just a little kid."
"Chu," Pikachu huffed.
"We'll talk about this later," Sora said. He turned to Zackie. "You okay? Anything I can do?"
"You can give me Pikachu!" Zackie said.
"What? No way," Sora said. "I can't just give you Pikachu."
"I WANT PIKACHU!" Zackie exclaimed as he cried.
"Hey, settle down," Sora said. Zackie took a Pokéball from Sora. "Hey! Give that back!"
"I'm going to catch Pikachu for myself!" Zackie said, holding the Pokéball in his hand. He threw it at Pikachu.
"Stay perfectly still, Pikachu!" Sora said. Pikachu does so. The Pokéball opened and it failed to make Pikachu flow inside. Zackie was confused by what happened.
"How come Pikachu didn't go inside the Pokéball?" Zackie asked.
"Because my Pikachu isn't a wild Pokémon. Also, you shouldn't be trying to steal someone else's Pokémon because you'd end up being in a lot of trouble for it," Sora said.
"I WANT TO CATCH PIKACHU!" Zackie cried.
"That's enough, Zackie!" Miss Priscilla said. He looked at her. "I know you're excited, but Sora is right. You shouldn't be trying to steal a Pokémon from a Trainer. That can get you into trouble. Sora would have pressed charges on you."
"But-" Zackie was cut off.
"No buts. You're going to be staying after school today and be helping me clean the classroom," Miss Priscilla sternly said.
"But, Miss Priscilla," Zakie pleaded.
"You heard me, young man," Miss Priscilla sternly said. Zackie groaned as the kids all oohed at him, knowing he's in trouble. Zackie groaned and mumbled to himself. "I'm sorry you had to see that."
"It's okay. He has to learn it for himself," Sora said.
"He also has to learn that he can't always get what he wants," Kairi said.
"That too," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
The Trainers took their leave of the Violet City Pokémon Academy and heads for the Violet City Gym. As they arrived, they were told that the Gym Leader isn't in at the moment.
"He's not in?" Sora asked.
"No. Falkner is at the Sprout Tower right now," the staff member said.
"The Sprout Tower? That's a funny name for a building," Kairi said.
"You might think so. The Sprout Tower got its name because of the beam in the tower wobbles just like a Bellsprout," the staff member said.
"Which way is the Sprout Tower?" Ethan asked.
"Just that way," the staff member said, pointing to the tower behind them. "You'll have a look inside and you'll find Falkner inside."
"Thanks," Sora, Kairi, Ethan, Kris, and Lyra said.
Back in Odaiba City, Ash was brought to Tai and the rest as Mimi, TK, and Kari brought Ash over in a secluded area of the local park. Ash had both of his Keyblades out as he explained about the Heartless and his encounter with Roxas.
"And that's the story," Ash said.
"You said this Roxas is with this Organization XIII? Who and what is Organization XIII?" Izzy asked.
"What I know is that they're Nobodies that still have their human forms. When someone with a strong heart is turned into a Heartless, a Nobody is created. The Organization has control over all the Nobodies," Ash explained.
"How come Roxas looked so much like Sora's cousin?" TK asked.
"I don't know. I have no idea whose Nobody he is and why he has a Keyblade," Ash said.
"Does Ketchum have a Keyblade, too?" Tai asked.
"Yeah. He does," Ash said.
"Not only he takes on Team Rocket, but he's fighting monsters, too? He is just full of surprises," Matt said.
"Not just me and Sora, but Kairi has one as well. And another boy who I saw with them when I was in the realm of darkness," Ash said.
"What happened in there?" Davis asked.
"Leaf and I were in the realm of darkness and we were looking for a way out. And that's when we met up with another Keyblade wielder. A girl named Cascade. She has been in the realm of darkness for who-knows how long. She told us about her two friends, Gaia and Viento and about how she sacrificed herself to save a friend. So, we made it our mission to get out together. When we learned that Sora, Kairi, Team Rocket, and those three were in there, we had to race to help them. When we got there, we saw Sora, Kairi, and the others go against a guy calling himself Ansem. And that's when we found the Door to Darkness. Someone else was there as well and he had a Keyblade that looked identical to the one Sora has and they sealed the Door to Darkness together. Before we reached them, Cascade stayed behind to stop the Heartless from reaching them. She asked me to find her two friends, and thell them that she's sorry. But the problem is, I have no idea where to look for them," Ash said. Everyone were shocked to hear it.
