Episode 206: Johto Semi-final
Before we begin, I shall have Ash having a series of dreams just so he would learn about Xehanort and about Cascade and her two friends. Their fates will be reveal further on, and about how Ventus, Terra, and Aqua are descended from them. But the dreams will not be coming in any particular order. Anyway, enjoy.
After defeating Gary in a full six-on-six battle, Ash is sleeping in Sora and Kairi's suite. Ash sleeps on the floor in his sleeping bag as Leaf is sleeping on the couch. As Ash sleeps, he began to have a dream.
Ash opened his eyes and he saw he was in what looks like a castle of some sort.
"Where am I?" Ash asked. He looked around and he saw Cascade along with two others. One of the young men greatly resembled Terra. Like Terra, he is a tall young man with brown hair that reaches to the base of his neck in the back and is styled into rather messy, vertical spikes and bangs that frame his face. He has blue eyes and tanned skin. He wore two intersecting straps over his chest, though his red ones are rather different, dropping much lower down and almost resembling crisscrossed suspenders. not wear his badge (which is gold as opposed to the others' silver) on these straps. Instead, he wears it on his obi. He wears a skintight, grey and black, high-collared shirt, showing that he is rather muscular. His pants bear a distinct feudal Japanese style; his belt is tied like an obi-sash and he wears hakama (traditional samurai pants distinguished by the large pleats). His hakama are dark grey near the top, with several loops for his belt and two buttons, both of which are undone. The rest of the pants are tan with a small, lighter stripe of tan on the bottom hem. He wears a plain black wristband on his right arm, while his left arm is significantly more armored. The other one is a boy that greatly resembled Ventus and Roxas, but older. He wore a black and white jacket that is reminiscent of the Yin and Yang symbol. The collar of the jacket is red and pleated, again. Underneath this, he wears what appears to be a grey vest with a button and several white, angular patterns on it. He wears a third layer under this, in the form of a plain, high-necked, black shirt. He also has a chunk of dull green and grey blue armor on his midsection that appears to be under his vest, and another piece of armor on his left shoulder. Ash knew who they were instantly. "Gaia and Viento. Those are Cascade's friends." He saw Viento was standing by a wall as two men are sitting in what looked like thrones. Ash looked at the two men.
One of the men wears a white, red lined haori that has a hood, along with slightly shorter than normal, light-colored hakama. Underneath his haori, he wears a navy blue shirt with a large white X pattern on the front. He also has jagged scars over his right eye and left cheek. He wears pieces of armor, in his case gold and black armored boots and a dull blue-green section that covers his abdomen. This second piece of armor sports the same symbol worn by his students near the top. His black hair is tied into a short, high topknot, with one bang falling off to the right side of his face. He also has a short, triangular soul patch and a mustache.
The other man is an old man, bald except for thin eyebrows and a curled, silver goatee. His ears are pointed and his eyes are yellow. He has broad, hunched shoulders and a crooked back. He overall appears as a somewhat feeble old man. His clothing is composed of a white and black coat with a red inner lining, over a white shirt with two thin black belts, as well as white gloves and calf-high black boots.
Ash looked at the second man and he suddenly felt uneasy. Especially when the second man was looking at Viento. Viento noticed and he looked on the floor. He then straightened up when the first man stood up and approached Gaia and Cascade.
"Today, you will be examined for the Mark of Mastery. Not one but two of the Keyblade's chosen stand here as candidates...but this neither a competition nor a battle for supremacy. Not a test of wills, but a test of heart. Both of you may prevail or neither. But I am sure our guest, Master Xehanort...did not travel all this way to see our youngest prospects in years fall short of the Mark," the first man said. Ash winced when he heard him say that peculiar name.
"Master Xehanort? That's Xehanort?" Ash asked. He looked at the first man. "And that has to be Eraqus. Couldn't it? And this is the Mark of Mastery. The same one Cascade mentioned before." Ash had to watch more to understand more.
"I trust you are ready," Master Eraqus said.
"Yes," Gaia and Cascade both answered.
"Then let the examination begin," Master Eraqus said as he summoned his Master's Defense. Light shined from his Keyblade as several orbs of light appeared.
Gaia summoned his Keyblade known as the Earthshaker. The shaft of Earthshaker has a textured, dark brown color, with brass edges. The teeth are made of two pick-like points, with two hammer-like protrusions on the opposite side. The guard is an off-blue color, and seems to be crafted from two Omega insignias. The pommel is a dark blue cone. The Keychain token is a reddish rock fragment with brass armor-like plating.
Cascade her own Keyblade which Ash figured was her original one. It is known as the Rainfell. Rainfell's blade is thin and predominantly a dull, metallic blue color. There is a teardrop-shaped gap in the base and near the tip of the blade's shaft. The head of the Keyblade is roughly diamond-shaped, though the left corner of the diamond is absent and there is another small, white diamond on the inner edge of the right corner. The teeth are formed by four blue spikes lining the outer edge of the Keyblade's head. The handle is smooth and black. The guard is angular, predominantly white, and does not fully connect to the Keyblade. The Keychain links and its token are all made up of water droplets.
Ash watched the two Keyblade wielders head for the orbs of light. He then got a bad feeling as he turned around and saw Xehanort move his hand. Ash looked back at the orbs of light as they suddenly have a touch of darkness on them.
"What the? What did he just do?" Ash asked.
Gaia and Cascade slashed a couple of the orbs of light when one was heading for Viento. Gaia and Cascade gasped when they saw it.
"Viento!" Gaia and Cascade exclaimed.
Viento summoned his own Keyblade known as the Wayward Wind. and held it backwards. The black handle is offset from the Keyblade as opposed to being aligned with it, and the guard is equally misaligned. The guard is a dull gold color and joins with the shaft of the Keyblade to fully enclose the handle. The shaft is grey, thin, and has a very slight curve outward. There are three thin, dull gold lines that decorate the middle of the shaft. Two short bars connect the main blade to the teeth. The Wayward Wind's teeth are grey like the blade and have a wing-like shape. They are comprised by five curved bars that decrease in size the lower they are on the Keyblade. The Keychain token is a green gem with two silver flurries of wind spiraling around it. He used it to swat the orb of light away.
"Don't worry about me! You two focus on the exam!" Viento said.
"But Viento, you're in danger here! Go wait in your room!" Cascade said.
"No way! I've been looking forward to this...seeing you two become Masters. I'm not going to miss it now!" Viento said.
"He can take care of himself. He's been out there training just as hard as us," Gaia said.
"Yeah!" Viento said.
"Stay sharp, Viento!" Cascade said.
The three Keyblade wielders swung their Keyblades and they managed to take out the orbs of light coming their way right until they took out the last one. Viento went back to the side as Gaia and Cascade stood before Eraqus.
"That was unexpected...but one must keep a still heart even in the most trying of circumstances. It was an excellent test, one I chose to unfold. Which brings us to your next trial," Eraqus said.
"Next trial?" Ash asked. He looked at Xehanort. "Why did he do that and why didn't Eraqus react to it himself? Was that part of the test?" He saw Gaia and Cascade summon their Keyblades again and they stood before each other.
"Now, Gaia and Cascade, the two of you will face each other in combat. Remember, there are no winners. Only truths, for when equal powers clash, their nature is revealed. Begin!" Eraqus said as Cascade and Gaia engaged each other in combat. Ash knew it wasn't a fight to the death which he found to be okay. They clashed their Keyblades and made some swings at one another. Gaia started to grow a bit frustrated. Ash noticed a puff of darkness on Gaia's left arm. Gaia noticed it and brushed it aside. Ash turned to Xehanort who just grinned as he watched.
