Episode 203: The Johto Pokémon League Begins
Before we begin, I thought I would announce that we begin the Johto Pokémon League as we have a another OC as a member of the Johto Elite Four, and have him dealing with a Pokémon Hunter. I was originally going to have this one use Normal-type Pokémon, but I had to change that. Enjoy!
About a few days have passed since Rei have begun Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, and Lyra about the ways of the Keyblade. She started with the basics in combat and magic. At the same time, Sora and Ethan trained for the Johto Pokémon League. Professor Oak was surprised and happy to see Rei again after so many years. Delia, Karen, Yuta, Mirei, Seth, and Blossom have arrived to New Bark Town. Delia decided to let Kairi be surprised in seeing them, so they went along with it. They came to Erhan's house. Delia knocked on the door, so Sora and Kairi have opened the door.
"Hi, Sora," Delia greeted.
"Hey, mom. Hey, Karen. It's great to see you both," Sora said.
"We wouldn't miss this for the world," Karen said.
"Pikachu!" Blossom said.
"So we thought we come on down for a surprise for you," Delia said.
"You're not the only one who can dish out the surprise, mom," Sora said. Delia blinked twice when Rei came into view.
"It's been too long, Delia," Rei said. Delia gasped when she saw her.
"Rei-Rei! You've grown!" Delia exclaimed happily. She gave Rei a hug. Rei returned the hug. "How have you been?"
"It's a really long story, Delia," Rei said. She spotted Karen and she smiled. "Hi, Karen. You grew up beautifully."
"Um, hi," Karen greeted.
"Sora, this is a wonderful surprise," Delia said.
"I figured you'd be jumping if you saw her again, especially if she's an old acquaintance of dad's," Sora said.
"How true. So are you going to train Sora, Rei?" Delia asked.
"Yes. Not just Sora, but also Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, and Lyra, too," Rei said.
"Looks like you'll have your hands full. Especially with my knucklehead brother," Karen joked.
"Really funny, Karen," Sora said.
"So, Karen, how's Tom doing?" Kairi asked.
"He's doing okay, despite being possessed by an evil demon trying to commit genocide. He wanted to tell you that he's going to be rooting for you in the Johto Pokémon League," Karen said.
"Well, you could tell Tom that I appreciate it," Sora said.
"I will," Karen said.
Just then, Yuta, Mirei, and Seth arrived as well.
"Surprise!" Yuta and Mirei announced. The baby giggled, making Kairi gush.
"Mom, dad! And hi there, Seth! Oh, you grew so big! How's my baby brother?" Kairi cooed.
"Seth missed you since you left for Johto, Kairi. Why don't you hold him just to catch up?" Yuta asked.
"Sure," Kairi said, taking Seth in her arms.
"Yuta, Mirei, I want to introduce you to Rei. She was Kaito's student way back. Rei, these are Kairi's parents, Yuta and Mirei," Delia said.
"It's good to meet you both," Rei said.
"Same to you, Rei," Yuta said.
Sora and Kairi allowed their families to come in and they got to know the friends they made since coming to Johto. Kris and Lyra gushed over Kairi's baby brother over cute he is.
A little while later, Ash approached Rei just so he have a private talk with her.
"Master Rei, I would like to talk to you," Ash said.
"Of course. Tell me what you have on your mind," Rei said.
"Well, for starters, I was wondering if you ever met a girl named Cascade, or maybe someone named Gaia or Viento," Ash said.
"Cascade, Viento, Gaia? Sorry, but I don't know anyone by those names. Why do you ask?" Rei asked.
"Alright, I'll explain. The thing is, Leaf and I ended up in the realm of darkness before, and we met someone named Cascade. She's filled me in about her two friends, and about someone named Xehanort, and about something called a X-Blade. Do you have any idea who this Xehanort is, and what the X-Blade is?" Ash asked.
"No, I don't. And I won't be able to ask Kaito about it since I doubt he knows about it. How did you get out of the realm of darkness?" Rei asked.
