Episode 310: Only Juan Badge Left!
On the next morning after dealing with Zell and Ozean, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Michael, Hikaru, Lisia, Zinnia, Pikachu, Angel, Xipak, Celeste, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair and Aster have taken a boat after doing some island hopping. They were heading for Sootopolis City.
"Look at that. Sootopolis City. The sight of the last Gym in the Hoenn region," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Not only that, but it's also Lisia's hometown," Kairi said.
"Yeah, that's right. It must be nice for her to be home again," Sora said. He then thinks back to Pallet Town, wondering how his mom was doing.
Speaking of which, Delia is in her garden watering her flowers as Mimey is swiping the front porch. The Pichu were playing on the front lawn as a boy riding on his bike threw a newspaper on the front porch.
"Thank you, Steve!" Delia called out to the boy.
"You're welcome, Mrs. K!" The boy said, waving. He fails to pay attention and he fell over. "Whoa!" He crashed on the ground and he gets back up. "My dad's always telling me to keep my eyes on the road, and I can see why." Delia giggled as she thinks of Sora. She hadn't seen him since he, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, and Lyra had left for the Hoenn region. And that was she started thinking about him. She wondered how he was doing since Karen left for the Orre region. She looked up to the sky.
"Kaito, I hope you're still watching over our children," Delia said in her thoughts.
Unknown to her, Kaito is out in the distance, looking at his wife and he smiled.
"Delia," Kaito said.
Meanwhile, Tai and Davis's DigiDestined team were having some battles. Tai was in a double battle with his Charizard, Flame along with a Torkoal. Matt is having a double with his Mightyena and Arcanine. Sora T was battling with her Altaria and Combusken. Izzy was battling with a Venonat and Ninjask. Mimi was balling with a Cacturne and a Sunflora. Joe is balling with a Dewgong and a Lapras. TK was in a battle with his Nidorino and his Gallade as Kari was battling with her Delcatty and her Gardevoir. Davis was balling with his Salamence and a Dragonite. Ken is battling with a Scyther and a Yanmega. Cody is battling with an Onix and his Swampert. Yolei is in a battle with her Pidgeot and Xatu. They each took on their opponents.
"Shoot! I lost!" A male Trainer exclaimed.
"Nice job, Flame," Tai said, petting Flame. The Charizard happily roared.
"Hey, Davis, was it? You're a good Trainer," Davis's opponent said.
"Thanks, man," Davis said.
"I gotta say. Have you thought of being a Gym Leader? You would be a good one with skills like those," Davis's opponent said.
"Yeah?" Davis asked.
"Don't let it get to your Davis. You gotta be smart to be a Gym Leader," Yolei said.
"Hey, what is that supposed to mean?!" Davis exclaimed.
"You heard me. The day you become a Gym Leader is the day that a Gyarados swims in lava," Yolei said, laughing.
"Hey, I know I can be a Gym Leader and beat you in a battle with both my arms and legs tied behind my back!" Davis said.
"Relax, Davis, I was only teasing. It was too good to ruffle your feathers," Yolei said, laughing again. Davis groaned.
"Now that we got that out of our systems, let's go," Tai said.
With that said, the DigiDestined have started walking as they saw Meiko in a battle. Little Mei was right beside her. She had an Absol out and ready to battle against a Trainer with a Tyranitar.
"Okay, Tyranitar! Let's go! Use Hyper Beam!" Meiko's opponent ordered.
"Absol! Double Team!" Meiko ordered. Absol made several images of itself as Tyranitar fired Hyper Beam, missing its target completely. "Now, use Ice Beam!" Absol fired Ice Beam, hitting Tyranitar on the mark. The Armor Pokémon stumbled backwards.
"Tyranitar! Use your Body Press!" Meiko's opponent ordered. Tyranitar rushes at Absol with a Body Press. It finds the real one as the fakes all vanished. It dealt some heavy damage. "Alright, Tyranitar! Come at that Absol with a Thunder Fang!" Tyranitar came at Absol with a Thunder Fang.
"Night Slash!" Meiko ordered. Absol swiped at Tyranitar with a Night Slash, dealing some damage on it. "Ice Beam!" Absol fired Ice Beam, hitting Tyranitar in the leg.
"Body Press!" Meiko's ordered. Tyranitar attempts to rush at Absol, but its frozen leg made it difficult for the Armor Pokémon to land a hit.
"Use your Night Slash!" Meiko ordered. Absol slashed at Tyranitar, landing a heavy hit and lands on the ground, beaten.
