Episode 367: May's Last Stand
After the return of Emperor Mateus and a handful of villains, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Wes, Rui, Michael, Rei, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Marill, Volt, and Maple have arrived to Mulberry City.
That night, Ash climbed into bed and he slept soundly. As he slept, he began to have one more vision. He saw he was in a void, and he saw a shining light hovering.
"Is that Viento's heart?" Ash asked. Just then, Ruby stood before Fusoya.
"So, Viento's heart left his body, has it?" Fusoya asked.
"Yes. Although it saddens me that he will never meet his children," Ruby said.
"What do you intend to do?" Fusoya asked.
"I will be sending his heart straight into the future. Right to a time where a new heart will be born," Ruby explained.
"And what of his body?" Fusoya asked.
"His body will be in eternal sleep. Even as we speak, he is placed in the Chamber of Waking. There, he will be safe for eternity if Cascade chooses to. The Land of Departure had been converted into Castle Oblivion. The castle itself will be a puzzle that none will be able to solve but her. Eraqus devised this plan to keep the secrets of the Keyblade out of the hands of those who would abuse them," Ruby said.
"Eraqus never could take a chance. But who will be acting as a vessel for Viento's heart?" Fusoya asked.
"Someone who is strong of heart and spirit. One whose light outshines the rest. One who values friendship, love, and loyalty above all else," Ruby said. Ruby sends Viento's heart straight. Ash decided to follow Viento's heart, curious to see where it's going. "Go forth, my love. Find one who you worthy of barring your heart. Find who will keep safe."
"Who is she talking about? Who is it? Who is it?" Ash asked. As he got closer, he hears the sounds of two babies crying.
"A boy and a girl. They're beautiful," a familiar voice spoke. Ash recognized the voice.
"Mrs. Ketchum?" Ash asked. Ash then saw Viento's heart.
"Hey, where am I?" Sora's younger voice asked.
"Sora?" Ash asked.
"Who's there?" Viento's heart asked.
"I'm a brand new heart. I along another was just born," the voice said. "I felt your light. Why have you come here?"
"I left my body just so it will be safe, but I don't have any other body to go to right now," Viento said.
"Then you should join your heart with mine," the voice offered.
"I can do that?" Viento asked.
"Now our hearts have touched. Nothing else will slip away. And you will have a safe place to stay. You can stay forever if you want to," the voice said.
"I appreciate it. I do need a place to stay. Thank you," Viento said.
The image shows Viento's heart entering Sora's heart. Viento saw Sora and Karen as newborn babies. And Delia was proudly holding the both of them.
"Hi there, Sora. Hi there, Karen. I'm your mama. I've been waiting to meet you both. You're both my shining lights," Delia said.
Ash then woke up and he understood.
"Viento's heart has been inside of Sora's heart since the day he was born. None of us could have known that. That's Viento and Cascade, but what about Gaia?" Ash asked in his thoughts.
On the next morning, Ash went up to Rei just so he and Rei would talk privately.
"Ash, is something on your mind?" Rei asked.
"More than you realize," Ash replied. Ash and Rei went somewhere privately just so they can talk.
"What's on your mind, Ash?" Rei asked.
"I had another vision in my sleep. I thought the last vision I had was the last one, but this one came to me with a vengeance," Ash said.
"What did you see?" Rei asked.
"I saw a vision of Fusoya and Ruby talking about Viento's heart after it left his body. They sent Viento's heart forward in time, right to the future...or should I say, to our time," Ash explained.
"Our time?" Rei asked.
"Yeah, Master. Viento's heart went to Sora's heart when he was born," Ash said. Rei was surprised by what he had told her.
"Are you saying Sora has been carrying Viento's heart for all this time and we didn't pick up on it until now?" Rei asked.
"Yes, Master," Ash said.
"Well, did your vision say how to find Viento's body then?" Rei asked.
"No, but I think I know where his body is. His body is in a deep sleep in something called the Chamber of Waking in Castle Oblivion, but the only person who can solve that puzzle is Cascade, and she's in the realm of darkness," Ash explained.
"I see. Have you discussed this with the others?" Rei asked.
"No. I thought you should be the first to know," Ash said.
"That solves the mystery of Cascade and Viento, but what of Gaia?" Rei asked.
"I don't know. Now Xehanort is gone, Gaia should be back to his old self again, shouldn't he?" Ash asked.
"To tell the truth, I don't know. You did the right thing to bring this to my attention, Ash. But we should keep it a secret until we know more," Rei said.
"Sure," Ash said.
A little while later, May had her Pokémon checked in for a physical. Not too long, Nurse Joy returned with May's Pokémon.
"Nurse Joy," May said.
"I've completed all your Pokémon's check-ups. And I'm proud to tell you that your Pokémon are in picture-perfect shape," Nurse Joy said.
"Thank you, that's great. And just before the Contest," May said.
"Oh, my. It sounds like you really wanna compete," Nurse Joy said.
"Right. I'm going for my fifth Ribbon, so this one's the big one," May said.
"And it's your last chance as well," Nurse Joy said.
"Are you saying this is the last Contest before the Grand Festival?" Kairi asked.
"Yes. You see, the Grand Festival is only one month away, so it's her last chance to win it," Nurse Joy said.
"No way," May said in disbelief.
"May, are you okay?" Brendan asked.
"Honestly, no," May said.
"If only someone told us that it was gonna be the last Contest in Kanto," Chase said.
"Yeah, that info would have been useful to us a lot sooner," Ethan said.
"It can't be helped," Wes said.
"He's right. What do you think May will do about it?" Leaf asked.
Brendan and May sat together for a drink. May sadly sighed.
"Talk about pressure," May said.
"What's wrong?" Brendan said.
"I guess I'm not sure if I'm ready for all of this. Drew will be holding this over my head forever if I lose," May said.
"Hey, I know you're not doing it for him, May. You remember back in Pacifidlog Town, don't you? Kairi was in the same boat as you," Brendan said.
"Brendan... I..." May said.