"It must have been hard for her," Sora T said.
"It was. But she'll keep on fighting. I promised that I would try to find a way to get her out even if it takes me forever to do it," Ash said.
"Maybe we should help you with that, Ash," Davis said.
"How are we gonna do that, Davis?" Ken asked.
"Ken's right. It's like looking for a needle in a really big haystack," Joe said.
"We don't even know if there's still a way in," Yolei said.
"We gotta try something," Davis said.
"Davis has a point for a change. It's better than doing nothing," TK said.
"Sora would do the same thing for her," Mimi said.
"I'm in," Tai said.
"As am I," Izzy said.
"Then it's settled. We'll be working together, Ash," Tai said.
"I guess I'm going have to accept all the help I can get," Ash said, picking up his Keyblades and dismissed them.
Back in Violet City, Sora, Kairi, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and Marill have arrived to the Sprout Tower. Upon entering, the monks all looked at the visitors all at once. The beam in the middle was wobbling like a Bellsprout.
"So this is the Sprout Tower," Sora said.
"And no wonder they call it that. It does sway like a Bellsprout," Kris said.
Outside, Team Rocket are outside and they listen in on them.
"There are the twerps," Meowth said.
"Now the thing to do is to capture Pikachu and hand it to the boss," James said.
"You've read my mind, James," Jessie said. The snickered wickedly. They snuck inside to get right at it when a Bellsprout sways around and walked up to them.
"Sprout, sprout, Bellsprout, sprout," the Bellsprout said.
"Meowth, translate," Jessie said.
"That Bellsprout just told us to leave peacefully or force will be necessary," Meowth translated.
"A Bellsprout telling us what to do? That's a laugh!" Jessie laughed.
"How do you plan on beating us?" James also laughed.
"Bellsprout! Use Slam!" A voice ordered. The Bellsprout grabbed Meowth and swung him around and hits Team Rocket with him. "Now, use Vine Whip!" Bellsprout smacked Team Rocket out where they came.
"This is so humiliating! We got beaten by a weak and pathetic Pokémon like a Bellsprout!" Jessie exclaimed.
"Like we have room to talk," Meowth said.
"What was that?!" Jessie hissed.
"If I knew this plan was gonna blow before we got started, I wouldn't have agreed to this!" Meowth exclaimed.
"I should have guessed this would happen, but I was thinking a little later," James said.
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Rocket shouted as they go flying in the sky. A star twinkles in the distance.
Back in the Sprout Tower, the monk smiled and pats Bellsprout on the head.
"Wonderful job, my friend," the monk said.
Sora, Kairi, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and Marill came up the stairs.
"Excuse us. Would you know where the Violet Gym Leader is? We were told he's here in the tower," Kairi said. The monk looked at them. He particularly looked at Sora, Kairi, and Ethan. He knew there was something about them.
"He might be with the elder the last time I saw him," the monk said.
"And where is the elder now?" Sora asked.
"On the top floor of the tower," the monk said.
"Thanks. We'll head up there," Sora said. With that said, the monk watched them walk off.
"The power of light is with them," the monk said. "Their hearts are not tainted by a small piece of darkness. How is it possible?"
On top of the Sprout Tower, they all made up and they saw a battle between Silver and the elder. The battle ends with Silver being the victor.
"You are indeed skilled as a Trainer. But let me say this: You should treat your Pokémon better. The way you battle is far too harsh. Pokémon are not tools of war..." The elder said. Silver didn't take that to heart. He only scowled. He saw Sora's face.
"You! Why are you here?" Silver asked in an irritated tone.
"I could ask you the same thing," Sora said.
