Episode 265: The Flames of Flannery

After stepping off of Mount Chimney, Sora, Kairi, Lisia, the DigiDestined, Amy, Pikachu, and Angel have all arrived to Lavaridge Town.

"Lavaridge Town, we made it," Sora said.

"Pikachu," Pikachu said.

"Maybe we should find the Pokémon Center and check in for the night," Sora T said.

"Good idea, because I need to get some rest after the exciting day we had," Davis said.

"Well, Team Magma, Team Aqua, and the Unversed pretty much made the day an exciting one, that I'll give them," Yolei said.

"At least there weren't any Heartless or Nobodies up there, because it would have been even harder," Davis said.

"Davis had a point, because with mine and Kairi's luck, they have a habit to make things hard for us," Sora said.

"Chu," Pikachu said.

"I think we've talked about Team Magma, Team Aqua, the Heartless, the Nobodies, and the Unversed enough for one night. I just want to fall right to sleep as soon as my head hits a pillow," Kairi said.

"Me too. I'm so exhausted," Mimi yawned.

The group all made it the Pokémon Center and they found that there was a few more rooms left, so it worked out for them all. Everyone all fell asleep as soon as they laid down.

Over to Ash, he was sleeping in his sleeping soundly as he has another vision of the past. It shows Cascade fighting off some Unversed and she fell backwards down the cliff below her. A little while later, a man and a Growlithe are walking by for a stroll.

"Nothing like a good stroll in the woods, right, Growlithe?" The man asked. Growlithe barked to confirm it. Growlithe sniffed the air and barked in alarm. "Hey, what's wrong, girl? You smell something?" Growlithe ran up ahead of him. "Hey! Come back here!" Growlithe ran and spotted Cascade who was now unconscious from the fall. The man ran up to the Puppy Pokémon. "Growlthite, what's gotten into...you?" He ran up to Cascade. "Miss? Miss, are you okay?" He gets no response from her. He noticed her breathing, indicating she's alive. "You're alive. I better take you back with me." He took Cascade in his arms and carried her to his house. He laid her down on his bed and tended to her, not leaving her side. The man just looked at her face and he was captivated by her beauty. Cascade stirred awake. "Take it easy, miss." Cascade opened her eyes and saw the man looking back at her. "Good to see you're alive."

"Where am I?" Cascade asked.

"I brought you to my house. You took a nasty fall, so it was a good thing I found you," the man said.

"Thank you," Cascade said.

"Think nothing of it. My name is Richter. Who are you?" Richter asked.

"My name is Cascade," Cascade answered.

"It's a lovely name," Richter said, blushing. The visions goes on through the months as Cascade and Richter have gotten married and they end up having a beautiful baby girl. That was when Ash knew Cascade and Aqua were related to each other. Cascade sat right beside her husband. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I'm sorry, Richter, but Viento and Gaia needs me. They are my friends," Cascade said.

"I understand, Cascade. I don't think I can stop you even if I try. But I am looking forward in meeting you again, Cascade," Richter said. Cascade was moved that she has such a supportive husband. With that said, Cascade took off and heads out to search for her two friends. Ash woke up and sat up.

"Cascade. She never got to see her family again. She would have time to spend with her daughter. She deserved to be happy," Ash said in his thoughts.

On the next morning, Sora and Kairi got up and let their friends sleep. Sora and Kairi stepped out of the room they were sharing with Lisia. Sora took out Marshtomp's Pokéball and opened it. Marshtomp has come out.

"Okay, Marshtomp, let's see what the Rotom Phone has to say about you Sora said as he took out his Rotom Phone to get information on Marshtomp.

Marshtomp, the Mud Fish Pokémon

The evolved form of Mudkip

Type: Water/Ground

The surface of Marshtomp's body is enveloped by a thin, sticky film that enables it to live on land. This Pokémon plays in mud on beaches when the tide is low.

"Well, sounds interesting," Sora said. A boy came by and spotted the couple.

"Hey, you two. You planning on taking on the Lavaridge Town Gym?" The boy asked.

"I am. Is there something I should know about?" Sora asked.

"Well, I thought you should know that the Gym Leader here specializes with Fire-type Pokémon, so I saw your Marshtomp and assumed you were challenging the Gym Leader," the boy said.

"That narrows down on which ones I'm using," Sora said.

"Well, I thought you should know that there's also a new Gym Leader," the boy said.

"A new Gym Leader?" Kairi asked.

"Yeah. In fact, the new Gym is the last one's granddaughter, so I heard he retired and left it to her just three days ago," the boy said.

"Well, I hope the new Gym Leader puts up a good fight like her grandpa," Sora said.

"Pikachu," Pikachu said. Sora took out his Pokémon Box and he exchanged Vigoroth, Ninjask, and Shedinja for Numel, Trapinch, and Nosepass.

"Okay, Water, Ground, and Rock are my best options," Sora said. He called back Nosepass as Sora received a strange notification on his Rotom Phone. "What the?" Sora checked it as Kairi checked hers, too. Sora looked up the notification and saw what looks like a Lugia, but it was completely different. Unlike a regular Lugia, it has jagged-silver eyefins, a dark-purple body with white undersides, and glowing red eyes. Its legs are also sharper, resembling claws. It was flying over a cruise ship and a violet, and blue beam was lifting it up from the sea. "Is that a Lugia?"

"I think it is, but it looks completely different," Kairi said. "You think we should tell Professor Oak about this?"

"I think we should," Sora said. He contacted Professor Oak. He waited for him to answer, but luckily, he didn't wait for long.

