Episode 281: A Fan With a Plan
Everyone were recovering from their fight with the Elemental Bosses. They had to admit, they were pretty powerful. Sora in particular couldn't understand why they would ever look up to Team Rocket the way Zell does. But he did knew they're his enemies. Sora took out his Rotom Phone and made contact with Rei.
"Hello?" Rei answered from her phone.
"Master, we just had a run-in with four guys just a little while ago," Sora said.
"Who? Was it someone from the Organization, or maybe Zell or Vanitas?" Rei asked.
"No, it was just gang of four, calling themselves the Elemental Bosses," Brendan said.
"Elemental Bosses? Are you alright?" Rei asked with concern.
"Yeah, they each have a power of the elements; fire, wind, earth, and water. Kairi, May, Brendan, and I fought them, and whooped them. They said they were after me just because of Team Rocket," Sora said.
"I just cannot wrap my mind over how they look up to Team Rocket the way they do. And on top of that, they can manipulate the elements," Rei said.
"We had that thought, too," Kairi said.
"Do Riku, Ash, or any of the others know about this?" Rei asked.
"No, Master. We thought it'll be best that you knew first," May said.
"You did the right thing by telling me. The numbers of our enemies is climbing up, and you were fortunate to make it out, but you shouldn't take your victory lightly," Rei said.
"Yes, Master," Sora, Kairi, Brendan, and May said in unison.
"I'll look into the whole Elemental Boss detail, but in the meantime, you carry on like nothing's happening," Rei suggested.
"Yes, Master," Sora, Kairi, Brendan, and May said in unison.
"We'll be in touch," Sora said.
"So will I," Rei said, breaking contact.
Meanwhile, the Elemental Bosses were fuming over their first defeat.
"I can't believe I lost to some girl in a bandana," Rokku said, still shivering the rapid fire blizzard he's been though.
"Ha, your head was always full of rocks, Rokku," Luft said.
"How could we have lost to those brats?! The next time I meet that girl, I'm going to burn every single bit of her body! That includes her bones!" Fue snarled.
"Settle down, all of you!" Ozean ordered. The rest of the Elemental Bosses looked at him. "They're much stronger than any of us thought they were, and that just given us even more reason plan our next attack carefully. We don't just have to be strong about it, but we need to be smart about it, too. We shouldn't underestimate them just because they're kids. That could be why Team Rocket fell, so we won't repeat their mistakes."
Back with the group, Sora made contact with Riku's Rotom Phone.
"Hey, Sora. What's up?" Riku asked.
"Riku, we have a problem," Sora said. There was a long pause from Riku's side.
"What kind of problem?" Riku asked.
"Okay, there are some guys out there that are calling themselves 'the Elemental Bosses', and they just picked a fight with us," Sora said.
"Elemental Bosses?" Riku asked.
"That's right. They have powers over the elements, and they worship Team Rocket like they're superheroes," Sora said.
"I don't believe this. Does Master Rei know about this?" Riku asked.
"She does, and she's already looking into it, so she'll keep us posted. Where are you right now?" Sora asked.
"We're close to a place called Rubello Town," Riku replied.
"Okay, we'll meet you there," Sora said. He breaks contact with Riku.
"Did Riku say where he was?" Brendan asked.
"He said that they're close to Rubello Town," Sora said.
"According to the PokéNav, it isn't too far from here. We can get there within a few hours," Max said.
"We better get a headstart before we get any more unwelcomed visitors," May suggested.
"May's right. Let's go," Sora said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May, Max, Lisia, Pikachu, and Angel took off for Rubello Town.
A few hours later, Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May, Max, Lisia, Pikachu, and Angel, had arrived in Rubello Town. Upon arriving, they have learned that there is going to be a Pokémon Contest taking place in a week and a half. They looked at a poster with a Bulbasaur and Blastoise on it and R1 at the bottom.
"A Pokémon Contest right here in Rubello Town. And it's going on in a week in a half," Sora said.
"Wow, I guess I never knew," Lisia said. She turned to Kairi. "You gonna enter it, May and Kairi?"
"Well, I do need to earn two more ribbons to enter the Grand Festival," Kairi said.
"Yeah, and I need to earn three more," May added.
"Well, you girls need to make up your minds on which Pokémon you're gonna use, and get practicing as soon as you do," Sora said. He noticed the R1 on the bottom of the poster. "R1? What's that mean?" Lisia laughed.
"Well, I wouldn't be surprised you wouldn't know. R1 states that only a Pokémon Coordinator who has won one or more Ribbons are permitted to participate in the Contest. And since Kairi won three and May won two, they're more than qualified to enter it," Lisia said.
"That's good to know. We should check out the Pokémon Center and have our Pokémon rested up. Also, after that, we can have some practice; me for my Gym battle and you for your Contest. Normally, I would just root for Kairi, but I'll cheer the both of you on," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Thanks, Sora. I appreciate it," May said.
