Episode 350: Vanitas Strikes Again!
Shortly after becoming Rei's new apprentices, Chase and Elaine were learning some of the basics from Rei. Chase and Elaine had a bit of a hard time, but they eventually got the hang of it in a short amount of time.
"Who would have thought learning to use a Keyblade would be hard work?" Chase asked.
"Yeah, but when we fought, I felt my body lighter than a feather," Elaine said.
"I gotta admit, we were surprised when you got your Keyblades," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"And you saved us all from being statues forever," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"And I'm going to add, that I was wrong about you not being chosen by the Keyblade," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Well, I'm glad you accepted us as part of the team," Elaine said.
"Anyway, you said Maple pulled off that stunt on those Heartless?" May asked.
"Yeah. Honestly, I was very surprised when she did that. But she sure got the job done," Elaine said.
"Eevee," Maple said.
"You think it might have been an attack?" Lyra asked.
"Seems likely. I think I'll ask Professor Kukui, so we can hear what he has to say," Riku suggested.
"You sure Professor Kukui would know?" Ethan asked.
"I don't know, but it'll be worth to ask. I did ask him for advice from time-to-time," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"I was gonna suggest that we talked to Professor Oak about this, but it wouldn't hurt to hear someone else's opinion," Sora said.
"Let's give it a try," Riku said, taking out his Rotom Phone and contacts Professor Kukui in his lab. He sees Riku's face on his screen.
"Riku! Alola!" Professor Kukui greeted.
"Alola, professor," Riku said.
"It's wonderful seeing you again, Naminé. How are Eevee and Azurill doing?" Professor Kukui asked.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Azu, Azu," Azurill chirped.
"They're doing great, Professor Kukui. Thank you for asking," Naminé said.
"I see you have quite a gathering," Professor Kukui said.
"Professor, these are my friends and fellow Keyblade wielders, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Lyra, Kris, May, Brendan, Wes, Rui, Michael, Roxas, Xion, along with Chase and Elaine, our newest fellow Keyblade wielders," Riku introduced.
"Ah, so you're Sora. Riku's been telling me quite about you. He told me that you're quite a Pokémon Trainer. Especially when you won three Pokémon League competitions. That is something no Pokémon Trainer in history has ever done before," Professor Kukui said.
"I'm glad to impress you, professor," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Professor, this isn't a social call," Riku said.
"I thought you didn't call just to say hello to me. What can I do for you today?" Professor Oak said.
"Elaine, why don't you take this one?" Riku offered.
"Okay. The thing is, my Eevee, Maple did something awesome and amazing. We were attacked by some Heartless and she managed to use an attack I never saw before to beat them," Elaine said.
"Is that so?" Professor Kukui asked, intrigued.
"Yeah. Maple attacked those Heartless with great force. It was like Tackle, but I know it wasn't," Elaine said.
"I see. Don't you think you can demonstrate it for me?" Professor Kukui asked.
"Sure. I need one of you to volunteer," Elaine said.
"Sure," Roxas said, looking at Xipak. "Okay, Xipak. Why don't you step in?"
"Pikachu," Xipak nodded.
"Okay, Maple. You did what you did with those Heartless. Maple nodded. A pink heart appeared between them and rushes at Xipak and an explosion occurred, sending Xipak flying. Roxas jumps and catches him. Professor Kukui was amazed by what he saw.
"That was magnificent!" Professor Kukui said.
"So, you know what it is?" Chase asked.
"Actually, it's an attack that's not on in the system, until now," Professor Kukui said.
"That's what we thought," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Yes. It's my theory that there are certain Eevee that have the capabilities of using it," Professor Kukui said.
"What do you think we're gonna call it?" Naminé asked.
"I think we should name it Veevee Volley," Professor Kukui proposed.
"Veevee Volley? I like it," Elaine said.
"I'm glad you think so. I'm going to do my research on the matter. I'll let you know if I hear anything," Professor Kukui said.
"That'll be great, professor," Riku said.
"Anytime, Riku. It was great meeting the rest of you. Bye for now," Professor Kukui said, breaking contact.
Meanwhile, in Count Ernesh's mansion, Count Ernesh stands before Insidious.
"You summoned me, my master?" Count Ernesh asked.
"I have sensed a disturbance," Insidious said.
"I have felt it as well," Count Ernesh said.
