Episode 163: Plant It Now... Diglett Later
I have gotten word that the Pokémon franchise are retiring Ash and Pikachu from the anime, so it was a fun ride while it lasted. Just to let you know, I plan on having Sora, Kairi, and their Pokémon partners continue on right up to the Paldea region after my Galar arc. I think I may have gotten down on when I'm gonna do the Hisui arc, so I decided to do that after Alola and before Galar. And when I reach the Galar arc, know that I plan on making it like the games, that means, Gym battles and not the World Coronation Series. That will come a lot later. Anyway, regarding Ash and Pikachu, I'm going to admit it's sad to see them gone after so many years. Anyway, here's my newest chapter, so fave, follow, and review if you will, and enjoy.
Now that the Whirl Cup was behind them, Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu prepared to head back to Olivine City, so Sora made a phone call to Riku before leaving. Riku and Naminé appeared on the screen.
"Hey, Sora. How did the Whirl Cup go?" Riku asked.
"Did you win?" Naminé asked.
"I gave it everything I had, but I only came in second. Also, I'm letting you two know we're on our way back to Olivine City," Sora said.
"Great! I'll let Sakura and Jasmine know you'll be coming," Naminé said.
"Just don't take any longer than you already have," Riku said.
"We'll try not to," Sora said, chuckling.
"Also, too bad you lost the Whirl Cup. Did you battle Lana while you were there?" Riku asked.
"I did, and I won that one. You should give her a ring sometimes," Sora said.
"I'll try to. Just get here in one piece; along with Kairi and Tracey," Riku said.
"Okay. We'll see you in Olivine City," Sora said, breaking contact.
Not too long, Sora has sent all of his Water-type Pokémon except for Feraligatr for Slugma, Larvitar, Stantler, Noctowl, Murkrow, Scyther, Houndour, and Dunsparce.
As they continued to make their way towards Silver Rock Isle since it's on the way to Olivine City. Just as they kept walking, Sora tripped over something in the dirt. Kairi rushed over to him with concern.
"Sora! Are you alright?" Kairi asked.
"Yeah, I just tripped over this rock," Sora said, picking up what looks like a glassy black stone that produces a sharp cutting edge when split. "What the heck is this thing?"
"I think it's a Black Augurite," Tracey said.
"Black Augurite? Never heard of it," Sora said.
"Me neither. Is there something special about, Tracey?" Kairi asked.
"The Black Augurite can be used to make a Scyther evolve into a Kleavor," Tracey said.
"Kleavor?" Sora asked.
"I thought Scyther can only evolve into a Scizor," Kairi said.
"Just about anyone could think it, but as it turns out, like Gloom, Poliwhirl, Slowpoke, Tyrogue, and Eevee, Scyther has a branched evolution," Tracey said.
"Wow, I never knew that," Sora said.
"Since you have a Scyther of your own, how about putting it to the ultimate test?" Tracey suggested.
"You have a Scyther, too, Tracey," Sora said.
"True, but you're the one who found it, so fair's fair," Tracey said.
"He's right, Sora. That makes it yours. The old saying is 'finders keepers'," Kairi said.
"Well, as long it didn't belong to someone first, it should be okay, so why not?" Sora asked, taking out his Sport Ball and opened it. His Scyther came out.
"Scyther," Scyther said.
"Hey, Scyther, how would you like to hold this?" Sora asked, holding the Black Augurite. Sora hands it to Scyther who holds it in his syche-like arms. Scyther then started to evolve, much to their surprise. "Scyther's evolving!"
"Amazing!" Tracey exclaimed with excitement.
"Pika," Pikachu said, awestruck.
"Eevee," Angel said, also awestruck.
"Pichu," the Pichu both said.
"Toge," Togepi chirped.
Scyther has now become a mantis-like insect Pokémon with a craggy exoskeleton featuring a rock-like composition. Its predominantly beige and white body is adorned with numerous black rocky protrusions, including a ring of angular rocks on each of its shoulders, a mask of rock lining its brows down to his jawline, two sharp toe claws on each foot, and a single black shard of rock atop the crown of its head. The large wings present on Scyther's back seem to have atrophied into vestigial features on the new Pokémon. Most notably, each of the newly evolved Pokémon's two spindly front limbs end in large axe-like appendages made of heavy black rock.
"Is this it?" Sora asked.
"Yes! It's Kleavor!" Tracey said. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned his newly evolved Pokémon to get some information.
Kleavor, the Axe Pokémon
An evolved form of Scyther
Bug/Rock
The stones that adorn Kleavor's body often get chipped during fierce fights; larger chips are a sign that it is experienced in battle.