"Hello, Sora. Good of you to call me," Professor Oak greeted with a smile.

"Professor, we just got some news about something weird," Sora said.

"Oh? How weird, my boy?" Professor Oak asked.

"Okay, it looked like a Lugia, but it's different. The color is all different. It looked all dark and everything," Sora said. Professor Oak was troubled by this bit of news.

"Oh, I was worried that something like this would happen," Professor Oak said.

"Professor, what do you know?" Kairi asked.

"Well, Sora and Kairi, I already know about it. The S.S. Libra was taken by what I fear to be a Shadow Pokémon," Professor Oak said. Sora and Kairi were shocked to hear this bit of news.

"Shadow Pokémon?" Sora and Kairi asked, feeling worried.

"Yes. And I fear Team Shadow has returned after five years," Professor Oak said.

"Tell us what you know, professor," Sora said.

"It happened just five years ago in the Orre region. Unlike most places in the world, it was barren, so wild Pokémon would not occupy it. But that didn't stop Pokémon being brought over. The Shadow Pokémon are Pokémon which had their hearts closed and turned into fighting machines. There is word that these Shadow Pokémon would also attack human beings unprovoked," Professor Oak explained.

"Pokémon that had their hearts closed shut?" Sora asked.

"I think I heard something about that. But I never would have imagine it was a real thing," Kairi said.

"I'm afraid it was real. Team Shadow was the criminal organization that was behind the evil deed. They would have succeeded if they weren't snagged and then purified," Professor Oak said.

"What do you mean snagged and purified?" Kairi asked.

"You see, Kairi, the Shadow Pokémon were snagged by a young Pokémon Trainer who possessed a machine that can be used to catch a Pokémon that already belongs to someone else. A criminal organization called Team Snatch were the ones who made it possible, until it was stolen from them. Once the doors to their hearts were ready to he opened, the Shadow Pokémon would be purified and become normal Pokémon once again. I was appalled by how such people would do such a thing to Pokémon when they did," Professor Oak said.

"Just how did they know the Shadow Pokémon from a regular one?" Sora asked.

"Word has it that a girl with unique abilities. They say that she can see a black aura coming from their bodies, but no one else can see one. And the other way to tell them apart is that they have moves such as Shadow Rush and Shadow Blitz. I never heard of those moves until this bit of information landed on my lap," Professor Oak said.

"If what you're saying is right, just what happened to the Trainer who snagged and purified the Shadow Pokémon?" Sora asked.

"I don't know the whole story, but I have heard that he and the girl he was with has vanished shortly after that and they were never seen again. So I had a haunting that maybe Team Shadow may be attempting to create Heartless," Professor Oak said. Sora and Kairi gasped.

"What can we do about it?" Kairi asked.

"I'm afraid there is nothing you can do about it, because the Orre region is too far off from your current position. Professor Krane, one of my old students has a lab down in the Orre region, so he said he'll have someone to look into this," Professor Oak said.

"Glad to know someone is doing something about it," Kairi said.

"As am I. You two must focus on your tasks at hand. That reminds me; where are you right now, and have you won your Gym battle yet?" Professor Oak asked.

"We're in Lavaridge Town, so I'm going for my fourth Gym battle," Sora said.

"Splendid! I figured you'd be earning your fourth one by now. Well, I wish you all the luck, and take care. And keep our eyes opened for Heartless," Professor Oak said.

"We will," Sora and Kairi said in unison.

With that said, Professor Oak broke contact. He sat down as he sighed. Tracey approached him.

"Professor, is it true?" Tracey asked.

"I'm afraid it is, Tracey. And I had hoped it wouldn't ever happen again. Like a bad rash, evil has a way to return," Professor Oak said. "I hope Professor Krane picked the right person for the task."

Back in Lavaridge Town, Lisia, Amy, and the DigiDestined woke up and the couple explained to their friends about the new Gym Leader. They decided to leave out the matter that they saw a Shadow Pokémon in the news notification.

"A new Gym Leader? Are you serious?" Matt asked.

"That's what we were told," Sora said.

"Pikachu," Pikachu said.

"You think the new Gym Leader's anything like the old one?" Tommy asked.

"Maybe not, Tommy, but we might as well see if she is," Joe said.

"And that's what we're here to see, isn't it?" Davis asked.

"Davis actually has a point about this. I do wanna see how Sora handles himself in a Gym battle," JP said.

With that said, the group went to find the Lavaridge Town Gym.

"This must be the place," Kairi said.

"Eevee," Angel said.

"I wonder if anyone's home," Sora said.

"Pika," Pikachu said.

"Maybe the Gym Leader went on a lunch break," Davis said.

"This early in the morning, Davis?" Zoe deadpanned.

"I was thinking that, too, Zoe," Amy said.

"There is no denying it. These are are definitely made for each other," Sora T whispered.

"It's almost scaring me," Yolei whispered back.

"Try calling out and see if she's in," Lisia suggested.

"It's worth a shot," Sora said.

"Pi," Pikachu said.

"Hello? Anybody home? Oly, oly, oxen free," Sora called out. "Anyone here?" Suddenly, a girl came running with her jacket on fire.

"Hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot!" The girl yelled as she ran. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.

"Marshtomp! Go!" Sora called out. Marshtomp came out of his Pokéball. "Use Water Gun!" Marshtomp fired Water Gun on the girl, putting out the fire.