"It was when the door to darkness was shut when Sora, Kairi, and Ethan defeated a guy named Ansem, so we were going to head on out of there when a swarm of Heartless came and attacked. They ended up grabbing Cascade. I tried to help her, but Leaf stopped me just so they wouldn't take me as well. So I've been trying to figure out a way to get her out of the realm of darkness. I think she's been in there for a very long time, but time doesn't exist in the realm of darkness, since she didn't age or anything. Ever since then, I've been trying to figure out a way to bring her back in the realm of light," Ash explained.
"If what you said is true, then we have a fellow Keyblade wielder in distress. But a way in isn't just going to show itself to you, so I can't help you in that department. And I can understand why you want to go there. But it's way too risky. I don't want to put you at any risk," Rei said.
"I figured it was too easy if you just told me. Is there anyway to open a way into the realm of darkness? Anything?" Ash asked.
"There could be a way in, but such a search can take some time. Does anyone of the others know about this?" Rei asked.
"All except for Sora and Kairi," Ash said.
"I can try to do my part to help in your search, but we'll have to do it with absolute care. Because there is a possibility that you might end up going back in the realm of darkness and end up being lost in there forever. And eventually, lose your heart to the darkness," Rei said.
"But we got out," Ash said.
"Yes, but you were lucky. Luck might not be on your side for long," Rei said.
Ash nodded, letting her know that he understands, so he wanted to help Cascade anyway he could. He wondered if something has happened to her while he was searching for a way.
The Johto Pokémon League was a week away, so Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Karen, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Tracey, and the Pokémon were taking off for the Johto Pokémon League, located on Mount Silver. Vincent has already gone on ahead of them. Delia, Rei, Ethan's mother, and Professors Oak and Elm were seeing them off.
"Well, we're off for Mount Silver," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"The tournament is only a week away, and we can do some training on the way over there," Ethan said.
"You came so far since the start of your journey in the Johto region. Everything you worked hard for will be put in the ultimate test. I give you my full support," Professor Elm said.
"The same for me. We'll be sure to meet up with you once the tournament begins," Professor Oak said.
"And when we get there, we'll have a real family meal just like the one we had last night," Delia said.
"Right," Sora said.
"As your master, I will tell the both of you to give it everything you've got out there in the Johto Pokémon League. I'll be rooting for the both of you," Rei said.
"Yes, Master Rei," Sora and Ethan said.
"While you're on your way up to Mount Silver, strike down the Heartless and Nobodies that come onto your path," Rei said.
"Yes, Master," Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, and Lyra all said.
With that said, the group took off for Mount Silver. They kept their eyes opened for any signs of the Heartless and the Nobodies, but for some reason, it was incredibly quiet, which they found very odd.
It wasn't long until they came across three boys each wearing black clothes, but one had red lines in the center, while another has blue lines in the center.
"Hey, any of you competing in the Johto Pokémon League?" One of the boys asked.
"That'll be me and him," Sora said, pointing to Ethan.
"Thought so. Because we're aching for a battle. We're the Tauros Brothers from the Paldea region!" The first boy said. "You can call me Clobber!"
"I'm Hotspot!" The second boy said.
"And I'm Puddle!" The third boy said.
"Um, okay," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Now let's bring out our Tauros!" Clobber said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go!"
"Go!" Hotspot and Puddle said, taking out Pokéballs and threw them as well. Their Pokéballs opened and out came three Tauros. But they were different from the Tauros they were familiar with.
All three forms of these Tauros are covered in black fur, a thick black mane, dark gray hooves, and black tail. It has two gray bumps, one small and one big, running vertically on its forehead. The main difference between the forms is the horns, mane, and tail. Clobber's Tauros has two straight grey horns, a thick black mane, and shorter black tufts on its tail compared to the Kantonian Tauros. Hotspot's Tauros has two grey curved horns pointing forward, a thick spiky black mane with red lines, and three short tufts intertwined to the tails. Puddle's Tauros has curved horns pointed up, a black mane with five blue lines shaped like a beard, and three tufts attached to three bended tails connected to one tail.
"Those are Tauros?" Ventus asked.
"Yes. Those are Paldean Tauros. They have three different forms in the Paldea region," Aqua said. Sora, Kairi, and Ethan each took out their Rotom Phones and scanned them.