"Wow, first Ursaluna and now Kleavor! Professor Oak is so gonna bust a button when he sees you," Sora said with a smile.
"Kleavor!" Kleavor said. He raises his axe-like arms and he ran towards some rocks and he slashed through the rock.
"Tracey, what was that move Kleavor just used?" Kairi asked.
"That was Stone Axe," Tracey said.
"Now that's a cool move," Sora said.
"Pika, Pikachu," Pikachu agreed.
Since Sora got his Scyther to evolve into a Kleavor, he thought it would be a good idea to have his Murkrow evolve into a Honchkrow since he looked ready to. Sora took out a Dusk Stone and used it to evolve Murkrow into a Honchkrow. Sora decided to have Quilava, Slugma, and Houndour spar with Kleavor for some practice. The Fire-type Pokémon were shocked and stunned to see a Pokémon they have nver seen before standing right in front of them.
"That's Scyther, but now he's evolved into a totally new Pokémon. Have a good look at him, guys," Sora said. The Fire-type Pokémon were skeptical, but it took a few seconds for it to sink in, so they greeted the Axe Pokémon with a smile. "Okay, Slugma! Use Rock Throw!" Slugma forms rocks above his head and sends them at Kleavor. "Okay, Kleavor! Dodge!" Kleavor dodges Slugma's Rock Throw. "Use Stone Axe!" Kleavor came at Slugma. "Dodge it, Slugma!" Slugma dodges just by jumping out of the way.
"Great jump, Slugma!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel added.
"Slugma are normally slow, but Sora's Slugma is quick to jump!" Tracey said.
"Okay, Slugma! Use Flame Burst! Quilava! Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Quilava and Slugma unleashed their chosen Fire-type attacks and sends it right at the Axe Pokémon who dodges and rushes at the Fire-types. "Use Aerial Ace!" Kleavor lands a hit onto them. "That's great! Houndour! Use Fire Fang!" Houndour came at Kleavor with a Fire Fang, but Kleavor swings his axe and smacked Houndour with it. "Great job!" Sora summoned his Kingdom Key and used it to heal Quilava, Houndour, and Slugma of their injuries. "Great job. It looks like I know who I'm using for my next Gym battle."
"Chu," Pikachu agreed.
Just then, a horde of Nobodies appeared before them. They all had grayish white vests and hat-like appendages on top of their heads. They held what looks like a book. These Nobodies shall be known as Scholars.
"Nobodies!" Kairi gasped.
"I knew they'd show up sooner or later!" Sora said, holding his Kingdom Key. Kairi summoned her Keyblade as Pikachu, Angel, and the other Pokémon prepared for battle.
The Nobodies attacked by starting by floating in the air and unleashed lightning at the couple. Kleavor attacked with a Stone Axe as the Fire-type Pokémon attacked with their fire moves. The Scholars hurled their books at Quilava and Houndour, but they didn't stay down for long. Angel fired Swift at the Nobodies as Quilava rolls at them with a Flame Wheel. Houndour pounced on one of the Scholars with a Bite. Pikachu gave them a swing with Iron Tail, dealing some damage to them.
The fight went on until the last of the Scholars were defeated. The sound of clapping hands is heard.
"Very impressive. I can see why the Keyblade has chosen you," a male voice spoke. Sora, Kairi, and the Pokémon turned to see Zexion standing before them. Tracey, Togepi, and the Pichu saw him, too.
"Let me guess; you're with the Organization, too?" Sora asked, holding his Kingdom Key tightly.
"Who are you?" Kairi asked.
"Forgive the the delayed introduction. My name is Zexion. I have been wanting to make your acquaintance for quite some time; that's if Axel, Marluxia, Vexen, or even Demyx hasn't already finished you off. Pleased to meet you, Sora, Kairi," Zexion said.
"And here I thought you might have given up on us," Kairi said.
"We have been frightfully busy, but that's nothing for you to concern yourselves over. But you will be seeing more of us again, I can assure the both of you," Zexion said.
"Thanks for the warning, buddy. Kairi and I can handle anything you jerks can throw at us," Sora said.
"Oh, I don't doubt it. And I'm happy to say that my experiment was successful, but it would require a heart to feel happy in which I lack," Zexion said.
"I'm getting tired of you Organization guys just showing up! Why are you trying to get rid of me?" Sora asked.
"That I cannot answer. But be on your guard, and don't be reckless. That's if you want to end up like that one Trainer with a Keyblade he has," Zexion said. This surprises Sora.
"What? You mean, Ash, Ethan, Leaf, Lyra, or Kris?" Sora asked. Zexion didn't answer and just disappeared into the corridor of darkness. "Hey, wait!"
