Episode 346: Kairi vs Harley
On the next day, the Saffron City Pokémon Contest was about to begin. Kairi was about to make her Kanto debut in the Pokémon Contest and she has chosen her Chikorita for the appeals round and her Quilava for the second round.
Just when they were entering the stadium, they see the Digimon Tamers.
"Hey, Sora," Takato greeted.
"Charmeleon," Guil said.
"Hey, Takato. Haven't seen you since the party," Sora said. He bends down to his younger siblings. "Nice seeing you two again, Ai and Mako."
"Our big brother told us that your girlfriend is in the contest, isn't she?" Ai asked.
"You got that right, Ai," Sora said, chuckling. Mako blushed a bit. It turns out Mako has a bit of a crush on Kairi, finding her to be pretty.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Sounds like her," Jeri said.
"We're gonna cheer very hard for her," Leaf said.
"Yes, we are," Elaine said.
"Eevee!" Maple said.
Lillian has entered the stage as the judges consisted of Contesta, Suziko, and Rika's mother, Rumiko. Sora, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Ash, Leaf, Chase, Elaine, Wes, Rui, Michael, Rei, Takato, Henry, Rika, Jeri, Kazu, Kenta, Ryo, Suzie, Ai, Mako, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Volt, Maple, Guil sits in their seats as the Contest is about to begin.
Meanwhile, Yuta, Mirei, and Seth were at home, watching the Saffron City Contest on TV, along with Tracey and Daisy.
Over in Vermillion City, Odaiba City, Domino City, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Marill, the DigiDestined and their Pokémon companions were watching the event on TV.
"Welcome, everyone, it's showtime! And welcome also is our Coordinators and their Pokémon! The Saffron City Pokémon Contest on our new stage is about to get underway! Get ready for a display of love and creativity," Lillian announced as the crowd cheered. "Only one constant will take home this valuable prize: the Saffron Ribbon! Only truly amazing Coordinators will win this Ribbon will hopefully win Contests all across the region, and get the 5 Ribbons necessary to have the chance of entering the Grand Festival! Alright then! Let's get to the action, shall we?"
Kairi looked right at Chikorita.
"Soon, it'll be your moment to shine," Kairi said.
"Chiko," Chiorita nodded.
"We had some practice, so let's make it count," Kairi said.
"Now, let me introduce you to our fine panel of judges! Our head judge and perinatal fashion plate, Raoul Contesta!" Lillian introduced.
"Always a pleasure to be here," Contesta said.
"Up next! The president of the Pokémon Fan Club is Mr. Suziko!" Lillian introduced.
"Thank you. This is remarkable," Mr. Suziko said.
"And last, but certainly not least! Sitting with us is someone who is no need of an introduction! We have former Top Coordinator, Rumiko Nonaka!" Lillian introduced.
"I'm so very happy to be here!" Rumiko said.
"Contesta and Suziko do that in Kanto, too?" Roxas asked.
"Seems like it to me," Naminé said, shrugging her shoulders.
"Azurill, Azurill," Azurill chirped.
"Not only that, I didn't know your mom was a Top Coordinator, Rika," Sora said.
"I guess I didn't bother mentioning it," Rika said.
"I suppose you didn't," a familiar voice said. They turned to see Seiko Hata sitting down.
"Grandma," Rika said.
"You see, Rika didn't want to be known as a Coordinator's daughter, but as her own Pokémon Trainer. She had high hopes she would become a Top Coordinator like she was, but Rika decided she wanted to go on her own path instead of following in her mother's footsteps," Seiko said.
"It's true. Pokémon Contests wasn't Rika's thing. She used to believe that Pokémon were all about battles, but all that changed when she went into a battle against Agatha of the Kanto Elite Four," Henry said.
(Flashback)
Rika has her Ninetales out, but she was beaten by Agatha whom has her Gengar out to battle.
"Not bad, young lady. Your strength is absolutely impressive, but there are some things that you lack," Agatha said.
"What could I be lacking?" Rika asked.
