Episode 269: Tactics Theatrics!
A few days came and went since meeting the another boy named Max. Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May, Max, Lisia, Rei, Pikachu, and Angel continued on their way, but then Brendan, May, and Max stood before Sora, Kairi, Lisia, and Rei.
"It was good to see you again, but I think we need some time to train and maybe catch some more Pokémon that live around here," May said.
"I understand, but I don't you to neglect your studies as Keyblade wielders," Rei said.
"We promise, we won't," Brendan assured his and his crush's Master.
"We'll get right on it soon," May added.
"Okay. We'll meet up with you back in Rustboro City," Sora said.
"Okay," May said.
"Good luck with winning your next Frontier Symbol, Sora," Max said.
"I don't think he's going to need luck," Rei said.
"Right," Sora nervously said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Anyway, keep your eyes opened for the Heartless, the Organization, Vanitas, and Zell," Sora said.
"Can do, Sora," Brendan said.
"You be careful, too," May said.
"We will," Kairi said.
"Well, bye for now," Lisia said.
With that said, Brendan, May, and Max went their own way as Sora, Kairi, Lisia, Rei, Pikachu, and Angel went another way. They made a stop a few times to either rest their feet or to train. Sora has been working with his Torchic for a bit. Torchic's Flame Charge has grown stronger each time he used it.
"Great job, Torchic! That was your best Flame Charge!" Sora praised his Torchic.
"Torchic, Torchic, Torchic!" Torchic said as he jumped up and down. Torchic then started to evolve much to his surprise. The girls were pretty surprised, too.
"Look at that!" Lisia exclaimed.
"Torchic's evolving!" Kairi said.
Torchic has now become a Combusken. The newly evolved Combusken does a few fighting poses.
"Combusken!" The newly evolved Combusken said.
"Wow, so cool," Sora said.
"I'll say," Kairi said. She took out her Rotom Phone and scanned her boyfriend's Pokémon.
Combusken, the Young Fowl Pokémon
The evolved form of Torchic
Type: Fire/Fighting
Combusken toughens up its legs and thighs by running through fields and mountains. This Pokémon's legs possess both speed and power, enabling it to dole out 10 kicks in one second.
"Wow, hard to believe that a cute little Torchic can become this cool fighter," Kairi said.
"I'll say. I guess it means Combusken has learned a new move when he evolved, so let's give it a shot. Combusken! Use Double Kick!" Sora ordered. Combusken gave a couple of kicks to a rock, shattering it into little pieces. "That was awesome!" Combusken's fist then emits fire and punched the ground.
"Combusken has just learned to use Fire Punch," Rei said.
"I guess Combusken learned that move, too," Lisia said.
"You're moves are improving smoothly. Let's keep on training, huh, Combusken?" Sora asked.
"Combusken!" Combusken beamed.
With that said, Sora continued training with his Combusken. He had Combusken spar with Makuhita.
"Okay, Combusken! Use Double Kick and Makuhita! You use Force Palm! Go!" Sora shouted. Combusken came at Makuhita with his Double Kick, but Makuhita dodged and came at Combusken with a Force Palm. Makuhita has successfully pushed Combusken back. "Not bad, guys! Okay, Makuhita! Try using a Seismic Toss!" Makuhita grabbed Combusken and gave the Young Fowl Pokémon a toss, but Combusken regains his balance and does a flip. He lands right on his talons.
"Combusken!" Combusken said.
"Maku!" Makuhita said.
Makuhita then started to evolve right before everyone.
"Makuhita's evolving!" Kairi exclaimed.
"Eevee!" Angel also gasped.
Makuhita has now become a Hariyama.
"Hariyama!" The newly evolved Hariyama said.
"All that training has paid off," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"You good to keep going, Hariyama?" Sora asked.
"Yama," Hariyama nodded.
"You good to go, Combusken?" Sora asked.
"Combusken!" Combusken nodded.
"Okay, let's keep going," Sora said. Combusken and Hariyama kept on training hard right until they were tired. "Okay, you guys trained enough. You should get some rest." He called back his Fighting-types to get some rest.
Meanwhile, that night, Ash is sleeping in his sleeping bag as he has some more visions of the past.
Ash opened to up to Gaia as he arrived to his world, and Gaia is walking down a road. He spots a woman in distress from the Unversed Gaia summoned his Keyblade and engaged the Unversed. The woman wore a cyan dress with a white apron. She has brown hair tied in a ponytail and wore black shoes. She has blue eyes and fair skin.
"Stay behind me," Gaia said.
"Alright," the woman said. Gaia swung his Keyblade, striking the Unversed as they attacked. Gaia swung his Keyblade again at the Unversed, taking out all of the Unversed. Gaia dismissed his Keyblade and walked up to her.
"Are you okay, miss?" Gaia asked.
"Yes. Thank you for saving me," the woman said. "My name Marian."
"Gaia," Gaia introduced himself.
Ash figured this was how Terra's bloodline is intact. He saw the months past as Gaia and Marian has gotten married. The scene then goes to when Gaia was setting off back to his quest. Marian was now pregnant with Gaia's child.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Gaia?" Marian asked.
"There's no way around it, I'm afraid. Viento and Cascade needs me, and I must be there for them, despite everything that happened to them," Gaia said.
"I understand," Marian said. "I will be praying for your safe return, my love." Gaia kissed his wife goodbye and activates his armor and took off.
The scene switches to Fusoya's tower as Teol, Flora, Zauver, Tomok, and Fritz have returned to the tower and they were filled with worry.
"Where could Zest have gone?" Flora asked with a hint of worry in her voice.
"I'm sure he's fine. He's a capable warrior, isn't he?" Fritz reminded the white mage.
"I wouldn't be so sure. We haven't seen him for weeks, and who knows what could have become of him," Zauver said.
"Zauver may be right," Teol agreed. "Zest is strong, we all know that, but he's not invincible. His family must be worried out of their minds by now."
"I can imagine. We should go back out and look for him at least," Tomok suggested.
"Easier said than done, Tomok. There are so many worlds out there, we wouldn't know where exactly to look," Flora said.
"She's right. It's not like he's just going to show up right on Fusoya's doorstep," Zauver said. A flash of light come behind them, making the five warriors turn around. "Zest!"
But it wasn't Zest. It was Viento whom they met before. And he was holding the Star Shard in his hand.
"Viento?" Fritz asked.
"Fritz, Teol, Flora, Zauver, Tomok! I'm glad to see you guys! But where's Zest? The last time I saw you, he was with you," Viento said.
"We got separated from each other. But how did you get a hold of the Star Shard?" Teol asked.