"Oh! My Tyranitar!" Meiko's opponent exclaimed, shocked that his Tyranitar was beaten.
"That was nice work, Absol. Thank you," Meiko said, petting the Disaster Pokémon.
"Meowth, Meowth," Little Mei said.
"Absol," Absol said. She called her Absol back as her opponent called his Tyranitar back.
"Hey, that was a great battle. The way you handled your Absol was something else," Meiko's
"Thank you," Meiko said. Her opponent took his leave when Little Mei saw the group and paws her.
"Meowth," Little Mei meowed.
"Hm? What is it, Little Mei?" Meiko asked. She saw the DigiDestined. "Tai Kamiya?"
"Wait! Meiko?" Tai asked. Sora T looked at him with a jealous expression.
"You know her, Tai?" Sora T asked in a jealous tone.
"Um, yeah, but we're not dating or anything! I can't believe I didn't recognize you. And when did you catch that Absol?" Tai asked.
"I caught my Absol when I first came to the Hoenn region," Meiko said, holding Absol's Pokéball. "I thought I'd include another Pokémon just so Little Mei could make herself a new friend."
"Meowth," Little Mei said.
"That makes sense," Joe said.
"When did you get here, Meiko?" Davis asked.
"It was shortly after you did. I've been hearing rumors of some monsters showing up and a boy wearing a mask, so I thought Little Mei and I should look into it," Meiko explained.
"Vanitas and the Unversed," the group said.
"You know him?" Meiko asked.
"Well, we heard of him," Joe said.
"Say, Meiko, how would like to hang with us for a while?" Matt asked.
"You sure?" Meiko asked.
"Meowth?" Little Mei asked.
"Sure. It'll be an excuse to know how you know Tai so well," Sora T said.
"Sora, I told you it's not like that," Tai said.
"You're in trouble," Matt teased.
"You'll have to find a way to make it up to Sora, Tai," Mimi said.
"What do you mean? I said that it's not like that!" Tai argued.
"As much I wanna be on your side, Tai, even I'm not buying what you're saying," Davis said, holding Amy's hand. Tai sighed.
"What do I have to convince you guys?!" Tai exclaimed. Everyone laughed at Tai's misfortune.
Meanwhile, over to Count Ernesh's mansion, Genishiro is sitting at a desk looking over his laptop. He looked over Riku's profille and he sees the Pokémon starting with Eevee. The Pokémon he saw Tentacruel, Charizard, Venusaur, Blastoise, Pinsir, Annihilape, Gengar, Gyarados, Gliscor, Houndoom, Farigiraf, Tyranitar, Weavile, Steelix, Poliwrath, Granbull, Mightyena, Dusknoir, Manectric, Fearow, Golduck, Crobat, Victreebel, Cloyster, Arbok, Rhyperior, Scizor, Kleavor, Ursaring, Qwilfish, Shiftry, Gallade, Masquerain, Ninjask, Shedinja, Haryama, Aggron, Swalot, Sharpedo, Flygon, Zangoose, Seviper, Crawdaunt, Claydol, Banette, Glalie, Walrein, Relicanth, Electivire, Magmortar, Nidoking, Yanmega, Metagross, Cacturne, Salamence, Absol, Alolan Raticate, Alolan Persian, Alolan Muk, and Ariados. He was proud of his son, seeing that he has become a skilled Pokémon Trainer, but he thinks back of when his son was born and when Kanako was born a couple of years later.
"Riku's came a long way since I last saw him," Genishiro said, taking out an old picture of himself and a woman with brown hair tied in a ponytail. We see a two-year Riku and a baby in Riku's mother's arms. "If only it didn't have to be this way, but Ernesh did say it's for the greater good."
(Flashback)
We have a look to several years ago as Count Ernesh has come to Genishiro.
"Hello, Genishiro," a voice greeted. Genishiro looked around, alarmed.
"Who's there?! Show yourself!" Genishiro demanded. It was when Count Ernesh stepped out of the shadows, showing himself to Genishiro.
"I do apologize for alarming you, good sir. I am Count Ernesh, and I have come to make a proposition for you," Count Ernesh said.
"A proposition for me? What are you getting at?" Genishiro asked.
"You see, I have come all this way to make your acquaintance," Count Ernesh said.
"It's not too often that a count like you would just come here to meet me, but-" Genishiro asked.
"You see, it involves both of your children. Riku and Kanako, I believe," Count Ernesh said.
"How do you know about my kids, and why are you so interested in my kids?" Genishiro asked.
"They have a great deal of potential," Count Ernesh said.
