Episode 225: Gonna Rule the School!
A few hours have passed since most of the group have caught a new Pokémon, so Sora decided to get some more training done before getting ready for his first Hoenn Gym battle.
"Treecko, Mudkip! Go! Leafage and Water Gun!" Sora ordered. Treecko and Mudkip fired their attacks, hitting a tree. "That was great, guys! Okay, Mudkip! Use Mud-Slap!" Mudkip hurls mud at a tree. "Great job, you guys!"
Kairi was getting some water to fill her canteen when she spotted something. It is a shabby, old-looking, fishlike Pokémon with a light brown body covered in dark, irregular spots. It has large, deep-set eyes and big, pink lips. The tail and pectoral fins are dull blue and tattered in appearance. The dorsal fin is triangular with a hole in the middle.
"Oh, and what are you?" Kairi asked, taking out her Rotom Phone and scanned it.
Feebas, the Fish Pokémon
Type: Water
Feebas live in ponds that are heavily infested with weeds. Because of its hopelessly shabby appearance, it seems as if few Trainers raise it.
"Well, I'm going to be one of the few that raise you, Feebas," Kairi said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Budew! Go!" Her Pokéball opened and Budew emerged from inside. "Use Absorb!" Budew gave off a yellow-green glow as he saps energy from Feebas. It deals some heavy damage onto Feebas. "Use Stun Spore!" Budew sprinkled Stun Spore onto Feebas, paralyzing it. Kairi took out a Pokéball and threw it. The Pokéball struck Feebas and it flowed inside. The Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. "I got myself a Feebas. Better heal her up." She let's Feebas out of the Pokéball and feed her a Cheri Berry. "Here you go, eat up." Feebas ate the Berry, curing her of the paralysis. "Feel better?" Feebas beamed at how nice Kairi was being to her.
After a while, they arrived to the main city and started to head for the observation tower to get a view and hopefully, to find the Gym.
"Wow, what a view," Naminé said.
"Yeah. It's amazing," Lyra agreed.
"Marill," Marill said.
"It's quite a beautiful view, huh, Ethan?" Kris asked, lovingly. Ethan smiled as he placed his arm around her shoulder.
"Yeah, but not as beautiful as you, Kris," Ethan said.
"Oh, you're so very sweet," Kris cooed. She and Ethan gave each other a light kiss. Brendan and and May just blushed. They looked at each other and quickly turned away in embarrassment. Brendan quickly decided to change the subject.
"Do anyone see the Gym down there?" Brendan asked.
"You don't think they'll just put a giant-sized sign that says: 'Rustboro Gym right this way!', do you?" Max deadpanned.
"He does have a point. We might as well be looking for a needle in a really big haystack," Sora said.
"Maybe we should try to get there by foot and look around," Kairi suggested.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Not a bad idea. Maybe some exploring would do us some good," Sora said.
As the group kept going, they spotted a Poliwag under a bench, and it was shivering with fright. The Poliwag has a sash on its tail.
"Look!" Max said, going over to the bench. "If there's something bothering you, just know we can help, okay?" The Poliwag was scared, but Max gave a smile, letting the Tadpole Pokémon know there's nothing to be worried about. "Hi, Poliwag."
"What do you think, Kairi?" Sora asked his girlfriend.
"I think he was lost," Kairi said.
"What's that on its tail?" Ash asked.
"This Poliwag must belong to someone," Leaf pointed out.
"That makes sense," Ethan said.
"Poliwag!" A new voice called out. The voice belonged to a woman eyes and brown hair, which is tied up into two pigtails with a red bow, with a small black U-stripe. She wore pink leggings and a small pointed pink tie around her neck. She wore a gray school sleeveless uniform skirt with a rectangular print, which is white on the inside. She also wore a white undershirt, with short sleeves and a pair of black shoes. "Oh good, I've been looking all over for you." The Poliwag jumps into her arms. "I was so worried. Did you find this little one?"