"I found it a while ago, but he wasn't in the same world as me when I did find it. Why isn't he with you?" Viento asked.
"We were attacked by the Unversed, weeks ago and there were so many of them. We've been looking for him from one world to another, but we had no luck," Zauver said.
"I think Fusoya should hear the rest of it inside," Fritz said.
"Agreed. Viento, you'll have to come with us," Flora said.
"Um, okay," Viento said. He went with Zest's companions right up to Fusoya.
"Fusoya, we have a visitor," Flora said. The sage looked at Viento and he grinned.
"Ah, Viento. Eraqus has spoken of you. If I recall correctly, you were ordered to return home," Fusoya said. Viento then tried to come up with what to say. "You needn't worry, by boy. Zest often has a hard time following instructions as well. Now to talk of why you're here."
"Well, I met Zest a while back and I was traveling around for a bit. And then I found the Star Shard, but he wasn't in the same world as I was," Viento said.
"Is that so? Do you still have the Star Shard?" Fusoya asked.
"I have it," Viento said, placing it down on his table.
"Hm, this could explain why I couldn't get a lock on his locations. The Star Shard has been activating on its own accord," Fusoya said.
"But you can track him down now, can you?" Fritz asked.
"Yes, I can," Fusoya said. He casts a spell, showing Viento and the others Zest in the wasteland. He was laying on the ground, injured, holding his Star Seeker.
"Zest!" Teol, Flora, Fritz, Tomok, and Zauver exclaimed. The magic then fades.
"What happened? Why did it go out?" Tomok asked.
"There is a dark force that is interfering with my magic. Someone there must be doing it," Fusoya said.
"I'll go and rescue Zest," Viento said. " I recognize the world he's in."
'So do we. We'll go with you," Teol said.
"No, I'm going there myself. You guys helped me out, but I'm going to repay you by bringing him back safely," Viento said. Fusoya smiled.
"Very well, Viento. We will leave it to you. The best of luck out there," Fusoya said. Viento nodded and he took off to the wasteland to rescue Zest.
"Very well, we'll leave it to you," Fuso ya said.
Viento nodded and stepped out of the tower to rescue the knight. He activated his armor and got on his glider to find him. He reached the wasteland and to where Zest was laying unconscious.
"Zest!" Viento said, shedding his armor and ran up to the knight. "Zest, are you okay?"
"Master... Fusoya," Zest weakly said.
"Don't worry, I got you," Viento said.
"We meet again, boy," a familiar voice spoke.
Viento turns to see Master Xehanort walking towards him. He puts Zest down and stood up.
"Master Xehanort," Viento said.
Suddenly, he bends down on his knees. Master Xehanort smiles.
"Viento, what's wrong with you?" Ash asked.
"Ahh yes. So you are starting to realize...What you lost...Oh, but not for good. You had to lose in order to find. Now it can all be yours again, if you only reach out and take it. Reclaim the part that left you. Clash with him. Pure light against pure darkness, to form the ultimate key. The all powerful X-blade!" Master Xehanort exclaimed.
"X-blade..." Ash said. "Viento!" Ash ran up to him, despite Viento not seeing or hearing him. Viento screams and then faints.
"Key...blade," Viento weakly said.
"Not the Keyblades you and I carry," Master Xehanort said. He reveals in his hand a strange letter X. "'X'...A most ancient letter. Some say 'kye', but the meaning is the same." He closed his hand. "Death...A letter that spells endings." He reveals a giant dark portal.
"No..." Ash said as he was horrifyingly watched.
"And I have the power to make it?" Viento asked.
"Correct. Eraqus knows it, too. He knew exactly what you are," Master Xehanort said.
"The Master?" Viento asked.
"Haven't you ever wondered? Why he never granted you permission to leave his side, to grow stronger? Eraqus was frightened of you. If you were to learn the truth, realize what you are... He never trusted you. Why else would he keep you within his sight at all times?" Master Xehanort asked.
The dark portal shoots lightning, nearly striking Viento.
"Viento, no! Don't listen to him!" Ash pleaded.
"Yeah. He never let me see other worlds, no matter how much I asked," Viento said as he slowly stood up.
"Go," Master Xehanort said as he sent a gust of wind towards Viento. "You can ask the man yourself. Learn the truth and remember you have a greater purpose."
Viento was sent flying towards the portal as well as Zest. Viento was back in space in his armor. He puts his hands over his head.
"What am I? What has the Master been keeping from me all this time?" Viento asked. He looks at a distance and saw the Land of Departure.
"No!" Ash exclaimed.
The scene shifts to Gaia as he spotted Viento riding on his glider.
"Is that Viento?" Gaia asked.
"Master Gaia. Find me. We must speak at once," Master Xehanort's voice spoke. Gaia flew right to the wasteland and flew next to Master Xehanort, wanting to know what he needed to tell him.
"Master Xehanort, you wished to see me?" Gaia asked.
"There is no time to lose. I've terrible news. Viento has stumbled upon the secrets of his origins," Master Xehanort said. Gaia gasped.
"Viento? I just saw him. He passed right in front of me. What happened?" Gaia asked.
"Viento is on his way home. If you could have seen the fury in his eyes. I'm certain he's capable of anything. I fear the boy may attempt to force the truth outta Eraqus. Master Gaia, you must hurry back and see to your friend's safety," Master Xehanort said.
"Of course," Gaia said as he flew out of the wasteland. Master Xehanort chuckles evilly.
The scene changes to when Viento returns to the Land of Departure. He looks a little upset. He was hesitant to walk up the steps, but Eraqus arrives.
"Viento, you're alone? I thought Cascade would..." Eraqus said as he walks up to Viento. He puts his hands on his arms. "Well, what matters is that you're home. You don't belong outside this world yet. You need to stay here where you can learn-"
"In your prison?" Viento asked in a hostile tone. Eraqus was shocked.
"What?" Eraqus asked.
"That's your excuse... For keeping me imprisoned here, isn't it?" Viento asked.
"What did you hear?" Eraqus asked.
"That I'm supposed to be some weapon...Some kinda... 'X-blade'!" Viento exclaimed.
"I knew it. Xehanort...He could never let it go," Eraqus said. Ash knew what it was he was thinking of. "I failed. I had the chance to stop him and couldn't do it. But I will not fail again." Eraqus summons his Keyblade. Viento gasped as well as Ash.
"Master! What are you..." Viento paused.
"The X-blade has no place in this or any world. Xehanort has made his purpose clear... And I am left with no choice," Eraqus said.