"It would seems there are new Guardians of Kingdom Hearts. They have been identified as a boy and a girl. Their powers have awaken within them," Insidious said.
"Yes. Their lights are shining brightly as ever. We must counter this soon enough," Count Ernesh said.
"Agreed, and we are nearly ready. We must keep watch on them until then," Insidious said.
Back with the group, they were training their Pokémon for the Pokémon Stadium Cup. Before the training, Sora exchanged Magmortar, Electivire, Arbok, Snorlax, Pinsir, Crobat, Ambipom, Golduck, Medicham, and Weavile for Ariados, Sandslash, Sudowoodo, Pelipper, Gallade, Ursaluna, Donphan, Hitmonchan, Hitmonlee, and Sceptile. Kairi exchanged Quilava and Chikorita for Gardevoir and Hitmontop.
"Okay, you guys. Go!" Sora said. Sora's Pokémon started to train hard for the Pokémon Stadium Cup. "Okay, Hitmonchan! Use your Thunder Punch! Hitmonlee! You use Rolling Kick to block!" Hitmonchan uses Thunder Punch while Hitmonlee uses Rolling Kick on Hitmonchan's Thunder Punch. "Great job, you guys! Okay, Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt and Meltan! You use Flash Cannon!" Pikachu and Meltan fired their chosen attacks and struck in midair, resulting in an explosion. "Okay, Ursaluna! Headlong Rush! Donphan! Rollout!" Donphan rolled into a ball while Ursaluna charged at the Tusk Pokémon with Headlong Rush. They collided with each other. Ursaluna may be larger than Donphan, but he wasn't going to be overwhelmed that easily.
Kairi was practicing with her Pokémon for her next Contest.
Unknown to them, Vanitas is watching them closely. He spotted Chase and Elaine as they were beginning their lessons with Rei.
(Flashback)
We go back to the Keyblade Graveyard before the final battle and the death of Eraqus. Vanitas has arrived shortly after Master Xehanort did.
"Master. Viento is coming this way like you planned," Vanitas said.
"Good. Gaia is also on his way as well. The final pieces are now in place, and we can finally end this game once and for all," Master Xehanort said.
"What about Cascade? She's been such a pain even though she's a capable fighter. I almost had my mask knocked off to prove it. At least I'll have my shot at her," Vanitas said.
"Worry not, Vanitas. She won't be a nuisance for long. And I assure you, you will have your chance. She is too much like Eraqus to join up with the likes of us, so for that reason, she is of no use for my vision of the future," Master Xehanort said.
"Yes. She'll do what she can to protect Viento just like Gaia did when you set him up against Eraqus," Vanitas said.
"Yes, but there is something troubling I am sensing," Master Xehanort said.
"What?" Vanitas asked.
"As of late, I have been having visions of the future. It would seem that there will be a new generation Keyblade wielders in the future. And they're called the Guardians of Kingdom Hearts," Master Xehanort said.
"The Guardians of Kingdom Hearts? You mean, someone who will protect Kingdom Hearts?" Vanitas asked.
"Yes, my creation. I only had these visions just before I began my plan. And that is why I had to act now before it happens," Master Xehanort said.
"Just how many of these so-called Guardians could there be?" Vanitas asked.
"I don't know, but it matters so little. Kingdom Hearts will be revealed from the darkness and the X-blade shall be forged. And that is where Gaia and Viento come in," Master Xehanort said.
"And warriors wielding Keyblades will come here like the legend says to begin the Keyblade War all over again," Vanitas said.
"We must be ready, because they have already arrived. It won't be long until all three of them are together," Master Xehanort said.
"Then, let's soften them up a little before the real show begins," Vanitas said.
"Agreed. We'll show our guests a proper welcome," Master Xehanort said.
"Viento. The time is at last coming. You and I will become one once again, like it was meant to be. And that blue-haired skank won't stop me this time," Vanitas said.
(End of flashback)
"The Master never said when it would happen, but I knew he was right when Xigbar brought me in the fray. I think I'll have some fun with them first and then deal with them myself. I'll have to start with the newbies, then I'll deal with the rest of them," Vanitas said.
Just when Sora's Pokémon were training, a Rhyperior emerged from the trees, surprising them all.
"A Rhyperior," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Who's that Pokémon?" Chase asked, taking out his Rotom Phone to scan it.