"That's very considerate of you, Sora," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Hey, weren't we supposed to meet up with Riku, Ash, and the others?" Brendan pointed out.
"Knowing them, they're probably already there," Max said.
"Or maybe they haven't gotten here yet and we'll be the ones waiting for them," Lisia said.
"Well, we're not going to find out by standing around like a herd of Tauros chewing on grass," Kairi said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May, Max, Lisia, Pikachu, and Angel headed for the local Pokémon Center. Upon arriving, they spotted Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Eevee, Azurill, and Marill waiting for them.
"Took you long enough," Riku said.
"We're actually glad you got here first," Kairi said.
"Because we got to see you inside," May said.
"Say, did you see that poster when you got here?" Lyra asked.
"You mean regarding the Contest coming up? We saw it when we got here," Kairi said.
"I guess that means you two will be entering it," Ethan said.
"That's right, Ethan. It looks like Kairi and I will be putting our rivalry to the test again," May said.
"All I ask that you don't throw any punches at me, May," Kairi said.
"Excuse me," Nurse Joy said, walking up to the counter. The group turned to see her. "I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but did you say that you're entering the Rubello Town Pokémon Contest?"
"Yeah, we did," Kairi said.
"Then, I suppose you know that the R1 rule. Also, I should share with you that you can use two Pokémon instead of just one," Nurse Joy explained.
"Two Pokémon?" Naminé asked.
"You see, in the appealing round, you can choose one, while in the Contest battles, you have to choose a different Pokémon to battle with," Nurse Joy said.
"Wow, sounds like the Grand Festival has different rules," May said.
"And here I thought you say that you never heard of the Grand Festival before," a familair voice spoke from behind. Kairi and May instantly recognized the green haired Coordinator in front of them.
"Drew?" Kairi and May asked.
"I wasn't expecting to see you both at the same time again. Looks like both my rivals have arrived to witness my greatness," Drew said.
"Save it for the contest, Drew. You didn't forget that I beat you in the Slateport Conest didn't you? Also, you lost the one in Fallarbor Town to Grace, don't you remember? Kairi asked.
"You only won those because I was careless against you and her. I won't be so easy for you to beat this time. The same for May," Drew said.
"Don't tell me that you forgot that you lost against me, Drew," Riku said.
"Vee," Eevee said.
Just then, a group of women all crowded the green-haired Coordinator.
"It' him! It's him! It's Drew!" The women all shouted. They all showed him the Drew merchandise.
"I never thought Drew was that big a hit," Kairi whispered to her boyfriend.
"If his head got any bigger, I would feel sorry for whoever designs his hats," Sora joked. She giggled along with Ash and Leaf. One of the women with long red hair tied in a side ponytail holds up a photo of Drew and his Roselia.
"Drew, I have thought myself as a talent scout for a a talent of yours," the woman said. Have a look! I have every photo of every Contest you have entered in!"
"Wow. I'm honored," Drew said.
"So, I was wondering if you would give me an autograph, please?" The woman pleaded.
"No, I don't do that," Drew said, doing a hair flip.
"How cool, he actually, turned her down!" The woman said. Not too far, a woman with short violet hair and cyan eyes watched the group. She wore a cream-colored long-sleeved shirt with salmon pants, white shoes, an orange cloth on her waist and a ribbon as a necklace. She approaches the group.
"Excuse me," the woman called to them. "Aren't you Sora Ketchum the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto and Johto? Not only that, but also Kairi, Lisia, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, and Norman's daughter of the Petalburg City Gym?"
"That'll be us," Sora said.
"Then. it's true! Wow!" The woman exclaimed with joy. She turned to the other women. "Hey girls! I got Sora, Kairi, Ash Leaf, Ethan, Lisia, and May here! The champion of Kanto and Johto, the Coordinator who won the Poké Maiden Tournament, Wallace's niece and Norman's daughter May and Lisia!" The women started to crowd them and Drew scoffs as he walked away.
"I have Sora and Kairi mechandise right here!" One of the women said, holding out some the merchandise of Sora and Kairi.
"Say, Sora, is it true that you're going to enter the Hoenn Pokémon League? If so, then how many Gym Badges have you won?" The woman who approached the group asked.
"To answer your question, I have earned five Gym Badges and I just need to win three more," Sora said. Sora said in his thoughts "Man, if Gary was traveling in Hoenn, he would be jealous beyond belief."
"Kairi, May, are any of you entering the Rubello Pokémon Contest?" The purple haired woman asked.
"Yes we are," May answered.
"Why?" Kairi asked. The women were ecstatic to hear their response.
"I knew it! It's an honor to be in the same contest as Kairi and May!" The purple haired woman exclaimed.
"We're rooting for you all the way!" The woman with the red-orange hair said.
"Go get 'em, Savannah!" The woman with the red hair added. The women started to do their little cheer.
"MFP gals, let's cheer! MFP slides no fear! We fight, win, dig right in! MFP rides right HERE!" The women all finished their cheer.
