Episode 238: Now That's Flower Power!
On the very next morning, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel have departed from Dewford Island and began to head down for Slateport City on the way to Mauville City, unaware that Xipak and Celeste are on the same boat. Just before they departed, Sora and Kairi have learned that there will be a Pokémon Contest held in Slateport City, and it was perfect for Kairi to make her Contest debut.
"How much longer until we reach Slateport City?" Sora asked.
"If we stay on this course, we can get there by this afternoon. So, until then, enjoy the ride, kids," the sailor said.
"That's what we wanted to know," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
Kairi sat on board and thinking about the the first Pokémon Contest she'll be in. She knew she'll be up against some tough competition, so she'll have to try her best. Sora sat next to his girlfriend.
"You okay, Kairi?" Sora asked.
"I'm okay, Sora. Just feeling overwhelmed," Kairi said. "And a little nervous."
"You? Nervous? No," Sora said.
"Why not?" Kairi asked.
"For one thing, you did fine in the Poké Maiden Tournament, if I remember right," Sora said.
"True, I did. I'm just thinking about some other things. Like since you're a Pokémon League Champion and you end up judging the same Pokémon Contest as me. What then?" Kairi asked. Sora didn't know how to respond to it. He was afraid he was going to end up saying the wrong thing. He remembered the talk they had before.
"Kairi, no matter what, I'm right behind you. I told you that before. I doubt I'll judge in one of those. So, don't think about it too much, Kairi," Sora said. Kairi gave her boyfriend a deserved hug.
"You're right, Sora. I shouldn't be dwelling on it too much. I'll do my best in it," Kairi said.
"I know you will," Sora said.
Sora and Kairi kissed each other on the lips and held each other as soon as their lips parted. Along the way, they spotted a pod of Wailmer swimming by.
"Look at that, Sora. Wailmer," Kairi said.
"I think we caught a good time to see a migration," Sora said.
"You sure did, kid. This Wailmer pod passes through here year after year. And since there are Wailmer swimming here, there should be some Wailord swimming by along with them," the sailor said. And as luck would have it, out in the distance, is a huge cetacean Pokémon resembling the blue whale. It has small beady eyes, a huge mouth, and a tan throat and underbelly that are lined with grooves. Its back is blue with four white spots running down its spine, and two breathing nostrils on top of its head. It has two pairs of blue fins along its sides, a smaller third pair of tan fins on its rear, and a horizontal tail at the back. "And speak of the devil, there's a Wailord!" Sora and Kairi were amazed by the sight of the large Pokémon and he takes out his Rotom Phone to scan it.
Wailord, the Float Whale Pokémon
The evolved form of Wailmer
Type: Water
Wailord is the largest Pokémon to be ever discovered. When chasing prey, Wailord herds them by leaping out of the water and making a humongous splash. It is breathtaking to see this Pokémon leaping out of the sea with others in its pod.
"Cool," Sora said.
"What I was thinking," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
They watched on with amazement as the whale Pokémon swam and splashed around. Neither of Sora or Kairi have ever seen anything like this before. The world of Pokémon never ceased to amaze them.
A familiar Wailmer spots Xipak and Celeste. The Ball Whale Pokémon started to swim up to the stowaway Pokémon with a smile.
But not before Pikachu and Angel's ears perked up and they saw Wailmer coming their way.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel said.
"What's up, Pikachu?" Sora asked.
"What is it, Angel?" Kairi asked.
"Pika!" Pikachu said, pointing to Wailmer swimming right at them.
"Vee!" Angel said.
Sora and Kairi saw Wailmer swim closer to the boat.
"A Wailmer!" Kairi said as Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Corphish!" Sora shouted. His Pokéball opened and his Corphish came out and splashed in the water. Wailmer turned to see the Ruffian Pokémon. "Okay, Corphish! Crabhammer!" Corphish swam towards Wailmer and lands a hit with his pincer. Wailmer then spews Water Gun at Corphish. "Dodge it!" Corphish dove underwater, but Wailmer dives underwater and then comes back up and plows Corphish.
"That was Dive!" Kairi said.
"Corphish! Use Bubble Beam!" Sora ordered. Corphish fired Bubble Beam, hitting Wailmer on the mark. "Crabhammer!" Corphish smacked Wailmer in the middle of the forehead and results in a knockout. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Wailmer flows inside it and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Wailmer with him. He chose to send Wailmer to Professor Oak's lab. "Great job, Corphish!" Sora calls Corphish back inside.
"Any idea why he just came at us like that?" Kairi asked.
"No idea. Wailmer aren't aggressive Pokémon, so it's very unusual for them to do that," the sailor said. He noticed his fuel going empty. "Oh, we're gonna have to make an unscheduled stop. My boat's almost out of fuel," the sailor said.
"Well, that's great," Sora deadpanned.
"Don't pout, Sora. Life is considered an adventure, remember?" Kairi asked.
"She's right. And I know the perfect spot for you to explore," the sailor said. He takes the boat to what looks like an abandoned ship, placed by some rocks.
"Why are we here?" Kairi asked.