"Uh-huh," Max responded.
"I just can't thank you enough," the woman said.
"Miss Roxanne!" A boy's voice called out. The boy who called out to her has orange hair and violet eyes. He also has a Magby with him, wearing the same sash around its left arm. There were also another boy who was looking down at the ground and has a scared expression on his face. There is also a girl with red hair and blue eyes, holding a Pidgey in her arms and has a collar around its neck. There is also a boy who is holding a Rattata. "You found Poliwag! Alright!"
"That's so great!" The redhead said. Max looked at the timid boy, concerned about him. She walked up to him. "See, Kenny? Everything's okay."
"Except our class trip is now ruined and poor Poliwag got lost and scared completely out of its mind!" The orange haired boy snarled.
"I'm sorry," Kenny apologized.
"You leave Kenny alone, Tommy! You know Kenny is afraid of touching Pokémon!" The girl defended him.
"What do you care, Anita?" Tommy hissed.
"I care when you're being a meanie and a bully!" Anita argued.
"That's enough, you two! I will not tolerate any arguments in my class," Roxanne scolded. The two kids looked away from each other.
"Fine!" Tommy and Anita both said. Roxanne bent down to Kenny.
"Now Kenny, I hoped you learned something from this experience," Roxanne said.
"Yes," Kenny said hesitantly.
"There is no need to be scared, and you tried your hardest," Roxanne said. He gestures the rest of her class. "Now, class, time to head back to the trainer's academy."
"Okay," the kids all said.
"Training academy?" Sora asked.
"It is officially known as the Pokémon Trainer's School. It is an academy right here in town where students can learn all about the world of Pokémon. And in case you haven't figured it out, I am one of the teachers of the school, and these children are students of the beginner's class. We came here on a field trip, but it's time to head back," Roxanne explained.
"That is so cool! I want to go to that Pokémon Academy too!" Max said with glee as he turned to his sister. "So, can I, May?"
"I don't know, I'm gonna have to think about it," May said.
"And don't forget, we have our Gym battle coming up," Brendan reminded her. Roxanne turned to the group.
"Are you here to challenge the Rustboro City Gym?" Roxanne asked.
"I am. The same can be said for him and her," Sora said, gesturing to Brendan and May.
"Sure am," Brendan said.
"Um, yeah," May said.
"Well, that works out just perfectly! The Gym is just next door to the school," Roxanne said.
"Really?" Sora asked.
"So, why don't you all come by the school before you have your Gym battle?" Roxanne suggested.
"That'll be fine. Anyway, my name is Sora, and this Pikachu is my partner," Sora introduced.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I'm Kairi, and this Eevee is Angel," Kairi introduced.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I'm Riku."
"Naminé."
"I'm Ash."
"I'm Leaf."
"My name's Ethan."
"I'm Kris."
"My name's Lyra."
"I'm Brendan."
"I'm May and this is my little brother, Max," May finished.
Later, the group was given the tour of the campus by the school's headmaster.
"So, I hear your father is the Gym Leader of the Petalburg City Gym, is that right?" The headmaster asked.
"Yep," May and Max answered.
"Do you know him by any chance?" Ash asked.
"No, I never met him in person, but word tends to spread around. As for you, Brendan, I also hear that you're Professor Birch's son, too," the headmaster pointed out.
"Yeah, Professor Birch is my dad," Brendan said.
"How many classes does this school teach exactly?" Kris asked.
"Tons of classes," the headmaster said. "I'm sure you'll be interested in seeing them." He opened the door. "This class has students learning how to be Pokémon doctors."
"Useful to learn about healing Pokémon," Riku said.
"You took the words right out of my mouth, Riku," Sora said.
"About the beginner's class," Max said.
The headmaster lead the group to another class and they show students and Pokémon doing all sorts of poses.
"This class has students learning all about Pokémon Contests," the headmaster said.
"Now this will be a class you can fit in with, Kairi," Sora said.
