Episode 305: Dial D for Drake
A couple of hours passed since the fight with Zell and Luft, so Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Brendan, May Michael, Max, Lisia, Pikachu, Angel, Xipak, Celeste, Blossom, Sparky Thor, and Eclair arrived to the next island and they were approached by a young man.
"Hey, you the spiky hair! You by any chance a Pokémon Trainer?" The young man asked.
"Yeah, I am," Sora said.
"Cool! I wanna have a match against you! Unless you're afraid to lose!" The young man challenged.
"Don't count your Pokémon eggs before they hatch. I'll accept your challenge," Sora said.
"Good! Let's make it three-on-three!" The boy suggested.
"You're on!" Sora said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Aggron!" His Pokéball and Aggron emerged from inside, ready to battle. The young man took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Pelipper!" The boy called out. His Pelipper came out flying out. "Pelipper! Begin with your Wing Attack!" Pelipper charges at Aggron with its wings out.
"Block it out and hit it with Metal Claw!" Sora ordered. Aggron slashes at Pelipper with Metal Claw. "Now use Rock Slide!" Aggron hurls rocks right at Pelipper.
"Pelipper! Ice Beam!" The boy ordered. Pelipper fires Ice Beam right at Aggron, hitting it on the mark.
"Aggron! Metal Claw!" Sora ordered. Aggron slashes at Pelipper with Metal Claw. "Now finish up with Flash Cannon!" Aggron fired a Flash Cannon right at the Water Bird Pokémon.
"Pelipper! Protect!" The boy ordered. Pelipper forms a protective barrier around itself and it blocks Shadow Ball. "Now fire Blizzard!" Pelipper fires Blizzard right at Dusknoir. Sora knew Dusknoir is a slow moving Pokémon, but he had an ace up his sleeve.
"Aggron! Flash Cannon! Full power!" Sora ordered. Aggron fires Flash Cannon as powerful he could make it, so it cuts through Blizzard and it struck Pelipper hard. "Now use Iron Head!" Aggron rushes at the pelican-like Pokémon and lands a strong metallic headbutt onto Pelipper, earning a knockout.
"My Pelipper!" The boy gasped. He ran up to his fallen Pokémon, helping it up. "You okay?"
"Lipper," Pelipper sadly responded.
"Don't apologize. You did your best," the boy said, taking out his Pokéball. "Take a good long rest." He calls Pelipper back inside. Sora calls Aggron back as Sora looked towards his partner.
"You're up, Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu nodded. He got into position.
"So, it's a Pikachu, huh? I have just the one to put out that pipsqueak's thunder," the boy said as he took out another Pokéball. "Go! Graveler!" He threw the Pokéball and his Graveler came out to battle. "Graveler! Start things up with your Rollout!" The boy ordered. Graveler rolls into a ball and heads right towards Pikachu.
"Dodge it with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dashes around pass the Rock Pokémon. "Now use Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu takes a swing right at Graveler and deals a heavy blow. "Way to go, Pikachu!"
"Graveler! Brick Break!" The boy ordered. Graveler swings its arm right at the mouse Pokémon.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu manages to dodge one of Graveler's arms, but got hit by the other. "No way!"
"Now use Rollout!" The boy ordered. Graveler rolls into a ball and slams right into Pikachu, earning a knockout in favor of Sora's opponent. Sora went up to Pikachu.
"Don't sweat the small stuff, Pikachu. You did your best. You should rest up for right now," Sora told his partner.
"Pika, Pi," Pikachu said. He hands him to Kairi as she sets him down as Angel comforts him.
"So, next one next decides the match!" The boy said, calling back his Graveler. He pulls out another Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Scizor!" The Pokéball opens and his Scizor buzzes out.
"I know which one to use for this one," Sora said, taking out a Pokéball. "Your turn now, Combusken!" His Combusken came out and take a fighting stance upon entry.
"Scizor! Bullet Punch!" The boy ordered.
"Dodge it, Combusken!" Sora called out. Combusken dodges Scizor's Bullet Punch barrage. Scizor kept on trying to strike at Combusken, but he kept on dodging and dodging. "Now use Fire Punch!" Combusken lands a Fire Punch on Scizor, dealing some heavy damage.
"Bullet Punch again!" The young man ordered.
"Dodge and use Sky Uppercut!" Sora ordered. Combusken dodged Scizor's Bullet Punch and lands a Sky Uppercut on Scizor.
"Scizor! Use Flash Cannon!" The boy ordered. Scizor fires Flash Cannon from its pincers.
"Dodge and use Flame Charge!" Sora ordered. Combusken dodges Scizor's Flash Cannon and charged right at Scizor, landing a hit.