"What's MFP?" Sora asked.
"That would be Mothers For Pokémon," Savannah answered.
"Kairi, I have a feeling your mom would fit right in," Sora whispered to his girlfriend.
"We've formed a group of wives and mothers who love Pokémon, Pokémon battles, and Pokémon Contests," the woman with the green hair said.
"We started out sitting in the audience," the woman with the red-orange hair said. "But after a while, we started entering contests and going into Pokémon battles."
"Still, the only one who won a ribbon was Savannah, and she has become the MFP's pride and joy," the woman with the long red hair said.
"You're being way too kind," Savannah said, blushing. "Me winning that contest was just beginner's luck."
"We should throw a party in honor of Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, May, Max, and Lisia," the woman with the green hair suggested.
"I love that idea," the woman with the red-orange hair said.
They all left the Pokémon Center after picking up their Pokémon since they wanted to see them. Axel came out of the shadows and looked around for any signs of the Organization; especially Saïx. The MFP members went into a restaurant they regularly met at. The staff members weren't surprised that they would be there. Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, and Lisia signed all their autographs for the MFP members. Riku, Naminé, Kris, and Lyra introduced themselves and they shared some stories with the women about Sora, Ash, and Leaf being childhood friends and Sora and Kairi being a couple. They left out the Heartless, the Nobodies, the Unversed, the Organization, Vanitas, Zell, the Elemental Bosses, and anything else relating to the Keyblade.
"You know, it's a real privilege to be in the same contest as you two and Drew," Savannah said.
"Thanks," Kairi said.
"We followed your career ever since the Poké Maiden Tournament. We did the same thing with Sora back at in the Indigo Plateau and Johto Pokémon Leagues," the woman with the green hair said.
"We even saw him at the Karen Cup, the Whirl Cup. And the way Kairi had taken the stage in the contests were fantastically splendid!" The woman with the red-orange hair said.
"We were watching the two Pokémon Leagues on TV and we saw how strong your Charizard, Typhlosion, and Venusaur were!" The woman with the green hair said.
"The way you battled was astounding!" The woman with the long red hair said.
"But let's not count out May. She raised her Skitty and Beautifly well," the woman with the green hair said.
"We haven't missed a contest in years," the woman with the red-orange hair said.
"We never even missed a special performance you have done, Lisia. I was moved by your appearance in Verdanturf Town," the woman with the red hair said.
"We've seen every contest that you ave ever entered in," the woman with the red hair said. Sora leaned over to Max.
"That right there is your future," Sora said.
"How did you endure it?" Max asked.
"I have my own way. I didn't just train for Pokémon battles and fighting the Heartless, but I also trained how to avoid a crowd of fan girls. And that might happen to you one day," Sora said. Max was about to speak when Sora stepped in. "Don't you say that it's not gonna happen. It'll happen. I know from experience." It was obvious that he remembers the time he was chased around the Goldenrod Galleria by a swarm of girls of his fan club. He had to use his stop spell to get away.
"So, May, Kairi, what Pokémon do you plan on entering in the contest?" The woman with the green hair asked.
"I haven't really decided yet," May said. She turned to Kairi. "How about you, Kairi?"
"I haven't decided yet either. Let's see. Either Plusle or Minun would be good choices. Then again, Lunatone, Spinda, or maybe Kecleon are Pokémon I haven't entered in Contests yet," Kairi said.
"Well, you've got plenty of time to figure it out, Kairi," Kris said.
"Yeah, no rush to think about it now," Lyra said.
"Marill, Marill," Marill said.
With lunch over and done with, they stepped out of the resturant with the rest of the MFP members taking their leave.
"See you later, Savannah," the woman with the green hair said.
"We'll be sure to root for you in the contest," the woman with the red hair said.
"Now we'll pick up everything on your list," the woman with the red-orange hair said.
"Buh-bye!" The MFP members said, taking their leave.
"Bye everyone. Thanks for the help," Savannah said.
"What list are they talking about?" Max said. asked.
"You know how it is for everyone. A mother's work is never done," Savannah said.
"What kind of work do you have to get done?" Sora asked.
"Remember that all of the members of the MFP are also mothers. There's so much to do. Groceries to be bought, kids to be picked up from school, housework to be done. It's a never-ending job," Savannah explained.
"Gotcha," Sora said. He turned to Kairi. "I just can't help but think what your mom is up to, Kairi."
"Probably out with your mom or maybe at Professor Oak's lab, feeding our other Pokémon," Kairi said.
"Yeah," Sora had to admit, he hadn't spoken to his mother much for a while. He had to admit he missed his mom since he and Kairi had left. Over to the local park, Savannah had let out her two Pokémon, a Flareon and a Lairon.
"I want you to meet my Pokémon, Lairon and Flareon," Savannah introduced.
"Still hard to believe this is what Aron will evolve into. You don't seem to mind that I let him out to meet your Lairon, do you?" Sora asked. Savannah smiled.
