Episode 359: Harley Rides and Falls Again!
It was a day after the Porta Vista Pokémon Contest as Sora, Kairi, Chase, Elaine, Rei, Pikachu, Angel, Volt, and Maple were about to depart for their next destination.
"So, you're going to take off, dears?" Cattleya asked.
"Yeah. Sorry we can't stick around, but our journey awaits us," Sora said.
"Yeah, Kairi has to win her two remaining Ribbons, while Elaine, Sora, and I still have the Pokémon Stadium Cup," Chase said.
"I understand, kids. It was great seeing you all the same. And you're welcome to come by again," Danny said.
"Your hospitality is well-appreciated, Danny," Rei said.
"Anyway, Kairi, I thought I'd tell you that your next Contest will be taking place in Wisteria Town on Potpourri Island," Danny said.
"Potpourri Island isn't too far from here. You can take it by boat," Cattleya said.
"Then, we should get going and head for the island," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"What about you, Elise? You going to come with us?" Sora asked.
"No, but thanks for the offer. I'm going to stick around for a bit. Just think of it as an excuse for me to get to know my niece," Elise said.
"We can accept that excuse. Just tell your master we said hello," Rei said.
"I will," Elise said.
A little later, Sora, Kairi, Chase, Elaine, Rei, Pikachu, Angel, Volt, and Maple stood before Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Ryuko, Sparky, Thor, and Eclair as they stood on the harbor.
"So, you really taking off for Potpourri Island?" Terra asked.
"Yeah, because that's where Kairi's next Contest is being held," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"We understand. Good luck to all of you," Aqua said.
"Yeah, and I hope we get to hang again sometime," Ventus said.
"Anytime, Ven," Sora said.
"I wanted to thank you again for letting me watch the Contest yesterday, Kairi," Ryuko said.
"You're very welcome, Ryuko. You're more than welcome to come and watch me perform, anytime," Kairi said.
"It was loads of fun hanging with you," Chase said.
"So, we'll be off," Elaine said.
With that said, they boarded Big Carl's boat and it departs for Potpourri Island for the Wisteria Town Pokémon Contest. The two groups waved goodbye to each other until they were completely out of sight.
The boat sailed on to the island as the passengers gazes out to the sea.
"Thanks again for the help, Big Carl," Sora said.
"Not a problem, kiddo. I'd do anything for my brother and his friends. It's been a while since I've been by Potpourri Island, anyway, so this is a good excuse to go there," Big Carl said. It took the boat a few hours, but they finally reached Potpourri Island. "And here we are. Potpourri Island. You're gonna have to reach Wisteria Town by foot."
"That's okay with us, Big Carl," Chase said.
"Thanks again," Kairi said.
"Anytime. And whenever you're in my neck of the woods again, just gimme a holler if you wanna sail the seas with me again," Big Carl said.
"Anytime," Sora said.
And so they left the dock and proceeded to head for Wisteria Town on foot. While they were walking, Kairi pondered on which Pokémon to use for the next Contest. She took out her Pokémon Box and she exchanged Ampharos for Ledian. She decided to use Ledian for the appeals round and a different Pokémon for the battle round. She thought of using either, Angel, Raichu, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Sylveon, Glaceon, or Leafeon.
"Kairi, you decided on which Pokémon to use yet?" Sora asked.
"I thought of using my Ledian for the appeals round," Kairi said.
"Ledian, huh? Sounds like a good idea," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"What about the second round?" Sora asked.
"I haven't decided on that yet. But I'll make up my mind soon," Kairi said.
"You always do," Sora said.
Just then, Rei stopped when she picked up on something. Sora, Kairi, Chase, Elaine, Pikachu, Angel, Volt, and Maple stopped, too.
"Master?" Elaine asked.
"Why did you stop?" Sora asked.
"We're not alone," Rei said.
Before any of them could ask what she meant, they picked up on a strange, but familiar presence.
"You're right. Something is nearby," Chase said.
"And it's getting closer," Kairi said.
"Stay sharp, all of you," Rei said.
Just when they looked around, an Unversed appeared before them. It resembles a warped version of the pumpkin carriage from Cinderella. Its main body is a large, dark orange pumpkin with a wide, crooked mouth with thin white lips and teeth. It has large black markings on it that seem to be its eyes at first glance, but the Unversed's actual red eyes are on the small gray stem of the pumpkin. The pumpkin has two thorny, pale yellow tentacles on the sides of its body that are tipped with pale yellow and blue flowers. Four black thorny vines curl into large "wheels" underneath the pumpkin. Both of the Unversed's false eyes and its actual eyes are set in sorrowful expressions and the Unversed emblem is displayed below its mouth. This Unversed is known as the Cursed Coach.
"An Unversed!" Sora, Kairi, Chase, Elaine, and Rei exclaimed.
"Be ready, everyone!" Rei said to her apprentices as they all summoned their Keyblades. Sora summoned his Kingdom Key and Latios Luster as Kairi summoned her Destiny's Embrace and Latias Love. They engaged the Cursed Coach as it sends out pumpkin-like bombs. "Watch out!" Everyone scattered to avoid the bombs.