"Eraqus, no! That's what Xehanort wants you to do!" Ash exclaimed.
Suddenly, Terra has arrived at the Land of Departure. He saw Eraqus with his Keyblade out at Viento. He starts flying much faster.
"Forgive me... But you must exist no more!" Eraqus said as he charges his Keyblade with light and fires a wave of light at Viento. Ash gasped in horror. Suddenly, Gaia came swooping in and summons his Keyblade.
"Viento!" Gaia shouted
He protects Gaia from Eraqus' attack.
"What?" Eraqus asked.
"Master! Have you gone mad?" Gaia asked.
"Gaia, I command you... Step aside!" Eraqus demanded. Gaia dissolves his armor.
"No!" Gaia definitely said.
"You will not heed your Master?" Eraqus asked.
"I won't!" Gaia stated.
"Why do all my attempts to reach you fail? If you don't have it in your heart to obey... Then you will have to share Viento's fate," Eraqus said as a tear slides down his face. He came charging at Gaia with his Keyblade. The two of them clashed their Keyblades against one another.
"Enough, Gaia! He's right...!" Viento tried to reason with his friend.
"Quiet!" Gaia said.
"Gaia..." Viento said.
Eraqus jumps back and fires a sphere of light at the two, sending them back. Gaia picks Viento up. He then notices Eraqus charging up for another attack. He closed his eyes, then a dark aura surrounds his body.
"You may be my Master. But I will not...let you hurt my friend!" Gaia said.
"Has the darkness taken you, Gaia?" Eraqus asked.
Gaia creates a portal behind him and threw Vient into it. Viento slowly got up.
"Wait, Gaia!" Viento pleaded.
The portal closed in on Ven, leaving only Gaia to fight Eraqus. Ash was watching helplessly as he watches both Gaia and his master fighting each other.
"You're both playing right in Xehanort's hands! Stop! JUST STOP!" Ash exclaimed.
"Prepare yourself!" Eraqus shouted. He came at Gaia, but he blocked Eraqus's attack. Gaia fought back by swinging his Keyblade. "Weak!" He jumped backwards. "Let the darkness die!" He overs his whole body in light, then summons 8 swords of light that spin around him before unleashing them. The swords of light fly in a parabolic arc before slowly following Gaia. He then shouts as he lunges his Keyblade at Gaia. "Let the darkness die!" He dims the light, then summons 8 swords of light that spin around him before transforming them into beams with a shout, and sweeps them away. Eraqus then summons 3 sword of light and shoot them into the ground. When a sword of light hits the ground, it transforms into a pillar of fire and slowly chases Gaia. He uses the power of darkness to attack Eraqus with his giant dark fist. Eraqus groaned in pain. "How... could you?" Eraqus panted in pain. The darkness fades as Gaia dismissed his Keyblade in shame.
"What have I done...Master...I just...wanted to keep Viento safe," Gaia said with regret.
"No, you were right. I failed you, Gaia. Perhaps I've no one to blame but myself for the darkness inside you. And now, I've done worse... Raised my Keyblade against you and Viento. My own heart is darkness!" Eraqus said as Gaia was approaching him. Ash saw Master Xehanort behind him. He summoned his Keyblade and used it to strike Eraqus from behind. Ash exclaimed in shock and horror when he saw it. Eraqus slowly fell to the ground and drops his Keyblade. As soon as Gaia grabs him, he dissolves into light. Gaia kneels to the ground and breaks into tears.
"Master Eraqus...!" Gaia cried, grieving for his fallen master. Tears rain down from his face as he cried. Ash was then in tears when he saw it happen. Master Xehanort walks up to him.
"What a sight. Why do you trouble yourself with remorse, Master Gaia? The man was bent on doing harm to your friend, his own pupil," Master Xehanort said. Gaia looked up to him.
"Master Xehanort! Why?" Gaia asked.
"You know, at times I find your progress quite striking," Master Xehanort said. He walks the other direction. "But you still fall short. Let all that anger out, my boy! Give your heart over to darkness!" Gaia stood up.
"What do you mean?" Gaia asked as he summoned his Keyblade.
"Still so blind..." Master Xehanort said. Master Xehanort turns to him. "Then I will make you see. Come to the place where all Keyblade Wielders leave their mark on fate...The Keyblade Graveyard!" He summons his Keyblade. "There you will watch your dear Viento and Cascade meet their ends, and the last light within you will die! He aims his Keyblade at the sky and fires a dark beam, covering the sky under dark clouds. A giant dark sphere is hovering in the sky. "You won't need a home anymore where you're going!"
"What?!" Gaia asked.
"Xehanort!" Ash shouted at the top of his lungs. He summoned his Keyblade and attempts to strike him down. His Keyblade just slashed through him. Master Xehanort walks away into a dark portal.
"Xehanort!" Gaia shouted.
Gaia went after him, but the portal disappears. Parts of the castle got sucked into the dark sphere. Gaia looks at his Wayfinder.
"Viento... Cascade... I won't let him hurt you," Gaia said.
The scene switches to Cascade traveling in space.
"Is that Zest?" Cascade asked. She got to him and placed him on her glider. "How'd this happen?"
"Master... Fusoya..." Zest weakly said.
"Don't worry. I'll take you back to him," Cascade said
She flew all the way to the Fusoya's tower. She took Zest all the way to the top of the tower. Teol, Flora, Zauver, Fritz, and Tomok were shocked.
"Zest!" They all exclaimed.
"Please wake up," Flora said.
Fusyo sighed sadly to Cascade.
"Cascade, the stars bring me grave news. Master Eraqus's star has blinked out. I am afraid that means he has been struck down," Fusoya said. Cascade gasped.
"The Master? But... Who is responsible?" Cascade asked. Fusoya looks out the window.
"Master Xehanort...and Gaia," Fusoya said.
Cascade shook herself upon hearing the latter's name. She slams her hands on the table
"No!" Cascade exclaimed, refusing to accept this news. "That's absurd! Gaia would never!"
"I hope with all my heart that you are right about your friend. There some things that even the stars cannot tell me," Fusoya said.
"Where is he? Where can I find Gaia?" Cascade asked.
"Gaia's heart is leading him to the ancient Keyblade Graveyard, where wielders of those weapons once waged war," Fusoya said.
"Alright. I have to go after him...and see if it's true," Cascade said.
"Be on your guard," Fusoya said. She nodded and took her leave of the tower. She leaves the tower on her glider and heads for the Keyblade Graveyard.
"Gaia... Veinto... Please just be safe. I'll find a way to get you outta this," Cascade said.
Ash then woke up panting heavily. Leaf woke up and saw him.