"What's he smiling about?" Ash asked.
A few minutes later, Eraqus and Xehanort spoke among themselves and they made a decision.
"We have deliberated and reached a decision. Gaia, Cascade, you both performed commendably. However, only Cascade has shown the Mark of Mastery," Eraqus said, leaving Gaia in a shock. "Gaia, you failed to keep the darkness within you sufficiently in check. But there is always next time. That is all. Cascade, as our newest Keyblade Master, you are entitled to certain knowledge. Please wait here for further instruction."
Gaia was disappointed as the older Keyblade wielders have taken their leave. Ash felt sorry for Gaia. Cascade and Viento tried to comfort him.
"Hey..." Cascade said.
"Gaia, I'm sorry..." Viento said.
"The darkness... Where did it come from?" Gaia asked.
Ash shook his head as he saw Master Xehanort head for the stairs.
"Wonder he's going," Ash said as he followed him. Master Xehanort stopped to speak with a mysterious boy. He wore a black and red organic-looking bodysuit. He wore a silver helmet covered with dark glass, hiding his face. He has a muscular build body.
"What do you make of Viento?" Master Xehanort asked.
"He ain't gonna cut it. Somebody's gotta break that loser in," the masked boy said.
"Not here, you won't. I have to keep up appearances," Master Xehanort said.
"I know that. He just needs a little incentive to leave home," the masked boy said. Ash just looked at the masked boy.
"Who is he?" Ash asked. He started to go after the two of them. "Hey, wait! Stop right there!" The scene changed to outside when he saw Gaia sitting by himself on the steps.
"There's darkness within me. So what does that matter?" Gaia asked himself. "I know I'm strong enough to hold it back."
"Gaia," Ash could only say.
"Yes..." A familiar voice spoke. The voice belonged to Master Xehanort himself. He has stepped out of the castle behind him. "You are indeed strong. The darkness is nothing to fear."
"Master Xehanort..." Gaia could only say. Master Xehanort started to walk down the steps.
"And yet...how frustrating that Eraqus refutes its power. Why, you could train with him forever and still...you'd never be a Master in his eyes," Master Xehanort said.
"But why? Help me understand, Master Xehanort. What is it that I have failed to learn?" Gaia asked.
"You're fine as you are," Master Xehanort said, stepping off the steps, walking past Gaia. "Darkness cannot be destroyed. It can only be channeled." Gaia took his words to heart. Ash didn't like how that one came out. He knew Master Xehanort had everything to do with this whole thing.
"Yes. Thank you, Master," Gaia said. A bell is heard ringing. Gaia then rushes back inside. The old man just grinned as he walked through a corridor of darkness as soon as it appeared before him.
"Hey! Wait! Stop!" Ash called out, chasing after him. Just when Ash was close to reaching him, everything around him vanished. He then woke up and saw Leaf shaking him awake.
"Wake up, Ash. Ethan is gonna start his battle soon," Leaf said.
"Leaf. Um, okay. I'm up," Ash said, sitting up. As Ash stood up, Leaf noticed how Ash looked.
"Are you okay, Ash? You look like you've seen a ghost," Leaf said.
"You don't even know the half of it," Ash said. He heads for the bathroom and splashed some water on his face. "Man, that was a weird dream. What was that all about?" He looked in the mirror for like ten minutes. He heard a knock on the door.
"Ash, you fall in there or something? You've been in there for a long time. Some of us wanna use the bathroom, too!" Sora said.
"I'm coming," Ash said, turning off the water.
Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ash, Leaf, Riku, Naminé, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Tracey, Pikachu, Angel, Togepi, Eevee, Azurill, and the Pichu joined Ethan, Kris, Ethan, Lyra, and Marill for breakfast. Ash was quiet for the most part as Sora wanted to go over his strategy for his battle.
After breakfast, Ash decided to talk with Rei about it alone. He wanted to talk to her about the dream he had.
"Ash, what can I do for you?" Rei asked.
"I was wondering if you and I can talk about it privately?" Ash asked. Rei could tell something was on his mind, but she obliged him.
"Of course," Rei said. She and Ash went to find a private place to have a chat. Once they have found it, Rei broke the silence. "What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Well, I had a very unusual dream. Don't take it the wrong way, because I wouldn't be talking to you about it if it wasn't important," Ash said.
"How unusual was this dream of yours?" Rei asked. Ash took in a big breath.
"Okay. I had a dream that took place in some distant land inside what was like a castle. And that was when I saw Cascade and her two friends. They were having something called the Mark of Mastery, and there were these orbs of light, but they had a hint of darkness on them, too. Also, Gaia failed his Mark of Mastery. This old man, Master Xehanort was talking to a kid wearing a mask. And then with Gaia. He told Gaia that darkness can only be channeled. And then he disappeared in darkness," Ash said. Rei absorbed what Ash has told her. She did feel uneasy.
"I see. Judging by how described your dream, it was more as a vision from the past," Rei said.
"The past?" Ash asked.
"It's a rare thing for Keyblade wielders to have. How often were you having these dreams?" Rei asked.
"It's the first time I got it. But I woke up before I could learn more," Ash said.
"You haven't told Sora, Kairi, or any of the others, have you?" Rei asked.
"No. I thought you should be the first to know," Ash said.
"Okay. You did the right thing by telling me. I think these visions might be a guide to something. But we don't know much about what you saw. Until we do, I think it's for the best that we keep this a secret," Rei said.
"Are you sure, Master?" Ash asked, not liking to keep another secret from Sora.
"I know I'm putting you in a difficult spot, Ash, but If it happens again, let me know," Rei said.
"Yes, Master," Ash said.
Later, Sora has found out he is up against a Trainer named Brad, and he has a team of Water-type Pokémon. He came from the Sinnoh region. Sora decided to use Pikachu, Cloyster, Tentacruel, Quagsire, Poliwrath, and Mantine. Sora exchanged Donphan, Charizard, Tauros, and Heracross for Mantine, Tentacruel, Poliwrath, and Cloyster.
Ethan and Percy have won their matches in the semi-finals, so it was now Sora's turn to battle. Ethan's match took place on the Rock Field, and Percy's took place on the Grass Field.
Sora and Pikachu entered the battlefield, ready to go as the crowd cheered hard for Sora as the match was about to begin. Brad is a tanned skin boy with blonde hair. He is wearing a Hawaiian shirt and blue jean shorts. He wore yellow flip-flops. He also wore a pair of sunglasses.
"Ladies and gentleman, our next battle is about to begin! Coming in from the green corner is Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town, and coming in from the red corner is Brad from Pastoria City! Both of these young Trainers will be duking it out, but only one of them will be moving on as one of the top eight! Now, let's see which battlefield our two go-getters will be battling on today!" The announcer announced as the computer goes off, choosing the battlefield. It turns out to be the Water Field. "And we have the Water Field!" Brad just grinned.
"I was hoping it was gonna be the Water Field. A Water-type Pokémon's power lays in the water," Brad said.
"Now we will see which one will make the first move!" The announcer announced as the computer chooses out of random. And Sora is selected. "Sora makes the first move!" took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up first, Mantine!" Sora called out. Mantine came out and splashed in the water. Brad took out a Dive Ball and threw it.
"Go! Wailmer!" Brad called out. His Pokéball opened and his Wailmer emerged from inside.
"Sora has chosen a Mantine and Brad has chosen a Wailmer!" The announcer announced.
"This is the first time I ever seen a Wailmer trained by someone," Ventus said.