"Whoa, what a relief," the girl said. She took off the jacket. She is a slender, medium height girl with long, straight crimson red hair that is tied up in a high, spiky ponytail with a blue band with a side fringe at the front, and crimson red eyes. She wore a red undershirt with flames, expose her midriff and a black tied vest crop top over it. She also has on blue flared jeans with x's down the sides with a white karate belt. Her shoes were colored as black and red. "Thank you!"

"No problem," Sora said.

"How did your clothes catch on fire?" Kairi asked.

"I was training my Slugma and Magcargo when their Flamethrower caught me on fire by accident," the girl said. She looked at the group. "So, what are you doing here?"

"I came here for a Gym battle with the Gym Leader," Sora said. The girl's face lit like a kid at Christmas.

"A Gym battle?! Alright! Finally, a challenger!" The girl exclaimed. She went into Sora's face. "I have been waiting so long for a challenger! I'm Flannery! I'm the Lavaridge Town Gym Leader!"

"My name's Sora Ketchum, and I came from Pallet Town," Sora said. Flannery took out a Pokéball and threw it.

"Torkoal! Go now!" Flannery called out. Out of the Pokéball came a Torkoal.

"Torkoal!" Torkoal exclaimed. Flannery hold out a piece of coal.

"Are you ready? Here's some coal!" Flannery said, throwing the coal to Torkoal and it ate it. The Torkoal shot out black smoke from its nostrils and shell. "Yeah! Now you''re ready!"

"I take it that you're the new Gym Leader, and Mr. Moore's granddaughter, right?" Sora asked.

"Yeah, I am," Flannery said.

"I don't mean to criticize you, but shouldn't the battle be taking place in the battlefield?" Kari asked.

"Oh! You're right. All Gym battles are fought on an official battlefield, aren't they?" Flannery asked, feeling embarrassed.

"Of course they are," Sora said.

"Well, come on and I'll show you," Flannery said. She leads her guests to the battlefields to have the battlefield, but upon arrival...

They were shocked to see that the battlefield is totalled.

"This is your battlefield?" Sora asked, feeling dumbfounded.

"Looks more like a demolition derby only without the wrecked cars," Joe said

"It's a mess," Kairi said.

"Yeah, well, I seem to remember that my grandpa's last opponent liked to use Dig a lot and I didn't get a chance to clean it up since I got caught up in my training," Flannery said.

"Oh well," Kairi said.

Inside, Flannery brought her guests some refreshments.

"Good time for a break, right?" Flannery asked.

"Looks great, Flannery. Thanks," Sora said, taking his drink.

"Anyway, let's talk business. For starters, Sora, how many Badges have you won?" Flannery asked.

"Since Kairi and I came to the Hoenn region, three," Sora said.

"Just three?" Flannery asked.

"Uh-huh. We made a stop to Petalburg City and there was another trainer named Brendan who beat me to challenging him into a battle, so I decided to put that on hold until I saw some of the others," Sora said.

"Oh, so you met Norman," Flannery said. "I heard he's a great Gym Leader; not as good as my grandpa."

"I feel that way about my uncle when he was a Gym Leader," Lisia said.

"Your uncle's a Gym Leader?" Davis asked.

"Who are you talking about?" Lisia asked.

"Well, my uncle Wallace. He was the Gym Leader of the Sootopolis City Gym a while back," Lisia said.

"Oh, so you're Wallace's niece!" Flannery said.

"Anyway, we heard that your grandpa retired three days ago, and left you in charge of the Gym, is that right?" Tai asked.

"Yeah. Everyone in town knew him as Old Man Moore. And boy, has he ever had a strong Typhlosion," Flannery said. "They were absolutley an unbeatable team. And then one day, he really began to get into Pokémon poetry."

"Sound familiar, Kairi?" Sora asked his girlfriend, making her laugh.

"Professor Oak and my grandma are the same way," Kairi said.

"Is that so? My grandpa got so into it, he formed his own Pokémon poetry club. One of his old friends named Gavin came to Town with a book on Pokémon poetry called 'The Hidden By-way' and it became a best-seller, at least among the older crowd. They couldn't get enough. It tells of his poetry and his travels and about Pokémon. So, he retired from his position as Gym Leader and set off on his travels and to write his own Pokémon poetry. His friends and I wished him luck and he was off."

"That explains how you got the job. Just how could you forget the important stuff about being a Gym Leader?" Sora asked.

"Yeah, how? Even Davis isn't that sloppy," TK said.

"Hey!" Davis exclaimed, taking offense to TK's remark.

"I have a habit of dozing off in his lectures," Flannery said, feeling embarrassed.

"If you want, Flannery, we can help you clean up the battlefield. Make it presentable for our battle," Sora said.

"It'll make the job go faster," Kairi said.

"That'll be great! I do need a hand since the staff aren't here to help me out," Flannery said. Flannery, Sora, Kairi, and their Pokémon got set for cleaning up the battlefield to make it look good. "She looked out to the distance. "Grandpa, while you're traveling, I hope you're keeping an eye on me."

Just outside of town, an elderly man, wearing tradional Japanese clothing suited for Japanese elderly. He had graying curly hair and wore a pair of glasses over his brown eyes.

"Just as I'm loving my journeys, I just can't help but worry over my Flannery. I hope she's doing alright with all her Gym Leader duties," the old man said to himself. It was revealed that he is Mr. Moore, Flannery's grandfather. He did embark on his journey to write some poetry, but he didn't go to far since he was worried about his granddaughter.

"Mr. Moore has been gone for three days now," an elderly woman said from behind. He winced when he heard his friends coming. Thinking fast, he hid behind a tree and hoped he would not be seen or heard.

