Episode 198: Darla the Lightning
Before I begin the chapter, I thought it would be a good time to introduce an OC who is a member of the Elite Four of the Johto region just like I announced in my chapter starring Karen. As it seems obvious in the chapter's title, Darla will be having a team of Electric-type Pokémon.
A whole day has come since arriving in New Bark Town, so Sora and Ethan decided to train hard for the upcoming Johto Pokémon League tournament. Sora and Ethan woke up early in the morning to begin their training.
Sora has exchanged his entire team, except for Pikachu for Heracross, Scizor, Espeon, Umbreon, Sudowoodo, Ursaluna, Electivire, Nidoqueen, Nidoking, Tyranitar, and Marowak. Sora has set up a bunch of Heartless and Nobody dummies to motivate them.
"Okay, guys, let's do this thing! Electivire! Use Charge Beam! Marowak! Use Bonemerang! Sudowoodo! Use Rock Slide! Nidoking! Smart Strike! Nidoqueen! Use Body Press! Scizor! Use Metal Claw! Heracross! Use Megahorn! Espeon! Use Psybeam! Umbreon! Use Dark Pulse! Ursaluna! Use Headlong Rush!" Sora ordered. Electivire fired an electrical beam from his mouth as Marowak threw his bone like a boomerang. Sudowoodo makes rocks rain down. Nidoking's horn gives off a silver glow and charges right at a Nobody dummy. Scizor's pincers gave off a metallic glow and struck the dummies as Heracross rams into a Heartless dummy. Ursaluna charges at a Heartless dummy as Espeon and Umbreon attacked several dummies at once. "Okay, Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu unleashed a Thunderbolt, hitting the dummies.
Unknown to Sora, a young woman was watching him closely. She wore a pink dress with golden-yellow bolts of lightning knitted on the skirt. She wore pink heels and she carried a pink parasal with the same golden yellow lightning bolts. She has her long blonde hair tied in a braided ponytail.
"So that's the boy Will and Karen told me about. I have to admit, I'm mighty impressed by the way he's handling all those Pokémon. That Pikachu is especially impressive," the young woman said with a southern accent. She began to stroke her chin with interest.
Meanwhile, Roxas sat in his throne as Xemnas sat in his. He has gotten wind of his failure. Only they sat and talked.
"You were ordered to eliminate those three from Team Rocket and yet you have failed to do so, and on top of that, you returned after your failure," Xemnas said.
"It wasn't my fault!" Roxas argued. "I would have done it if it weren't for-"
"Silence!" Xemnas ordered. Roxas became quiet. "Axel has already been spoken to for his interference. You shall make amends for your failure. But your are confined into your quarters until you are granted permission to leave. There is nothing more."
"Won't you just-" Roxas tried to speak.
"You are confined in your quarters," Xemnas said. Roxas growled and started to return to his room. Xemnas waited for Roxas to leave.
Xemnas still sat on his throne as Saïx appeared before him.
"You wished to see me, Lord Xemnas?" Saïx asked.
"I did, Saïx. It would seem Roxas has become aware of his role in the Organization," Xemnas said.
"It was my understanding as well. I have no doubt Axel has told him of his true origin," Saïx said.
"Nor have I, Saïx. Axel has taken a big risk by telling him. I can only assume he will be much harder to control," Xemnas said.
"We cannot simply eliminate Roxas if he becomes even more defiant," Saïx said.
"I agree. We cannot. Roxas is the most essential element in my plans to claim Kingdom Hearts. But we must take precautious steps going further. We cannot afford any more missteps," Xemnas said.
"I understand," Saïx said.
Over to Team Rocket HQ, we see a lot of Team Rocket grunts sitting around, eating and talking mong themselves about thir unfortunate failures thanks to Sora, Kairi, and their friends.
"I can't believe that we lost to those kids again right in the Johto region! It's already bad enough that our reputation has taken a big kick in the balls here in Kanto, but we had to endure that everywhere we go. I swear it's like those kids have a magnet that they use to draw us in," one of the male grunts said.
"I know what you mean. Things have been going south for us ever since Celadon City and Lavender Town, the boss was growing more and more irrirated. I think it might be because he's not quite a leader that his mom was," a female grunt said.