"If you're talking about potential to being Pokémon Trainers, then I can belive that, because they'll be-" Genishiro said before being cut off.
"What I have in mind is slightly different than that of a Pokémon Trainer, Genishiro. And so much more," Count Ernesh said.
"You saying that they'll be doing something other than training Pokémon when they get older? What could it be?" Genishiro asked.
"You see, I have sensed that they have a great power, and that power sleeps within them. And I believe I can help awaken that power," Count Ernesh said. Genishiro just scoffed.
"Old man, I would say, you're senile. There's no such thing," Genishiro said.
"I can see that you doubt me. Perhaps, a demonstration is in order," Count Ernesh said as he summoned a Keyblade in his hand. It is black and silver. The guard is black and the teeth are pointed sharp. The hilt is curved and the token is a curved hilt sword. This Keyblade shall be known as the Curver.
"Is that a key?!" Genishiro exclaimed in shock.
"Wait. There is more," Ernesh said, unleashing darkness from his Keyblade, surprising him more. Count Ernesh dismissed his Keyblade. "Now, do you believe?"
"I wouldn't if I hadn't seen it. What kind of power are you talking about?" Genishiro asked.
"The power that you have just witnessed. It is the power of darkness. You see, your children has this ability to use the Keyblade, and they tap into the darkness, as well. They are not aware of this ability, but I believe I can give them the proper training when using the darkness," Count Ernesh said.
"Using the darkness, huh? I had no idea darkness can do that," Genishiro said.
"Of course not. No one could have believed in such a thing unless they've seen it with their own eyes. In this world, there are those with potential for the Keyblade and those who do not. Your children has that potential," Count Ernesh said.
"Thanks, I think. But why come to me?" Genishiro asked.
"Because I can offer them power that is much greater than that of any Pokémon. All I require is your cooperation, Genishiro. And you can be the father of beings with the greatest power exceeding your imagination," Count Ernesh said. Genishiro became interested and he wanted to see where it'll take him.
"Okay, you've convinced me, Count. I will do whatever you say. Just say the word, and it'll be done," Genishiro said.
"You have made a wise choice, Genishiro," Count Ernesh said.
"I'll bring them to you when they're old enough, so-" Genishiro was cut off.
"No. I need them now," Count Ernesh said.
"Now?! But why? They're too young, aren't they?" Genishiro asked.
"They're the perfect age to mold into the image I have in store for them, so I need them now, or else there is no deal," Count Ernesh said.
"Look, you said that you can make them powerful, but I just thought it'll be better if they-" Genishiro tried to argue when the count unleashed black lightning from his fingers, making Genishiro scream in pain. His scream grew louder from each passing second. "Alright! Alright! I'll get them as they are! Just stop!" Count Ernesh does stop. "I'll do it tonight. And I'll meet you back here."
"I was hoping you would reconsider. But don't get any ideas about betraying me, or the next one I give you will be more excruciating the one I gave you!" Count Ernesh threatened.
"I won't double cross you. Promise," Genishiro said.
"I know you won't. And worry not. It's for the greater good," Count Ernesh said.
Later that night, after his wife has placed baby Kanako in her crib, Genishiro snuck into her room and he took her. And he heads for Riku's room when he was confronted by his wife.
"What do you think you're doing?" Genishiro's wife asked.
"Sorry, but there's something I need to do," Genishiro said.
"But why does it involve Kanako?" Genishiro's wife asked.
"Can't tell you," Genishiro said. "Sorry." He began to run. His wife chased after him.
"Genishiro, bring that baby back this minute!" Genishiro's wife shouted after him. She tried to catch up with him, but he ran too fast for him. Genishiro kept on running. "GENISHIRO! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR KIDNAPPING YOUR OWN DAUGHTER! NEVER!" Genishiro didn't look back. He could clearly hear her cries, knowing he did the unforgivable. He kept going until he met with Count Ernesh.
"Where is the boy?" Count Ernesh asked.
"I tried to get him, but my wife got in the way, and I don't doubt that she's calling the police on me," Genishiro said.
"Then I shall settle for the girl for now. But within time, Riku will be drawn to the darkness," Count Ernesh said. He turned to Genishiro. "Come." Genishiro comes with the count.
About a month later, Genishiro had come back to the house and he saw that his wife and son had moved out and a new family had moved in, and the family had a Skitty for a pet. He was filled with regret for what he did, but he had to do what Ernesh says or he'll die if he refused.