"Ash, what's wrong?!" Leaf asked.
"Nothing! It's nothing," Ash said. Leaf wasn't buying it one little bit.
"Ash, it's not nothing. You've been acting like this on certain nights, so you might as well tell me," Leaf said.
"Like I said, it's nothing," Ash said.
"Ash!" Leaf yelled. "Look, I've been patient about it up to now, but there is a limit on how patient I can get! So tell me right now, and I'm not going to stop bugging you until you tell me!"
"Okay, okay! You win, Leaf!" Ash said. He sighed. "Remember when we were in the realm of darkness and met Cascade?"
"Yeah, what about it?" Leaf asked.
"Well, Cascade and her friends were in my dreams, or should I say, visions of the past," Ash said.
"Visions of the past?" Leaf asked, not understanding.
"It actually started back in the Johto Pokémon League ever since Sora's battle against Gary. Cascade and her two friends, Gaia and Viento. Vanitas is connected with Viento, and Master Xehanort has been filling Gaia's head with talk of darkness. The visions were coming to me little by little. One of the visions showed that they had a falling out and Xigbar is working with Xehanort," Ash said. Leaf was shocked to hear it from Ash. "But the good part of is when Cascade, Viento, and Gaia each has a spouse and a child. They're related to Ven, Aqua, and Terra, as I figured. And I saw Zest, Sora's ancestor."
"What did you see in your sleep?" Leaf asked.
"Well, I saw Gaia happily married, but he left to find Cascade and Viento. But I saw that Viento with Xehanort, and when Eraqus tried to take out Viento to prevent the X-blade to be forged and Gaia fighting him, and Xehanort killing him," Ash said.
"Just like Cascade said," Leaf said.
"Yeah, and then Cascade learning of Eraqus's death and went out to the Keyblade Graveyard," Ash said.
"And?" Leaf asked.
"And that's it," Ash said.
"Does Master Rei know?" Leaf asked.
"Yeah, and she was the only one I told. And so does Teol. It turns out he knew them a long time ago," Ash said.
"Wow, no wonder you're like this from time to time," Leaf said.
"I'm going to ask you to keep it a secret from Sora and the others for a while," Ash said.
"Sure," Leaf said. She sighed, knowing another secret. She couldn't help but wonder why she didn't have any since she met Cascade along with her when she was in the realm of darkness along with Ash.
Back with Sora, Kairi, Lisia, Rei, Pikachu, and Angel were close to Mauville City when they were spotted by a man, doing some yard work on his front lawn. He spotted the small group.
"Hey there!" The man called out. They looked at the man. He was smiling right at them. "I take it that you're Pokémon Trainers, right?"
"Yeah, we're Trainers," Sora said.
"Why?" Rei asked.
"That's good to know. You remind me of me of Vito," the man said.
"Who's Vito?" Kairi asked.
"Oh, Vito is my oldest son. Anyway, my name is Victor Winstrate. Say, would you like to have a Pokémon battle?" Victor asked.
"I can take you up on that, Victor," Rei said, accepting the battle. "My name is Rei Sakura."
"A pleasure, Miss Sakura. Shall we begin?" Victor asked.
"Yes," Rei said. Victor took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Linoone!" Victor called out. His Pokéball opened and his Linoone came out to battle. Rei took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Gardevoir!" Rei called out. Her Pokéball opened and out came a bipedal, bishōjo-like Pokémon whose body resembles a flowing gown. Most of its body is white, but its hair, arms, and the underside of its gown are green. Its hair curls over its face and down the sides of its head. Behind its red eyes are short spikes, resembling a masquerade mask. It has long arms with three fingers on each hand and slender white legs. A red, fin-like horn extends from its chest, and a shorter, more rounded horn extends from the back. A band of green on its chest extends to the center of the front horn and connects to its sleeve-like arms.
"A Gardevoir," Kairi said, taking out her Rotom Phone and scanned her Master's Pokémon.
Gardevoir, the Embrace Pokémon
An evolved form of Kirlia
Type: Psychic/Fairy
Gardevoir has the ability to read the future. If it senses impending danger to its Trainer, this Pokémon is said to unleash its psychokinetic energy at full power.
"So beautiful," Kairi said with awe, putting her Rotom Phone away.
"Since you made the challenge, you're more than welcome to make the first move," Rei said.
"If you insist. Linoone! Use Shadow Ball!" Victor ordered. Linoone fired a Shadow Ball right at Gardevoir.
"Dodge and use Moonblast!" Rei ordered. Gardevoir dodged Linoone's Shadow Ball and unleashed a pink ball of energy and struck Linoone on the mark. "Use Psychic!" Gardevoir lifts Linoone up in the air and slammed Linoone down hard, resulting in a knockout. Victor called back his Linoone.
"That was very impressive," Victory said. He opened the front door. "Hey, family, we have Pokémon Trainers on our doorstep!" Just then, a woman, a girl around Sora and Kairi's age, and an elderly woman stepped out.
"My, my, my. Which one of you beaten my husband?" The woman asked.
"That would be me," Rei said.
"It's true. Her Gardevoir was very amazing. She got me before I knew what came at me," Victor said.
"Oh, always so modest," Victor's wife said.
"Everyone, this is my wife Victoria," Victor introduced.
"Hello, everyone," Victoria greeted.
"My adorable daughter Vivi," Victor introduced.
"Hi," Vivi said.
"And this is my mother Vicky," Victor introduced.
"It's always good to see a group of fun young people," Vicky introduced.
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Rei Sakura, and I'll let the others introduce themselves," Rei said.
"I'm Sora Ketchum, and this is my partner Pikachu," Sora introduced.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"My name's Kairi and this Eevee is Angel," Kairi introduced.
"Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"And I'm Lisia. It's nice to meet you," Lisia said.
"Nice to meet you. Say, since my husband, do you think we can have a battle with you? Just for fun," Victoria said.
"I don't have a problem with that. How about the rest of you?" Rei asked.
"None from me," Sora said.
"I'm game," Kairi said.
"I guess I'm in, too," Lisia said.
"Then it's settled," Vicky said. Kairi and Victoria stood before each other to begin the battle.
"I'm kinda rusty, but I do wish you luck," Victoria said.
"You too, Victoria," Kairi said. Victoria took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"I choose you, Roselia!" Victoria called out. Her Pokéball came out and her Roselia came out. The leafy dress it had was longer than hers and Drew's Roselia. Kairi took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Kecleon!" Kairi called out. Her Kecleon came out to battle.