"You think so?" Kairi asked.
"Trust me," Sora said. This made Kairi smile.
"This class is for me!" May said, with her eyes sparkling.
"The beginner's class," Max groaned.
The headmaster lead the group to another class with a Typhlosion and a Feraligatr battling each other.
"And this class has students learning all about search Pokémon battles," the headmaster said.
"Wow, I know I'm going to fit in here," Ethan said. "I would like to battle you here, Sora." Max couldn't take it anymore. He looked right at the headmaster.
"Excuse me, but could you please take us to Miss Roxanne's beginner's class now?" Max asked.
"Oh! Of course, of course, of course! Forgive me. I sometimes get carried away by giving tours to our guests. It's such a terrible habit. Come this way," the headmaster said, leading the group.
"At least he didn't say walk this way, or we would have ended up walking just like he does," Sora whispered. Ash, Leaf, Ethan, and Brendan chuckled a bit.
"Here we are. This is Miss Roxanne's class," the headmaster said. He opened the door to see Professor Oak's face on the screen.
"And so in conclusion, there are many different kinds of Pokémon in the world. Is that clear?" Professor Oak asked.
"Yes, professor," the students answered.
"Professor Oak!" Sora said. Professor Oak saw the group and he smiled.
"Ah, Sora and Kairi! It's always a delight to see you! Same to you, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra. And I can see you made it safely to Hoenn, Riku and Naminé. And hello again, Brendan and May," Professor Oak said.
"Hi again, professor," Brendan greeted. Professor Oak noticed Max with the group.
"And you must be Max," Professor Oak said. Max became nervous.
"I... Um, well, I, uh..." Max stammered.
"It's okay, Max. Say hello to him," May said.
"It's quite alright, May. Anyway, Sora, since you're down there, I'm wondering how your Gym battle went. Who won it? You or Roxanne?" Professor Oak asked.
"We haven't had our Gym battle yet," Roxanne corrected him. Sora's eyes suddenly went wide.
"Hold on! You're the Gym Leader?!" Sora exclaimed.
"Yes," Roxanne said.
"Roxanne was one of our finest students. Just when she graduated, the school board was very impressed by her battling skills and knowledge, she was appointed the title of Gym Leader," the headmaster explained.
"If it's not too inconvenient for you, Sora, I have a full day of teaching going on tomorrow, so I will have to put our battle on hold until the day after," Roxanne said.
"That's not a problem, Roxanne. I can wait," Sora said.
"Thank you for understanding, Sora," Roxanne said. "I hope you're not too disappointed, Brendan and May."
"I'm in no hurry," May said.
"If he can wait, I can wait too," Brendan said.
"I wish you luck in your battles," Professor Oak said.
"Goodbye for now, and keep catching those Pokémon!" Professor Oak closed.
"Okay!" The students said.
"Wait!" Max said, catching the search Pokémon researcher's attention. "I just want you to know that I'm such a big, big fan! I've watched you on TV, read all your books and papers! I even listened to all your radio broadcasts! I just wanted you to know!" Professor Oak smiled.
"Thank you, Max. I am flattered," Professor Oak said. "Take care of yourselves out there."
"We will," Sora and Kairi both said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
Professor Oak has cut communications just so as class can proceed.
"Hey kid!" Tommy called out to Max. He turned to him. "If you're such a fan of Professor Oak's, why don't you try to answer this question." He held up his hand. "What type of Pokémon are effective against Flying-types?"
"That's easy! Electric, Rock, and Ice-types," Max replied. Tommy frowned when he answered.
"Okay, that was too easy! Which attacks would work on a Pokémon that uses Dig?" Tommy asked.
"Earthquake, Magnitude, Bulldoze and Fissure," Max answered easily. Tommy was becoming very infuriated and jealous.
"So, you know some things about Pokémon; big deal!" Tommy barked. Roxanne and the headmaster approaches him.
