Episode 168: Nerves of Steelix
Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Tracey, Sakura, Takato, Henry, Rika, Kazu, Kenta, Jeri, Melody, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, Eevee, Azurill, the Pichu, and Guil arrived to Olivine City after their Whirl Island experience. It was already nighttime by the time they reached the mainland.
"Thanks for the trip, Melody," Leaf said.
"No problem, you guys. Just glad to be of some help," Melody said.
"Now that we're here, we should head for the Pokémon Center and rest," Kairi suggested.
"Yeah, good idea. I could use one after what we went through today," Sora said. And he was right. Sora and Kairi were pretty tired from that fight with Xigbar and his Nobodies earlier in Lawrence III's flying fortress.
As soon as they reached the Pokémon Center, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu went into an available room and laid down. Sora was doing some serious thinking though. Kairi was quick to catch on.
"Sora, what's on your mind?" Kairi asked.
"I've been thinking about what that guy said to us before we fought. I mean, who exactly was he talking about? Who gave him the look I was giving him?" Sora asked.
"Now that you mentioned it, I was wondering the same thing. I mean, who said what I said to him?" Kairi asked. Pikachu and Angel looked at their partners and nuzzled them both.
"Pika, Pi, Pika, Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee, vee, Ee, Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"I think they're telling us that he was trying to get under our skins," Kairi said.
"Yeah, you're right. What are we getting worried over?" Sora asked. He yawned. "I don't know about you, but I'm feeling very drowsy."
"I'm getting sleepy, too. Good night, Sora," Kairi said, falling asleep.
"Night, Kairi," Sora said, giving Kairi a good night kiss on the lips and fell asleep. Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu started to fall asleep as well.
Over to Riku, Tracey, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Takato, Henry, Rika, Kazu, Kenta, Jeri, Melody, Eevee, Azurill, and Guil, they sat around to hear what Ash and Leaf has to say.
"So, what's the big deal, Ash? You knew who that guy was talking about earlier, didn't you?" Riku asked.
"Leaf and I do know," Ash admitted.
"It was a shock to hear it from him," Leaf said.
"Tell us what you know," Tracey said.
"Well, it was when Leaf and I were in the realm of darkness. We met a Keyblade wielder named Cascade who has been wondering in it for long as who knows how long. From we got, no one can age in the realm of darkness. She told us about the experience she had before she ended up there," Ash explained.
"How did that happen?" Takato asked.
"It was when a friend of hers was under the influence of someone named Xehanort who also has a Keyblade. Cascade sacrificed herself to save him," Leaf said.
"How awful for her," Jeri said.
"Sora and Kairi were in the realm of darkness, too," Tracey pointed out. "And you got out, but she didn't go with you. Just what happened?"
"She got taken by a horde of Heartless. I tried to save her, but Leaf stopped me," Ash said.
"Because they would take you too, if I hadn't," Leaf said.
"Just happened with Sora and Kairi while they were in there?" Henry asked.
"Sora, Kairi, Team Rocket, and three other Trainers, Ethan, Kris, and Lyra were pulled in the realm of darkness, but that was before I met them. They had a run-in with not only Heartless, but there were also someone named Ansem who was trying to open the door to darkness. But that door was shut when Sora and another Keyblade wielder shut it from both ends after defeating him," Tracey said.
"After we got out, I've been trying to figure out a way to get back in and get Cascade out," Ash said.
"How long does she think she stayed in the realm of darkness if there isn't time like you said?" Rika asked.
"She might think that she's been in there for hours, but I'm not sure," Ash said. He sighed. "Before I was in the realm of darkness, I met someone who says that he's an enemy of Organization XIII. He called himself DiZ, and that's all I got. After I got out, I asked him about this Xehanort guy, but he told me to forget I heard it, so I figured he was hiding something."
"So we figured he couldn't help us, and we couldn't trust him. We were on our own with that," Leaf said.
"Does Sora and Kairi know about your idea?" Riku asked.
