Episode 176: Espeon, Not Included
Before we begin with this chapter, I thought I'd share that I may do some references of Tai, Kari, and the others being DigiDestined and mention the Digimon and the Digital World, and not have the Digimon actually appearing in this fic. And I might do the same thing with the same with Dinosaur King. The Digimon and characters of Dinosaur King may be separate fics later on. Anyway, I thought I'd share it to all my loyal readers before I went along with it. Oh, as for Journey Through the Worlds, I'm wondering if any artists out there would like to come up with Keblade designs based on the worlds they visted. If you do, then make sure you PM me. Anyway, enjoy!
A couple of days have passed since dealing with Lexaeus have passed, and so far, things have been quiet for the most part. There was no signs of Team Rocket, the Heartless, or the Nobodies so far, and that was bothering Sora. Just then they made a stop at the Pokémon Center to rest up for a while. Ash makes a phone call back to Izzy.
"Ash, it's good to hear from you," Izzy said.
"Same to you, Ash. Have you found a gateway into the realm of darkness yet?" Izzy asked.
"No, and I was going to ask you the same thing. I guess we're both at a dead end," Ash said.
"It wasn't as easy as I thought it was going to be. I tried to find some clues in the Digital World, but somehow, there wasn't a single clue any of could use. I had hoped you would had better luck than we were," Izzy said.
"I wish. But how's Xion doing down there?" Ash asked.
"She's doing okay. Kairi's dad filled us in on her, and we were surprised to see she looked so much like her. It was quite a shock since Roxas," Izzy said.
"You didn't see him, did you?" Ash asked.
"No, I haven't. I was going to ask if you had," Izzy said.
"No, but we came across a member of Organization XIII," Ash said.
"Seriously?" Izzy asked.
"Yeah, seriously. He called himself Lexaeus. He attacked us just recently. I have a feeling we're going to meet some more members soon," Ash said.
"Agreed. But the search for a way into the realm of darkness isn't the only thing I'm looking for. I'm also looking for a clue on Organization XIII and I will inform you if I come across anything," Izzy said.
"Good job, Izzy. And I thought Joe was reliable," Ash said with a smile.
"I'll do what I can," Izzy said.
"I know you'll do your best, Izzy," Ash said. Ash and Izzy breaks contact and he rejoins Leaf.
"Anything?" Leaf asked.
"No. They didn't find anything, but they're keeping us in the loop," Ash said.
"The sooner we find Cascade, the better; but that would be wishful thinking," Leaf said. Ash didn't say anything about it, but he knew she was right. Just then, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel came up to them.
"So, what did you guys talk about?" Sora asked.
"Oh, just stuff," Ash said. He didn't want to give away too much. "Anyway, how are your Pokémon doing?"
"Nurse Joy had a look at Pikachu, Angel and Togepi, and all three of them are doing great," Sora said.
"I don't doubt it, Sora," Ash said. Just as he scooted over, he felt something poke him. "Ouch!" Ash stood up he grabbed a claw that he was sitting on. "A Razor Claw?"
"Someone must have dropped it," Kairi said. She took the claw as Ash hands it to her. "Say, doesn't Sneasel evolve when holding one of these?"
"You know something, it does," Sora said. "But we shouldn't just use it, I mean, someone might have lost it."
"Sora's right. That would be considered stealing if we just use it," Kairi said. Just then, a girl with coke-bottle glasses came in.
"Excuse me, have you seen a Razor Claw any-" the girl was cut off when Kairi handed it to her.
"Here," Kairi said.
"Oh, thank you, I've been looking all over for that," the girl said. "Thank you so very much for finding it for me."
"We were about to ask around to see of anybody lost it," Sora said. "But it would be nice to have a Weavile."
"Oh, you have a Sneasel?" The girl asked with delight. "Oh, I would like to see it."
"Um, okay," Sora said, letting Sneasel out. A swirl of stars surrounds him when he came out.