(Flashback ends)
"I didn't want to do it, but I didn't have a choice," Genishiro said. He sighed to himself. "Riku, I cannot tell you how sorry I am."
Back with Sora, Kairi, and their friends, they arrived to Sootopolis City after going through a cavern. They departed after arriving to the dock. Just then, Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Brendan, May, Max, Eevee, Azurill, and Marill were waiting for them to arrive at last. Standing next to Max is a Ralts.
"Sora, Kairi, Karen, Michael, Hikaru, Ven, Terra, Aqua, Lisia, good of you to show up," Riku said as he noticed Zinnia and Aster with them. "Who's she?"
"This is Zinnia. She's a friend we made on the on way over here. And this is her Whismur, Aster," Sora introduced.
"Nice to meet you," Zinnia said.
"Whismur," Aster said.
Sora and the rest noticed the Ralts with them.
"So who's this here?" Sora asked.
"Meet Ralts. May caught it for me a few days ago," Max said.
"Ralts," Ralts said.
"Well, it was because Max found Ralts hurt, so we brought it to the Pokémon. And I knew you would know if Ralts is a boy or a girl," May said.
"This Ralts is a boy. So that means he'll become a Gallade when Max decides to," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Really?" Max asked.
"Ralts, Ralts," Ralts said.
"So you guys catch any new Pokémon since theast time we saw each other?" Ventus asked.
"Well, so far, I caught some, and I managed to have mine evolve through some training," Brendan said.
"And I also caught myself an Eevee, a Luvdisc, a Goldeen, a Vulpix, a Smoochum, and Ralts for Max," May said.
"Nice," Michael said.
"And since we're all here, we can head for the Sootopolis City Gym," Brendan said.
"Great idea. Let's go," Sora said.
They were about to start looking when they saw a crowd heading somewhere, following some fireworks going off. Being taken by curiosity, they followed to see what the commotion was about. They all stumbled to what looks like a water-themed theater.
"What's going on over here?" Sora asked.
"Looks like a show is going on, that's what," Hikaru said.
"Should be entertaining to watch," Naminé said. Riku sighed as Eevee shared his Trainer's sympathy. The mayor came on stage to make the announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" The mayor called out. "Since our beautiful town has been known and praised as 'The Water City,' it is only fitting that a new piece of water art has been brought to life here! And so, I'll introduce it to you! And as the mayor of Sootpolis City I can think of no greater honor!" The crowd starts applauding. "But of course, none of this would've been possible without the tireless help of our beloved Gym Leader, Juan!"
"Juan?" Sora asked.
"Oh, so it's Juan who's running the Gym again," Lisia said.
"Again?" Kairi asked.
"You know him, Lisia?" Aqua asked.
"I do. I met him when I was little. He was the Gym Leader before my uncle Wallace was, and when he retired from being a Gym Leader, he named my uncle his successor. I guess he took over the Gym again when Team Magma and Team Aqua were searching for the Red and Blue Orbs," Lisia said.
"Now, without any further ado, it's my great pleasure to introduce our man, Juan!" The mayor announced as he stepped off the stage as Juan makes his entrance. Juan is a man with dark eyes, a small, trimmed moustache and black hair with two white locks standing out in the front and one on his right side of the head. Juan wore a skin tight black suit, a regal blue mantle, a white scarf with a blue gem etched into it. He also wore purple cargo shorts and a pair of white penny loafers. Many of the women in the audience were especially astounded to seeing him.
"We love Juan! We love Juan!" Many of the women chanted.
"I'm truly humbled," Juan said, taking a bow. Everyone cheered for him. "I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being here on this special day. I also want to thank the mayor for his kind words on my behalf but I'm afraid they're far better suited to my Pokémon," Juan said. "Dear Pokémon, come greet your fans!" One by one, Juan's Pokémon jumped out of the water. In this order: Gorebyss, Seadra, Azurill, Luvdisc, Goldeen, Wailmer, and Milotic all appear on the stage.
"Wow, his Pokémon are all amazing," Kari said.
"And what an entrance!" Lyra said.
"Just look at that Milotic," Kris said. "It's just the prettiest Milotic I have ever seen; no offense to you, Kairi."
"None taken," Kairi said.
"They look well taken care of," Leaf said.
"Is it me or does Juan has Pokémon Coordinator written on his face?" Kairi asked.
"Before Juan was a Gym Leader, he was a Pokémon Coordinator in his younger days. He became Sootopolis City's Gym Leader after he retired from Pokémon Contests," Lisia said.
"Wow, he's a former Coordinator, too," May said.
"The moves he presents is very beautiful," Aqua said.