"Look, who cares what Drew thinks? I don't. And you shouldn't either. Kairi didn't care about what anybody thought about her as a Pokémon Coordinator. Kairi actually had to fight hard to win the Pacifidlog Town Pokémon Contest. And I know you can, too. You and Kairi are fighters. You worked hard to make it this far, and you've earned every right to be in a Pokémon Contest and Grand Festival there is!" Brendan said. May smiled, feeling her boyfriend's words sink in.
"You're right, Brendan. I did work hard to make this far. I have four Contest Ribbons, and I'm going to earn that Ribbon. Organization XIII couldn't stop me, the Dark Masters and the Demon Lords couldn't stop me. And Harley couldn't stop me," May said.
"Now, there's the May I know and love," Brendan said. May smiled.
"Thanks for the talk, Brendan," May said.
"That's what a boyfriend is for," Brendan said. Suddenly, Harley comes up behind May. "Don't look now, but you got an ugly green shadow behind you."
"Huh?" May asked.
"Ugly green shadow? How rude!" Harley snapped. May turned and she sighed in a deadpan expression.
"Oh, it's just you. Look, if you're here to jinx me, it won't work, so why don't you go find a house to haunt and leave me alone?" May joked.
"Yeah, I think we passed by a haunted house on the way over here," Brendan said, snickering. His offends Harley.
"Hey, I heard that!" Harley snapped at Brendan said.
"Good. I want you to hear that. By the way, did your mommy dressed you?" Brendan asked.
"Hey, she hadn't dressed me since I was your age!" Harley exclaimed. He stammered when he realized what he just walked into.
"I'm warning you, Harley, only one person is going to win the Mulberry Contest, and that's gonna be me!" May said.
"As much as I would love nothing than to see you lose, sweetheart, but I'm not even going to be in this Contest. I only won my five gorgeous Ribbons. And here they all are, hun," Harley said, showing May his Ribbons. "I actually fought hard for that last Ribbon. Of course, losing to Kairi in Saffron City and Wisteria Town didn't help me out too much. And I have no doubt Kairi is here to support you and all that jazz."
"You can talk all you want, but you're not going to play with my head. I'm going to enter the Grand Festival and there is nothing that a Cacturne-cosplaying freak can do to stop me," May said. This greatly angered Harley.
"Freak, am I?! Listen you, I-" Harley paused and he calmed down. "Oh, no, no, no. You're not going to rile me up. That's my job to rile you up. But, I won't do it today. So, I'm gonna let it slide for right now. Ta-ta." May wanted to kick Harley in the nuts as hard as she could, but she was above that. She decided to let Harley go.
Rei was sensing something from Harley. She knew something was up.
"Something tells me he has some bad intentions. Just gotta see what happens," Rei said in her thoughts.
Meanwhile, Loki was looking around in a balcony through a pair of regular binoculars.
"Let's see. Who here can I manipulate? It can't just be anybody. It's gotta be somebody that has some darkness brewing like coffee. Someone who's got a weak enough heart, and somebody actually dumber than Giovanni to actually buy it," Loki said. He then eyes Harley. He senses the darkness in Harley's heart. He felt how it's been slowly growing and growing. "Hello, what do we have here? It's that jolly green joker back in Saffron City. He looks dumb enough. He's dressed enough for it. I mean, I'm surprised his mommy even lets him out of the house like that. Also the darkness in his heart is growing like crazy. Not as fast as I like it, but I think I can help him with that." He then chuckled. "But, let's set the stage first." He took out two rag dolls and he snapped his fingers. They turned into people. One is a boy and one is a girl. "There. You look like real people, but the only difference is, you know you're fake. Wanna have some fun?"
"Yeah," the fake people said.
"Good answer," Loki said. He and his two minions approached Harley as he is walking. "Hey, don't I know you from somewhere?" Harley looked at him, confused.
"I was gonna ask you the same thing," Harley said.
"Maybe you do, maybe you don't, but what's the big deal on who knows who? Anyway, me and my friends here have heard it from the grapevine that you have a thing against a certain girl. I'm just guessing here, but her name would be May, right?" Loki asked.
"Yes, but how do you know that?" Harley asked.
"Oh, just a little gossip from here to there. Say Harl... Can I call you Harl? I think I can help you out here. I mean, the scoreboard against you is her favor. And frankly, I think it's rather insulting that a stylish Pokémon Coordinator like you mostly loses to some girl who's interested in shopping than Pokémon," Loki said.
"What do you even want?" Harley asked.
"The same thing as you, Harley. I wanna see that May girl lose badly and miss her chance to get to the Grand Festival. But unfortunately, I'm not the Coordinator-type; I'm more of a coach. And that's where my girl Anne-Sophie here comes in," Loki said.
"Anne-Sophie?" Harley asked.
"Yes, but there's another problem. None of her Pokémon are in good condition to perform, she's in a real pickle. Isn't that right, Anne-Sophie?" Loki asked. Anne-Sophie nodded. "She's not much of a talker like me."
"Then, I can lend her my Pokémon," Harley said.
"You sir are a generous soul. The world would be a much better place if everyone has done their share of generosity," Loki said.
"Oh, anything to help to make sure May loses and cries," Harley said. Loki just grinned evilly.
"This is even working better than I thought it would. He's actually falling for it. I thought I was gonna have a hard time finding me a sucker, but this guy takes the cake. Now, let's see how tasty the cake is," Loki said in his thoughts. He then speaks out loud, "Before I agree with anything, I would like to ask you a question. Why are you harboring that malice against her?"
"Bitter memories, that's what," Harley said, putting on the fake tears. What he doesn't see is Loki can see right through Harley's crocodile tears. "It all started in my preschool days. I had my favorite treat: Octillery-shaped snackies. Lunchtime was supposed to be my happy time. Time where all the pressure of school, and the obnoxious kiddy-poos could roll off my back ever so briefly. As always, I had saved one, last scrumptious snackie for last! And that was when a brown-haired girl who disgustingly looked like May came and said, 'Guess you're not hungry anymore. I'll eat for you', and she ate it right in front of me. And then, she said, 'There, your snackie's gone. Aren't I good?' That was the first time I felt my heart get jabbed. Now, when I see her, it's like I'm in excuse all over again! And I have to make her life miserable as possible!"