Sora's Rotom Phone:
Tauros Paldean Form Combat Breed, the Wild Bull Pokémon
Type: Fighting
This Pokémon has a muscular body and excels at close-quarters combat. It uses its short horns to strike the opponent's weak spots.
Kairi's Rotom Phone:
Tauros Paldean Form Blaze Breed, the Wild Bull Pokémon
Type: Fighting/Fire
When heated by fire energy, its horns can get hotter than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Those gored by them will suffer both wounds and burns.
Ethan's Rotom Phone:
Tauros Paldean Form Aqua Breed, the Wild Bull Pokémon
Type: Fighting/Water
It swims by jetting water from its horns. The most notable characteristic of the Aqua Breed is its high body fat, which allows it to float easily.
"Same Pokémon, same region, different typings," Karen said.
"I never would have guessed this," Terra said.
"What do you say? You accept our challenge?" Clobber asked.
"Yes, we accept your challenge," Ethan spoke up.
"Knew this was coming," Sora under his breath.
"The only way you'll be heading for Mount Silver is through us. What do you say?" Clobber asked.
"Okay, you're on," Sora said. He looked right at Pikachu. "You're up, Pikachu."
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"The Pokémon I'm using is my Typhlosion!" Ethan said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. Typhlosion came right out and flared up his neck.
"Look like I'm in, too. And I'll be using my Eevee," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Fine with us," Hotspot said.
"We were going to ask one of you anyway," Puddle said.
"You two take the other two, but the one with the Typhlosion is mine," Clobber said.
"Right," Hotspot and Puddle said.
"The one with the Eevee's for me," Hotspot said.
"I'm fine with leftovers," Puddle said.
It didn't take long until both sides got ready to battle. Riku has his first against Hotspot and the Paldean Blaze Breed Tauros.
"I'm ready whenever you are," Riku said.
"Tauros! Use Raging Bull!" Hotspot ordered. The Paldean Blaze Breed Tauros charges while his horns began to glow red. The horns then emits fire.
"Raging Bull?" Ventus asked.
"Raging Bull is a move that's exclusive for Tauros. Depending on the user of the move, its type differs," Terra said.
"Pikachu," Thor said.
"Eevee! Use Dig!" Riku ordered. Eevee dug into the ground to avoid Tauros's attack. The Paldean Wild Bull Pokémon looked around for any signs of Eevee, but he came out from underneath and headbutts him in the belly. "Use Shadow Ball!" Eevee fired a Shadow Ball, hitting Tauros.
"Okay, Tauros! Use Flame Charge!" Hotspot ordered. Tauros charges right at Eevee while being surrounded by flames.
"Use Quick Attack to dodge it!" Riku ordered. Eevee ran and jumped over the charging bull Pokémon. Eevee lands right on his feet like a cat.
"Get that Eevee! Use Raging Bull!" Hotspot ordered. Tauros's horns glows red again and charges at Eevee.
"Dig!" Riku ordered. Eevee dodged just by digging in the earth to avoid Tauros's attack. It didn't take long until Eevee came out and lands a hit onto Tauros.
"Use Flame Charge!" Hotspot ordered. Tauros charges at Eevee and lands a hit before Riku could tell him to dodge it. "Great! Use Flame Charge again!"
"Use Swift!" Riku ordered. Eevee fired Swift, hitting the Blaze Breed Tauros. "Use Shadow Ball!" Eevee fired a Shadow Ball hitting Tauros, resulting in a knockout. "Great job, Eevee."
"Oh, don't sweat it, Tauros. You're still hotter than the sun in my book," Hotspot said, calling his Tauros back said. "Your turn, Puddle."
"On it," Puddle said. Sora stepped in to battle along with Pikachu.
"You ready, Tauros?" Puddle asked.
"Moo," the Aqua Breed Tauros said.
"Go get 'em!" Puddle said as his Tauros stepped in.
"Go for it, Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said, stepping into the battle.
"Tauros! Use Aqua Jet!" Puddle ordered. Tauros charges while surrounded by water and came at Pikachu like a torpedo.