"Pikachu," Eclair said.
"Now, for your pleasure! Sit back and feast your eyes!" Juan announced as his Pokémon launched their water attacks. They combine and it sparkles. A Corsola, a Barboach, a Chinchou, a Mantyke, a Mantine, a Qwilfish, all come out of the water and fire their water attacks as well. A Wingull, a Masquerain, a Pelipper, and a Lapras, all do the same. It was absolutely an amazing sight to see. Several Staryu, Tentacruel, and Buizel all come out and do the same. The crowd cheers heartily to the performance.
"That was so beautiful," the girls all said. The mayor approaches the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all so much!" The mayor announced. The continued on as Juan had put on another wonderful display of his water art.
Once the show had concluded, Juan had taken his final bow.
"Thank you all for attending!" Juan said.
"Come on. Let's go greet him," Lisia said.
"You sure, Lisia?" Sora asked.
"Trust me. He knows me and my uncle, so it's alright," Lisia said.
"We can take your word for it since you're Wallace's niece," Ethan said.
Just then, the group approached Juan when he has called back the Pokémon he used for his performance. And that's when he noticed the group.
"Ah, Lisia, how wonderful to see you again. And welcome home, my dear," Juan greeted.
"It's good to be home. Juan, I want you to meet my friends. Meet, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Max, Michael, Hikaru, and Zinnia," Lisia said.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Juan said.
"My friends and I traveled all over the Hoenn region and earned seven Gym Badges and I only need just one more," Sora said.
"Ah, so you're here for a Gym battle, yes?" Juan said.
"Yes. I have come to challenge you to a battle," Sora said.
"Then I accept, young Sora. I am looking forward for a splendid battle," Juan said.
"Likewise," Sora said.
"I would like to battle you, too, but I'll wait my turn," Brendan said.
"Of course. We shall head for the Gym this minute," Juan said as he leads the group to his personal boat.
"I have to say, it was a beautiful performance, Juan," Kairi said.
"I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed it, Kairi," Juan said. He happily sighed. "Ah, yes. That takes me back."
"Lisia told us that you used to be a Pokémon Coordinator before you became a Gym Leader," Ventus said.
"Indeed, my boy. I won my five Ribbons and entered the Grand Festival. I even won the Ribbon Cup, and I owe it all to Milotic and all my other wonderful Pokémon. So many amazing memories," Juan said.
"Wow. That must mean you won the Grand Festival, too," Kris said.
"I was thinking the same thing," May said.
"So awesome," Brendan said.
"I bet you use your Contest skills in your battling, don't you?" Max asked.
"I have always thought there should be a little art of everything I do, rather if it's Pokémon Contests or Pokémon battles. And so I raised my Water-type Pokémon to move as elegantly as they possibly can, and every one of their techniques. I guess you can say, all of my Pokémon are works of art. Every one of them in their own special way," Juan said.
"Wow, I never thought of it that way," Ethan said.
"I agree. Every Trainer has a view of their own Pokémon," Terra said.
"Well, we heard that Wallace wasn't the Gym Leader anymore, so it had to with something with Team Magma and Team Aqua," Ash said.
"Yes, it was Steven Stone who approached him. He warned Steven of the imminent danger they would present, so he had to pacify the threat before it could be acted on. Wallace asked me to look after the Gym in his absence, so I could not refuse him," Juan explained.
"Because you knew it was very important," Hikaru said.
They arrived to the Gym; much to their surprise, it looked more like a mansion. Standing outside, a butler stands outside awaiting Juan to return.
"Welcome back, master Juan. I trust your performance went well," the butler greeted.
"These are Sora and his friends. Sora will be our challenger today," Juan announced.
"I see. I am Sebastion. I am master Juan's personal butler and I shall be the referee for the Gym battle," Sebastion said. He led the small group to the battlefield. The whole battlefield is a huge swimming pool.
"Wow, it's a gigantic swimming pool," May said.
"Well, it is a Water-type Gym, so of course they'll include an indoor swimming pool," Ash said.
"Now, if you please, Sir Sora, if you would step into the Trainer's box," Sebastion requested.
"Of course," Sora said.
Juan has taken his position as the battle was about to begin.
"The Gym battle between the Gym Leader Juan and the challenger Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town is about to begin! This will be a full six-on-six battle! This battle shall be different than the previous battles before! The first round shall be a double battle! During the first round, both the challenger and the Gym Leader will be using their first Pokémon and no substitutions. The first round shall be over when either two Pokémon is unable to continue! The second round shall allow both contestants to use their remaining Pokémon. During the course of the second round, only the challenger is allowed make substitutions. The battle shall be over if all of either the challenger's or the Gym Leader's Pokémon are unable to continue battling! Choose your Pokémon and begin!" Sebastion announced. Juan took out two Pokéballs and threw them.