"That will be enough of that, Tommy," Roxanne said.
"I was only just asking," Tommy said.
"You are not here to compete with each other, but to learn and grow together as friends," Roxanne said.
"And it's important to remember our school's motto: 'Go forth with me as friends,' and that is what we would like to practice," the headmaster said. He turned to Max. "Why don't you come back again tomorrow, Max, and you can learn more about our school?"
"That'll be great! Why don't you come along with me, May? It wouldn't hurt to get some experience for next Gym battle," Max said.
"Um, yeah. My Gym battle," May stammered. She then said in her thoughts, "I have to get out of it." Roxanne turned to the group.
"And all of you are welcomed to join us to share your experiences and expertise for the class," Roxanne said.
"Sure," Sora said, speaking for the group.
"I might as well," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
Roxanne led the guests to the school's Pokéball vault.
"And this is where we keep our Pokéballs. Each and every Pokéball has a Pokémon ready to obey any Trainer," Roxanne said.
"I thought the Pokémon will only obey the trainer who has it," Max pointed out.
"That is true, Max. But all of our Pokémon have been specially trained to obey any of the students and teachers," Roxanne said.
"There have got to be hundreds of Pokémon here," Brendan said.
"Just the ones that are mostly native to the Hoenn region. But there are those we have from the Kanto and Johto regions as well. We could not obtain that are mostly indigenous to the Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar nor Paldea regions," Roxanne explained.
"Better than nothing," Elio said.
"Can I choose whichever one?" Max asked.
"Of course. The earliest class is at 8:00 AM; so be sure you are not late," Roxanne said.
"We won't," Max said.
The group left the school and to rest up for the next day.
Meanwhile, we have a look in a run-down house on Cinnabar Island. We see a teenaged boy is sitting in his bedroom, and he has a photo of Sora on the wall, but it has some small holes on it. He has light skin, black hair and green eyes. He wore a black sleeveless shirt and blue jeans. He wore black sandals as well. The teenaged boy took out some darts and threw one at the photo. He growled with anger.
"Just who does that kid think he is? Destroying my dream of joining Team Rocket? I would have been feared as a member of Team Rocket. I would have stolen Pokémon from left to right. Make everyone suffer as I have," the teenaged boy vented. He clutched his fist, holding the dart tightly in it. "I'm going to kill him for it." He heard a ringing from his Rotom Phone and he answered it. "Yeah?!"
"Zell, I found out where Sora Ketchum and his friends are. They're in Rustboro City in the Hoenn region. He's there to challenge the Gym Leader, Roxanne to a battle," the person from the other end said.
"Great! I'm going to head down there. And you better be right about it for your sake!" Zell said, hanging up. He stood up and he started to make his way towards the harbor to head for the Hoenn region. "I'm going to exact my revenge on you, Sora Ketchum, in Team Rocket's name!"
Back to Rustboro City, in the very next morning, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Max, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, and Marill all returned to the school with Roxanne waiting for them.
"Good morning. I trust you slept well," Roxanne said.
"We have," Sora said in a yawn.
"Wonderful," Roxanne said. She turned to Max. "Now Max. You may choose whichever you want to be your partner for today." Max picked a Pokéball and threw it up in the air to see which one he chose. The Pokéball reveals to be the Poliwag from the day before.
"Hey, it's you," Max said.
"You'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with Poliwag, but for now, it's time for class," Roxanne said.
Max heads for Roxanne's class, while the other kids chattering with each other, Max was reading a book smiling while Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, and Marill all watch from a window.
"Most kids don't even like going to school, but Max seems to be raring to go," Riku said.
"Class hasn't even started, and Max is already studying," Ash said.
"That's Max for you," May said. She turned to the rest of the group. "Guys, I hope you don't mind, I got something to do."
"What exactly?" Ethan asked.
"Just something. I'll see you later," May said.
"Okay," Sora said as May took off.
"Where is she going?" Lyra asked.
