Episode 104: The Heartless of the Canyon
It was now nighttime as Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, and Togepi made a stop in the woods to rest for the night.
"This spot should do," Tracey said.
"Good thing, because my feet are hurting from all the Marill business," Sora said.
"A Marill you did a great job watching her," Kairi said.
"Thanks, Kairi," Sora said.
"You mentioned that they're from Team Rocket. Aren't they the ones who steal Pokémon from other Trainers and use their own Pokémon for evil deeds?" Tracey asked.
"Yeah. But those three aren't nearly as threatening as the rest of Team Rocket," Sora said.
"There's no forgiving what they do. There's Cassidy and Butch we met in Domino City, they were actually competent," Kairi said.
"And there's Giovanni, their boss. He's the worst," Sora said.
"Also, I was thinking about those creatures from before. You called them Heartless. I was hearing rumors about monsters with yellow eyes. I thought it was just a rumor, but not so much anymore," Tracey said.
"The Heartless are creatures that comes from the darkness in the hearts of people; and there's darkness in every heart," Sora said.
"And when that person gives into the darkness in their hearts, then they turn into Heartless," Kairi added. Tracey was stunned to hear that people can turn into a Heartless.
"But the Heartless aren't the only ones we need to worry about. There are also the Nobodies. When someone with a strong heart turns into a Heartless, then a Nobody is created. And there's a group of Nobodies called Organization XIII. They have control over all the Nobodies," Sora said.
"Who and what is Organization XIII?" Tracey asked.
"We don't know much else about them," Sora said.
"But they're even worse than Team Rocket or any Pokémon Hunter," Kairi said.
"I don't doubt it judging by how you described them. But what about those keys you held. You used them like they were swords," Tracey said.
"You mean our Keyblades," Kairi said. "We use our Keyblades to fight off the Heartless and Nobodies."
"The Heartless are afraid of the Keyblade, so they'll keep coming at us," Sora said.
"I see," Tracey said. He looked at Sora's necklace. "Sora, what's that necklace you're wearing?"
"This?" Sora asked, placing his hand on his necklace. "I had this for as long as I can remember. It belonged to my dad just before my sister and I were born. This necklace is a symbol of knighthood worn by the boys of the family. I'm descended from a long line of knights in the old days."
"Is that right? I always thought it had something to do with royalty since it's the shape of a crown," Tracey said.
"You would think that, Tracey," Kairi said. "People nowadays wouldn't believe that Sora would be viewed as a knight, but I believe it."
"Huh. I guess I saw that when you were protecting Marill from Team Rocket. From what I heard, knights are sworn to protect the weak and the helpless," Tracey said.
"Marill didn't seem helpless to me," Sora said. Kairi yawned.
"I don't know about you, but I'm feeling very sleepy. We should head right to bed right now," Kairi said.
"Good idea. I'm starting to feel sleepy," Sora said with a yawn.
"I guess I could be counting either Mareep or Wooloo," Tracey said as he yawned. Sora, Kairi, and Tracey rolled out their sleeping bags and fell right to sleep. Of course, Kairi slept very close to Sora, wanting to be the one to wake him up in the morning. Azurill caught up to Sora at last and bounced over to Sora and fell right to sleep right between Sora and Kairi.
Meanwhile, two Pokémon Hunters are in the area, searching for some Pokémon to poach and sell.
"You sure there was a sighting of a mystery Pokémon?" One of the Hunters asked.
"I'm sure. It was sighted right around this canyon, so I can bet my money that it's not too far from us. I want us to be the ones to find it and catch it," the other Hunter asked.
"Just what kind of Pokémon is it?" The first Hunter asked.
"From what I heard, it looked like a huge mechanical bug, so I'm guessing it's a Bug and Steel-type Pokémon," the second Hunter said. He stopped the jeep. "Quiet. I hear something."
"What?" The first Hunter asked.
"Shh. Listen," the second Hunter said. They listened for any signs of the mystery Pokémon, but they didn't see it, but they could hear it. They stepped out and readied their weapons. "It's here!"
"Yeah-boy! We're going to get a super-rare Pokémon!" The first Hunter said. They listened carefully, so they saw something emerge from the ground. From what they could tell, it has an insect-like appearance, but it has large mandibles between its jagged mouth. It was shrouded in shadow. "There it is!"