"Go forth, Sealeo and Seaking!" Juan called out. Both his Sealeo and Seaking entered the battlefield. Sora looked over to his partner.
"You go in first, Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu nodded. Sora took out a Pokéball.
"And Pokémon number two shall be Cacturne!" Sora called out as he threw it. Cacturne had emerged from inside.
"I see you have come prepared, Sora. Both a Grass and Electric-type Pokémon are wise choices," Juan said.
"Starting things up with a double battle. I didn't think they would be such a rule," Kairi said.
"Juan must have set this up. He wants to test his challengers abilities to adapt to a changing situation," Riku said.
"It's no wonder it's the last Gym in Hoenn," Ash said.
"No wonder it's the last Gym," Naminé said.
"Rill," Azurill chirped.
"And I thought the last one was a challenge," Ethan said.
"Well, this should be entertaining to watch," Hikaru said.
"You may have the honor of making the first move, Sora," Juan offered.
"Pikachu! Start things up with Thunderbolt on Sealeo!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fires Thunderbolt right at the seal-like Pokémon, but Juan had an ace up his sleeve.
"Seaking! use Horn Drill!" Juan ordered. Seaking's horn spins like a drill and uses it to block Pikachu's electricity much to Sora's surprise.
"No way!" Sora exclaimed.
"Now, let's send it flying," Juan said. Seaking sends Pikachu's Thunderbolt back and it struck Cacturne.
"Cacturne!" Sora gasped. Cacturne was hurt, but because of being able to withstand Electric-type attacks, Cacturne was okay. "Right, because Cacturne is a Grass-type, Pikachu's Electric-type attacks won't bother him much. But I shouldn't count Sealeo out because it's an Ice-type Pokémon, and Grass-types are weak against Ice-type attacks. Cacturne! Bullet Seed! at Seaking!" Cacturne fires Bullet Seed right at the Goldfish Pokémon.
"Dodge it, the both of you," Juan called out. Sealeo and Seaking dodges by diving underwater and Cacturne's Bullet Seed misses them.
"Get ready, you guys! They're going to be coming from below!" Sora called out.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Sealeo! Use Aurora Beam!" Juan ordered.
"Jump!" Sora called out. Pikachu jumped off the platform before Sealeo could land a hit.
"Seaking! Hyper Beam!" Juan ordered. Seaking poked its head out of the head to fire Hyper Beam.
"Cacturne! Needle Arm!" Sora ordered. Cacturne came down, swinging his arm. Seaking fired, but misses. Cacturne lands a heavy blow onto the Goldfish Pokémon. Seaking goes flying towards Sealeo and collides with the Ball Roll Pokémon. "Thunderbolt! Full Power!" Pikachu fires Thunderbolt and it was too powerful for Seaking to block and both ended up receiving a huge shock. Both of Juan's Pokémon ended being knocked out.
"Both Seaking and Sealeo are unable to battle! Pikachu and Cacturne wins! The Gym battle shall now proceed to a single battle! And as you know, the battle shall be over if all of the remaining Pokémon are unable to continue!" Sebastion announced.
"Way to go, Sora!" Kairi cheered.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel cheered hardly for her boyfriend for winning.
"Wow, they took them down at once," Hikaru said.
"Well done, Sora. You have made it to the second round of our battle. Now, we shall begin the second round," Juan said. He took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Go forth, Luvdisc!" His Luvdisc enters the battlefield. Sora calls back Cacturne.
"Take five, Pikachu," Sora said. Pikachu returns to Sora's side. He takes out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Ludicolo!" His Pokéball opens and Ludicolo starts dancing upon entry.
"Ludicolo is dancing?" Ventus asked.
"Pi?" Sparky asked.
"Well, Ludicolo are known to dance to any upbeat music," Aqua said.
"My, my, such a lively Ludicolo," Juan complimented. "You raised your Ludicolo well."
"Thanks. Ludicolo! Razor Leaf!" Sora ordered. Ludicolo fires Razor Leaf and heads right towards Luvdisc.
"Dodge!" Juan called out. Luvdisc avoids Ludicolo's Razor Leaf with great speed. "Now use Attract!" Luvdisc sends out a heart and struck the Carefree Pokémon. Ludicolo fell in love with the Rendezvous Pokémon.