"Humph!" Silver scoffed. "He claims to be the Elder but he's weak. It stands to reason. I'd never lose to fools who babble about being nice to Pokémon. I only care about strong Pokémon that can win. I really couldn't care less about weak Pokémon."
"Hey, you lost to me!" Sora said.
"Also, that was an awful thing to say. Pokémon can get stronger when you work raising them," Kairi said.
"Spare me the boring lecture! Let me say this! If I see your faces again, I'll annihilate you in battle!" Silver said, taking off. The elder looked at Sora and he saw a light that shines very brightly in him.
"A pure shining light," the elder said. He walked up to Sora. "So good of you to come here! Sprout Tower is a place of training. People and Pokémon test their bonds to build a bright future together. I shall be the one to test you. Allow me to check the ties between your Pokémon and you!"
"Sure thing," Sora said. The elder took out a Pokéball and opened it.
"Yin, go," the elder said sending out a Bellsprout. The Bellsprout wobbles its body similar to the tower's pillar. This Bellsprout seems to be calm and collective.
"Okay Cyndaquil! Go!" Sora said, throwing his Pokéball letting out Cyndaquil.
"Quil," Cyndaquil yawned.
"Can't use Flamethrower because I don't want to burn the place by accident," Sora said in his thoughts. "Better battle smart in this one."
"Using a Fire-type Pokémon such as Cyndaquil is a wise move, young one. You may have the first move," the elder offered.
"Thanks. Cyndaquil! Tackle!" Sora ordered. Cyndaquil charged towards the flower Pokémon with a full force of his body.
"Yin, use Tickle," the elder ordered. Bellsprout waited for Cyndaquil to come close. Bellsprout tickles Cyndaquil's belly causing him to laugh.
"Cyndaquil, what's wrong?" Sora asked.
"Tickle lowers both attack and defense by one stage when used," the elder said.
"Cyndaquil! Try to resist the tickles!" Sora called out. The Bellsprout keeps tickling the fire mouse Pokémon with its leaves. Cyndaquil laughed so hard he accidentally shot out Swift and it hits Yin in the face.
"Bellsprout," Yin said.
"Cyndaquil just learned to use Swift," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Do not worry, Yin. Use Tickle again," the elder said. Yin moved towards Cyndaquil to tickle him again. Sora was ready for it this time.
"Cyndaquil! Smokescreen!" Sora ordered. Cyndaquil fired smoke around the Bellsprout and himself. The elder figured Sora thought he had the advantage because of the smoke covering himself.
"Yin. Remain calm and collective. Sense where Cyndaquil is hiding," Elder Li said.
"Sprout, Bellsprout, Sprout," Yin said closing its eyes. Yin had sensed Cyndaquil's movements. He began moving towards it slowly not wanting to risk another tickle attack. Once Cyndaquil was just close enough, Yin grabs Cyndaquil by the paw and gave Cyndaquil a toss. It blows the smoke away.
"Cyndaquil! Use Swift now!" Sora called out as Cyndaquil fired Swift. The stars strikes Yin hard. "Use Tackle!" Cyndaquil charges towards the Bellsprout with his back blazing. Yin dodges just by simply moving to the side. "Tackle again! Move when Bellsprout moves!" Cyndaquil moved much faster this time. Yin moved to the side again, but Cyndaquil moved to the side Bellsprout moved and this time his Tackle made a successful hit. "Swift one more time!" Cyndaquil fires Swift at the Bellsprout and it falls to the floor beaten. Elder Li smiled as he calls back Yin.
"Magnificent. Your skills are impressive," Elder Li said. "Most trainers would have used a Fire-type attack to deal damage to Bellsprout. But you considered the possibility of the attack could miss and turn the tower on fire, correct?"
"Yes," Sora simply answered. "I didn't want burn down the tower by accident and endanger any lives here." The elder stroked his beard.
