Episode 369: Slaking Kong
On the next morning, the group has arrived to Pewter City and made a stop at the Pokémon Center to catch a break. Arthur is looking over Roxas's Pokémon in the Pokémon Stadium Cup database. He saw he has quite a selection of Pokémon in Kanto. Other than Xipak, Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, he also has a Pidgeot, a Raticate, a Nidoking, a Butterfree, a Fearow, an Arbok, a Beedrill, an Annihilape, a Snorlax, a Mr. Mime, an Alakazam, a Dodrio, Golduck, a Venomoth, a Persian, a Victreebel, a Parasect, an Arcanine, a Farfetch'd, a Pinsir, a Golem, a Sandslash, a Crobat, a Hypno, a Machamp, a Gengar, a Dragonite, a Slowbro, a Lapras, a Cloyster, a Tentacruel, a Kingler, a Poliwrath, an Exeggutor, a Magnezone, a Muk, a Tauros, a Magmortar, an Electivire, a Lickilicki, a Scizor, a Hitmonchan, a Hitmonlee, an Electrode, a Porygon-Z, a Vaporeon, a Jolteon, a Flareon, an Espeon, an Umbreon, a Marowak, a Steelix, a Rhydon, a Weezing, a Gyarados, a Kabutops, and an Aerodactyl in Kanto.
Roxas also has Pokémon from the Johto and Hoenn regions, too. He and Xion visited the D-Team's base in Porta Vista and had them teleported in different places, so Roxas has a Chikorita, a Cyndaquil, a Totodile, a Hoothoot, a Spinarak, a Teddiursa, a Phanpy, a Bonsly, a Stantler, a Wooper, a Gligar, a Wynaut, a Murkrow, a Pineco, a Qwilfish, a Mantyke, Houndour, a Skarmory, an Aipom, a Dunsparce, a Larvitar, a Sneasel, a Slugma, a Swinub, a Remoraid, a Snubbull, a Treecko, a Torchic, a Mudkip, a Linoone, a Slakoth, a Lotad, a Poochyena, a Seedot, a Cascoon, a Whismur, a Shroomish, a Carvanha, a Wingull, a Makuhita, a Sableye, a Nosepass, a Nincada, an Aron, a Corphish, a male Ralts, a Wailmer, a Spheal, a Volbeat, a Snorunt, a Huntail, a Bagon, a Trapinch, a Spoink, a Cacnea, a Seviper, a Zangoose, an Electrike, a Numel, a Torkoal, an Anorith, a Meditite, Duskull, a Shuppet, a Beldum, a Tropius, a Solrock, and a Relicanth.
Roxas explained that he needed to catch up with Sora since he's gotten so many Pokémon of his own, but he got most of the Pokémon he has caught, except for certain ones. Xion's Oddish, female Nidoran, and Igglybuff has become a Bellossom, Nidoqueen, and Wigglytuff, but Xion has gotten hold of a Vileplume, a Ninetales, a Rapidash, a Dewgong, a Clefable, a Blissey, a Dugtrio, a Jynx, a male Tangrowth, a Leafeon, a Glaceon, a Sylveon, a Slowking, a Hitmontop, a Seaking, a Politoed, a Ditto, a Starmie, a Kingdra, and an Omastar from Kanto.
From Johto and Hoenn, she has caught a Togepi, a Hoppip, a male Ledyba, a Misdreavus, a Furret, a Mareep, a Sunkern, an X-Unown, a Smeargle, a Shuckle, a Girafarig, a Miltank, a Marill, a Delibird, a Corsola, a Chinchou, a Skitty, a Budew, a Plusle, a Minun, Silcoon, a Surskit, a female Ralts, a Feebas, a Swablu, a Guplin, an Illumise, Lileep, Kecleon, a Chingling, a Baltoy, a Spinda, a Lunatone, a Castform, a Luvdisc, a female Snorunt, and a Gorebyss.
They wondered how Roxas and Xion has gotten there without the use of a special stone, but they explained that they had a special way of getting there.