"This is a problem. All of the Pokémon on my team are all boys! This is just like the stunt Whitney pulled on Ethan on his Gym battle in Goldenrod City. I turned that around because Aipom, Natu, and Skarmory were all girls," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Ludicolo got bit by the love bug," Zinnia said.
"Whismur," Aster said.
"And that's a real problem because all of the Pokémon he has with him are all boys," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said concerned for Pikachu.
"Man, I wish he used that trick on him like he did with Whitney," Ethan said.
"Just hope he can turn it around and soon," Naminé said.
"He's gonna have to," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said. Knowing Ludicolo wasn't gonna attack much due to Attract, he calls Ludicolo back for the moment and takes out Cacturne's Pokéball.
"Okay Cacturne! Back to action!" Sora called out. Cacturne comes back out to battle.
"Calling back your Ludicolo because of Attract was a wise move, Sora. But will your Cacturne manage to last long?" Juan asked.
"Cacturne! Bullet Seed!" Sora ordered. Cacturne fired Bullet Seed right at Luvdisc, but she ducked in the water and creating some rain.
"Luvdisc, use Attaract!" Juan ordered. Luvdisc launches Attract to strike the Scarecrow Pokémon.
"No you don't! Cacturne! Pin Missle!" Sora ordered. Cacturne fires Pin Missle in attempt to stop Attract. The hearts kept on coming.
"It's not working!" Kairi said.
"What is he trying to pull?" Meowth asked.
"Do a spin around and then do Pin Missle!" Sora ordered. Cacturne spins around like a top and the hearts chases after him. Cacturne then fires Pin Missle to strike Luvdisc while spinnning, but she quickly dodges the attack.
"What was that?" Ventus asked.
"It's Luvdisc's ability called Swift Swim," Riku said.
"On no. The increases Luvdisc's speed in the rain," Kairi said.
"Two things Sora is gonna have a problem with: Luvdisc's speed and attract," Naminé said. Cacturne kept spinning around and around, but ended up getting dizzy and stopped. With that, Attract hits its mark, making Cacturne fall in love with his opponent.
"Uh oh," Sora said.
"Luvdisc! Use Draining Kiss!" Juan ordered. Luvdisc dashed towards Cacturne and gave the Scarecrow Pokémon a kiss on the cheek. The kiss saps Cacturne's stamina and fell to the ground, beaten.
"Cacturne is unable to battle! Luvdisc wins!" Sebastion announced.
"That's one loss for Sora," Ash said.
"Draining Kiss can do that when draining an opponent's stamina; plus it was super-effective since Cacturne is weak against Fairy-type moves," Lyra said. Sora takes out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"Back to action, Ludicolo!" Sora called out. His Ludicolo dances again when he entered the battlefield. He figured Ludicolo had the same ability as Luvdisc and maybe and hopefully, Ludicolo would be much faster.
"So, you're sending your Ludicolo back out. I trust you have some sort of surprise in store for me?" Juan asked.
"Now, that would be telling," Sora said.
"Luvdisc! Draining Kiss!" Juan ordered. Luvdisc moved in to give the carefree Pokémon a kiss. Sora waited until Luvdisc was close enough.
"Dodge it, Ludicolo!" Sora called out. Ludicolo avoids Luvdisc's Draining Kiss much faster than normal.
"Ah, I see. Surely you knew your Ludicolo shares Luvdisc's ability and used it to your advantage. An excellent strategy, my boy. I truly applaud you. But will it be enough?" Juan asked. "Luvdisc! Use your Attract!"
"Ice Punch!" Sora ordered. Ludicolo ran lands an icy punch onto Luvdisc. "Ice Punch again and again!" Ludicolo ran across the battlefield and lands several punches onto Luvdisc. "Now wrap it up with Energy Ball!" Ludicolo forms a ball of green energy and hurls it at Luvdisc and lands a heavy blow. Luvdisc had been knocked out.
"Luvdisc is unable to battle! Ludicolo wins!" Sebastion announced. It stopped raining.
"Juan had lost three of his and Sora just lost one of his. Sora will either win it or he'll find a way around it," Riku said. Juan calls his fallen Luvdisc back.
"You are full of potential, Sora. Now feast your eyes on this," Juan said, taking out his next Pokéball. "Go forth, Crawdaunt!" Crawdaunt clamps its pincers upon entry.
"Still good to go, Ludicolo?" Sora asked.
"Colo," Ludicolo nodded.