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"That was weird. Who was he just talking about?" Sora asked.
"Don't think about it, Sora. He might be trying to trick you," Tracey said.
"He's right. I'm sure Ash and the others are okay," Kairi said.
"His plan to psyche me out just backfired," Sora said.
Unknown to them, a hooded figure is hiding above them. With him is an Espeon and an Umbreon. He and the two Pokémon watched them closely.
"So those are the ones we were told about. After all these years, Organization XIII is still at it. What are they up to?" The hooded figure said. Espeon and Umbreon looked at him. He nodded to them and they nodded back. Waiting for him is a hooded girl. She is slightly shorter than the first figure. She is waiting by some sort of a bike. It has a large engine with exhaust pipes on the side. The first hooded figure and the two Eeveelutions.
"Is it true?" The hooded girl asked.
"Turns out to be true. The Organization has its thirteen members. We spent five years in the realm of darkness," the hooded young man said.
"It felt like we've been in that horrible place much shorter than that; especially since time doesn't exist in the realm of darkness," the hooded girl said.
"I know. There are two kids that have Keyblades. They have a Pikachu an Eevee, a Quilava, a Slugma, a Houndour, and a Pokémon I never seen before with them. and I heard that there are more of them," the hooded young man said.
"Then it's a good thing we got out then. Just how long do we have to stay hidden?" The hooded girl asked.
"Long enough, because the Organization thinks we're both dead, and that's the edge that we need. We just need to keep an eye on those two until the time's right," the hooded young man said. The hooded girl sighed as she nodded. She knew he was right, but she felt like something might happen. He picked up on it. "It's going to be okay. I promise."
"That's what you said five years ago," the hooded girl said.
"But we made it through, didn't we?" The hooded young man asked.
"You're right," the hooded girl said.
Later, Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu continued their journey through Red Rock Isle, so they started to make their way towards Transit Town to catch the ferry that will take them to Olivine City.
"Man, those Nobodies really slowed us down," Sora said.
"How much further are we to Transit Town?" Kairi asked.
"I think we should almost there, but I don't know what's almost," Tracey said.
"Not helpful," Sora said.
Up above, Jessie is watching them from her binoculars. She giggled.
"This is too much fun! They're all tuckered out, and a fight with those Nobodies did the trick. Perfect timing," Jessie said. James and Meowth were digging a pit trap for them to fall in. "Dig it with those shovels! They're almost here! Aren't you done?"
James climbed up.
"The job could go a whole lot faster if you would pitch in," James said.
"Yeah, we got enough room down here for the three of us," Meowth said.
As soon as James and Meowth got done digging, Team Rocket covered their trap with dirt and leaves.
"There, the trap is set," James said.
"Wouldn't it be nice for the twerps to drop in?" Meowth asked.
"Shh, here they come," Jessie said. She ushered her colleagues to hide. They wait patiently for Sora, Kairi, Tracey, and the Pokémon to arrive, but they didn't wait for long when they came walking. Sora then suddenly stopped.
"Wait!" Sora said.
"What's wrong, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"Something doesn't smell right," Sora said. He summoned his Kingdom Key and he tapped the ground and it opened up.
"A pit trap!" Travey exclaimed.
"Team Rocket must have dugged that!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
Jessie growled as she jumped out of her hiding place.
"You stupid twerps! You were supposed to fall in!" Jessie yelled. James and Meowth jumped out, too.
"Meowth and I has gone through a lot of trouble digging those, so you could show some gratitude for us by at least stepping on it!" James added. Team Rocket starts marching towards them.
"We almost threw out our backs, doing all that-" Meowth said as Team Rocket took one step and the ground opened and they fell in, "-WORK!" A loud thud is heard.
"That was unexpected," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Pichu," the Shiny Pichu said.
"Pichu," the Spiky-eared Pichu said.
"Ow! Hey, what gives? Where did this one come from? James, you and Meowth didn't dig two holes, did you?" Jessie asked from underneath.
"No, Meowth and I only dug one hole," James said.
In the hole, Meowth saw a Meowth-like carving.
"And this is the one we dug," Meowth said. Jessie and James looked at Meowth.
"How can you be certain it's ours, Meowth?" James asked.
"I know it's ours, because I made this carving of me while we were digging," Meowth said.
Back above ground, Sora, Kairi, Tracey, and the Pokémon looked at the two holes.
"How did you figure Team Rocket set a trap here?" Tracey asked.
"I figured it had their stink on it, but I figured they didn't dig the one I found, so I think someone else did," Sora said. And he was right, because a Diglett emerged from underground.