"Not at all, Sora," Savannah said. "I did want to see your other Pokémon if you don't mind," Savannah said. Sora and Kairi took out their Pokéballs and tosses them up to let out their other Pokémon. Taillow, Grovyle, Combusken, Marshtomp, Trapinch, Aron, Bagon, Beldum, Spheal, Anorith, Plusle, Minun, Roselia, Swablu, Lileep, Mawile, Gulpin, Spinda, Chimecho, Baltoy, and the Snorunt.
"That is what you're gonna evolve into, Aron. You guys are practically family," Sora said. Aron kept looking at his evolved form. His evolved form looked right back at him.
"Looks like you raised your Aron right," Savannah said. She looked right at his other Pokémon. "The same can be said about your other Pokémon, Sora." She looked right at Kairi's Pokémon. She was astounded by how cute and beautiful they all looked.
"Thanks Savannah," Kairi said.
"Judging how they look, I could say the same thing," Sora said.
"I know. Your Lairon's got a nice shine," Riku said.
"And your Flareon's coat is wonderful," Naminé said.
"Flare," Flareon said. It looked at Angel and Eevee, so the Fire Eeveelution smiled at the both of them.
"It looks like your Flareon's hitting it off pretty well with Angel and Eevee," Leaf said.
"Well, Flareon is one of their evolved forms, so it wouldn't surprise me," Brendan said.
"That's true," Lisia agreed.
Later in the local marketplace, Savannah led them through to reach her house when Kairi had noticed how perfect some tomatoes looked.
"Huh?" Kairi asked as she went to the cart. Savannah had noticed as did, Sora, Pikachu, Angel, May, Max, and Lisia. "You never see tomatoes this perfect in this time of year." She takes one in her hand. "These would be great for salads."
"I never thought you had an eye for vegetables, Kairi," Savannah said.
"Well, that's one of the things my grandma taught me when I was little. The key for a good salad is to look at how fresh and perfect certain vegetables look," Kairi said.
"She isn't just a great Corrdinator, but she's also an ace when it came to cooking. She got that gift from her mom and grandma," Sora said, "Anything she makes always wins me over." Savannah smiled.
"Wow Kairi. Sounds to me that you'll make a good wife someday. And not only that, also a good mother," Savannah said. Kairi could only blush when she said it. She eyes a big turnip.
"This turnip looks good enough for soup," Kairi said. She was abouot to grab it when a girl with a darker shade of purple grabs it instead.
"I'll take this," the girl said.
"Sandra?" Savannah asked.
"Mom?" Sandra asked.
"Sandra, what are you doing here?" Savannah asked.
"I got home from school and saw you weren't there. I figured you were out with your MFP buddies. So, I thought I head out and do a little food shopping, just like a good girl, would do for mom," Sandra said.
The owner walked out from the back with a smile on his face.
"Well, that's great. Looks like you got yourself a great daughter, ma'am," the owner said.
"Thanks sir," Sandra said. "See, mom? Not bad for a kid," Sandra beamed. Savannah chuckled nervously.
"I guess so," Savannah said. She turned to the group. "This is Sandra, my daughter. And sweetie, this is Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Riku, Naminé, Brendan, May and her brother Max, and this is Lisia. And that's Sora's Pikachu, Riku's Eevee, Naminé's Azurill, Lyra's Marill, and Kairi's Eevee, Angel."
"Hey, Sandra," Sora greeted.
"Pikachu," Pikachu also greeted.
"Eevee," Angel also greeted.
"Hi, Sandra," the rest of the group greeted.
"Hi, everyone. It's nice to meet you," Sandra said.
"May and Kairi are going to be contestants in the upcoming Rubello Contest," Savannah told her daughter. She then gets all giddy. "And guess what. Sora is a Pokémon League Champion, Ash and Ethan are the runner-ups of the Kanto and Johto Pokémon Leagues, Kairi is the Coordinator who won the Poké Maiden Tournament and Lisia is a Contest Idol. Also, May and Max are Norman's kids. Isn't that exciting?" Sandra didn't hre her mother's enthusiasm.
"Yeah, mom, mind blowing," Sandra said, uninterested. She looked at the group. "Sorry guys. Mom can get a tad carried away with this kind of stuff."
"I didn't get too carried away," Savannah defended.
"I don't know. I've seen you and your MFP friends in action, you know," Sandra said. Savannah frowns as Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, May, and Max chuckled nervously.
"Yeah, we've gotten a taste of it ourselves," Ethan said.
"Your mom has been helpful. She's been helping me and Kairi prepare for this contest," May said.
"See?" Savannah asked.
"Well, that's good," Sandra said. She eyes Pikachu and Angel. "Sora, Kairi, you don't mind if I hold Pikachu and Angel, do you?"
"I don't see why not," Sora said.
"It should be okay," Kairi said. Pikachu and Angel went to Sandra and she holds them both in her arms.