"What you lack is the trust, commitment, bond, and love you have with your Pokémon. I understand perfectly why you wish to be strong. I was the same way when I was your age, but I have learned from the mistakes I have made, my dear. And that is what made me what I am today," Agatha said.
"But the reason you won is because you have so much strength!" Rika argued.
"Yes, yes, strength is important, but strength alone is not enough. It takes the other qualities I have already mentioned to you are just as important. A Pokémon's well-being should always come before winning. Until you understand my meaning, you have learned nothing," Agatha said. Rika looked at her injured Ninetales and she sighed to herself.
(End of flashback)
"I didn't want to admit it back then, but I knew she was right when she beat me. I eventually understood it and it stuck me ever since. After that, I had a much better connection with my Pokémon and I became the Trainer I am now," Rika said.
"You sure took Agatha's word to heart," Rei said.
"I did," Rika said.
"Now, let's get right to the first round. On our opening round, contestants will showcase both Coordinator and Pokémon technique and performance. Now, is everyone ready?!" Lillian called out.
"YEAH!" The crowd roared with excitement.
"We sure have a great crowd here today! Now, give it up for first contestant! And here is Harley!" Lillian announced as the crowd cheered. Of course, not everyone was thrilled.
"Oh, great. Harley," Sora deadpanned.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
Harley comes on stage and blows some kisses to the audience.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Harley said.
"Of all the people, why does he get to go first?" Leaf asked. Harley took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Come on out, my cool Cacturne!" Harley called out. His Cacturne emerged from inside. "Cotton Spore!" Cacturne unleashed balls of cotton all around.
"Harley's Cacturne starts things off with an impressive display of Cotton Spore!" Lillian announced.
"Oh, you ain't seen nothin' yet. I've taken Cacturne's attacks to an all-new level. So check this out. Go, Cacturne! Use Needle Arm!" Cacturne stands there for a moment. Lillian, the judges, the group, and the rest of the audience were wondering why Cacturne was just standing there. He snapped his fingers when Cacturne's needles on his arms extends and pierced the cotton. Everyone was applauding over how impressive that was.
"A wild and creative use of Needle Arm! And the crowd roars approval over Harley and Cacturne's spectacular display!" Lillian announced.
"I never seen Needle Arm used like that before," Chase said.
"Me neither. It obviously took some training for him to pull that off," Riku said.
Over in the back, Kairi knew it would be tough to top, but she couldn't afford to hesitate.
"Not bad, I can admit that. He's not the only one with a trick up his sleeve," Kairi said.
"Alright! The crowd approves! Let's see what our judges think!" Lillian announced.
"An enchanting combination. But in the mystery of Grass-types with the creepy appeal of Dark-types," Contesta said.
"I say, remarkable," Mr. Suziko said.
"Communicating by snapping fingers was a great touch," Rumiko said.
"Mmm. That's the kind of crowd pleaser you wanna start a Contest with! Now, let's get that excitement level high!" Lillian announced as the crowd cheered. Coordinators came and went as they put on their best performance. "Wasn't that wonderful, ladies and gentlemen? And it brings us down to our final round entry! Making her Kanto debut is the Champion of the Hoenn Grand Festival, Kairi!" The crowd cheered as Kairi stepped in with a Pokéball in hand and she threw it.
"Chikorita! I choose you!" Kairi called out. Her Pokéball opened and her Chikorita emerged from inside, ready to put on his performance. "Okay, Chikorita! Use Magical Leaf!" Chikorita unleashed his Magical Leaf, making the leaves go flying in the air. "Use Vine Whip to jump and use Vine Whip on the leaves!" Chikorita uses his Vine Whip to jump in the air and he smacked the multicolored leaves while in midair. "Use Tackle!" Chikorita charges through the flashing leaves, making them follow him.
"Wow! Kairi's Chikorita starts off with a beautiful Magical Leaf and then uses Vine Whip as a spring and uses it give the leaves a good smacking, and now, it has Magical Leaf following it!" Lillian announced.