"Me too. Wailmer aren't native in the waters of the Kanto or Johto regions," Kairi said.
"If I remember right, they're very common in the Hoenn region," Karen said.
"Pikachu," Blossom said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
"Pika," Sparky said.
"Pichu," the Shiny Pichu said.
"Pichu," the Spiky-eared Pichu said.
"Wailmer! Use Brine!" Brad ordered. Wailmer opened its mouth and fired Brine from it.
"Dodge it and use Wing Attack!" Sora ordered. Wailmer dodged it by swimming and heads right for the Ball Whale Pokemon. Mantine lands a direct hit. "Use Aerial Ace!" Mantine jumps out of the water and dashed right at Wailmer, dealing another hit.
"Wailmer! Use Water Pulse!" Brad ordered. Wailmer unleashed Water Pulse and it lands a hit onto Mantine before Sora could tell him dodge it.
"Ooh, Wailmer has landed a devastating blow onto Mantine with that Water Pulse!" The announcer announced. Mantine ends up being confused. "And now, Mantine's confused!"
"Could this have been Brad's plan? Having Mantine so very confused?" Tracey asked.
"It might have been," Aqua said.
"That means, Mantine will end up hurting himself," Terra said.
Sora took out Mantine's Pokéball and called Mantine back inside.
"Sora calls back his Mantine! Which one will Sora send out next?" The announcer asked. Sora took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Poliwrath!" Sora called out. Poliwrath came out to battle against the Ball Whale Pokémon.
"Sora's second Pokémon is his Poliwrath!" The announcer announced.
"Wailmer! Use Body Press!" Brad ordered. Wailmer jumped out of the water and started to head down at Poliwrath.
"Dodge and use Dynamic Punch!" Sora ordered. Poliwrath dodges Wailmer's attack heads right at Wailmer. Poliwrath lands a powerful punch. Wailmer ends up being confused.
"Now it's Wailmer's turn to be confused!" The announcer announced.
"What goes around, comes around!" Lyra said.
"Marill, Marill!" Marill said.
"Use Body Press!" Sora ordered. Poliwrath jumped and slammed his whole body at the Ball Whale Pokémon, dealing some heavy damage. "Use Liquidation!" Poliwrath's hands became covered in water and land a hit onto Wailmer, resulting in a knockout.
"Wailmer is unable to battle! Poliwrath wins!" The referee announced.
"Poliwrath has taken down Wailmer! Which one will Brad send out next?" The announcer asked as Brad calls his Wailmer back.
"You earned a good rest, Wailmer," Brad said. He took out another Dive Ball and threw it. "Go! Vaporeon!" His Dive Ball opened and a light purple Vaporeon came out with a swirl of stars.
"Brad's second Pokémon is a Vaporeon!" The announcer announced.
"Vaporeon! Use Shadow Ball!" Brad ordered. Vaporeon fired Shadow Ball right at the Tadpole Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Dynamic Punch!" Sora ordered. Poliwrath dodges Vaporeon's Shadow Ball and heads over with a Dynamic Punch.
"Dodge and use Ice Beam!" Brad ordered. Vaporeon dodges Poliwrath's Dynamic Punch just by jumping. Vaporeon fired Ice Beam, freezing Poliwrath in a block of ice.
"That was a narrow escape! And now Poliwrath is frozen solid!" The announcer announced.
"Use your strongest Shadow Ball!" Brad ordered. Vaporeon builds up a huge Shadow Ball and sends it right at Poliwrath. When it made contact, it deals heavy damage and it resulted in a knockout.
"Poliwrath is unable to battle! Vaporeon wins!" The referee announced.
"Just when Sora made the first push, Brad pushes right back!" The announcer announced. Sora calls Poliwrath back inside.
"Get some rest, Poliwrath. You've earned it," Sora said. He puts Poliwrath's Pokéball away and he took out another Pokéball and threw it. "You're up, Cloyster!"
"Sora's third Pokémon is his Cloyster!" The announcer announced.
"Why didn't Sora send Pikachu out? He's an Electric-type Pokémon, so he should be affective against Water-type Pokémon. He also has other Electric-types and some Grass-types" Ventus said.
"You're right, Ven. Sora thought he'd use Pikachu as a last resort. And Sora wanted to be ready in case he ends up on the Water Field," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Now Sora has to keep it in his favor," Karen said.
"Pikachu," Blossom said.
"Use Shadow Ball!" Brad ordered. Vaporeon fired Shadow Ball right at Cloyster.
"Protect!" Sora ordered. Cloyster closes his shell and forms a protective barrier around himself. The Shadow Ball bounces right off. "Use Icicle Spear!" Cloyster fired four spears of ice.
"Dodge it!" Brad called out. Vaporeon tried to dodge, but Vaporeon was struck by the icicles.
"Vaporeon got hit by the icicles!" The announcer announced.
"Use Ice Beam!" Sora ordered. Cloyster fired Ice Beam, hitting Vaporeon hard. The Bubble Jet Pokémon was knocked out.
"Vaporeon is unable to battle! Cloyster wins!" The referee announced.
"Sora stays in the lead after taking down Vaporeon! Which one will Brad send out next?" The announcer asked as Brad took out another Dive Ball and threw it.
"Go! Seaking!" Brad called out. A female Seaking emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"Brad's third Pokémon is Seaking!" The announcer announced.
"Seaking! Use Horn Drill!" Brad ordered. Seaking charges at Cloyster with her horn spinning like a drill.
"Seaking horns in on Cloyster with that Horn Drill!" The announcer announced.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Cloyster tried to dodge, but Cloyster wasn't quick enough to dodge in time. Cloyster is now down and out.
"Cloyster is unable to battle! Seaking wins!" The referee announced.
"And Seaking takes down Cloyster!" The announcer announced as Sora calls Cloyster back. Sora took out Mantine's Pokéball and threw it.
"Mantine! Back to action!" Sora called out. Mantine is sent back out to battle.
"And it's Mantine that's sent back out to battle!" The announcer announced.
"Seaking! Use Horn Drill on Mantine, now!" Brad ordered. Seaking swam towards Mantine with her horn spinning around and around.
"Dodge and use Aerial Ace!" Sora ordered. Mantine dodges and lands a hit with Aerial Ace. "Now use Bubble Beam!" Mantine fired Bubble Beam, hitting the Goldfish Pokémon.
"Seaking is really taking a licking from Mantine's barrage of attacks!" The announcer announced.
"Seaking! Use Signal Beam!" Brad ordered. Seaking fired Signal Beam right her horn and right at Mantine.
"Dodge and use Bullet Seed!" Sora ordered. Mantine dodges and fired Bullet Seed, hitting Seaking, dealing a super-effective hit. "Wrap it up with Aerial Ace!" Mantine dashed at Seaking and takes the female Goldfish Pokémon down.
"Seaking is unable to battle! Mantine wins!" The referee announced.
"And Seaking makes three Pokémon Brad has lost to Sora!" The announcer announced as Brad calls Seaking back.
"That kid is really starting to make my blood boil! I had no idea he was this good! And I thought he beat that Gary kid yesterday because he got lucky. But his luck is going to run out!" Brad said, taking out another Dive Ball and threw it. "You're going in, Lanturn!" His Dive Ball opened a Lanturn emerged from inside.
"Brad's fourth Pokémon is a Lanturn! And judging by typings, Lanturn has the advantage!" The announcer announced.
"Lanturn's an Electric-type, so Mantine's going to be in trouble with him!" Kairi said.