"We don't know that. What if one of the higher-ups hears us speaking like that? They could do something nasty to us if they hear it," another male grunt said.
"No, she's right. Giovanni was okay once upon a time, but he's starting to suck as a boss. Besides, he's got a whole lot to worry about than caring what anybody thinks. If he doesn't like it, then he can suck a lemon," the first male grunt said, laughing.
Unknown to them, Matori was sent by Giovanni, spying on the grunts, because Giovanni began to suspect that the grunts were beginning to question his leadership. And it turns out that he was right to do it since might end up being bad for the naysayers.
Later, Giovanni is on his desk going over his paperwork when Matori has returned to the boss of Team Rocket.
Over to the executives, they began to talk with the abscence of Giovanni.
"Now that all four of us are here, then we can begin," Archer said.
"You sure it's a good idea to hold this meeting in secret?" Petrel asked.
"If you got something good to share, then I'm all ears, Petrel," Proton said.
"We know what this meeting is all about. It's about the recent failure of Annie and Oakley. Giovanni fired them both after their failure in Alto Mare. They were two of our best agents. And now they're on trial," Ariana said, holding up a newspaper that reads "Team Rocket agents stands before judge". Ariana crumbles up the newspaper and threw it. "Giovanni didn't bother paying for their bail like he used to like he did with Cassidy and Butch."
"Instead, he just gave them the axe and that's it. Team Rocket isn't what it used to be," Proton said.
"You know it, Proton. The radio tower in Goldenrod City was our big chance, and we tripped just when we got close to the finish line, to have the people of Johto doing everything we said. We had a lot of grunts, Heartless for us to tell what to do, and we still lost to those kids; even Archer!" Petrel said.
"Enough!" Archer stated. The other executives looked at him. "We're all frustrated by this sudden change. Giovanni isn't the only one who was affected by this series of misfortunes. We were all affected by it. Giovanni has simply stated that we afford anymore failures. Not from us, not from our agents, not from anyone. Proton is right about one thing. Team Rocket isn't what it used to be. So we have to change. A new, stronger Team Rocket will step in and we will stop anyone who tries to stand in our way."
"If you're so loyal to Giovanni like you're saying that we are, then why are we holding this meeting in secret?" Petrel asked.
"He has too much on his hands as it is. So we will have to be the ones to carry the extra weight on our shoulders," Archer said.
"Aren't you the least bit worried he might accuse us of plotting against him?" Proton asked.
"No. Because we're not plotting against him. My loyalty is to Giovanni, and I will not forget it," Archer said.
"I hope I'm not interuppting anything, sir," Matori said.
"This better be important," Giovanni said.
"I have come to confirm that you were right, sir. There are whispers of naysayers in our midst. I strongly suggest that we take action on this act of defiance as swiftly as possible," Matori said.
"I agree," Giovanni said. He grinned. "Matori, would you be so kind to call everyone into the main hall?"
"Yes, sir," Matori said.
Not too long, every member of Team Rocket who are present in Team Rocket HQ. The four executives stood along Giovanni and Matori as the grunts and the higher members all stood before them.
"I am glad you all came here on such short notice. Because it has come to my attention that we might have some traitors in our midst, and I suspect that it might be those of you here," Giovanni said. Three of the grunts figured someone had to tell him something, but they didn't know who told him. "As such I will be willing to make an example out of anyone who speaks out!" Matori points to the three grunts from the messhall.
"Won't you three step forward?" Matori requested. The grunts complied with the secretary as the rest of the grunts backed away.
"I will three of you a question. My question is, do you consider it an honor to be a part of Team Rocket?" Giovanni asked.
"Of course, sir," the female grunt said.
"Absolutely," the first male grunt added.
"One hundred percent, sir," the second grunt said.
"And you wouldn't be thinking about undermining me, would you?" Giovanni asked, not buying their answers.
"The idea of us doing that to you is laughable, sir," the second male grunt said.
"It would be a form a suicide if we even get those ideas, sir," the first male grunt said.