"Gotta say, Roxas, you've been busy," Sora said.
"Well, Reese told me that it was only a one-time thing, and I went with it. At least I didn't go to Alola, Galar, or Paldea yet," Roxas said.
"So, we managed to catch up as best as we could," Xion said.
"Also, I decided to just use the Pokémon I caught here in Kanto before I use any of the others when we get to other places," Roxas said.
"It's cool, Roxas. I'm surprised Reese could allow it since she's usually so strict," Sora said, remembering how Zoe's sister was.
"But she has her reasons," a familiar voice said. They turned to see Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, and Ryuko coming in the Pokémon Center. It was Aqua who said it.
"Karen, Ven, Terra, Aqua, Ryuko, hey," Sora greeted.
"It's been a while," Kairi said.
"Yeah. We watched you and May in your Contests, and we were amazed and awestruck by it," Terra said.
"So, we decided to watch the Grand Festival with you," Karen said.
"It's nice seeing you again, Ryuko. I bet your mom said it was okay with her," Sora said.
"Of course. I'm here because I'm with the older kids and Ven," Ryuko said.
"Well, you're more than welcome to tag along," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Hey, Ven. I haven't seen you since you were a baby," Arthur said.
"Um, it's great seeing you," Ventus said.
"Hi, Arthur," Karen greeted.
"Hello, Karen. It's been a long time," Arthur said, hugging his cousin. "Lily wanted me to tell you she says hi."
"Who's he?" Ryuko asked.
"This is Arthur. He's Sora's older cousin. His dad and Arthur's dad are brothers," Ventus said. "Anyway, these are our other friends. Meet Riku, Naminé, Xion, Roxas, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Lyra, Kris, Brendan, Michael, Wes, Rui, and May. Everyone, meet Ryuko."
"It's very nice to meet you, Ryuko," Kris said.
"You're so very cute," Lyra cooed.
"Marill," Marill said.
"Hello," Ryuko greeted.
Meanwhile, Darklight has arrived to a different world. He was up against soldiers who were dressed in gray uniforms and wore black hats, black boots, and white gloves. They were armed with guns and they fired upon him, but Darklight summoned his Red Shadow and reflected the bullets, sending them back at the shooters. One of the soldiers attempted to overpower him, but his mechanics made him too much for him to handle, so Darklight grabbed him by the neck and snapped it with a single turn. He threw the dead soldier and continued to march toward the soldiers, who tried their best to fight back, but he killed them all with a single slash with his Keyblade.
"What is he?!" One of the surviving soldiers asked.
"He ain't human, I can guess," another soldier said.
Darklight marched his way through as he killed anyone and anything that tried to stop him. He kept on going until a young man jumped off a roof, screaming. He has blue hair, brown eyes black jacket, silver shirt black pants. He held out his hand and he summoned a Keyblade. The Keyblade is based off of the lion. The blade is yellow with a lion's teeth serving as the Keyblade's teeth. The hand guard has the face of a lion and the lion's mane. The token is a miniature lion. The Keyblade shall be known as the Strongest Lion. He brings his Keyblade down in an attempt to strike him down. Darklight quickly uses his Keyblade to block his assault.
"A Keyblade. I can sense you have so much potential, boy," Darklight said.
"I'm not in it to please you, you freak!" The young man said as he screamed again and came running at him. Both Darklight and his opponent clashed their Keyblades.
"Yes, I can feel your anger. Your anger is making you stronger. With proper training, you can learn to sharpen it to higher peaks," Darklight said.
"And what can you teach me?" The young man asked.
"So much," Darklight said. His opponent tried to strike him, but Darklight blocked his attack. "And more."
Meanwhile, a couple of soldiers were loading a bazooka.
"You sure Griffin can pull it off?" A soldier asked.
"Don't worry. My man Leo can keep that creep busy. He never let us down," another soldier said. They ready the bazooka. "Okay, ready. Aim. FIRE!" They fired the bazooka at Darklight, but he casts a powerful fire spell, making it explode upon contact.
