Episode 295: A Deadly Alliance: Earth

After Lunatone has taken off back into outer space where it came from, and the PMC and the Pokémon Hunter being arrested. Nurse Joy has allowed the group to stay for the night and earned a good night's sleep.

On the next morning, Sora, Kairi, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Lisia, Pikachu, Angel, Xipak, Celeste, and Marill bought some needed supplies and took off on their way.

As they traveled, they're greeted by a familiar face. It was Steven Stone.

"Well, well, well. It looks like you're doing well for yourselves," Steven said.

"Steven!" Sora and Kairi said.

"We haven't seen you since we met you back in Granite Cave on Dewford Island," Sora said.

"Pikachu," Pikachu said.

"What have you been up to since we last saw each other?" Kairi asked.

"Traveling around and collecting rare stones. I even dropped by home after Rustboro City was under attack by strange monsters. It was out of concern of my dad, but it turns out he was out of town when it happened, much to my relief," Steven explained.

"We're glad that your dad's okay, too, Steven," Lisia said. Steven looked right Lisia.

"I know you. You're Lisia, Wallace's niece, aren't you?" Steven asked.

"Yes," Lisia said. "It's nice to finally meet you, Steven."

"I feel the same way," Steven said.

"My name's Ethan, and this is my girlfriend, Kris," Ethan introduced.

"It's nice to meet you," Kris said.

"I'm Lyra, and this is Marill. Say hello, Marill," Lyra said.

"Marill, Marill," Marill said.

"I take it that these three are your friends, right?" Steven asked.

"Yeah. Ethan, Kris, and Lyra are all from New Bark Town in the Johto region," Sora said.

"I see," Steven said. "So, Sora, what about you? What were you up to?"

"Well, it's like this," Sora said as he started to explain. Sora filled Steven in on the fact that he has earned six Gym Badges, and he was taking part of the Battle Frontier, and he has already earned six out of seven Frontier Symbols from each of the Frontier Brains, and they're keeping their eyes opened for the Battle Pyramid, and they were heading for Mossdeep City for his seventh Gym battle. Kairi has also shared that she's taking part of Pokémon Contests, and she has won three Contest Ribbons. Steven was impressed by how well the couple has progressed.

"I have to say, I'm impressed. You both came a long way since we last met," Steven said.

"Thanks, Steven. We had done a lot of training since then," Sora said.

"Pikachu," Pikachu said.

"Pika," Xipak said.

"I don't doubt it. Sora, if it's not too much to ask, how would you like to have a battle against me?" Steven requested. This shocked Sora greatly.

"Really?!" Sora exclaimed.

"Of course. I am curious to see your strength," Steven said.

"Um, okay. I accept," Sora said.

Meanwhile, Zell has been following Sora's trail, knowing he was close. He was determined to finish him off, but he sensed someone was nearby. He summoned his Keyblade and held it tight.

"Who's there?!" Zell shouted. "Whoever it is, you better show yourself and I mean now!" He didn't wait long as the earth shifted and forms into a fist, heading right for Zell, but he dodged it. Zell summoned his Keyblade and held it tight. Rokku then erupted from the ground, holding his hammer and swings it down at him. Zell dodged and he heads for Rokku with his Keyblade, but Rokku uses his hammer to block it. Rokku swung his hammer at Zell, but Zell knocked the hammer out of his hands and he gave the earth Elemental Boss a kick in the gut.

"You got lucky, whoever you are!" Rokku said.

"I don't know who you're supposed to be, but you're going to regret attacking me like that," Zell hissed.

"You got a Keyblade, and that makes you my enemy, just like that Sora Ketchum creep!" Rokku said. Zell paused when Rokku said it.

"You know him?" Zell asked.

"Yeah, I know him. If you're a friend of his, then your skull will be crushed either by a rock or my hammer, whichever comes first," Rokku said.

"I'm not his friend, and I'm hunting him down to avenge Team Rocket," Zell said.

"You avenge Team Rocket?! That's a laugh!" Rokku said.

"I wouldn't be so sure," a familiar voice spoke. Zell looked around as a small tornado came in front of Rokku and Zell. The tornado ceased as Luft stepped forward. Flames erupt from the ground, and Fue emerged and the flames subsided. And a stream of water splashed down, and Ozean emerged from the water. The voice belonged to Ozean. "I think he's trustworthy."

"Who the hell are you?! And where did you come from?" Zell asked.

"Someone who has a common enemy. And that common enemy is Sora Ketchum. And we both have a common goal. And that's to avenge Team Rocket," Ozean said.