"Vine Whip again, but as a jump rope!" Kairi ordered. Chikorita uses his Vine Whip as a jump rope as the leaves goes continues to follow Chikorita. The leaves then goes flying as Chikorita stopped jumping, making the crowd roar.
"Kairi has just given us an excellent Vine Whip jump rope while Magical Leaf was still in effect! What a terrific way to end the first round of the Saffron City Pokémon Contest!" Lillian announced.
"Wow, look at that. Kairi's Chikorita is amazing," Elaine said.
"Eevee," Maple said.
"Sure is. They're in perfect synch," Leaf said.
"Keep it up, Kairi!" Ash said.
"The use of Vine Whip to jump was very creative. In all my years, I never would have imagined it," Contesta said.
"Remarkable," Mr. Suziko said.
"I was at awe over Chikorita's adorableness when Chikorita used its Vine Whip as a jump rope," Rumiko said.
In the back, Harley scowled in a hateful manner.
"The first round of judging is now complete! Please turn your attention to the main screen! Here are the lucky eight Coordinators who will continue on into the second round!" Lillian announced. And it turns out that Kairi and Harley made in as one of the eight Coordinators. "Let's hear it for these hardworking Pokémon Trainers!"
"Kairi's in," Elaine said.
"Eevee," Maple said.
"What did you expect? Of course she made it in," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
Over at Kairi's house, Kairi's family were mighty proud of Kairi of her for making it in.
"Well, folks, here's how the second round works! These eight will now be paired in random by the computer for single elimination Contest Battles!" Lillian announced as the selections were made. Harley was having his first, while Kairi was having hers last. Harley is up against a young man wearing green clothes and green shoes while Kairi is up against a young man in orange clothes and orange shoes. Their clothing were almost identical.
"Looks like I'm in the fourth battle. Fine with me," Kairi said.
"So, it looks like I'll be your opponent for this match, Kairi, wasn't it?" The young man in orange asked.
"Yeah. I've seen you perform. Um, Orange, right?" Kairi asked.
"Got my name from the color I wear, huh? Well, just so you know, I'm walking away with that Ribbon," Orange said.
"Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. I'm winning that Ribbon," Harley said.
"Not sorry for your raining on your parade, scarecrow, but I'm the one who will be winning the Ribbon," the man in green said.
"And who are you?" Harley asked.
"Just call me Green," Green said. Kairi looked between the two of them and she crossed her arms.
"I know I've seen these two before, but I can't place my finger on it," Kairi said in her thoughts.
We come to the second round as Harley was beginning his battle against Green.
"Welcome to Round 2, everyone! Victory goes to the Coordinator in attacks in beautifully and effectively to lower the opponent's points within the five minute time limit! And to the stage! And for the first pairing, let's hear it for Harley versus Green!" Lillian announced. Harley and Green stare at each other. "So, start the clock, now!" The clock begins running as Harley and Green each took out a Pokéball and threw the Pokéballs.
"Go, my cool Ariados! Go!" Harley called out. His Pokéball opened and his Ariados emerged from inside.
"Let's go! Politoed!" Green called out. His Pokéball opened and a Politoed came out to battle. "Make your first performance with your Round!" Politoed begins to sing a song. Its mouth releases a beam of green sound waves surrounded by musical notes from its mouth at the spider-like Pokémon.
"Politoed has unleashed a soothing, yet powerful song with that Round!" Lillian announced, cutting into Harley's points.
"So, Politoed can damage an opponent just by singing at them?" Chase asked.
"Pika?" Chase asked.
"Yeah, but he's lucky it's a single battle, otherwise if it was a double or triple battle, the damage would have been a lot worse for Ariados," Wes said.
"Wonder how Harley will counter it," Rei said.
"Very good, Politoed! Now, use Bounce!" Green ordered. Politied jumped high on the stage.
"Dodge it, Ariados!" Harley called out. Ariados sends out a web to avoid the Frog Pokémon's assault. It costs Green some points.
"A close shave for Ariados, and it costs Green some of his points!" Lillian announced.
