Episode 156: A New Challenge From the Whirl Islands
Shortly after departing from the Cianwood City and earning his fifth Gym Badge from Chuck, Sora, Kairi, Tracey, and the Pokémon meets Ventus on the same ship that they're on. Ventus opens the door to see Terra, Aqua, Danny, Cattleya, Yuki, Hank, Lilac, Lionel, L'eau, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair were sharing a room and they all smiled when they saw the couple again. Sparky climbs up Ventus to his shoulder.
"Sora, Kairi, nice of you to show up," Danny said.
"Hi, uncle Danny," Sora greeted.
"My little Sora, come here and give your aunt a hug," Cattleya said, hugging her nephew.
"Hey, aunt Cattleya. And hey there, Yuki. You've gotten pretty big," Sora said as the baby cooed, happy in seeing Sora again. Sora took the baby as he tickled his baby cousin's belly. She giggled happily. The Pichu climbed up Sora's shoulders, curious about the little baby since they never seen a baby human being before. Danny and Cattleya smiled at the sight before they set their attentions to Tracey.
"You must Tracey. Delia mentioned seeing you back in Greenfield. It's nice to meet you," Danny said.
"Likewise, sir," Tracey said.
"She mentioned that you're a Pokémon Watcher, isn't that right?" Danny asked.
"Yes. I was already doing my traveling with your nephew and his girlfriend since we met each other," Tracey said.
"What's a Pokémon Watcher?" Ventus asked.
"A Pokémon Watcher is someone who travels all over the world and observe the various Pokémon living in the wild. They have an act of discovering some new species of Pokémon during their travels," Terra explained.
"They also monitor a Pokémon trained by people to determine on their health," Aqua said.
"It's true, Ven," Tracey said. "I also have several sketches if you wanna see them." He took out his sketchbook and showed them his sketches of the various Pokémon he encountered before and after meeting Sora and Kairi.
"Wow, so cool," Ventus said.
"Pikachu," Sparky said.
"Sora, Kairi, what have you been up to?" Danny asked.
"A whole lot," Sora said.
Sora and Kairi explained to the vacationers about their adventures in the Johto region, leaving out their trip in the realm of darkness. They shared their past experiences and the various Pokémon they came across and caught, and about Sora winning five Gym Badges, including his recent victory against Chuck and his Fighting-type Pokémon. They even explained about Karen leaving home to find Tom and that they're probably at home by now, and that they were traveling with Sakura who lives in Ecruteak City and her being with Riku and Naminé in Olivine City.
"You weren't kidding when you said a whole lot," Danny said, laughing.
"Your journey's been good for the two of you," Hank said.
"It has," Kairi said.
"I have to say, we were watching you on TV when you were in the Poké Maiden Tournament, Kairi. Your parents had to be proud of you," Lilac said.
"We were rooting for you very hard," L'eau said.
"I appreciate it," Kairi said.
"Anyway, after beating Chuck and earned the Storm Badge, I called in, and I heard from a girl named Janina that Jasmine is still not accepting any challenges until her Ampharos, Sparkle, got better, so we decided to check out the Whirl Islands before we headed back for Olivine City," Sora said.
"Glad to hear it, Sora. And we're glad to hear your sister found your lost friend. I wasn't sure why until your mom explained it to me," Danny said.
"I'm happy to hear it all worked out in the end," Cattleya said.
"Anyway, what brings you here?" Kairi asked.
"We came here on vacation. Hank, Lionel, and I thought we were getting overworked at home, so we decided to have a vacation here in Johto's Whirl Islands. Check out the islands and have a look at the local Pokémon that live here. We didn't expect to run into you here," Danny said.
"It was a good thing we did bump into you," Lilac said.
"And since you're here, too, how would like to join us for a bit until we depart for Blue Point Isle?" L'eau asked.
"Sure thing. We have all the time to catch up," Sora said.
And they did catch up with one another as Sora has spent some time with his relatives. Kairi wished that her family was around, so she felt envious of him. After changing into their swimwear, Sora and Ventus swam in the pool along with Kairi, Terra, and Aqua, having fun. Unknown to any of them, Misty is on the ship as well. She is wearing a white and blue sleeveless shirt, showing her midriff blue denim shorts, and red, blue, and white sneakers.
With Misty is a small, pink, roundish Anthozoan Pokémon with branch-like growths on its back, which are similar to coral. There is a smaller, blunt horn on its forehead, and it has black, oval eyes. It has a light-blue underside, which speckles towards the sides. Its four legs and two arms are blunt and stubby.