"Don't be too rough on her, Roselia," Victoria said. "Use Poison Sting!" Roselia fired Poison Sting right at the Color Swap Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Feint Attack!" Kairi ordered. Kecleon avoids Roselia's Poison Sting and lands a hit on Roselia. "Use Fury Swipes!" Kecleon came at Roselia and gave the Thorn Pokémon five scratches. "Use Psybeam!" Kecleon fired Psybeam, knocking out Roselia.
"Oh no! I never win these battles!" Victoria exclaimed.
"I told her not to use that Roselia of hers," Vicky said. She sighed. "She never learns."
"Nice one, Kairi," Sora said.
"Thanks, Sora," Kairi said.
"It's my turn next," Vivi said.
"I guess it's my turn," Lisia said, stepping in.
"Lisia, I want you to know I'm going to enjoy this match," Vivi said.
"Thanks. I'll give it my all," Lisia said. Lisia took out her Pokéball and threw it. "Come out, Ali!" Her partner came out to battle.
"Taria!" Ali chirped.
"Oh, wow! I never seen an Altaria before!" Vivi beamed at Ali's beauty.
"Vivi, this isn't the time to be amazed," Vicky scolded.
"You're right, grandma," Vivi said. She took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Marill!" Her Pokéball opened her Marill came right out.
"Okay, Marill's a Fairy-type Pokémon, so Dragon-type moves will have zero effect on Fairy-types, but luckily, Ali has a move that can work on Marill. Ali! Use Dazzling Gleam!" Ali unleashed a rainbow burst of energy and it hits Marill hard. "Use Aerial Ace!" Ali flew and dashed right at Marill, landing a heavy hit and resulting in a knockout.
"Marill, are you alright?" Vivi asked.
"Rill," Marill weakly said.
"Very impressive, Lisia," Rei said.
"Thanks," Lisia said.
"I told you your Marill isn't much of a battler," Vicky said.
"Oh, poo!" Vivi pouted.
"Now it's my turn now," Vicky said, stepping up. "How about, sonny? You up for a battle?"
"I can take you up on that, Vicky," Sora said.
"That's what I wanted to hear. Just don't go easy on me just because I'm an old lady," Vicky said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Come out, Camerupt!" Her Pokéball opened and lets out a female Camerupt.
"A Camerupt. I think I know who I'm going with," Sora said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Combusken!" His Pokéball opened and Combusken came out to battle.
"Combusken!" Combusken said.
"I know Camerupt is a Ground-type, but types aren't going to scare my Combusken away that easily," Sora said. Vicky laughed.
"I like the way you think, Sora. Let's get this battle started. Camerupt! Begin with a Take Down! Let's go!" Vicky ordered. Camerupt charged right at Combusken.
"Dodge and use Double Kick!" Sora ordered. Combusken jumped to dodge Camerupt's attack and gave Camerupt a couple of kicks. "Use Flame Charge!" Combusken charged at Camerupt, landing a hit. This not only lands a hit, but builds up Combusken's speed.
"That was impressive. Your Combusken is tough. But let's see how tough. Camerupt! Use your Lava Plume!" Vicky ordered. Camerupt unleashed an eruption all around and struck Combusken hard. The Young Fowl Pokémon was still standing on his feet.
"Combusken! Use Fire Punch!" Sora ordered. Combusken came at Camerupt and gave Camerupt a Fire Punch in the face. "Use Aerial Ace!" Combusken dashed at Camerupt with an Aerial Ace.
"Use Take Down!" Vicky ordered.
"Double Kick!" Sora ordered. Combusken came at Camerupt with a Double Kick and took down the Eruption Pokémon. Vicky smiled and called back her Camerupt.
"That was some fine battling, youngun. You're quite a scrapper. You certainly reminded me a lot of my grandson," Vicky said.
"Thanks," Sora said.
"We had a great time battling you," Victor said.
"It's not everyday we get Trainers who are just as fun as all of you," Victoria said.
"You're so very nice," Kairi said.
"And if we see Vito, we'll be sure to tell him that you said hi," Sora said.
"You'd do that?" Vivi asked.
"Of course," Lisia said.
"We just need to know what he looks like," Rei said.
"He looks a lot like me," Victor said. "And you four will always be welcomed to our house whenever you drop in."
"We appreciate it," Rei said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Rei, and Lisia have taken their leave of the Winstrate home and said their goodbyes to the family.
They arrived to Mauville City and headed for the Pokémon Center with Scott waiting for them to come.
"Ah, Sora. Glad you could make it," Scott said.
"Hey, Scott," Sora greeted. "I had a feeling I'd find you here."
"Great minds think alike," Scott said. "I hope you're ready to come have your battle at the Battle Dome."
"I was training hard for it, Scott, and I'm ready for whatever he throws at me," Sora said.
"I'm glad to hear it, because Tucker is preparing for the match as we speak," Scott said.
Sora, Kairi, Lisia, Rei, Pikachu, and Angel took their leave of the Pokémon Center along with Scott.
Over to the Battle Dome, journalists and personnel were all around.
"As you can see, the Battle Dome is a powder keg of excitement and anticipation as we await the start of the exciting Frontier battle featuring our very own Battle Ace Tucker against the Champion of the Kanto and Johto Pokémon League tournaments, Sora Ketchum," the reporter said. She spotted Sora coming. "Ah, and right on cue, there he is!"
They get mobbed by the journalists and the personnel staff. Microphones were being held out to him, and cameras were being pointed at him. He gets bombarded with all sorts of questions.
"Isn't it true that you traveled all this way from Pallet Town?"
"How does it feel to make it all the way to the Battle Dome?"
"Is there a particular kind of Pokémon you prefer to use?"
"What battling styles do you have?"
"Is it true that you're competing in the Hoenn Pokémon League as well?"
Scott stepped in front of the reporters.
"You'll have to save your questions for the press conference," Scott said.
"Press conference?" Sora asked.
"Better get ready, Sora," Scott said. Scott leads them all to the press conference. Sora was bit overwhelmed by the flashing of the cameras and the microphones in front of him. "Folks, if you have a question, please raise your hand." All of the reporters all raised their hands.
"Okay, this wasn't what I was expecting," Sora said.
"You should have expected the unexpected, Sora," Rei said.
"As a Pokémon Trainer who has already obtained 2 Frontier Symbols and 4 Gym Badges and currently attracted a lot of attention," the first reporter said.
"Is there a question in there?" Sora asked.
"Would you mind sharing the secret of your success with us?" The reporter asked.
"There's no secret. I actually did some training. I trained hard to make it to where I am right now. And I didn't do it alone. I actually had my friends helping me out. Some of them aren't with me right now, but they are in spirit," Sora said.