"So it was the concern for the safety of others. You have displayed compassion for others by considering the outcome of possible dangers. And you relied on your instincts as well. Well done," the elder said. He took out another Pokéball. "Now here is my next Pokémon. Yang go." He let out another Bellsprout, but this one was a bit hostile than the one Sora had just battled; in fact, a tad aggressive. Cyndaquil yawned and fell asleep, feeling pooped from the battle with Yin. Sora pulls out Cyndaquil's Pokéball.
"Okay Cyndaquil, you should rest up for a while," Sora said, calling back Cyndaquil. He looked over to Pikachu. "You up for a battle, Pikachu?"
"Pika," Pikachu nodded. Pikachu entered the battle to battle the aggressive Bellsprout.
"Pikachu against Yang. Hm. An interesting choice," the elder said.
"Remember, Pikachu. Your Electric attacks won't do much damage on a Grass-type Pokémon like this Bellsprout," Sora reminded Pikachu.
"Chu," Pikachu nodded as he understood.
"You may have the first move once more, Sora," the elder said.
"Pikachu! Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu ran across the floor towards the Bellsprout.
"Yang, use Vine Whip," the elder said. The aggressive Bellsprout smacked Pikachu on the sides. "Now use Sludge Bomb." Yang fires a huge ball of Sludge at Pikachu.
"Pikachu! Dodge!" Sora called out avoiding the ball of sludge. "Iron Tail!" Pikachu swung his tail at the aggressive Bellsprout. Yang blocks the attack with its leaf. The two of them were locked in combat not one was backing away.
"Your Pikachu's spirit is very impressive. You have done a splendid job of raising it," the elder complimented. "But is your Pikachu's spirit in sync with your spirit?"
"You're going to find out," Sora said. "Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Ethan, Kris, and Lyra were surprised by what Sora told his Pikachu to do. Pikachu gave Yang quite a shock. The electric shock was enough to paralyze the Bellsprout. The elder has noticed the paralysis pretty quick. "Now use Iron Tail again!" Pikachu swung his tail at Yang. The Bellsprout falls to the ground and struggles to get back up. The Bellsprout refused to give up and attempted to attack Pikachu, but falls to the ground before Yang could land a hit.
"Perhaps Yang still has much to learn," the elder said calling back his fallen Bellsprout. "Your skills as a Pokémon Trainer are quite impressive. What I have witnessed is confirmation of the spirits of you and your Pokémon are in sync. And I believe you are searching for Falkner, yes?"
"Yeah, but how do you know?" Sora asked.
"I can see it in your chi. Your chi is the most unique chi I have ever seen. It has a powerful light; not a single trace of darkness. The same for your friends," the elder said.
"My chi?" Sora asked.
"Pi?" Pikachu asked.
"Yes. As for the Gym Leader, he has returned to his Gym as soon as he has finished meditating," the elder said.
"Looks like we're heading back after all," Ethan said.
"Thank you, elder," Sora said.
"May I ask for your name?" The elder asked.
"Sora," Sora said.
"May your light shine brightly in your journey, young Sora," the elder said. The elder bowed his head and Sora did the same.
They took their leave of the Sprout Tower and started to head for the Violet City Gym.
"Can't believe we came all the way to the Sprout Tower for nothing," Ethan said.
"It wasn't all bad. We got to see the Sprout Tower," Lyra said.
"Yeah. But you can have your battle first if you want, Ethan," Sora said.
"Thanks for thinking of me, Sora, but you won the coin toss, so you should go first," Ethan said. "Besides, I want to see how well you do in a Gym battle."
"Okay, if that's what you want, Ethan," Sora said.
They eventually reached the Gym and stepped inside. Waiting for them is a young man who has blue eyes and blue hair, which covers his right eye. He wore a white sash, some indigo shorts and a pair of black wristbands with red outlines. He wore a white-outlined blue jacket, which is decorated with four white buttons. He has white socks and black shoes.
"Welcome to the Violet City Gym I am looking forward to this," the young man said.
"Are you Falkner, the Gym Leader?" Lyra asked.
"Yes, I am. And in case you don't know, I specialize with Flying-type Pokémon. And who would you be?" Falkner asked.