"I think I got a clue," Brendan said slyly.
Inside of the classroom, Max is still reading as Anita sits right next to him.
"Hi there. What book are you reading?" Anita asked.
"Just a guidebook about Pokémon," Max answered. "And you're..."
"Anita," Anita answered.
"Hi, my name's Max. You are so lucky; I wish I lived somewhere that had a Pokémon academy," Max said. Anita frowned a bit.
"I'm really not as lucky as you think, Max," Anita said.
"Huh? Why not?" Max asked.
"Because I don't care about Pokémon. The only reason I'm here is because my parents makes me attend," Anita said which leaves Max in disbelief.
"Kenny is pretty much the same way. He is so afraid of Pokémon, he doesn't even wanna touch them. But adults say you should start getting used to them when you're still young. But what do they know, anyway?" Anita asked.
"I see what you mean," Max said.
"Hey, new kid!" Tommy called out. Max and Anita turned to face him. "Today we're gonna finish what we started." He turns away to sit down.
"That's Tommy. I don't like him because he thinks he knows it all. But yesterday, when you were here, it was my favorite day in class ever. It was funny watching him get so mad when you answered all his stupid questions," Anita said. Roxanne has walked in the class just so it could begin.
"Good morning, class," Roxanne greeted the class.
"Good morning, Miss Roxanne," the class greeted back.
"We have a lot to go over today," Roxanne said. Minutes later, the class began to interact with the Pokémon they are paired with. Sora and Kairi looked at the smiling faces. "Now be sure to give our Pokémon a warm welcome and make sure you are aware of how they feel as you interact with them."
Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, and Marill stood in the middle of the class.
"Everyone, it would be a real honor for all my students to meet all of your Pokémon," Roxanne said.
"Sure," Sora said, taking out his Pokéballs as did the rest. The Pokémon all came out, much to the amazement of the students. They looked right at Charizard, Venusaur, Typhlosion, and Wani-Wani because of their size. Ash has let out a Treecko he caught after splitting from Sora and Kairi.
"Did you know Sora Ketchum is a skilled Pokémon Trainer and has come out on top during the Indigo Plateau and Johto Pokémon Leagues? Kairi is also a skilled trainer and she has come out on top of the Poké Maiden Tournament that was held in the Johto region. Leaf came in third place during the Indigo Plateau while Ash came in second in the same tournament. Ethan has also come in second in the Johto Pokémon League," Roxanne said.
"Cool," one of the students said.
"Normally, Trainers are only allowed to carry six Pokémon at a time, but Professor Oak has informed me that Sora and his friends are exceptions to the rules as long they don't abuse it," Roxanne explained.
"That's not a problem," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Riku also came from the Alola region which is built up of four islands," Roxanne said.
"It's true, kids. Now, who here can tell me the difference between the Exeggutor living in Alola and the Exeggutor living everywhere else?" Riku asked. Max raised his hand. "Yeah, you."
"The difference between the two Exeggutor is this. The Alolan Exeggutor have incredibly long necks and they have a fourth head at the end of its tail, while the Kantonian Exeggutor does not," Max answered.
"That's right. But that's not all. What are the type difference between the two of them?" Riku asked.
"The Kantonian Exeggutor is a Grass and a Psychic-type Pokémon while Alolan Exeggutor are Grass and Dragon-type Pokémon," Max said.
"Also right. A Pokémon's appearance and types depends on where the Pokémon lives," Riku said.
"I suggest you take notes on this, class," Roxanne said.
Sora looked over to Kenny and saw how afraid he is. He carries Pikachu in his arms.
"Hey there," Sora greeted. Kenny tried to get away. "Don't be afraid. Pikachu isn't going to hurt you."
"It isn't?" Kenny asked.
"No. Pikachu is really nice. I would know because he's my best friend," Sora said.
"Your best friend?" Kenny asked, surprised.