"An honest answer that we're all looking for," the reporter said.
"Is there any other questions?" Sora asked.
"If I may, I'd like to get an impression of Tucker, our Dome Ace," another reporter said.
"Well, I never met Tucker, but I was told of his skills. But I'm gonna find out how skillful he is when I'm out there," Sora said.
In the dressing room, the Battle Dome Ace Tucker is a tall and lean young man. He has long purple hair that has two thick locks that stick up and small purple eyes. He wears a purple skintight vest with a large V-neck, white trousers, and purple ankle boots. He also wears large white fairy-like wings on his back, a gold tiara on his head with a Pokéball theme, and gold wristbands on his wrists. His he sits and has a barber cape over his body just so his stylists brushes his hair.
"Oh, this battle will get the crowd going,"one of the stylists said.
"Indeed. What are your thoughts, Victor?" Tucker asked. Victor is a man wearing a black skintight skirt and wore a sliverish-colored vest and pants.
"You look fabulous," Victor said.
Over to the battlefield, Sora was told to wait until he was called out.
The crowd who have come were mostly women who has come to see Tucker; both young and old. Kairi, Rei, Lisia, Scott and Angel have taken their seats up in the VIP booth.
"Look at the size of this crowd," Kairi said.
"Yeah, and they're all here to see Tucker," Lisia said.
"Tucker is an amazing Trainer, but he's the ultimate entertainer as well. Tucker always puts on a good show. With all those cheering fans, challengers often outdo themselves," Scott said.
"I hope Sora doesn't outdo himself," Rei said.
"Me too. You should count yourself lucky none of those girls will be after Sora," Lisia said.
"Yeah, lucky," Kairi said. "It's all those girls down there. I can tell there could be a few guys in here, and about half of them are already losing their girlfriends to him right now."
Axel appeared up in the rafts of the Battle Dome to watch the battle taking place.
"So this is where all the excitement is. Lucky for me that I caught on quick," Axel said.
The lights goes out and the screen comes on, displaying Sora's silhouette.
"He has come out on top of the Kanto and Johto Pokémon Leauges, the Karen Cup, and in the P-1 Grand Prix, and came in second in the Whirl Cup! Respected by friend and foe alike, his name is always listed in the outstanding Trainers of modern times! Hailing from Pallet Town, a warrior who earns in the heat of the battle, and outshines even the brightest light! A Trainer who entered the Battle Frontier with a passion! His name is Sora Ketchum!" The announcer announced.A giant plume of brown smoke and dust erupts as Sora and Pikachu entered the battlefield. A spotlight shines on him.
"Thanks for coming, everybody!" Sora greeted, waving to everyone.
"Smile and wave, Sora," Rei said.
The spotlight goes off. Sora knew he was about to meet Tucker.
"A Pokémon battle is a thing of rare beauty; and such beauty needs a creator!" The announcer announced as the women all cheered even harder. "A master who cares as much about his fans as he does his craft! So please feast your eyes on the Battle Dome Ace, Tucker!" He makes his entrance with his torso wrapped with his cape.
"Battle Frontier greetings to my dear friends! Welcome to the Battle Dome!" Tucker greeted. One of the women fainted, overwhelmed. Sora watched in awe at how he's flying.
"And that would be Tucker," Sora said.
"Wow, they all love him," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I'm here to have a good time! Tell me, how about you?" Tucker asked. The women all screamed at the top of their lungs.
"A dreamboat! So hot! So sexy!" One of the women exclaimed.
"I welcome you, my friend! Here is to a battle that worthy of the top-notch Tactics Symbol!" Tucker proclaimed as a gold symbol with a rectangle going upwards with two lines in the bottom is displayed.
"Just throw everything you've got right at me! I like to go down fighting!" Sora said. Tucker just grinned at Sora's enthusiasm.
"Now, that's the first-clas confidence I like to hear! So our fighting theme will be the hot and cool fusion of fire and water!" Tucker announced as he threw his two Pokéballs.
Out of the Pokéballs came an Arcanine and a new Pokémon Sora hasn't seen before.
Along with Arcanine is a semi-bipedal amphibian-like Pokémon with a bulky frame and four thick limbs, the two longer ones at the front serving as arms while the shorter limbs provide support for the creature if it chooses to stand upright. It has orange conical gills that protrude from round patches on either side of its face. Two large fan-like black fins extend from the top of its orange eyes to the back of its head. Similarly, a black fan-like tail fin extends upward from its hindquarters. The Pokémon is predominantly cobalt with a white abdomen, orange gills, and similarly orange padding on all four limbs. Sora took out his Rotom Phone and scanned it.
Swampert, the Mud Fish Pokémon
The evolved form of Marshtomp
Type: Water/Ground
Swampert predicts storms by sensing subtle differences in the sounds of waves and tidal winds with its fins. If a storm is approaching, it piles up boulders to protect itself.
"Wow, Mudkip's fully evolved form, and not only that, but an Arcanine, too," Sora said, putting his Rotom Phone.
"Your opponents will be the fiery fleet-footed Arcanine, and Swampert, the Water and Ground Champion!" Tucker announced. Victor came floating in on the back of a Magneton.
"Today's Battle Dome battle will be a double battle! Both Trainers will use two Pokémon each and the battle will be over if either Trainer's Pokémon is unable to continue battling!" Victor announced.
"I can roll with a double battle," Sora said. Victor and Magneton floats next to Sora.
"Alright, Sora, since our Frontier Brain has revealed the identity of his Pokémon, it's time for you to do the same. You can either choose to use the Pokémon you currently have with you or have the Pokémon you have at home brought over to you," Victor said.
"Okay," Sora said, nodding. He took out his Pokémon Box and he looked over whom will be a good match-up against Arcanine and Swampert. He figured he would use a Dragon-type Pokémon since they resist Fire and Water-type moves, and he decided to use Dragonite for it. He exchanged Absol for Dragonite. And he thought of using either Marshtomp, Hariyama, or Corphish. But he decided to use Corphish for this one because of Corphish's strong shell as armor. "The Pokémon I'm choosing will be Dragonite and Corphish!" He took out his two Pokéballs and threw them. Dragonite and Corphish both came out, ready to go.
"First-rate and good choices!" Tucker complimented his opponent.
"Now that all four Pokémon are out on the battlefield it's time to begin!" Victor called out.
"Dragonite! Use Dragon Rush on Swampert!" Sora ordered. Dragonite started to fly and rushed right at the Mud Fish Pokémon with a Dragon Rush.