"Of course," Giovanni said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. Out came a Rhyperior. "Hyper Beam on the ceiling!" Rhyperior fired a Hyper Beam, causing the ceiling to collapse. The other grunts got out of the way while the three grunts weren't so fortunate as they were crushed to death by the falling debris. "What you just witnessed was a warning to all of you! A warning of anyone who would question my leadership of Team Rocket! Not only I refuse to tolerate failure, but I also refuse to tolerate disloyalty in my ranks! And those three have made a fatal mistake of questioning me, and they paid with their lives! And that will be the same with you if you step out of line even once! The two children, Sora and Kairi have changed things forever for Team Rocket, so we must adapt to those changes! It's to show that we will not be challenged and not to be triffled with! We were the most feared criminal organization in the entire Kanto region, but those kids started to make people forget their fears by giving them hope to fight back! It just started with those two and then their numbers started to grow! Sooner or later, no one will be afraid of us and then shut us down all because they have planted their seeds of inspiration! The reason for our failures was all because we underestimated our enemies! That's why I fired those fools! The same for Annie and Oakley!" Giovanni said, pointing to the pile. None of the Team Rocket members dared to speak up because they all knew he already killed three of his subordinates, and he was willing to kill some more if he has to. "Does anyone here have any objections? Anything at all?" None of them spoke up. "It pleases me that you all remember your place. It's up to all of you to keep it that way. As you all were." Giovanni took his leave, leaving the Team Rocket members scared.
"Say, why don't we get started on repairs?" A male grunt suggested.
The other grunts didn't need any convincing and they agreed to help with the repairs.
Over to Pallet Town, Xion and Celeste stepped out of the house, deciding to go out for a walk. Xion smiled as she looked at the sky.
"It's such a beautiful day, isn't it, Celeste?" Xion asked.
"Eevee," Celeste said.
As they took a stroll throughout Pallet Town, Xion and Celeste said hello to some of the people going about their daily routines. Xion and Celeste came back home and saw a family of three over at the Ketchum home. It turns out to be the Hale family with a Teddiursa coming to visit. Delia, Karen, and Blossom stood outside the house, greeting the Hales.
"You grew to be a beautiful girl, Karen. You're a spitting image of her," Eliza said.
"Thank you, Mrs. Hale," Karen said.
"Pikachu," Blossom said.
Molly turned around and saw Xion, thinking it was her.
"Kairi?" Molly asked. Xion looked at Molly and went up to her. "It's great to see you again!" Xion looked at her awkwardly.
"Sorry, but I'm not Kairi," Xion said.
"Eevee," Celeste said.
"Hey, Xion. Hope you're having a good day," Karen said.
"I was thinking the same thing, Karen," Xion said. Molly was very confused, because Xion looked and sounds like Kairi, except she has black hair while Kairi has red hair. Xion looked at Molly. "So who's this?"
"This is Molly Hale. She's the daughter of my mom's old friends," Karen said.
"Hello," Molly said.
"Hi yourself. My name's Xion, and this is Celeste," Xion introduced.
"Eevee," Celeste said.
Molly's parents walked up to the girls, seeing how well they're getting along with each other.
"I can see you're getting acquiainted with our daughter, young lady," Spencer said.
"Yes, sir," Xion said. Delia waks up to the girls and the parents.
"Well, she's been quite a popular girl ever since she came here. She's such a sweet girl," Delia said with a smile.
Delia was in quite a shock to hear that her son has a Nobody and he's with Organization XIII, but it didn't take long for her to accept that Roxas was half of her son, and she would like to think she had another son and she wanted to meet him so very badly. And she promised that she was going to love Roxas the same as she loves Sora and Karen.
"Thank you, Mrs. Ketchum," Xion said.
Just then, Yuta and Mirei stepped out and they smiled. Mirei held Seth in her arms.
"Hey, Xion. You came just in time," Yuta said. He looked at the Hales and smiled. "You must be the Hales. My name's Yuta, and this is my wife, Mirei, and our son, Seth," Yuta introduced.
"Hello there," Mirei greeted as she moved her son's hand, making it look like she was waving.
"It's very nice to meet you. I'm Specer Hale, and this is my wife, Eliza, and this is Molly, my little girl. I can assume that you're Kairi's parents, aren't you?" Spencer asked.
"That's right," Yuta said. He bends down to Molly's level and spots her Teddiursa with her. "It's nice to meet you, Molly."