"I'd love to know where he is. I wonder if he has passed through Fallarbor Town yet," one of the old men said.

"I wonder how his poetry is coming," the old woman said.

"I would like to read some of it," the old man said.

They walked right by him and he waited for them to be gone before he came out of hiding. He sighed, feeling relieved that he hasn't been seen.

"I can't just waltz right in town, especially after that send-off they gave me," Mr. Moore said.

Back at the gym, Sora and Kairi, Lisia, Amy, the DigiDestined, and their Pokémon were helping out with the cleaning.

"Sorry about the mess, guys, but I was planning to do all this cleanup by myself," Flannery said.

"Kairi and I don't mind, Flannery," Sora said.

"We're just happy to help out anyway we can," Kairi said.

Up on a ledge, Mr. Moore is wearing a brown wig, fake mustache and a pair of round sunglasses. He gasped at what he was looking at.

"No! Flannery didn't even take care of the battlefield like she was supposed to! And to top it all off, she has her challengers help with the cleanup, it's disgraceful!" Mr. Moore said, accidentally stepping on the head of a Geodude, sleeping in the dirt. The wild Geodude floated up, looking at Mr. Moore with an extremely angry look. "Oh, I didn't see you there." The Geodude attacked him, making him run for it. The Geodude fires Rock Throw right at the elderly man and he ducked out of the way. "I don't have time to deal with this!" He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Wingull! Go!" He threw it and it lets out a Wingull. "Water Gun!" Mr. Moore's Wingull fired Water Gun and the pursuing Geodude stops in its tracks and flees from the water. He panted as his Wingull flies back to him. "Good save, Wingull. Now I'll have to have a closer look and becareful not to be seen by Flannery or anybody else I know."

"So, how are fixed on Gym Badges? You'll going to need those when you lose the battle," Sora T pointed out.

"I don't plan on losing," Flannery said.

"None of the Gym Leaders I battled planned on losing either, but they all had Badges anyway. So, what Badge do you hand out?" Sora asked.

"My grandpa does hand out Heat Badges whenever he loses. I think he keeps them in his office," Flannery said. She and her guests went into his office and searched for them. But she was having a hard time finding them. "Oh, where are they? He always kept them in a small safe."

Her grandfather was was watching the scene from a nearby tree, still in his disguise. He couldn't help but sigh.

"I'm always moving the Badges around every week just so they wouldn't be stolen. Flannery, you should know where I put them!" Mr. Moore said in a frustrated sigh. Mr. Moore puts on another disguise and dresses up like he was a tourist.

Inside, Flannery is searching the closet.

"Oh no! They're gone!" Flannery gasped. She feared her grandfather will give her several pieces of his mind when he hears the Badges are lost.

"Don't panic, Flannery, I'm sure they're not too far," Sora said, trying to make her feel better.

"He's right. I'm sure he moved them somewhere just so they wouldn't be lost," Kairi said. Just then, Mr. Moore came in with his disguise.

"Excuse me there, miss," Mr. Moore said, disguising his voice. They turn around to see him. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I'm wondering if I could use your restroom for a moment."

"Sure, it's just down the hall," Flannery said.

"Thank you very much," Mr. Moore said as he headed down the hall. Flannery looked at him with a weirded out look on her face. He opened the bathroom door.

"Oh, here's the bathroom," Mr. Moore said as he spotted a small blue safe.

"Oh, look! Here's a safe!" Mr. Moore said, taking the safe. Flannery stepped into the bathroom as the old man in disguise opened the safe. "Why aren't these some Lavaridge Gym Badges."

"So, that's where they were," Flannery said, taking the safe.

"You're welcome," Mr. Moore said, stepping out. He sees the couple in front of him.

"Um, who are you?" Sora asked.

"Who me? Why, I'm just a tourist just passing through," Mr. Moore said as he took his leave. Flannery stepped out.

"You needed the bathroom!" Flannery called out as the old man froze in place, realizing he did say he needed to use the bathroom, so he had to think of a getaway fast.

"I just realized that there must be one in my hotel room! So, if it's not too much trouble, I'll just go and use that instead! Ta-ta!" Mr. Moore said as he dashed off fast as a cheetah.

"Okay, he was weird," Flannery said.

"Weird or not, at least he found the Badges," Sora said.

"I guess, that's true," Flannery said, closing the case. "After this Badge fiasco, I should start getting more organized."

They got back to work on fixing the battlefield, but there was just one more problem that had to be resolved.

"Say, isn't there a referee to judge the battle?" Koji asked. Flannery winced she realized there isn't one to judge the battle.

"Oh no! He's on vacation with his family, so he can't be here!" Flannery gasped.

"Figures," the group all said, hanging their heads.

"Grandpa always had one of his students to judge the battles, but none of his students are available at the moment," Flannery said. Just then, a doorbell rings. "Who can that be?" She, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel went to the door and sees Mr. Moore disguised as a referee.

"Excuse me, are you by chance Flannery?" Mr. Moore asked, disguising his voice.

"Yes. Who are you?" Flannery asked.

"I represent the CPPGJ, as in the Committee for Popularizing Pokémon Gym Judging," Mr. Moore said.

"Committee for Popularizing Pokémon Gym Judging?" Kairi asked. She turned to Flannery who just shrugged her shoulders since she never heard of them either. Sora was starting to get suspicious.

"Are you really a referee?" Sora asked.

"Yes, I am, sonny. I was sent here by the request of Mr. Moore," Mr. Moore told him.