"Oh, your Sneasel looks so cool!" The girl said, looking right at the Shiny Sharp Claw Pokémon. Sneasel was feeling uncomfortable.
"Sneasel," Sneasel said, uncomfortably.
"Um, thanks. My Sneasel is very cool. Right, Sneasel?" Sora asked.
"Sneasel," Sneasel said, doing a pose.
"In fact, he was leader of his own pack once," Sora said.
"That's impressive," the girl said. She hands the Sharp Claw to Sora. "Here, why don't you take it? I can imagine the cool Weavile you're gonna have after he evolves."
"Are you sure?" Sora asked.
"I'm sure. I'm sure I can go and find another one," the girl said. "Oh, before I forget, be sure that your Sneasel is holding it, because it'll only work at night."
"Can do," Sora said. "And thanks."
"Pika," Pikachu said.
Later that night, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Tracey, Sakura, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu stepped out outside and Sora tossed the Pokéball opened and stars swirls around Sneasel upon entry. Sneasel is holding the Razor Claw.
"Okay," Sora said. Sneasel started to evolve. Everyone watched as Sneasel has evolved. Sneasel has become a Weavile, but this new Weavile is a dark pink. The feathers were all dark yellow and the irises in the eyes are yellow. "Wow, that girl was right, you're an awesome Weavile."
"Weav," the newly evolved Weavile said.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket were already in Ecruteak City, thinking of a new plan.
"So, how are going to get Pikachu this time?" Meowth asked.
"Like I know," Jessie said. She turned to James. "Anything, James?" He didn't answer, but instead he got something else. He saw a picture of Sakura and instantly recognized her.
"Guys, look at this! You're not gonna believe this, but that one twerpette's one of these sisters!" James said. Jessie and Meowth went over to James. "Take a look!" And they do look.
"Wow, you're right, James! That is her!" Meowth said.
"They have the evolved forms of Eevee, so I can bet my entire bottle cap collection that that twerpette has at least one or two evolved forms of Eevee with her!" James said.
"Ooh, the boss will be so happy when we bring those to him," Meowth said.
"How right you are, Meowth. The boss will get us out of our debt, and probably promote us to top agents!" Jessie said. She snickered wickedly. "But how are we gonna do that?"
"Leave it all to me," James said.
A few days came and went as Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Tracey, Sakura, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu continued on and they finally arrived to Ecruteak City; thanks to a shortcut they took.
"Ecruteak City. Good to be back," Tracey said.
"It took us a few days, but that shortcut was a great idea," Sora said.
"Glad you agree, Sora," Leaf said.
"What do we do first?" Ash asked.
"We should stop at my house first," Sakura suggested.
"That's right. Your sisters are probably expecting you to come home," Sora said.
"Right," Sakura agreed with a nod. "And they're gonna be surprised when they see my Espeon, and I have other evolved forms of Eevee under my belt."
"That's right. Satsuki has a Jolteon, Sumono has a Vaporeon, Tamao has an Umbreon, and Koume has a Flareon," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"So now, Sakura, the youngest of the Kimono Sisters has an Espeon, a Leafeon, a Glaceon, and a Sylveon," Kairi concluded.
"Well, it's gonna be good to meet them," Leaf said.
"Same here. We should head on over," Ash said.
"Let's go," Tracey said.
With that said, Sakura led her friends to her home where they saw her sisters dressed in kimonos.
"Satsuki!" Sakura called out. Satsuki turned and they saw Sakura returning.
"Sakura, you're home!" Satsuki said.
Satsuki gave her younger sister a hug.
"Welcome home, Sakura," Tamao said.
"We missed you so very much," Sumono said.
"It wasn't the same with you," Koume said.
Satsuki walked up to the group.
"Thank you for looking after our little sister," Satsuki said. She noticed Karen wasn't present, and two new faces with them. "Um, where's Karen? And who are they?"
"My name's Ash, and she's Leaf," Ash introduced.
"Hello," Leaf greeted.