"Dodge and use Electro Ball!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodges Tauros's Aqua Jet and forms a ball of electricity. Pikachu threw it and hits Tauros on the mark. "Use Quick Attack!" Pikachu dashed at the Aqua Breed Tauros and lands a hit.
"Use Raging Bull!" Puddle ordered. Tauros's horns glows blue and charges at Pikachu. Water emits from the horns.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodges Tauros's attack with a Quick Attack.
"You're Pikachu's not getting away that easily! Raging Bull again!" Puddle ordered. Tauros came at Pikachu with another Raging Bull, landing a hit onto Pikachu. But unfortunately, the Aqua Breed Tauros became paralyzed thanks to Pikachu's Static ability. "Use Aqua Jet!" Tauros heads right at Pikachu with an Aqua Jet.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu jumped out of the way just in time to dodge. "Use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt right at the Aqua Breed Tauros, shocking him. Tauros fell down to the ground, beaten. "Good work, Pikachu."
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Oh, Tauros, get some rest. You earned it," Puddle said, calling his Tauros back inside his Pokéball.
"My turn now," Clobber said, stepping in. Ethan and Typhlosion stepped in the battlefield to start the last battle.
"Okay, Typhlosion. You ready for a warm-up?" Ethan asked.
"Phlosion!" Typhlosion said.
"Okay, Tauros, start things up with a Raging Bull!" Clobber ordered. Tauros's horns gave off a reddish-brown glow and started to charge. His horns started to emitting a reddish-brown energy.
"Dodge and use Flame Wheel!" Ethan ordered. Typhlosion dodges and rolls into a ball of fire, clashing into each other. Typhlosion and Tauros have taken a heavy hit. "Use Fire Blast!" Typhlosion fired a Fire Blast right at Tauros.
"Dodge and use Smart Strike!" Clobber ordered. Tauros's horns gave off a silver glow and charged right at Typhlosion after dodging Typhlosion's Fire Blast. Tauros lands a hit onto Typhlosion. "Use Raging Bull!"
"Fire Blast!" Ethan ordered. Typhlosion fired a Fire Blast and lands a hit onto Tauros. "Use Flame Wheel!" Typhlosion rolls into a fireball and and lands a hit, dealing some damage onto the Paldean Combat Breed Wild Bull Pokémon, resulting in a knockout. "Way to go, Typhlosion!"
"Phlosion!" Typhlosion said.
"Hey, that's a good battle, you three," Clobber said.
"Those Tauros of yours are really cool," Sora said.
"You raised them so well," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
"Pikachu," Eclair said.
"Thanks," the Tauros Brothers all said.
"Think I can feed your Tauros?" Ventus asked. The Tauros Brothers smiled and they let their Tauros out as Ventus fed their Tauros with different berries.
After the battle, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Karen, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Togepi, the Pichu, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Azurill, and Marill continued their way towards Mount Silver.
Unknown to the group, they were being watched by three men in some sort of machine. One man is short and has a cat-like face. He also has greenish-brown hair. The second man is fat and has a strawberry-shaped nose wearing a gray bandana. The third man wore a purple hat. All three wore the same grayish jumpsuits.
"I see a load of treasures! Four Pikachu, two Pichu, two Eevee, a Togepi, an Azurill, and a Marill. What do you say, Chico?" The cat-faced man asked.
"We have hit a gold mine here, Blurt!" Chico said.
"And probably some other treasures worth swiping from those kids," Blurt said. He turned to Braggo. "Should we make our move?"
"Not yet. First, we follow them and see where they're going. With any luck, they will lead us to some Pokémon that is worth loads of money when they sell them to the highest bidder," Braggo said.
"Brilliant idea as always! That is why is you're the boss!" Chico and Blurt said in unison.
"Yes it is," Braggo said.
A little while later, the group made a stop to fill up on their canteens before they continued on. Before they went, they hear a loud sound.
"You hear something?" Aqua asked.
"Pika?" Eclair asked.
"I think it's a battle going on," Lyra said.
"It sounded really close," And it sounds very close to us," Terra said.
"Chu," Thor said.