They all engaged the Cursed Coach as it moves in and smacked at Sora and Elaine. Pikachu and Maple rushed at the pumpkin-like Unversed. They struck the Cursed Coach on the mark as Angel and Volt attacked it on the sides. The Cursed Coach summons Thornbites all around.
"Great, more Unversed," Chase said.
"Now, we gotta fight all of them," Elaine said.
"Forget about them! That big one is our main target! We take that one out, maybe the others will all disappear!" Sora said.
"I agree. Take out the leader all above all else!" Rei said.
With that said, they went after the Cursed Coach with their Keyblades ready. The Cursed Coach then began to inhale. Sora, Kairi, Rei, and thr Pokémon managed to avoid being pulled in, but Chase and Elaine weren't so lucky. They ended up inside the Cursed Coach's mouth.
"Chase!" Sora gasped.
"Elaine!" Kairi also gasped.
"Pika!" Volt cried.
"Eevee!" Maple also cried.
"Chase, Elaine!" Rei exclaimed.
Just when it was about to chew on them, Chase and Elaine fought back from the inside. It then spat them both out.
"That was gross!" Elaine said.
The Cursed Coach then turned red and began to bite in different directions. Then hurls its pumpkin bombs all around. Just then, three former Team Rocket members came to the scene.
"Look! It's him!" One of the Team Rocket members said.
"Now, we can exact our revenge!" The leading former Team Rocket member said, unaware of the bomb falling their way. Before they could put their revenge to good use, they ended up being killed in the explosion.
Back to the fight, they managed to avoid the pumpkin bombs as Sora and Pikachu rushes at the Cursed Coach. Sora and Pikachu gave it a slash with the two Keyblades and Iron Tail, taking out the Cursed Coach. The Thornbites all vanished the same way they appeared.
"That was close," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Yeah, I'm just glad that Unversed is gone," Elaine said.
"You shouldn't relax too often, because you'll never know when they'll show up again," Kairi said.
"Kairi's right. The Unversed will show up again. And so will the Nobodies and the Heartless," Rei said.
"I guess so, Master," Chase said.
"Now, Kairi, I believe you have a Pokémon Contest to train for," Rei reminded Kairi.
"Yes, Master. You're right about that," Kairi said.
"Eevee, vee," Angel said.
Sometime later, Sora, Kairi, Chase, Elaine, Rei, Pikachu, Angel, Volt, and Maple made their way through the island and made it to Wisteria Town. In the local Pokémon Center, they see a familiar couple.
"Brendan, May!" Sora said.
"Sora, Kairi, hey!" Brendan greeted.
"Chase, Elaine, Master," May also greeted.
"It's been a while. I trust you've been training, right?" Rei asked.
"Yeah, we have, Master. We have been practicing with our Keyblades, and we have improved since then," May said.
"Glad to hear it, my apprentices," Rei said.
"How's been going with you?" Sora asked.
"Well, I won my share of battles at the Pokémon Stadium Cup. It was hard, but I didn't give up. May and I caught some new Pokémon along the way," Brendan said.
"Yeah. I managed to catch a Ponyta, a Seel, a Poliwhirl, and a Staryu just yesterday," May said. "So, how many Ribbons do you have?"
"I have three Ribbins right here," Kairi said, showing May her three Ribbons. "The yellow one is the one I one yesterday. How about you, May? How many Ribbons did you win?"
"I just have two. I came here to earn my third one. I had a feeling we'd compete in the same Contest again," May said.
"Just do your best and you'll do just fine," Kairi said.
"She's right, May. I just hope you don't have a repeat of what happened back in Rubello Town," Rei said.
"I learned so much from that mistake, Master. I got too wrapped up trying to win and I ended up forgetting what was really important. I won't forget again," May said.
"Glad to hear it, May," Rei said.
Several days later, May has decided to use her Squirtle and Munchlax for the Contest, so she and Munchlax practiced. Kairi had made up her mind by using Raichu for the Pokémon Contest.
"Ready, Munchlax? Go!" May called out, throwing a pink ball. The Big Eater Pokémon jumped up in the air. "Use your Focus Punch!" Munchlax builds up focus and uses it to punch the ball, releasing confetti from inside.
"That was awesome!" Brendan praised his girlfriend.
"Thank you, Brendan. Munchlax is looking really strong and cute," May said.
"It will be Munchlax's first Contest, so I can tell he wants to win that Ribbon just as bad as you," Brendan said.
"I guess watching you battle in the Pokémon Stadium Cup just gave me the inspiration I needed to win it," May said.
"That's my girl," Brendan said, smiling.
Meanwhile, Kairi practices just before the Contest is underway.
"Okay, Raichu! Thunder Punch while you're using Quick Attack!" Kairi ordered. Raichu ran with a Quick Attack and then holds out a hand with a Thunder Punch. Like a missile, Raichu lands a punch onto a large rock, shattering it into pieces. "Great job, Raichu!"
"Rai, Rai, Raichu!" Raichu said.
"That was an awesome combo. Ever since the Porta Vista Contest, Kairi wanted to put those kinds of combos into effect. Flareon's combo with Quick Attack and his other fire attacks were awesome. Now, she's doing the same with Quick Attack and Raichu's electric attacks. Wonder if she'd be able to pull it off again," Sora said in his thoughts.