"Ash and Leaf are childhood friends of Sora and Karen," Sakura said.
"Also, my sister found her childhood sweetheart and took a boat home in Olivine City," Sora said.
Back in Pallet Town, Karen is over at Kairi's house, helping with babysitting Seth when she gave off a light sneeze.
"You're going have to stay away from the baby if you're getting sick," Xion said.
"It's not a cold. But I just had a feeling someone was just talking about me," Karen said. She chuckled. "Nah, that's just silly. That doesn't happen in real life."
Back in Ecruteak City...
"We're glad she found her friend, Sora," Sumono said.
"Hope nothing went wrong," Satsuki said.
"We did bump into the Heartless, but Sora and Kairi took care of them, with Ash and Leaf's help," Sakura said.
"You did keep her safe, and that's what we'll be grateful for," Satsuki said.
"We just weren't expecting you to come home today," Koume said.
"And you're going to be awestruck when you see this," Sakura said, taking out a Pokéball and opened it. Her Espeon came right out.
"Your Eevee is an Espeon now!" Satsuki exclaimed.
"When did your Eevee evolve?" Sumono asked.
"It was shortly after we left. I also caught these," Sakura said, taking out three more Pokéballs and opened them. Her Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon came right out. "I caught Sylveon, Glaceon, and Leafeon as an Eevee each, and I evolved them."
"You did a great job raising them," Tomao said.
"I was wondering why you're dressed up," Sakura said.
"What are you up to today?" Tracey asked.
"Sorry we can't stay and say hello, but our favorite dance instructor's in town, and it's only for one day only. We can catch up later," Satsuki said.
"Sure. We can wait for you to come back and we can catch up," Sakura said.
"Okay. Your friends are more than welcome to stick around if they like," Sakura said.
"That'll be great," Tracey said.
"We'll see you later," Sumono said.
"You too," Sakura said.
Sakura's sisters took their leave as the group entered the grounds.
"Wow, I forgot how nice it is here," Sora said.
"Well, it's even nicer without the Heartless attacking," Kairi said.
"It sure is," Tracey agreed.
"So, now that you're home, Sakura, what's going to be your next step?" Sora asked. Sakura sighed, feeling sad.
"Well, I was thinking of going on my own Pokémon journey. I mean, I like being with you, and I'm grateful to how much you have taught me. I just thought it's about time I do things on my own," Sakura said.
"Really?" Sora asked.
"You had some time to think this over, didn't you?" Tracey asked.
"For a while ever since we left Olivine City and we started to come back here. I already explained it to Kairi and Leaf, and I thought I should tell you when we got here," Sakura said.
Sora knew Kairi and Leaf were very supportive of Sakura's decision. The same can be said for Karen if she was still with them.
"If you feel that you're ready, then I won't stop you, Sakura. Who knows? You'll probably end up getting stronger as time goes on," Sora said.
"Thank you, Sora. That's very kind of you to say," Sakura said.
"I'm with you, too, but what would your sisters say?" Ash asked.
"That's what I'm going to tell them. I'm going to as soon as they come home," Sakura said. She looked at Kairi. "But before I do, I was wondering if I could have a battle with you."
"Sure, Sakura. You and Espeon look ready to go," Kairi said. Sakura smiled.
"Don't hold back, Kairi," Sakura said.
"Don't worry, I won't," Kairi said. Kairi and Sakura got ready for their battle. Sakura has her Espeon out and ready to battle. Kairi took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Flaaffy!" Her Pokéball opened and Flaaffy came right out to battle.
"Okay, Espeon! Use Psychic Fangs!" Sakura ordered. Espeon came at Flaaffy with his fangs emitting psychic energy.
"Dodge and use Thunderbolt!" Kairi ordered. Flaaffy dodges Espeon's attack and fired Thunderbolt at the Sun Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Espeon!" Sakura called out. Espeon dodged Flaaffy's electric attack. "Use Psybeam!" Espeon fired Psybeam right at Flaaffy, landing a hit.