"Shit! That didn't work!" The first soldier exclaimed.
Darklight continued his fight against Leo. He was holding his own, but Darklight has proven himself to be too much for him. Darklight knocks Leo down. He looked up. He makes one last attempt to swing at Darklight, but he knocked it out of Leo's hand.
"Enough. You are beaten. It is useless to resist me," Darklight said.
"I don't think so!" Leo angrily exclaimed as he calls his Keyblade back to his hand. Darklight gave him a kick, before Leo could make his attack.
"Yes. Your anger and your hate are growing more and more within you. Let the darkness grow within your heart, Leo Griffin," Darklight said. Leo gave out a roar and he unleashed the powers of darkness and sends it at Darklight. He jumped to dodge it. He approaches Leo. "You are strong. Strong with the darkness. Become my apprentice and learn the ways of darkness."
"Before I go, tell me why me? What makes me so special?" Leo asked.
"I can sense so much darkness within you. This world is in constant war. You yourself were born on the fields of battle. You have seen more than your shares of death and suffering. War has fed the dark fires within you. You have shown so much promise. It was your anger and your hatred that allowed you to channel the darkness within you," Darklight said. Leo panted heavily.
"And if I refuse?" Leo asked.
"Then, I would have left you here to die the same way you were born," Darklight said.
"What will I gain out of it?" Leo asked.
"Power beyond your imagination. Power that can be yours. Under my teachings, you can become more than what you already are," Darklight said. Leo then kneels before Darklight.
"Then, teach me, dark one. And I will learn," Leo said.
"You have made a wise choice, my apprentice. Now, rise and come," Darklight said. Leo complies as Darklight uses his Keyblade to summon a corridor of darkness and they walked on through it.
Back in Kanto, a few weeks later, Kairi and May were both preparing for the Grand Festival. Even though they are both friends, they promised each other a good competition from each other.
The group came across a gate in the middle of the forest when a forest ranger approached them.
"Hello there. How are you this fine day?" The ranger asked.
"We're doing fine, thank you," Rei said.
"So, where are you all heading?" The ranger asked.
"We're heading for the Indigo Plateau. You see, these two girls will be competing in the Grand Festival being held there," Rei said.
"The Indigo Plateau, is it? I was told that's where the Kanto Grand Festival is being held there," the ranger said.
"If you don't mind us asking, but what is this area in the forest?" Rui asked.
"This would be the Go Forest. We opened this place just months ago, so we have begun to bring in Pokémon from different places of the world. In other words, beyond these gates, you would be coming across wild Pokémon that aren't native to the Kanto region, such as Zigzagoon, Slakoth, and Aipom. So, people would be privileged to come and see them. And catch them in the Capture Fields we've set up if they wanna try to catch the wild Pokémon," the ranger explained.
"That's cool," Ventus said.
"Pikachu," Sparky said.
"Glad you think so, sonny. It's kinda like the Safari Zone," the ranger said.
"What's the Safari Zone?" Ryuko asked.
"The Safari Zone was a place where Trainers once used to catch wild Pokémon in it. Until it closed about twenty-something years ago. In fact, they had something called Safari Balls if I'm remembering right," Aqua said.
"You have it right. In fact, we brought the Safari Balls out of retirement, so here is a look at what they look like," the ranger said, holding a Pokéball with a camouflage design on the top.
"I only saw it on TV, but I didn't think I'd see a Safari Ball for real," Sora said.
"If you're interested, I can point you to the right place where you can go and buy one," the ranger offered.
"Thank you, but I think we should be on our way," Rei said.
"Suit yourself. Just stay on the main road and you'll reach it before sunset," the ranger said.
"Thank you," Rei said.
"You're welcome. But if you're still interested, I can hand you this guidebook, so you can look over the information about how things are done. Everything you need to know is in there; or you can download the app on your Rotom Phones," the ranger said.
"I think we can do that," Riku said.
Everyone took out their Rotom Phones and they downloaded the Go Forest on the app. As they stepped in, they looked over the information on the app on their phones.