"Yes. A Pokémon can be your best friend when you give them a chance. Isn't that right, Pikachu?" Sora asked his partner.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Also, Pikachu has the softest cheeks you ever felt," Max said, walking up to them. "Wanna give them a feel?"
"Wouldn't you like that, buddy?" Sora asked.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
Tommy looked right at Max and he made his way to cause trouble; but it didn't escape Anita's notice. Kenny reaches to attempt to touch Pikachu's cheek when Tommy pretends to trip and fall, stepping on Poliwag's tail.
"Poliwag!" Poliwag exclaimed, firing Water Gun, aiming at Kenny. Kenny saw the water coming right at him.
"Watch out!" Max shouted as he ducks him out of the line of fire. Roxanne, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Roxanne, and the rest of the class saw the commotion.
"Max and Kenny! Are you two okay?" Roxanne asked.
"Yes, we're fine," Max and Kenny said.
"Whoops. Sorry. I accidentally tripped," Tommy lied.
"You did not! You did it on purpose! I saw you do it!" Anita accused.
"I did not!" Tommy lied.
"You did too!" Anita yelled.
"That is enough. I said I won't allow any arguments in my classroom. And I meant it," Roxanne said.
"Sorry," Tommy and Anita both said. Tommy smugly turned to Max and stuck out his tongue. Max didn't like his attitude one bit.
"Loser," Max said under his breath.
Over to May, she has taken as much as she can get under her belt to learn about competing in Pokémon Contests. When it came all down to a pop quiz, she ducked out.
"I was not ready for a pop quiz," May said in her thoughts. She left to rejoin the group.
Roxanne, the guests, and her class all stepped outside to educate the students with an actual Pokémon battle. Roxanne stands between Max and Tommy.
"Let's begin our Pokémon battle training. Each of you will be using one Pokémon. You will continue battling until I judge one of your Pokémon unable to battle," Roxanne explained. Tommy looks at Max smugly as Max just glares at him.
"So, Max will be experiencing a battle for the first time ever," Sora said.
"Remember that it's not an official battle, it's only practice," Leaf reminded him.
"I know. Let's see how it goes," Sora said. May had finally rejoined the group.
"Hey guys," May greeted.
"Nice of you to rejoin us, May. You're just in time to witness Max's practice battle," Sora said.
"Where did you go, anyway?" Lyra asked.
"Um, I was really looking around," May told a white lie. Kairi knew the truth. She knew she had taken a class on Pokémon Contests.
"Choose your Pokémon," Roxanne said as Max and Tommy has chosen their Pokéballs. "And begin!"
"Here we go!" Tommy shouted as he threw the Pokéball. The Pokéball has revealed to contain Magby. "Yeah, Magby!"
"Go!" Max shouted. The Pokéball revealed to contain Poliwag. "A Poliwag!" Max's eyes lit up.
"Fire versus water. He should have the advantage," Sora said.
"Should I make the first move?" Max pondered. He thinks and thinks about his first move.
"What is he doing?" May asked.
"He should make up his mind now or else he won't gain the upper hand," Sora said.
"While you're thinking, think about how you'll feel about this! Magby! Flamethrower!" Tommy ordered. Magby fired Flamethrower right at the Tadpole Pokémon.
"Poliwag! Defense Curl!" Max ordered. Poliwag curled himself and takes the hit and raising his defenses.
"Good thinking of defending," Sora said.
"Yes, but Poliwag still took the hit," Riku said.
"Flamethrower again!" Tommy ordered. Magby fired another Flamethrower right at Poliwag.
"Use Belly Drum!" Max ordered. Poliwag bangs his belly like a drum and raises his attack; but it cuts Poliwag's stamina in half.
"Now Max has raised his attack power," Kairi said.
"Yes, but Belly Drum cuts Poliwag's stamina in half. He needs to use Water Gun now or else he's going to lose," Naminé said.
"Again Magby!" Tommy ordered. Magby fired another Flamethrower.