"Move in with X-Scissor!" The boy ordered. Scizor comes at Combusken ready to swing its pincers at the Young Fowl Pokémon.
"Fire Punch!" Sora ordered. Combusken came at Scizor with his fist emitting flames from and struck Scizor hard and deals heavy damage. It was enough to bring Scizor down.
"Man, I lost!" The boy cried.
Combusken then started to evolve, much to everyone's awe.
"Combusken is evolving!" Ventus exclaimed.
"How cool!" Michael said.
Combusken has now become a Blaziken. The newly evolved Blaziken then demonstrated his newfound strength by letting out a Blaze Kick.
"That was Blaze Kick. Blaziken just learned to use Blaze Kick since evolving!" Sora said. Sora's opponent walks up to Sora.
"Hey, congrats on your victory. You're pretty tough," the young man said.
"Thanks, but you did a good job raising your Pokémon. The way you battled me is living proof," Sora said. That made the boy smile having to hear that.
Unknown to anyone, there was someone who caught a whiff of Sora's potential. The battle has caught the attention of an old, but tall and muscular man, who has a white mustache. He wore black sailor-like clothes with a Pokéball emblem on them: a white hat and a ragged mantle with yellow outlines and stripes on his sleeves. He also wore blue trousers, buckled up with a dark belt and wears black boots. He was observing the battle closely.
Meanwhile, Riku, Naminé, Eevee, and Azurill were walking down the road when they spotted an Absol by the river. It was taking a drink of water. Riku took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Okay, Masquerain! Go!" Riku called out. His Pokéball opened and Masquerain hovered around Absol, grabbing its attention. Absol attacked with an Ice Beam. "Dodge and you use Silver Wind!" Masquerain avoids Absol's Ice Beam and blew a Silver Wind at Absol, hitting it. Absol disappeared and reappeared and lands a hit with Feint Attack. "Masquerain! Use Aerial Ace!" Masquerain dashed at Absol, landing a hit. "Use Stun Spore!" Masquerain sprinkled Stun Spore on Absol, paralyzing it. Riku took out a Pokéball and threw it. Absol flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. "I got myself an Absol."
"That was a wonderful catch, Riku," Naminé said.
"Thanks, Naminé. Absol are pretty hard to find on Alola, but that didn't stop me from catching one of my own," Riku said.
"I'm happy for you," Naminé said. She kissed Riku on the cheek, making him blush.
At a resturant down the street, the old man walks in and he sees a waiter inside it.
"May I help you, sir?" The waiter asked.
"Where's the old guy who works here?" The old man asked.
"He has the day off, sir. He is attending his daughter's wedding," the waiter said.
"I hope the grub you got here is good or else," the old man said.
"Yes sir, it most certainly is," the waiter said. "I hope," he whispered to himself. The old sailor sat down at a table. "How may I serve you, sir?"
"I'll have a glass of warm milk with a shot of peppermint," the old man answered. The waiter found his order odd.
"That's seems to be unusual for someone like you," the waiter pointed out. The old man gave him an imitating look.
"Got a problem with that?" The old man asked.
"No, no, no, sir. Warm milk with peppermint it shall be," the waiter said. "I shall come back with it." He went into the kitchen to get his order.
Outside, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Brendan, May Michael, Max, Lisia, Pikachu, Angel, Xipak, Celeste, Blossom, Sparky Thor, and Eclair walked down the street to have spotted the same resturant.
"Look guys, it's a resturant," May said.
"Good timing because I was starting to get hungry," Sora said.
"Me too. I could use something to eat," Ventus said.
After a couple of minutes, the waiter walked out and gave the old man his order.
"Here is your order, sir," the waiter said. He notices the group outside and went to tend to them. He hands them the menus. "Good day, kids. Here are your menus. If you are ready to order, I shall have it down. What shall we have to drink?"
"I think we'll have a glass of chocolate milkshakes for all of us," Sora said.
"Good choice. I shall return with your milkshakes in a few moments," the waiter said, taking his leave.
"Anyway, Kairi, May, which Pokémon do you think you'll be using?" Karen asked.
"I have been thinking about using either Angel, Roserade or maybe Gorebyss. But there's also Plusle, Minun, Swalot, Masquerain, Lunatone, Mawile, Froslass, Spinda, Claydol, Cradily, and Luvdisc since they haven't made a Contest debut. What about you, May?" Kairi asked.
"My Beautifly, Combusken, and Skitty did good for me on my last contest. I was thinking of using either Bulbasaur or Squirtle," May said. The old man walks up behind her.
"In a Pokémon Contest, solid teamwork with one's Pokémon is the most essential element needed to be victorious So, you need to take the utmost care in choosing your partner," the old man said.