"My name is Ethan from New Bark Town," Ethan said.
"And I'm Sora from Pallet Town," Sora said.
"Two challengers at once, is it? This is a rare thing to happen to me. But I'm going have to take you one at a time. Which one of you wants to go first?" Falkner asked.
"That would be me, Falkner," Sora said. "I'd be glad to take you on and give you all I have," Sora said.
"Very well. As Gym Leader, I accept your challenge," Falkner said.
The referee stepped in when Sora and Falkner have gotten into position for battle.
"The battle here in Violet City is about to begin! We have the Gym Leader, Falkner and the challenger Sora from Pallet Town! Each Trainer will be using three Pokémon! Only the challenger will be allowed to make substitutions during the match! The battle will be over when all three of either the challenger's or Gym Leader's Pokémon are unable to continue battling! There is no time limit! Now begin!" The referee announced as Falkner took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Hoothoot!" Falkner shouted as he threw his Pokéball. His Hoothoot came right out to battle. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up first, Bonsly!" Sora called out. Bonsly came right out to battle.
"Bonsly," Bonsly said.
"Yeah, a Rock-type Pokémon like Bonsly is a good choice to use against a Flying-type like Hoothoot," Lyra said.
"Yeah, but he doesn't seem worried about it," Ethan said.
"Beginning the match with a Rock-type Pokémon are you? You have made a wise choice, Sora. But you should remember that types alone is not enough to win Pokémon battles," Falkner said.
"I know that. My Bonsly will be do his best! Is that right, Bonsly?" Sora asked.
"Bonsly, Bon," Bonsly said.
"Hoothoot! Use Tackle, now!" Falkner ordered. Hoothoot came flying at Bonsly with a Tackle.
"Bonsly! Use Fake Tears!" Sora ordered. Bonsly started to cry, making Hoothoot stops and feels flustered by Bonsly's cries. "Great! Now use Tackle!" Bonsly lands a Tackle onto the Owl Pokémon.
"Hoothoot! Use Mud-Slap!" Falkner ordered. Hoothoot flapped its wings and streams of mud shoots out from the wings.
"Dodge and use Rock Throw!" Sora ordered. Bonsly dodges and hurls rocks at the Owl Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Hoothoot!" Falkner called out. Hoothoot dodges just by flying out of the way.
"Rock Throw again!" Sora ordered. Bonsly forms rocks above him again and sends it at Hoothoot. Hoothoot was hit hard by the flying rocks.
"A good hit," Lyra said.
"Marill, Marill!" Marill said.
"It would have been nasty for Bonsly if that Mud-Slap has hit," Kris said.
"Yeah, because Rock-type Pokémon don't do well against Ground-type moves. The same can be said for Electric-type Pokémon," Ethan said.
"Yes, but Mud-Slap also cuts the accuracy to a target when it hits," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Use Tackle!" Sora ordered. Bonsly charges at Hoothoot and lands a hit onto it.
"Use Mud-Slap!" Falkner ordered. Hoothoot fired Mud-Slap, landing a hit onto Bonsly.
"Bonsly!" Sora exclaimed. Bonsly had mud in his eyes. Sora calls Bonsly back and he took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Okay, Phanpy! You're up!" Phanpy came right out to battle.
"A Phanpy? Ground-type moves do not work against Flying-type Pokémon like my Hoothoot," Falkner pointed out.
"I know that, too, but I'm using something," Sora said.
"I see. I would like to see it," Falkner said.
"Okay, Phanpy! Use Rollout!" Sora ordered. Phanpy rolled into a ball and heads right at Hoothoot.
"Dodge and use Peck!" Falkner ordered. Hoothoot dodges and started to come at Phanpy. The Long Nose Pokémon bounces against a wall and lands a hit onto Hoothoot, much to Falkner's dismay.
"Yes! Perfect hit!" Sora cheered.
"No!" Falkner exclaimed.
"Keep it up, Phanpy!" Sora called out. Phanpy came at Hoothoot and lands a perfect hit, resulting in a knockout.