Rhyperior, the Drill Pokémon
The evolved form of Rhydon
Type: Ground/Rock
Rhyperior puts rocks in its sockets to shoot at intruders whenever it is challenged. On rare occasions, it shoots out smaller Rock-type Pokémon such as Geodude and Roggenrola.
"Wow, that's cool," Chase said.
"You think this is a wild Rhyperior?" Elaine asked.
"Unlikely. Rhyhorn, Rhydon, and Rhyperior can be found in rocky areas, so it must have a Trainer nearby," Riku said.
"Rhyperior, where are you?" A familiar voice asked. The voice turns out to be Cody. "There you are, Rhyperior." He begins to scold the large Pokémon. "I told you not to wonder too far away." Rhyperior roared a bit.
"Cody," Roxas said.
Cody sees the group and he smiled.
"Hello, everyone. Sorry if my Rhyperior caused trouble, everyone," Cody apologized as he bowed his head. "You apologize, too." Rhyperior bowed its head in apology.
"It's okay, Cody," Sora said.
"I take it that this Rhyperior belongs to you, huh?" Riku asked.
"Sure does. I had him ever since he was just a baby Rhyhorn. He's always been an adventurous one. Rhyperior is one of my strongest Pokémon," Cody said.
"You certainly raised your Rhyperior well," Rei said.
"Aren't the others with you, Cody?" Kris asked.
"Why don't you ask us yourself?" TK asked as he and the others came to the scene. Tai now has a Magmortar with him as Mimi has a Skiploom with her.
"Great seeing you again, Ketchum," Tai greeted.
"Back at you, Tai," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"So, are you practicing for the Pokémon Stadium Cup?" Meiko asked.
"Meowth?" Little Mei asked.
"Yeah. How about you?" Ash asked.
"We are. We registered for the Pokémon Stadium Cup same as you and we've been traveling around the Kanto region since," Sora T said.
"And Kairi, great job on winning that Contest in Saffron City," Amy said.
"Thank you, Amy. That's really nice of you," Kairi said.
"What was really nice was when you put that green jerk Harley in his place," Yolei said.
"Yolei, calm down," Ken said.
"Don't tell me to calm down! When I do see that Harley, I'm going to give him the smack down of his life!" Yolei said.
"How about we calm down and not think about doing anything too violent," Kari said.
"Kari's right. He's only human," Joe said.
"Something tells me she doesn't care," Izzy said.
"Hey, who can blame her? I mean, that guy is a total douche," Davis said.
"Who even cares about that guy? Let's ask our man, Roxas how is life is adjusting," Matt suggested.
"Better than I thought. The best thing about it is there's no more Organization XIII to worry about. There are still Nobodies out there, but there isn't anything we can't handle," Roxas said.
"We're all happy to hear it, because Xemnas won't be able to take it away from you even if he tried," Mimi said.
"Have you caught some more Pokémon, Roxas?" Sora T asked.
"Well, I caught these," Roxas said, letting out his Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and male Nidoran. The DigiDestined were amazed by the markings on the starter Pokémon.
"Prodigious. I've never seen markings like these before," Izzy said.
"Neither," Cody said.
"So cool," Davis said.
"Since you guys are here, how about a bit of sparring before we move on?" Ash suggested.
"I like that idea," Tai said.
"So do I," Matt said.
"So, who'll be sparring with who?" Ken asked.
"I think I'll spar with Cody," Chase said, looking at Rhyperior.
"You sure you wanna do that, Chase? That Rhyperior looks like a high level Pokémon," Rui said.
"She's right. You should take it slow," Ethan said.
"I like a challenge," Chase said.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Rui said.
"What do you say, Cody? It's your call," TK said.
"I can take Chase up on his offer. He did say he likes a challenge," Cody said.
"Let's make it one-on-one," Chase suggested.
"Fine with me," Cody agreed. Chase took out his Pokémon Box and he exchanged his Geodude for Squirtle. Cody was sticking with his Rhyperior, so Chase took out his Squirtle's Pokéball and threw it.
"Squirtle! Go!" Chase shouted. His Squirtle emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"You can have the first move, Chase," Cody said.
"Thanks, Cody. Okay, Squirtle! Use Water Gun!" Chase ordered. Squirtle fired Water Gun right at Rhyperior. It does little damage to him. "Wha?!"
"That should have done a lot of damage," Elaine said.
"True, but Rhyperior is at a much higher level than Squirtle," Joe said.