"What an aim, what an attack! Now, Extreme Speed, Arcanine like the wind! Go!" Tucker ordered. Arcanine dashed right at Dragonite by jumping off of Swampert's back. Arcanine collides with Dragonite, dealing some damage on him.
"Dragonite!" Sora called out.
"Arcanine, that was top-notch!" Tucker said. The Dragon Pokémon regained his flight and shook his head.
"Okay, Corphish, help Dragonite! Use Bubble Beam on Arcanine!" Sora ordered. Corphish fired Bubble Beam right at the Legandary Pokémon.
"Go, Swampert, my guardian of iron! Protect Arcanine! Go!" Tucker ordered. Swampert jumped in front of Arcanine and created a protective barrier around the both of them. Corphish's Bubble Beam just bounced right off.
"Tucker countered Dragonite's Dragon Rush with Extreme Speed and Protect," Lisia said.
"It was very impressive. Arcanine's speed and Swampert's defense is a brilliant combination. I thought it was because their types are total opposites," Rei said.
"You got that right. Sora's gonna have to think hard if he wants to stay in this," Scott said.
"Combing Dragon Rush and Bubble Beam does has its strong points, but you'll have to do much better than that here. So Sora, show me your power!" Tucker said.
"Be careful what you ask for, otherwise it'll come back to bite you," Sora said. "Okay, Dragonite! Fly in with Wing Attack!" Dragonite flew right at his opponents.
"Indeed, finally a brave challenger with bold ideas. Arcanine! Into the sky with Aerial Ace!" Tucker ordered.
"Aerial Ace?!" Sora exclaimed. Arcanine ran towards the Dragon Pokémon, both Pokémon struck a blow on each other. "Corphish! Use Vise Grip on Arcanine!" Corphish rushed towards Arcanine with his pincers out in front.
"Swampert! Use Mud Shot! Go!" Tucker ordered. Swampert fired Mud Shot as Corphish kept charging at Arcanine. The Legendary Pokémon sensed Swampert's attack coming and jumped out of the way. The Ruffian Pokémon took the hit instead. Dragonite lands on his feet, injured from Arcanine's Aerial Ace. Sora and his two Pokémon looked at Arcanine and Swampert.
"Man, I knew this was gonna be hard, but this is even harder than I thought," Sora said.
"Tucker really knows what he's doing. Sora had the right idea tried to attack after Arcanine had," Rei said.
"I guess Tucker is just more experienced than Sora is," Lisia said.
"Tucker likes to force his opponents to make their strongest attack and counters it. That always been Tucker's battling style; but it is possible to beat Tucker if you get a good read on him and be flexible enough to respond to what he's doing," Scott said.
"Sora has been flexible in battles before," Kairi said.
"I don't doubt you when you say that, but it's his strategy that needs work," Scott said.
"What do you mean?" Lisia asked.
"Here's the thing: The Tactics Symbol of Tucker is about strategy. And to make a strategy you need to be able to think on your feet. Tucker may be a world class entertainer, but he's also a brilliant tactician," Scott said. "Remember when Sora said that he trains hard? Well, we'll have to see if that training has paid off or will it be for nothing."
Up to Axel, he continued to watch from above.
"That Tucker guy really knows how to put on a good show. Roxas, you got any ideas on helping Sora on how to overcome this guy?" Axel asked.
Dragonite and Corphish stood back up, still able to battle.
"Glad to see you still in the game," Sora said.
"Now, that's what I call first-class spirit! And that's what keeps me inspired," Tucker said. "Now, Swampert! Water Pulse!" Swampert forms Water Pulse and sends it right at Dragonite and Corphish.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Dragonite and Corphish dodged Swampert's Water Pulse. Corphish rushes in towards Swampert and Arcanine.
"Sweet! Good choice! Come on, Corphish, and join the party," Tucker said.
"Use Crabhammer!" Sora ordered. Corphish's pincer emits water and brings it right towards Arcanine.
"Swampert! Use Dynamic Punch!" Tucker ordered. Swampert came right at Corphish. Both Pokémon collide their attacks, resulting in an explosion, creating dust cloud.
"I can't see a thing!" Sora said.
"We might be looking at a draw," Tucker said. Corphish and Swampert skids backwards. "Arcanine! Jump!" Arcanine jumps on Swampert's back once again.
"He's getting ready to use another combination. Dragonite! Use Dragon Claw!" Sora ordered. Dragonite came at Arcanine with a green aura surrounding Dragonite's claws.
"Burn with your fiery passion! Now, Arcanine! Flamethrower!" Tucker ordered.
"Dodge and use Dragon Pulse!" Sora ordered. Dragonite ceased Dragon Claw as he dodged. He unleashed Dragon Pulse to block Arcanine's Flamethrower.
"Clever, you think you'd use an offense as a defense, but those tricks don't work here. Let your flower flowers blossom! Arcanine! Fire Blast!" Arcanine switches Flamethrower with Fire Blast. Arcanine's Fire Blast overpowered Dragonite's Dragon Pulse and pushes back. Dragonite dodged before Arcanine's attack could land a hit on him.
"Top-notch! Swampert!" Tucker called out as Swampert's tail starts giving off an orange glow.
"Now what?" Sora asked.
"Let me show you," Tucker said. "You'll love it! My dear Swampert is able to collect the moisture in the air and transform it into an amazing, powerful water attack! A perfect example of true water entertainment!" As Tucker explained, Swampert manipulates the water above it. Tucker's fans all cheered, wanting to see it.
"I gotta end this fast! Dragonite! Use Dragon Rush!" Sora ordered. Dragonite flew right at Swampert with a Dragon Rush.
"Nice! Well played, but you overlooked one thing. Arcanine! Extreme Speed!" Tucker ordered. Arcanine rushed at Dragonite with Extreme Speed.
"Corphish! Attack Swampert with Crabhammer!" Sora ordered. Corphish rushed at Swampert with a Crabhammer.
"Trying to get last Swampert's defense like that is an admirable strategy, but your time is up! Swampert! Water Pulse!" Tucker ordered. Swampert uses the water in the air and sends it right at Dragonite and Corphish, catching them both in the water. Dragonite and Corphish then go in a spin inside the Water Pulse.
"Too late. Arcanine! Use Fire Blast!" Tucker ordered. Arcanine fired Fire Blast right at Swampert's Water Pulse, creating a vortex of fire and water.
"Whoa!" Sora gasped.
"Pika!" Pikachu also gasped.
"This is the foundation of my craft! The bedrock of everything I do is built! The blending of two opposing powers to achieve maximum damage! Fire! Water! Fusion!" Tucker proclaimed. "Now, finish!" The fused attack explodes, making Dragonite and Corphish fall right on the ground. They were down, but not out.