"Get it!" The second Hunter said, firing electric nets at the creature, but it does nothing to it, much to their surprise. "WHAT THE HELL?! OUR NET DIDN'T EVEN TICKLE THAT THING!"
"IT'S COMING THIS WAY!" The first Hunter exclaimed. The mysterious creature makes its way towards the Pokémon Hunters. They screamed as the mandibles slams shut.
A few seconds later, the creature burrows its way back underground, so the only thing left behind is the remains of their jeep.
On the next morning, Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, and Togepi were still sleeping Kairi woke up first and she grinned as she quietly got out of her sleeping bag and crept over her boyfriend. Sora opened his eyes and he saw Kairi looking back him.
"WHOA!" Sora yelped, waking up fully. Azurill woke up from the yelp. Sora got out of his sleeping bag and she giggled. "That old gag again, Kairi?"
"You always fall for it, Sora. It's a good one," Kairi said. Sora puffed his cheeks and he saw Azurill.
"Huh? Azurill?" Sora asked.
"Azurill," Azurill said, nuzzling Sora.
"Where did you come from?" Sora asked.
"Isn't she cute, Sora? I mean just look at her," Kairi said. Sora looked right at Azurill and she reminded him of Marill since he remembered Azurill evolves into Marill.
"Were you following us?" Sora asked. Azurill nodded.
"Azurill," Azurill nodded. Sora looked at his girlfriend.
"You sure this is okay, Kairi?" Sora asked.
"It's okay, Sora. Azurill does remind me of little Marill, too. She likes you anyway," Kairi said.
"I guess you're right, Kairi," Sora said, taking out a Pokéball. "Wanna come along, Azurill?"
"Azurill, rill!" Azurill said, bouncing. Sora tossed his Pokéball in the air and Azurill bounced and tapped the button of the Pokéball with her ball. Azurill flows inside and stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Azurill with him. He chose to keep Azurill in exchange for Sudowoodo. He opened his Pokéball and lets Azurill out. "Azurill."
"Kairi, you have a spare ribbon?" Sora asked.
"I do. Why?" Kairi asked.
"Just thought I'd ask," Sora said. Kairi could read Sora like a book, so she hands her boyfriend a spare pink ribbon and tied around Azurill's tail. "There. Like it?"
"Azu, Azu, Azu, Azu, Azu!" Azurill beamed. Sora laughed.
"I thought you would," Sora said.
Meanwhile, Officer Jenny was investigating the strange situation going on in the area that the two Pokémon Hunters were last seen. She knew that they were Hunters, but she didn't know what could have happened to them.
"This is the fifth attack this week," Officer Jenny said. A police officer walked up to her.
"Ma'am, what can you make of this?" The police officer asked.
"From what I can tell, this is no ordinary Pokémon. I don't think it's a Pokémon we're dealing with. Whatever it is, we cannot let it reach the town, no matter what," Officer Jenny said.
"Yes, ma'am," the police officer said.
"Ma'am! The chief wants you to call and report!" Another police officer said.
"I was about to call him anyway," Officer Jenny said. She made contact with the chief through her radio. "Jenny here."
"What's the 411 on our latest victim or victims?" The chief asked.
"From what we can gather, there were two individuals. And we have evidence that they were Pokémon Hunters, but it looks like that their target wasn't going to come along quietly, so it attacked them," Officer Jenny said.
"Did you find their bodies or any remains?" The chief asked.
"No, sir. There is literally nothing left from them. There's no blood or anything. They didn't even send out any Pokémon out to battle against whatever it was," Officer Jenny said.
"So, it was a Pokémon that did this?" The chief asked.
"I don't think so. A Pokémon wouldn't do something like this. I have a hunch we're dealing with something entirely different," Officer Jenny said.
"You think it's one of those monsters?" The chief asked.
"I hope not, sir," Officer Jenny said.
"We cannot let this out to the public! The mayor has enough on her plate to worry about as it is! Hell, it was hard enough that she had to cancel this year's race because of it," The chief said.
"I understand, sir. It will only cause a panic if word gets out," Officer Jenny said.
Meanwhile in city hall, several Trainers were angered by the fact the race has been canceled for unknown reasons. They mayor is a woman with black hair and wore a red business suit with a short skirt. She wore red heels.