"The both of you are ever so cute," Sandra cooed. She looks right the Eevee. "The ribbon you're wearing just makes you even cuter, Angel."
"Eevee," Angel said.
"You know what, I want to be a Trainer, too. And travel around with my own Pokémon," Sandra said.
"Good for you," Lisia said.
"Traveling is a good experience to have," Sora said.
"We know that from experience," Leaf said.
"My mom went on a journey a real long time ago. I know it's really hard to believe," Sandra said. Savannah chuckled nervously.
"Well, that was many years ago, before I met Sandra's daddy," Savannah said, nervously.
"Mom, do you think we can invite them over for dinner?" Sandra whispered. Savannah liked her daughter's idea.
"What a great idea," Savannah said. "I hope you don't mind joining us for dinner, do you?"
"Not at all," Kairi said. "I'll even help you in the kitchen."
"You've got a deal," Savannah and her daughter said.
The group went with the mother and daughter to their house and Savannah was even more amazed by how well Kairi had cooked. Her Lairon and Flareon loved the Pokémon food that she made for them. They shred some stories about their past experiences, leaving out certain elements.
After dinner, Sora and Pikachu went out to train, so he kept his eyes opened just in case of trouble. Once he was certain there wasn't any, he sighed to himself.
"It's nice having not to have a night without something going on," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
"Well, we might as well get started," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Excuse me," a woman's voice said. Sora sighed to himself as he turned and saw Vivian right behind him. "Aren't you Sora Ketchum, the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto and Johto?"
"Yes. Why?" Sora asked.
"Well, I was out for a walk and I saw you out here. So I was wondering if you would be interested in being a judge for the Rubello Pokémon Contest?" Vivian asked.
"Uh, don't you usually have those three doing that already?" Sora asked.
"Normally, yes, but unfortunately, Athena Minerva isn't going to be judging, because she's doing a swimsuit shoot," Vivian said. "And the Contest is in need for a third judge, so I saw you." Sora knew his reputation proceeded him, so he knew he was going to be in quite a spot since he said he was going to be rooting for Kairi and May in the Contest.
"You think I can have some time to think about it?" Sora asked.
"Sure. Take all the time you need. I'll be over in the Pokémon Center to await your answer," Vivian said, taking her leave of Sora and Pikachu. Both Trainer and Pokémon looked at each other.
"Pika, Pika, Pikachu, Pika," Pikachu said.
"If you're telling me that I'm in quite a pickle, I couldn't agree with you more," Sora said. He groaned to himself.
Meanwhile, Kairi had thought hard of which Pokémon to use in the Contest. She decided to go with her Spinda and her Snorunt. Spinda would be good to use since she found her movements very cute and hoped it'll win over the judges, while Snorunt can make good use of her ice powers.
"Okay, Spinda! Use Teeter Dance!" Kairi ordered. Spinda does her wobbly dance. She creates waves of pink mist which spreads outwards. "That's great, Spinda!"
"Eevee," Angel said as she wobbles around, dizzy. "Okay, use Psybeam!" Spinda fired her Psybeam up in the air. It makes a saucer-like shape. "Use Dizzy Punch!" Spinda jumped in the air and lands a punch, making it explode in a cascade of colors. "Very good! I hope May's made up her mind, too."
Speaking of which, May had just stepped out of the Pokémon Center to start some training of her own.
"Go, Torchic! Use Ember and Peck!" May ordered. Torchic fired Ember first and started to peck in the air. "Beautifly! Use Silver Wind and then String Shot!" Beautifly flapped her wings to unleash a Silver Wind followed by String Shot. "Sktty! Use Blizzard and then Double Slap!" Skitty fired a Blizzard and then followed up with Double Slap. "Swablu! Use Round and then Dragon Breath!" Swablu unleashed a Round and then followed up with a Dragon Breath. "Bulbasaur! Use Vine Whip and then Tackle!" Bulbasaur unleashed Vine Whip and rushed to use Tackle, but she tripped over her own vine. May Torchic, Beautifly, Swablu, and Skitty ran up to Bulbasaur. "Are you okay, Bulbasaur?"
"Bulbasaur," Bulbasaur sadly said. May then sighed to herself.
"This will be the first Contest that I'm going to be entering with you, butt this isn't looking very good," May said. May remembered what Kairi said about doing her best and she had to take it to heart. "We'll be fine. How can we go wrong? I'm gonna have to do my best out there."
"Go! Masquerain!" A familiar voice called out. May and her Pokémon went off to investigate the sound. She saw Drew standing on the side from her. "Good, Masquerain. That's the way. Now, use a steep climb and use Quick Attack!" Masquerain climbs in the air and uses Quick Attack.
"Wow, Drew has a Masquerain," May said, taking out her Rotom Phone.
Masquerain, the Eyeball Pokémon
The evolved form of Surskit
Type: Bug/Flying
Its feelers which resembles eyeballs us used to frighten off any attackers that come within range of it. It hovers in the air like a helicopter.