"Shall we go for a swim, Corsola?" Misty asked.
"Corsola, Corsola!" Corsola replied.
She and Corsola heads for the pool when she spotted the couple stepping out of the pool and she smiled widely.
"Sora, Kairi!" Misty called out to them. The couple turned to see the Cerulean City Gym Leader waving at them.
"Misty!" Sora and Kairi exclaimed with surprise.
"Long time no see!" Sora said.
"You too! It's good to see you, Pikachu, Angel," Misty said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"And I see you have a new addition with you," Misty said.
"Togepi is one of the many Pokémon Sora and I have caught since we last met," Kairi said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped. Ventus walked up to the couple.
"Who's she?" Ventus asked.
"Ven, this is Misty, the Gym Leader of the Cerulean City Gym. Misty, meet Ventus, my cousin," Sora introduced.
"Cousin? I thought he was your little brother," Misty said.
"We pretty much get that a lot," Sora and Ventus both said. They laughed.
They get changed into their regular clothes, so they shared their past experiences with her. They introduced Terra, Aqua, and Tracey to her. Misty had already known about their encounters with Team Rocket and Sora winning the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League.
"Sounds like you've been through a lot since then," Misty said.
"What brings you out here, Misty? I thought you'd still be at the Cerulean City Gym," Kairi said.
"I actually came here looking for some Water-type Pokémon to catch for the Gym. I couldn't rely on my sisters to do for me, so I have a friend of mine come and look after it until I came back. And that's when I met this little cutie right here," Misty said, gesturing to Corsola.
"Sola," Corsola said.
"Wow, so that's a real Corsola. This is the first time I have ever seen one up close," Kairi said, taking out her Pokédex and scanned it.
Corsola, the Coral Pokémon
Type: Water/Rock
Corsola's branches glitter very beautifully in seven colors when they catch sunlight. If any branch breaks off, this Pokémon grows it back in just one night.
"You were right about one thing, Misty, she's such a cutie," Kairi cooed.
"Corsola can be found swimming all around the Whirl Islands," Terra said.
"That's right, Terra. I caught her when I was exploring Yellow Rock Isle. But catching a new Pokémon is only part of the reason that I'm here," Misty said.
"What are you here for, Misty?" Aqua asked.
"Well, I heard that there's a tournament known as the Whirl Cup right in Scarlet City on Red Rock Isle," Misty said.
"The Whirl Cup?" Sora asked.
"I heard of that. It's a tournament that Pokémon Trainers from all over travels to compete in, using only Water-type Pokémon. The tournament only occurs once every three years," Tracey said.
"Wow, a tournament that only uses Water-type Pokémon. Sounds cool," Ventus said.
"It sure does," Sora agreed.
"You know, you can compete in it if you like to, Sora. You too, Kairi," Misty said.
"What do you think, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"I have plenty of Water-type Pokémon, so it should be help me train for my battle with Jasmine when we get back to Olivine City," Sora said.
"I guess that gives us another excuse to explore the Whirl Islands, doesn't it?" Kairi asked.
"It sure does," Tracey agreed.
"Before we get to Blue Point Isle, how about you and I have a battle? I only had Corsola for a short time, so I haven't have her battle yet," Misty said.
"Great. I can take you up on that offer, Misty," Sora said.
"Awesome! It's not going to be like the last time," Misty said.
Both Sora and Misty got set for their battle as Misty has sent out her Corsola to battle. It wasn't long until it started to draw in a crowd. Danny, Cattleya, Hank, Lilac, Lionel, and L'eau were affected by the attractions.
"Watch closely, Yuki. Sora is in a battle," Cattleya said. Yuki cooed her baby sounds.
Sora decided to make this a water battle, so he took out his Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Croconaw!" Sora called out. Croconaw came right out to battle against Misty's Corsola.
"A Croconaw! It looks strong! I don't doubt you raised it well," Misty said.
"Thanks. I thought that I should use a Water-type Pokémon same as you," Sora said.
"This just makes it even more fun. Corsola! Use Tackle!" Misty ordered. Corsola charges right at Croconaw with a full charge of her body.
"Dodge and use Ice Fang!" Sora ordered. Croconaw dodges Corsola's Tackle and lands an Ice Fang onto the Coral Pokémon. "Now, use Water Gun!" Croconaw spews a Water Gun right at Corsola. Misty grinned.