"That's great and all, but he's my target, and I will have the pleasure of killing him!" Zell said.

"If you think you can disrespect us like that, I'm going to burn you alive for that!" Fue exclaimed, taking out her daggers.

"Calm down. Perhaps we should just tell him our names. My name is Ozean, and my element is water. The girl is Fue, and her element is fire. This is Luft, and his element is wind. And you already met Rokku, and you can guess what his element is," Ozean said.

"I get the idea," Zell said.

"Good. And you are?" Ozean asked.

"Zell," Zell replied.

"Well, Zell, it would seem that we have a common enemy. The five of us all dreamed of defeating Sora Ketchum, getting revenge on him for destroying Team Rocket. We each had a dream of joining Team Rocket, but Sora Ketchum and his friends destroyed that dream," Ozean said.

"Yeah, they did, and that's the whole reason I even came here," Zell said.

"The same can be said for us, too, Zelly," Rokku said. "I want nothing more than to get them back. And I want some payback from that girl with the red headband! When I do see her again, I'm going to bury her alive!"

"Hey, cool it, mud-brain," Luft said.

"You'll get that chance, Rokku. We all will. If Sora Ketchum is our enemy, then we should join forces and take him on," Ozean said.

"I think you're right, Ozean. When we join up, we can avenge Team Rocket, and then rebuild it from the ashes, starting by freeing Giovanni," Zell said.

"I like how he thinks," Fue said.

And so the pact was made. The Elemental Bosses and Zell have joined forces and they have formed an alliance against their hated enemies, especially Sora. Zell and Rokku have set off to find Sora and destroy him once and for all.

Back with Sora and his friends, Sora and Steven have taken their places and they each held a Pokéball in hand.

"Okay, Sora. Let's make it a three-on-three battle," Steven said.

"That's good with me," Sora said. Steven threw his Pokéball.

"Alright, Claydol! Go!" Steven called out. His Pokéball opened and his Claydol emerged from inside. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.

"Go! Lombre!" Sora called out. His Pokéball opened and Lombre emerged from inside, ready to battle.

"Ah, a Lombre. It's a clever idea in using a Water and Grass-type Pokémon to use against my Claydol, but it takes more than types to win battles," Steven said.

"Yeah, I know, but I'm ready for anything you throw at me," Sora said. Steven chuckled.

"I don't doubt it. You may have the first move, Sora," Steven said.

"Thanks. Okay, Lombre! Use Razor Leaf!" Sora ordered. Lombre unleashed Razor Leaf right at Claydol.

"Claydol! Use Reflect!" Steven ordered. Claydol has created a protective barrier and blocked Lombre's Razor Leaf.

"That's okay, Lombre! Use Water Gun!" Sora ordered. Lombre fired Water Gun at the Clay Doll Pokémon.

"Use Light Screen!" Steven ordered. Claydol uses Light Screen to block Lombre's Water Gun. "Use Ancient Power!" Claydol forms silver crystallized rocks and sends them right at the Jolly Pokémon.

"Lombre! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Lombre dodged Claydol's Ancient Power. Lombre kept on running and he got close to Claydol. "Use Ice Punch!" Lombre lands an Ice Punch onto Claydol, dealing some damage. "Razor Leaf!" Lombre fired Razor Leaf right at Claydol, dealing some additional damage. Steven was impressed by how fast Lombre moved.

"That was impressive, Sora. You raised your Lombre well, judging by how fast your Lombre moved to dodge my Claydol's attack and how close it has gotten to land that Razor Leaf and Ice Beam combo," Steven praised.

"You're really nice, Steven," Sora said. "But just because you're a nice guy, doesn't mean I'm gonna hold back."

"I feel the same way. Claydol! Use Earthquake!" Claydol slammed on the ground, making the whole ground shake. Lombre tries to hold onto his balance, but he tripped. "Use Ancient Power!" Claydol unleashed Ancient Power and the rocks struck Lombre on the mark, resulting in a knockout. Sora called Lombre back and smiled.

"You did your best, Lombre. Get yourself a good rest," Sora said. Steven called back his Claydol and smiled.

"Good work, Claydol," Steven said as he took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Alright, Aggron! Go!" His Pokéball opened and his Aggron has emerged from inside, ready to battle. Sora took out his next Pokéball and threw it.

"Marshtomp! You're up!" Sora called out. His Pokéball opened and Marshtomp has emerged from inside, ready to battle. "Marshtomp! Use Water Gun!" Marshtomp fired Water Gun right at Aggron.

"Dodge and use Dragon Claw!" Steven ordered. Aggron avoids Marshtomp's Water Gun and slashed right at the Mud Fish Pokémon. Marshtomp gets back up on his feet.