"Dragonite, Corphish!" Sora exclaimed.
"Sora, you have my respect. Your courage has forced me to use my greatest of tactics. I can't remember a more enjoyable challenge," Tucker said. Victor and Magnezone floats by.
"Are the challangers able to continue battling?" Victor asked. Dragonite and Corphish stood up, not willing to call it quits.
"Does that answer your question?" Sora asked.
"Okay!" Victor said.
"We'll have to dig deep if we're gonna win against Tucker and his team. I have faith in the both of you," Sora said. Tucker just grinned again.
"That's the kind of dedication a Trainer like myself lives for. Arcanine! Flamethrower! Swampert! Water Pulse!" Tucker ordered.
Another perfect combination. It's gotta have a hole in it, but what?" Sora asked. Arcanine and Swampert got on opposite sides of Dragonite and Corphish. Arcanine and Swampert fired their attacks at their oppenents. "Corphish! Bubble Beam!" Corphish fired Bubble Beam from both ends, creating steam. Sora looked at the steam until it fades, giving him an idea. He grinned. "I think I just found my hole."
"Swampert! Dynamic Punch, let's go!" Tucker ordered. Swampert jumped to land another punch on Corphish.
"Dragonite! Use Wing Attack!" Sora ordered. Dragonite flew right at Swampert.
"What's he planning to do?" Lisia asked.
"Extreme Speed, Arcanine!" Tucker ordered. Arcanine dashed right at Dragonite.
"Just when I thought. Dragonite! Up!" Sora called out. Dragonite flew up. Arcanine and Swampert collided into each other instead.
"How did Sora do that?" Lisia asked.
"Sora must have figured Extreme Speed only works when the opponent is right in front of it, so Dragonite flew up. Tucker took the bait," Rei said.
"First-rate! My kind of tactics," Tucker said. "Arcanine! Use Fire Blast, now!" Arcanine unleashed a Fire Blast.
"I was hoping you'd do that. Corphish! Bubble Beam, but on top of Dragonite and aim for Arcanine's Fire Blast!" Sora ordered. Corphish jumped on Dragonite's back and fired Bubble Beam, creating a steam fog. For the first time, Sora catches Tucker completely by surprise.
"This fog is thick as pea soup," Lisia said.
"I can't see a thing," Kairi said.
"They can't see either. That Fire Blast is not only stronger than Flamethrower, but hotter, too. And you saw what a cool Bubble Beam can do when it hits," Scott said.
"This is how we're going to end Tucker's combos. The good thing Master Rei taught us about relying on our other senses," Sora said.
"This battle is turning out to be more of a challenge than I thought. I'd expect no less of a Pokémon League Champion. But we'll have to be careful in this thick fog," Tucker said. "Heads up! The both of you keep a sharp eye on your opponents!"
"Dragonite! Your fastest Dragon Rush!" Sora ordered. Dragonite flew right towards his opponents. Tucker grinned.
"From the front. How quaint," Tucker said. "Interception combination!" Swampert and Arcanine rushed to intercept their opponents. Sora grinned, knowing Tucker has fallen for it.
"Psyche!" Sora shouted. Dragonite flew to the side, surprising Arcanine and Swampert.
"That frontal attack was nothing but a bluff! Turn around!" Tucker called out.
"Corphish! Use Crabhammer! Dragonite! Use Dragon Claw!" Sora ordered. Corphish jumped off of Dragonite's back as he prepared a Crabhammer. Dragonite came at Swampert and slashed at the Mud Fish Pokémon with Dragon Claw as Corphish has land a hit with Crabhammer. Arcanine and Swampert were both knocked out. Tucker was shocked when it happened.
"He knocked them both at the same time!" Tucker exclaimed. Victor and Magnezone floats down.
"Arcanine and Swampert are both unable to battle! Dragonite and Corphish wins! The winner of the Battle Dome battle is Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town!" Victor announced.
"Good job, guys!" Sora said as Dragonite and Corphish came up to Sora. Dragonite hi-fived his Trainer Corphish jumped in Sora's arms. "All that training has paid off. I didn't doubt you were doing a lot of work outs, Dragonite." Dragonite beamed at the praise. Tucker called his Arcanine and Swampert back and he smiled.
"Arcanine, Swampert, thank you for your first-rate combinations and tactics," Tucker said.
"Yes! Sora found the weakness to Tucker's tactics! I knew he could do it!" Kairi said.
"I'm glad you're happy, Kairi, but I doubt Tucker's fans shares your enthusiasm," Rei said. And she was right, because Tucker's fans were disappointed that Tucker has lost the match. Tucker clapped his hands as he walked up to Sora.
"Your reputation as a Pokémon League Champion has proceeded you, Sora. And I have seen for myself how you have earned the title," Tucker said.
"Thanks, Tucker. Battling you was enjoyable," Sora said.
"You showed an impressive grasp of tactics with remarkable flexibility. You're a top-notch tactician," Tucker said with a wink. The crowd cheered. Tucker's fans quickly got over Tucker's loss and cheered for Sora.
"They're really cheering for Sora," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"After what they saw, he deserves it," Rei said.
"You bet. They knew it took one gusty challenger to beat their hometown hero," Scott said.
"Thank you again, Sora for a battle that was entertaining far beyond words. Good luck, my friend, wherever you go," Tucker said, holding out his hand. Sora took him by the hand and shook it.
"Thanks," Sora said. The crowd cheered again. Sora sensed something coming down and he reached for it as soon he let go of Tucker's hand. Sora saw it was the Tactics Symbol. "Three down, four to go." Kairi, Lisia, Rei, Scott, and Angel came down to the battlefield.
"You did well to earn three Frontier Symbols, Sora. Congratulations," Scott said.
"You were wonderful out there, Sora," Lisia said.
"I never doubted you for a second," Kairi said.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel said.
"Excellent job, Sora," Rei said, praising her apprentice.
"Thanks," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Let's give our winner one more round of applause!" Tucker called out. Everyone all cheered out as Sora waved his hand to the crowd. "Until we meet again, my friend."
"Likewise," Sora said.
Axel just smiled from up above.
"You did a good job taking care of him, Roxas. Same with you with you taking care of her, Xion. Keep it up, you four," Axel said, taking his leave through a corridor of darkness.
Not only has Sora earned his third Frontier Symbol, but he has learned a thing about tactics as well. Sora and Kairi's journey throughout the Hoenn region continues on, so stay tuned if you wanna see more.