"Hoothoot is unable to battle! Phanpy wins!" The referee announced. Falkner calls Hoothoot back and smiled.
"You battled well, Hoothoot. You have earned a good, long rest, my friend," Falkner said.
"One down, two to go," Kris said.
"That was epic," Ethan said. He could see why Sora won the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League. He was really inspired by Sora's strength.
"That was impressive, Sora. You raised your Phanpy well by using Rollout against me. But how will your Phanpy be able to handle this one?" Falkner asked, taking another Pokéball and threw it. "Pidgey! Go!" His Pokéball opened and Pidgey came right out to battle.
"Your second Pokémon is a Pidgey?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
"Many of my challangers were quick to underestimate my Pidgey, but they soon regretted doing so," Falkner said.
"If you have faith in your Pidgey, then I'm anxious to see what your Pidgey can do," Sora said.
"You're about to find out, Sora," Falkner said. Phanpy moves in with Rollout, but Pidgey quickly dodges it. Sora was stunned by Pidgey's speed.
"That Pidgey's fast!" Sora exclaimed.
"Indeed. My Pidgey is so fast, she puts Doduo and Dodrio's speeds to shame," Falkner said. "Speed is not all my Pidgey has. Pidgey! Use Air Slash!" Pidgey flapped her wings and sends out a blade of air that was bigger than Pidgey herself. The attack came too fast for Phanpy to dodge and he was taken out with just one hit.
"Phanpy is unable to battle! Pidgey wins!" The referee announced.
"Excellent work, Pidgey," Falkner praised the Tiny Bird Pokémon.
"Whoa. Who would have thought one little Pidgey could do that kind of damage?" Ethan asked.
"I guess it's true with what they say: big power comes in such small packages," Lyra said.
"I never thought it was possible, but that Pidgey is both cute and scary," Kris said.
"You're right. Sora will find out what her weakness is," Kairi said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
"Eevee," Angel said.
Sora calls Phanpy back inside.
"Get some rest, Phanpy. You did great in your first Gym battle," Sora said. He took out Bonsly's Pokéball and threw it. "Bonsly! Back to action!" Bonsly came back out to battle.
"Sending your Bonsly back out? I see," Falkner said. "Pidgey! Use Steel Wing!" Pidgey flew at Bonsly with Steel Wing. Pidgey came right at Bonsly with Steel Wing.
"Dodge and use Rock Throw!" Sora ordered. Bonsly dodges and hurls Rock Throw at Pidgey.
"Dodge it!" Falkner called out. Pidgey dodges the rocks with ease.
"So fast!" Sora gasped. "Okay, Rock Throw again!" Bonsly forms another Rock Throw and sends the rocks at the Tiny Bird Pokémon. "There has to be a way to slow that Pidgey down."
"Okay, Pidgey! Use Steel Wing!" Falkner flew down at Bonsly and lands a heavy hit onto Bonlsy. "Steel Wing again!" Pidgey flew at Bonsly, landing another hit. Bonsly has taken some additional damage. Bonsly was barely holding on.
"Bonsly, you okay?" Sora asked.
"Bonsly," Bonsly said.
"Pidgey! Use Air Slash to finish it off!" Falkner ordered. Pidgey unleashed another Air Slash to finish off Bonsly, but the Bonsai Pokémon jumped in the air, much to everyone's surprise, especially Sora's.
"Bonsly!" Sora exclaimed. The three green orbs on Bonsly's head glow gold and sends out Air Slash and it lands a hit onto Pidgey. "Bonsly! You just learned how to use Mimic!"
"Bonsly!" Bonsly said.
"That means your Bonsly may evolve into a Sudowoodo soon," Falkner said.
"Sudowoodo?" Sora asked. Bonsly lands on his feet. "Worry about that later. Bonsly! Use Rock Throw!" Bonsly hurls rocks at Pidgey, but dodges despite taking a hit from Air Slash.
"That's it, Pidgey! Keep on dodging!" Falkner called out. Sora watched Pidgey's movements carefully and he got an idea. He figured he could try to time his attacks right on order to take Pidgey down.