"According to the app, Go Forest is the place to catch Pokémon that are from different regions without having to travel," Sora said.
"How do you they do that?" Chase asked.
"I looked into it, and I saw that they receive Pokémon eggs from the various regions. And it also says that they even get the variations of Pokémon that are already native to Kanto, such as Rattata, Meowth, Sandshrew, and Farfetch'd," Michael said.
"Yeah, but what about the evolved ones like Raichu, Marowak, and Exeggutor?" Elaine asked.
"I don't know," Michael said.
"I think we can learn when we go forward," Terra said.
"He's right. The best things are when we don't know what we can find until we see it," Roxas said.
"Pikachu," Thor said.
"Pika," Xipak said.
"Well, it's not all forest. There are certain areas in here that caters to the needs and conditions of certain Pokémon," Rui said.
"Talk about considerate," Xion said.
"In other words, this area is common for forest Pokémon like Aipom, Hoothoot, and Swablu," Terra said.
"You think we can see some Pokémon that came from the Unova region? I always wanted to see one of those. Maybe like a Snivy or maybe a Tepig," Ventus said.
"We don't exactly have time to look, Ven," Aqua said.
"Pikachu," Eclair said.
"I always wanted to see a Deerling," Ryuko said.
"Maybe we might see some when keep going," Arthur said.
"I agree, Arthur. It's a pretty big area, so anything is possible," Rei said.
"But changing the subject, we should be there at the Indigo Plateau soon enough. Kairi and May worked so very hard to get this far," Kris said.
"Kris is right. Kairi, it won't be like the last time, so don't expect me to pull my punches with you like the last time," May said.
"I wouldn't want you to, May. I expect you to do your best," Kairi said.
"If you want my best, then you'll get my best," May said.
"Stop!" A voice shouted. They stopped and turned to see an elderly man chasing after a group of Aipom, carrying some berries, and a watering can. "Come here this instant, you thieves!" The Aipom jumped over them. One of them took Sora's necklace.
"My necklace!" Sora exclaimed. The Aipom taunts Sora. "Gimme my necklace back, you little klepto!" The Aipom took off. "No, my necklace!"
"Don't worry, we'll get it back," Ash said.
"I hope you're all okay," the man said.
"Sort of," Leaf said.
The man leads the group back to his cabin and he treated them to some refreshments.
"The name is Taylor. See, I was gathering berries from my orchard to make a big batch of my PokéBlock," Taylor said.
"My name's Rei Sakura," Rei introduced herself.
"I'm Sora, and this is my partner Pikachu," Sora introduced.
"I'm Kairi, and this is Angel," Kairi introduced.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I'm Riku, and this is Eevee," Riku introduced.
"My name's Naminé, and this is Azurill," Naminé introduced.
"Azurill," Azurill chirped.
"I'm Chase, and this is Volt," Chase introduced.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I'm Elaine, and this is Maple," Elaine introduced.
"My name's Karen, and this is Blossom," Karen introduced.
"Pikachu," Blossom said.
"I'm Terra, and this is Thor," Terra introduced.
"Pikachu," Thor said.
"My name's Aqua, and this Eclair," Aqua introduced.
"Pikachu," Eclair said.
"I'm Ventus, but everyone calls me Ven. And this is Sparky," Ventus introduced.
"Chu," Sparky said.
"I'm Roxas, and this is Xipak," Roxas introduced.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
"My name's Xion, and this is Celeste," Xion introduced.
"Eevee," Celeste said.
"My name is Arthur."
"I'm Wes."
"My name's Rui."
"The name's Michael."
"I'm Ash."
"My name's Leaf."
"I'm Ethan."
"My name's Kris."
"The name's Lyra, and this is Marill."
"Marill," Marill said.
"I'm Brendan."
"I'm May."
"And I'm Ryuko."
"Anyway, what with those Aipom?" Roxas asked.