"No. We didn't want them to worry over us," Ash said.
"Why not? Sora and Kairi are your friends. You two knew Sora since you were little kids. Sora would worry about you rather if you like it or not," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee agreed.
"Maybe, but he and Kairi might try to stop us if we even try it," Ash said.
"I don't think that's true. I mean, if you were in that situation, I know he and Kairi would try to turn every mountain into a Diglett hole until you were safe and sound," Tracey said.
"He's right, Ash. They would," Leaf said.
Ash never once thought of that scenario, but he couldn't risk it. He had to keep it a secret a tad longer.
"I would appreciate it, Tracey, but I would like it that you keep it a secret from Sora and Kairi until we can come up with a way to tell them," Ash said.
"Sure," Tracey said.
"You can count me in," Sakura said.
"Since we only knew each other for a short time, I could keep it a secret, too," Melody said.
"Same here," Takato said as Henry, Rika, Kazu, Kenta, Jeri, and Guil nodded.
With that said, a secret has been forged. Unknown to them, the hooded figures were listening on them. They disappeared as mysteriously as they appeared (don't ask me how).
On the next morning, after a night's sleep, Sora and his friends all started to make their way towards the Olivine City Gym. Once they arrived, they saw Janina waiting for them.
"Sora, it's good to see you made it. Thanks again for helping Sparkle feel better when she was sick," Janina said.
"It's the least we could do, Janina," Sora said.
"Who's Sparkle?" Kenta asked.
"Sparkle is the Ampharos that powers the lighthouse. She wasn't feeling so good when we first got here," Kairi said.
"You can tell Jasmine that Sora's ready for his Gym battle?" Riku asked.
"Sure thing. Step inside and wait until I come back," Janina said. The group stepped inside and waited for the little girl to inform Jasmine. They didn't wait long until she came back a few minutes later. "Jasmine's ready, Sora."
"Then let's keep her waiting," Sora said. The group stepped in the Gym and saw the Olivine City Gym Leader standing at the battlefield for Sora. She smiled.
"Hello, Sora. It's good of you to show up," Jasmine greeted.
"Well, I did some special training since being on the Whirl Islands," Sora said.
"I don't doubt it. Also, Chuck told me you were able to earn the Storm Badge when you defeated him in battle. Just so you know, I'm not gonna go easy on you just because you helped get the medicine to make Sparkle feel better," Jasmine said.
"I don't want you to. I want you to throw everything you've got at me," Sora said.
"He sounds confident," Melody said.
"He should be after all that training he did. Now we're gonna see if it's gonna pay off," Sora said. Janina took her place as the official referee for the battle.
"The battle between the Olivine City Gym Leader, Jasmine and the challenger, Sora from Pallet Town is about to begin! Both Trainers will be using three Pokémon each! The battle will be over when all three of either Trainer's Pokémon are unable to continue battling! Only the challenger will be allowed to make substitutions during the battle! Choose your first Pokémon and begin the match!" Janine called out. Jasmine took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Magnemite!" Jasmine called out. Her Magnemite came right out, ready to battle. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Magcargo!" Sora called out. His Pokéball opened and Magcargo came out to battle.
"Magcargo should have the advantage since it's a Fire-type Pokémon, right?" Takato asked.
"Don't be so sure. That Magcargo looks like it has the edge, but Jasmine's not gonna pull her punches with him," Rika said.
"She's right. Magnemite is weak against fire and she knows that, but Jasmine must have ways of dealing with such weakness," Ash said.
"Magnemite! Use Metal Sound!" Jasmine ordered. Magnemite's body glows light blue and it emits silver-colored sound waves that spread out towards Magcargo, making it cry out from the sound.
"Use Flame Burst!" Sora ordered. Magcargo unleashed Flame Burst right at the Magnet Pokémon.
"Dodge it!" Jasmine called out. Magnemite dodges Magcargo's Flame Burst. "Use Shock Wave!" Magnemite fired Shock Wave, hitting Magcargo on the mark.