"Diglett," the Diglett chirped.
"A Diglett," Tracey said.
"There must be a lot of Diglett around here," Kairi said.
Down below, Team Rocket were listening on them.
"Did they say Diglett?" Jessie asked.
"I think so," Meowth said.
Several Diglett came out of the walls of the hole, forming a staircase.
Two teenage girls, wearing Diglett t-shirts came to the scene and saw them. One has red hair and the other has dark green hair.
"Hard to believe all those Diglett could dig all these," Sora said.
"They did, because we told them to," one of the girls said. They turned to see the girls. "I'm sorry! We're the ones who dug this giant hole! So many people were just coming through our home that we had to."
"It's okay. No one was hurt, but I don't know about them," Sora said, pointing to the other hole.
"I'm glad you're so forgiving. My name is Rita, and this is Sue," Rita introduced.
"Nice to meet you," Sue said with a smile.
"Nice to meet you, too. I'm Sora, and this is Pikachu, my partner. And these two are his adoptive little brother and sister," Sora introduced.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Pichu," the Pichu said.
"I'm Kairi, and this Angel, and this is Togepi," Kairi introduced.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
"And my name's Tracey," Tracey finished.
Team Rocket gets back above ground.
"The Diglett didn't have anything to do with that hole, but sorry anyway," Rita apologized.
"You said that people were coming through your home. What did you mean by that?" Kairi asked.
"I'll be happy to explain, but first I need to ask you a favor," Sue said.
"Just name it," Tracey said.
"You seem to be expert Pokemon Trainers," Sue said.
"Uh, expert?" Kairi asked.
"Expert is a bit strong. But we are skilled Pokémon Trainers all the same," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"But I did come in second place in the Whirl Cup," Sora said.
"Right now, we really need your dedication and expertise," Rita said.
"We didn't know what we were going to do, until you came along," Sue said.
"We'll even have a banquet in your honor," Rita said.
"A banquet?" Sora and Jessie asked as their stomachs both growled.
"We'll do it," everyone said.
"Hooray! Then let's be on our way!" Rita and Sue said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, the Pichu, and Team Rocket followed the girls through the woods. Kairi had to break the silence.
"Sora, you're not doing this because you're hungry, are you?" Kairi whispered.
"Yes and no. It's possible that Organization XIII might be involved, so it's worth to look into, or if it's someone who's just attacking villages out of random like those punks back at Wobbuffet Village, but either way, we had to put a stop to it," Sora said.
"You're right, Sora. We can't let whoever is doing this get away with this," Kairi said.
"This is the village we were telling you about. Diglett Village," Rita said. The group is led to a house and they see all sorts of food presented to them. "And here's the banquet that we promised you."
Well, I guess it's time to dig in," Sue said as some masked men come dancing in.
"Yum! Looks good!" Jessie said, getting a spoon ready.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" James asked.
"What do you mean?" Jessie asked.
"Dining with the enemy," James pointed out.
"Yeah, we'll be feasting with our foes," Meowth said.
"Right, and just look at them," James said.
Team Rocket looks over to Sora, Kairi, and Tracey who are already eating, then consider what to do.
"Well, twerps or no twerps, it's a shame to let all this food go to waste," Meowth said.
"We could ignore them," James said.
"Who deserves this grub more? The illustrious Team Rocket, or them?" Meowth asked.
"That settles it," Jessie said as she starts chowing down. James and Meowth just looked at her. "This IS yummy! Please pass the salt, I haven't had this in ages. Oh no, they're eating it all!"
"Oh no, they're not!" Meowth said as he and James joined in.
The Pichu picked a big apple and they end up fighting over it. Pikachu takes the apple and breaks it in half and gave one half to each of them. The Pichu starts eating it.
Everyone got done eating their fill. They laid down, groaning.
"I'm so stuffed," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel added.
"So am I," Sora said. He burped a little. "Excuse me."
"Is there anything else I can get you all?" Rita asked.
"A stretcher, and someone to carry me," Jessie said.
"Would a simple antacid be too much trouble?" James asked.
"No, I'll got get one for you," Rita said.
"Are you stepping out?" Sora asked.
"It's getting late, and we need to get home. But don't worry, the mayor will take over from here," Rita said.
"Ah, yes. We are most pleased that you've joined us," one of the masked people said.
"Welcome and thank you so much for being here," another one of the masked people said.
Everyone removes their masks, revealing themselves as the village's elderly.
"Who are they?" Sora asked.
"We present the town council," Rita and Sue said.
"Thank you, Sue and Rita," one of the councilmen said.
"You're welcome. Our pleasure," Rita and Sue said in unison.