"Yeah, and Sora knows that," Karen said. Sora calls Mantine back and he took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Time to make a splash, Quagsire!" Sora called out. Quagsire came out to battle.
"Sora's fourth Pokémon is his Quagsire! Since Quagsire is a Ground-type Pokémon, Lanturn's Electric-type moves won't even phase it!" The announcer announced.
"That's not gonna stop me! Lanturn! Use Dazzling Gleam!" Brad ordered. Lanturn's bulbs gave off a rainbow glow and unleashed a rainbow beam of energy.
"Dodge and use Mud Bomb!" Sora ordered. Quagsire dodges Lanturn's Dazzling Gleam and fired a Mud Bomb at Lanturn.
"Dodge it, Lanturn!" Brad called out. Lanturn dodges the attack by heading underwater.
"Lanturn dove underwater to avoid Mud Bomb!" The announcer announced.
"Two can play this water game! Quagsire! Underwater!" Sora called out. Quagsire dove in the water as well.
"Quagsire is making good use of the Water Field as well!" The announcer announced.
"Use Muddy Water!" Sora ordered. Quagsire fired Muddy Water right at Lanturn, and it's much stronger than normal.
"Dodge it!" Brad called out. Lanturn managed to dodge. "Dazzling Gleam!" Lanturn fired Dazzling Gleam at Quagsire, landing a hit.
"Lanturn has scored a direct hit!" The announcer announced.
"Use Hydro Pump!" Sora ordered. Quagsire fired Hydro Pump and sends it right at Lanturn dealing some damage and sending the Light Pokémon up un the air.
"Lanturn, no!" Brad gasped. He quickly calls Lanturn back, knowing he wasn't going to last much longer.
"That was a close call for Brad's part, because any longer than Quagsire would have won that match!" The announcer announced. Brad took out another Dive Ball and threw it.
"Go! Dewgong!"Brad called out. A Dewgong emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"Brad's fifth Pokémon is a Dewgong! What could he hope to do against Sora?" The announcer asked. Sora calls back Quagsire and took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up, Tentacruel!" Sora called out. His Pokéball opened and stars swirls around Tentacruel upon entry.
"Now Sora's fifth Pokémon is a Shiny Tentacruel!" The announcer announced.
"Dewgong! Use Frost Breath!" Brad ordered. Dewgong blew a cold breath right at the Shiny Jellyfish Pokémon.
"Tentacruel! Dodge and use Poison Jab!" Sora ordered. Tentacruel dodged just by diving underwater and lands a venomous jab with his tentacles. Dewgong ends up being poisoned when the tentacles came into contact.
"Tentacruel has successfully poisoned Dewgong!" The announcer announced.
"Okay, now use Hydro Pump!" Sora ordered. Tentacruel fired Hydro Pump at Dewgong.
"Use Rest!" Brad ordered. Dewgong fell right to sleep and healed itself of its poisoning.
"Dewgong uses Rest to recover from its poisoning!" The announcer announced.
"Now use Sleep Talk!" Brad ordered. Dewgong unleashed Frost Breath in its sleep. The attack came too quick for Tentacruel to dodge.
"That Sleep Talk has turned out to be Frost Breath!" The announcer announced.
"That always lands a critical hit," Naminé said.
"You're right about that, Naminé. Frost Breath always land a critical hit on an opponent unless the opponent has abilities like Battle Armor, Shell Armor, or under the influence of Lucky Chant," Terra said.
"Sleep Talk again!" Brad ordered. Dewgong fired Ice Beam right at Tentacruel.
"Dodge and use Sludge Wave!" Sora ordered. Tentacruel dodges and unleashed Sludge Wave, landing a hit onto Dewgong. This wakes up the Sea Lion Pokémon.
"Dewgong! Use Ice Beam!" Brad ordered.
"Use Supersonic!" Sora ordered. Tentacruel's jewels glow bright green and emits a soundwave that ends up confusing Dewgong greatly.
"Dewgong's now confused!" The announcer announced.
"Use Poison Jab!" Sora ordered. Tentacruel lands a poisonous hit onto Dewgong once again. "Now use a powerful Hydro Pump!" Tentacruel fired a really strong Hydro Pump at Dewgong, sending it at a wall, knocking it out.
"Dewgong is unable to battle! Tentacruel wins!" The referee announced.
"And now Brad's down to two more Pokémon remaining!" The announcer announced. Brad calls Dewgong back and he took out another Dive Ball and threw it.
"Go! Lanturn!" Brad called out. His Dive Ball opened and Lanturn came back out to battle.
"Lanturn is sent back out to battle!" The announcer announced. Sora calls Tentacruel back. He took out Quagsire's Pokéball and threw it.
"Quagsire! Back to action!" Sora called out. Quagsire came back out to battle.
"Quagsire is sent back out to battle!" The announcer announced.
"I knew Sora was going to send Quagsire back out to battle against Lanturn," Riku said.
"Lanturn's still tender from Quagsire's earlier attacks," Leaf said.
"Giving what Brad's been through, he has little choice," Terra said.
"Use Muddy Water!" Sora ordered. Quagsire fired Muddy Water at Lanturn.
"Dive underwater!" Brad called out. The Light Pokémon dove under the wate to dodge.
"Jump in the water and fire Hydro Pump!" Sora ordered. Quagsire jumped in the water and fired Hydro Pump, hitting Lanturn, earning a knockout.
"Lanturn is unable to battle! Quagsire wins!" The referee announced.
"And Brad is down to one as Sora has four remaining!" The announcer announced. Brad called Lanturn back. He took out his final Dive Ball and threw it.
"Go! Kingdra!" Brad called out. A Kingdra two times bigger than normal.
"Brad's sixth and final Pokémon is a Kingdra!" The announcer announced.
"You still good to go, Quagsire?" Sora asked.
"Sire!" Quagsire answered with a nod.
"Okay, Quagsire! Use Mud Bomb!" Sora ordered. Quagsire fired a Mud Bomb right at Kingdra.
"Dodge and use Draco Meteor!" Brad ordered. Kingdra dodges Quagsire's Mud Bomb and a purple ball of energy appears in front of Kingdra's mouth. It then fires the ball into the sky and the ball explodes, releasing multiple purple spheres at Quagsire.
"Kingdra makes a start with a Draco Meteor!" The announcer announced.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Quagsire tries to dodge and fast as he could, but one of the spheres struck the water and sends Quagsire flying out of the water. The Water Fish Pokémon hits the right wall. Quagsire is knocked out.
"Quagsire is unable to battle! Kingdra wins!" The referee announced.
"Kingdra has earned its first victory for the day! This leaves Sora just three more Pokémon left to use! Which one will it be?" The announcer asked as Sora calls back Quagsire.
"Get some rest, Quagsire. You've earned it," Sora said. He took out Mantine's Pokéball and threw it. "Mantine! Back to action!" His Pokéball opened and Mantine came back out to battle.
"Mantine is out once again!" The announcer announced.
"Mantine! Use Bullet Seed!" Sora ordered. Mantine fired Bullet Seed right at Kingdra. Mantine fired Bullet Seed and lands at Kingdra. "Use Aerial Ace!" Mantine dashed at Kingdra and landing another hit.
"Use Dragon Rage!" Brad ordered. Kingdra fired Dragon Rage right at Mantine, landing a hit before Sora could let call out to dodge.
"Kingdra deals a devastating blow with that Dragon Rage!" The announcer announced.
"Use Wing Attack!" Sora ordered.
"Use Hyper Beam!" Brad ordered. Kingdra fired Hyper Beam, hitting Mantine. The Kite Pokémon tried to get back up, but fell back down out of exhaustion. Mantine was knocked out.