"Are you okay, Flaaffy?" Kairi asked with concern.
"Flaaffy," Flaaffy said.
"Okay, Flaaffy! Signal Beam!" Kairi ordered. Flaaffy fired a Signal Beam at Espeon, landing a hit.
"Use Psychic!" Sakura ordered. Espeon used Psychic to lift Flaaffy up and slammed her down. The Wool Pokémon got back up on her feet and then started to evolve. Flaaffy has become an Ampharos.
"You evolved into an Ampharos! That's great!" Kairi exclaimed.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"Toge, Toge!" Togepi chirped.
"All that training paid off," Kairi said. "Okay, Ampharos! Use Thunder Punch!" Ampharos came at Espeon with a Thunder Punch. Ampharos successfully lands the punch attack. "Use Signal Beam!" Ampharos fired a much stronger Signal Beam than before.
Meanwhile, as the battle is about to begin, the other Kimono Sisters are waiting for the instructor they wish to see when two suspicious characters show up. It turns out to be Team Rocket dressed up in kimonos, and wearing wigs.
"Welcome, class," Jessie and James said with a bow.
The Kimono Sisters bow.
"We're honored to meet you," Satsuki said, bowing her head. Her three sisters does the same.
"We understand that you're all looking for dance instructions?" Jessie asked.
"Yes," Sumono answered.
"We are from the Pokémon dance academy," Jessie said.
"We're those who dance with Pokémon, dance with nature," James said.
"We are the only authorized teachers of this artform," Jessie said.
"The only ones in the world?" Sumono whispered.
"If you're serious about cutting a rug, you've come to the right place," James said.
"We are honored to be your students," the Kimono Sisters all said.
"My dear Jessie, shall we show them?" James asked.
"Right away," Jessie said as she claps twice. "Come. Come. Oh, yoo-hoo. Arbok?"
Arbok slithers in next to Jessie. James claps twice.
"Come out, Victreebel," James said. Victreebel hops in and tries to eat James. "Not me, you potted pea brain!"
"Let go!" Jessie said as she kicks Victreebel off of James, but knocks his wig off in the process before getting in front of the sisters to block their view. She whispered, "Your wig. Your wig. Put your wig back on." She laughs sheepishly. "The real charm of Pokémon dancing is its unpredictability."
James quickly puts his wig back.
"Indeed," James seconded it.
Satsuki looks on, puzzled.
"Ahem! Where were we?" Jessei asked as she pulls out a fan. "Ha!" Jessie and James danced with Arbok and Victreebel, leaving the Kimono Sisters even more puzzled.
Back at Sakura's house, the battle between Kairi and Sakura continues.
"Ampharos! Thunderbolt!" Kairi ordered. Ampharos unleashed Thunderbolt right at Espeon.
"Dodge it, Espeon!" Sakura called out. Espeon dodged Ampharos's Thunderbolt. "Great! Use Psychic Fangs!" Espeon came at Ampharos.
"Try to dodge it, Ampharos!" Kairi called out. Ampharos tried to dodge, but the Sun Pokémon lands a successful bite onto Ampharos. Espeon ends up being paralyzed when she made contact with Ampharos.
"Oh, Espeon!" Sakura gasped.
"Now Espeon's paralyzed," Sora said.
"That's because of Static," Ash said.
"I get it. When an opposing Pokémon makes physical contact with the Pokémon that has Static as an ability, they end up being paralyzed," Sora said.
"Right. Also, Espeon's ability, known as Synchronize will activate," Tracey said.
"And because Ampharos is an Elctric-type Pokémon, Ampharos is immune to paralysis," Leaf said.
"Are you okay, Espeon?" Sakura asked.
"Espeon," Espeon responded.
"Okay, Ampharos, be ready for anything," Kairi said.
"Amp," Ampharos said.
"You did bring your Pokémon, didn't you?" Jessie asked.