"What do you mean canceled?!" One Trainer asked.
"I understand your concern, but itis due to recent rock slides taking place. They are increasingly getting out of control. So it's just out of your safety," the mayor said. None of the Trainers were buying it, so they left the mayor's office. She sighed, feeling uneasy. "Sometimes I hate this job."
"No one said the job was easy, mayor," the deputy mayor said. She is a woman with blonde hair tied in a ponytail that reached down her back. She wore a blue business suit and a short skirt. She wore blue heels.
"As you keep telling me, Sheila. I just don't understand how this could come at a time like this! We've been planning all year for this event, and we don't know what the hell is going on!"
"Don't worry about a thing. I have already ordered the chief to report in when Jenny and her squad finds out anything," Sheila said.
"I always could rely on you, Sheila," the mayor said.
"And why shouldn't I be? You are my best friend, Diane," Sheila said. Diane smiled, feeling happier than ever. Her happiness quickly turned sour when her office phone rings.
"Speak of the devil. It's gotta be him right now," Diane said. She puts it on speaker phone. "This is the mayor's office."
"Madame mayor, there's some bad news, I'm afraid," the chief said over the speaker.
"Obviously. How many was it?" Diane asked.
"From what we got, only two casualties were reported. And the two happened to be Pokémon Hunters by the look of the remains of the vehicle," the chief reported.
"Just how bad is the damage?" Diane asked.
"I would have to say extremely bad. Jenny suspects it's those monsters again," the chief said.
"I see," Diane said. She sighed. "Keep me in touch."
"Yes, ma'am," the chief said. A click is heard as the chief hung up. She looked at Sheila with a look.
"Those infernal monsters again. I just know it," Diane said.
"Why did they have to show up now of all times?" Sheila asked. "We gotta have this matter dealt with."
"How?" Diane asked.
"We could just have some Trainers go and have it taken care of," Sheila suggested.
"No. They might not make it back. I don't want to endanger anyone's lives," Diane said.
"Well, you gotta do something, Diane. The way I see it, we can't afford to sweep it under the rug; especially when that thing will eventually come and reek havoc on the city. We could have a disaster on our hands. The biggest disaster in Johto's history," Sheila said.
"You're right, Sheila," Diane agreed. "If only there was a way to deal with this matter."
Meanwhile, Riku, Naminé, and Eevee were in a forest clearing. Riku and Eevee have spotted a new Pokémon out in the open. It is hooved, quadrupedal giraffine Pokémon with a long neck. There is a white blaze on its muzzle, which ends in a round, pink nose. It has two ossicones with bulbous tips on top of its head. Its front half is yellow with brown spots, while its back half is brown with yellow spots. There are many triangular, pink spikes along its back. Its tail appeared to be a head with jagged teeth.
"Never seen this Pokémon before. Better see what it is," Riku said, taking out his Pokédex.
Girafarig, the Long Neck Pokémon
Type: Normal/Psychic
Its tail has a mind of its own. Girafarig's tail acts as a lookout from behind and it warns the Pokémon of imminent danger, even when asleep. When an attacker gets too close behind it, the tail will bite the attacker, forcing it to back away.
"Girafarig, huh? A Pokémon that has a tail as a second head. I could use a Pokémon like that," Riku said, intrigued as he puts his Pokédex away. He took out a Pokéball. "Eevee, it may be a Psychic-type, but it's also a Normal-type, so your Shadow Ball will have no effect on it."
"Eevee," Eevee agreed.
"Okay, Houndour! Go!" Riku called out. His Pokéball opened to reveal a quadrupedal, canine Pokémon with short, black fur and a red underbelly and muzzle. Its ears and tail are both short and pointed. Two fangs protrude from its upper jaw, and its triangular nose is black. There are white bands on its ankles and rib-like ridges on its back. It appears to have a simplistic, stylized skull on its forehead with the eye orbits creating eyebrow patterning above its actual eyes. It also has circular, red paw pads on each of its three-toed paws. This grabs Girafarig's attention.
"Riku made the right call. A Dark-type Pokémon like Houndor should be the perfect Pokémon against a Girafarig," Naminé said.
Girafarig starts charging at Houndour and raises its hooves in the air.