"Politoed! Use Scald!" Green ordered. Politoed fired Scald at the Long Legs Pokémon to land a hit.
"I don't think so, greeny! Ariados! Dodge that and use String Shot!" Harley ordered. Ariados avoids the hot water and then entangled Politoed in the silk, much to the Frog Pokémon's dismay. "Nicely done, Ariados. Let's have some fun with Politoed!" Ariados then has Politoed moving around like a string puppet.
"Looks like Harley is making a major comeback by having Ariados playing with Politoed like a puppet!" Lillian announced. Harley cuts Green's points. The whole audience found it amusing and laughed.
"What an interesting attack," Rumiko said.
"Yes. Remarkable," Mr. Suziko added.
"Perfect synch between Coordinator and his Pokémon," Contesta said.
"You put your right out, and put your left foot out, and pass it all around!" Harley taunted.
"Hey, cut that out!" Green demanded.
"That's clever. Harley's using String Shot to turn it around on that guy just to keep from attacking," Riku said.
"And a one, and a two, and buckle my shoe!" Harley laughed. Green's points were going down more and more with each passing second. "Let's finish this. Ariados! Throw it for a touchdown!" Ariados gave Politoed a toss and land on its face, diminishing Green's remaining points.
"That cost Green the last of his points and sends Harley on to the next battle on the semifinals!" Lillian announced.
"Yay!" Harley cheered as he laughed.
After two additional battles, Kairi was now battling Orange in the fourth battle.
"And we arrive to the fourth battle to where have Kairi against Orange in this battle!" Lillian announced. Sora looked right at Orange and he found him to be very familiar.
"Okay, I know I've seen Green and Orange before, but where? Where did I meet them?" Sora asked in his thoughts.
"Now, our Coordinators will choose your Pokémon and begin!" Lillian shouted as the clock started to run.
"Go! Torkoal!" Orange called out.
"Quilava! Come out!" Kairi called out.
Both Pokémon emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"Okay, Torkoal! Starting up with Flamethrower!" Orange ordered. Torkoal fired Flamethrower at the Volcano Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Flame Wheel!" Kairi ordered. Quilava curls up into a ball and rolled to avoid Torkoal's Flamethrower and right at Torkoal, but does very little damage. It cuts into Orange's points.
"Use Flame Charge!" Orange ordered. Torkoal charges right at Quilava, dealing some damage on him. The attack cuts into Kairi's points.
"Kairi starts things up with a Flame Wheel, but Orange counters with an incredible Flame Charge!" Lillian announced.
"I didn't think a slow-moving Pokémon like Torkoal could use Flame Charge," Chase said.
"Just about any Fire-type Pokémon can use Flame Charge, but that's not all," Riku said.
"Is there more to it, Riku?" Chase asked.
"Yeah, because Flame Charge builds up a Pokémon's speed every time it's used. So we're going to see a very fast Torkoal," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"Okay, Quilava! Use Quick Attack!" Kairi ordered. Quilava ran towards Torkoal with Quick Attack to land a hit.
"I don't think so. Flame Charge again!" Orange ordered. Torkoal ran towards Quilava with Flame Charge and lands a hit, increasing Torkoal's speed and building up its speed and cutting more of Kairi's points.
"Orange is really pushing Kairi's points down, not giving her a chance to push back!" Lillian announced.
"Quilava! Use Aerial Ace!" Kairi ordered. Quilava dashed right at Torkoal, dealing some damage on the Coal Pokémon.
"I stand corrected! Kairi is pushing back and she's taking chunks of Orange's points!" Lillian announced.
"Torkoal! Use Flame Charge!" Orange ordered. Torkoal charges at Quilava with another Flame Charge.
"Dodge and use Aerial Ace again!" Kairi ordered. Quilava uses Aerial Ace to dodge Torkoal's Flame Charge and lands another hit, dealing some additional damage onto Torkoal.
"Incredible! Quilava is really giving it to Torkoal, espite Torkoal's strong defense!" Lillian announced.