"What did you think, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"Out of a scale of 1-10, I'd give it an 11!" Sora said.
"Pika, Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"You're not just saying it just because you know that's what I wanna hear, is it?" Kairi asked.
"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it, Kairi," Sora said.
"I can accept that," Kairi said.
"Well, we got some training of our own," Sora said, taking out Meltan's Pokéball and opened it. The Hex Nut Pokémon comes right out. "Okay, Meltan, let's give it everything you got. Use your Flash Cannon!" Meltan fired Flash Cannon right into the sky. Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Rei, Volt, and Maple come to the scene. "Your most awesome Flash Cannon yet."
"Who knew big power can come from such a tiny package? Is that one yours?" A familiar voice asked. Sora turned to see Harley.
"Oh, it's only you," Sora sighed.
"Hey, what do you mean it's only me?!" Harley asked.
"It's just I didn't think I'd see you here," Sora said.
"Is that so? I suppose I can accept that," Harley said. He then noticed Kairi and May. "Why, if isn't it May and Kairi, my little gingerbread cookies? How are you?"
"You know you're not fooling anyone with that fake nice guy act, don't you?" Chase asked.
"Don't you sass me, shorty!" Harley snapped at Chase. He resets his attention onto the two girls. "You can go and try every pathetic, little trick in the book, because I'm going to wipe the floor with the both of you!"
"The only wiping will be your eyes when I win that Ribbon!" May argued. Harley growled as he bites into a handkerchief.
"Speaking of which, how many Ribbons do you two have?" Harley asked.
"So far, I have three," Kairi said, showing Harley her Ribbons.
"I have two right here," May said, showing Harley his.
"Oh, I'm impressed! Not! I got my three Ribbons right here!" Harley said, showing his rivals his Ribbons.
"I won't be far behind for long!" May said.
"When I beat you both, we'll see how smart those mouths are!" Harley said.
"What did I do?" Kairi asked.
"You two have lots of practicing to do! I gotta go powder my nose," Harley said, walking off.
"Ooh, he really makes me so mad!" May growled.
"Don't let him get to you, May. That's what he wants," Kairi said.
"She's right, May. I know you can whip his butt again," Brendan said.
"I am going to earn my third Ribbon after today," May said.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, May. You gotta beat me if you want that Ribbon so badly," Kairi said.
"You're right. I won't pull my punches with you during the Contest," May said.
"I wouldn't want you to," Kairi said, shaking May's hand.
"But for the record, even if I don't beat him, you'll beat him like you did in Saffron City, right?" May asked.
"I plan on it," Kairi said.
Meanwhile, Harley is walking down the streets of Wisteria Town when Rika walked on by her. Harley instantly recognized her.
"Hey, I know you. You're Rumiko Nonaka's daughter, right?" Harley asked.
"So what if I am?" Rika asked.
"I find it hard to swallow that you could be her kid and not enter a Pokémon Contest in your life," Harley said.
"Because I'm not my mom. I'm not going to be what my mom used to be just to butter her up. I'm going to be the Trainer I chose to be. And my place in the Pokémon Stadium Cup is doing just fine," Rika said.
"Oh, so you're one of those Trainers. I think the only reason you won't even enter a Pokémon Contest is because you're too intimidated to do so. In fact, I wouldn't be phased if you're intimidated by me. Threatened by ones awesomeness," Harley said.
"Ha! It's hard to feel threatened by a dork who cosplays as his Pokémon," Rika scoffed, offending Harley in the process.
"Dork?!" Harley exclaimed in anger. "Did you just call me a dork, you little, punk rock wannabe?!"
"Yeah, I did! You're a complete dork who lost to May and Kairi because you're a total idiot and a waste of a Pokémon Coordinator. You tried to cheat your way to the top, in which it's something no Trainer or Coordinator should ever do! And I know I can beat you without even breaking a sweat!" Rika said, making Harley growl in complete anger over Rika's comment.
"Why that little! I don't care if she is Rumiko's daughter! Nobody talks to me like that and walks away! Nobody! She'll pay!" Harley angrily exclaimed.
(And nobody is talking about how Brendan spoke up for May back at the Hoenn Grand Festival)
It was now time for the Wisteria Town Pokémon Contest as Lillian has taken the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's showtime! Prepare yourselves for a Pokémon Contest that will input each and everyone of you to the very core! We're back in Wisteria Town where we love seeing old friends and making new ones! And now, I know many of you have traveled here today, give yourselves a hand!" Lillian announced as the audience applauds.
"Wow, Kairi is going to earn her fourth Ribbon much sooner than I would have thought," Chase said.
"Excuse me, but my girlfriend is in it, too. She's the one who's going to win it," Brendan said.
"Knock it off. We came here to watch and enjoy the Contest, not start something. And I don't wanna hear any more arguing from any one of you," Rei said.
"Sorry," Brendan and Chase apologized in unison.
"Okay, you know the drill! The Pokémon who shines the brightest wins the Wisteria Ribbon! With all that said and done, the Coordinator who takes in all five Ribbons earns the honor and privilege to compete in the prodigious and exciting Grand Festival! Now, let's our judges for this year's Contest! First, the head of the organization committee, Mr. Contesta!" Lillian announced.
"A pleasure to be here," Contesta said.