"I did say that it's the perfect spot to explore. This boat was abandoned many years ago. I figured you could have a look and see if you could find some treasures inside it. You should look inside and see what you can find. I'll stay here and refuel my ship, then I'll wait for you to come back," the sailor said.
"Well, adventure awaits," Sora said. He, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel exits the boat and started to explore the abandoned ship. Sora tried to open one of the doors, but it's locked. "Looks like we can't get in."
"That won't stop us, Sora," Kairi said, summoning her Keyblade and used it to unlock the door. Sora then opened the door and walked in. They saw all sorts of things in this particular room. It looked trashed.
"Nothing important in here," Sora said. Just then, Shadows appeared right before them. "Heartless!" Sora summoned his Keyblade and engaged the Heartless. Kairi casts her magnet spell and it pulls the Shadows in the vortex.
"Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt at the Shadows and they were destroyed. Another Heartless appeared before the couple. It is a humanoid Heartless that resembles a Soldier, but it has dark gray skin. It has large hands with blue claws and wears tattered, red boots with curled toes. It also wears silver bracelets and faded, blue knee guards. Its pitch-black head and glowing yellow eyes are visible under its silver helmet, which is decorated by a curled antenna and two angular, black spirals. The Heartless emblem is emblazoned on its chest. It is known as the Stealth Soldier. "Another one!" The Stealth Soldier then disappeared. Kairi knew it was too easy that it just vanished. "It just ran away?"
"That would be too easy and too good to be true. The Heartless are unpredictable," Kairi said. Sora then felt a kick from behind.
"Ouch!" Sora yelped.
"Are you okay, Sora?" Kairi asked with concern.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Um, don't take it the wrong way, but you didn't kick me, did you?" Sora asked.
"No, of course not," Kairi replied.
"That's what I was afraid of," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
The couple and their partners looked around for any signs of the Stealth Soldier, knowing it'll show up from anywhere at any moment.
"You see it, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"No," Sora said. Kairi then felt a kick.
"Ow!" Kairi yelped as she goes flying.
"Are you okay?" Sora asked, catching her.
"I'm okay, Sora. Thanks for the save," Kairi said.
"You're welcome. If only if we could get it to hold still," Sora said. He then gets an idea. "Hold the phone! That's it!"
"What's it, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"Just watch!" Sora said as he held his Keyblade tightly. He listened for some movements. It turns out the Stealth Soldier is invisible, so it was able to catch them by surprise. Sora held his Keyblade up. "Stop!" The numbers on the clock appeared, and the Stealth Soldier is frozen in time.
"It's visible again!" Kairi said.
"Yeah, but not for long!" Sora said, holding his Keyblade. The Stealth Soldier moves again. "Lethal Frame!" The numbers around Sora appears and disappears. Time freezes again and Sora repeatedly slashes the Stealth Soldier before time unfreezes and the Stealth Soldier fell on its back and ends up being destroyed. A heart is floating up in the air. "Kairi, I want you to know I didn't mean what I said about-"
"Don't apologize, Sora. That Heartless was to blame for that, not you. Let's have a look and head back to the boat," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel agreed.
"Okay. Let's look around for a bit," Sora said.
The couple looked around for a bit to what they could find. They found some things. Among them is something that looks like a small gold ball, a pearl, and something else. One looks like a pink scale, while one looks like a tooth. Sora and Kairi looked around for a bit longer. They didn't seem to find too much else, so they went back to the boat.
"So find anything interesting in there?" The sailor asked.
"Just a few things," Kairi said, showing the sailor what they found. The sailor was impressed.
"Wow, a nugget and a pearl. You could make some big money for those. And look at this. A Deep Sea Scale and a Deep Sea Tooth," the sailor said.
"Deep Sea Scale?" Kairi asked.
"Deep Sea Tooth?" Sora asked.
"You can use these to make a Clamperl evolve. When you give a Clamperl a Deep Sea Scale, you get a Gorebyss. When you give Clamperl a Deep Sea Tooth, then you get a Huntail," the sailor explained.
"That sounds awesome. Right, Kairi?" Sora asked.
"It does," Kairi agreed.
The boat took its leave of the abandoned boat and heads right for their destination.
Hours have passed and they have finally arrived in Slateport Harbor. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel have stepped off the boat.
"Here you go, kids. Slateport City," the sailor said.
"Thanks for giving us a lift," Sora said.
"Anytime, you two. I wish you luck in your contest there, missy. And good luck with your next Gym battle, youngster," the sailor said before taking his leave.
"Thanks a lot!" Sora said.
"Bye!" Kairi said.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel waved goodbye. Once the boat was out of sight, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel started to head for the Pokémon Center and they saw Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Azurill there.
"It's about time you came, Sora. I was almost starting to think you weren't going to come," Riku said.
"Come on, Riku, you should know by now not even Heartless would keep me away," Sora joked. Riku chuckled.
"You know it, Sora," Riku said. He and Sora hi-five each other. After getting checked in, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, and Azurill shared a room to discuss what Team Magma and Team Aqua were up to.