Loki clearly wasn't buying it. He pictured Harley in a straight jacket and thrown into a mental hospital. And he pictured Harley's forehead opening up and a Pidgey as a cuckoo came out and made the cuckoo sound. But he felt the darkness growing a little when Harley was telling the story. And that's when he knew he had Harley wrapped around his finger.
"Well, how unfortunate for you. If retribution is the way to go, then why not help you out? Word is, you got a Cacturne and a Banette, right? We would like to see them, please," Loki said.
"Of course," Harley said, taking out his two Pokéballs and threw them. "Go, my proud Cacturne and my darling Banette!" His Pokéballs opened and both Cacturne and Banette came out. "This is Anne-Sophie who you're gonna help win that Ribbon from that bad May."
"Cac," Cacturne said.
"Banette," Banette said.
"You up for it, Anne-Sophie?" Loki asked.
"Yes," Anne-Sophie finally spoke.
"Now that we have what we need, I thought of offering you the deal of a lifetime. So, how about it? How would like to join my troop? This is a deal that is way too good to pass up, so this is a limited time offer, so make up your mind now," Loki said.
"You got a deal," Harley said.
"You made a wise decision, my friend," Loki said, taking Harley by the hand. Harley doesn't know that the darkness has begun to grow in his heart. Loki grinned that Harley has sold his heart to him without even knowing it. He then snickered in this thoughts, "The darkness in his heart will now start to grow, grow, grow. And it won't be long until he has become a Heartless. And once that's done, I can send the newly created Heartless to deal with May's friends to destroy them; or they'll destroy him. Won't even matter, because I'll win either way."
Unknown to Harley or Loki, Rei was watching them closely. That's when she gasped when she knew the darkness in Harley's heart was growing and growing.
"I knew I was right to tail him. But who is that guy? And what could he be planning? Whatever it is, it can't be good," Rei said in her thoughts.
"I have a third Pokémon who can work behind the scenes. That would be my Ariados," Harley said.
"Yes, I have a feeling Ariados will be stringing things up," Loki said as he laughed. "Excuse the pun." He turned to his male minion. "Now, Renée. Would you be a dear and give Harley's Ariados a hand?"
"Sure thing, coach," Renée said.
"Good boy," Loki said. He then thinks in his thoughts, "Knowing Sora, Kairi, and their other do-good friends, they'll try to stop me when it comes down to it. It's a good thing I came prepared for that. The Heartless will serve as a distraction." He chuckled to himself.
"So, he's gonna use Ariados to cheat his way, huh? Well, too bad it's gonna backfire," Rei said, taking out two of her Pokéballs and opened them. Her Lucario and Gardevoir emerged from inside. "I have a task for you both." Lucario and Gardevoir nodded.
It was now time for the Mulberry Contest to begin. Lillian has taken her position once more.
"Wow, what a crowd! I wanna welcome you all to the Mulberry City Pokémon Contest! Things are going to heat up around here pretty darn quickly, so let's start with a big round of applause for yourselves!" Lillian announced. The crowd started to cheer hard.
"Wow, this place is filled to the top," Chase said.
"Pikachu," Volt said.
"Well, it is the last Contest in Kanto, and this is a race she cannot afford to lose," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
Harley is watching from a different place while Rei's Lucario and Gardevoir are in position in different spots.
"You all know we're just one Contest away from the Grand Festival! And that means for those Coordinators with just four Ribbons, it's do or die! So, since we're all pumped up, let's get this show on the road! And now, presenting our judges three!" Lillian announced.
"A pleasure to be here," Contesta said.
"Yes, remarkable," Suziko said.
"A privilege and an honor to be here," Rumiko said.
"You know, it's always so comforting to see those three familiar faces making all those calls. And here's what our contestants are competing for," Lillian announced as she took out a pink and white Ribbon. "This! The beautiful Mulberry Ribbon!" May is in the back, determined to win the Ribbon.
"Hello there," Anne-Sophie greeted as she walked in. "Nice to meet you."
"Who are you?" May asked.
"I'm Anne-Sophie. It's nice to meet you, too, but I'm almost say that I'm sorry that I'll be winning," Anne-Sophie said.
"Wrong! I'm the one who's going to win that Ribbon and I'm entering the Grand Festival!" May said. And that has earned her stares from some of the others. May said in her thoughts, "I know what this is. They only have four Ribbons, too. That means we're all in the same boat. I'm going to do my best. I'm going to trust my Pokémon and have a good time." She took in a deep breath and chuckled.
"What is so funny?" Anne-Sophie asked.
"The heat is on! The tension is mounting and this Pokémon is really starting to erupt!" Lillian announced as Drew comes to watch the Contest. "It's time for round 1 where contestants can show off their chemistry between themselves and their Pokémon! Everyone strapped into your seats? So then, let's get busy!" The crowd roared as the Contest has begun.
A performance starts as a Feraligatr fired Hydro Cannon right up. Another is a Koffing using Poison Gas. Another is a Clefable using Metronome. Another is with a Bagon using a Head Smash on a pile of metal. Another is with a Clamperl using Protect to give off a brilliant glow. Another is an Altaria flying straight up. Another is a Bellsprout doing a wiggly dance. Another is an Aqua Breed Paldean Tauros charging with a Raging Bull. Another is an Alolan Sandshrew unleashing a Bluzzard.
"This competition is fierce. May is up against a gallery of awesome Pokémon with awesome moves," Michael said.
"Maybe it's because we're so close to the Grand Festival," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"They're putting everything they got into this Contest. None of them can afford to lose," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Presenting, our next Coordinator, give a welcome to Anne-Sophie!" Lillian announced as Anne-Sophie came to the stage, holding a Pokéball.