"Use Mud Shot!" Sora ordered. Marshtomp fred a Mud Shot right at Aggron.

"Use Iron Tail!" Steven ordered. Aggron's tail gave off a metallic glow and it swings its tail, making the mud attack burst. "Use Stone Edge!" Aggron unleashed stones and sends them right at Marshtomp.

"Dodge it, Marshtomp!" Sora called out. Marshtomp jumped and dodged Aggron's Stone Edge. "Use Waterfall!" Marshtomp rushed right at Aggron with a steeam of water, uppercutting Aggron.

"Aggron! Use Dragon Claw!" Steven ordered. Aggron swiped at Marshtomp and results in a knockout. Sora went up to Marshtomp and helped him up.

"You okay, Marshtomp?" Sora asked.

"Marsh," Marshtomp weakly said.

"Get some rest," Sora said, calling back Marshtomp. Steven calls back his Aggron.

"Okay, and here is my third Pokémon," Steven said, taking out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Metagross!" His Pokéball opened and his Metagross emerged from inside. This Metagross is silver with gold trims and claws. And it is metallic blue with a gold whisp. Stars swirls around Metagross upon entry.

"A Shiny Metagross," Sora said.

"This Metagross was my first Pokémon. I had this Metagross ever since it was a Beldum," Steven said.

"So it's a battle of partners, huh? Then a battle of partners it is then," Sora said, looking at his partner. "Go for it, Pikachu."

"Pika," Pikachu said, stepping in.

"Pikachu's been with me since the beginning just as Beldum has been with you," Sora said.

I can see it. How about we make it interesting," Steven said, touching his Key Stone, making it shine brightly. Metagross gave off a bright red glow. "Heart and soul, strong as steel! Take the power that I can provide to you! Mega Evolve!" Metagross has taken a new appearance.

It constantly floats, and its legs become arms. It also gains four legs on the back of its head. The cross on its face turns dark blue, and it gains two small holes and a spike immediately below the cross, giving the impression of a goatee.

"Mega Evolution," Sora said with awe.

"Amazing," Kairi, Ethan, Kris, and Lyra said with awe.

"Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt right at Mega Metagross. Mega Metagross has dodged.

"Use Bullet Punch!" Steven ordered. Mega Metagross's arms giving off a light blue aura and gave Pikachu a few punches. "Use Meteor Mash!" Mega Metagross came at Pikachu with a Meteor Mash.

"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu dodged Mega Metagross's Meteor Mash with lightning speed. Mega Metagross tries to land a hit on the Mouse Pokémon. Mega Metagross kept on trying and trying until it lands a hit on him.

"Use Hyper Beam!" Steven ordered. Mega Metagross fired a Hyper Beam right at Pikachu and lands a hit, dealing some heavy damage. Pikachu was now knocked out. Mega Metagross reverts back to its normal form, indicating that the battle was over. Sora walked over to his partner and picked him up.

"You alright, Pikachu?" Sora asked.

"Pika," Pikachu weakly said.

"You did your best, buddy. You should rest up," Sora said.

"Your Pikachu's speed is impressive. The way your Pikachu moved, you raised your Pikachu well. You're a talented Pokémon Trainer, Sora," Steven said.

"Thanks a lot, Steven. I want you to know that I'm going to train hard for a rematch with you someday," Sora said.

"I'm looking forward to it, Sora," Steven said, shaking Sora's hand. Kairi, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, and Lisia just smiled at the sight.

"And I'm looking forward to this!" A familiar voice shouted as the earth opened up as Zell and Rokku jumped out. Zell summoned his Keyblade as Rokku has taken out his hammer.

"Zell?!" Sora exclaimed.

"Rokku!" Lisia gasped.

"Who's that?" Lyra asked.

"Rokku. He's one of those Elemental Bosses we told you about," Kairi said.

"May fought him and beat him," Lisia said.

"She got lucky!" Rokku said.

"You know these two?" Steven asked.

"Unfortunately, yeah. Haven't seen you since Petalburg City, Zell," Sora said.

"You didn't think I had given up on you, did you? Well, think again, because I am going to finish what I started with you," Zell said.

"Zell, this has got to stop. You gotta realize that Team Rocket had to be stopped, and that's why we took them down. We did it to save the Pokémon of the world from them," Sora said.

"You think you're so high and mighty all because you're a Pokémon League Champion and everything! Well, it ain't going to go down like that!" Rokku exclaimed in anger. "Zell, since we came this far, would you like to have some fun burying him alive?"