"Couldn't Sora have told Magcargo to dodge?" Kazu asked.
"Shock Wave can't be dodged, also Magcargo is a slow-moving Pokémon, so it wouldn't been easy to dodge if Shock Wave could be," Riku said.
"Excellent job, Magnemite! Use another Shock Wave!" Jasmine ordered. Magnemite unleashed another Shock Wave.
"Magcargo! Use Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Magcargo fired Flamethrower right at Magnemite's Shock Wave.
"Didn't you say Shock Wave can't be dodged?" Kenta asked.
"Yeah, but I didn't say it can't be blocked," Riku said.
Magcargo kept holding on right until Magcargo was able to push Magnemite's attack back, and hit it.
"Use Metal Sound!" Jasmine ordered.
"Use Rock Slide!" Sora ordered. Magcargo forms rocks around and the rocks are used to block the sound. The rocks shatters into dust when Metal Sound has ceased. "Nice one!"
"I had no idea Rock Slide could be used that way. This is becoming more of a challenge than I thought it was going to be," Jasmine said.
"Nice save with that Rock Slide," Melody said.
"But it might have saved him for now, but Sora's gonna have to come up with something quick," Henry said.
"Use Magnet Bomb!" Jasmine ordered. Magnemite unleashed Magnet Bomb right at the fire snail Pokémon, but Magcargo jumps out of the way of the attack. This surprises everyone, especially Sora.
"I didn't think you could do that!" Sora said.
"Did that Magcargo just jump?" Takato asked.
"He must have thought of that on his own!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"Use Shell Smash!" Sora ordered. Magcargo becomes outlined in a white glow while his shell glow white. A faint red glow surrounds him and disappears in a burst. Lines of a blue aura shoot down his body and an orange aura shoot up his body, lowering his defenses and increasing its attack power and speed.
"What was that?" Melody asked.
"That was Shell Smash! Using it increases Magcargo's attack and speed," Kairi said.
"But it also cuts his defense," Naminé added.
"Magnemite! Use Shock Wave!" Jasmine ordered. Magnemite prepares to attack.
"Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Using his newfound speed, Magcargo quickly fired Flamethrower, hitting Magnemite and it deals some heavy damage. Magnemite was now down and out.
"Magnemite is unable to battle! Magcargo wins!" Janina announced. Jasmine calls Magnemite back and smiled.
"You battled well, Magnemite. You deserve a long rest," Jasmine said kindly.
"Great job, Magcargo," Sora said. Magcargo smiled. Jasmine took out her next Pokéball and held it.
"Now it's time for my second Pokémon! Go! Magneton!" Jasmine called out. Her Magneton emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"Jasmine sent out another Steel-type against Sora's Fire-type. Sora's got this in the bag," Kazu said.
"He would if it wasn't for that Shell Smash," Leaf said.
"She's right. But not only that, but Magneton's stronger than Magnemite, so it won't be easy," Tracey said.
"Stay cool, Magcargo. Just because you beat Magnemite doesn't mean you're gonna find a quick win against Magneton," Sora said. Magcargo nodded.
"Magneton! Use Magnet Bomb!" Jasmine ordered. Magneton unleashed Magnet Bomb right at Magcargo.
"Dodge and use Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Magcargo dodges Magneton's Magnet Bomb and fired Flamethrower.
"Dodge it, Magneton!" Jasmine called out. And Magneton dodged Magcargo's Flamethrower. "Use Lock-On!" A target appears on Magcargo's body. "Zap Cannon!" Magneton creates a yellow orb of electricity with a black and white center in front of its body. Magneton fires it right at Magcargo, landing a hit. Due to Magcargo's defense being decreased, Magcargo has taken lots of damage, and fell since being knocked out.
"Magcargo is unable to battle! Magneton wins!" Janina announced. Sora calls Magcargo back to his Pokéball.
"Sorry you lost, Magcargo. But you earned a good rest," Sora said.