"Mantine is unable to battle! Kingdra wins!" The announcer announced.
"Now Sora is down to two Pokémon remaining!" The announcer announced. Sora called Mantine back and he looked at Kingdra. He started to notice how tired Kingdra was getting. He figured it had to be from those powerful moves Kingdra unleashed. Sora took out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"Okay, Tentacruel! Back to action!" Sora called out. Tentacruel came back out to battle with a swirl of stars.
"Tentacruel is sent back out to battle!" The announcer announced.
"Okay, Tentacruel! Use Poison Jab!" Sora ordered. Tentacruel extends his tentacles and jabs the Dragon Pokémon with them. "Use Sludge Wave!" Tentacruel unleashed a Sludge Wave, dealing some extra damage.
"Sora takes advantage of Kingdra's inability to move after using Hyper Beam!" The announcer announced.
"Use Hydro Pump!" Brad ordered. Kingdra fired Hydro Pump right at Tentacruel.
"You use Hydro Pump, too!" Sora ordered.
Tentacruel and Kingdra held on with Hydro Pump. One was trying hard to push the other back. Kingdra pushed hard and turned up the power and struck Tentacruel hard. Tentacruel ends up being knocked out.
"Tentacruel is unable to battle! Kingdra wins!" The referee announced.
"And Tentacruel makes three that was taken down by Kingdra! Now Sora has only left to use!" The announcer announced. Sora called Tentacruel and saw Kingdra panting.
"Good job, Tentacruel. You tired it out like I wanted you to," Sora said. He turned to Pikachu. "Okay, Pikachu. I saved you for last. You up for it?"
"Pika," Pikachu nodded.
"Go for it," Sora said. Pikachu enters the battlefield.
"Pikachu is sent out, the only non-Water-type Pokémon Sora is using for this match!" The announcer announced.
"If Kingdra was a pure Water-type, then Sora would have the edge against that Kingdra," Tracey said.
"That's true, Tracey. But it won't stop Sora," Leaf said.
"A Pikachu, huh? This is going to be easy. Kingdra! Use Hyper Beam!" Brad ordered. Kingdra fires Hyper Beam right at the Mouse Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu jumped out of the way and fired a Thunderbolt right at Kingdra, dealing some heavy damage.
"Pikachu has launched its first move on Kingdra!" The announcer announced.
"Use Electro Ball!" Sora ordered. Pikachu formed a ball of electricity.
"Dodge it, Kingdra!" Brad called out. Kingdra managed to dodge it. "Use Dragon Rage!" Kingdra fired Dragon Rage right at Pikachu.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu managed to jump on the platforms on the water.
"Use Draco Meteor!" Brad ordered. Kingdra unleashed Draco Meteor by firing right up to the air. Sora figured that was he was going to do.
"Jump on the metoers!" Sora called out. Pikachu jumped on the meteors raining down.
"I don't believe what I am seeing, ladies and gentlemen, but Pikachu is using the meteors a stepping stones!" The announcer announced.
"What is he trying to do?" Brad asked. Pikachu jumped off the meteor and lands right on Kingdra. "Get Pikachu off!" Kingdra tried to shake Pikachu off, but he just kept holding on.
"Kingdra's trying to shake off Pikachu, but it's holding on!" The announcer announced.
"Thunderbolt! Full power!" Sora ordered. Pikachu gave Kingdra quite a shock, turning up the voltage. Pikachu used every ounce of electricity in his body until he got off its face. Kingdra fell backwards and floats up. Pikachu was a bit dizzy, but he regains his footing. Kingdra struggled to get up, but couldn't.
"Kingdra is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The winner is Sora from Pallet Town!" The referee announced.
"Sora has made it to the top four! Now it is time to decide who will be facing who in the finals!" The announcer announced as the mugshots of Sora, Ethan, Percy, and a girl is displayed on the screen. It shuffles to show Ethan will be battling the girl as Sora will be battling Percy. "And the matchups are in! The semi-final battles will begin tomorrow, so stick around if you want more action coming in!"
Percy was watching the battle between Sora and Brad and he was amazed and impressed.
"Well, Sora, it looks like I get to battle you after all," Percy said.
Later, Sora had his Pokémon healed up and they had a meal to celebrate. Sora had to choose his next team carefully against Percy.
That night, Ash laid back down in his sleeping bag and fell asleep. As he slept, he began to have more visions of the past. He saw after the Mark of Mastery.
"Sorry…but I need some time alone," Gaia said, walking off. Ash looked at Cascade and Viento who felt sorry for their friend. The scene changes to Viento's room. Viento is seen laying on his bed and swinging a Keyblade that appears to be made of wood. The name "Gaia" is carved in the guard. He sighed, feeling bad for Gaia. The same bell starts ringing.
"The same bell!" Ash said. Viento got up from the bed and started to head for it.
"Better hurry, Viento…" A familiar voice spoke. Ash saw the masked boy.
"It's him again," Ash said.
"Huh? Who are you?" Viento asked.
"Or you'll never see Gaia again," the masked boy said. Viento didn't get what he meant.
"What? Get real. I can see Viento anytime I want," Viento argued.
"Like right now? He's leaving you behind. And by the time you catch up...he'll be a different person," the masked boy said.
"Look, whoever you are, you don't know the first thing about Gaia. Me and him will always be a team. You trying to pick a fight?" Viento asked. The masked boy just scoffed.
"Oh, grow up. Is that what you call friendship? You'll never know the truth unless you go out and look for it yourself. Come on, what could you possibly know when you're stuck here, looking at nothing but what's in your tiny world?" The masked boy asked as a corridor of darkness appeared and he walked through it. Ash didn't like how the masked boy just spoke to Viento.
"What did he mean by that?" Ash asked. He looked at Viento and approached him. "Viento, listen, you shouldn't listen to a word he says. He's trying to play with your head." Viento couldn't hear him. Viento then turned around.
"Gaia!" Viento said, rushing out.
"Another dream about them," Ash said in his thoughts. "Who was that masked boy?" He then remembered Cascade mentioning Vanitas. He wondered if the masked boy was Vanitas. "Still late out. Back to sleep." Ash joined his friends for breakfast as Sora goes over his strategy against Percy. But Ash's silence didn't go unnoticed as Riku just looked at him. After breakfast, Ash went to Rei to speak to her about his latest dream. "Master Rei, I had another dream about the three of three of them." Rei knew she had to hear it from him.
"Ash, what did you learn from your dream?" Rei asked.
"It was about Viento this time. The weird thing is, he looks like Sora's cousin, Ven, and a Nobody I met before. But with him was the same boy wearing a mask," Ash said.
"Did he say anything particular, Ash?" Rei asked.
"I think he was trying to play with Viento's head. And I think it was working," Ash said.
"Anything else?" Rei asked.
"Sorry. No," Ash said. "It was just that one."
"It would seem you're limited to one vision a night. Keep me informed," Rei said. Ash nodded. Ash started to make his way, and he spotted Kris.
"What were you talking about with Master Rei, Ash?" Kris asked.
"Nothing," Ash lied.
"Nothing?" Kris asked.
"Yeah, nothing," Ash said. "Anyway, we should go and head on over to the stadium. Ethan is probably getting started with his battle."
"Sure," Kris said.
Right before the battle, Sora has sent over Quagsire, Tentacruel, Mantine, Cloyster, Gyarados, Poliwrath, and Tyranitar for Meganium, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Kleavor, Gliscor, Ursaluna, and Skarmory. Sora decided to use Pikachu, Forretress, Kleavor, Ursaluna, Gliscor, and Skarmory.