"Team Magma and Team Aqua," Naminé could only say.
"Yeah. They make Team Skull back in Alola look like amateurs in comparison," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Azu, Azu," Azurill chirped.
"Yeah, but they're still pushovers compared to Organization XIII," Sora said.
"True," Riku agreed. "Changing the subject, have you thought of which one of your Pokémon you're going to be using for the Contest?"
"I was thinking of having some practice with my Ralts. I figured May would be using her Beautifly as soon as her Silcoon evolves," Kairi said.
"We did promise to meet up with her before the Contest starts," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
The group continued to talk among themselves until it was time for bed.
On the very next morning, Sora and Pikachu decided to get some training started for his next Gym battle.
Unknown to him, he is being watched by a short, chubby man with thick, short black curly hair, a rounded face and sticking out ears. He wears a loose fitting shirt with a floral pattern and logos of Battle Frontier. He also wears shorts and sunglasses that obscure his eyes. He is also shown wearing his PokéNav on a lanyard around his neck. He was very interested in Sora.
"Okay, Pikachu! Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu swings his tail and smashed a rock into a million pieces. "Great job, Pikachu."
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Impressive," the man said, approaching Sora. He turned around to see him. "Your Pikachu is very impressive."
"Thanks," Sora said.
"You look familiar to me. Could you be Sora Ketchum, the Pokémon Trainer who won both the Kanto and Johto Pokémon Leagues?" The man asked.
"Um, yeah. If you want an autograph, I don't seem to have a pen on me," Sora said.
"Oh, I'm not asking for an autograph. I'm just seeking out Trainers to partake in a series of battles in certain facilities located in different cities in the Hoenn region. It's known as the Battle Frontier," the man explained.
"Battle Frontier?" Sora asked.
"Yeah. Oh, I should introduce myself. My name's Scott, and I'm sort of a talent scout for Pokémon Trainers, and I had my eye on you for a long time," Scott said.
"It's nice to meet you, Scott, but why are you seeking me out if you know who I am?" Sora asked.
"Oh, I have my reasons. If you're interested, you can enter it whenever you like," Scott said. Sora had to admit, he was interested so he had to hear him out.
"Is the Battle Frontier anything like a Gym battle?" Sora asked.
"In someway, yes. Instead of a Badge, you earn a Symbol when you defeat them in a battle. Like I said before, the facilities of the Battle Frontier are located in different cities and towns in the Hoenn region, but what I left out is that only one of them is tricky," Scott explained.
"How many Symbols do I have to win though?" Sora asked.
"Seven," Scott answered.
"Just what did you mean by one being tricky?" Sora asked.
"Glad you asked. You see, only six Frontier Brains are a synch to find, but the seventh one has a habit of changing locations," Scott said.
"No wonder it's tricky," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"So which one of the Battle Frontier facilities is the closest to me?" Sora asked.
"I'm also glad you asked me that, too, Sora. You're also in luck that the Battle Factory is located right here in Slateport City. I was just checking in on it when I spotted you training with your Pikachu," Scott said. Sora and Pikachu looked at each other. "You don't have to answer right away, take all the time you need. I'll be at the Pokémon Center to hear you out." He took his leave and heads for the Pokémon Center.
With this knowledge, Sora decided to rejoin his friends and inform them what he was offered. Sora had time to consider it, and he had to be there to greet May.
Meanwhile, Axel appeared from a corridor of darkness, holding the egg close to him. He could tell that the egg was getting closer and closer to hatching by how it was brightly glowing.
"You're eager to get out of there, aren't you, little guy? Don't worry. You'll see the world soon enough," Axel said. The egg glows again. Axel could have sworn the egg was responding to him.
Sora and Pikachu saw Kairi and Angel, waiting for Sora to come back.
"Hi, Sora. You're just in time," Kairi said.
"Great, but there's something I should share with you, Kairi," Sora said.
"What?" Kairi asked.
Just before Sora could speak, Kairi's Rotom Phone starts ringing. Sora sighed, feeling a little bit annoyed. Kairi grabbed it to answer it.
"So much for being saved by the bell," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Hi, May," Kairi greeted.
"Hey, Kairi. Just letting you know that we're on our way towards you right now," May said.
"Great! Sora, Riku, Naminé, and I are coming to meet up with you right now," Kairi said.
"Great! I'll see you when I get there," May said, breaking contact.
"Come on, Sora, let's go," Kairi said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel went off to meet up with Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Azurill to the Slateport Harbor. Just when Sora shared to his friends about taking a role in the Battle Frontier, but it's not set in stone as of yet.
"What do you think you should do, Sora?" Naminé asked.
"I haven't really decided to do it, to be honest. I mean, it sounds like a cool idea, but I'm not sure if I can handle going through a Gym challenge and the Battle Frontier at the same time is going to work," Sora said.
"You'll make it work, Sora," Riku said. Sora just looked at him. "I mean, if you can handle being a Keyblade wielder and a Pokémon Trainer, then I know you'll be able to handle two challenges at once. So I think you should go for it." Sora looked at Riku. "If it were me, I would take it in a heartbeat."