"Thank you, everyone! When I enter the stage, it feels like a kiss!" Anne-Sophie said, blowing a kiss. She threw the Pokéball. "It's showtime, Cacturne!" Harley's Pokéball opened and Cacturne came out. "Needle Arm!" The needles on Cacturne's arms extends. She took out some vegetables and threw them. "Cut!" Cacturne uses Needle Arm on the veggies, cutting them. Anne-Sophie held out a salad bowl and the vegetables fall right in the bowl. "Viola!" The crowd cheered hard.
"Wow! A combination of Needle Arm and Cut! A new twist!" Lillian announced. Loki smiled as he clapped his hands.
"Such a nice dance you did for me, my little puppet," Loki said as he laughed to himself. "Renée, you know what to do next."
"This unexpected move has the crowd going wild!" Lillian announced.
"Call me crazy, but I have a feeling I've seen that Cacturne before," Riku said.
"Same here. But where?" Wes asked.
Harley clapped his hands, feeling proud of his Cacturne.
"Great, just like the old man," Harley said.
"The crowd's cheering is just as impressive as they are! You great people are nice and loud!" Lillian announced as Anne-Sophie chuckled.
"Use Cotton Spore!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Cacturne unleashed Cotton Spore and sends it across the stage.
"And that Cotton Spore treats us to a dream-like shower of beauty!" Lillian announced.
"Bullet Seed!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Cacturne fired Bullet Seed at the cotton, popping them like balloons. It creates sparkles.
"Another incredible combination! Those Cotton Spore pops are sparkling with as they fall all around Cacturne!" Lillian announced.
"That's one way to show off a Grass-type," Roxas said.
"Yeah, she looks like she knows what's she doing," Xion said.
"Okay, folks, the time has come to see what our judges thought of that performance!" Lillian announced.
"I thought it was brilliant! A show I won't forget for a long time! A very long time to come," Contesta said.
"Just remarkable," Suziko said.
"It shows the enormous effort and passion she obviously put in raising her Pokémon," Rumiko said.
"Thank you so much," Anne-Sophie said, smiling.
"Bravo! Bravo!" Harley said, clapping his hands.
"And now, it's time for our next contestant! And it's the turn of May!" Lillian announced as May entered the stage.
"She's here. Let's get going," Harley said through a com. Renée and his Ariados are up in the catwalk.
"Roger," Renée said. He turned to Ariados. "Do your thing." Ariados nodded and sends out its silk. Unknown to any of them, Gardevoir was close by and uses its psychic powers to send the silk to floor. May took out and threw it.
"Combusken! Take stage!" May called out. Ariados attempts to pull on May, but noting happened. Harley was quick to notice.
"Hey, what are you doing up there? She's supposed to fall down," Harley whispered.
"Wasn't my fault. Must be a breeze somewhere," Renée said.
"Then aim for the Pokémon," Harley said.
"Got it," Renée said. Ariados sends the web to the Young Fowl Pokémon, but it sends up on Renée instead.
"Use Mega Kick!" May ordered. Just when Renée was about to pull the string, he pulls himself instead.
"Ow!" Renée exclaimed.
Combusken lets out a powerful Mega Kick, much to everyone's amazement.
"Hey, you stupid spider, what's the big idea?!" Renée snapped at Ariados. The Long Leg Pokémon hissed at Renée. She took out a frisbee and threw it.
"Sky Uppercut!" May shouted. Renée makes another attempt, but the results are the same. Combusken lands a beautiful hit with that Sky Uppercut.
"Such beautiful timing with that Sky Uppercut!" Lillian announced.
"What are you doing up there?" Harley asked.
"I don't know what you're trying to pull here, but your Ariados isn't doing a thing I say!" Renée said. Just then, Lucario arrived. "What the?! What are you-?" Lucario does a Force Palm on Renée, pushing him back. Ariados attempts to attack with Shadow Ball, but Lucario dodges it and came at it with a Bone Rush, hitting it. Lucario then hits it with an Aura Sphere. Ariados was struck hard. Renée groaned. "The boss didn't say that being human could hurt this badly."
Loki caught on to it very quickly.
"Well, there's an unexpected element in the mix. There's no doubt in my mind that Lucario belongs to the Master of the bunch. None of them owns a Lucario. Just a little setback. I just happen to have a backup plan that I haven't set up yet," Loki said. He chuckled.
"Fire Spin!" May ordered. Combusken pirouettes as she unleashes a Fire Spin. The fire spirals upwards, and Ariados catches fire. Lucario then disappeared the same way it came. It turns out that Gardevoir used Psychic to lift up Lucario to the catwalk.
"Combusken is spinning faster and faster and that Fire Spin is starting to spread out!" Lillian announced.
"No, no, no! This is supposed to happen!" Harley said.
"What we are witnessing is a new spin on Fire Spin! Unbelievable!" Lillian announced.
"Wow!" Contesta said.
"Remarkable!" Suziko said.
"It looks like Combusken's controlling the fire," Rumiko said.
"It takes a fierce Fire-type to demonstrate this type of fire control!" Lillian announced.
"Combusken! Sky Uppercut!" May shouted as she threw her frisbee. Combusken jumped out while in the pirouette. She lands an Uppercut onto the frisbee.
"What a sight! Combusken shot straight out of those flames!" Lillian announced as May caught the frisbee. She twirls it on her finger.
"Ooh, this can't be happening!" Harley exclaimed.
"May's on her game," Drew said.
After May's performance, she smiled, feeling proud of herself.
"That went even better than I thought it would," May said to herself. Gardevoir and Lucario returned to Rei, knowing they have made sure Harley's cheating wouldn't get to May.
"Good work, you two," Rei said.
"I can't believe Harley would sink so low to do this," Kairi said.
"And I knew that Cacturne was his," Riku said.
"Why would he do such a thing?" Ethan asked.
"I don't know, but I have a feeling he isn't finished yet," Rei said.
"Well, I say we inform those judges and have Harley kicked out. And hopefully, get him disqualified from the Grand Festival!" Brendan said.
"Unfortunately, that's easier said than done. We don't have any evidence that Harley is behind it," Kairi said.