"You two are most helpful. We appreciate it," the first councilman said.
"Yes. Now that you all have full stomachs, we would like to ask one simple favor after feeding you so well," the second councilman said.
The council crowded them against a wall.
"And after that meal we fed you, how can you possibly say no?" The first councilman asked.
"Of course, we want to help. Just tells us what we can do, and don't crowd around us," Sora said.
"We, need a rocket," the first councilman said.
"A rocket?" Jessie and James asked.
"Then prepare for trouble!" Jessie started.
"And then make it double!" James added.
Sora just facepalmed.
"And here we go," Sora groaned.
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all peoples within our nation!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie."
"James."
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now, or prepare to fight, fight, fight!"
"Meowth! That's right!"
"Not a rocket," the first councilman said.
"Goodbye," Team Rocket said, taking off.
"No, we don't need a rocket," the first councilman said.
"And he just said it," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"True. We have no desire to fly into space," the second councilman said.
"Well, what, then?" Jessie asked.
"I must not be making myself clear. I know! Yes! Racket!" The first councilman said.
"Right! A tennis match!" The second councilman said.
"No, not that," the first councilman said.
"Man, this is gonna be harder than I thought," Sora said, rolling his eyes.
"A basket?" The second councilman asked.
"It's too late for a snack right now, and I fear that we're leaving our friends down another confusing path," the first councilman said.
"You're right!" The second councilman agreed.
"Robot? Roper?" The first councilman asked.
"This isn't a rodeo!" The second councilman said.
Jessie was getting more irritated with each passing sentence.
"That's enough! You all need serious help!" Jessie yelled.
"You said help. Help. That's it! A helper!" The first councilman said.
"Okay, I think I'm caught up. Someone's making a racket, and you need someone to help you," Tracey said.
"Brilliant! We need a helper," the first councilman said.
"And you are perfect for the job," the second councilman said.
"We are?" Sora and Kairi asked.
"Seems like it," Tracey said.
"Just who is causing trouble for you? Could it by any chance be some guys wearing black hoods?" Sora asked.
"Not anything like that," the first councilman replied.
"Not sure why anyone would want to wear black hoods," the second councilman said.
"I guess that would have been too easy," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Just who then?" Tracey asked.
"Hold on!" A male voice called from outside. Everyone looks out the window and sees a masked man riding on a Dodrio. "Don't listen to those old fools! They'll just talk you in circles until you're as confused as they are!" Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu, rushes out.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Sora asked.
"We're a band of Diglett thieves known as the Band of Diglett Thives!" The masked man answered as several more masked men riding on Dodrio came riding in. Some of them have black necks and others have beige necks.
Team Rocket stepped out.
"Now there's an original name," Jessie said.
"We used to be known by a much more creative name, but those old fogies in their just kept getting confused," the masked man said.
"That makes sense," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel agreed.
"I also asked you what do you want?" Sora asked.
"See those Diglett there are your feet? After they've evolved into Dugtrio, they become the world's greatest earth movers. So we pay those old codgers a little visit once a year to steal them for ourselves!" The masked man said.
"Pika, Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said.
"This year's crop of Diglett seem plump and healthy. We'll be back for them tomorrow. Farewell!" The masked man said as he and his followers rode off.
"Thieves that book in advanced?" Tracey asked.
"That's very, considerate," Kairi said.
"Considerate or not, they made their intent very clear," Sora said. He was the first to step back in. "Who are these guys exactly?"
Everyone sits before the elderly as they begin their story.
"For many years, we have coexisted happily with the many Diglett in our area as they helped us to cultivate our fields," the first councilman explained.
"We would like to continue to raise our crops and stay in our homes," the second councilman said.
"But it's been hard, now that our children have left our village for the bright lights and excitement of the city," the first councilman said.
"The only young ones we ever see are Sue and Rita, and the Band of Diglett Thieves," the second councilman said.
"We dearly love Sue and Rita, but those thieves are a big problem. By stealing all of our strongest and healthiest Diglett every year, we are not able to grow enough food for our village," the first councilman said.
"How were you able to make that giant feast for us?" Sora asked.
"That one might possibly be our last," the second councilman said.
"If you won't help us, we have no other choice but to consider you thankless and insensitive," the first councilman said.
A vein bulged on James's forehead when it was said to him.
"I'm sorry, but did he just say thankless and insensitive?! I have never heard anything so insulting in all of my life!" James exclaimed, surprising everyone. Jessie especially was surprised.
"Really, James? I heard that one a million times," Meowth said.
"Not true. We may have our, selfish moments, but I'd like to think that we would never ignore someone in need who had just given us a banquet," Jessie said.