"The Aipom live in the mountain area. They always came to my orchard and to eat berries off the trees, only when they were hungry. But things are different, now," Taylor said, gesturing to the trees being ravaged.
"You mean, all those Aipom did all this?" Karen asked.
"Not just the Aipom, but every other monkey Pokémon that's been living up in the mountains; Vigoroth, Slaking, Ambipom. Even the Mankey and Primeape that lived here before long before all those other Pokémon came over," Taylor said.
"What changed that?" Chase asked.
"Well, not too long ago, there was a traveling Trainer who was looking for some of the mountain Pokémon to catch, but he came across a wooden fence, and behind it was a giant monster," Taylor explained.
"Giant monster?" The group asked.
"Yes. He was scared, he ran as fast he could. He then, came to me and told me about it," Taylor said.
The Keyblade wielders began thinking it has to be a Heartless, a Nobody, or an Unversed. Rei took out three cards. They each have emblems of the Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed. Rei laid them down.
"Did the Trainer see this creature have any of these?" Rei asked. Taylor looked at the emblems.
"I don't know what he think he saw, but he told me he didn't get a good look at it, so he couldn't tell what it was since it was dark. I even told it to the rangers, and they've been patrolling the mountain area ever since then. And at the same time, the Aipom, Ambipom, Vigoroth, and Slaking began to take my berries, to whatever it is," Taylor said.
"You don't think it's a giant Pokémon, do you?" Xion asked.
"It's gotta be if it's eating all those berries," Lyra said.
"Marill," Marill said.
"What do you think is up there?" Ethan asked.
"The only way we're gonna find out is when we go up and see for ourselves," Wes said.
"He's right. It's only to keep becoming a problem if this isn't resolved soon," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Yeah, because I gotta get my necklace back, no matter what," Sora said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"I agree. Your dad would be spinning in his grave if something happened to it," Rei said.
"Then, we'll all go. I wanna see this giant monster for myself," Taylor said.
"Okay, let's go," Sora said.
Up on the mountain, the Aipom came with the berries and presented them to a couple of men.
"Good work, Aipom. Let's see what you brought us," one of the men said. The Aipom placed the berries and Sora's necklace next to their feet. "An awesome haul, Aipom. You're doing a wonderful job."
"Hey, look at this," the second man said, picking up the necklace. "This is shaped like a king's crown."
"Maybe whoever had it must be royalty, or maybe descended from royalty. Either way, this little trinket should be worth a lot of money. But, first thing's first," the first man said as the gates opened. Standing in the mist is a giant-sized ape-like figure.
"Slaking!" The giant creature roared, pounding its chest.
"Here, oh, King of the Mountain. Please, accept this offering we present you," the first man said. The Aipom then ran away from the gate. They enter inside and they chuckled. "Who knew this would be so easy? It's like taking candy from a Togepi."
"You've said it. It was thanks to the doc who gave us this brilliant idea," the second man said.
Stepping forward is a bald-headed scientist. He wore a pair of square-frame glasses, a light blue shirt, dark blue pants, white socks, and black shoes. His glasses were thick, so it was hard to tell what color were his eyes. He has fair skin, a goatee beard, and a slightly pointed nose.
"An excellent performance, gentlemen," the scientist said.
"We can't take all the credit. It was your brilliance that gotten us this far, Professor Vicovich. Thanks to your giant Slaking robot, we have berries to make a fortune selling PokéBlock at the Grand Festival," the first man said.
"Yes, you get rich, and I get to show the world my brilliant mind. I will show the world that I, Professor Vicovich, am the greatest genius that the world has ever seen!" Professor Vicovich said. He laughed evilly. "And those short-minded fools will think twice before they shun me and my robotics!"
The two men looked over the necklace.
"So, what do you think we should do with this thing once the Grand Festival is over and done with?" The second man asked.
"We'll take it to a pawn shop in Viridian City. It should be loads of cash when we sell this baby. We can never have too much money," the first man said.
"No such thing as too much money," the second man said.
The two men laughed as they high-five each other.
The group made it over to the wooden fence.