"She's right. We're gonna have to keep and eye on him until the Contest is over. Just in case he pulls another stunt like this," Sora said.
"I agree," Rei said.
Over to Harley, Loki, Anne-Sophie, and Renée were in a different part of the building as Harley was right beside his Ariados.
"Oh, my poor Ariados. You're hurt badly! We'll get you over to the Pokémon Center ASAP!" Harley said, calling his Ariados back. He turned to Loki. "Your so-called methods backfired on me! Now, she has a chance to make it to the second round!"
"Hey, it was your stupid Ariados that failed to do its part! And your Ariados is just as stupid as-" Renée snapped back, but Loki stepped in.
"That's enough, Renée!" Loki scolded Renée. He shuts his mouth. "Now, getting back on track before we say any more things we're gonna regret, that was outside my control. Someone caught on to us, so why else would that Lucario show up? But it's not a big."
"What do you mean not a big deal?! It's a big deal that we failed to mess up May!" Harley exclaimed.
"Calm down. It was only a minor setback. I have a plan already in motion to take care of May's friends," Loki said.
"What are you gonna do? Place them all in a crate and send them flying?" Harley asked.
"Oh, no-no-no, nothing like that. More like a distraction," Loki said as he chuckled.
"What kind of distraction are you talking about?" Harley asked.
"That's for me to worry about. You just be there for Anne-Sophie," Loki said.
"And then, what?" Harley asked.
"Just leave the rest to me," Loki said. He chuckled to himself.
"I guess it's getting better than we originally planned, boss. The darkness is growing and growing," Renée said.
"Naturally. Lucario attacking Ariados was an unexpected element, but it did nothing to affect my plans for that green fool. The darkness in his heart spiked up a little. The more frustrated Harley gets, the closer he gets to becoming a Heartless," Loki said, laughing evilly.
"It's time for the first round results! Here we go! These are the eight contestants who will be moving on into round 2! Look!" Lillian announced as the eight Coordinators are moving on. May and Anne-Sophie are among the eight Coordinators.
"Well, Anne-Sophie is in it," Renée said.
"Well, May will definitely win her other battles until she reaches Anne-Sophie. And I have the perfect distraction in store for them. Come on out," Loki said. A pair of yellow eyes peeked through a shadow. "Listen up. Provide a distraction for the Keyblade wielders. Have them see you and let them follow you. And that's where you'll ambush them. Keep them busy for as long as possible." The yellow eyes vanished along with the shadow. "Now, the real show can begin."
"Aren't you worried that the Heartless will blow it?" Renée asked.
"Not really. I know they can hold their own against the Heartless. They've done it before. But I did tell them to keep the Keyblade wielders busy for a while. After all, it won't even matter who takes out who, and it won't even matter if Anne-Sophie beats May or gets beaten by May, because I will win either way," Loki said as he laughed. Renée laughed along with Loki. "Now, to set it up." He then changes into a little boy.
Back with the group, it shows Anne-Sophie is in the first battle, and May is in the fourth.
"That was an amazing performance you did, May," Kairi said.
"Thank you, Kairi. That's very kind of you to say," May said.
"You just keep your cool and do your best," Brendan said.
"I will. I'm winning it for my friends," May said.
"Ha! What a joke. Winning for your friends. That's the corniest joke I have ever heard," Anne-Sophie said.
"Care to repeat that?" May asked.
"Of course. Winning for your friends is just a thing that any loser would say. Not to mention, a totally pathetic thing to say," Anne-Sophie said.
"What do you know? There's nothing wrong with having some friends backing you up. It's not like you have any friends yourself," May said. "I'm going to win that Ribbon, and I'm going to enter the Grand Festival. And if you get in my way, I'll take you down."
"We'll see about that," Anne-Sophie said, taking her leave.
"Oh, I can't stand her!" May said.
"Forget her, May. That's what she wants," Lyra said.
"Marill," Marill said.
"She's right. Don't get distracted," Rei said.
"We'll be cheering you on," Roxas said.
"And we'll make sure Harley doesn't pull a stunt like this," Xion said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said,
"Eevee," Celeste said.
Drew and his Roselia were close by and they were listening in on their conversation. They turned around as Loki in his boyish disguise ran up to the group.
"Help! Somebody help! Oh, please help!" Loki exclaimed.
"What's wrong?" Ash asked.
"What got you so worked up, kid?" Ethan asked.
"It's terrible! I just saw some monsters in the city!" Loki said.
"Monsters?" Brendan asked.
Drew stopped when he heard Brendan.
"Where did you see them?" Wes asked.
"Just outside! I think I saw those monsters attacking some people! I came in here, looking for some help!" Loki said.
"Don't worry, we'll take care of them," Michael said.
"Thanks a lot!" Loki said, taking off.
"You think it's the Heartless?" Kris asked.
"Very likely. We're gonna have to take care of them," Rei said.
"Shouldn't we tell May about the Heartless being here?" Elaine asked.
"No, May has to focus on the Contest. It's her last chance to enter the Grand Festival," Kairi said.
"She's right. We're gonna have to take care of them," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Those Heartless sure picked a bad time to show up," Chase said.
"If fighting the Heartless taught us one thing, we don't control when they come along," Brendan said.
"I agree with Brendan. As long as the Heartless are on the loose, no one is safe. We have to deal with them before they cause any problems," Rei said.
With that said, all of the Keyblade wielders except for May rushed off to face the Heartless. Loki grinned evilly, knowing his plan was working.
"Now, the stage is set," Loki said as he changes back to his real form, much to Drew's surprise. "The Heartless are the perfect bait for them. Put on a good show just like always, Sora, Kairi. And I know you'll make it entertaining. And soon, Harley will make a beauty of a Heartless," He laughed evilly. Harley comes along.
"Hey, I just saw May's loser friends run by. Where was the fire?" Harley asked.
"Oh, something about a monster sighting. So, they're heading right in for it," Loki said.
"A monster sighting?" Harley asked.
"You can't tell me you don't know a thing about some monsters showing up, do you?" Loki asked.