"Next, Pokémon Fan Club head, Suziko!" Lillian announced.
"Remarkable," Suziko said.
"And, last and not least, the former Top Coordinator, Rumiko!" Lillian announced.
"I'm glad to be here," Rumiko said.
"Alright! We know all you wonderful people here are all at the edge of your seats! And we're ready, but are YOU ready?" Lillian asked.
"YEAH!" The crowd cheered hard for the Contest to begin.
"Great! I can take that as a yes! Time to get this party started! Let's get busy!" Lillian announced as the crowd cheered. "The show shall now open as contestant number one is Kairi!" Kairi comes to the stage and she threw her Pokéball.
"Go! Ledian!" Kairi called out. Her Pokéball opened and Ledian emerged from inside, ready to go. "Use your Swift!" Ledian has unleashed Swift into the air. "Use Bug Buzz!" Ledian flapped her wings and the stars explode into golden, sparkly dust.
"Kairi's Ledian makes its opening with a combination of Swift and Bug Buzz!" Lillian announced.
"Use Mach Punch!" Kairi ordered. Ledian launched herself through the dust and her fists give off that sparkle.
"Ledian captivates us all with that Mach Punch used on the Swift particles!" Lillian announced.
"Wrap it up with Silver Wind!" Kairi ordered. Ledian flapped her wings and blew Silver Wind, combining with the sparkles, making a swirl of gold and silver.
"Now, Ledian is wrapping up with a combo of the sparkles and Silver Wind!" Lillian announced.
"This is a true work of art," Contesta said.
"Remarkable," Suziko said.
"It's one of the most beautiful displays I have ever seen!" Rumiko said.
"Let's give a big hand for Kairi and her fantastic Ledian!" Lillian announced as the crowd cheered. Kairi and Ledian bowed their heads.
"Way to go, Kairi," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel said.
"Now, let's see our next Coordinator, May!" Lillian announced as May enters the stage. She took out her Pokéball and threw it.
"Squirtle! Take the stage!" May called out. Squirtle came out doing a twirl. "Rapid Spin!" Squirtle withdrew into his shell and spins around. "Now, use Bubble!" Squirtle shoots out Bubble from inside his shell, still spinning. The audience were captivated by what they were seeing.
"What a sight! Everyone is loving the beautiful fusion of that Rapid Spin and Bubble combo, filling the air with style! A winning spin for sure!" Lillian announced, doing a twirl of her own.
"Yes! That's perfect!" Brendan said.
"That's amazing," Sora said.
"Those bubbles sure know how to behave. I really gotta hand it to May and her Squirtle," Rei said.
Backstage, Harley was mildly impressed.
"Not bad for a shrimp. Just wait until I get out there," Harley said.
"Great! Lovely rotation! A wonderful performance overall!" Contesta said.
"Just remarkable!" Suziko said.
"What a sight of a Bubble Whirlwind!" Rumiko said.
"Squirtle! Ice Beam!" May ordered. Squirtle fired Ice Beam, hitting the bubbles, making them pop into icy particles. "Finish!" Squirtle fired Ice Beam straight up, using the entire stage. Squirtle has turned the entire stage into an ice fountain, much to everyone's delight. Everyone all loved it, seeing the beauty in it.
"It's getting all nice and toasty in here, so let's really turn up the heat!" Lillian announced. There were some other performances, like a Coordinator and his Rhydon spinning some tops. The Coordinator was using his umbrella while Rhydon uses its Horn Drill to spin one. Another is a Camerupt, erupting smoke from its nostrils and humps. Another was a Machamp doing a juggling act with all four of its arms. Another was a Magneton using Discharge in the most creative manner. Another was a Galarian Weezing unleashing its Strange Steam all around. "Excellent work, folks! It's time for our next contestant!" And that was Harley's cue to enter. Harley is holding a Pokéball in his hand.
"Hello! I'd like to introduce you to a fabulous friend of mine: Ariados!" Harley called out as he threw it. Ariados emerged from inside, ready to go. "First up! Spider Web!" Ariados spat out webs from its mouth, sending them all around.
"A perfectly executed Spider Web has transformed our stage into Ariados's lair!" Lillian announced. The audience were a tad intimidated by what they were seeing. "I have a feeling we're in for something unsual!" Ariados climbed its webs. "Look at Ariados go! Scurrying around and surveying its home away from home!"
"Come on down, my darling!" Harley said. Ariados comes down fast with a string of its webbings to hold it like a bungee jump rope.
"Wow! A bungee jump!" Lillian announced as Ariados dangles around. The crowd goes wild.
"And now, my sweet! Spin a Scary Face!" Harley ordered. Ariados spins around, wrapping itself in its own web. Only the face-like marking on Ariados's abdomen is seen, making it look like a face looking back at them. It was truly scary.
"A mix of scared screams and wild cheers has the whole arena shaken to the core. Yes, that may be Scary Face, but it's more than that. The whole thing's got me scared," Lillian announced.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm starting to get the heebie jeebies," Elaine said.
"Same with me. Just looking at it is scaring me," Chase said.
"Well, it doesn't look like it's bothering Harley," Sora said.
"Well, with that kind of unsettling and fearful impact, this should satisfy even the most discriminating of fright fans," Contesta said.