"Oh, we can make a game out of this," Zell said. He casts an aero spell, blowing a strong wind their way. Steven is blown back as Kairi, Ethan, Kris, and Lyra ran towards Sora and summoned their Keyblades. Sora has summoned his Kingdom Key and a new Keyblade.

The Keyblade is modeled after Samus' power suit. The blade is golden-yellow while the teeth are red. It has a guard that has Samus' helmet's design. The keychain is golden-yellow and the token is Samus' helmet. This Keyblade shall be known as the Plasma Pulse. A barrier appeared all around them as Rokku swings his hammer on the ground, making it shake and a pillar of earth erupts from the ground, forming into a fist. The gravely fist came down to crush them, but they managed to dodge it, so Ethan casts a balloon spell, bringing down the fist. Rokku swings his hammer at Kris and Lyra, so they swung their Keyblades at him, but he ducked his head, and he swings his hammer again. Sora and Kairi came at Zell, but they clashed their Keyblades at him, so he pushes them back and he swings it at Kairi, but she managed to block with her Keyblade. Sora came at Zell, but he jumped out of the way. Sora swings both Keyblades at him, but Zell blocked, pushing him back, and Sora pushes back as well. Ethan jumped and came at Zell, but he blocked with Keyblade and the two of them clashed their Keyblades against one another. Sora and Kairi came at Zell, but he casts a reflect spell, making their physical attacks bounce off him.

"Eat this!" Kairi shouted as she casts a crystal fire spell, hitting Zell on the mark.

Rokku manipulates the earth and sends it right at the Keyblade wielders. They jumped as the piece of earth almost hits them. Rokku tries again and he lands a hit onto Lyra as he swings his hammer at Kris, but Ethan comes to her rescue by casting a blizzard spell, hitting the earth Elemental Boss.

"Brr! I hate being cold!" Rokku shivered. He breaks the ice and he creates an armor of stone. "Okay, I'm gonna crush your skull for that!"

"Go ahead and try it, pebble-brain!" Ethan taunted.

"Be careful what you wish for, because you're gonna end up getting more than you can handle!" Rokku exclaimed as he rushed at him with a tackle. He gave Ethan some punches in the face, but Kris casts a zero gravity spell, making him float up in the air.

Steven was amazed by what he was witnessing. He knew there was something special about Sora, but he would never have expected anything like this.

"Stop punching my man!" Kris shouted as she then casts a gravity spell, making him slam down hard against the ground. Sora and Kairi continued to fight Zell, clashing Keyblades. He casts a fire spell as Sora crosses both his Keyblades and uses them to block Zell's spell.

"Nice try!" Sora said.

"I'm gonna have to try even harder!" Zell shouted. He threw his Keyblade at Sora, but breaking through the barrier, the Eternal Flames chakrams flew at Zell, distracting him. Just then, Axel came and elbows him.

"Is this a private party? If it is, then you wouldn't mind if I crash it!" Axel said, giving Zell an uppercut. He then sets his attention on Rokku was angered by his sudden appearance.

"Hey, where did you come from?" Rokku asked. Axel looked right at Rokku.

"Just a toy that's worth breaking," Axel said. This infuriates Rokku.

"Toy?! I'm gonna break your face for that!" Rokku exclaimed. Rokku came at Axel, but he teleports and he knocked Rokku down. Rokku glared right at Axel and he growled. Just when he was about to attack Axel again, he then gets a sudden headache. He screamed in agony as he held his head. "WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME?!" He fell to his knees.

We take a look from Rokku's point of view as he sees the other three Elemental Bosses in a white room and then fades.

"What's wrong with him?" Steven asked.

"I don't know," Ethan replied.

"What's the matter? Having a flashback?" Axel asked. Rokku's headache subsided and he glares at Axel again.

"I don't know what your game is, but-" Rokku's head gave off a small spark. Rokku shook his head. "What just happened? He manipulates the earth and Zell sinks down in the earth as Rokku tunneled underneath.

"They're gone," Lyra said.

"Yeah, but not forgotten," Axel said.

"Good of you to show up, Axel. But what are you doing here?" Sora asked.

"Just thought there was a commotion going on and I decided to drop in. And it looks like I came just in time," Axel said.

"Well, thanks for the save, but you're taking a big risk by just talking to us," Sora said.

"That's my problem. Now if you excuse me, I got some work to do," Axel said, leaving through the corridor of darkness. Axel has come to a different spot of the Hoenn region and he sighed. "So the Organization's reduced in using puppets against them. Vexen's a real piece of work."

Meanwhile, Zell and Rokku have made it back to the rest of the Elemental Bosses.