"You were right, Tracey. Magneton is much stronger than Magnemite. It was able to take down Magcargo like it was not a problem," Jeri said.
"Lock-On makes it easy for moves like Zap Cannon to land a hit," Tracey said.
"Even if Zap Cannon didn't take Magcargo out, he would have just been paralyzed," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"It's not over yet. Sora still has two left to use," Riku said. Sora took out his Friend Ball and threw it.
"Go! Houndoom!" Sora called out. His Friend Ball came out to battle.
"So another Fire-type. Hardly a surprise to me. Magneton! Use Lock-On!" Jasmine ordered. Magneton placed a target on Houndoom just like it did with Magcargo.
"Here goes," Sora said.
"Use Zap Cannon!" Jasmine ordered. Magneton fired Zap Cannon right at Houndoom.
"Not falling for that again! Run for it!" Sora called out. Houndoom ran as the ball of electricity. It chased right at the Dark Pokémon around.
"What's Sora doing?" Rika asked.
"What he does best!" Kairi said.
"He always did," Leaf said.
"What is he trying to do?" Jasmine asked. Houndoom ran towards Magneton and jumped on the Magnet Pokémon, but Magneton is hit hard by its own attack. Jasmine gasped in shock. "Magneton!"
"Use Fire Fang!" Houndoom came at Magneton and lands a fiery bite onto Magneton. "Use Inferno!" Houndoom unleashed a stream of dark red flames from his mouth. Magneton fell to the ground, beaten.
"Magneton is unable to battle! Houndoom wins!" Janina announced.
"Now Jasmine has one left to use," Naminé said.
"And we're about to see what she's been saving for last," Kairi said. Jasmine calls Magneton back.
"Good job, Magneton. You've earned a good rest," Jasmine said. She took out her next Pokéball and held it. "Not bad, Sora. You're even better than what Chuck said. But we'll see if you can handle my strongest one." She threw it. "Go! Steelix!" Her Pokéball opened and a Steelix emerged from inside. On Steelix's lower jaw, it has one ridge.
"I had a feeling she was gonna send a Pokémon at me. Even though Houndoom is a Fire-type Pokémon, but Steelix is a Ground-type Pokémon, so it's a fifty-fifty chance," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Steelix! Use Stone Edge!" Jasmine ordered. Steelix forms rocks all around it and sends them right at Houndoom.
"Dodge it! Quickly!" Sora called out. Houndoom quickly dodges the stones coming at him.
"That was close," Henry said.
"It's a known fact that Fire-type Pokémon are vulnerable against Rock-type attacks, so Jasmine uses that to her advantage," Ash said.
"Houndoom! Use Dark Pulse!" Sora ordered. Houndoom unleashed Dark Pulse right at the Iron Snake Pokémon.
"Steelix! Use Dragon Breath!" Jasmine ordered. Steelix fired Dragon Breath right at the Dark Pokémon, so it blocks Houndoom's Dark Pulse. An explosion happens between them. Steelix took little damage due to its steel-hard body. Houndoom has taken some more damage.
"Houndoom has taken heavy damage from that explosion," Jeri said.
"More than Steelix did. If Houndoom used Flamethrower or Inferno, it would have done some more damage to her," Kairi said.
"Houndoom! Use Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Houndoom fired Flamethrower at Steelix, but Jasmine wasn't having that.
"Dragon Breath!" Jasmine ordered. Steelix fired Dragon Breath and used it to block Houndoom's Flamethrower. Houndoom held on to the best of his abilities, but Steelix manages to push Houndoom's Flamethrower back completely and hits Houndoom hard. Houndoom ends up being paralyzed by Steelix's attack.
"This is bad! Houndoom is now paralyzed by Dragon Breath!" Sakura said.
"And it might get worse!" Ash said.
"Use Iron Tail!" Jasmine ordered. Steelix swings her tail and lands a hit onto Houndoom. "Finish it with Stone Edge!" Steelix fires Stone Edge and lands a hit onto Houndoom, resulting in a knockout.