"Yeah, I do," Harley said. He then said in his thoughts, "It's gotta be those Heartless I've been hearing about. Not what I have in mind, but I think I'll take it. Those yellowed-eyed freaks will certainly keep those chumps busy." He chuckled to himself.
The battles have begun as Anne-Sophie has used Harley's Banette against a Coordinator's Noctowl. it managed to beat the Owl Pokémon with Thunder.
Over to the rest of the group, they made it outside and they looked around.
"I don't see anything," Naminé said.
"Don't let your guard down," Rei said.
They all kept looking until Kairi saw a pair of Soldiers.
"Over there!" Kairi said.
"So, it's the Heartless after all!" Ash said.
"We're gonna have to go after them," Rui said.
"Agreed. We can't let a single one loose," Rei said.
They all summoned their Keyblades and went after the Soldiers. Rei struck them down, but more Heartless appeared all around. The Heartless all consisted of Shadows, Soldiers, Air Soldiers, Armored Knights, Morning Stars, Crimson Jazzes, Neoshadows, Darkballs, Wyverns, Defenders, Wizards, Silver Dragons, Uni-Walruses, Emblem Seahorses, Wreckadillos, Octoshells, Mandipede, Cyclodactyls, Wyrms, Mad Mammoths, Metal Lobsters, Shadow Rockets, Shadow Magmas, Shadow Aquas, and a Guard Armor Leading them.
"It's an ambush!" Xion gasped.
"We're surrounded!" Chase said.
"Take them out!" Rei said.
The Heartless charged right at the Keyblade wielders. Rei swung her Star Cluster to destroy the Soldiers that jumped at her. As the Wizards casts a fire spell, sending it right at Chase. Volt uses Quick Attack to take out one of the Wizards as a Metal Lobster snapped its pincers at them.
Over to May, she chooses her Squirtle against Skarmory. Squirtle uses Aqua Tail to finish off the Armor Bird Pokémon.
Back the group, they continued their fight against the Heartless. A Cyclodactyl attempts to swoop down at them, but Wes slashed at the one-eyed pterodactyl-like Heartless as Pikachu and Volt used Thunderbolt against the Armored Knights, destroying them. Azurill took out an Air Soldier with Aqua Tail as Marill fired Bubble Beam at a Crimson Jazz. A Silver Dragon spewed fire at them, but Michael slashed at it with his Gale of Elements as Rui struck through several Shadows.
"Flygon! Sandstorm!" Drew ordered. Flygon appeared and pulls in the Heartless. "Use Flamethrower!" Flygon fired a Flamethrower, destroying most of the Heartless in it. The Wizards resisted Flygon's Flamethrower, but the sand has done some damage to them.
"Drew?" Brendan asked. Just then, some Shadows came behind him. Brendan threw his Omega Ruby Groudon at the Shadows, hitting them. Drew turned just in time to see them dissolve back into puffs of darkness.
"That makes us even," Drew said.
"Guys, there's one more," Lyra said. The Guard Armor approached them with its Gauntlets ready to slash at them, and the Hammerlegs ready to stomp on them.
"Take out its hands and feet!" Sora said.
Ash, Ethan, and Chase heads for the Gaunlets and Hammerlegs, slashing them. Sora jumped and slashed the Guard Armor in half. The Guard Armor fell and a heart floats upwards before it disappeared.
"That takes care of them," Naminé said.
"Thanks for the assist, Drew, but why did you do that?" Brendan asked.
"It's because it was a distraction. That kid who told you about the monster sighting wasn't who you thought he was. He was someone pretending to be a kid. Harley was talking to him," Drew said.
"I knew this had his stink all over this," Rei said.
"But Harley cannot summon the Heartless," Kairi said.
"No, but that person Harley associated himself with can," Rei said.
"If it's not Organization XIII, then who could it be?" Ash asked.
"The Heartless sides with whoever is strong with the darkness," Sora said.
Loki was watching closely.
"Looks like I'm gonna make my getaway before I get found out, but I'm gonna have to accelerate my plans now. I just gotta get to him," Loki said, disappearing.
It was now time for the final battle. Harley and Renée were about to make their move when Loki came back.
"Oh, and where did you disappear to?" Harley asked.
"Oh, nowhere special. That isn't remotely important. What is important is the final phase of our plan to ensure that May loses the Contest," Loki said.
"Oh, I have a plan. We can snatch victory from May's annoying little button nose of hers!" Harley said.
"Aw, is that all. I have just the thing," Loki said, taking out an orb.
"What is that?" Harley asked.
"Oh, just a little something I have been saving up for a while. I'll just throw this and the floor will open and she'll come falling, disqualifying her from the match," Loki said.
"Ooh, I like that plan," Harley said.
"I was hoping you would. Before we get started-" Loki was cut off.
"Stop right there!" Sora said. Harley, Loki, and Renée turned to see the group. Sora recognized him. "Loki?!"
"Hi, Sora. Fancy seeing you here. And Kairi, too. How is everything little thing?" Loki asked.
"You have no room to talk," Kairi said.
"You know this guy?" Ethan asked.
"Yeah, we do. He was that guy who was working with Ganondorf and Giovanni when he pretended to be a member of Team Rocket," Sora said.
"I had a feeling we'd see him again," Kairi said.
"Wait, Loki? That's your name?" Harley asked.
"So, you were the one who sent the Heartless to attack us," Roxas said.
"Guilty as charged. I had to keep you busy. But you ended the party sooner than I planned," Loki said.
"Won't someone tell me what in the name of Pokémon Contests is going on here?" Harley asked.
"Your new friend here isn't who he said he is. I heard him say he was going to turn you into a Heartless," Drew said.
"Turn me into a Heartless?" Harley asked.
"I hate it when somebody gives away the ending," Loki said. He sighed, knowing he's been caught. "Okay, I might as well just come clean. I was gonna turn you into a Heartless. Why, you ask? I'll tell you. It's because in your heart. I saw how much darkness was there, so I had to come to you, pretend to be your friend, and all that jazz. So, while I was 'helping' you sabotage May, I was secretly fiddling with your darkness it was strong enough to make a Heartless out of you."