"Remarkable fright," Suziko said, feeling a little scared.
"Scary or not, this is a well-polished performance," Rumiko said.
"Now, it's time to bring it all home!" Harley said. He hears the sound of yelling a Moogle comes falling down and lands right in front of Ariados.
"What in the world is that?" Lillian asked.
"Nothing from my world, I can tell you!" Harley said. The Moogle got up on its feet.
"Kupo. I guess I just took a bad step," the Moogle said. "Kupo?" The Moogle looked at Ariados, seeing the eye-like patterns. The Moogle ends up being scared out of its wits, thinking Ariados was a Heartless. "KUPO! A HEARTLESS!" The Moogle ran for its life in lightning speed, much to everyone's confusion.
"What was that?" Chase asked.
"That was a Moogle," Brendan said.
"I'll go tend to it," Rei said, standing up. "You keep watching the Contest." Her apprentices nodded and they watched her go after the Moogle.
"Did that little creature just talk?" Lillian asked.
"That thing's lips were moving and words came right out, honey," Harley said.
It didn't take long for Harley and Lillian to get over their shock.
"Folks, it's the old saying, that's show biz. Which brings us to the close of round 1! The next order of business is to reveal the eight contestants who earned the highest scores of points! On screen!" Lillian announced as the eight Coordinators have been revealed. It shows Kairi, May, and Harley being among the eight Coordinators. "And here they are!"
"Look! Kairi and May made it!" Elaine said.
"What did you expect?" Sora asked.
"They earned it," Brendan said.
"And they're at the top," Chase said.
"Harley is so gonna hate that," Sora said.
Backstage, Kairi smiled, feeling of May for making it to the top.
"Great job, May. You're number one," Kairi said.
"Not for long, my little redhead. Not after I mop the floor with you," Harley said, approaching them.
"Save it for the battlefield, Harley. Because that's where that kind of talk belongs," Kairi said. Harley growled at her.
"Don't you sass me, red riding hood!" Harley snapped.
"You should take a chill pill or else you'll end up being in a hospital bed from all the stress. Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to powder my nose," May said. Harley growled in anger again.
"Nobody uses one of my lines and walks! She'll pay, and the day is approaching," Harley said.
May was having her battle first as May was up against a young man wearing an open purple jacket.
"Okay, folks, it's time to begin round 2! It won't be long until the Wisteria Ribbon finds a home with one of these eight Coordinators who made it this far way, so let's get busy!" Lillian announced, making the crowd cheer hard. He and May each took out a Pokéball and they threw their Pokéballs.
"Go! Politoed!" The young man called out.
"Munchlax! Take the stage!" May called out. "Munchlax! Solar Beam!" Munchlax begins to build up solar energy to build up Solar Beam and send it right at the Frog Pokémon.
"Politoed! Water Gun!" The young man ordered. Politoed fired a Water Gun and sends it at the Big Eater Pokémon, colliding against each other.
"And that Water Gun comes barreling in big time!" Lillian announced. Munchlax fired Solar Beam, breaking through Politoed's Water Gun and hitting it. Politoed ends up being knocked out. "And that Solar Beam takes out Politoed in a single shot!" Munchlax gave out victorious shouts.
"Awesome hit, Munchlax!" May praised.
"Wow, May's Munchlax is way more powerful than I thought," Chase said.
"Munchlax is super fired up," Sora said.
"He's been like that for the last few days. I thought it was weird when Munchlax wasn't interested in food at all. I thought it was because he was sick or something, but it wasn't that at all," Brendan said.
Outside the Contest Hall, the Moogle kept on running as Rei found it at last.
"There you are! Wait!" Rei called out.
"Go away!" The Moogle yelled.
"Hold on!" Rei called out.
"I said go away!" The Moogle yelled again. Rei tackled the Moogle, catching him. "Kupo!"
"Gotcha!" Rei said.
"Let me go! Let me go!" The Moogle pleaded.
"Hold on, little guy, I'm not gonna hurt you. You're perfectly safe," Rei said.
"Kupo! How do I know I can trust you?" The Moogle asked.
"Trust me, when I ask you this. If I was gonna hurt you, don't you think I would have already done it? You're not in any danger," Rei said.
"Kupo! Not in any danger?! Kupo! Then, how do you explain that Heartless I saw back inside?" The Moogle asked.
"That wasn't a Heartless, that was a Pokémon you got scared of," Rei corrected the small creature.
"You sure, kupo?" The Moogle asked.
"I'm sure. If that was a Heartless, then why would it have black eyes instead of yellow?" Rei asked.
"Kupo, I guess you have a point. I guess I was just being jumpy. I've been here in this world for hundreds of years, so it's hard to tell which one is an enemy is which one is a friend," the Moogle said.
"It's understandable," Rei said. She stood up. "Just what were you doing up there to begin with?"
"I was just out for a stroll, kupo," the Moogle said.
Back to the battlefield, Harley and Kairi had won against their opponents. Harley has sent out his Octillery against a Clodsire while Kairi has her Raichu against an Aipom, making Kairi the fourth finalist.
"Let's begin our next round! The next battle to begin is May and Harley! One of these two will be moving on in the final round, so let's see who is it going to be!" Lillian announced as May and Harley stared at each other.