"It's using Stomp! Dodge and use Bite!" Riku ordered. Houndor dodges and bit Girafarig on one of its legs. Girafarig fired Psybeam, but it does nothing to Houndour due to it being a Dark-type Pokémon. "Houndour! Use Ember!" Houndor fired Ember, hitting Girafarig on the spot. "That was great, Houndor! Use Fire Fang!" Houndor came at Girafarig, landing a fiery bite on the Long Neck Pokémon. "Use Bite!" Houndor came at Girafarig and bit it on the other leg. Riku took out a Pokéball and threw it. Girafarig flows inside it and it wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Riku picked up the Pokéball and he smiled. Naminé walked up to her boyfriend with a smile.
"That was a great catch, Riku," Naminé said.
"Thanks, Naminé," Riku said. He and Naminé kissed each other as Eevee and Houndour looked at them kissing.
Meanwhile, Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, and Togepi make their way for the nearest city toward through the canyon.
"You sure this is the way to the nearest city, Tracey?" Sora asked.
"According to the map, this canyon is the easiest route to reach the nearest city. Also, it's the fastest," Tracey said.
"It couldn't come at a better time, because we'll going have to pick up some supplies while we're there," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"You're right, Kairi. We could use some more medicines for the Pokémon. Also, some food for us," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
As they continued onward, they started to notice something was wrong. They saw the scared faces of the wild Pokémon in the canyon. They consisted of Geodude, Graveler, Golem, Onix, Sandshrew, Sandslash, Rhyhorn, and Rhydon.
"Something is scarring the Pokémon here, and I have a feeling it isn't us," Sora said.
"What makes you say that, Sora?" Tracey asked.
"I really don't know, but I'm getting a bad feeling about this," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"Me too. Pokémon like Onix, Golem, and Rhydon don't get scared easily," Kairi said.
"Toge," Togepi chirped.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"You are right. If something is invading on their territory, they won't hesitate to attack it," Tracey said. They felt a rumble beneath their feet. Sora quickly catches Kairi before she fell, but Tracey wasn't so lucky. "Was that an earthquake?"
"Whatever it was, none of the Pokémon made it," Sora said.
"And whatever did that is awfully close," Kairi said.
She didn't know how right she was when a pillar of sand erupts behind them. They quickly turned and saw something erupt from underground. It was a massive, seemingly mechanical Heartless with a round, egg-shaped body comprised of several rotating rings. Each of these rings are white with black and yellow highlights, and each is lined by multiple, rectangular pillars. Most of these pillars are steel blue, though two on the first ring are a patchwork coloration of gold and copper. The Heartless's rear sports a gray turbine that it uses for locomotion. Its neck is black and gold, while its comparatively small head is roughly spherical and white. Its head sports glowing yellow eyes, a large, jagged mouth, and two short "horns". It also has two large, steel blue and gold mandibles on the sides of its head. Its Heartless emblem is between its eyes. This Heartless is known as the Antlion.
"A Heartless!" Sora and Kairi exclaimed. Sora summoned both of his Keyblades to deal with it. Kairi hands Tracey Togepi.
"Keep Togepi safe," Kairi said.
"You're going to fight that monster?" Tracey asked. Kairi summoned her Destiny's Embrace.
"Sora and I can handle it just fine," Kairi said.
The Heartless starts off by gathering energy in its mouth and then fires a massive laser ray at its targets, causing an explosion in the radius around the impact of a wall. Sora and Kairi manages to dodge it.
"You ready to go, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"Ready when you are, Kairi," Sora said with a grin. Kairi smiled back as the couple nodded to each other and heads for the Antlion. The massive Heartless dove underground, but its rear is visible and rotating.
"Fire!" Sora and Kairi shouted, casting their fire spell. The fireballs struck the back of the Heartless. Tracey was stunned to see it.
"That was magic," Tracey said in awe.
"Thunder!" Sora and Kairi shouted as they cast their thunder spell. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt, hitting the Antlion. The giant Heartless dove completely underground. The couple waited for the Antlion to come back out. But they didn't hear it at all.
"It's gone," Kairi said.
"But not forgotten. It's still close to us," Sora said. They looked around then they figured it might be heading to the city nearby. "Kairi, we can't let that Heartless reach the city!"