"Masquerain! Use Bubble!" Drew ordered. Masquerain spins around and unleashed Bubble. It covered the night sky. May and her Pokémon were watching in awe.
"That's beautiful!" May exclaimed with awe.
"Cuse me," Drew said, alerting May. "If you're studying my moves, you should probably come closer."
"Oh, I see you found yourself a new Pokémon," May said, walking up to Drew.
"You got it. One with style and grace. Good endurance, and crowd appeal. I was looking a long time. I wanted the perfect Contest winning Pokémon, and with Masquerain, I have it," Drew said as Masquerain hovers down. "And now, winning this Contest should be a synch. I hope you like catching our little preview."
"Yeah, I did. That last bit; it was really gorgeous," May said.
"Thanks, you got excellent taste," Drew said. Bulbasaur went up to Masquerain. Drew has taken notice of the Seed Pokémon. "So May, it seems you've got a new Pokémon as well."
"I do," May confirmed.
"A Bulbasaur. That's a pretty rare Pokémon in the Hoenn region," Drew said. He looked right at May. "So you're gonna enter Bulbasaur?"
"I still haven't decided yet. Come on over and say hi," May said. Bulbasaur was busy getting acquainted with the Eyeball Pokémon. "Hey, you heard me! Come over and say hi!"
"I don't know. It looks like a discipline problem to me," Drew said. May lightly growled.
"No way!" May argued. "And I am using Bulbasaur!"
"Sure you can handle it?" Drew asked.
"Of course I can, thanks! I'll see you in the Contest, Drew," May said. She and her Pokémon walked off as Drew watched her leave.
Sora and Pikachu came back and he sat down on the bed. Kairi sat up.
"Sora, what's wrong?" Kairi asked.
"Well, remember when I told you that I would be rooting for you and May, Kairi?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, I do," Kairi said.
"Well, it turns out that's going to be a tad hard to do," Sora said.
"Why's that?" Kairi asked.
"The thing is, I got asked to be a judge, filling in for Athena Minerva for the Pokémon Contest," Sora said. This surprised Kairi.
"Seriously? Why?" Kairi asked.
"Well, Vivian told me that she's doing some pictures for some swimsuit issue," Sora said.
"And she needed someone to fill in," Kairi said.
"Like I said, it makes it harder for me to root for you and May since I'm going to be judging, and we're a couple," Sora said.
"Well, I think you should go for it, Sora," Kairi stated. Sora looked right at her, shocked. "I mean, there was only a matter of time that you would be asked to do it, and it should be loads of fun, right?"
"I guess. But if you feel I should do it, I'll consider it. Vivian said she was going to he right here, so I'm gonna give her my answer tomorrow morning," Sora said.
"Atta boy, Sora. But first, get some sleep," Kairi said.
"Okay," Sora said. He climbed into bed as Pikachu laid down next to Angel. The couple slept soundly and drifted off to dreamland.
On the very next morning, Coordinators and Pokémon were crowding inside. Sora saw Vivian and he approached her to give her his answer.
"Have you made up your mind, Sora?" Vivian asked.
"Yeah, I decided to take you up on your offer, Vivian," Sora said. Vivian smiled.
"Thank you very much, Sora. I promise you won't regret it," Vivian said.
"I hope not," Sora said in his thoughts.
Over to May and her Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon was nervous since there are other Pokémon there she has never seen before. Kairi, Naminé, Leaf, Kris, Lyra, Angel, Azurill, and Marill.
"May," Kairi called out from behind. May and her Bulbasaur turned to see the other girls. "We're about to step out for some practice, so you wanna come with?"
"Sure. I'm gonna need the practice with Bulbasaur," May said.
"Wait, you're gonna enter your Bulbasaur?" Lyra asked.
"Marill?" Marill asked.
"That's right, Lyra," May said.
"But you only had your Bulbasaur for a short time, so it'll be a good idea to wait longer until she's ready," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I'm gonna have to agree with Kairi, because you should enter either Beautifly or Swablu," Naminé said.
"Azurill," Azurill chirped.
"Oh, come on, it'll be fine," May assured. Leaf turned to see Savannah and her Flareon and Lairon.
"Hey, isn't that Savannah over there?" Leaf asked. The rest of the girls turned to see her. They saw she was a nervous wreck.
"There's no reason to be scared. The more we work in front of an audience, the better it will be. This is the biggest audience we have ever performed in front of, right?" Savannah asked herself.
"Flare," Flareon said.
"Lair," Lairon said.
"Just imagine that the audience is nothing but a field of trees and flowers and your stage fright will disappear," Savannah said to herself. She sat on the ground with distraught. "Help! I can't go through with it!"
The girls went up to Savannah with concern.
"Savannah?" Kairi asked.
"Girls, it's you," Savannah said, standing up. She begged with her eyes being teary. "Please, help me. Can you help me practice? This is my second Contest and I'm scared out of my mind!"