"But sometimes we like to eat and run," Meowth said. That comment just earned Meowth a conk.
"Quiet!" Jessie yelled.
James holds up a rose.
"This red rose symbolizes the red blood that runs through all of our veins! It knows not of good or evil. It is true I am a member of Team Rocket, but I am also a Pokemon Trainer with a burning desire to help my fellow man! I will rise to the call of the rose within my heart and do whatever is needed of me! Or at least give it my best shot," James said.
"Do you mean it? You're actually going to help some old people just because they fed you?" Kairi asked.
"Exactamundo!" James replied.
"Oh, that's great! Thank you!" Rita and Sue said in unison.
"We were going to help protect you from those guys even if you fed us or not. Besides, they can't steal your Diglett from you and get away with it," Sora said.
"I agree. It's unforgivable," Tracey said.
"So you can count us all in," Kairi said.
"Pika!" Pikachu chipped in.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"Are you with me?!" James exclaimed.
"You know I am!" Jessie said.
"Alright!" Jessie and James both said as Meowth sits, baffled, before just rolling with it.
"What do I have to lose?" Meowth asked.
A little later, Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Jessie, and James are wearing soldier uniforms. James displays a map of the area.
"This is our present location, and here is our enemy. The Band of Diglett Thieves numbers more than fifty, according to the Sky Patrol from their recon flight, while at last count, our ranks consist of twenty senior citizens, three members of Team Rocket, and three twerps for a total of twenty-six," James said.
"It seems obvious that we shouldn't try to face them directly. There is a dangerous possibility that they may have Heartless at their disposal, and they call them anytime," Tracey said.
"Check, and that is why tonight, we must put aside our differences and commence Operation: No-No, Dodrio!" James said.
"Sounds dangerous," Kairi said.
"It is. Because that only two of you have use of a Keyblade in hand, you have been carefully selected for this mission. Therefore, you are the only ones who can handle the Heartless in the most likely event that they get in your way. You three and the Diglett, and we thank you very much for your courage!" James said.
"Yes, sir," Sora said.
"When was it that twerps were chosen for this mission?" Jessie asked.
"It was when this mission became scary! Their experience against the Heartless is another reason. Anyway, you'll sneak up and release the enemy's main mode of transport, Dodrio," James said.
"Yes, sir!" Sora and Tracey said.
"I may feel bad for those Dodrio, but it looks like we have no other choice, sir," Kairi said.
"Correct, we have no other choice if we all wish for those Diglett to live in this village another day," James said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, and Tracey switched back to their regular clothes and started on their mission. Team Rocket watches them go off.
"I never thought I'd say this, but I actually feel sorry for those Heartless if they bump into the twerps," Meowth said.
"I don't. I hate those damn things. We can relax," Jessie said.
"No relaxing! We'll be busy digging pitfall after pitfall around the town's perimeter. We will enlist every single Diglett in this village and create an impenetrable pitfall defense!" James stated.
It didn't take long until the Diglett and the elderly got to digging. Jessie was really amazed.
"Wow. For a group of old duffers, they've really got lots of energy," Jessie said.
"Ah. Those young'uns are in their prime. I'm 120," a random old woman said. Jessie was amazed by her age.
"No! That's over ten times my age!" Jessie exclaimed.
"Now where did you learn that math?" Meowth asked. Jessie glared at Meowth.
"Get back in the hole!" Jessie hissed.
"The twerpy troops. Gee, I wonder how they are," James said.
Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu have made it to the city, and so far they haven't seen any Heartless. They wondered if it was a good or bad thing.
"No Heartless around here," Tracey said.
"Don't let your guard down, Tracey. Just because we didn't see any on the way over here doesn't mean we're not gonna see any at any moment," Kairi said.
"Good point. But I don't know why I got sent with you since I don't have a Keyblade like you do," Tracey pointed out.
"You're good as safe with us, and your Pokémon can hold them off just fine," Sora said.
"I know I feel safe enough," Tracey said.
"Let's keep moving before someone sees us," Kairi said.
"Vee," Angel nodded.
"Right. We should almost be near the Dodrio pens," Sora said.
They snuck through the city right until they spotted one of the masked men from before. They quickly hid behind a wall just when he turned around. He didn't see them.
"He must be the ringleader," Tracey said.
"And he must be standing guard of the Dodrio pen," Sora said. Pikachu and Angel looked again, and they saw Sue talking with him.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said, alerting Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Togepi, and the Pichu.
"Eevee!" Angel added.
"Pikachu and Angel spotted something," Sora said. He poked his head from his hiding place and he gasped when he saw Sue talking with him. "No way!"