"Well, we better look right into it and see for ourselves," Naminé suggested.
"I agree. It might be someone else training for the Johto Pokémon League, too," Tracey said.
With that said, they followed the sound and they saw a battle taking place. It was between two Pokémon Trainers. One has a Hitmontop, and the other has a Tyranitar. The Tyranitar's Trainer has black hair, and hazel eyes, and he wore a dark brown fedora hat. He wore a white shirt under a dark brown overcoat. He wore blue jeans and black boots. Around his waist is a black belt. Ethan, Kris, and Lyra all recognized him.
"Are you girls seeing what I'm seeing?" Ethan asked.
"I think I am seeing him," Kris said.
"Okay, who are you talking about?" Sora asked.
"Don't tell me that you never heard of Jack the Rock!" Lyra said.
"Can't say that we ever did," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Jack is a member of the Johto regions Elite Four. He specializes with Rock-type Pokémon. That Tyranitar has to be his signature Pokémon," Ethan said.
"That explains the rock part," Ash said.
"It seems appropriate, too," Leaf said.
"His opponent is using a Hitmontop, so that makes him a Fighting-type Pokémon. He should have the advantage," Ventus said.
"You're right about that, Ven, but that Tyranitar looks more experienced in battle than that Hitmontop does," Tracey said.
"Hitmontop! Use Close Combat!" The opposing Trainer ordered. Hitmontop rushes over towards Tyranitar.
"Tyranitar! Dodge and use Ice Punch!" Jack ordered. Tyranitar dodges Hitmontop's Close Combat and lands an icy punch onto Hitmontop. "Use Rock Blast!" Tyranitar fired forms silver rocks all around and sends them out at the Handstand Pokémon one-by-one. Hitmontop was hit by three of the rocks. Each one deals heavy damage despite being resistant to Rock-type moves.
"Hitmontop! Use Triple Kick!" The opposing Trainer ordered. Hitmontop spins around and heads right at Tyranitar.
"Use Hyper Beam!" Jack ordered. Tyranitar fired a Hyper Beam right at Hitmontop, dealing some additional damage. Hitmontop is now down for the count.
"I lost!" The opposing Trainer said, calling his Hitmontop back.
"Wow, I can see why he's a member of the Johto Elite Four. And I thought the Elite Four in Kanto were tough," Karen said.
"Pikachu," Blossom said.
"You're an excellent Trainer, and you raised your Hitmontop well. You too focused on trying to win, you left yourself opened for attack, and that is the reason why you lost. You can learn so much from your defeats as well as your victories," Jack said.
"I overestimated my chances. I'll try harder the next time," the opposing Trainer said, running off. Jack just grinned for a second.
"So, you going to stay there for long? I know you're there," Jack said. The group were shocked to hear that Jack knew they were there watching the battle.
"How long did you know we were watching?" Riku asked.
"Long enough," Jack said. He strokes his chin. "I take it that you kids are heading for Mount Silver, right?"
"Yeah, we are," Sora said.
"Don't tell me, let me guess, you're going to compete in the Johto Pokémon League, right?" Rockwell asked.
"Yeah," the group said.
"I've been seeing a lot of that when I was here," Rockwell said.
"What are you doing here, if you don't mind asking?" Ethan asked.
"I'm actually on the trail of some Pokémon Hunters, calling themselves the 'Poaching Pokémon Brothers'," Jack said, holding up a wanted poster with each of their faces. "Been after them for the last couple of weeks. They gave me the slip quite a few times."
"Why would a member of the Elite Four be looking for some bad guys?" Ventus asked.
"Pikachu," Sparky said.
"Well, I'm not just a member of the Elite Four, but I'm also a private detective. I track down criminals of all walks of life," Jack said.
"Good to know someone is on the trail of the bad guys. Anyway, I'm Sora, and this my partner, Pikachu," Sora introduced.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I'm Kairi, and this is Angel, and this is Togepi," Kairi introduced.
"Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
"My name's Riku, and this Eevee is my partner," Riku introduced.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"My name is Naminé, and this is Azurill," Naminé introduced.
"Azu, Azu," Azurill chirped.