"Defense Curl!" Max ordered. Poliwag took another hit and he ends up being exhausted. "Should I use Water Gun now? Nah, maybe later."
"This match is mine! Magby! Flamethrower!" Tommy ordered. Magby fired another Flamethrower right at Poliwag.
"Okay, Poliwag! One more Defense Curl!" Max ordered. Poliwag curls up into a ball once more and takes the hit from Magby's Flamethrower. Poliwag falls to the ground beaten much to Max's dismay. "WHAT?! NO WAY!"
"Poliwag is unable to battle! Magby wins! Tommy wins the battle!" Roxanne announced.
"Yes! I won! I won! I won!" Tommy gloated.
"No way! How could I lose?!" Max exclaimed.
"Um, I think I know how," Kenny timidly spoke up. Max turned to Kenny. "The reason you lost is because you were relying on defensive attacks when you should have used offensive attacks. Belly Drum may have raised Poliwag's attack, and Defense Curl may have raised Poliwag's defense as well, but you would have won it if you used Water Gun even sooner." Kenny even looked over to Tommy. "Also, Tommy was relying on just one attack even it wasn't that much effective on Poliwag. Magby has some other attacks like Fire Punch or Smokescreen to use."
"But I like Flamethrower better," Tommy said.
"Yeah, but it was still overkill," Kenny said.
The other students were amazed by Kenny's words, but Roxanne was impressed by this.
"That was an excellent observation, Kenny," Roxanne said.
"I was just saying what I was seeing," Kenny said.
"It would seems that you sound like you're good at coaching," Roxanne said.
"I am?" Kenny asked.
"You are," Riku said. "I know someone who was just like you, Kenny. She used to be afraid of touching Pokémon, too. It was all because of a traumatic experience she had when she was little. But she had some help from some very good friends who helped her get over her fears and she's able to touch Pokémon." Kenny and the other students were stunned when Riku mentioned he knew someone who was afraid of touching Pokémon. Kenny figured if this could get over her fears and touch Pokémon, then he should give it a chance.
"Wanna try to pet Pikachu again, Kenny?" Sora asked. Kenny was hesitant for a moment, but he reached out his hand and he touched Pikachu on the head and he smiled when he felt how soft he was.
"Wow. Pikachu's cheeks are soft to touch," Kenny said.
"Are you afraid of Pokémon, Kenny?" Sora asked.
"Not anymore. I think I like Pokémon now," Kenny said.
"That's the spirit, Kenny. All you needed was to give them a chance and you'll see first hand there's nothing to be afraid of. They'll be your best friends, just like me and Pikachu are," Sora said. Kairi smiled at those words.
"That's exactly right, Sora. That is a real example of Pokémon unity," Roxanne said. "Above all else, trainers and Pokémon must work together and support each other through any obstacles. Trainers and Pokémon both wins together and lose together. Those are the principles of what Sora's words have expressed." All of the students have all taken it to heart. Even Tommy who was only competing with everyone else could see how a strong Pokémon trainer like Sora would say something so meaning. He looked over to Max.
"Hey Max. Sorry about before. I was like a big jerk," Tommy said. Max smiled.
"Don't worry about it. I don't even care that I lost, because I had fun," Max said. Tommy smiled as well and both had buried the hatchet with a high-five. Anita smiled because she knew Tommy was being nice.
"Well, Sora. I trust you will be prepared for our battle?" Roxanne asked.
"It'll be either be me, May, or Brendan. I think it'll be best if I would ask if they would like to go first," Sora said.
"Whomever gets the chance to battle me, I just wanna say that I don't plan to go easy on you," Roxanne said.
"You shouldn't go easy on me since it won't be fun if you do," Sora said.
"In other words, he plans to give you everything he's got," Kairi said.
The first Gym battle in the Hoenn region was about to begin, so how will Sora be able to win his Gym battle against Roxanne? Stay tuned if you wanna find out.