"Bonsly, try listening for Pidgey's movements and attack when the time is right," Sora said.
"Bonsly," the Bonsai Pokémon nodded and shuts his eyes. Bonsly listened carefully for Pidgey's movements.
"Use Steel Wing!" Falkner ordered. Pidgey came flying towards Bonsly's. The Bonsai Pokémon listened carefully for the sounds of Pidgey's wings. Sora and Bonsly waited for Pidgey to get close enough.
"Air Slash!" Sora ordered. Bonsly unleashed Air Slash and it came too fast for Pidgey to dodge. Pidgey has taken a lot of damage, so Pidgey has been taken out.
"Pidgey is unable to battle! Bonsly wins!" The referee announced.
"Way to go, Bonsly!" Sora praised his Pokémon. Bonsly hopped up and down and started to evolve, much to everyone's surprise. Bonsly has become Pokémon that has a brown, log-shaped body with yellow spots. It has short legs with toeless feet, and thin forelegs with three green spheres at the ends of its fingers. He has a forked "branch" on top of its head. Despite its appearance, his composition is closer to a rock than a plant. "You evolved!"
"Bonlsy evolved!" Lyra exclaimed.
"It's a Sudowoodo!" Ethan said.
"I wonder what my Pokédex has to say about him," Kairi said, taking out her Pokédex to get information on her boyfriend's newly evolved Pokémon.
Sudowoodo, the Imitation Pokémon
The evolved form of Bonlsy
Type: Rock
Sudowoodo stands in forests and camouflages itself as a tree to avoid enemy attacks. Sudowoodo runs for cover whenever it hears the sounds of running water or when it is raining.
"Sudowoodo might have just evolved, but he's still cute in my book," Kairi said.
Falkner calls back Pidgey and smiled.
"You've done well, my friend. You deserve a good rest," Falkner said. He looked at Sora with a smile.
"Well done, Sora. Your timing was very excellent. But now it is time for my final Pokémon to take flight," Falkner said, taking out another Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Pidgeotto!" His Pokéball opened and his Pidgeotto came right out to battle.
"Pidgeotto, huh?" Ethan asked, taking out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Pidgeotto, the Bird Pokémon
The evolved form of Pidgey
Type: Normal/Flying
Pidgeotto spreads its wings out and flies wide in its territory, hunting its prey. It comes down and swoops them in its talons.
"Since Pidgeotto is the evolved form of Pidgey, that means Pidgeotto is stronger than Pidgey, right?" Ethan asked.
"It does. I have a feeling he's been saving Pidgeotto for last," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Sudowoodo, you still good to go?" Sora asked.
"Sudowoodo!" Sudowoodo responded with a salute.
"Great! Let's do this thing," Sora said.
"The wind is finally with us," Falkner said. Pidgeotto! Take flight! Use Steel Wing!" Pidgeotto flew and came right at Sudowoodo with speed and power.
"Dodge and use Air Slash!" Sora ordered. Sudowoodo tried to dodge, but Pidgeotto came too fast for the Imitation Pokémon to dodge, so Sudowoodo has been taken down.
"Sudowoodo is unable to battle! Pidgeotto wins!" The referee announced. Pidgeotto flew back to its Trainer's side.
"Excellent job, Pidgeotto," Falkner said. Sora called back Sudowoodo and he smiled.
"Don't sweat it, Sudowoodo. You battled hard. Take a rest," Sora said. He was down to one Pokémon left and he knew who to send. "Okay, Pikachu, you're up now."
"Pika," Pikachu said, stepping in.
"I had a feeling you would send an Electric-type Pokémon out eventually. A lot of my challangers have done that. And personally, I considered it as an insult!" Falkner said, taking Sora aback.
"What do you mean insult?" Sora asked.
"There are people who are always talking down on Flying-type Pokémon because of their weakness to Electric-type moves, so I'm going to bring honor to Flying-type Pokémon everywhere by defeating your Pikachu!" Falkner said.