"Your second Contest?" Kris asked.
"No way!" May said with disbelief.
"That would mean you won your very first Contest," Lyra said.
"Yes. It wasn't that big of a Contest, and I guess I was just lucky, too," Savannah said. She noticed Bulbasaur next to May. "Aw, it's a Bulbasaur! When I was a little girl, my first Pokémon was a Bulbasaur." She hugged the Seed Pokémon.
"It was the same with me when I started out," Leaf said. She took out her partner's Pokéball and opened it. Savannah was amazed by how Venusaur looked.
"Oh, you're even bigger up close, and your flower is even prettier in person," Savannah said.
"Saur," Venusaur said.
"It must really take you back, doesn't it?" Kris asked.
"It does, but in these days, my Bulbasaur lives with my parents. They couldn't bare to let him live anywhere else," Savannah said.
Meanwhile, Sora, Riku, Ash, Ethan, Brendan, Max, Lisia, Pikachu, and Eevee were out, walking through the marketplace when Sora spotted something. He saw what looks like a lavender tooth and a pink scale.
"Hello, what do we have here?" Sora asked with interest.
"I can see you're interested in the Deep Sea Tooth and the Deep Sea Scale, young man," the vendor said with a smile.
"A Deep Sea Tooth and a Deep Sea Scale?" Sora asked.
"I heard of those," Brendan stated. "The Deep Sea Tooth boosts the special attack of a Clamperl when holding one, and the Deep Sea Scale raises the special defense of a Clamperl that also holds one."
"Yeah, but it does more than that. The Deep Sea Tooth can make a Clamperl evolve into a Huntail and the Deep Sea Scale makes a Clamperl evolve into a Gorebyss," Riku added.
"That's correct, the both of you. I found those two out on a sandy beach on Pacifidlog Town when I was on vacation. And I'm putting them on sale," the vendor said.
"That works out great, because Kairi and I could use one since we each have a Clamperl," Sora said.
"Then you're very fortunate. That gives the two of you a chance to choice if you would like to choose from a brave Huntail or a gorgeous Gorebyss," the vendor said. Sora paid for the two items and he smiled.
"Thanks a lot, man," Sora said.
"No, thank you for making good use for those. You have yourself a very nice day," the vendor said with a smile.
Just when Sora, Riku, Ash, Ethan, Brendan, Max, Lisia, Pikachu, and Angel were walking, they spotted Sandra in the marketplace. Pikachu went up to Sandra and nuzzled her.
"Hey, Pikachu," Sandra greeted with a smile.
"Out shopping again?" Brendan asked.
"I'm not sure what your mom would do without you," Ethan said.
"Yeah, well, when she's in the Contest, there's really no time for errands, so I'm just helping her out a little, that's all. Besides, she's doing for me all the time," Sandra said.
"I can understand that, because we train so hard to be ready for anything coming our way," Ash said.
Over to Kairi, Namine, Leaf, Kris, Lyra, May, Savannah, Angel, Azurill, and Marill, they head for the park to practice for the Contest.
"Thanks for helping me out," Savannah said.
"It's not a problem, Savannah," Kris said.
"Ready? This one, I'm giving my all!" Savannah said.
"Go for it!" May said.
"Lairon! Metal Claw!" Savannah ordered. Lairon rushes at Bulbasaur with a Metal Claw.
"Bulbasaur! Use Vine Whip!" May ordered. Bulbasaur uses Vine Whip to block Lairon's Metal Claw.
"Wow! I love Vine Whip! Bulbasaur's attacks are really good!" Savannah said.
"Oh, this isn't going to be easy," May said.
"Go, Flareon! Flamethrower!" Savannah ordered. Flareon fired a Flamethrower.
"Use Razor Leaf!" May ordered. Bulbasaur fired Razor Leaf, blocking Flareon's Flamethrower.
"Oh, how awesome! That Razor Leaf was the best!" Savannah said.
"Thanks, but, Savannah..." May said.
Suddenly, ice projectiles are launched right at the girls. Marill hears the ice projectiles coming down.
"MARILL!" Marill yelled, alerting the girls. They dove out of the way just before they could get hit by the ice.
"That was close," Namine said.
"Azurill," Azurill chirped.
"Are you okay?" Savannah asked with concern.
"Yeah, we are," Leaf said.
"But where did that come from?" Leaf asked.
They all looked around when they heard a shrieking roar. They turned to see a giant Heartless flying above them.
It is a large, draconian creature with predominantly white and light steel blue skin, save for its belly, which is pale green. Its body is rather thin, while its feet are quite large and somewhat resemble clogs with tips that curve upward. Its wings seem rather short and have a rough, jagged appearance. They also seem to be segmented, each segment alternating from white to steel blue. The Avalanche's tail is long, wide, flat and sports a few short spikes on its sides, as well as a dark grey, zig-zagging stripe near its tip. Its forehead sports a large horn that curves upward slightly. It has beady yellow eyes on either side of its head, and its Heartless emblem is on its chest. This Heartless is known as the Avalanche.