Later, Ethan's battle was coming to an end as his Beedrill is up against an Ursaring.
"Use Poison Jab!" Ethan ordered. Beedrill heads right at Ursaring with its needles emitting poison.
"Dodge it, Ursaring!" The girl called out. Beedrill came too fast for Ursaring to dodge and lands a heavy hit with Poison Jab. Ursaring was taken down.
"Ursaring is unable to battle! Beedrill wins! The winner is Ethan from New Bark Town!" The referee announced.
"And Ethan makes it all the way to the final round! Now the next final battle will take place within ten minutes!" The announcer announced.
"You're up, Sora," Karen said.
"Yeah. I'm up against a Trainer who came from the Galar region. And he has Pokémon that can't be found anywhere other than Galar," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"You'll be up against new Pokémon, and it makes it even more exciting," Ventus said.
"Ven's right. You'll do great. And here's a little something for luck," Kairi said. She gave her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek, making him blush.
"Thanks, Kairi," Sora said with a smile.
"Eevee," Angel said, giving Pikachu a lick on the cheek. Pikachu blushed the same way as Sora.
"Pika," Pikachu said, blushing.
Ten minutes have passed as Sora and Percy have are about to start their battle.
"Our semi-final battle is about to begin! First up, we have Sora from Pallet Town, and second we have Percy from Postwick!" The announcer announced. "Now we shall see which battlefield they'll be battling on!" The computer starts selecting the battlefield and it chose the Ice Field. "And they'll be battling on the Ice Field!" The Ice Field raises up. "Now we will see who will make the first move!" The computer goes off in random, and it turns out to be Percy to make the first choice. "Percy will make the first move!" Percy took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Trainers! Choose your Pokémon and begin!" The referee called out.
"Go! Perrserker!" Percy called out. His Pokéball opened and Perserrker came right out to battle.
"You're up, Pikachu!" Sora called out. Pikachu entered the battlefield.
"Sora has sent out Pikachu as Percy has sent out Perserrker!" The announcer announced.
"Perserrker! Use Metal Claw!" Percy ordered. Perserrker came at Pikachu with its claws giving off a metallic glow.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora called out. Pikachu managed to dodge Perserrker's attack. "Use Electro Ball!" Pikachu forms a ball of electricity and sends it at Perserrker. Pikachu's Electro Ball lands a hit onto the Viking Pokémon.
"Pikachu has land a hit onto Perserrker!" The announcer announced.
"Not bad, Sora. Okay, Perserrker! Use Iron Head!" Percy ordered. Perserrker heads right at Pikachu.
"Use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt and it lands a hit onto Perserrker.
"Shadow Claw!" Percy ordered. Perserrker heads right at Pikachu with a Shadow Claw.
"Here comes Perserrker!" The announcer announced.
"Dodge and use Thunderbolt again!" Sora ordered. Pikachu attempted to dodge, but he was hit hard by Perserrker's Shadow Claw. Perserrker ends up being paralyzed from Pikachu's Static.
"It looks like Perserrker's paralyzed thanks to Pikachu's Static ability!" The announcer announced.
"Use Play Rough!" Percy ordered. Perserrker tried to, but its paralysis prevents it from moving.
"Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt right at Perserrker, dealing some damage onto it. Perserrker then fell on the ground, beaten.
"Perserrker is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" The referee announced.
"And Sora takes the lead!" The announcer announced as Percy calls back Perserrker and smiled.
"Good job, Perserrker. Get yourself a good rest," Percy said, taking out another Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Slowbro!" His Pokéball opened Slowbro came right out to battle.
"Percy's second Pokémon is his Galarian Slowbro!" The announcer announced.
"Okay, Pikachu, come back," Sora said. Pikachu came back to Sora's side. He took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "You're up, Ursaluna!" His Pokéball opened and Ursaluna came out to battle.
"Sora's next Pokémon is an Ursaluna! Such a rare thing to see!" The announcer announced.
"An Ursaluna. Not many of those are seen nowadays," Percy said. "Use Shell Side Arm!" Slowbro sends out a stream of Slowbro fires a stream of purple poison from the tip of the Shellder on its arm at Ursaluna.
"Dodge and use Headlong Rush!" Sora ordered. Ursaluna manages to dodge and charge right at Slowbro, and he deals some heavy damage.
"Ursaluna lands a super-effective hit with its signature attack!" The announcer announced.
"That was a good move, but I got some good moves of my own. Use Razor Shell!" Percy ordered. Slowbro heads right at Ursaluna with the Shellder on its arm forming a sword. Slowbro slashed Ursaluna with it.
"Slowbro came back with a vengeance with that Razor Shell!" The announcer announced.
"Now use Psychic!" Percy ordered. Slowbro uses Psychic to lift up Ursaluna in the air. Slowbro sends the Peat Pokémon flying at an icicle, landing a hit.
"Percy's Slowbro is doing a number on Ursaluna!" The announcer announced. Sora quickly calls back Ursaluna and he took out his Fast Ball and threw it.
"Okay, it's your turn to shine, Forretress!" Sora called out. Forretress came out to battle.
"Sora sends out his third Pokémon, Forretress!" The announcer announced.
"Better save Explosion for an emergency, but I have some other tricks up my sleeve. Use Mirror Shot!" Sora ordered. Forretress body becomes covered in a silver aura. The aura then forms into a silver orb of energy in front of Forretress's body. Forretress then fires the orb at Slowbro, dealing some heavy damage, resulting in a knockout.
"Slowbro is unable to battle! Forretress wins!" The referee announced.
"And Percy is down to four Pokémon remaining! Which one will Percy send out next?" The announcer announced. Percy calls Slowbro back and he took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Cursola!" Percy called out. His Pokéball opened and Cursola came right out to battle.
"Percy's third Pokémon is a Cursola!" The announcer announced.
"Cursola?" Karen asked.
"Cursola is the evolved form of the Corsola that live in the Galar region. And they're Ghost-type Pokémon," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Toge, Toge," Togepi chirped.
Sora calls Forretress back and he took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Gliscor!" Sora called out. His Pokéball came out to battle.
"And Pokémon number four is Gliscor!" The announcer announced.
"Use Night Shade!" Percy ordered. Cursola fired a Night Shade right at Gliscor.
"Dodge it!" Sora ordered. Gliscor dodged by flying in the air. "Move in with a Wing Attack!" Gliscor came down and lands a hit with a Wing Attack.
"Gliscor is making good use of its moves with a Wing Attack!" The announcer announced.
"Use Night Slash!" Sora ordered.
"Cursola! Use Destiny Bond!" Percy ordered.
A dark purple orb of energy briefly appears in front of Cursola's body before bursting into shadowy energy underneath its body. Gliscor lands a hit with Night Slash, knocking out Cursola. The energy emerges from its body and surrounds Gliscor.
"Gliscor has taken down Cursola, but something is happening to Gliscor!" The announcer announced. The energy engulfs Gliscor and he ends up being knocked out.
"Cursola and Gliscor are both unable to battle! This round is a draw!" The referee announced.
"A double knockout! Gliscor managed to take down Cursola, but it came with a price! Also, this is the first time Sora has lost a Pokéball during the match!" The announcer announced. Sora and Percy called back their fallen Pokémon. Sora took out his Pokéball and threw it.
"Ursaluna! Back to action!" Sora called out. Ursaluna came back out to battle. Percy took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Sirfetch'd!" Percy called out. Sirfetch'd came out to battle against Ursaluna.