"There it is. That's where the giant monster was sighted," Taylor said.
"That's a tall wall," Ryuko said. The gates then opened as the Vigoroth and Slaking have returned with some berries in hand. They flinched when they saw the giant figure.
"It's huge!" Arthur gasped.
"It's definitely a giant monster," Ventus said.
"And my necklace is inside that wall! I'm getting it back," Sora said as he and Pikachu rushes toward the wooden wall.
"Sora, wait!" Rei called out.
Knowing they wouldn't stop him, so they jumped right through the gate. They looked and they saw the "giant monster" with their own eyes.
"Whoa! It's a giant Slaking!" Chase exclaimed. Hearing Chase, the men saw the group.
"Hey, who are you?" The second man asked.
"That's my necklace! Give it back to me right now!" Sora demanded.
"Yeah? Why should we?" The first man asked.
"It's not yours anymore," the second man said. Sora was about to step forward, but Rei did that for him.
"Listen, that necklace is of no value to you, so hand it over to him, right now," Rei said.
"Uh, you're wrong. It's worth a lot of money to us," the first man said.
"And this baby is going to make us a lot of money," the second man said.
"You had your chance," Rei said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Lucario! I choose you!: Her Pokéball opened and her Lucario emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"So, it's a battle, is it? Then, we'll give you one you won't forget! Go! Magmar!" The first man called out as he threw his Pokéball.
"Breloom! Go!" The second man called out.
Both a Magmar and a Breloom came out to battle.
"Magmar! Use Mach Punch!" The first man ordered.
"You use Mach Punch, too!" The second man ordered.
Magmar and Breloom rushes at Lucario each with a Mach Punch.
"Lucario! Use Bone Rush!" Rei ordered. Lucario creates a bone and uses it to smack the two opposing Pokémon. "Now, use Bullet Punch on Breloom, sending it flying backwards. "Use Aura Sphere!" Lucario forms an Aura Sphere and sends it right at Magmar, dealing some heavy damage.
"We ain't gonna take it like that! Magmar! Fire Punch!" The first man ordered. Magmar rushes at Lucario with a Fire Punch.
"Breloom! Use Force Palm!" The second man ordered. Breloom came at Lucario with a Force Palm.
"Dodge and use Aura Sphere! Make it your strongest one!" Rei ordered. Lucario jumped up and creates a powerful Aura Sphere. Once it was powerful enough, Lucario sends it right at Magmar and Breloom. Both Pokémon were struck by Lucario's Aura Sphere, and knocked out at the same time, much to their Trainers' dismay.
"Magmar, no!" The first man gasped.
"Breloom, my baby!" The second man cried.
Sora and Pikachu approached the men and took his necklace back from them.
"Hey, that's ours!" The first man snapped at Sora.
"Wrong, it's mine. And that's where it belongs," Sora said.
"Why you, little punk! We're gonna take it back from ya!" The first man said as they tried to rush at Sora.
"Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu gave the men a shock with Thunderbolt, shocking them both. "I won't let anyone mess with my family's legacy. Doesn't matter who or what," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said. Sora looked at his Master and he smiled.
"Thanks for battling them to get it back for me," Sora said.
"You're welcome," Rei said.
"So, what's the big deal with this giant Slaking?" Leaf asked.
"I'm the big deal," Professor Vicovich said as he approached. "The way you battled has amazed me to a tee."
"Who are you?" Rei asked.
"And are you the one in charge?" Arthur asked.
"Yes. I am Professor Vicovich. I am the self-proclaimed greatest genius the world has ever known!" Professor Vicovich said.
"Why are you doing this? Why are you having my Aipom steal from my orchard?" Taylor asked.
"I will indulge you with an answer. You see, I hired these men to assist me in my revenge on the entire community of science for shunning my genius. I had them convince the monkey Pokémon that this Slaking is the Mountain King; a legend that we have concocted as they made and sold PokéBlock to some Pokémon Coordinators in the Indigo Plateau," Professor Vicovich said.