"What?" Kairi asked.
"It's Sue!" Sora said. Kairi looked and she also gasped.
"You're right. It is Sue," Kairi said. Tracey poked his head and his face gave a gasp of disbelief.
"What's she doing there?" Tracey asked.
"You don't think maybe she could be a spy for them?" Kairi asked.
"We better not jump the gun. Maybe she's just there to tell them to leave them alone," Sora said.
"Hey, you guys!" A familiar voice called from behind, alerting them. They saw Rita behind them. "What are you doing?"
"Making a tactical retreat!" Sora said as he, Kairi, Tracey, and the Pokémon attempts to run for it, but the masked man saw them.
"Who goes there?!" The masked man asked.
"Crap!" Sora gulped.
"Hold it!" The masked man said.
"Looks like the end," Sora said, placing his arm in front of Kairi. "Take me if you want, but let her go!" Rita comes up behind them.
"Oh! Mr. Mayor. These are the helpers, from before," Rita said. This confuses the trio.
"Oh, I see. Sorry," the masked man said, removing his mask, revealing his mustached face. "It's so hard to see with that darn helmet on my head."
"You're the mayor?!" Sora exclaimed.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked, sharing Sora's disbelief.
"What in the name of light is going on?" Sora asked.
Diglett start popping out from all around as the mayor explains everything to them. And Sora explains that they came to let the Dodrio out of the pens. The mayor understood.
"Oh, yes. I see. Terribly sorry to have startled you," the mayor said as he turned to the townsfolk. "Okay, guys. This time we'll do it without the Dodrio, alright?"
"Alright," the townspeople agreed.
"Well, you sure fooled us," Sora said.
"And you did a good job at it, too," Kairi said.
"So if I got this right, all of you are the children and grandchildren of the elderly people living in the village?" Tracey asked.
"That's right," Rita and Sue said in unison.
"But why steal the Diglett?" Kairi asked.
"It's simple," the mayor said.
"Tell us," Kairi said.
"There was a time when all of this land was nothing but a wasteland inhabited by a great many Diglett. Because of the difficult lives our parents were forced to lead, they befriended the Diglett in order to get help cultivating their fields. And in time, their labors were rewarded. Their fields overflowed with a bountiful harvest and stories of their success were told all over the Whirl Islands. Once Diglett evolve into Dugtrio, they can even change the desert from brown to green. It's thank to their work that this has become such a beautiful place. Now to show gratitude to our mothers and fathers, we built them a retirement home where they can live in comfort and peace," the mayor explained. They stood before a tall building. "It has every possible luxury and amenity they could ever want or need. It compares with any four star hotel in the world."
"Looks like a nice place to retire at when we get old," Sora said.
"Oh, well. Those old men and women wouldn't have any of it," the mayor said.
"Huh? I wonder why," Kairi said.
"They said they would rather live the rest of their lives, continuing to work together with the Diglett as they plow the land and protect their village," the mayor said.
"It makes sense," Kairi said.
"It seems long ago there were many Diglett thieves who caused them all sorts of problems. They were constantly on guard and working to keep those thieves away. They think that defense is the key to their longevity," the mayor said.
"So now, you're the thieves?" Kairi asked.
"Yes, the Diglett thieves disappeared quite a long time ago. So, we just decided to take over invading the village every once in a while to help keep those old folks in tip-top shape. We're very careful, of course, that no one is ever hurt," the mayor said.
"Wish you told us a whole lot sooner," Sora said.
"But think about how our grandparents would feel if they knew," Sue said.
"This has become a way of life for them, protecting their homes and defending their land," Rita added.
"Okay, fair point," Sora said.
"We understand. We'll keep your secret," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"But it'll only work if they believe it. Your Pikachu should give it everything it's got. We have made very sure that no one will get hurt," the mayor said.
"Um, I'm not sure that's a very good idea, sir. Pikachu's Thunderbolt is pretty strong," Sora said.
"Don't worry. Just do it and see," the mayor said.
"Okay, I'll do it, but it doesn't mean I'll like it," Sora said. He turned to Pikachu. "Okay, Pikachu, give him your best Thunderbolt."
"Pikachu?" Pikachu asked, unsure if he should.
"We can apologize a little bit after. Go ahead," Sora said. Pikachu nodded and gave the mayor his powerful Thunderbolt, and the helmet absorbs the electricity.
"You see? Shock proof," the mayor assured as he pounds on the chest of the armor. "And it's blast proof. So you don't have to worry about a thing."
Sora, Kairi, and Tracey were relieved that they can give it their all without hurting anyone.
"I'm convinced now," Sora said.