"I knew my grandpa was worried about me to have someone sent over to help," Flannery said. "What a sweetheart."

"That's good since we now have a referee," Sora said. "After we finish fixing up the place."

"You know I can help with that," Mr. Moore offered.

"The more the merrier," Flannery said.

They continued to fix up the battlefield, Sora was pretty suspicious of the so-called referee.

"Something is off. First there was that weirdo that wanted to use the bathroom and now there's that referee that just shows up," Sora said in his thoughts. Kairi looked right at her boyfriend and became concerned about him.

"Is something wrong, Sora?" Kairi asked. Sora looked at her and smiled.

"Nothing you need to worry about, but in this case, it's him," Sora said, pointing to Mr. Moore. She also looked at him. "Doesn't strike you as odd that he just happens to show up and walks around the place like he knows it like the back of his hand?"

"It kinda does when you put it that way," Kairi said. "And what about that tourist from before?"

"I was just thinking the same thing. It struck me as odd when he found those badges pretty easily," Sora said. "I thought it was a coincidence, but it's too much of a coincidence."

"You're right. We'll have to keep our eyes on him," Kairi said.

Mr. Moore noticed how suspicious they were getting and he started to sweat upp a storm.

"Gotta keep calm before they get too close for their own good. Just gotta try to think of something if some things comes up," Mr. Moore said in his thoughts before letting out a fake cough.

"Are you alright, sir?" Kairi asked.

"Oh, I'm fine, little lady. Just a little something from lunch," Mr. Moore lied, putting up a fake laugh.

"Are you sure? That sounds pretty nasty," Kairi said.

"I'm fine. Nothing is wrong with me," Mr. Moore said, putting on a smile. Kairi went with that.

"Whew, that was close, Mr. Moore whispered to himself. He looked over to Pikachu and Angel and how close they were. Especially how loving they are. He saw there was a potential of Pokémon poetry. "Maybe I could write a romance poem on that Pikachu and Eevee. Later."

Just when when the battlefield was finished and all fixed up, it took all day and lasted right until sunset.

"There, it's all done," Flannery said, wiping off some sweat.

"Gotta say, it took all day, but it was worth it to have it fixed up," Sora said. All of their Pokémon were tired out from the hard work and Sora knew it wouldn't be right to send his team out to battle in such a condition. "Better rest up, guys. You've earned it." He calls back his team.

"You too, everyone," Kairi calls back all of her Pokémon. The DigiDestined called back their own Pokémon, too.

"Thanks for the help, you guys. The job did get done faster when we did it together," Flannery said.

"It's the least we could do," Sora said. "At least your grandpa won't see the place totalled when he gets back here."

"Not like I have already have," Mr. Moore said out loud. Sora, Kairi, Lisia, Amy, the DigiDestined, and Flannery all looked at him. Flannery recognized his voice. He winced he realized he was thinking out loud, as the wig starts to fall off his head. "I didn't say that outl loud, did I?"

"Grandpa?" Flannery asked. Mr. Moore saw the wig and realized it has fallen off. He puts it back on, but his facial disguise fell off. He chuckled nervously.

"It looks like the Torracat's out of the bag," Mr. Moore said.

"I knew there was something fishy going on," Sora said. "I bet that you were that tourist from earlier!"

"Okay, that was me," Mr. Moore said.

You've been gone for three days. Why did you come back?" Flannery asked.

"The reason I came back is because I was a tad worried about you, so I came back just to check up on you," Mr. Moore admitted.

"Still a big ol' worrywart," Flannery said.

"That explains it," Sora said.

"That explains a lot," Kairi added.

"Anyway, we should have our battle tomorrow since our Pokémon are too tired," Flannery said.

"Good idea. It wouldn't be right to force them into battle as they are," Sora said. He turned to his partner. "Right Pikachu?" He saw Pikachu and Angel sit together and their heads against each other's. Mr. Moore took out a brush and a pad of paper.

"I think I just thought of my first poem. A blooming romance between Pikachu and Eevee," Mr. Moore said. "I'm sure it'll be a bestseller for wedding anniversaries." Sora and Kairi could only laugh as they picked up their Pokémon.

"I'm sure it would," Kairi agreed.

"Anyway, as a token of my appreciation for helping my granddaughter fix up the battlefield, how about we treat you all at the local bathhouse. You should try out the sand baths we have here. That's what Lavaridge Town is famous for," Mr. Moore said.

"That'll actually be awesome," Sora said.

With that, everyone arrived to the local bathhouse to refresh themselves from all the hard work they have done with fixing up the battlefield. Mr. Moore prepared a sand bath for Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel.

"How does that feel?" Mr. Moore asked.

"This hits the spot," Sora said.

"Heavenly," Kairi added.

"Hey, Sora, just remember, just because you help out today, it doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on you," Flannery said.

"I wouldn't want you to, Flannery," Sora said.

After getting a taste of the sand baths, Sora, Kairi, Lisia, Amy, and the DigiDestined all returned to the Pokémon Center to rest for the night.

Meanwhile, Ash was now falling asleep and he started to have another vision of the past.

His vision involved Viento. He has arrived to his world and he came across a familiar woman. It turns out to be Ruby. Viento saw the woman and he was instantly captivated by her beauty.

"No way, Ruby?" Ash asked.

"Wow," Viento saw with awe. "She's beautiful." She was picking some berries when she was cut off by a gang of bandits.

"Well, what do we have here? You lost girl?" One of the bandits asked.

"How would like to come with us and we can have some fun?" Another bandit added.