"Let's get this battle over with, nice and quick," May said.
"It looks like everybody's ready to go, so let's get busy!" Lillian announced as the crowd cheered. May and Harley took out their Pokéballs and threw them.
"Munchlax! On stage!" May called out.
"Octillery! Come on out, hun!" Harley called out. Both Pokéballs opened and both Pokémon emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"And it's Munchlax versus Octillery!" Lillian announced as Kairi watches from the backstage.
"Take him down, May," Kairi said in her thoughts.
"I'll go first! Munchlax! Focus Punch!" May ordered. Munchlax begins to build up focus in his fist.
"Please, what a wimp. Octillery! Jump up and use Constrict!" Harley ordered. Octillery jumped up and constricts with its tentacles. Munchlax tries using Focus Punch to get the octopus-like Pokémon off his face.
"That Constrict is looking strong," Lillian announced.
"Munchlax," May said. It cuts a sum of May's points.
"Hey, that stinks!" Brendan hissed.
"Munchlax has got to use Focus Punch to get out of there!" Chase said.
"Heads up! This is turning into an all-out war zone!" Lillian announced.
"Fire Octazooka!" Harley ordered. Octillery fired Octazooka right into Munchlax's face.
"A direct hit! What a brilliant Octazooka!" Lillian announced. Munchlax lands on his back.
"Munchlax!" May exclaimed, cutting more of May's points.
"That Octillery is strong," Elaine said.
"I agree. That Octillery looks like a Pokémon you don't wanna mess with," Rei said.
"Hang in there, May!" Brendan called out to his girlfriend.
"Stay strong, Munchlax! Solar Beam!" May ordered. Munchlax begins to build up energy to use Solar Beam.
"Sludge Bomb, go!" Harley ordered. Octillery fired Sludge Bomb, hitting the Big Eater Pokémon, but Munchlax got hit when Solar Beam backfired dealt some additional damage. May's points suffers some more.
"Now that was a Sludge Bomb!" Lillian announced. Munchlax lands on his back again.
"Every time we attack, we get creamed. What can I do?" May asked in her thoughts.
"Well, there's no doubt Octillery is a strong battler," Contesta said.
"Remarkable," Suziko said.
"Harley took good care of that Pokémon," Rumiko said. Harley laughed.
"You're so predictable with your silly strategy! I had you two snuffed out in a heartbeat! Why don't you go home, little girl?" Harley taunted.
"No way. It's not over until it's over, hun! Why don't you snuff this out? Munchlax! Metronome!" May ordered. Munchlax sways his fingers back and forth.
"She's using Metronome?" Sora asked.
"You never know what's gonna come out with a Metronome!" Rei said.
Harley wasn't a bit worried about Metronome.
"Why May chose to come back with Metronome is a mystery to me!" Lillian announced.
"She's rolling the dice. I just hope those dice are in her favor," Kairi said in her thoughts.
Munchlax kept swaying his fingers as Octillery sways with Munchlax.
"We are scrapping the battle, aren't we, girl?" Harley asked.
"Hit it!" May called out. Munchlax stopped swaying and a flash of light came from Munchlax's fingers. It does nothing, much to May's shock.
"Could that Metronome could have been a dud?" Lillian asked.
"Guess it didn't work," Elaine said.
"I don't know," Sora said.
Chase and Elaine looked at Sora, puzzled.
"What do you mean you don't know?" Chase asked.
"Sora's right," Rei agreed. This leaves Chase and Elaine even more confused.
"You can't honestly believe that you were gonna rely on that on-off move like that!" Harley said as he and Octillery laughed. Munchlax's Metronome turned into a Thunder, hitting Octillery, much to Harley's dismay. "My bad!"
"That Metronome warped into a Thunder! And it's super-effective against a Water-type like Octillery!" Lillian announced. May managed to take Harley's points.
"Munchlax, you did it! That was great!" May praised. Munchlax was happy to pull that off. Octillery was now paralyzed by Thunder.
"Please, Octillery, darling! You can't pull out on me now!" Harley said, glaring at May. "You do look tired." May gasped. "I've forgotten. Rest."
"Rest?" May asked as Octillery fell asleep. Octillery recovers from its past injuries and paralysis.
"Now's this is May's chance to attack while Octillery's asleep!" Elaine said.
"Don't be so sure, Elaine," Sora said.
"What do you mean?" Elaine asked.
"Rest is a move that can heal a Pokémon from the damage it received during battle and from status conditions like paralysis," Sora said.
"We're running out of time! Use Tackle!" May ordered. Munchlax charges at Octillery with a Tackle, landing a hit onto the sleeping Octillery. "Now, use Focus Punch!" Munchlax lands a strong punch, much to Harley's annoyance.
"Munchlax launches itself with a chargin Tackle and then follows up with a smokin' Focus Punch!" Lillian announced.
"Use Tackle!" May ordered. Munchlax tackles into Octillery, dealing some damage. The attacks deals some damage onto Harley's points, but he wasn't too concern about it since he just grinned. Octillery woke up.
"It looks like Rest did its job!" Lillian announced.
"Octazooka!" Harley ordered. Octillery fired Octazooka right at Munchlax, dealing some heavy damage since Munchlax is at close range.