"I'm Ash."
"I'm Leaf."
"My name's Ethan."
"I'm Kris."
"I'm Lyra, and this is Marill," Lyra introduced.
"Marill, Marill," Marill said.
"I'm Terra, and this Pikachu is Thor," Terra introduced.
"Pikachu," Thor said.
"I'm Aqua, and this is Eclair," Aqua introduced.
"Pikachu," Eclair said.
"I'm Ventus, but everyone calls be Ven. And this is Sparky," Ventus introduced.
"Pikachu," Sparky said.
"I'm Karen, and this is Blossom," Karen introduced.
"Pikachu," Blossom said.
"And I'm Tracey Sketchit," Tracey said.
"Good to put some names with the faces," Jack said. He looked right at Sora. "I was looking forward in seeing you, Sora. Darla told me that you met her. You battled her and lost."
"Yeah. I gave it what I had, and she still beat me. But there's no shame in losing to her," Sora said.
"That's what I like to hear. Good sportsmanship," Jack said with a smile.
Just then, several orange sleeping bag-like projectiles are being fired at the Pokémon, but Pikachu, Angel, and Eevee managed to dodge. Sensing the danger, Lyra grabbed Marill as Ash grabbed the Pichu. Ethan grabbed Sparky, Kris grabbed Eclair and Thor, Leaf grabbed Blossom and they all jumped out of the way of the bags. Jack was amazed by how they jumped higher than normal.
"Everyone okay?" Kairi asked.
"We're all okay," Riku said.
"Where did those come from?" Aqua asked.
"I have a good idea where," Jack said, pointing to the machine coming right towards them. The hatch opens and the three Pokémon Hunters came out from the top of the machine.
"That wasn't supposed to happen. But that won't discourage us," Braggo said.
"Who are those clowns?" Tracey asked.
"The Poaching Pokémon Brothers. Chico, Blurt, and their leader Braggo," Jack said.
"Well, well, if it isn't it Jack of the Johto Elite Four. The unexpected pleasure," Braggo said.
"The pleasure will be all mine once I lock you three up for all your crimes and throw away the key," Jack said.
"That's what you think. Blurt, repare capture bags," Braggo said.
"On it," Blurt said, firing the capture bags, everyone just dodged them from left to right. Sora grabbed Ventus and Sparky and then jumped into a nearby tree.
"Stay up here until I get you," Sora said.
"Okay," Ventus said.
"Okay, what do you want?" Riku asked.
"We want your Pokémon!" Chico said.
"Those Pokémon should make us rich when we sell them all to the highest bidder," Blurt said.
"So it's time to cash in your chips and hand them all over," Braggo said.
"You'll get all of our Pokémon when a Charizard swims!" Karen said.
"I'm with her. This is your one and warning. Give up or go to jail," Jack said.
"Never!" Braggo said.
"You heard him!" Blurt and Chico said in unison.
"You had your chance," Jack said, taking out his Pokéball and threw it. "Tyranitar! Go!" His Tyranitar came right out with a roar. "Use Giga Impact!" Tyranitar ran towards the machine just as Blurt fired his bag projectiles at the Armor Pokémon, but Tyranitar dodged them all and lands a hit, causing the machine to be destroyed. The Poaching Pokémon Brothers fell down to the ground, and Jack slapped the handcuffs on all three of them. "Braggo, Chico, and Blurt, you're under arrest for the poaching of Pokémon, and for attempted Pokémon theft. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, then one will be appointed to you by the courts. Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?"
"You may have beaten us today, but we will be back," Braggo said.
"The Poaching Pokémon Brothers will make a comeback!" Blurt and Chico said in unison.
"So true," Braggo said.
"That depends if we send you three to a maximum security prison," Jack said.
"That was too close for us," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel agreed.
"Yeah, but we didn't get to do anything," Sora said. He aighed.
"We kept our Pokémon safe, so that's not nothing," Naminé said.
"She's right. The same for Ven," Ethan said.
"That reminds me," Sora said. He climbed up the tree he put his cousin and brought him and Sparky down. "Good thing I just remembered you, otherwise I would have been in big, big trouble."