"Could be fun for you, too," the other bandit said.

"I would rather kiss an ogre rather than have any fun with the likes of you," Ruby said.

"Hey, this one's got a mouth on her!" The third bandit said.

"And I use it, too," Ruby said.

"Let's see if we could see what's underneath dress," the first bandit said, grabbing her. She tried to fight them off, but the second bandit just smacked her hard.

"Let me go!" Ruby demanded.

"Shut up!" The first bandit growled. Seeing enough, Viento jumped forward and he quickly summoned his Keyblade and threw it right at the first bandit, hitting him. "Hey, where did that come from?!"

"From me!" Viento said, holding his Keyblade. "The girl said to let her go!"

"What's this? A hero?" The third bandit taunted.

"Let's make him a dead one," the second bandit said.

"You're welcome to try!" Viento said.

"Get him! Gut him!" The first bandit ordered. The bandits came at Viento, but he fought off the bandits. The bandits stood no chance against Vineto, because of his Keyblade abilities. Viento then sent them flying by casting an aero spell, sending them flying in the air. They came crashing down. The bandits were terrified of Viento and his powers, so they all ran away, frightened.

"And don't come back!" Viento shouted. He turned to Ruby. "Hey, you okay?"

"I am. Thanks to you. I owe you my life," Ruby said.

"I did what anyone would have done. Besides, those guys were nothing but a bunch of cowards. Anyway, my name's Viento. What's yours?" Vineto asked.

"Ruby," Ruby answered. Viento was captivated with her even more.

"That's a very pretty name, Ruby," Viento said. Ruby just smiled widely.

"Thank you," Ruby said.

The vision takes Ash through the months of being together, and Viento couldn't be happier since he and Ruby ended up getting married under a moonlit sky. Viento and Ruby kiss each other with so much passion. We go on with months later as Ruby was now pregnant with Viento's child.

"Are you sure you must go, Vineto?" Ruby asked.

"I'm sorry, but there's no way around it. My friends need me, and I promise to come to you," Viento said. His wife hugged her husband tightly.

"I'll be waiting for you forever, my love," Ruby said. Viento activates his armor and uses it to glide himself over to his next destination. Ruby watched her husband leave through the sky and she cried for him.

Ash woke up and he began to figure out that maybe Viento was Ventus's ancestor.

"Viento and Ven are related!" Ash exclaimed in his thoughts.

On the next morning, the group returned to the Lavaridge Town Gym. Sora and Flannery got into position for their Gym battle. Mr. Moore is taking his place as the referee.

"The battle between the beginning Gym Leader Flannery and Sora from Pallet Town will now begin! Both Trainers will be using up to three Pokémon each!" Mr. Moore announced.

"Grandpa, do you have to say that I'm beginning?" Flannery asked.

"There's no grandpa stuff here! You will refer me as referee!" Mr. Moore said to her.

"Yeah, all right," Flannery said.

"I repeat, both Trainers will be using up to three Pokémon each! Only the challenger will be allowed to make substitutions!" Mr. Moore announced.

"Say what?!" Flannery exclaimed, learning only Sora will be allowed to switch Pokémon.

"Don't you know the rules?" Mr. Moore reminded her.

"Yeah, of course I do," Flannery said, rubbing the back of her head. Mr. Moore sighs in frustration. "Well, Sora, it's showtime."

"Just remember that I am not gonna go easy on you since you're a newbie Gym Leader," Sora told her.

"Well, there's more to it than that," Flannery said. "The thing is, it's going to be my very first Gym battle, so I think I can try to learn as we battle."

"Gimmie everything you've got, Flannery!" Sora said.

"You too, Sora!" Flannery said.

"Are the contestants ready?" Mr. Moore asked.

"Yes!" Sora and Flannery answered.

"Then, begin!" Mr. Moore shouted. Flannery took out a Pokéball and threw it.

"Slugma! Come on out!" Flannery called out as her Slugma has entered the battlefield. Sora takes out a Pokéball and threw it.

"Slugma! Go!" Flannery called out. Her Pokéball opened and her Slugma came out, ready to battle. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.

"Go! Corphish!" Sora called out. His Pokéball opened and Corphish came out, ready to battle.

"Sora 2 made a good call, sending out Corphish since he's a Water-type Pokémon," Cody said.

"You're right, Cody. This should be good," Ken said.

"Corphish! Use Bubble Beam!" Sora ordered. Corphish fired Bubble Beam right at Slugma.

"Dodge that!" Flannery called out. Slugma tried to dodge, but it was hit by Corphish's Bubble Beam, scoring a direct hit. "Hang on, Slugma! Use Flamethrower!" Slugma fired Flamethrower right at Corphish.

"Use Harden!" Sora ordered. Corphish hardens his shell, protecting himself from the flames.

"Looks like Sora 2's strategy is working because Corphish's Harden is taking effect!" TK said.

"Yeah, but it looks like Corphish is taking little damage from that Flamethrower," Izzy said.

"Okay, Corphish isn't taking much damage from Slugma's Flamethrower, but I can't just rely on defense, so I gotta go into offense! Corphish! Use Bubble Beam!" Sora ordered. Corphish fired Bubble Beam, sending it right back at Slugma, pushing back its Flamethrower. Bubble Beam hits its mark. "That's the way, Corphish!"

"His attitude is really making me mad!" Flannery growled. "Slugma! Use Double Team!" Slugma made several copies of itself.

"Flannery is doing better than I thought she is when using Double Team," Sora said in his thoughts.

"What's the matter, Sora? Are you feeling frustrated?" Flannery taunted.