"I don't think anything bad about Flying-type Pokémon at all. The first Pokémon I have ever caught was a Pidgey and I did it without using Pikachu for it. Your Pidgeotto looks awesome, so I wanna see more of what your Pidgeotto has got!" Sora said. Falkner smiled.
"You have earned my respect, Sora. I can see your love for Pokémon of all kinds as an admirable quality. Now we shall see who the winds favors! And bring honor to the name Sora. Let's go!" Falkner said. "Pidgeotto! Use Steel Wing!" Pidgeotto came flying at Pikachu with Steel Wing.
"Dodge and use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodges Pidgeotto's attack and lands a hit onto the Bird Pokémon.
"Use Rain Dance!" Falkner ordered. Pidgeotto creates a rain cloud making it rain inside the Gym.
"It's raining indoors?" Kris asked.
"It's a move called Rain Dance. It makes the the battle rain. It's used to double Water-type moves when used. Also Pokémon with Swift Swim moves faster than normally," Kairi explained.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
"Now Pidgeotto! Use Hurricane!" Falkner ordered. Pidgeotto manipulates the winds sending out towards Pikachu.
"Pikachu! Dodge it! Quickly!" Sora called out. Pikachu ran as fast as his feet couple carry him. The winds were getting stronger and stronger by the minute.
"Pidgeotto! Use Steel Wing!" Falkner ordered. Pidgeotto hits Pikachu again. Pikachu was taking a real beating.
Sora had to think of something fast, so he looked at the cloud. He then gets an idea.
"Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt! Aim for the cloud this time!" Sora called out.
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded.
Pikachu sends Thunderbolt straight into the rain cloud creating a lightning storm. Pikachu ducked down sticking out his tail using it as a lightning rod. The yellow lightning strikes Pikachu's tail and Pikachu became electrified.
"What is this?" Falkner asked.
"Okay Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt! Use it on all of the Pidgeotto now!" Sora called out. Pikachu unleashes Thunderbolt and When the attack hits Pidgeotto and fell to the ground. Pidgeotto tumbled to the ground right into Falkner's arms. The rain cloud disappears.
"Pidgeotto, no!" Falkner gasped.
"Pidgeotto is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The winner is Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town!" The referee announced.
"He did it!" Ethan exclaimed with joy.
"I knew you could do it, Sora," Kairi said.
Falkner calls back Pidgeotto and smiled.
"You battled well, Pidgeotto. You have earned a well-deserved rest," Falkner said. He walked up to Sora with a smile. "I must say, you are an excellent Pokémon Trainer. Using my Pidgeotto's Rain Dance to your advantage was genius. Now as proof of your victory in the Violet City Gym, I am proud to give you this. The Zephyr Badge." Falkner hands out a Badge that is shaped like a pair of wings. Sora takes it and smiled.
"One down, seven to go," Sora said.
"Way to go, Sora!" Ethan said.
"It was an incredible battle!" Kris said.
"You're awesome!" Lyra said.
"Marill, Marill!" Marill said.
"Thanks, guys," Sora said.
"Now that you have earned your first Gym Badge in the Johto region, I suggest you take your next challenge to Azalea Town," Falkner suggested.
"Azelea Town? That's where Kurt lives," Kairi said.
"Works out for us since I can make the delivery of the GS Ball to him," Sora said.
"Ethan, I know you have your hearts set on having a battle against me, but I'm afraid you're going have to wait until my Pokémon are fully healed," Falkner said.
"It's fine with me. That just gives me more time to get ready," Ethan said.
"Hey, Ethan, I'm looking forward in seeing you battle," Sora said.
"That'll be great, Sora. I know I'll have your support," Ethan said.
"Why shouldn't you? You're my friend," Sora said. Ethan smiled.
"Thanks, Sora," Ethan said.
Sora has earned his first of eight Gym Badges in Johto, so that means the challenges ahead will be even more difficult. Will Ethan fare well against Falkner's Flying-types or will Falkner make good work of his efforts? And what of Ash and Roxas? Just wait and see as we continue.