"Corsola! Use Mirror Coat!" Misty ordered. Corsola's body is surrounded by a rainbow aura and it reflects Croconaw's Water Gun and deals double the damage to him.
"Mirror Coat?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
"What was that move that was used?" Ventus asked.
"It was Mirror Coat. It's used to counter any special moves like Water Gun and sends it back, doubling the damage," Tracey said.
"I can bet Misty knew Sora was going to attack with a special move," Aqua said.
"Okay, Corsola! Use Spike Cannon!" Misty ordered. Corsola fires several spike-like projectiles at Croconaw, dealing some heavy damage. Croconaw fell on his back. He got back up on his feet. "Great! Use Tackle!" Corsola charges right at Croconaw with another Tackle.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Croconaw jumped to dodge Corsola's Tackle. "Use Ice Fang repeatedly!" Croconaw came running at Corsola and lands several icy bites onto Corsola, giving her a hard time to counterattack. Croconaw stopped attacking, leaving Corsola with several injuries.
"Use Recover!" Misty ordered. Corsola's body have off a golden-yellow glow and Corsola's previous injuries heals.
"No way! Corsola can use Recover?" Sora asked.
"That's right! I warned you it wasn't going to be the same as the last time! Okay, Corsola! Use Spike Cannon!" Corsola unleashed another Spike Cannon right at Croconaw, dealing some heavy damage. Croconaw then started to evolve much to everyone's surprise.
"Hey, that Croconaw's evolving!" A random woman said.
Croconaw has evolved right into a Feraligatr. The newly evolved Pokémon unleashed a loud and mighty roar.
"Look, Yuki, Sora's Pokémon just got bigger," Cattleya said. Yuki clapped her hands, happy to see a Pokémon evolving for the first time.
"Your Croconaw's a Feraligatr now! This shows how much you raised your Pokémon well," Misty said.
"Thanks for that, Misty!" Sora said.
"But it doesn't mean you're gonna win it, Sora. And I'm gonna prove it! Corsola! Use Spike Cannon!" Corsola fires Spike Cannon right at the Big Jaw Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Crunch!" Sora ordered. Feraligatr dodges Corsola's Spike Cannon and lands a powerful bite attack onto the Coral Pokémon. "Use Water Gun!" Feraligatr fired Water Gun and hits Corsola hard, dealing some additional damage.
"Use Recover!" Misty ordered. Corsola managed to heal herself, but not fully. "I don't think Corsola has enough energy to heal herself left. She must have used much of it during that Spike Cannon. Corsola! Use Bubble Beam!" Corsola fired Bubble Beam right at the Big Jaw Pokémon.
"Water Gun!" Sora ordered. Feraligatr fired Water Gun, blocking Corsola's Bubble Beam. They held their attacks on until a watery explosion occurred. Both Pokémon have taken some damage. Feraligatr was on his knees while Corsola was taken down, beaten. Misty knew she used what was left of her energy. "Way to go, Feraligatr!" Misty took out a Lure Ball and used it to call back her fallen Corsola.
"You did your best, Corsola. Get some rest," Misty said. She walked up to Sora as he calls his Feraligatr back into his Pokéball. "I have to admit, you've grown a lot stronger since we battled the last time, Sora. Congratulations."
"Thanks, Misty. You've gotten stronger, too," Sora said. Misty smiled at the compliment. They shook hands.
"That kid with the spiky hair is good," a random man said.
"Yeah, and so was his Feraligatr," a random little boy said.
Meanwhile, under the sea, Team Rocket found them in their Magikarp submarine. Jessie spots him through the periscope.
"Found them at last," Jessie said.
"It's about time, because my feet are starting to hurt from all the peddling," James said.
"Your feet are starting to hurt? My feet are about to fall out of their sockets," Meowth said.
"You two are too soft for your own good. We need the exercise to keep the blood flowing," Jessie said.
"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet said, popping out once again.
"Unless you're out to make yourself useful, get the hell back inside the ball!" Jessie said.
"Wobbuffet," Wobbuffet said, pressing against a red button. The top hatch opened and water comes gushing in.
"Crap! Not again!" Meowth exclaimed.
"I told you we should have gone with a Seaking submarine instead of a Magikarp!" Jessie exclaimed.
"Well, this one was the only one we could afford, and it wasn't cheap!" James said.
"Let's get out before we drown!" Jessie said.
Team Rocket got their diving equipment on and they swam up to the surface. They took their oxygen masks off and stared at the ship.