"And whatever you decide, Sora, just know I'll always back you up," Kairi said.
"Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, and Lyra would agree if they were here," Naminé said. Sora smiled, knowing his friends were right.
"Okay, I'll do it. Thanks, guys," Sora said. They didn't wait too long until something or should I say, two sets of something was coming their way. "Are you guys seeing what I'm seeing?"
"I'm seeing it, too," Riku said.
What they saw was a Beautifly and a Dustox flying their way. This Dustox has larger antenna than Sora's Dustox.
"A Beautifly and a Dustox," Naminé said. Beautifly lands on Sora's head as Dustox lands on Kairi's.
"Wait, I think we know these Pokémon," Sora said.
"I think you're right," Kairi agreed.
"Hey, you guys!" A familiar feminine voice shouted out. The voice belonged to May. She, Brendan, and Max were waving from the boat they're on.
"May!" Sora, Kairi, Riku, and Naminé shouted from the harbor. They got off the boat to greet their friends.
"I take it that your Silcoon and Cascoon evolved," Sora said.
"Yeah, they did just after we parted ways again," Brendan said.
"Brawly told us about the battle you had with him and how you beat him with your Ralts, Sora," Max said. He adjusted his glasses. "Naturally, a Psychic-type and a Fairy-type Pokémon like Ralts would triumph over a Fighting-type Pokémon."
"Well, Gym Leaders can make it harder for challengers, Max," Riku said.
"He's right, Max. Brawly didn't make it easy for Ralts," Sora stated.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Come on. Let's go and head for the Pokémon Center," Sora said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Brendan, May, Max, Pikachu, and Angel have left for the Pokémon Center, because he was going to give Scott his answer. Sora filled them in on the Battle Frontier, so he said he was going to do it and make it work. Scott was inside the Pokémon Center like he said and he was waiting for Sora to come back.
"Sora, good to see you. I take it that you made up your mind?" Scott asked.
"Yeah, I have come to tell you that I have decided to take part of the Battle Frontier," Sora said.
"I figured you'd agree, Sora. I'll be sure to inform Noland that you'll be challenging him at anytime whenever you're ready," Scott said.
Scott has taken his leave of the Pokémon Center just when Lyra and Marill have stepped in.
"Hey, you guys!" Lyra greeted.
"Hey, Lyra!" Sora greeted.
"Good to see you made it," Brendan said.
Marill ran up to Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, and Azurill with a smile, and she hugged her friends.
"Are Ash and the others with you, Lyra?" Max asked.
"No, they said they had some things to do, but they'll meet up with us later. Anyway, how about you, Sora? I take it that you have your second Gym Badge by now, right?" Lyra asked.
"Yeah, I won it. Kairi and I caught some more Pokémon while we were on Dewford Island, and we had a run-in with a member of the Organization, too. A guy calling himself Xaldin," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I'm glad you made it out in one piece, Sora. Anything else going on?" Lyra asked.
"Sora is taking part of the Battle Frontier," Max said.
"Seriously?" Lyra asked.
"As Max would state it, yeah, I am," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"In fact, I was told that the Battle Factory is right here in Slateport City that Scott guy said I can challenge him whenever I'm ready to go," Sora said. He turned to Kairi. "But first I figured I'd lend a hand helping Kairi prepared for the Contest."
"You're so considerate, Sora," Kairi said, lovingly, making Sora blush.
"At least I know that's the same," Lyra beamed.
"Marill, Marill!" Marill said.
Later, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Lyra, Brendan, May, Max, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, and Marill arrived to the local beach to practice for the Pokémon Contest. Kairi and May had their chosen Pokémon out to help them practice.
Watching them not too far is a a mid-sized boy, who has green eyes and green hair. He wore a black long-sleeved shirt, a purple jacket, a pair of teal trousers and black shoes.
"Nice one!" Riku praised.
"With a performance like that, you and Kairi be a shoe-in," Naminé said.
"I wouldn't go that far, Naminé," Riku said.
"She just have to please the judges first."
"You wouldn't say that if it was me in Kairi's shoes, would you?" Naminé asked in a pouting tone. Riku winced as he heard his girlfriend say that. "I mean Sora supports his girlfriend, and you're saying you won't support me?"
"That's not what I'm saying at all!" Riku said in his defense. Sora and Kairi laughed at his predicament.
"You're in trouble, mister," Sora teased.
"Shut up!" Riku snapped at him. Eevee was also laughing. "Hey, whose side are you even on?!" Eevee stuck his tongue out at his partner. "Why do I feel alone?"
"Okay now, let's leave Riku alone and we can keep practicing," Kairi said.
"You might not want to use that move in the contest, May," Max said.
"Maybe, but May will have to do it her way," Riku said.
"If we only could master Silver Wind to the point where we could use it in the Contest, then it would just blow everyone away, I know it!" May said.
"Well, that's true," Lyra said.
"Marill, Marill," Marill said.