"Uh, right. Thank you very much, sir," May said. Max immediately recognized him.
"Hey, I know him. He's Drake of the Hoenn region's Elite Four," Max pointed out. Max gasped in realization.
"And he makes three," Sora said.
"Well, you youngers have heard of me," Drake said, smiling. He turned to Sora. "Young man, I watched your battle. The way you handled your Aggron, Blaziken, and Pikachu is proof that you have done an excellent job in raising them. You had good strategy and stay calm in the heated situations. I was very impressed."
"Well, we didn't know we had an audience. Also, I'm happy to impress you, sir," Sora said.
"Are any of you taking part of the Hoenn Pokémon League?" Drake asked.
"Well, Sora and I are competing in the Hoenn Pokémon League and we already won seven Gym Badges," Brendan said.
"Sounds to me that you are on your way," Drake said. He turned to Sora. "Sora, isn't it?" Sora nodded. "How would all like to come and take a ride on my boat?"
"Well, we do need to get to the next island, and Wailord needs to rest, so why not?" Sora asked. Drake leads the group to the dock to await for Drake's boat. Kairi coud see that Drake might be stern in appearence, but he appears to have a kind heart. Sora turned to Max.
"So, what kind of Pokémon does Drake uses?" Sora asked.
"Drake specializes with Dragon-type Pokémon. His Dragon-type Pokémon are a force to be reckoned with," Max said. "Drake is a real cool guy. Word is that Drake is the strongest of the Hoenn Elite Four." Sora was very impressed, but it didn't surprise him since he's a member of the Elite Four. He remember meeting Sidney, and Phoebe. Just then, a giant sail ship came up to the dock, leaving the amazed. The ship is all black with gold trims; matching Drake's personality. A crewman looked down from the ship.
"Ahoy there, captain! Everything is in shape just like you ordered!" The crewman announced.
"Excellent!" Drake said. He turned to the group. "That young man there is William, my trusty first-mate." Everyone boarded the ship and were impressed by how huge it was.
"It looks bigger than an actual battlefield," Sora said.
"If you think that's impressive, you should see the sails during a storm. There isn't a hurricane wind that can match up to them," William said. Sora whistles, impressed.
"Those are pretty strong sails," Sora said.
"Excuse me, Mr. Drake," Max spoke up.
"Yes? What is it?" Drake asked.
"Would it be okay if we have a look at your Pokémon?" Max asked.
"Max, it wouldn't be a good idea to pester him," May told her younger brother.
"Actually, I see no harm in that. But, I wouldn't just show them to you," Drake said. He turned to Sora. "What do you say, Sora? Would you be interested in having a battle with me?"
"A battle with you?" Sora asked surprised. He had to admit, he was able to impress Drake, but he had to consider it. "Sure, I accept."
"Excellent," Drake said.
"You don't mind if I make a couple of changes, do you?" Sora asked.
"Not at all," Drake said. Sora took out his Pokémon Box and exchanged Wailord and Shiftry for Walrein and Glalie.
There, done." Sora and Drake got into position for battle. William has volunteered to act as the referee for the battle.
"The battle between Drake is about to begin!Both trainers will be using two of their Pokémon each! The battle will be over when both of either trainer's Pokémon is unable to continue battling! Are you ready?" William asked.
"Yes," Sora and Drake said.
"Then begin!" William said.
"Go! Shelgon!" Drake called out and Shelgon enters the battlefield. Sora took out his Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up, Walrein!" Sora called out. Walrein slides on the deck upon entry.
"So, you're using an Ice-type Pokémon, hm? An excellent strategy. You may have the honor of going first," Drake said. Sora knew Shelgon is a slow moving Pokémon, also he could tell that Drake's Shelgon is much stronger than his own Shelgon. He had to play it smart.
"Walrein! Use Ice Beam!" Sra ordered. Walrein fired Ice Beam right at Shelgon, but Drake wasn't phased by his choice.
"Shelgon! Protect!" Drake ordered. Shelgon forms a protective barrier around itself and Ice Beam bounces off. "Now use Dragon Breath!"
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Walrein manages to dodge Shelgon's attack. "Now use Ice Ball!" Walrein forms a ball of ice and fires it right at Shelgon.
"Zen Headbutt!" Drake ordered. Shelgon forces itself through Ice Ball, not bothering it a little. Shelgon lands a heavy blowing hit onto Walrein and earned a knockout.
"Walrein is unable to battle! Shelgon wins!" William announced. Sora calls Walrein back.