"You wish," Sora bluntly said. "Corphish! Focus and you'll be able to find the real one! Then use Bubble Beam!" Corphish kept his focus, figuring out which was the real Slugma. Once the real Slugma was found, Corphish sprang into action and fired Bubble Beam, hitting Slugma. "Great! Use Crabhammer!" Corphish swings his pincers as it emits water and lands a hit on Slugma, resulting in a knockout.

"Slugma is unable to battle! Corphish wins!" Mr. Moore announced. Flannery called back her Slugma.

"Good job, Slugma. You battled hard and you've earned a good, long rest," Flannery said. She took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Your turn, Magcargo!" Her Pokéball opened and her Magcargo emerged from inside, ready to battle.

"Okay, so Magcargo's the evolved form of Slugma, so that means Magcargo's stronger than Slugma," JP said.

"That's exactly right, JP," Izzy said. Sora called back Corphish.

"He's calling back Corphish?" Sora T asked.

"He's gotta have another one up his sleeve if he's making a change now," Kairi said.

"Eevee," Angel said.

Sora took out another Pokéball and threw it.

"Okay, Nosepass! Go!" Sora called out. Nosepass emerged from inside, ready to battle.

"Nosepass is another good choice since Rock-types are a good match-up against Fire-types," Koichi said.

"Let's go, Magcargo! Incinerate!" Flannery ordered. Magcargo fired a beam of orange, yellow, red, and black fire at Nosepass.

"Okay, Nosepass! Use Rock Tomb to block!" Sora ordered. Nosepass used Rock Tomb to block Magcargo's Incinerate. "Okay, Nosepass! Use Spark!" Nosepass charged right at Magcargo and it lands a hit on Magcargo.

"Use Earth Power!" Flannery ordered. Magcargo's eyes flashes orange, causing orange energy to erupt from the ground underneath Nosepass, hitting him.

"That was actually impressive. Earth Power is a Ground-type move, so it's super-effective against Rock-types like Nosepass. Flannery has done her homework after all," Mr. Moore said in his thoughts.

"Nosepass, you okay?" Sora asked.

"Pass," Nosepass said. Sora decides to call Nosepass and took out another Pokéball and took out another Pokéball and threw it.

"Corphish! Back to action!" Sora called out. "Corphish! Use Bubble Beam!" Corphish fired Bubble Beam right at the snail-like Pokémon.

"Magcargo! Use Protect!" Flannery ordered. Magcargo formed a protective barrier to block Corphish's Bubble Beam. "Use Earth Power!" Magcargo unleashed another Earth Power.

"Dodge it, Corphish!" Sora called out. Corphish dodged and fired Bubble Beam, hitting Magcargo on the mark. "Use Crabhammer!" Corphish rushed at Magcargo with a Crabhammer.

"Use Protect!" Flannery ordered. Magcargo forms a protective barrier, making Corphish's attack bounce right off.

"Crabhammer again!" Sora ordered.

"Protect again!" Flannery ordered. Magcargo attempts to use Protect again, but it failed. Corphish lands a successful hit with his Crabhammer. "What?! No way!"

"Use Bubble Beam!" Sora ordered. Corphish fired Bubble Beam, hitting Magcargo again. "Use Crabhammer!" Corphish swings his pincers and lands a hit on Magcargo, resulting in a knockout.

"Magcargo is unable to battle! Corphish wins!" Mr. Moore announced.

"Two down and one to go!" Tommy cheered.

"Yeah, but I have a feeling she's saving the best for last," Kairi said.

"If you're talking about who talking about, then you'd be right," Lisia said. Flannery called back Magcargo.

"That was a good battle, Magcargo. You've earned yourself a good rest," Flannery said. She took out her next Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Torkoal!" Her Pokéball opened and her Torkoal emerged from inside, ready to battle.

"You called it, Kairi. She saved her Torkoal for last," Sora T said.

"Looking at her, I can tell Flannery's Torkoal is much stronger than Sora's Torkoal since she's more experienced in battle," Kairi said.

"I gotta ask, Kairi. How can you tell if a Pokémon is a boy or a girl?" Amy asked.

"Pokémon are pretty much like people, so they would have different ppersonalities and mannerisms like people would," Kairi said.

"You still good to go, Corphish?" Sora asked.

"Corphish!" Corphish said.

"Awesome!" Sora said.

"Don't underestimate my Torkoal just because you have the type advantage! I have another ace up my sleeve! Torkoal! Use Solar Beam!" Torkoal fired a Solar Beam right Corphish.

"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Corphish attempts to dodge, but the attack came too fast for Corphish to dodge, so it deals some heavy damage on the Ruffian Pokémon, dealing some heavy damage.

"Wait, Solar Beam? Isn't that a Grass-type move?" Davis asked.

"It is, but Fire-type Pokémon can use that move, too," Izzy said.

"But how did Torkoal fire Solar Beam so easily? Doesn't it normally charge up before it fire?" Tommy asked.

"Normally, yes. The sun is so bright out here, it can fire without taking up some time," Izzy said.

"How do you like that, Sora? Just a little defense I have against Water, Ground, and Rock-types," Flannery said.

"Once again, has amazed me very unexpectedly. She remembered the weakness of her opponents and used it. Now the rest will be up to her," Mr. Moore said in his thoughts.

"I sure wasn't expecting that to happen. Nice one, but it's not going to he hard to take me down. Corphish! Use Crabhammer!" Corphish came right towards Torkoal to land a hit.