"Okay! That just means you have to keep practicing, right?" Brendan asked.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"You're right! So, Beautifly, one more time from the top!" May said. Beautifly agreed. May throws a frisbee. "Here goes!" Brendan and Lyra throw two more frisbees to Beautifly. "Beautifly! Gust again!"
Beautifly manages to blow them up into the air, more gently than last time. May manages to gracefully catch the first two.
"Yeah! That's cool!" Max said.
However, the third frisbee goes flying over her head, and May partly notices.
"Oh, no," May said. The group turns around and sees frisbee fly right toward the green haired boy that was watching from the promenade. "Look out!" However, the boy manages to catch the frisbee easily. May ran up to him. "I'm so sorry!"
"Please don't tell me that you're planning on entering the Pokémon Contest with a cheesy act like that!" The boy said as he twirls the frisbee on his finger. He then throws the frisbee at May's feet and jumps down before walking towards her. "You've got no finesse, no moves." This made May angry.
"HEY! WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME THAT?!" May exclaimed.
"If you must know, I'm Drew. Pokémon Coordinator," Drew introduced himself.
The rest of the group approached the two of them.
"You mean like May here?" Lyra asked.
"Please, no comparisons," Drew scoffed. "You see, you and your Pokémon here, you've got no style." This made May even more angry.
"HEY! YOU CAN MAKE FUN OF ME ALL YOU WANT BUT DON'T YOU DARE MAKE FUN OF MY POKÉMON!" May yelled. She was about to give him a good beating, but Brendan stopped her.
"Take it easy. He's not worth it," Brendan said.
"Listen to him. You should calm down, little girl," Drew said.
"May, don't listen to a word he says," Max said.
"If you think you're so great, why don't you show us your great Pokémon?" Sora asked.
"Why? What good would that do? I think you children should be on your way," Drew said.
"And why should we?" Sora asked, raising a brow. Drew points to the building behind him.
"This is a private beach reserved for people like me staying at that resort," Drew said. May just glared at him.
"Okay, let's go. We're going have to clear our heads," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
The group started to take their leave, but May stayed behind and continued to glare at him.
"I guess you're entering the Pokémon Contest, too?" May asked as Drew chuckled.
"Brilliant guess, genius," Drew teased.
The two then glare daggers at each other while Drew chuckles. Brendan comes back.
"Let's go, May," Brendan said, pulling her.
After leaving the beach, May was still sulking after her meeting with Drew. She didn't find it to be very pleasant.
"May, you're sulking," Brendan said.
"Not I'm not sulking," May said. Brendan wasn't buying it.
"You sure?" Brendan asked.
"YEAH, I'M SURE! LEAVE ME ALONE!" May yelled. Brendan was taken aback by her sudden outburst. May realized she was taking her frustration out on her crush. "I'm sorry, Brendan. I didn't mean to bite your head off."
"No, I'm sorry. I was only trying to help you and I ended up annoying you," Brendan said. May sighed. "Look, who cares what that Drew guy said? What does he know? I know you got style. More than anyone than anyone I have ever known."
"You mean it?" May asked.
"I mean it, May. I wouldn't say it if I didn't," Brendan said. May smiled.
"I appreciate it, Brendan. Thanks," May said.
"You're welcome," Brendan said.
"May, how about we take a walk together? Just to clear our minds?" Kairi suggested.
"Sure," May said.
"Sora, we're going to meet up with you later if you don't mind," Kairi said.
"No problem. We'll meet up at the Pokémon Center," Sora said.
"Alright," Kairi said. She turned to Angel. "Come on, Angel."
"Eevee," Angel said.
With that said, the girls have taken their leave of the group. Sora, Riku, Naminé, Lyra, Brendan, Max, Pikachu, Eevee, Azurill, and Marill started to head back to the Pokémon Center. When they reached it, Nurse Joy approached the group.
"Excuse me, but could any one of you be Sora or Riku?" Nurse Joy asked.
"I'm Sora," Sora answered.
"And I'm Riku," Riku added.
"Why?" Sora asked.
"Well, there's a woman here who says that she knows you and she requested that I placed her in the room that you're all sharing," Nurse Joy said.
"A woman?" Brendan asked.
"Yes. She says that her name is Rei Sakura," Nurse Joy said. Sora, Riku, Naminé, and Lyra went wide-eyed when Nurse Joy mentions her name.
"We know her," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Thanks for letting us know," Riku said.
The group went to their room and they saw Rei sitting at the desk of the room. She turned to see them.
"I'm glad that you came, my apprentices," Rei said.
"Hello, Master Rei," Sora, Riku, Naminé and Lyra greeted.
"Master Rei?" Max asked.
"So this is Rei," Brendan said.
"That's right. She uses the Keyblade, same as me, Sora, Riku, Kairi, Ash, Ethan, Lyra, Leaf, and Kris. Before that, she learned about the Keyblade from Sora's dad," Naminé said.
"Master, this is Brendan and Max. They're friends we made here in the Hoenn region," Lyra said.
"It's good to meet you both, but where is Kairi?" Rei asked.