"Yes," Satsuki confirmed, bringing out her Moon Ball. Sumono brought out her Lure Ball. Tamao brought out her Fast Ball, and Koume brought out her Friend Ball.
"Come on out, Jolteon," Satsuki said as Jolteon came out.
"Okay, Vaporeon," Sumono said as Vaporeon cane out.
"Let's go, Umbreon," Tamao said as Umbreon came out.
"Your turn, Flareon," Koume said as Flareon came out.
"Now let's see if any of your moves can move me," Jessie said.
The sisters go through their routine. Jolteon is quite puzzled, Vaporeon jumps up and down, Umbreon, and Flareon ran in circles.
"Well, your dancing is just fine, but your Pokémon just don't seem to have the moves down," Jessie said.
"Our Pokémon have never had a dancing lesson in their lives," Satsuki said.
"Perhaps they might benefit from a bit of private tutoring, eh, Jessie?" James asked.
"Brilliant, James," Jessie agreed.
"Don't be shy," James said as he opens a door. "Right this way."
Jolteon seems unsure if it should.
"It's okay," Satsuki assured.
Jolteon goes on inside, followed by the other Pokémon.
"You just relax and we'll take care of everything," Jessie said.
"Everything," James said.
They close the door, knowing their plan is working.
"Right this way, Jolteon. Just beyond these doors, is our private Pokémon disco. You'll learn all the latest and greatest Poke-moves in there," Jessie said as the Pokémon enter the room.
"That's right, one leg in front of the other," James said.
A rope soon drops down between the two
"Are you ready? Here goes," Jessie said.
"Now!" James yelled as he grabbed the rope. Jolteon realizes it's a trap, but is too late to react as James pulls the rope. "Let's dance!"
Jolteon, Vaporeon, Flareon, and Umbreon all fall below and end up trapped in a cage. Meowth came in holding a shamisen and played it.
"And here we go!" Meowth sang.
"Bre!" Umbreon cried.
The Kimono Sisters heard the cries of the Moonlight Pokémon. They immediately knew something was wrong.
"Wait!" Tamao said as they went for the door. They opened it and saw that their Pokémon were gone. "Umbreon's gone! They're all gone!"
Tamao opens the door the Pokémon went through and finds the Meowth balloon staring right at her before the roof comes undone and the balloon rises up with the Pokémon entrapped underneath.
"Where are they going?"
"Umbreon!" Tamao gasped.
"Flareon!" Koume gasped.
"Hey! Who are you guys?!" Satsuki exclaimed.
"Prepare for trouble, you'll soon hear our names!" Jessie started.
"And then make it double, you'll know who to blame!" James added with a rhyme.
"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all peoples within our nation."
"HA! To denounce the evils of truth and love."
"OOOOOH! To extend our reach to the stars above."
Jessie removes her disguise.
"HAHA! Jessie!"
James removes his disguise.
"Ooooh, James... ah!"
James throws rose petals over Jessie.
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light."
Jessie repeats the favor as James says the last line
"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
"Meowth! That's right!" Meowth sang.
"You're with Team Rocket?!" Satsuki exclaimed.
"Now we have half of Eevee's evolved forms!" Jessie said.
"And now you know you took them!" Meowth said.
"And now we need the other half!" James said as the balloon takes off.
"They're gone," Satsuki said.
"No," Sumono said.
Back at the house, the battle continues.
"Use Signal Beam!" Kairi ordered. Ampharos fired Signal Beam, hitting Espeon, dealing some heavy damage. Espeon was down for the count.
"Espeon, are you okay?" Sakura asked with concern.
"Esp," Espeon weakly replied.
Kairi walked over with a Pecha Berry and gave it to Espeon to eat.
"Here, it'll make you feel better," Kairi said. Espeon ate the berry and recovered from her injuries.
"Espeon," Espeon said.
"Thanks for giving my Espeon a Pecha Berry, Kairi," Sakura said.