"Well, our ship wasn't gonna come in for us," James said.
"We could try swimming for it," Jessie suggested.
"Then start dog paddling!" Meowth said.
"Don't you mean cat paddling, Meowth?" James asked.
"Oh, just because I'm a cat Pokémon, huh?" Meowth deadpanned.
"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet said, floating in the sea.
"We gotta catch up before we lose it!" Jessie said.
"Ahoy there!" A voice called out to them. They saw it belonged to an elderly man. With him is an old Snubbull. "You need some help there?"
"We're saved!" Jessie exclaimed.
"I got a life preserver for ya! I can pull ya in, one at a time," the man said. He threw out the life preserver. "Ladies first!"
"You heard him, boys," Jessie said as she grabbed it. He pulled her on his boat and he prepared to throw it back out.
"You're next, boy," the old man said, throwing it back out. James grabbed it and he pulls him on the boat. He threw it back out for Meowth, and the Scratch Cat Pokémon is pulled right in, and threw it back out for Wobbuffet. Once Team Rocket were on board, he prepared some warm blankets and some warm drinks for them. "There. Nice and safe now. Good thing I was around, because Qwilfish have been known to get a tad huffy when somebody's on their neck of the neighborhood."
"Qwilfish? Those are poisonous, aren't they?" James asked as he shivered.
"Oh, yeah. They're the kind of Pokémon you don't wanna mess with. In fact, their poison is so nasty, even Gyarados are afraid to mess with them," the old man said.
"Snubbull," the Snubbull said, handing him a cup of water. He laughed and took it from his companion and pats on its head.
"Thank you, my friend," the old man said. He took a sip. "So, may I ask where you were going in such a hurry?"
"We were heading where that ship was heading," Jessie said.
"I would guess you're heading for Blue Point Isle since it's the closest to us. We can be there in about an hour," the old man said.
"Thanks a lot, old timer," Meowth said.
"Not a problem. Full speed ahead, Snubbull," the old man said.
"Snubbull," the old Snubbull said with a smile. Meowth was a bit afraid of the old Snubbull due to having his tail repeatedly bitten by Madame Muchmoney's Snubbull before evolving.
"I hope this one doesn't have a bite worse than his bark," Meowth said. The Snubbull turned to him.
"Ya got nothing to worry about, kid. My bark is worse than my bite." - Snubbull subtitle. He took a pair of dentuers out of his mouth and held them in front of Meowth before putting them back in. "Even with my fake teeth, I'm not much as a biter as I used to be." - Snubbull subtitle.
"I'm gonna have to take your word for it," Meowth said.
On Blue Point Isle, Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu stood before Ventus, Terra, Aqua, and their families.
"So, Sora, you and your friends will be competing in the Whirl Cup?" Danny asked.
"Yeah. I figured I'd make contact with the Pokémon Center in Olivine City, because that's where Riku, Naminé, and Sakura should be right there right by now anyway," Sora said.
"We wish you luck, Sora," Hank said.
"And know that we will be rooting for you all the way, Sora," Cattleya said. Yuki cooed.
"You're gonna be having your next Gym battle soon, won't you?" Ventus asked.
"As soon as the Whirl Cup's over," Sora answered.
"We'll be rooting for Sora just as hard as you," Kairi said.
"I know you will," Cattleya said, hugging her nephew's girlfriend. Kairi hugged her back, along with the baby. Kairi smiled right at the baby girl.
"Bye-bye, Yuki," Kairi said.
"It was nice meeting you," Tracey said.
"Likewise," Danny said.
"Take care," L'eau said.
"And call your mom sometimes," Lilac said.
"Just to say hello," Lionel said.
"And check on your sister," Hank said.
"I will," Sora said.
"We'll be seeing you," Aqua said.
"Until we meet again," Terra said.
With that said, the trio said their goodbyes to the vacationers and headed for the Pokémon Center. Along the way, Sora exchanged Noctowl, Gliscor, Scyther, Granbull, Murkrow, and Xatu for Quagsire, Qwilfish, Remoraid, Blastoise, Kingler, and Golduck. Once they arrived, Sora made contact with the Olivine City Pokémon Center and Riku answered it.
"Hey, Sora. I was starting to worry that I wasn't gonna hear from you. What's up?" Riku asked.
"I'm just calling to let you know that we're gonna be taking a little longer to get back because of the Whirl Cup taking place," Sora said.