"Rhyperior! Rock Wrecker!" Cody ordered. Rhyperior forms a boulder in its hands and sends it at the Tiny Turtle Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Squirtle! Hurry!" Chase called out. Squirtle tried to dodge, but Rhyperior's Rock Wrecker came too fast, so Squirtle was knocked out. Chase calls his Squirtle back and he sighed to himself. "I lost with just one hit. I guess I should have taken your word for it, Rui."
"You shouldn't feel bad about losing, Chase," Cody said. Chase looked right at Cody. "You had the right idea when it came to Pokémon types. And I know your Squirtle is going to get strong enough to battle my Rhyperior someday." Rhyperior nodded with agreement.
"He's right, Chase," Sora agreed. Chase looked at his friend. "You just have to train your Squirtle hard enough and you'll make it." Chase smiled.
"Well, isn't that sickeningly sweet?" A familiar voice asked. Everyone turned to see Vanitas approaching them. "All this mushy talk is making me sick to my stomach. Excuse me if I don't puke my guts out."
"Vanitas!" Rei growled.
"You again!" Brendan growled.
"What do you want?" Ethan asked.
"I just heard about the newest kids with Keyblades, and I just wanted to come and see for myself," Vanitas said.
"Uh, we don't know what you're talking about," Chase said.
"Don't even pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. I can sense it right off of you. Your light just gotten brighter than usual. You were now chosen as the newest Guardians of Kingdom Hearts," Vanitas said.
"We're not gonna let you have your way, Vanitas," Riku said, summoning his Braveheart and Oblivion. Sora summoned his Kingdom Key and Latios Luster as Kairi summoned her Destiny's Embrace and Latias Love. The rest of them summoned their Keyblades and them tightly. Rei sets up a barrier around them just to keep the DigiDestined and the Pokémon safe.
"So, this is how it's gonna be, right?" Vanitas asked.
"This has nothing to do with them. This is between you and all of us," Rei said.
"I guess you're right about that, Master Rei. Since we have an audience, then we can begin the show," Vanitas said, summoning his Void Gear and engaged them. Kris and May clashed their Keyblades against his and he gave the two girls a smack as Riku sends out a dark fireball at Vanitas, but he deflects it. "Not good enough." Vanitas said, unleashing his fire attack.
They all dodged the fire attack before Vanitas vanished. He came on down bringing his Void Gear down at Elaine, but ran to avoid him. They clashed their Keyblades against each other, but Vanitas overpowered her and knocked it out of her hand. Chase came to her aid by casting a fire spell at Vanitas, hitting him.
"How'd you like that?" Chase asked.
"That actually hurt me. But that is nothing compared to the pain, I'm going to give you in return," Vanitas said.
"How about this?" Wes asked as his Colosseum of Light emits fire and his Colosseum of Darkness emits ice. "Eat this!" Wes swings his two Keyblades at Vanitas, but he successfully blocked them both.
"No thanks, I'm not hungry!" Vanitas said, pushing Wes back. "I'm not easy to beat like those pathetic Team Shadow losers you're used to battling."
"Don't count me out just yet!" Wes said as he spins around with fire and ice flying around, creating a combination of fire and ice. "Double Fire Blizzard Slash!" He swings his Keyblades at Vanitas, dealing some damage on him. Rui uses her psychic powers on Vanitas and repeatedly slammed him on the ground. Wes was amazed by what he saw. "I didn't know you could do that, Rui!"
"Neither did I," Rui said.
It was now Michael's turn when he came at Vanitas and he threw his Keyblade while it was emiting lightning. Vanitas blocked it as Kris casts her music spell at him. Vanitas was struck by the music notes. Sora, Kairi, and Riku each came at Vanitas with each of their two Keyblades, ready to strike him. Vanitas vanished for a moment.
"Too slow," Vanitas said as he suddenly reappeared and overpowered them. Naminé, Roxas, and Xion came at Vanitas next, but he clashed his Keyblade against theirs and unleashed his fire attack at them. Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Brendan, and May came at Vanitas next, but he unleashed a burst of dark energy as Rei came at him, but he blocked her attack. Vanitas then gave her a kick in the stomach. Chase and Elaine came at Vanitas again, but he clashed his Void Gear against the two new Keyblade wielders. They were holding their own against Vanitas, but he was more experienced than they were. "You two have got a lot of spunk, I can give you that, but spunk ain't gonna cut it."
"We're not going to give up," Chase said.