"You're welcome, Sakura," Kairi said. She pets Espeon on the head. "Your Espeon sure came a long way since she was an Eevee."
"Espeon," Espeon said.
"Thank you, Kairi. That means a lot," Sakura said.
"Sakura!" A familiar voice called out. Everyone looks and sees the other Kimono Sisters come running. "Sakura! It's awful!"
"What's awful? What happened?" Sakura asked, knowing something was very wrong.
"Three members of Team Rocket just stole Jolteon, Umbreon, Vaporeon, and Flareon from us!" Satsuki said.
"Team Rocket?!" Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, and Tracey exclaimed.
"Did they have a talking Meowth with them?" Tracey asked.
"They did," Satsuki confirmed.
"I knew it! The morons again!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"This is just terrible," Leaf said.
"There's no way they're gonna get away with this, so we'll have to get them back," Ash said.
"You're right. And I have just the Pokémon for the job," Sora said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Come out, Noctowl!" Stars swirls around the Shiny Owl Pokémon when he came out. "Okay, Noctowl, Team Rocket has gotten hold of a Jolteon, a Vaporeon, an Umbreon, and a Flareon, so we need you to search for Team Rocket." Noctowl nodded and flew off.
"Good idea sending out Noctowl, Sora," Tracey said.
"We should look around, too," Sora said.
Everyone agreed as they got started with the search.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket is mighty pleased by the result they got.
"Yes, things are finally going as planned!" Jessie said.
"How many times did she say that before?" James whispered. Meowth just shrugged his shoulders.
"Four out of eight evolved forms of Eevee, and only Espeon, Glaceon, Sylveon, and Leafeon are left to complete the set," Jessie said.
"Well, we gotta let the boss know we got half of the set," Meowth said.
"Hold on, Meowth. We should put that on hold until we have the full-set," James suggested.
"He's right, half is not good enough. We need all eight evolved forms of Eevee before we make contact with HQ. We can't afford to make mistakes," Jessie said.
"Then let's get cracking," Meowth said.
Back with the group, everyone met up with one another after their search. Noctowl returned to Sora.
"Did you find them, Noctowl?" Sora asked. Noctowl shook his head. Sora sighed. "You did the best you could, Noctowl." He calls Noctowl back inside.
"It must have been pretty hard since Noctowl sees better in the dark than in the daylight," Tracey said.
"So, anybody find anything?" Sora asked.
"Sorry, no," Ash said.
"I didn't find anything either," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge," Togepi chirped.
"Me neither," Leaf said.
"Me neither," Tracey said.
"Where are they? They can't be too far," Sora said.
"If only we had a clue," Leaf said.
"You know, I remember as they were flying away, they said something about having caught half of all the evolved forms of Eevee," Sumono said.
"So they need Espeon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon to make the set complete," Tracey said. Espeon nudges Sakura, telling her something.
"What's Espeon saying?" Leaf asked.
"We could use my Espeon as bait," Sakura said. Her friends and sister just looked at her.
"Sakura, are you sure?" Kairi asked.
"Yeah, Team Rocket must be out searching for, Espeon, Glaceon, Leafeon, and Sylveon. And just like Tracey said, they're trying to get the complete set," Sakura said..
"You know, she's right. And knowing those three, they're never gonna let an opportunity like this slip through their fingers," Sora said.
"Right. If they think they can capture Espeon with no trouble, we should be able to capture them," Sakura said.
"Hold it a sec. If something goes wrong, you could lose Espeon, Sylveon, Glaceon, and Leafeon," Satsuki said.
"We'll be fine. Right, Espeon?" Sakura asked. Espeon nods in agreement. "But we should really do something, quick, or you guys may never see your Pokémon again." She turned to her friends. "Sora, Kairi, Tracey, Ash, Leaf, will you help plan this out?"
"Sure thing," Sora said. "Okay, huddle up!" And they all huddled up. "Sakura's the girl with the plan, so lay down the play."
"Okay, here's the plan," Sakura said.