"That doesn't make sense. Why would you wanna take your revenge by making PokéBlock?" Chase asked.
"Those two were motivated by money, but my motivation is revenge. And this giant Slaking is the ticket that I need to make it happen. And I will silence anyone who gets in my way!" Professor Vicovich said as he took out a remote control. "Crush them!" The giant Slaking complied with its master by reaching out for them.
"Look out!" Rui exclaimed.
They all scattered, but Rei ends up being grabbed.
"Master!" Sora exclaimed.
"Rei!" Arthur exclaimed.
"Put me down!" Rei demanded. The giant Slaking then climbed up a rock pillar and roared.
"We gotta get her down!" Wes said.
"Leave that to me!" Kairi said, taking out her Pokéball and threw it. "Togekiss! Go!" Togekiss came out as Kairi got on Togekiss's back. "Fly me up to that Slaking!" Togekiss flew right where Rei was being held. "Master, are you okay?"
"I will be when I get down," Rei said, struggling to get loose.
The monkey Pokémon then started to gather around, shocked.
"Knock them down!" Professor Vicovich ordered. Slaking swings at Kairi and Togekiss with a free hand.
"Togekiss! Use Aura Sphere!" Kairi ordered. Togekiss fired Aura Sphere, hitting the giant Slaking in the chest. "Aura Sphere again, but aim for the hand!" Togekiss fired another Aura Sphere and struck the giant Lazy Pokémon by the hand, making it drop Rei. "Now!" Togekiss swooped in and saved her.
"Nice save, Kairi," Rei said.
"I know you would do the same for me," Kairi said.
"Let's finish it off," Rei said.
"I'm with you. Togekiss!" Kairi said.
"Lucario!" Rei called out.
"Aura Sphere!" Kairi and Rei ordered. Both Pokémon complied and fired an Aura Sphere, hitting the giant Slaking, making it fall. When it hits the ground, several metal pieces comes out of the giant Slaking.
"What the?" Ethan asked.
"What was that?" Ryuko asked.
"That Slaking is a fake!" Ventus said.
"It's a robot!" Karen said.
"Now, it makes sense. He was gonna use that giant robot to attack the science community," Brendan said.
"No! My masterpiece! My revenge! Ruined! You will pay for this, you meddlers!" Professor Vicovich hissed as Rei jumped off and pinches him on his shoulder, making him pass out.
"Not today," Rei said.
The monkey Pokémon were shocked and appalled by the fact that they were manipulated into thinking they were serving who they thought was the Mountain King, but it was a fake all along. The two men woke up and they saw the monkey Pokémon glaring angrily at them.
"Is it me, or do they look like they're aren't happy to see us?" The second man asked, feeling scared.
"Wish it was just you," the first man said. The monkey Pokémon then began to pounce on them, but they started to run away, but the monkey Pokémon weren't gonna give up so easily. They went after the two men, wanting to get back at them for lying to them.
"Well, that serves them right," Aqua said.
"Pikachu," Eclair agreed.
Not too long after that, Professor Vicovich and his two accomplices were apprehended by the rangers and turned over to the police for the crimes of fraud, stealing of private property by proxy, conspiracy to cause destruction.
"I can't thank you enough. And frankly, the monkey Pokémon can't thank you enough either. You exposed of the fake Mountain King and saved my orchard from further thefts," Taylor said.
"We only did what we thought was right, Taylor," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Even though there can only be one winner in the Grand Festival, but know that I will be rooting for the both of you," Taylor said.
"Thanks for the kind words, Taylor," Kairi said.
"We'll do our best," May said.
"Now, we should get going," Riku said.
"Right. We're heading right for the Indigo Plateau," Rei said.
The group said their goodbyes to Taylor as they took off. Now the Grand Festival is right in their sights, so how will Kairi and May do in this important tournament? Find out as we continue on with the story.
Let's take this moment to honor Rachel Lillis, the original voices of Misty, Jessie, and various others during those first years.
Rachel Lillis (1969-2024)
She will be missed.