"Houndoom is unable to battle! Steelix wins!" Janina announced.
"Sora's down to one left," Sakura said.
"It's Sora's last chance to turn it around," Riku said.
Sora calls back his Houndoom and smiled.
"You did your best, Houndoom. Get some rest," Sora said. He took out Quilava's Pokéball and threw it. "Okay Quilava! It's your turn!" Sora shouted. Quilava enters the battle. Sora knew Quilava wasn't gonna find it easy even though typings on his side, but he had to plan it carefully.
"This is it. The final round," Riku said.
"Vee," Eevee agreed.
Kairi only hoped for the best. Sora and Quilava stared at the iron snake Pokémon and he knew Steelix had half the advantage being a Ground Type; but he had to keep his head in the game.
"Steelix! Iron Tail!" Jasmine ordered. Steelix swings her tail right at Quilava to land a hit.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora called out. Quilava avoids Iron Tail, using his speed. Steelix kept trying to land a hit on the Volcano Pokémon, but Quilava was too fast.
"Stop Quilava with your Iron Tail!" Jasmine ordered. Steelix slams her tail to the ground and Quilava is caught in the force of the attack. "Now use Bind!" Steelix wraps its tail around Quilava and puts the squeeze on him.
"Quilava!" Sora called out. Steelix kept squeezing Quilava in tight bind. Quilava struggled to get free. Sora quickly thought of something; he just hoped it works. "Quilava! Flamethrower!" Quilava struggled to use Flamethrower. He just had to aim it just right. He turned his head to the tail and fired Flamethrower. The fire attack strikes Steelix, forcing it to let go. Quilava lands on his feet and breathes in some air. "Now use Flame Wheel!" Quilava rolled into a fireball and rolled right into Steelix. Quilava stopped rolling and started to evolve.
Everyone were amazed to witness Quilava's evolution. Kairi was especially captivated by Quilava's evolution. She smiled at the sight.
"What is going on?" Kenta asked.
"Quilava is evolving!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"I was not expecting this," Melody said.
Sora was amazed to see his Quilava evolving and he had evolved into a Typhlosion. Flames flares up his neck as he lets out a loud cry.
"Typhlosion," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
Sora's newly evolved Pokémon turned to him and nodded to his trainer. Sora nodded back to his Typhlosion.
"Let's put an end to this battle, Typhlosion!" Sora said. "Typhlosion! Flame Wheel!" Typhlosion rooled into a ball of fire once again, but much larger, just because he just evolved and headed right for Jasmine's Steelix.
"Steelix! Block it Iron Tail!" Jasmine ordered. Steelix swung its tail and struck the volcano Pokémon, hitting Typhlosion and injuring herself.
"Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Typhlosion fired Flamethrower and heads right towards the iron snake Pokémon. Jasmine wasn't going to have that.
"Steelix! Dig!" Jasmine ordered. Steelix dug into the ground making Flamethrower miss. After waiting a few seconds, Steelix came out and came up behind Typhlosion.
"Typhlosion! Behind you!" Sora shouted. Typhlosion turned to see Steelix and struck Typhlosion on the shoulder. The Volcano Pokémon stood his ground. "Typhlosion! Flamethrower again!" Typhlosion fired Flamethrower, but Steelix digs underground again. Steelix pops out of the ground and again and again, but Typlhosion loses track of Steelix every time he gets it in his sights. Sora said in his thoughts, "I need to keep my head in the game. Steelix will just keep coming out of the ground until Typhlosion gets warn out. How am I gonna get Steelix stay still?" He looked at the holes and he gets an idea. "The holes. That's it!" Sora spoke out loud, "Typhlosion! Flamethrower again! But this time, aim it for one of the holes!" Typhlosion fires Flamethrower right in a hole.
Everyone were confused by what Sora had in mind; everyone except for Kairi and Riku.
"He's going for the hole? Why?" Melody asked.