"Alright, let's see how you handle this, sister! Use Shell Smash!" Orange ordered. Torkoal becomes outlined in a white glow while the spikes on its back also glow white. A faint red glow surrounds it and disappears in a burst. Lines of a blue aura shoot down its body and an orange aura shoot up its body, lowering its defenses and increasing its attack power and speed.
"Wait. Shell Smash?" Elaine asked.
"It's a move that a Pokémon can use to lower a Pokémon's defense and increases its attack, special attack, and speed," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Shell Smash is a risky move to use, because Orange just put his Torkoal in a vulnerable place," Ash said.
"Okay, Torkoal! Flame Charge!" Orange ordered. Torkoal charges at Quilava with Flame Charge.
"Quilava! Quick Attack!" Kairi ordered. Quilava ran right at Torkoal and collided with the Coal Pokémon, dealing some heavy damage, due to it lowering its own defense. "Flamethrower!" Quilava fired Flamethrower, engulfing Torkoal in intense flames and Torkoal is now knocked out from Quilava's Flamethrower.
"Torkoal is out of the match, which means Kairi is the fourth and final Coordinator making it in the semifinals!" Lillian announced.
Orange called back Torkoal and walked off. Upon entering backstage, Green is waiting for him.
"I told you not to use Shell Smash," Green scolded.
"Hey, she was getting me on the ropes. I had to turn it around somehow," Orange said.
"Whatever. Let's rejoin," Green said.
"Fine," Orange said as he and Green gave off a green and orange glow, making them into one being. He has brown hair and green eyes. He wore a brown suit and black shoes. This character is Loki, who was affiliated with Team Rocket and Ganondorf during the gathering of the Princesses of Heart.
"Well, I certainly had my fun. I can tell they've gotten stronger since the last time I saw them. That Harley clown really gave me a run I didn't expect, but it was funny," Loki said, laughing. "I have been waiting long enough, and I can see it was worth waiting for. I'll have another chance to shine soon enough."
Back to the Contest, Kairi and Harley had defeated each of their opponents as Ariados uses Spider Web on a Walrein while Quilava uses Flame Wheel on a Weepinbell. It was now down to the battle between Kairi and Harley.
"Wow! So the Saffron City Pokémon Contest is coming right down to the wore, with two contestants here to battle it out for the Saffron Ribbon! Kairi and Harley!" Lillian announced.
"Since Harley is using Ariados, Kairi should have it in the bag since her Quilava is a Fire-type Pokémon, and everyone knows Bug-types are weak against Fire-types," Kazu said.
"That's true, but I doubt that'll stop Harley, because type advantages and disadvantages seem to be inconsequential to him," Rei said.
"I agree with her. We've seen how tough an opponent Harley is back at the Hoenn Grand Festival, so Kairi won't find it easy to beat him," Ryo said.
"Alright! The Saffron City Contest final round is now underway!" Lillian announced as the clock began to run. Kairi took out her Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Quilava!" Kairi called out. Her Pokéball opened and Quilava came out with flames spewing from his head and his rear.
"Come out, Ariados!" Harley called out as he took out his Pokéball and threw it. "Use String Shot and Scary Face!" Ariados shot silk from its back end and uses it to swing forward. Ariados gave Quilava a scary face, making Quilava nervous.
"Don't let him psyche you out, Quilava," Kairi said.
"Once again, Ariados uses String Shot and they add in a twist with Scary Face!" Lillian announced.
"Use Flamethrower!" Kairi ordered. Quilava fired Flamethrower at Ariados, dealing some heavy damage. "Follow up with Aerial Ace!" Quilava dashed at Ariados and lands some additional damage.
"Wow! Kairi starts things up with a Flamethrower and deals in an Aerial Ace, dealing double the damage!" Lillian announced.
"Your Quilava is strong, I'll give you that, but my Ariados isn't going down that easily. And here's why. Ariados! Hit Quilava with String Shot!" Harley ordered. Ariados uses String Shot to grab Quilava and pulls him up.
"Oh no," Kairi said.