"You mean, you were just using me all this time?!" Harley exclaimed in shock.
"UH, DUH!" Loki said, making a stupid voice. "Did you actually think I bought that sob story you told me earlier? Please, I couldn't sell that story if I put a price on your story at a going out of business sale. The reason I picked you is because you're the biggest fool I have ever had the pleasure of manipulating. And it was fun!" Loki laughed evilly. This infuriated Harley greatly.
"You were using me? And you were going to turn me into a Heartless?! How dare you plot to turn me into a Heartless!" Harley said as the darkness was growing and growing.
"Yeah, that's right. Let it grow! Blossom into the Heartless you were meant to be," Loki said.
"I don't think so!" Kairi said. She then gave Harley a punch in the face, knocking him unconscious.
"Why did you do that?" Elaine asked.
"He was close to turning into a Heartless, so I just did the only thing I could think of. Harley may be a creep, but not even he deserves to become a Heartless," Kairi said.
"She's right. That's a fate nobody deserves," Rei said. Loki moaned in annoyance.
"Oh, that's just dandy. You gone and foiled my evil scheme," Loki said.
"Yeah, we did," Leaf said.
"What you did was unforgivable," Kris said.
"And we're not gonna let you get away with it," Chase said.
They all summoned their Keyblades. Loki growled before he chuckled.
"Okay, you win this round, but there will be others. Enjoy the Contest. I know I will," Loki said, laughing. He disappeared along with Renée.
"Where'd he go?" Chase asked.
"Gone. We're gonna see him again," Sora said.
"You don't think he's planning something else, do you?" Drew asked.
"If he is, then we'll be ready for him," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"So, what about him?" Brendan asked.
"I'll handle him. You go and watch the battle," Rei said.
"Yes, Master," her apprentices said. Brendan stayed behind for a second.
"One more thing if you don't mind," Brendan said.
"What?" Rei asked. Brendan gave Harley a hard kick in the gut. He managed to do that without waking him up. "Why did you do that?"
"Just blowing off some steam. It's just too bad he had to be unconscious for it. He had it coming for what he tried to do with May," Brendan said.
"I'm sure he did, but that was the wrong way of doing it," Rei said.
"Yes, Master," Brendan said.
"Now, go," Rei said. Brendan took his leave to rejoin the others.
"It's time for the final round, so let's get busy!" Lillian announced as the crowd cheered. May took out her Pokéball and threw it.
"Okay, Squirtle! Take the stage!" May called out. Her Squirtle came out to battle after doing a twirl.
"Banette! Let's go!" Anne-Sophie said. Banette came out to battle against Squirtle.
"Let's have ourselves a good time with this final battle, Squirtle," May said.
"Squirtle, Squirtle," Squirtle said.
"Thunder!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Banette fired Thunder at the Tiny Turtle Pokémon, dealing some damage.
"A great first move! Banette's lightning aim was absolutely perfect! And May's lost points paid the tip!" Lillian announced.
"Nice shot, Banette," Anne-Sophie said.
Outside, Rei tied Harley up in a rope and hung him up in a tree. He woke up and he sees Rei down below.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing?" Harley asked.
"Just giving you a place for you to hang around," Rei said.
"Get me down from here!" Harley demanded.
"Not on your life. The very same life we just saved to keep you from becoming a Heartless. So, just be grateful," Rei said.
"You can't treat me like this!" Harley yelled as he swings around. "Ow! Why does my stomach hurt?!"
"No comment. I put you up there just so you can't cause any trouble, and hopefully to teach you some manners," Rei said, taking her leave.
"You can't leave me here! Hey, come back here! Don't you dare ignore me! I am talking to you, so you will look at me when I am talking to you! Get me down from here! I wanna get down! I WON'T BE TREATED THIS WAY!" Harley yelled.
Back at the battle...
"Squirtle, are you okay?" May asked. Squirtle gets up. "Thank goodness. Squirtle! Ice Beam!" Squirtle fired Ice Beam, freezing Banette.
"And Squirtle fires an Ice Beam!" Lillian announced.
"Will-O-Wisp!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Banette broke free from the ice and unleashed Will-O-Wisp right at Squirtle.
"What an amazing sight to behold! It looks so otherworldly!" Lillian announced.
"Squirtle! Dodge it, now!" May called out. Squirtle withdrew in his shell and he managed to avoid the fireballs.
"Squirtle looks like a spaceship dodging meteorites! And that Banette is giving us some serious meteorites!" Lillian announced as the fireballs explode, leaving behind some sparkles. The crowd cheered.
"Will-O-Wisp. Quite a move," Contesta said.
"Not only that; remarkable," Suziko said.
"Now, that's the correct way to show off a Ghost-type Pokémon," Rumiko said.
"Thunder once again!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Banette unleashed another Thunder and sends it right at Squirtle.
"Enough of that! Use Bubble!" May ordered. Squirtle fired Bubble, cutting through Banette's Thunder and landing a hit. That cuts into Anne-Sophie's points. "Awesome, Squirtle!"
"Okay, no miss nice doll! Frustration!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Banette's body glows red and puffs out white smoke. It then charges right at the Tiny Turtle Pokémon.
"And Banette moves in with a fierce Frustration!" Lillian announced as Banette began to beat Squirtle with it.
"I never heard of that move. What's Frustration?" Chase asked.
"Frustration is a Normal-type move that gets stronger depending on the level of friendship the user has for the Trainer," Wes said.
"In other words, if the loyalty of the Pokémon is high, then Frustration is weak," Riku said.
"And since Banette isn't even hers to begin with, that Frustration is really strong," Michael said.
"Hurry, Squirtle! Dodge it!" May called out. Squirtle tried to dodge, but Banette kept hitting Squirtle with Frustration. It cuts into May's points.
"Rapid Spin!" May ordered. Squirtle spins around, knocking Banette off. That cuts into Anne-Sophie's points.
"Will-O-Wisp!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Banette fired Rapid Spin.