Her sisters all looked at her sister as she's laying down the plan.
"I don't remember ever seeing Sakura act like this before," Satsuki said.
"You're right," Tamao said.
"It had to be all because she's been with them," Sumono said.
"They did a great job with her, I can give them that," Koume said.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket is searching by air for the remaining four Eeveelutions.
"Here, Espy, Espy, Espeon," Jessie said.
"Should be here somewhere," James said.
"Where's the littlest brat?" Jessie asked.
"I think you're obsessing over nuttin," Meowth said, kicking back.
"Who asked you?!" Jessie snapped.
"Oooh! Espeon, Glaceon, Leafeon, and Sylveon sighted!" James said.
"Show me!" Jessie said, looking through. "Look at those sleeping beauties. They're more like sitting ducks. Four more evolved forms of Eevee, all taking a nap!" Jessie said.
"And no witnesses," Jessie said.
"James, they're practically asking us to take them. It'd be ashamed to leave the poor things down there alone," Jessie said.
"Yeah!" James and Meowth agreed.
Unknown to the Moron Trio, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Tracey, the Pokémon, and the Kimono Sisters are hiding in the bushes, waiting for Team Rocket to take the bait. Sora had let out Noctowl before Espeon, Glaceon, Leafeon, and Sylveon went into position.
"Here they come," Sakura said.
"If I remember right, Espeon have the ability to read into the air patterns so it can tell what's coming," Tracey said.
"That's right," Sakura said.
"Guys, here they come," Ash said.
Soon, Team Rocket lowers with net in hand and scoop up Espeon, followed by the other Pokémon.
"Bingo! Well, that wouldn't have been easier if they all had just jumped into the net," Jessie said.
"They took the bait! Follow them, Noctowl!" Sora said..
Noctowl started to follow Team Rocket in the air while the group follow on the ground.
"I sure hope your Espeon's alright, Sakura," Leaf said.
"They'll be fine. Sakura's plan will work! Noctowl will keep an eye on them!" Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Sora's right. Espeon can see into the future. And if there's any danger at all, it'll be able to avoid it before it ever happens.
Espeon soon crawls out of the net while the others watch.
"Here, little Espeon. It's chowtime," James said, pointing the food in the cage.
"Yummy, yummy, yummy," Jessie said.
"In your tummy, tummy, tummy," James said. But Espeon turns away.
"Huh? Do you tink it's a vegetarian?" Meowth asked.
"Alright, then," James said as she gets out a collar and chain. "Let's use this chain instead." She approached the Sun Pokémon. "Espeon. I've got a little surprise for you. A pretty necklace. Come here. Let's try it on." As Jessie talks, she walks towards Espeon, but Espeon turns away. "Why, you ungrateful little beast! Get back here!" Espeon soon senses something and soon spots the other Eeveelutions. "Would you look at that? It just wanted to be with its friends."
"Wobbuffet," Wobbuffet said.
"That's the end of our conversation," Jessie said, calling Wobbuffet back inside. James quietly approaches from behind with a cage. "Careful. Don't mess this up."
"Okay. Just, one, more, step," James said.
James gets within striking range, but before he can cage Espeon.
"Espeon, look out!" Sakura called out. On cue, Espeon avoids capture and leaps back to her Trainer. "Good job, Espeon!"
Team Rocket turned and saw the group behind them.
"It's the twerps again!" Meowth exclaimed.
"How in the hell did you find us?!" James asked.
"Easy. We used Espeon, Sylveon, Glaceon, and Leafeon as bait. Knowing about how greedy you morons are, we knew you'll fall for it," Sora said.
"So, in a way, you led us here," Kairi said. Jessie growled.
"It was a trap! That's just despicable! That's the last wool that gets pulled over these gorgeous eyes!" Jessie said.
"How dare you trap us like that!" James snapped.