"I think I know. Sora knew he couldn't get to land a hit just as long as Steelix dodges any Fire-type attack. But, he found the weakness to that," Riku said.
"He's making it too hot for Steelix to handle; too hot even for Steelix. And when it does get hot enough, she'll have no choice but to come up," Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
Typhlosion kept firing into the hole and flames erupted from the ground, making the Gym scorching hot. Sora and Jasmine were starting to sweat from the heat. Janina wiped off some sweat as she kept her eye on the battle.
The extreme heat forces Steelix to emerge from underground and her body is red from the heat and is steaming. Sora and Typhlosion stood their ground as they prepared for what Steelix has coming for them; but, she wasn't moving, so Steelix fell to the ground Steelix was knocked out.
"Steelix is unable to battle! Typhlosion wins! The victory goes to Sora from Pallet Town!" Janina announced.
"Way to go, Typhlosion!" Sora said. Typhlosion gave Sora a big hug.
"He's done it!" Kazu and Kenta both cheered.
"No wonder he's a Pokémon League Champion," Rika said.
Jasmine smiles and calls back her Steelix.
"You fought hard, Steelix. You deserve a good rest," Jasmine said. She and Janina walked over to Sora who hi-fived Typhlosion for the win. "That was a great battle, Sora. I can't say that I have ever had a more challengeing challenger as you."
"Thanks Jasmine. You put up a great fight," Sora said.
"Thanks. I'll have to say, using that Flamethrower underground to force my Steelix to resurface was genius. And to let everyone know that you won the battle, I'm giving you the Mineral Badge," Jasmine said, holding a badge that is a steel-colored octagon. Sora accepts his badge and smiles.
"Six down, two to go," Sora said. He takes out his badge case and places it in his Badge Case.
"Now that you earned the Storm Badge from Cianwood City and the Mineral Badge from Olivine City, that means we're ready for the Gym in Mahogany Town," Tracey said.
"Our next stop," Sora said.
"To get there, we would have to head back to Ecruteak City, my hometown," Sakura said.
"That means you can show your sisters your Espeon and your other Pokémon," Kairi said.
"Sure does," Sakura agreed.
"Before you go, Sora, I thought should tell you that the Gym Leader there isn't going to be an easy opponent you will have. I heard some stories about him being a top Trainer since his younger days," Jasmine said.
"Trust me when I say, I never find easy even if I tried," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"After the way you battled, I don't doubt you'll do well," Jasmine said.
Everyone left the Olivine City Gym and heads for the Pokémon Center to have Typhlosion, Houndoom, and Magcargo healed. Sora looked around to the rest of the group.
"So what will you guys do?" Sora asked.
"I think the six of us will be traveling some more in Johto. But we might bump into you again," Takato said.
"Charmeleon," Guil said.
"And I'm gonna head back home. My sister is probably wondering what's taking me," Melody said.
"And you know me, Sora. Traveling, same as them," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"But Leaf and I would like it if we traveled with you for a while," Ash said. Sora was surprised to hear him say that.
"Seriously?" Sora asked.
"Seriously," Ash said.
"Ash and I talked for a bit, so we might have a better chance of looking out for each other when our group's a tad bigger in case the Heartless attacks," Leaf said.
"Also, we never got to hang out much anymore, Sora," Ash said.
"I admit, I missed those days. Why not? You two are more than welcome to come along with us," Sora said.
"I always enjoyed your company, Leaf," Kairi said, smiling.
With that said, Ash and Leaf joins Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Sakura, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu as Riku, Naminé, Eevee, Azurill, Takato, Henry, Rika, Jeri, Kazu, Kenta, and Guil went their own separate ways.
Now that Sora has gained six Gym Badges in the Johto region, he only needs two more Gym Badges, and they begin to make their way towards Ecruteak City on their way to Mahogany Town. At the same time, Ash and Leaf are searching for a way into the realm of darkness to rescue Cascade.
How will Sora and Kairi react about Ash's reason to tag along? An answer will come much later as time and the journey continues.