"You're right! Let's go after it!" Kairi said.
The couple dashed off, leaving Tracey and Togepi behind. They started to run after them.
"Wait for me!" Tracey called out.
Meanwhile, Officer Jenny is looking into the investigation solo. She ignored the warnings dealt out by the other police officers. She then felt a rumble in the earth.
"It's close," Officer Jenny said. And she didn't know how right she was since it erupted right in front of her. She gasped when the Heartless suddenly erupted in front of her. "I knew it! It's that monster!" The Antlion heads right towards the policewoman, but the Oathkeeper struck the Heartless in the head, much to Officer Jenny's surprise. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel jumped in front of the policewoman.
"We weren't done with you!" Sora said.
"What do you think you're doing?" Officer Jenny asked. She sees the Keyblades in their hands. "And what are those?"
"No time to explain! Just get out of here! We got this monster covered!" Sora said.
"You're just a couple of kids!" Officer Jenny said.
"Kids who know how to deal with something like this," Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
The Antlion raises up from the sand and summons a tornado. Boulders float up in the air. It threw the boulders at the couple. They dodge the boulders coming their way. It then sends out twelve cubic bombs at them.
"Looks like we're going to have a new problem, Sora," Kairi said.
"You're right. Let's send them back!" Sora said.
"Eevee!" Angel agreed.
"Pika!" Pikachu also agreed.
Sora and Kairi swung their Keyblades and the Pokémon couple used Iron Tail to send the cubic bombs back at the Antlion, hitting it. It was dazed from the bombs hitting it.
"Sora, we gotta finish it off!" Kairi said.
"Come on!" Sora said.
The couple came at the giant Heartless and slashed their Keyblades into the Antlion's face. The Antlion roared as it stood up and fell on its back. Tracey and Togepi arrived just in time to witness the Heartless being slained. The Antlion vanishes as a heart floats up into the air and disappeared.
"Was that a heart?" Tracey asked. Officer Jenny was amazed by what she witnessed. They took out a monster that could have easily killed them. And they both used swords shaped like keys.
"I wasn't expecting that to happen," Officer Jenny said. Sora and Kairi dismissed the Keyblades.
"We're just glad we made it just in time," Kairi said.
"Yeah, it would have been a disaster if that thing reached the city," Sora said.
"I agree. You two just saved more lives than you could possibly count," Officer Jenny said. "Even mine."
"There isn't anymore of those monsters, are they?" Sora asked.
"No, It looks like that one was the only one. It showed up just about a week ago and it made five confirmed attacks. No traces of the victims remained but their things," Officer Jenny said.
"That's a good sign if there isn't any more of those monsters," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I agree. The mayor can now put our annual canyon race back on track," Officer Jenny said.
"Canyon race?" Kairi asked.
"Yes. It's an event that a Trainer and their Pokémon races through the canyon in three laps. The city is the starting and finishing point," Officer Jenny explained. "I'm going to report the monster is gone." She made contact with the police station. "Chief, I'm happy to report that it was one of those rumored monsters, but the threat has been neutralized."
"You sure?" The chief asked.
"Yes, sir. Contact the mayor and let her know that the annual race can go back on track?" Officer Jenny said.
"That's good an all, but how do you know about it?" The chief asked. Officer Jenny decided to leave out the part of the key swords.
"I didn't see much, but I saw the monster die," Officer Jenny said.
"I'll take your word for it, Jenny. I'll call the mayor now," the chief said.
"You didn't mention us," Sora said.
"I figured it'll be best if it stayed our little secret," Officer Jenny said.
"I can go with that," Sora said.
"Me too," Tracey said, showing up with Togepi. "I'm just glad I made it just in time."
"Sorry for leaving you behind like that, Tracey, but you know-" Sora was cut off.
"It's fine, Sora. We should head for the city and rest," Tracey panted. Officer Jenny chuckled.
"I can take you kids the rest of the way. Just think of it as a police escort. It's the least I can do for saving my life," Officer Jenny said.
"That's really nice of you," Kairi beamed.
"It's no trouble at all," Officer Jenny said.
Now that the Heartless threat has been taken care of, the city's annual race can go on as scheduled. Officer Jenny did learn that help can come in unexpected ways, rather if we asked for it or not.