"Torkoal! Use Smokescreen!" Flannery ordered. Torkoal spewed some smoke, blinding Corphish, missing his target. "Use Solar Beam!" Torkoal fired another Solar Beam, hitting Corphish, resulting in a knockout.

"Corphish is unable to battle! Torkoal wins!" Mr. Moore announced. Sora called Corphish back inside.

"Get some rest, Corphish. You've earned it," Sora said. He took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Nosepass! Back to action!" His Pokéball opened and Nosepass came back out to battle.

"Man, for a Rock-type, Nosepass is still soft from that battle against Magcargo," Matt said.

"Yeah, but I think Nosepass will last pretty long as long as Sora 2 plays his cards right," Mimi said.

"Torkoal! Use Solar Beam again!" Flannery ordered.

"Nosepass! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Nosepass managed to dodge Torkoal's Solar Beam.

"Sweet dodge!" Davis said.

"Yeah, but it's not over yet," Ken said.

"Okay, Nosepass! Use Rock Tomb!" Sora ordered. Nosepass stomped on the ground, so pillars of rocks erupts from the ground, hitting Torkoal on the mark. "Now, use Spark!" Nosepass charged right at Torkoal with Spark.

"Iron Defense!" Flannery ordered. Torkoal withdrew in her shell, making Nosepass's Spark bounce right off. "Use Solar Beam!" Torkoal fired Solar Beam, hitting Nosepass on the mark resulting in a knockout.

"Nosepass is unable to battle! Torkoal wins!" Mr. Moore announced.

"The both of them are down to one each," Joe said.

"The way I'm seeing it go down, this match can go either way," Koji said.

"I agree with Koji. Sora 2 and Flannery are going neck-to-neck out there," Izzy said. Sora took out his next Pokéball and threw it.

"You're up, Marshtomp!" Sora called out. Marshtomp came out, ready to battle. "This will be your first Gym battle since Rustboro City. You ready to throw down?"

"Marsh," Marshtomp nodded.

"Okay, Torkoal! Use Flamethrower!" Flannery ordered. Torkoal fired Flamethrower right at Marshtomp.

"Dodge and use Mud Shot!" Sora ordered. Marshtomp dodged Torkoal's attack and fired Mud Shot right at Torkoal.

"Use Iron Defense!" Flannery ordered. Torkoal withdrew in her shell again and gave off a metallic glow, making Marshtomp's Mud Shot bounce right off. "Use Solar Beam!" Torkoal fired a Solar Beam right at Marshtomp.

"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Marshtomp jumped to dodge, but he was caught in the blast, dealing some damage on him.

"Use Body Slam!" Flannery ordered. Torkoal rushed at Marshtomp with a Body Slam, landing a hit. "Good job, Torkoal!"

"Good, but not enough. Use Waterfall!" Sora ordered. Marshtomp erupts right at Torkoal, getting her off of him.

"What?!" Flannery gasped.

"What did he just do?!" Mr. Moore asked.

"Marshtomp! Use Water Pulse!" Sora ordered. Marshtomp forms a ball of water and sends it right at Torkoal, encasing her in the water. Torkoal is taken up in the air. The ball of water explodes, so Torkoal fell right on her back, resulting in a knockout.

"Torkoal is unable to battle! Marshtomp wins! The winner is the challenger, Sora from Pallet Town!" Mr. Moore announced. Everyone all cheered as Sora had won his battle.

"I knew you'd do it, Ketchum," Tai said.

"You were awesome, Marshtomp," Sora praised.

"Marshtomp, Marsh!" Marshtomp beamed.

Flannery called her Torkoal back inside.

"We lost the battle, but I know you did your very best for me, Torkoal, and you've earned yourself a good, long rest," Flannery said. Mr. Moore walked up to his granddaughter.

"Flannery, I must say, I am proud of you. You exceeded my expectations of you. I know you'll be a fine Gym Leader, but you still have a long way to go," Mr. Moore said.

"Yes, grandpa, I know. And I think I know what's next," Flannery said, walking up to Sora. "Sora, congrats on your victory. I have to say thank you for that great battle."

"I'm the one who should be thanking you, Flannery. You sure gave me a real run for my money just like any Gym Leader. It was a blast," Sora said.

"As a Gym Leader, it is my duty to reward you with this Heat Badge. You've earned it," Flannery said, handing Sora his fourth Gym Badge. It is shaped like a wisp of fire. Sora accepted his newest Gym Badge.

"Four down, four to go," Sora said, placing his Heat Badge with the Badge Case with the other three.

"That means you're halfway done with the Gym challenges. Where will you go next?" Amy asked.

"I think our next stop will be Petalburg City. Norman would be expecting me to give it my all," Sora said.

"Pika," Pikachu said.

"Well, you should start training, because Norman's not going to be easy," Kairi reminded her boyfriend.

"Eevee," Angel said.

"Yeah, I know. And that's why I wanna be ready for anything," Sora said.

Now that Sora is halfway through the Hoenn Gym challenge, his next challenge lays in Petalburg City. He knows he'll have to do some hard training if he wants to earn his fifth Gym Badge. But what adventures shall await Sora, Kairi, and their Pokémon. Find out when we continue on with the story. Stay tuned.

I bet you weren't expecting the Shadow Lugia from Gale of Darkess to make a cameo appearance, did you? Well, the Shadow Lugia nor Team Shadow will make an appearance, but they will in my fic of Pokemon Colosseum, and its sequel (my take on the Gale of Darkness will be after I finished Colosseum). Anyway, that's it for now. Until then...