"Here we go again with that String Shot! And it's bringing Kairi's points down!" Lillian announced.
"Now, let's say we take up some style points. Ariados! Cover the whole stage with Spider Web!" Harley ordered. Ariados shot out more silk, creating one giant web.
"What's this? Amazing use of Spider Web to give the stage an incredible, yet eerie appeal!" Lillian said.
"I'm far from done humiliating you! Ariados! Give me a Quilava Round Up!" Harley ordered. Ariados spins Quilava around and around and flings Quilava on the web.
"Quilava seems to be stuck and going nowhere!" Lillian announced.
"I've been waiting to get you back for robbing me of the chance to he Hoenn's Top Coordinator. Once I'm done with you, I can then set my sights on May and humiliate her the same way I'm humiliating you. Use Double-Edge!" Harley ordered. Ariados charges at Quilava.
"I don't think so, Harley. The only one who's going to be humiliated is you, when your little vendetta goes up in smoke. Flamethrower! Full power!" Kairi ordered. Quilava's head ignites Quilava uses a powerful Flamethrower to push himself out of the web and struck Ariados on the mark. The rest of the webs caught on fire. His rump ignites as well.
"Oh, wow! Look at that! That was a full powered Flamethrower that not only sets Quilava free, but burns up the webs!" Lillian announced.
"Great job, Quilava!" Kairi said.
"No way!" Harley gasped.
"Way to go, Kairi!" Sora cheered.
"Take him down!" Xion added.
"Pika!" Pikachu cheered.
"Eevee!" Angel and Celeste cheered.
"Use Flame Wheel!" Kairi ordered. Quilava curls into a ball of fire and plowed into Ariados.
"Fight back, Ariados!" Harley exclaimed.
"Let's finish this up! Aerial Ace!" Kairi ordered. Quilava uncurled and shoots at Ariados like a rocket. He lands a devastating blow onto Ariados, dealing some additional damage. Ariados fell to the ground, beaten. Quilava lands on his feet as flames then goes out as Quilava stood over his defeated opponent.
"Lava," Quilava said.
"Ariados cannot continue! In an impressive comeback, Kairi has pulled off a big win here in Saffron City!" Lillian announced.
"Great job, Quilava!" Kairi said.
"Quilava!" Quilava beamed.
"You were amazing. I guess that training you did with Sora's Typhlosion really pulled off," Kairi said.
"Lava," Quilava said.
Harley calls back his Ariados and he huffed in anger and frustration.
"No way I could have lost. Stupid Contest must have been rigged somehow," Harley said. He huffed as he walked away.
As the Contest draws to a close, Kairi, Chikorita and Quilava stood before the judges and Lillian.
"Ladies and gentlemen, join me now as we present Kairi with the prized Saffron Ribbon and in honor of her remarkable victory in the Saffron City Pokémon Contest! Let's here it for her!" Lillian announced. As the crowd cheered on, Contesta presents Kairi her first Kanto Ribbon and she placed it in her Ribbon Case.
"One down, four to go," Kairi said.
After the Pokémon Contest, everyone stepped out to congratulate Kairi for her victory.
"Good job, Kairi," Riku said.
"You really sent that green jerk packing," Rika said.
"Thanks, everyone. I just gave Harley what he deserved for being an immature sore loser," Kairi said.
"That just means you have four more Contest Ribbons to win," Ryo said.
"Yeah, but let's head for the Pokémon Center before we go," Kairi said.
"A great idea, Kairi. Your Quilava could use a rest," Rei said.
Now that Kairi has won her first Kanto Contest Ribbon, she has four more Contests left to try out, and there are plenty of chances for Sora and the rest to make it to the top of the Pokémon Stadium Cup finals, but how will Loki make his presence known and when? Just keep reading if you wanna find out.
I bet you weren't expecting that, were you? Well, Loki from my Journey Through the Worlds fic has made his appearance known and he has a connection with Count Ernesh, Insidious, and the rest of their followers. I am going to put in more of Loki's abilities in it and I am still planning on finishing it, so stay tuned.