"It's nice to meet you, too, sir," Molly said.
"Now that everyone is here, why don't we all go inside? We can get to know each other then," Delia said.
"That is why we have come all this way," Eliza said.
With that said, everyone all went inside. Xion looked up to the sky, and she instantly thought of Roxas. She wondered what he was up to. She also wondered the same thing about Axel.
As the adults were talking and catching up and/or getting to know each other, Karen, Xion, Molly, Seth, Blossom, Celeste, and Teddiursa went up stairs and into Karen's room. Seth has intantly took a liking to Teddiursa, so he began to play with the LIttle Bear Pokemon.
"Xion, I'm glad we have a moment to talk," Karen said.
"Talk about what?" Xion asked.
"Well, for one thing, I was wondering maybe if you remember anything about yourself? Anything come back to you?" Karen asked.
"Not really. Nothing really came to mind," Xion said.
"I see," Karen said.
"You don't remember anything about yourself? Don't you even remember your papa or your mama?" Molly asked.
"No," Xion said.
"Xion doesn't seem to have either of a mom or a dad, Molly. Xion was born quite differently. She's really a Nobody," Karen said.
"Nobody?" Molly asked.
"It's true. A Nobody is born when a person with a strong heart is turned into a Heartless. But, I would like to know why would you bring that up, Karen?" Xion asked.
"I was just curious. But, I have you met someone named Roxas?" Karen asked.
"I did. A few times actually. Him and Axel," Xion said.
"You know Axel?" Molly asked.
"Yes. Axel is my friend, just like Roxas. He's been on my mind a lot. I've been thinking of him everyday ever since I first met him. Why? Did you meet him when you left?" Xion asked.
"I did. Just once, but I didn't see his face," Karen said.
"Who's Roxas?" Molly asked.
"He's another Nobody. In fact, he's Sora's Nobody," Karen said.
"Sora's Nobody?" Molly asked.
"Yeah. It was quite a shock to hear it. But, I know you'll like Roxas, because he seems to be a great guy, just like Sora," Karen said.
"He is. And maybe we can have ice cream together when we do," Xion said.
Back in New Bark Town, Sora and his Pokémon kept on training for the Johto Pokémon League, after taking a breakfast break. Kairi, Angel, Togepi, and the Pichu have come to watch Sora, Pikachu, and the other Pokemon train so hard. Sora exchanged Heracross, Scizor, Espeon, Umbreon, Sudowoodo, Ursaluna, Electivire, Nidoqueen, Nidoking, Tyranitar, and Marowak for Kleavor, Gengar, Gliscor, Magmotar, Yanmega, Lickilicki, Rhyperior, Butterfree, Muk, Tauros, and Kingler.
"They're doing so great, don't you think, Angel?" Kairi asked.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
"Okay, guys! Rhyperior! Use Rock Wrecker! Kleavor! Use Stone Axe! Gliscor! Use Night Slash! Kingler! Crabhammer! Tauros! Take Down! Yanmega! Bug Buzz! Butterfree! Silver Wind! Magmotar! Use Hyper Beam! Gengar! Use Shadow Ball! Lickilicki! Use Rollout! Muk! Use Sludge Wave!" Sora ordered. The Pokémon attacked the dummies and they struck them hard. "Good work, guys!"
"I'll say it was," Kairi said, walking up to her boyfriend. She hands Sora a towel to wipe off some sweat. "You've been training hard."
"Yeah. I could use a break," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"You've earned it. Train too hard, and your Pokémon will get too tired to even walk," Kairi said.
"You're right. Anyway, it's just time for lunch, isn't it?" Sora asked.
"Well, I made a couple of sandwiches for us, so we can enjoy them together," Kairi said.
"You're the best," Sora beamed.
Kairi has prepared some Pokémon food for their Pokémon and they happily ate it up as the couple enjoyed their own lunch.
"What do you think, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"Tasty as always, Kairi," Sora said, taking a bite.
"Glad you like it, Sora," Kairi said with a smile. Sora smiled back.
"Well, Ah do declare, that is a touching sight," the young woman said, walking up to the couple. "It warms mah heart to see such a loving couple such as you."
"Thanks," Sora said.
"Who are you?" Kairi asked.