"She went for a walk with another friend of ours, Master. She said she was going to meet up with us later," Lyra said.
"I see. I trust all of you have been studying up on your Keyblade training?" Rei asked.
"We have, Master. We managed to be on our toes just in case the Heartless, the Unversed, or Organization XIII struck. But we all have also been training our Pokémon, too. I also have earned two Gym Badges," Sora said.
"I don't doubt it. And I must say I am proud of your accomplishments; all of you. I have checked up on Ash, Leaf, Ethan, and Kris just days ago. I learned that a Pokémon Contest is going on in a couple of weeks, so I figured you would be here. Especially you and Kairi," Rei said, pointing to Sora. "Have any of you seen the masked boy?"
"No, we haven't, Master. Just Unversed so far. And we can say Teol was right about them taking on different forms," Riku said.
"I'll say," Brendan said.
"Brendan and Max, wasn't it? I must say I am sorry you had to get caught in the mix like this," Rei apologized.
"Don't worry about it, Miss Sakura. It's not your fault," Brendan said.
"It was unexpected," Max said.
"I don't doubt it," Rei said.
Meanwhile, Kairi, May, and Angel are walking down the streets of Slateport City, and they noticed a crowd gathering around the Contest Hall. There was also a camera crew present.
"Hey, what's going on?" May asked.
"Didn't you hear? Lisia is here in town, making an appearence! And we get to see her in person!" A fan boy answered.
"Who's Lisia?" Kairi asked.
"Who's Lisia?! What Solar System do you come from?! She is a Contest Idol!" The fan boy said.
"Contest Idol?" Kairi and May asked.
"It is a rank of Pokémon Coordinator that is a tad higher than Top Coordinator, so I heard," another boy said. "Not only that, but she is the niece of the former Sootopolis Gym Leader Wallace."
"A Gym Leader's niece?" May asked.
"Wait, what do you mean former Gym Leader?" Kairi asked.
"Oh, Wallace resigned his job as a Gym Leader just over a month ago, so he left it to someone else. Nobody knows why," the first fan boy said.
"Look! Here she comes!" Another fan boy said.
Out of the Contest Hall is a girl and a new Pokémon.
It is a blue, avian Pokémon. Its body and cloud-like wings are covered in fluffy, white feathers. It often folds its wings behind it, obscuring its back. Two long, blue plumes extend like streamers from the back of its head. It has a short, hooked beak and prominent cheek patches, both of which are white. Additionally, it has beady, black eyes. It has a long neck and short legs protruding from its fluffy body. The feet are blue with four toes, three claws forward, and one backward. The tail is made up of five feathers, the outer two being longer than the inner ones. This Pokémon is known as an Altaria.
She is a young girl who dresses in blue and white to match her Pokémon, Altaria. She has teal blue hair with two large bangs, clipped by a tiara that holds a Key Stone. She wears a sleeveless blue top with a blue ribbon design that exposes her navel. She wears white shorts that are laced with two large blue and white frills that mimic a skirt. Lisia wears a pair of diamond-designed anklets around her light blue high-heeled shoes, which make her look like she is somewhat taller than an average person. On her left leg, She wears a blue and white striped stocking. To further match the Pokémon, the girl wears cotton puffs on her forearms, on the back of her neck, and just above her shoes.
"Call me Captain Obvoius for pointing this out, but I have a feeling that might be her," Kairi whispered.
"When you hit the nail on the head, you hit it hard, Kairi," May whispered back.
"Hi, everybody!" Lisia greeted in a singing tone.
"Taria!" The Altaria chirped. Kairi took out her Rotom Phone and scanned it.
Altaria, the Humming Pokémon
The evolved form of Swablu
Type: Dragon/Flying
Altaria dances and wheels through the sky among billowing, cotton-like clouds. By singing melodies in its crystal-clear voice, this Pokémon makes its listeners experience dreamy wonderment.
"Wow, so that's what Swablu will evolve into," Kairi said.
"Well then, watch me dive in Dazzling!" Lisia said before she does a pirouette. "Dizzying!"
"Dizzying!" Her fans repeated.
"Lisia's…Miraculous…Contest Scouting!" Lisia said, placing her hand in front of her forehead. "All righty! I'm going to bring another fantastic Trainer into the wild world of contesting! Eenie…meenie…miney…" She looked around and she spotted Kairi and May watching from the crowd. "You two! The girls with the baffled expressions on your faces!" Lisia and the camera crew went up to the girls. "Have you ever joined up in a Pokémon Contest before?"
"No," May answered.
"It's our first time actually," Kairi added.
"That's just what I want to hear. Then let's get this show on the road! These are the Trainers I'm gonna scout today! I was expecting to scout one Trainer, but it looks like I'm scouting two today. What are your names?" Lisia asked.
"My name's Kairi," Kairi answered.
"And I'm May," May also answered.
"Kairi and May. Such dazzling names," Lisia said.