"It was pretty cool that you can jump so high, Sora. Think you can teach me how to do that?" Ventus asked.
"I don't think it's something can just teach," Terra said.
"Yeah, not sure if I could explain how," Sora said.
A few days have come and gone and they finally made it to Mount Silver and the Johto Pokémon League tournament was only one day away.
"Mount Silver, we made it," Ethan said.
"Now all that's left is for me and Ethan to get checked," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu agreed.
"We'll be rooting for you two," Leaf said.
"You both worked so hard to get here," Tracey said.
"Yeah. Apart from dealing with Ansem, Organization XIII, ExDark, the Heartless, and Team Rocket, it was a great thrill," Kris said.
"We all came from a long way since each of us have gotten started. Now let's see what happens afterwards," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
Sora and Ethan have both been checked in, and granted separate rooms. Before that, the sacred flame of Ho-Oh was presented to the central torch to begin.
Gary, Vincent, and Silver were among the Trainers competing.
A little while later, the group saw a very familiar face. It was President Goodshow. They haven't seen him since the Indigo Plateau tournament way back. He was handing out pink balloons with a Pokéball in the center.
"President Goodshow?" Sora asked.
"Yes. And hello again. It's so nice to see you again after so long," President Goodshow said.
"The same to you," Sora said.
"Aren't you the president of the flame committee here as well?" Kairi asked.
"I sure am, missy. It's the same for the Hoenn and Sinnoh regions as well," President Goodshow said. "One of my jobs is to greet the fans. And what better way to do it than with balloons?"
"That explains the balloons. Everybody loves balloons," Sora said.
"I agree. I'm looking forward to seeing you at the opening ceremony, Sora. And I trust that you're going to put on a splendid performance just like the last time," President Goodshow said.
"I'll do my best," Sora said. The elderly man smiled as he took his leave.
With that said, they head to the room they were staying in.
On the very next day, the preliminary round has begun. Gary, Silver, Ethan, and Vincent have won the their battles in the preliminary round, so Sora was up against a Trainer named Salvador. He's a young man wearing an olive green shirt, green jeans and red shoes. Kairi, Karen, Ash, Leaf, Tracey, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Angel, Togepi, the Pichu, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair are watching.
"Go get 'em, big brother!" Karen said, cheering for her brother.
"Knock this guy out!" Ventus said.
"Pika!" Sparky said.
"Do your best!" Aqua
"The third screening match in the C block is now in session. The battle between Sora from Pallet Town and Salvador from Cherrygrove City will now begin. We will first decide the order of battle!" The referee announced.
On the scoreboard, a dial starts spinning.
"It's all decided by computer," Kairi said.
"Whoever releases their Pokémon first has the disadvantage. This way, no matter your ability, luck is also important," Tracey said.
The dial stops on a green space, meaning that Sora was to go first.
"Sora will proceed first and then followed by Salvador. Begin the match!" The referee called out.
"Okay, Pikachu! You're up!" Sora said. Pikachu enters the battlefield. Salvador took out a Pokéball.
"I'm gonna start my first battle with my most trusted Pokémon! Furret, let's go!" Salvador called out, throwing his Pokéball. A Furret emerged from inside.
"A Furret?" Tracey asked.
"I was certain he was going to send out a Ground-type Pokémon like a Marowak or maybe a Sandshrew. But, then again, that Furret might know a Ground-type move," Terra said.
"Pikachu," Thor said.
"I guess we're about to find out," Aqua said.
"Pikachu," Eclair said.
"Start thing up with an Electro Ball!" Sora ordered. Pikachu forms a ball of electricity and sends it right at the Long Body Pokémon.
"Furret! Use Double Team!" Salvador ordered. Furret creates multiple duplicates as Pikachu's Electro Ball strikes one of them.
"Double Team?!" Sora exclaimed. The duplicates quickly surround Pikachu.
"Whoa! That's a really fast Double Team!" Karen said.
"Pikachu!" Blossom said.
"Furret are naturally fast Pokémon, and that Double Team makes a good combo with that speed," Tracey said.