"Munchlax!" May exclaimed.
"And that Octazooka is a bullseye!" Lillian announced. Munchlax was now knocked out.
"Folks, it looks like Munchlax is out of the battle, and Harley wins the battle!" Lillian announced as everyone cheered. Well, not everyone. Brendan was disappointed to see his girlfriend had lost as Sora pats him on the back.
"Don't feel bad, Brendan. She'll bounce back next time," Sora said.
"I guess," Sora said.
Backstage, Kairi sighed to herself.
"It looks like I'll have to do the heavy lifting for the both of us, May," Kairi said in her thoughts.
"I finally beat her. Now, you're next, Kairi," Harley said.
A few moments later, Kairi and her next opponent came to the battlefield. Kairi's next opponent is a girl wearing a pink dress and red dress shoes.
"And now, it's time for our next battle! Let's get busy!" Lillian announced as the clock starts running. The two girls took out their Pokéballs and threw them.
"Kirlia! I choose you!" The girl called out.
"Go! Raichu!" Kairi ordered.
Both Kirlia and Raichu emerged from inside and ready to battle.
"Kirlia! Use your Psybeam!" The girl ordered.
"Dodge with Quick Attack, followed with a Thunder Punch!" Kairi ordered. Raichu avoids Kirlia's Psybeam with a Quick Attack and he holds his fist out while emitting electricity. Raichu beans Kirlia with Thunder Punch, dealing some heavy damage.
"Raichu has given Kirlia an electrified Thunder Punch with that Quick Attack, giving it an extra boost!" Lillian announced.
"Use Seismic Toss!" Kairi ordered. Raichu uses his tail and he gave the Emotion Pokémon a spin of a lifetime.
"Raichu is giving Kirlia a dizzying Seismic Toss!" Lillian announced.
"Let Kirlia go!" Kairi ordered. Raichu does let Kirlia go and it hits the opposite wall, dealing some heavy damage. Kirlia was knocked out.
"That was quick! Kirlia was beaten with a super-powered Seismic Toss as a finisher! So, Kairi is moving on in the final round!" Lillian announced.
"This is it," Kairi said.
A few moments later, Kairi and Harley took their places and the final battle of the Wisteria Contest is about to begin.
"Alright, we're at the final round of this year's Wisteria Town Pokémon Contest! These two competitors survived the fierce competition to make it this far, so only one of them is going to win the Wisteria Ribbon!" Lillian announced.
"Now that I whooped May, it's now your turn for you to come down and be humiliated," Harley said.
"I don't think so," Kairi said.
"Let's get ready to rumble!" Lillian announced. Kairi and Harley took out their Pokéballs and threw them.
"Raichu! Go!" Kairi called out.
"Come out, my darling Octillery!" Harley called out. Both Raichu and Octillery came out. "Time for me to make the first move! Use Constrict!" Octillery jumped and heads right for the Mouse Pokémon.
"I'm not falling for that trick! Raichu! Seismic Toss!" Kairi ordered. Raichu grabbed Octillery by one of its tentacles and gave it a twirl like he did with Kirlia. Raichu then gave Octillery a deserved toss right to the ground below, dealing some heavy damage. It cuts into Harley's points.
"Octillery walked right into a Seismic Toss! Raichu's feeling mighty proud of how it turned out!" Lillian announced.
"Alright, Octillery. Octazooka!" Harley ordered. Octillery fired an Octazooka and sends it right at Raichu.
"Dodge and use Thunderbolt!" Kairi ordered. Raichu managed to avoid Octillery's Octazooka and lands a huge Thunderbolt onto Octillery, dealing some heavy damage and cuts into more of Harley's points. "Now, use Quick Attack and Thunder Punch!" Raichu dashed right at Octillery and then prepares a Thunder Punch. Octillery is struck hard by the combination of Quick Attack and Thunder Punch, dealing some additional damage. Harley loses some more points.
"Wow! Raichu's Quick Attack and Thunder Punch combo has done its magic against Octillery! Octillery's vulnerability against Electric-type attacks is working well in Kairi's favor!" Lillian announced.
"I must say, her Raichu is a top-notch battler. She has done a tremendous job in raising it," Contesta said.
"Very remarkable," Suziko said.
"Raichu's strength is something that should never be taken lightly," Rumiko said.
"That Raichu is strong, I'll give her that, but there's no way I'm going to lose against her a second time," Harley said in his thoughts.
Backstage, May was amazed by how she was fairing against Harley's Octillery.
"Kairi is doing much better than I did out there. Maybe she could pull it off again," May said in her thoughts.
"Octillery! Sludge Bomb!" Harley ordered. Octillery fired Sludge Bomb and sends it right at Raichu.
"Dodge it with Quick Attack!" Kairi ordered. Raichu managed to avoid Octillery's Sludge Bomb with Quick Attack.
"A nice save with that Quick Attack!" Lillian announced.
"Use Thunderbolt!" Kairi ordered. Raichu fired Thunderbolt and struck Octillery on the mark with Thunderbolt. Harley's points suffers for it.
"Now, that's a Thunderbolt!" Lillian announced.
"Octazooka!" Harley ordered. Octillery fired another Octazooka right at Raichu.