With it are Wyverns and some serpentine Heartless. This Heartless has the appearance of a snake, but it has yellow skin with orange stripes. It has white spikes down its spine and has yellow eyes. The Heartless emblem is on the head. This Heartless shall be known as the Wyrm.
"Oh my! Monsters!" Savannah gasped.
"Heartless!" Kairi, Naminé, Leaf, Kris, Lyra, and May exclaimed. They summoned their Keyblades to fight them.
"Not now!" May cried, holding her Keyblade tightly.
"Take them out!" Kairi said.
Not needing to be told twice, the girls engaged the Heartless. The Wyverns flew right at them as the Wyrms attempts to snap at them like vipers.
Sora, Riku, Ash, Ethan, Brendan, Max, Lisia, Sandra, Pikachu, and Eevee arrived and saw the fight going on.
"Mom?!" Sandra exclaimed.
"Heartless!" Sora, Riku, Ash, Ethan, Brendan, Max, and Lisia exclaimed. Sora, Riku, Ash, Ethan, and Brendan summoned their Keyblades, surprising Sandra.
"Those Heartless picked a very bad time to attack," Ethan said.
"Heartless?" Sandra asked.
"We'll explain later. Right now, you stay here out of the danger zone!" Riku said.
"We can handle those things!" Brendan said.
With that said, the boys ran off to fight the Heartless to assist the girls. A Wyrm was about to snap at Kris when Ethan slashed at the Wyrm before it could get her.
"Good of you to come to my rescue, Ethan," Kris lovingly said.
"Well, nothing and nobody messes with my girl; especially Heartless," Ethan said.
"Are boys allowed in this party?" Sora asked.
"It's fine if it involves the Heartless," Kairi said.
As the Keyblade wielders fought the Heartless, The Wyverns dove right at them like missiles as the Wyrms makes an attempt to ram into them. The Avalanche was a much bigger challenge because of its size, and because that it fired ice right at the Keyblade wielders.
"Aim for the wings and the tail!" Riku shouted.
Sora, Kairi, Riku, and May went and attacked the Avalanche as it tries to kick them while in the air. The Avalanche then fired some more ice against them. During the fight, Xipak and Celeste appeared once again and aids them in the fight. Kairi casts a fire spell, hitting the Avalanche in the face. Brendan casts a stone spell and the rocks crushed the Wyrms and broke the wings of the Wyverns. May jumped and swung her Keyblade at the head of the dragon-like Heartless, making it fall to the ground. It tried to fly again, but its injuries kicked in and a heart floats up in the sky before it disappeared. The Avalanche's body then vanishes as the rest of the Heartless were all destroyed. Xipak and Celeste disappeared once again.
"That takes care of them," Brendan said.
"Yeah, it does," Ash agreed.
"Wow, that was amazing," Savannah said.
"Um, thanks," Sora said, chuckling nervously.
"Mom!" Sandra said, running up to her mother.
"Sandra!" Savannah said. She hugged her daughter.
"Mom, are you alright?" Sandra asked.
"I am, thanks to them," Savannah said.
"I think we have lots to explain since they saw," Naminé said.
"You're right, Naminé. Those Heartless didn't give us much of a choice," Sora said.
With that said, the group went back to Savannah's house and they filled her in about the Heartless, the Nobodies, the Unversed, Zell, Vanitas, and Organization XIII. Sora told Savannah and Sandra about their Keyblades and about their roles.
"So you're saying that the monsters that attacked us before are the same ones that attacked Rustboro City not too long ago?" Savannah asked, shocked.
"Unfortunately, yeah. Every time they show up, we have little choice but to attack them before they could cause some more trouble," Sora said.
"And what's the deal with this Vanitas guy, Zell, and Organization XIII?" Sandra asked.
"Well, Zell's a Team Rocket fan boy while the real threats are the Organization and Vanitas," Leaf said.
"You've said it. Organization XIII are so bad, they make Team Aqua and Team Magma look like a bunch of pansies," Brendan said.
"Yeah, but that Pikachu and Eevee from before helped out again," Sora said.
"You know, I was wondering where they even came from," Savannah said.
"Like you're the only one, Savannah. Every time they show up, they end up disappearing like the wind," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"But changing the subject, Bulbasaur's Razor Leaf and Vine Whip are top-notch, so that's proof that she's ready for a Contest after all," Kairi said.
"You're right, Kairi. I'm planning on seeing you, Drew, and Savannah in the Contest," May said.
"You bet. And with you two and Drew as my competition, it's going to be a good challenge. Good luck, May and Kairi," Savannah said.
Not even an attack from the Heartless will scare Savannah off from competing in the upcoming Contest, so they'll be looking forward for the Rubello Town Pokémon Contest taking place as May and her Bulbasaur has gained some confidence and Sora serving as a judge. Stick around if you wanna see how it'll turn out.