Back to the Pokémon Center, Sora, Riku, Naminé, Lyra, Brendan, Max, Rei, Pikachu, Eevee, Azurill, and Marill were watching on the TV in the Pokémon Center. Axel is watching from another part of Slateport City. Ash and Leaf were watching it on a TV in a different city as Ethan and Kris were watching in another town in the Pokémon Center. They were amazed that they were being scouted despite already deciding to take part in Pokémon Contests. Drew even caught a glimpse of it.
"No way," Drew said.
"Kairi, May. You can enjoy Contest Spectaculars at the Pokémon Contest Hall right here. Now listen up, because I don't just want to see you making your Pokémon strong. I want to see you bringing out a whole new brilliant side of them to show off! So here you go! Take these!" Lisia said, taking out a pass and a PokéBlock Kit for each one of them. "A Contest Pass and a PokéBlock Kit for the both of you."
"Thanks," Kairi and May said unison.
"Kairi and May's stories begins today! Yep! And this chapter should be titled…" Lisia paused. "'A Sudden Double Encounter! Miraculous Contest Scouting!' That's what I'd call it! Now, everybody out there watching… You'd better expect great things from Kairi and May, because I do! That's it for today's Lisia's Miraculous Contest Scouting! See you all next time!" The cameramen turns off their camera. Lisia looked at them, smiling. "Try your best in the Contest, you two, okay? Ali and I will be rooting for you both." Lisia heads inside the Contest Hall as her fans cheered for her.
Back to the Pokémon Center, Sora, Riku, Naminé, Lyra, Brendan, Max, Rei, Pikachu, Angel, Azurill, and Marill were amazed that a Contest Idol has scouted Kairi and May like that.
"Well, that was unexpected," Rei said.
"Yeah, I didn't think Lisia was going to be in town," Brendan said.
"You know her, Brendan?" Lyra asked.
"Not personally. But everyone in the entire Hoenn region knows her. She won the title of Top Coordinator and then became a Contest Idol and the face of Pokemon Contests in the entire Hoenn region. Not only she's all that, but she's the niece of the former Sootopolis City Gym Leader, Wallace," Brendan said.
"Former Gym Leader?" Max asked.
"Wallace resigned just over a month ago. He didn't say why," Brendan said.
"Then who's the Gym Leader there now?" Sora asked.
"Someone named Juan, who was the Gym Leader before Wallace took the job," Brendan said.
Over to Axel, he chuckled.
"Not really surprised there. Kairi has Pokémon Coordinator written on her face. I know Xion is safe with her. And I hope it stays that way," Axel said.
Kairi, May, and Angel entered the Pokémon Center and they were crowded by some of the Trainers there since they saw them with Lisia.
"What did we just walk into?!" May exclaimed.
"A nut house, that's what!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"Hey, give them some space!" Sora said.
"Back off!" A Trainer said, pushing him back. Pikachu was about to give them a good shocking for it, but Nurse Joy stepped in.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Nurse Joy shouted. They all looked at the nurse. "I will not have this Pokémon Center turned into a feeding frenzy! If you will not oblige with the rules, then I will ask you to leave!"
None of the patrons dared to say anything and risk getting kicked out, so they went about their own business.
"Glad Nurse Joy spoke up before things got hairy," Sora said.
"You saw it, didn't you?" Kairi asked.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I think the entire world saw it," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Now that would be stretching it a little," Rei said.
"Master Rei? When did you come here?" Kairi asked.
"Oh, about an hour ago. I wanted to check up on you," Rei said. She then sets her attention onto May. "You must be May."
"Yes, ma'am," May answered.
"A pleasure to meet you. My name is Rei Sakura, and I don't doubt Sora and the others have shared something with you about me," Rei said.
"Yes, that you knew Sora's dad and how you were like a little sister to him and his apprentice before he died," May said.
"That's right," Rei confirmed. "Kaito was there for me ever since we've met, and I know he's always with me no matter what." Rei smiled as she remembered speaking with Kaito's ghost. "I won't let him down."
A little later, Sora, Riku, Pikachu, and Eevee stepped out to do a practice battle.
"Okay, Sora, you ready to go?" Riku asked.
"Whenever you are, Riku," Sora said.
"Okay, I think I'll use Eevee for this one," Riku said as Eevee stepped in to battle against Sora. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up, Corphish!" Sora called out. Corphish came out, ready to battle.
"You're sending a Corphish out to battle my Eevee, huh? Should be interesting," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"You can make the first move, Riku," Sora said.
"Eevee! Use Swift!" Riku ordered. Eevee fired Swift at the Ruffian Pokémon.
"Corphish! Use Bubble Beam to block!" Sora ordered. Corphish fired Bubble Beam right at Eevee's Swift to block it. It was a successful block at that.
"Nice one, Sora. Eevee! Use Shadow Ball!" Riku ordered. Eevee fired Shadow Ball at Corphish.
"Use Crabhammer!" Sora ordered. Corphish swings his pincer and smacked the ball of shadow. "Use Crabhammer again!" Corphish came at Eevee with another Crabhammer.
"Use Dig to dodge!" Riku ordered. Eevee dug underground to dodge Corphish's attack.