"Oh, this is bad. Annie's getting angry over this," Loki said as he and Renée watched from the catwalk. The judges were amazed by what they were seeing.
"I had no idea Rapid Spin could be used like that," Contesta said.
"It is remarkable, isn't it?" Suziko asked.
"A Coordinator and Pokémon in perfect synch," Rumiko said.
"It appears May and her Squirtle are in the driver's seat now, but Anne-Sophie's not gonna make things easy for them!" Lillian announced.
"Stop them now! Thunder!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Banette fired Thunder.
"Jump, Squirtle!" May called out. Squirtle dodges Banette's Thunder by using Rapid Spin to jump.
"What a bounce which puts Squirtle right on top of Banette!" Lillian announced.
"Aqua Tail!" May ordered. Squirtle lands a hit onto the Marionette Pokémon with that Aqua Tail.
"Okay, Frustration again!" Anne-Sophie ordered.
"Ice Beam!" May ordered.
Before both Pokémon could land a hit, the timer ran out.
"Time's up!" Lillian announced. It shows that May and Anne-Sophie has the same exact points.
"They're tied," Chase said.
"Now, what?" Elaine asked.
"Because the Grand Festival is just ahead of us, this unusual turn of events will be settled in the most unusual way! So now, get ready! We're getting ready for sudden death overtime!" Lillian announced.
"Overtime?" May asked.
"In overtime, whoever reduces the opponent's points to zero is the winner! Simple! Right to the point! And no time limit!" Lillian announced.
"This is great. Right to the point," Riku said.
"It's too bad Harley has to miss it, because I wanna imagine the look on his face," Brendan said.
"This is the situation where the connection between the Pokémon and the Coordinator is most important," Drew said.
"Okay, Squirtle, just a little bit longer," May said.
"Overtime! Let's go!" Lillian announced.
"Thunder!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Banette fired Thunder and sends it right at Squirtle.
"Dodge it, quick! And Ice Beam!" May ordered. Squirtle dodged Banette's Thunder and fired Ice Beam.
"Dodge it!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Banette dodged Squirtle's Ice Beam.
"So fast and beautiful!" Lillian announced. "When it comes to points, it's like a seesaw out here! And now, it looks like Banette's raising to the top!" Their points were going down, little by little.
"Auto fire Will-O-Wisp!" Anne-Sophie ordered. Banette unleashed Will-O-Wisp and sends it at Squirtle.
"Okay, Squirtle! Rapid Spin!" May ordered. Squirtle spins around with Rapid Spin. "Bubble!" Squirtle shoots out Bubble, putting out the fireballs.
"Keep your eyes on the prize, you useless doll!" Anne-Sophie shrieked.
"Oh my, it looks like Anne-Sophie and Banette are having combination troubles," Contesta said.
"It's not very remarkable," Suziko said.
"Something had to happen for this to happen," Rumiko said.
"Use Ice Beam!" May ordered. Squirtle fired Ice Beam, freezing Banette in it. "Rapid Spin and followed by Aqua Tail!" Squirtle does another Rapid Spin, but his tail is sticking out. Banette is struck hard by Tiny Turtle Pokémon. Anne-Sophie has lost the last of her points.
"Anne-Sophie and Banette's points are now down to zero, which means this overtime is history!" Lillian announced.
"I blew it," Anne-Sophie said.
"So, I'm proud to present the Mulberry City Pokémon Contest winners, May and Squirtle!" Lillian announced. "All of you wonderful people couldn't have a better champion! Let's all give a big hand to Anne-Sophie and Banette!" The crowd cheered for her even though she lost.
"We did it," May said, picking up Squirtle. "And you were awesome!" She hugged him. "I just can't thank you enough, Squirtle!"
"Squirtle!" Squirtle said.
"I knew she'll do it," Brendan said, clapping his hands. Rei was watching the battle and she was proud of her apprentice.
"Well done, my apprentice," Rei said.
"And now, Mr. Contesta is pleased to present the Mulberry Ribbon to May, our big winner!" Lillian announced.
"I am told this is your fifth Ribbon, dear. Congratulations," Contesta said.
"Thank you," May said.
"That was a wonderful performance. A great final battle. And I believe you'll do very well in the Kanto Grand Festival," Mr. Contesta said.
"I'll do my very best," May said. The crowd cheered as she accepts it.
"And ladies and gentlemen, we hope to see you all at the Grand Festival! And it'll be taking place at the Indigo Plateau!" Lillian announced.
"Indigo Plateau? That brings back some memories," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"And you can be sure there are high level moves on display there! So, you better be there, too!" Lillian announced.
After the Contest, Anne-Sophie stepped out with Loki and Renée waiting for her.
"I blew it. I'm sorry," Anne-Sophie apologized.
"No apology necessary. You were a bit too into it for your own good. So, we all blew it today. But it's only spilled milk. Nothing to cry over," Loki said.
"Thank you for understanding," Anne-Sophie said.
"Now, there's no further use for you, so back to being a doll for you," Loki said, snapping his fingers. Both Renée and Anne-Sophie reverted back to dolls like they once were. "Sora and the others would come looking for me, so I better make like a banana and split." He vanished with his two dolls.
Over to Harley, both of Harley's Pokéballs were returned to him while still tied up.
"Hello! I wanna get down now! Someone! Anyone! I gotta go to the bathroom," Harley said.
May rejoined the group, laughing, feeling happy that she got to be in the Grand Festival with Kairi again.
"Good job, May," Kairi said.
"You were sensational!" Kris said.
"Thank you, everyone," May said.
"You won your fifth Ribbon, so congratulations," Riku said.
"Thanks, Riku. I couldn't have done it without you," May said.
"Let's go to the Pokémon Center to celebrate at the mess hall," Sora suggested.
"I like that idea," May said.
With that said, the group went off to the Pokémon Center to have a celebratory feast to congratulate May. Now that May has all five of her Ribbons, how far will she be able to go in the Kanto Grand Festival in the Indigo Plateau? Will history repeat itself? Stay tuned if you wanna find out.