"And you ain't stealing what we stole!" Meowth said. Jessie took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Arbok!" Jessie called out. Her Pokéball opens and Arbok came right out. James took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Victreebel!" James called out. Victreebel came out again, but he tries to eat James's head again. "Not again!" Sora and Kairi each took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Weavile!" Sora called out.
"Go! Corsola!" Kairi called out.
Both Pokémon came out to battle. Stars swirls around Weavile upon entry.
"Count me in, too!" Sakura said.
"The more, the merrier!" Sora said.
"Arbok! Poison Sting!" Jessie ordered. Arbok fired Poison Sting at the three Pokémon.
"Corsola! Use Spike Cannon!" Kairi ordered. Corsola fired Spike Cannon, hitting Arbok repeatedly.
"Victreebel! Use Razor Leaf!" James ordered. Victreebel fires Razor Leaf at his opponents.
"Espeon! Use Quick Attack!" Sakura ordered. Espeon dashed at Victreebel and lands a hit.
"Okay, Weavile! Use Metal Claw!" Sora ordered. Weavile slashed at Arbok with his claws, giving off a metallic glow. "Use Icicle Crash!" Weavile unleashed Icicle Crash and hits Arbok and Victreebel.
"Use Wrap on that Corsola!" Jessie ordered. Arbok tries to wrap around Corsola, but dodges. "Use Poison Sting!" Arbok fires Poison Sting at Corsola.
"Use Psybeam!" Sakura ordered. Espeon fired Psybeam, blocking Arbok's Poison Sting. "Use Psychic Fangs!" Espeon came at Arbok and lands a psychic bite. Her sisters were impressed.
"Wow, Sakura has grown so much stronger since being with Sora and the others," Satsuki said.
"It has to be that training they put her through," Koume said.
"Now, let's give the others a chance to join in! Leafeon! Use Magical Leaf!" Sakura ordered. Leafeon unleashed Magical Leaf, hitting the Team Rocket Pokémon. "Glaceon! Use Powder Snow!" Glaceon unleashed Powder Snow, freezing them. "Sylveon! Use Moonblast!" Sylveon builds up pink energy and sends it at Arbok and Victreebel, dealing some heavy damage.
"Time to wrap this up! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered.
"Angel, use Swift!" Kairi ordered.
Pikachu and Angel fired their attacks at Team Rocket, sending them flying in the air.
"Told you those four Pokemon were bad news," Meowth said.
"Here's some bad news!" Jessie said.
"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" Team Rocket as they go flying. A star twinkles in the distance.
Back on the ground, Kairi summons her Destiny's Embrace and used it to unlock the cage. The freed Pokémon all embraced their Trainers.
"That was a great plan, Sakura," Sora said.
"I didn't do much. I just pulled a out something from your playbook," Sakura said.
"Thank you so much, you guys," Satsuki said.
"Don't thank us. Sakura and Espeon did everything," Ash said.
"And we just lent a hand," Sora added.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
After getting back to Sakura's house, she stood before her sisters.
"Satsuki, Sumono, Tamao, Koume, there's something I want to say to you. I'm thinking of going on my own Pokémon journey," Sakura said. Her sisters looked at her.
"But, you just got home. Are you sure?" Satsuki asked.
"I am sure. Sora and Kairi have been good teachers and good friends, and I'm grateful for all they taught me, so I decided to go it alone from here," Sakura said.
"If that's your decision, then we're going to support you all the way, Sakura," Satsuki said.
"Just be careful out there," Sumono said.
"And don't forget to contact us every once in a while," Koume said.
"Don't worry, I won't," Sakura said. She looked at her friends. "I guess this is goodbye."
"For now," Sora said.
"I know we're gonna meet again, Sakura," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I hope we do. Give Riku, Naminé, Ethan, Lyra, Kris, and Karen my best, would you?" Sakura asked.
"You can count on us," Kairi said.
Espeon and Angel wished each other good luck as Sakura and Espeon took off on their own journey.
Their time with Sakura is something they'll always remember, and they all know they won't forget it. And she won't either.