"Stay sharp, Corphish. Eevee will come out from anywhere," Sora said.
"Corphish," Corphish said.
Then, without warning, Eevee came out of the ground and sends Corphish flying.
"Corphish! Use Bubble Beam!" Sora ordered.
"Swift!" Riku ordered. Eevee fired Swift at Corphish, landing a hit. "Use Quick Attack!" Eevee dashed at Corphish, landing some heavy hits. Corphish lands on the ground, beaten. Eevee lands on his feet. "Good job, Eevee."
"Vee," Eevee said.
"Hey, Corphish, you alright?" Sora asked.
"Phish," Corphish replied weakly.
"Get some rest. You've earned it," Sora said, calling Corphish back inside. "Man, your Eevee didn't even get hit once."
"My Eevee was just too fast for your Corphish, Sora, but your Corphish has put up one hell of a fight," Riku complimented.
"Thanks, Riku," Sora said. He and Riku shook hands.
"That was an entertaining display," a familiar voice called out to them. Sora and Riku turned to see Drew, holding a branch holding an Oran Berry. "You're not entering the contest, are you?"
"Me? No, I'm just supporting my girlfriend," Sora said.
"Me neither. Contests aren't my thing," Riku said. Drew just smirked.
"I see now. You're afraid, aren't you?" Drew asked. Sora and Riku just looked at him with a deadpan expression.
"You're kidding, right?" Sora asked.
"Of course I wasn't kidding," Drew stated.
"We're not Pokémon Coordinators. I thought it was a really bad joke, and if you're trying to throw us off, you'll be disappointed to know, it won't work. I wouldn't turn down a challenge. Not even from a pretty boy like you," Riku said.
"Is that a fact? Okay, how about I challenge you both into a battle, right here and now," Drew said, flipping his hair.
"Sure. Just don't end up regretting it," Riku said. He turned to his partner. "You still up for it, Eevee?"
"Vee!" Eevee nodded.
"I figured you would be," Riku said. "Let's make this one-on-one."
"I was going to suggest that anyway," Drew said, taking out a Pokéball. "Roselia! Go!" Out from the Pokéball is a small, light green bipedal Pokémon. It has three thorns on top of its head, and it has black eyes with long eyelashes. Visible from the back is a small stretch of yellow coloration around its neck much like a collar. There are leaves extending from its shoulders like epaulettes. It has a leaf skirt with a yellow stripe running down the front. It holds a rose in each of its hands, a red one in its right, and a blue one in its left.
"Roselia?" Sora asked, taking out his Rotom Phone and scanned it.
Roselia, the Thorn Pokémon
The evolved form of Budew
Type: Grass/Poison
Roselia shoots sharp thorns as projectiles at any opponent that tries to steal the flowers on its arms. The aroma of this Pokémon brings serenity to living things.
"You may have the first move," Drew said.
"Eevee! Shadow Ball!" Riku ordered. Eevee fires Shadow Ball right at the thorn Pokémon, but Drew didn't seem even worried.
"Roselia! Petal Dance!" Drew ordered. Roselia sends out a flurry of flower petals and it cancels out Eevee's Shadow Ball. "Now use Stun Spore!" Roselia sends out Stun Spore to paralyze the Evolution Pokémon.
"Eevee! Dig!" Riku ordered. Eevee dug underground to avoid Stun Spore.
"You think you can run away? You'll never win that way. Roselia! Use Solar Beam in that hole!" Roselia got to the hole Eevee had dug into and began to build up energy to fire Solar Beam, but Riku just grinned.
"I don't run. I have where I wanted you," Riku said. Drew was confused by what Riku had just said. "Swift!" Eevee fired Swift from underground and struck Roselia repeatedly, cancelling out Solar Beam. Eevee jumps out of the ground. "Use Quick Attack!" Eevee dashes towards Roselia, striking it hard. "Now use Shadow Ball!" Eevee fired another Shadow Ball, sending Roselia down to the ground. Drew was at a disbelief that he had just lost.
"How could I lose?" Drew asked in disbelief.
"Because you underestimated your opponents. That is a costly mistake," Riku stated. Eevee returned to his side. "Taking your opponents seriously is the one thing every Trainer should consider or else you'd end up losing." Drew didn't say much and he calls back Roselia and heads to the Pokémon Center to heal up Roselia. Sora didn't say much.
Over to Kairi, May, and Angel, Kairi is brushing Angel's fur, but May had a thought on her mind.
"Kairi, I've been thinking," May said.
"About what?" Kairi asked.
"Since the both of us are competing in the Slateport City Pokémon Contest, that means you and I are going to be rivals, and we'll have to eventually face off against each other in the finals; and that's if we both make it in," May said.
"You're right, May. But I just wanna wish you luck in the Contest once it gets started," Kairi said.
"You do the same thing, Kairi," May said.
They shook hands, promising each other a good competition. The Slateport Pokémon Contest was just a couple of weeks away and she would have been nervous if she didn't have Sora's support. Only one of these two young Pokémon Coordinators will be earning the Slateport Contest Ribbon. Until then, stay tuned.