"Oh, where are mah manners? Mah name is Darla. Now it's yer turn the favor and tell me yer names," the young woman said.
"Right, I'm Sora and this is Pikachu, and these are his adoptive siblings," Sora introduced.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Pichu," the Spiky-eared Pichu said.
"Pichu," the Shiny Pichu said.
"And I'm Kairi this is my Eevee, Angel, and this is Togepi," Kairi introduced.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
"Oh, how adorable. It's nice to meet ya'll. Ah was looking forward in meeting ya'll after hearing about ya'll from Will and Karen," Darla said. This struck a cord with Kairi as she realized who she was.
"Um, aren't you a member of the Johto Elite Four?" Kairi asked.
"Ah am. Ah specialize with Electric-type Pokémon," Darla said.
"Is that right?" Sora asked.
"It's true. Ah've been watching ya training, so Ah'm assuming that you're training for the Johto Pokémon League, isn't that right?" Darla asked.
"Yes, that's right," Sora said.
"Ah thought as much. So Ah was wondering maybe Ah can have a match with you. Just to see what you're made of," Darla said.
"You sure about that, Darla?" Sora asked.
"Ah'm sure. What do ya say?" Darla asked.
"Well, I guess I can take you up for that offer, Darla. How do you want it?" Sora asked.
"Ah was thinking of a five-on-five battle, hun. Substitutions are allowed, and the battle will be over when all five are unable to battle," Darla said.
"Sure," Sora said. Sora called his Pokémon back and he got ready for the battle with Darla. She takes out a Pokéball.
"Ladies first," Darla said. She threw her Pokéball. "I choose you, Jolteon!" Her Pokéball opened and her Jolteon emerged from inside, ready to battle. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Rhyperior!" Sora called out. Rhyperior came out to battle.
"Oh, a Ground-type Pokémon against mah Electric-types, is it? Not a bad choice," Darla said.
"I'm ready for anything you can dish out," Sora said.
"We shall see, sugar. Jolteon! Use Trailblaze!" Darla ordered. Jolteon leaps right at Rhyperior, landing a hit before Sora could have told him to dodge.
"Trailblaze?" Kairi asked, taking out her Pokédex and looked it up. "It looked super-effective, so I have to see for myself."
Trailblaze, a Grass-type physical move. The user attacks suddenly as if leaping out from tall grass. The user's nimble footwork boosts its Speed stat.
"I thought it looked super-effective," Kairi said.
"You okay, Rhyperior?" Sora asked. Rhyperior nodded. "Okay, use Earthquake!" Rhyperior slams his club-like tail on the ground.
"Dodge it, Jolteon!" Darla ordered. Jolteon dodges Rhyperior's Earthquake. "Use Mud-Slap!" Jolteon lands and kicked mud into Rhyperior's face, blinding him.
"Listen for Jolteon's movements!" Sora said. Rhyperior listens for Jolteon's footsteps while his eyes are closed. Darla was impressed.
"So he's having his Rhyperior rely on its sense of hearing rather than just the eyesight. Clever. But not enough," Darla said. "Use Trailblaze!" Jolteon sprang at Rhyperior with another Trailblaze. "Use Trailblaze again!" Jolteon dashed at Rhyperior with another Trailblaze, landing another hit, and raising up Jolteon's speed again and again. Rhyperior was now down and out, so Sora calls Rhyperior back.
"Get some rest, Rhyperior. You've earned it," Sora said, taking out another Pokéball and threw it. "Okay, Magmotar! Your turn!" Magmotar emerged from inside, ready to battle. Darla calls Jolteon back and she took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Electrode!" Darla called out. Her Pokéball opened and her Electrode came out to battle.
"Okay, Magmotar! Use Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Magmotar fired a Flamethrower right at the Ball Pokémon with Flamethrower coming out from his hands.
"Dodge it, Electrode!" Darla called out. Electrode easily dodges by rolling out of the way.
"Use Fire Punch!" Sora ordered. Magmotar came at Electrode with a Fire Punch, and lands a hit. "Fire Punch again!" Magmotar lands another Fire Punch.
"Use Explosion!" Darla ordered. Electrode's body gives off a white glow and then blows up, dealing lots of damage onto Magmotar, resulting in a knockout. Sora calls Magmotar back to his Pokéball.