"Percy has sent out Sirfetch'd as his fourth Pokémon! Sirfetch'd has the advantage since being a Fighting-type Pokémon, and Ursaluna being a Normal-type Pokémon!" The announcer announced.
"Ursaluna! Use Play Rough!" Sora ordered. Ursaluna charges at Sirfetch'd to deal some damage on the Galarian Wild Duck Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Leaf Blade!" Percy ordered. Sirfetch'd dodges Ursaluna's Play Rough. Its leek gave off a green glow and swung it at Ursaluna, dealing some heavy damage.
"A super-effective hit!" The announcer announced.
"That was great, Sirfetch'd! Use Brutal Swing!" Percy ordered. Sirfetch'd came at Ursaluna and gave him a swing with its leek as it gave off a red glow. Ursaluna was struck hard.
"Sirfetch'd is making good use of its movements!" The announcer announced.
"Use Headlong Rush!" Sora ordered. Ursaluna charges at Sirfetch'd with a Headlong Rush.
"Use Meteor Assault!" Percy ordered. Sirfetch'd came at Ursaluna, landing a devastating blow with its signature attack, resulting in a knockout.
"Ursaluna is unable to battle! Sirfetch'd wins!" The referee announced.
"And Sirfetch'd takes down Ursaluna with a Meteor Assault! Sora will have an incredibly hard time against this Pokémon!" The announcer announced. Sora called Ursaluna back and he took out his Fast Ball and threw it.
"Forretress! Back to action!" Sora called out. Forretress came back out to battle.
"And Forretress is sent back out to battle!" The announcer announced. Percy calls Sirfetch'd back since he knew Sirfetch'd won't attack again right away after using Meteor Assault. Percy took out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up, Mr. Rime!" Percy came out and Mr. Rime came right out to battle.
"Percy's fifth Pokémon is Mr. Rime! It would seem he has made an error in judgement since Mr. Rime is an Ice and Psychic-type Pokémon, while Forretress is a Bug and Steel-type!" The announcer announced.
"Okay, Forretress! Use Mirror Shot!" Sora ordered. Forretress fired Mirror Shot right at Mr. Rime.
"Dodge it, Mr. Rime!" Percy called out. Mr. Rime dances out of the way. Mr. Rime was using the Ice Field to its advantage.
"Mr. Rime dances out of the way!" The announcer announced.
"Use Bug Bite!" Sora ordered. Forretress rushes right at Mr. Rime to bite it.
"Dodge it, Mr. Rime!" Percy ordered. Mr. Rime dances out of the way once again. "Use Ice Beam!" Mr. Rime fires Ice Beam right at Forretress!.
"Use Protect!" Sora ordered. Forretress forms a protective barrier around himself. "Use Bug Bite!" Forretress lands a buggy bite onto the Comedian Pokémon. "Now use Mirror Shot!" Forretress fired Mirror Shot at close range, dealing some heavy damage, due to its weakness to Steel-type moves. Mr. Rime has been taken down.
"Mr. Rime is unable to battle! Forretress wins!" The referee announced.
"Now Percy's down to two more Pokémon remaining! Which one will Percy send out next?" The announcer asked. Percy called Mr. Rime back and he took out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Weezing!" Percy called out. His Weezing came out to battle.
"Percy's sixth Pokémon is Galarian Weezing!" The announcer announced.
"Use Heat Wave!" Percy ordered. Weezing blew an orange wind from its two mouths and right at Forretress.
"Use Protect!" Sora ordered. Forretress forms a protective barrier around himself.
"Use Heat Wave again!" Percy ordered. Weezing blew another orange wind at the Bagworm Pokémon.
"Use Protect again!" Sora ordered. Forretress tried to form a protective barrier, but had a hard time doing so. Forretress is then struck by Heat Wave.
"Weezing lands a hit onto Forretress!" The announcer announced.
"Okay, this counts as an emergency. Explosion!" Sora ordered. Forretress's body gave off a light blue glow and then blows up. Weezing is caught in the blast.
"Forretress has an explosive personality!" The announcer announced. Both Forretress and Weezing are both seen, knocked out.
"Weezing and Forretress are both unable to battle! This round is a draw!" The referee announced.
"Sora is now down to three Pokémon as Percy is now down to one! This match is really heating up!" The announcer announced. Sora and Percy called back their fallen Pokémon and they each took out a Pokéball. Percy threw his first.
"It's all up to you, Sirfetch'd!" Percy called out. Sirfetch'd came out, ready to battle. Sora then threw his Pokéball.
"Go! Skarmory!" Sora called out. Skarmory came right out to battle.
"Percy's Sirfetch'd is sent back out to battle, while Sora has sent out Skarmory, his fourth Pokémon!" The announcer announced.
"Skarmory! Use Metal Claw!" Sora ordered. Skarmory flies down at Sirfetch'd with her talons ready to slash at her opponent.
"Use your shield to block!" Percy called out. Sirfetch'd raises his shield and used it to successfully block Skarmory's Metal Claw. "Use Brutal Swing!" Sirfetch'd swings his leek right at the Armor Bird Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Steel Wing!" Sora ordered. Skarmory flew out of the way of Brutal Swing and came at Sirfetch'd with Steel Wing.
"Skarmory is coming down at Sirfetch'd with a Steel Wing!" The announcer announced.
"Use Brutal Swing!" Percy ordered. Sirfetch'd swung its leek hard at Skarmory. Use Brick Break!" Sirfetch'd swung its leek at Skarmory and lands a hit.
"Skarmory was lured in with a false sense of security!" The announcer announced.
"Use Brutal Swing to finish it off!" Percy ordered. Sirfetch'd gave one more Brutal Swing and it was enough to send Skarmory flying and hit an icicle. The Armor Bird Pokémon was knocked out.
"Skarmory is unable to battle! Sirfetch'd wins!" The referee announced.
"Now Sora has two Pokémon remaining!" The announcer announced. Sora calls back Skarmory and he took out his Sport Ball and threw it.
"Go! Kleavor!" Sora called out. Kleavor came on out to battle.
"Outstanding! Sora's sixth Pokémon is a Kleavor! This young Trainer is full of all sorts of surprises!" The announcer announced.
"I wasn't expecting Sora to have another rare Pokémon under his belt. This makes this battle even more fun," Percy said.
"Okay, Kleavor! Use Aerial Ace!" Sora ordered. Kleavor heads right at Sirfetch'd. The Wild Duck Pokémon is struck by Kleavor's Aerial Ace. "Use Night Slash!" Kleavor lifts one of his axes up with a dark aura and brought it down. Sirfetch'd lifts its shield up to block.
"Sirfetch'd makes good use of its defense!" The announcer announced.
"Use Brick Break!" Percy ordered. Sirfetch'd lands a hit with a Brick Break. "Use Brutal Swing!" Sirfetch'd swings his leek around and sends Kleavor flying. Kleavor tried to get back up, but fell back down, exhausted.
"Kleavor is unable to battle! Sirfetch'd wins!" The referee announced.
"Now Sora and Percy are down to one Pokémon each! Which one of these two will be moving on in the final round? That's what we're here to find out in this final bout!" The announcer announced as Sora calls Kleavor back. He looked at his partner.
"Your turn again, Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said, stepping back in.
"Pikachu is sent back out to battle against Percy's team! This should get exciting!" The announcer announced.
"Sirfetch'd! Use Brick Break!" Percy ordered. Sirfetch'd came at Pikachu with a Brick Break.
"Dodge and use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodged and dashed at Sirfetch'd, dealing some damage. "Use Iron Tail!" Pikachu swings his tail at Sirfetch'd, but it raised its shield to block.