"Dodge it!" Kairi called out. Raichu dodges Octillery's attack just by stepping out of the way.
"Raichu just dodged it with a single step!" Lillian announced.
"Now, Quick Attack along with Thunder Punch!" Kairi ordered. Raichu rushed at Octillery with a Quick Attack and Thunder Punch combo, landing some heavy damage. Harley scowled.
"Raichu lands another combination of Quick Attack and Thunder Punch, but Harley better think fast if he wants to win this Contest before the timer reads zero!" Lillian announced.
"Use Rest!" Harley ordered. Octillery fell right to sleep, recovering all of Octillery's injuries.
"I get what he's trying to do. He's planning to use the same trick he used on May to win against her. Too bad I can see right through it," Kairi said in her thoughts.
"She'll take the bait. She'll just attack while Octillery's right asleep, and Octillery will fire its best Octazooka at her," Harley said in his thoughts.
"Okay, Raichu! Quick Attack!" Kairi ordered. Raichu rushes at Quick Attack, much to Harley's delight. What Harley doesn't know, she's got an ace up her sleeve. "Stop!" Raichu stops in his track, much to the confusion and the judges. Harley was dumbfounded.
"Raichu just stopped!" Lillian announced.
"What is that girl up to?" Harley asked.
"Grab Octillery!" Kairi called out. Raichu uses his tail to grab Octillery, wrapping around his mouth.
"What in the world?!" Harley exclaimed.
"You think I don't see your scheme? Think again! Raichu! Let's give Octillery a wild ride with Seismic Toss!" Kairi said. Raichu nodded. He jumped up, with Octillery's mouth still tied up. Raichu then gives Octillery a wild as Raichu rolls around and around in the air. Raichu was getting faster with each passing second.
"Raichu is rolling faster than a ball! I'm getting dizzy just by watching it!" Lillian announced. During the rolls, Octillery woke up and started to get dizzy from the rolling. "It's hard for me to tell what's going on, but I do know Octillery might not last in there for long!" Octillery grew more dizzy.
"Okay, Raichu! Let Octillery go!" Kairi ordered. Raichu loosens his tail and sends Octillery flying into the air, doing the same kind of rolling during Seismic Toss. Octillery then lands right on its head, cracking the battlefield.
"Oh, my baby!" Harley cried.
The timer runs out.
"And that's time! The winner is Kairi and her powerful Raichu!" Lillian announced.
"I don't believe it. I lost to her again," Harley said in disbelief. He bit into his handkerchief in anger. "One loss against her is too many!"
Kairi stood before the judges.
"And now, to present the winner the lovely Wisteria Ribbon!" Lillian announced. Kairi accepts her fourth Contest Ribbon.
"Just one to go," Kairi said.
Once the Contest was over, Kairi gave Munchlax a huge portion of Pokémon food for him to eat.
"Kairi made this for you, so have as much as you like," May said. Munchlax wolfs it down.
"Sorry that you didn't win it, Kairi," Kairi apologized.
"Don't apologize, Kairi. It was still quite a thrill," May said.
"You should feel proud of the way you battled today, May. You and your Munchlax were truly one today," Rei said.
"Thank you, Master. Today's Contest taught me so much, so I plan on using this lesson for the next Contest," May said.
"Well spoken, my apprentice," Rei said.
"Yeah, like a real Pokémon Coordinator," Brendan said.
Harley wasn't too far, listening in on them.
"Ha! Nice people finish last," Harley said, taking off. "Aw well, I guess I still have my chance to earn my fourth Ribbon. And I'll enjoy crushing them if they hit my radar again." He snickered.
Lillian then approached the group, dressed in regular clothes.
"I'm glad I caught up with you," Lillian said.
"Lillian. Hi," May greeted.
"We didn't expect to see you outside of the Contests," Sora said.
"I gotta say, that was good battling from the both of you," Lillian said.
"Why would you come for us?" Chase asked.
"Actually, I was looking for May. If you're interested, there's a Contest taking place on Chrysanthemum Island," Lillian said, handing May a flyer.
"Sounds great," May said.
"It works out since Chrysanthemum Island is close by," Kairi said.
"And it's just around the corner, too," Sora said.
"It's funny on how some things works out for someone," Elaine said.
"We'll see you there," May said.
"That's wonderful. Oh, I almost forgot. This is the real reason I was looking for you. This is for you," Lillian said, handing May a note along with a rose.
"This is for me?" May asked.
"Who's it from?" Chase asked.
"There's no name," May said.
"But there's a rose, it's gotta be from Drew," Sora said.
"Drew is the most likely person since roses are his thing," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
May opened the note and reads it.
Dear May,
I look forward in seeing you again in the Chrysanthemum Island Pokémon Contest.
"That means Drew is going to be there, too," Chase said.
"It has been a while since we saw him, and he should already have some more Ribbons by now," Kairi said.
"Yeah, and he'll see me earn my third Ribbon," May said with determination.
Another Contest may have ended in defeat for May and victory for Kairi, much has been gained with a rose for luck and the Chrysanthemum Island Pokémon Contest coming up! This gives May another chance for her to earn her third Ribbon, or Kairi for her fifth and final Ribbon. Stay tuned if you wanna see more excitement.