"This works out well for us," Kairi said.
"It sure does," Tracey agreed.
"We'll give you our best performance," Sora said.
The next morning, James is seen looking out over the horizon high in a tree. Jessie and Meowth are standing with the elderly as they arm themselves, prepared for what the thieves are about to bring.
James spots something in the distance, the thieves. They weren't riding on their Dodrio. James smiled, knowing Sora, Kairi, and Tracey have succeeded.
"They're not riding on Dodrio! Our battle plan worked!" James said with glee.
"The twerps pulled it off!" Meowth said.
"Alright! Prepare for battle!" Jessie said. The elderly all let out a battle cry.
The thieves charge, but two land in a pit, unaware of the airbags they're equipped with. James watches as some more fell in the pitfalls.
"Yes! The traps are working like a charm!" James said.
"Alright, Arbok, let's go!" Jessie said taking out a Pokéball. Before she could throw it, Wobbuffet pops out.
"Wobbu!" Wobbuffet said.
Thanks to Wobbuffet's interference, the thieves plow right over both it and Jessie before the combat begins. Up on the perch, he sees Sora, Kairi, Tracey, and the Pokémon returning. He grinned.
"Look! It's the twerpy troops!" James exclaimed.
The thieves fell in several more pitfalls. One of them laughed under the mask. A Diglett popped its head from a wall. He pets its head.
"Great job," the masked man said.
"I knew they'd pull it off," James said.
"Well, we better get in on the act, too," Sora said.
"Right. You ready, Angel?" Kairi asked.
"Eevee!" Angel said. One of the masked men approached them. "Use Swift!" Angel fired Swift at the masked man. He fell backwards, playing along.
"Okay, no Scyther or Kleavor. They're overkill," Sora said.
"Right. So, I got Marill!" Tracey said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. Marill came out. "Water Gun!" Marill fired Water Gun at the masked man who puts up a shield for protection.
The "fight" went on as the hooded individuals from before were watching them.
"What are they doing?" The hooded young man asked.
"I don't know, but it looks like they're having fun with this," the hooded girl said.
Soon, the flag of truce is shown to be flying.
"A white flag? Does that mean you give up?" Sora asked.
"Though it grieves me to say it, we surrender. But make no mistake, we'll be back. And next time, we will capture all of your village's Diglett! Mark my words!" The mayor said. "Farewell!"
"Hold your Horsea!" Jessie called out. Everyone looks up and sees Team Rocket in their balloon.
"You're not going anywhere!" James said.
"We gotta make sure yous creeps never bother dose nice old folks again!" Meowth said.
"Let's go!" Jessie and James said as they toss and drop bombs everywhere.
"Bombs?! They have bombs?! Nobody said anything about bombs! I don't remember that in the battle plan!" Sora said.
"They don't know it's all an act," Kairi said.
"They got to be stopped before they do some more damge!" Tracey said.
"You're right," Sora agreed. He looked at Pikachu as an Espeon and an Umbreon appeared. "Huh? Where did you come from?"
"Pika?" Pikachu asked, sharing Sora's disbelief. Espeon uses Psychic and sends the bombs straight to the sky. Team Rocket looked at the two Eeveelutions.
"What do you think you're doing?" James asked.
"And what's the big idea getting in our business?" Meowth asked.
Espeon and Umbreon attacks with a Psybeam and a Dark Pulse, hitting the balloon. They scream as the balloon explodes.
"Even when we're good, it turns out bad!" Jessie said.
"Maybe we went a little too far with the bombs," Meowth said.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" Team Rocket yelled as a star twinkles in the distance.
"Well, that was unexpected. Thanks for the-" Sora was cut off when Espeon and Umbreon were gone, "-help."
"Where did they go?" Tracey asked.
"A better question is, where did they come from in the first place?" Sora asked.
"In this world, all sorts of crazy things happened all of the time. We never would've dreamed that those three could actually show some real compassion for our situation, but they did and we're forever grateful. And, of course, to you all as well. On behalf of our village, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts," the first councilman said.
"So please accept this small token of our appreciation for all that you have done," the second councilman said as they handed Sora what looks like a silver feather.
"What is it?" Sora asked.
"It's the Silver Wing. It is the counterpart of the Rainbow Wing," Tracey said.
"It was actually made on Silver Rock Isle, one of the Whirl Islands. You should go there and see for yourselves.
"Silver Rock Isle is on the way to Olivine City," Kairi said.
"Thank you for the gift," Sora said.
With that said, they leave the village full of grateful elders. They head for Transit Town to explore Silver Rock Isle and prepare for his Gym battle against Jasmine. Stay tuned if you wanna see more.