"Sirfetch'd blocks again with its shield!" The announcer announced.
"Gotta get around that shield Sirfetch'd is holding. Okay, think," Sora told himself. He looked at the shield carefully, and then got an idea. "Go around the shield. Pikachu! Use Quick Attack around Sirfetch'd!" Pikachu ran around the Ice Field around Sirfetch'd.
"Sora is up to something!" The announcer announced.
"What is he planning?" Percy asked. Pikachu got behind Sirfetch'd.
"Jump on Sirfetch'd!" Sora called out. Pikachu heads to Sirfetch'd from behind. Before it could turn around, the Mouse Pokémon got hold of Sirfetch'd.
"Now Pikachu is right on Sirfetch'd's back just like its battle with Kingdra!" The announcer announced.
"Thunderbolt! Turn up the juice!" Sora ordered. Pikachu gave Sirfetch'd a powerful Thunderbolt, shocking Sirfetch'd greatly. It dropped its leek and shield.
"And Pikachu is giving it everything it has!" The announcer announced. Pikachu stopped shocking Sirfetch'd as it fell to its knees. Sirfetch'd was panting heavily after taking that huge amount of damage. Pikachu pants as well.
"Sirfetch'd has taken all that juice from Pikachu! Can it keep going?" The announcer asked. Pikachu and Sirfetch'd kept on panting as they stared at each other until Sirfetch'd has fallen backwards, beaten.
"Sirfetch'd is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The winner is Sora from Pallet Town!" The referee announced.
"And there you have it! Sora has defeated Percy and earned his right to the final battle of the Johto Pokémon League! Tomorrow shall be a day to look forward to!" The announcer announced as Percy went to Sirfetch'd and helped it on its feet.
"You battled hard, Sirfetch'd and I am very proud of you," Percy said.
"Sirfetch'd," Sirfetch'd weakly said.
Sora went over to Pikachu and picked his partner up.
"You battled hard, buddy. Way to go," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said. Percy and Sirfetch'd approached Sora and Sirfetch'd.
"Congratulations, Sora. You're one of the toughest Trainers I ever met. It was a thrill and an honor to battle you," Percy said. Sora shook Percy's hand as Pikachu shook Sirfetch'd's wing.
"I feel the same way, Percy. You and your Pokémon were quite a team," Sora said. Percy smiled.
After the battle, he saw Ethan standing and waiting.
"Great job battling, Sora," Ethan said.
"Thanks, Ethan. You rocked out there, too," Sora said.
"I guess it's down to this, isn't it? The last battle. I guess deep down, we both knew this was coming," Ethan said.
"Yeah. We both did," Sora agreed. "But whatever happens after that, nothing's going to change that we're friends."
"You're right. Ash wouldn't think any different," Ethan said, shaking each other's hands, promising each other a good battling. The two Trainers then went to join their friends for a meal to celebrate.
That night after everyone celebrated, Ash is seen sleeping in his sleeping bag after an exciting day of battling. Ash has another dream in which he sees Cascade standing before Master Eraqus.
"...and insomuch as you are now Keyblade Master, you must always be conscious of—" Eraqus was interrupted by the ringing of the same bell. Ash then saw something on the wall. It looked like a jewel. "What is that?"
"That's a good question," Ash said. He saw Gaia just come in. "Gaia!"
"What happened?" Gaia asked.
"I don't know. Why isn't Viento here?" Cascade asked.
He heads over to Eraqus. He heard him talking to the jewel.
"Very well then, I will send my pupils to investigate. Yes, I understand. Farewell," Master Eraqus said. He approached his two pupils. Ash had to hear what he had to say. "That was my dear old friend Fusoya. As you know, he is Master no more...but he still keeps a close eye on the tides of light and darkness. His counsel serves as signposts on the road we wielders of the Keyblade must walk. All the more reason, then, for concern; for he tells me the worlds are in danger. Not only from the forces of darkness, as you may assume...but also from a new threat; one that feeds on negativity. Fledgling emotions that have taken monster form. Fusoya calls them the 'Unversed.' As wielders of the Keyblade, you are tasked with striking down any who would upset the balance of light and darkness. The Unversed are no exception. I tried to pass this news on to Master Xehanort, but my repeated attempts to reach him have failed. I doubt there is any connection, and yet... This all troubles me."
"Master Xehanort is gone?" Gaia asked.
"He just left through a corridor of darkness," Ash said.
"So here we are. I need you two to get this situation under control. Eliminate the Unversed, and find Master Xehanort. I have unlocked the Lanes Between. You may use these forbidden pathways to travel between this world and countless others. The darkness looms closer than usual within these spaces, but your armor will protect you. Lastly, remember that order must be kept. You cannot tell anyone there are other worlds. Now go, and fulfill your duty," Master Eraqus said.
"Yes, Master," Gaia and Cascade said in unison. Gaia was about to start his mission when Master Eraqus spoke up.
"Gaia," Master Eraqus said. Gaia turned around and looked at him. "Consider this an opportunity. A second chance for you to change my mind. You must know, I care for you like my own son. If I could have my way, I would name you Master in a second. But, how can I, when you are so obsessed with power? Gaia, you mustn't be afraid of losing. Fear leads to obsession with power, and obsession beckons the darkness. You must never forget."
"Thank you, Master," Gaia said, bowing his head. I swear…I will not fail you again." Gaia took his leave.
"Master, I'd best be on my way," Cascade said. She begins to walk towards the door as Viento came running by. Master Eraqus had more to tell her.
"Wait, Cascade," Master Eraqus said. She stopped and turned to face him. "Before you depart, I have one other... Well, call it a request, of the utmost priority. I told Gaia this could be a second chance to show the Mark of Mastery...and I meant it. However, that flicker of darkness he displayed during the examination. I can sense it runs very deep. If he were to. If those powers were to prove too much for him to handle, I want you to bring him back to me at once. It's for his own good. I could not bear to lose any of you to the darkness."
"Of course. I would never let that happen. I promise you I will bring Gaia back. Only this time, you'll see he has what it takes to be a Master," Cascade said. He looked up to the stained glass window. "He's not as weak as you think."
"It's good to know you're faithful to him to the end, Cascade," Ash said with a smile. "Eraqus cares about them like they were all his kids."
"Cascade," Master Eraqus said.
"Yes?" Cascade asked.
"Now that you are a Master, there is one secret in particular you must know. Should anything happen to me, and you find the legion of darkness at our doorstep...I ask that you take my Keyblade and use it to lock this land away," Master Eraqus said. Cascade and Ash were shocked by such a request.
"What?" Cascade asked.
"Yeah, what?" Ash asked.
"Generations of Keyblade Masters have been charged with keeping this land safe. Light and darkness exist in balance here, and there are those who would abuse such neutral ground. This is why our predecessors devised a certain...trick. Just use the key, and this land will be transformed. From that day forward, all who visit this land will be lost to oblivion, none ever able to solve the mystery. None, Cascade, except you," Master Eraqus said. "Lastly, Fusoya has told me that one day, seven pure hearts of light will be in danger from the forces of darkness. And a new generation of Keyblade wielders shall prevent the door to darkness from opening and protect Kingdom Hearts. You must make certain it never happens."
"I swear this to you, Master, I will not allow it to happen, Master," Cascade said.
The scene from all around disappeared in a flash of light.
Ash woke up and sat up. He saw everyone else still asleep. What could these dreams mean? Are they some sort of clue? And why is Ash the only one getting them? More answers will come as we continue on.