"You know, I thought that'll be something you'd do, because I was just contacted from someone who actually lives in the Alola region, same as me, except she lives on a different island. So, I told her about you," Riku said.
"Is that right? I guess I'm be meeting one of your friends, huh?" Sora asked.
"Yeah. She's nothing to sneeze at. Don't say I didn't warn you," Riku said.
"Don't worry, I won't," Sora said.
"Anyway, just do your best and I'll be seeing you," Riku said.
"I will, and you too," Sora said.
With that said, both broke contact with each other and stepped out to do some training for the Whirl Cup.
"Since the Whirl Cup is a Water-type tournament, you'll have to do some training near the water," Tracey said.
"You're right, Tracey. I want my Water-type Pokémon to be ready for anything out there. Misty isn't gonna be fooling around and neither am I," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Misty gave you a run for your money when you battled her. And she almost had you when you battled her earlier, so she might get you the next time," Kairi pointed out.
"You're right, Kairi. She might," Sora said. They reached the beach to train, so Sora has let out his Blastoise and Feraligatr. "You ready to train, guys?" Blastoise and Feraligatr nodded. "Okay, let's get started!"
"Pi, Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
Unknown to them, they're being watched by someone. It turns out to be someone who is a short and slender young girl with fair skin, blue eyes, and short blue hair, the latter in which she wears a yellow string headband that resembles a fishing net. She wears a short blue cape behind her back, a sleeveless white sailor shirt on top of a dark blue swimsuit with a blue fish decal in the middle of the chest, and long blue pants with a yellow string near the waist and blue Hawaiian wave patterns on the bottoms. On her feet, she wears darkly-colored rubber sandals that are too big for her. She is seen carrying a fishing pole.
"Okay, Feraligatr! Slash! Blastoise! Ice Punch!" Sora ordered. Blastoise and Feraligatr used their chosen attacks. Sora took out his Lure Ball and his other Pokéballs and threw them. "Okay, Qwilfish, Quagsire, Azumarill, Golduck, Remoraid, Kingler!" Sora's Water-types emerged from inside and waited for his instructions. "Okay, guys, let her rip! Qwilfish, Azumarill, Remoraid! Let out Water Gun! Quagsire! Muddy Water! Golduck! Use Aqua Tail!" Qwilfish, Azumarill and Remoraid unleashed their Water Gun straight into the air as Golduck jumped into the air and swung his tail. Quagsire releases a spiraling brown wave of water from around his body at a rock, shattering it to pieces. "Great work, guys!" Just then, a small Pokémon came swimming in. It is a Pokémon that resembles a manta ray. It has a round body with wide, flat fins. Its back is dark-blue, while its underside is light blue. There are two red spots with white outlines and a light-blue, curved line on its back. These markings give the overall impression of a smiling face and vary slightly in each region. It has two long, curving antennae on top of its head and black eyes with eyelash-like markings underneath. Sora, Kairi, and Tracey saw it. "Hey, who's that Pokémon?"
"It's a Mantyke," Tracey said. Sora quickly took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Mantyke, the Kite Pokémon
Type: Water/Flying
When it swims close to the surface of the ocean, people aboard ships are able to observe the pattern on its back.
"Oh, he's such a little cutie," Kairi said.
"Looks like I'm gonna have a new Pokémon under my belt," Sora said. He looked at Azumarill. "You're up, Azumarill!" The Aqua Rabbit Pokémon stepped up and went after Mantyke. "Okay, Azumarill! Water Gun!" Azumarill fired Water Gun, hitting Mantyke on the mark, so he responds with a Bubble. "Mantyke's using Bubble, so use Bubble Beam!" Azumarill fired Bubble Beam and hits the Kite Pokémon hard after cutting through Bubble. Mantyke came at Azumarill and hits her with a Wing Attack. Mantyke then fired a Water Gun at Azumarill. "Use Ice Punch!" Azumarill came at Mantyke and lands an icy punch onto Mantyke and lands on the water. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Mantyke flows and it wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Mantyke with him. He chose to keep Mantyke in exchange for Raikou. "I got myself a new Pokémon."
"You know, Sora, you can have your Mantyke evolve into a Mantine when you have a Mantyke and a Remoraid on your team," Tracey said.
"Wow, that sounds awesome. We're gonna have to get to know each other," Sora said.
"Real impressive," the girl said. They turned to see her.
Who is this mysterious girl? And what kind of adventures awaits for them in the Whirl Islands? Just wait and see when we continue onwards.