"Rest up, Magmotar. You've earned it," Sora said. Darla calls Electrode back and she smiled.
"Wonderful job as well, Electrode," Darla said. She took out another Pokéball. "Shall we continue?"
"Sure," Sora," Sora said, taking out another Pokéball and threw it. "You're up, Lickilicki!" His Pokéball opened and Lickilicki came out to battle. Darla threw her Pokéball.
"Yer turn now, Raichu!" Darla called out. A female Raichu came out to battle. "Okay, Lickilicki! Use Body Press!" Lickilicki started to come at Raichu with his large body.
"Use Quick Attack!" Darla ordered. Raichu uses her speed attack to avoid Lickilicki's attack. "Use Volt Tackle!" Raichu started to charge at Lickilicki with electricity coursing through her body. She lands a hit onto Lickilicki, dealing some heavy damage.
"Use Giga Impact!" Sora ordered. Lickilicki charges at Raichu with a Giga Impact. Raichu easily dodged Lickilicki's attack.
"Use Brick Break!" Darla ordered. Raichu lands a heavy chop onto the Licking Pokémon and fell backwards, beaten. Sora calls Lickilicki back inside and Darla calls back Raichu. Each took out a Pokéball and threw their Pokéballs. "Go forth, Ampharos!"
"Go! Gliscor!" Sora called out.
Both Gliscor and Ampharos came out, ready to battle.
"Ampharos! Use Ice Punch!" Darla ordered.
"Use X-Scissor!" Sora ordered. Gliscor came at Ampharos, but the Light Pokémon was too quick for the Fang Scorpion Pokémon, so it lands a hit, freezing Gliscor in the process.
"Use Dragon Pulse!" Darla ordered. Ampharos unleashed a Dragon Pulse and lands a hit onto Gliscor.
"Use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered.
"Ice Punch!" Darla ordered. Ampharos came at Gliscor and lands another Ice Punch onto Gliscor, dealing some heavy damage. Gliscor was now down and out. Sora calls Gliscor back.
"Man, she's much tougher than I thought. She's not even breaking a sweat. The only one that she lost was her Electrode, and that was clearly in her favor. Well, she's probably saving her fifth one for last," Sora said in his thoughts. She took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Electivire!" Her Pokéball opened and a large Electivire emerged from inside. "Electivire is mah strongest Pokémon. Let's see how ya'll handle this one." Pikachu stepped up.
"You sure, Pikachu?" Sora asked.
"Pika," Pikachu nodded.
"I gotta warn you, because your electricity isn't even going to hurt Electivire since it has that Motor Drive ability. You might be helping out Electivire," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said, knowing that fact.
"Okay, go for it," Sora said. Pikachu stepped in to battle. "Okay, Pikachu! Use Quick Attack!" Pikachu dashed around right at the Thunderbolt Pokémon.
"Use your own Quick Attack!" Darla ordered. Electivire dashed at Pikachu, easily landing a hit. "Use Thunder Punch!" Electivire lands a Thunder Punch onto Pikachu, dealing some heavy damage.
"Quick Attack and then use Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dashed at Electivire and lands a hit. Pikachu then swings his tail and lands a hit onto Electivire. Darla was really impressed.
"Go for it, Pikachu!" Kairi said.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel said.
"Pichu!" Both Pichu cheered.
"One more Iron Tail!" Sora ordered.
"Thunder Punch!" Darla ordered. Electivire gave Pikachu a strong Thunder Punch, sending Pikachu flying. Sora then catches his partner. It was clear Sora has lost the battle.
"You doing okay, buddy?" Sora asked.
"Pikachu," Pikachu weakly said.
"Don't sweat it, Pikachu. You did your best," Sora said.
"And so did ya'll, Sora," Darla said, approaching Sora. "Yer skills are pretty impressive. Ya raised yer Pokémon well, Sora. Ya'll should be proud."
"Thanks for the kind words, Darla," Sora said, shaking her hand.
Sora didn't care that he lost against Darla. He remembered that beating a member of the Elite Four wasn't an easy thing to do. Sora will have to continue his training right until the Johto Pokémon League gets started.