"You're not going to win," Elaine said.
"Don't make promises you can't keep, newbies. Because you'll end up being buried six feet underneath before you could keep it," Vanitas said.
"Don't let him push you around!" Kari called out.
"Yeah, teach that masked freak who's boss!" TK added.
The rest of the DigiDestined voiced their own words of encouragement to trounce Vanitas. That just gave Chase and Elaine the strength they need to push Vanitas back. They worked together to overcome Vanitas as Chase's Keyblade emits lightning and Elaine's Keyblade emits ice. They threw their Keyblades at Vanitas, but he dodged. Calling their Keyblades back, they came at Vanitas and they clashed their Keyblades against his. Chase casts a thunder spell, striking Vanitas as Elaine rushed at him, holding out her Keyblade and struck him. Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, and Rei surrounded Vanitas and they all aimed their Keyblades at him and they unleashed beams of light, hitting him. The barrier fades as Vanitas skids backwards.
"Not bad, newbies. You're even better than I thought, if I were you, I'd watch my back," Vanitas said as a corridor of darkness opened from behind and he steps into it before vanishing.
"Hey, come back!" Chase called out.
"Let him go. He's probably far enough by now," Brendan said.
"He's right, Chase. We'll see him again," Riku said. Just then, the DigiDestined approached the two new Keyblade wielders.
"You two were amazing," Mimi said.
"You gave him what was coming at him," Yolei said.
"Thanks," Elaine said. Volt and Maple rushed to their partners and nuzzled them.
"I think I have a theory," Izzy said.
"A theory?" Elaine asked.
"Well, I think Vanitas has only shown up just to test out Chase and Elaine. He must have gotten wind of this fact just the same way any of you would. Also, Organization XIII if they were still active. And I think it's safe to assume they passed his expectations with flying colors," Izzy said.
"That's a really good theory, Izzy. Just about anything could be possible," Rei said.
"Possible that he'll have his butt kicked by you guys again. You should see the look on his face when you guys shot those light beams at him!" Davis said.
"Davis, he wore a mask," Cody reminded Davis.
"Yeah, how are we gonna see the look on his face when we never even seen his face?" Yolei added. Ash had no comment to give since he was the only one to actually see Vanitas's face.
"Okay, you should see the look on his mask," Davis said.
"A mask would change emotions, Davis," Meiko said.
"Meowth," Little Mei agreed.
"Whatever," Davis said.
Meanwhile, Vanitas enters Count Ernesh's mansion with the count awaiting him.
"Ah, Vanitas. I trust you are well," Count Ernesh said.
"Yeah. Throwing that fight really took a lot out of me. You were right to send me instead of your apprentices, Ernesh," Vanitas said. "That reminds me. How soon are you gonna be ready?"
"Soon enough, my friend. Only then will we make our appearance known to the Guardians of Kingdom Hearts. As your master would say, one must have cunning and surprise on their side," Count Ernesh said.
"I would agree with you a hundred percent on that," Vanitas said.
"Now, you must rest. Once you are recovered, you may have another chance," Count Ernesh said.
"I could use one," Vanitas said, heading up the stairs, intending to rest. "Insidious and his cronies better be ready soon enough. After losing the Organization, I can't keep it up forever."
Back with the group, they all decided to go their own separate ways.
"I'll see you around," May said.
"And we'll give you a heads-up when something happens," Brendan added.
"Of course," Rei said.
"All of us should go and tend our own goals while here in Kanto," Ethan said.
"I'm with him. And it'll be a tournament when we're both at it together," Riku said.
"Yeah!" Everyone said.
"Guys, you don't mind Xion and I hang with you for a while?" Roxas requested.
"Of course you can, Roxas. After all, you and Xion are our friends," Tai said.
"You're more than welcome to join us, Roxas, Xion," Sora T said.
"Do you approve, Master?" Xion asked.
"You don't need to ask for permission from me about it. You should be with your friends. And Axel would want you to be happy," Rei said. Roxas and Xion smiled at that.
"Thanks, Master," Roxas and Xion said.
With that said, Roxas, Xion, Xipak, and Celeste joined the DigiDestined on their way as Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, and Marill went different ways, leaving Sora, Kairi, Chase, Elaine, Rei, Pikachu, and Angel.
So, they continue on their journey through the Kanto region for the Pokémon Stadium Cup and for the Kanto Pokémon Contests with adventure waiting for them around the corner.