"You did your best, Walrein. Take a good rest, you deserve it," Sora said. "Man, and I thought Phoebe was tough." He thought of using Glalie or Ludicolo. Ludicolo has Ice Punch, but Grass and Water-type moves won'tdo much damage on Altaria, and Ludicolo would be at a disadvantage against Altaria since being a Grass-type Pokémon. "Maybe Glalie would do it." He pulls out Glalie's Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Glalie!" The Pokéball opens and Glalie does a floats up in the air.
"Ah, another Ice-type Pokémon," Drake said calling back his Shelgon. He pulls out another Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Altaria!"
"First Drake sends out a Shelgon, and then an Altaria," May said.
"Sora's Walrein lost against Shelgon when he had the advantage," Max said.
"Yeah, but how come Walrein lost like that?" Ventus asked.
"Walrein lost because he didn't have enough experience against Shelgon," Kairi said.
"She's right. Pokémon types alone don't win battles. Drake tests his opponents by battle," one of the crewmen said.
"Altaria! Begin with Dragon Breath!" Drake ordered. Altaria fires Dragon Breath right at Glalie to land a hit.
"Glalie! Dodge it!" Sora called out. Glalie avoids Altaria's Dragon Breath. "Now use Ice Beam!" Glalie fires Ice Beam.
"Dodge that and use Sky Attack!" Drake ordered. Altaria avoids Ice Beam and its body started to glow. Altaria comes down with a full force of its body to land a hit. Sora smirked as his target was coming closer.
"Gotcha!" Sora said. Drake raised a brow. "Ice Fang now!" Glalie lands an Ice Fang onto Altaria. "Now use Ice Beam!" Glalie fires Ice Beam and it gave Altaria a series of icy bites. Drake was impressed.
"Impressive. Ice Beam was a decoy. You have set a trap for me. Well done, Sora," Drake said, impressed.
"Now use Ice Fang repeatedly!" Sora ordered. Glalie rushed at Altaria and lands an Ice Fang barrage from left to right. "Now use Ice Beam!" Glalie fired an Ice Beam at Altaria. "Now use Frost Breath!"
"Dragon Rush!" Drake ordered. Altaria lands a powerful hit onto Glalie. Glalie had been taken down.
"Glalie is unable to battle! Altaria wins! The winner of the match is Drake!" William announced. Sora picked up Glalie.
"You okay, Glalie?" Sora asked.
"Glalie," Glalie weakly said.
"Don't sweat the small stuff. You did your best, and that's all that matters," Sora said.
"Yes, that is all that should matter," Drake said, approaching Sora. "You demonstrated your wisdom by using Ice-type Pokémon against my Dragon-types, and the bond that you share. But your Pokémon weren't experienced as mine were since they had more time to battle than yours did."
"Yeah, you're right, Drake. I still have much training to do, so I'm looking forward in battling you again some day," Sora said.
"I as well, Sora. The next time we meet, I will assume that your battling skills have matured by then," Drake said, shaking Sora's hand. "Perhaps you and your friends would like to stay for dinner."
"That'll be great," Sora said.
That night, Drake has treated his guests for dinner which consisted of a stew and some rolls. They each took a bite and they were amazed by how delicious it tasted. Sora and Kairi had their Pokémon out along with Drake's Pokémon which were Shelgon, Altaria, along with a Flygon, a Kingdra, and a Salamence.
"Wow, this is amazing," Lisia said.
"Delicious," Aqua said.
"This is one of the best things I have ever eaten," Michael said.
"Even my cooking can't compare to this," Kairi said.
"Neither could my mom!" Ventus said.
"Or mine," Karen said.
"Of course it's great since Drake was the one who made it," Max said.
"It's nutritious as well since Trainers need to keep up their strength," Drake said.
"I feel like I'm getting a lot stronger already," May said.
"Me too," Brendan said.
"Wow, Drake, you're already strong anyway. Are you trying to get stronger?" Max asked.
"Believe it or not, Max, there was a time I was losing a lot of battles. I started believing that I was unbeatable; going to battle to battle just to prove it. I would lose time and time again. After a great amount of soul searching, I finally figured why I've been kept on losing. What started as confidence had become overconfidence, and this was robbing me of my concentration in battle. Remember, battles aren't always about winning or losing. There are lessons in life to learn from them, also," Drake said.
"Yeah, you're right, Drake. I lost some battles before and I learned from my defeats," Sora said.
"You can learn from your defeats as well as your victories. It's my opinion that you have a great deal of potential. My advice is to keep battling stronger opponents without arrogance and fear of defeat. Only then will you and your generation of Trainers grow and enhance the world of Pokémon," Drake said.
"I won't forget, Drake. And thanks for the advice," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
After an unexpected meeting with Drake, a member of the Hoenn Elite Four, Sora has gotten some useful advice for his future. Kairi, and the rest of the group have taken Drake's words to heart. More adventures are to come soon.