"Not only that, but that Furret seems to be at a pretty high level!" Terra said.
"Pika," Thor said.
"Now, Furret! Swift! Let's go!" Salvador ordered. The duplicates disappear before the attack is fired, hitting Pikachu hard.
"Oh no, Pikachu!" Sora gasped.
"Eevee!" Angel cried.
Pikachu quickly skids to a stop.
"Don't throw in the towel yet, Pikachu! Give em Quick Attack!" Sora ordered.
Pikachu darts in with a Quick Attack.
"Okay, Furret, use Dig!" Salvador ordered. Furret promptly burrows underground, bringing Pikachu to a stop. He looked around for Furret. "Alright, now Headbutt!" Furret erupts from the ground and gives the Mouse Pokémon a hard-hitting Headbutt.
"Salvador's really smart with the attacks he chooses for Furret!" Tracey said.
"This isn't looking good at all," Terra said.
"Come on, Sora! You can do better than that!" Ventus called out.
"Pika, Pika!" Sparky said.
"Pichu, Pi!" The Pichu both said.
Furret dives underground but resurfaces with another Headbutt before diving underground, and again hitting Pikachu with a Headbutt.
"Now, Furret! Use Swift!" Salvador ordered. Furret pops out of a hole and fires Swift, hitting Pikachu.
"Pikachu!" Sora exclaimed. Pikachu staggers while Furret dives into the hole. "Alright. Think, Sora! There's gotta be a way to slow that Furret down!"
"Okay, Furret, Pikachu is dazed now! Finish this up with Headbutt!" Salvador ordered.
Furret leaps out of the ground, ready to strike as it closes in.
"Somehow, I've gotta cut back its movements," Sora said. He then gets an idea. "Hey, wait! Pikachu, jump on top of Furret, now!"
Pikachu jumps as Furret missed its mark, so Pikachu lands on Furret's back. Salvador wasn't going to have any of it.
"No, you don't! Now, Furret, shake Pikachu off!" Salvador called out.
Furret tries to, but Pikachu hands on tightly.
"Yeah, hang on tight, Pikachu, and don't let go!" Sora said.
Furret quickly dives into a hole with Pikachu still holding on.
"Furret, no!" Salvador exclaimed.
"Now, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered.
Pikachu's attack lands, lighting up all the holes before an explosion occurs, kicking up sand and dirt from underground through the holes and to the surface.
"What's happening?!" Tracey exclaimed.
"Sora's making a comeback, that's what!" Karen said.
"That was a Thunderbolt?! Wow!" Salvador exclaimed.
Furret resurfaces, battered and injured while Pikachu surfaces on the other side of the field.
"Good job, Pikachu! Furret has taken a lot of damage from that attack, so I have to end this with one more hit. Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu charges at Furret, landing a hit.
"Furret, hang in there, buddy!" Salvador said. But it was no use as Furret collapsed, knocked out and beaten.
"Furret is unable to battle! Pikachu's the winner! The victor is Sora of Pallet Town!" The referee announced.
"Great job, buddy!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said as they hi-five each other.
"I knew you'd do it, Sora," Kairi said. She gave her boyfriend a light kiss on the lips. This made Sora smile.
"You were great, Furret, I'm proud of you," Salvador said as Sora approached him.
"Is your Furret okay?" Sora asked.
"Oh, yeah. Its gonna be fine, thanks. You and that Pikachu of yours, you were awesome," Salvador said.
"You and Furret were a great team, too," Sora said.
"Keep up the good work, Sora. Maybe we'll battle again someday," Salvador said. They shook hands.
"Well, I'll expecting the best from you by then," Sora said. "Say, where are Riku, Naminé, Ash, and Leaf?"
"The last time I saw them, they were with Ethan, so they said they'll meet us at the Pokémon Center as soon as the battles preliminary round was over," Tracey said.
"Well, we better meet up with them. Pikachu needs to be healed up anyway," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said, nuzzling Pikachu affectionately.
Now that the preliminary round has concluded, the first round of the main competition was about to begin, so it's only a matter of time before we see who shall go all the way to the top. And we're going to have a front row seat