"So, Rokku, is Sora Ketchum dead or not?" Fue asked.

"Shut up!" Rokku angrily exclaimed.

"I'll take that as a no. I knew you'd blow it, Rokku. And that Keyblader didn't help much either," Fue said in a teasing tone.

"Hey, I would have finished him off if it weren't for that guy in the black coat! He's the one who got in the way!" Zell argued.

"Why do I have a feeling that this is going to be a regular thing with us?" Luft asked.

"If it is, then we'll have to fix that, won't we?" Ozean asked.

"Yeah, that guy will most likely get in the way again," Rokku said.

"Maybe, but we'll be ready for him when it does happen, but we'll have to be patient. And we will have to plan our next battle plan," Ozean said.

Zell and Rokku might have failed to take out Sora and his friends, but they were far from giving up their goal. And which one will go next will be up to a vote between them.

Back with the group, Sora, Kairi, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, and Lisia filled Steven in about the Keyblade and about the Heartless, Nobodies, Unversed, and about Vanitas, Organization XIII since dealing with Zell and the Elemental Bosses. They even explained why Zell and the elemental Bosses hated Sora so much. They filled Steven in about Team Rocket being a criminal organization dedicated in stealing Pokemon from various Trainers, and using Pokemon to commit all sorts of crimes until their downfall.

"Sounds like you've got a pretty full plate," Steven said.

"Pretty much," Sora said.

"And those monsters that attacked Rustboro City were the Heartless. From what you told me, Organization XIII makes Team Magma and Team Aqua look like amateurs," Steven said.

"We've been thinking the same thing. It probably won't be long until they attack us again," Ethan said.

"Ethan's right," Lisia agreed. "But it's nothing you can't handle, right?"

"You know it, Lisia," Sora said.

"Pikachu," Pikachu said.

"Xipak," Xipak said.

"But when we work together, we can overcome them," Sora said.

"You're right, because you give each other strength. And when you all work together, there's nothing that can stop you," Steven said.

Sora smiled at what Steven said, knowing he was right. They've been through so much and there's nothing they can't do unless they work together. After getting some needed rest, the group have prepared to depart for their next destination.

"I trust that you're ready to be on your way, right?" Steven asked.

"Yeah," Sora said.

"I thought you. Anyway, before you go, I thought I should to you that there's a Pokémon Contest going on in Lilycove City, Kairi," Steven said.

"Lilycove City's having a Pokémon Contest? Then, I should be prepared for that one," Kairi said.

"Eevee," Angel said.

"Eevee," Celeste said.

"Well, thanks for the head's up, Steven," Sora said.

"No problem. But before you head for Lilycove City, I think you should check out Mount Pyre. There should be a good place for you to train," Steven said.

"Sure thing," Ethan said.

"We'll be sure to do that," Lyra said.

"Mariil, Marill," Marill said.

"It was great seeing you again, Steven," Sora said.

"You too, Sora, Kairi, and it was great meeting the rest of you," Steven said.

So the group said their goodbyes to Steven. He watched them go on their way, and he knew he was going to see them again at some point, but only time knows when that'll be, but probably soon.

Meanwhile, a gray helicopter comes flying over Mount Pyre, and Team Aqua departs from it. Matt is leading the mission this time. He and the grunts stepped out of the helicopter to disembark on their mission.

"Look alive, the lot of you! The Blue Orb should be somewhere on this mountain, so it could be our last chance to realize Archie's dream of the world being a vast ocean," Matt said.

"We'll begin our search at once, sir," one of the male grunts said. Team Aqua sets off to find the temple where the Blue Orb sleeps.

On another part of Mount Pyre, a red helicopter makes a landing, so Courtney is leading a squad of Team Magma grunts to their mission.

"Okay, everyone, according to the info we recently uncovered, the Red Orb should be someone where on this mountain, and our goal of making the world into one giant piece of land will soon be within reach," Courtney said.

"Yes, Miss Courtney," the grunts all said.

"All of you spread out! All except for you. You're with me," Courtney said, pointing to a grunt.

"Yes, ma'am," the grunt said.

The Team Magma grunts have all spread out as one stayed with Courtney. Courtney has grinned quite so evilly as she chuckled.

"Too bad Tabitha had to miss out on this, but I'm sure he'll be happy with us once we find the Red Orb," Courtney said.

This cannot be good. Team Aqua and Team Magma have arrived to Mount Pyre to search for the Red and Blue Orbs. Will Sora and his friends be able to stop them before it's all too late? And what did Axel mean by the Organization using puppets to fight against Sora and the others? Find out if you wanna find out.