"Great! Okay Ludicolo! Razor Leaf!" Sora ordered. Ludicolo fires Razor Leaf to strike at the lobster-like Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Night Slash!" Juan ordered. Crawdaunt avoids Ludicolo's Razor Leaf and swipes its pincer at Ludicolo. "Now use Guillotine!" Crawdaunt clamps onto Ludicolo hard, earning a knockout in Juan's favor.
"Ludicolo is unable to battle! Crawdaunt wins!" Sebastion announced. Sora calls back Ludicolo and pulls out another Pokéball.
"So far, the only ones left are Pikachu, Breloom, Sceptile, and Shiftry. Pikachu is still worn out from that double battle, so I gotta use one I haven't used yet. And I have just the one," Sora said to himself. "Go! Breloom!" He threw it and stars swirls around Breloom upon entry.
"My, my, such wonderfully colored Breloom you have. And strong-looking as well," Juan complimented.
"That's a good call on Sora's part. Breloom's a Grass and Fighting-type, and Crawdaunt is at a huge disadvantage," Michael said.
"All Sora needs to do is use the right move to beat that Crawdaunt," Max said.
"Ralts," Ralts said.
"Thanks. Breloom! Mach Punch!" Sora ordered. Breloom goes in blinding speed to deliever a punch onto Crawdaunt.
"Block it with Guillotine!" Juan ordered. Crawdaunt blocks Breloom's Mach Punch with Guillotine. "Now use Crabhammer!" Crawdaunt swings its pincer at Breeloom to deliver a hit.
"Counter with Force Palm!" Sora ordered. Breloom uses his hands and pushes the Ruffian Pokémon back. "Now use Seed Bomb!" Breloom fired Seed Bomb right at the Ruffian Pokémon and explodes upon making contact.
"Such a splendid display, Sora. Your series of attacks are quite impressive," Juan said.
"I'm glad I was able to impress you, Juan," Sora said. Juan just smiled.
"Crawdaunt! Guillotine once more!" Juan ordered. Crawdaunt moved in to deliever Guillotine with hopes of finishing him off.
"Breloom! Mach Punch!" Sora ordered. Breloom moved in to deliever the finishing blow to Crawdaunt. Breloom landed a punch as Crawdaunt grabs Breloom with one of its pincers. Both Pokémon collided with one another and earned a knockout for each side.
"Crawdaunt and Breloom are both unable to battle! This round is a draw!" Sebastion announced.
"Now Juan's down to two Pokémon left," Naminé said.
"And Sora's down to three. Can't help but wonder how it's going to look for Sora when Juan manages to take down most of Sora's remaining team," Riku said. Juan calls back his fallen Crawdaunt as Sora called back Breloom.
"You have done well, Sora. Most of my challengers would have a difficult time against my Pokémon. But you are an exception," Juan said, taking out his next Pokéball. "Go forth, Whishcash!" A Whishcash came out and made a splash on the battlefield.
"Whishcash is a smart move on Juan's part since it's a Ground-type. That means Electric-type attacks aren't even gonna tickle it. Shiftry and Sceptile are my best bets," Sora said, taking out his next Pokéball. "You're up, Shiftry!" He threw it and Shiftry makes his entrance. "Shiftry! Start things up with your Solar Blade!" Sora ordered. Shiftry came at Whishwash with his leaves glowing brightly and charging up energy.
"Solar Blade is risky. It'll take up time to use," Hikaru said.
"Just hope he could use it in time," Brendan said.
"Whishcash! Stop Shiftry with your whiskers!" Juan called out. Whishcash stops Shiftry cold. "Now, use Tickle!" Whishcash's whiskers tickles the Wicked Pokémon, making him laugh uncontrollably.
"Try to snap out of it!" Sora called out.
"Use Hyper Beam!" Juan ordered. Whishcash fires Hyper Beam and it was enough to knock out Shiftry.
"Shiftry is unable to battle! Whishcash wins!" Sebation announced.
"Now both has two left to use," Lisia said.
"That means he has two more chances to take him down," May said.
"That Whiscash is much stronger than it looked; and I thought it was already strong," Riku said.
"Can't let Pikachu back out because of Whishcash. Sceptile's speed does have its advantages. Just gotta play my cards right," Sora said, taking out his next Pokéball. "Your turn now, Sceptile!" He threw it and his Sceptile places his branch into his mouth upon entry.
"Aw, so it is another Grass-type Pokémon. I must hand it to you, each and every one of your Pokémon are splendid. And next to your Pikachu, I can say your Sceptile is the most excellent," Juan complimented.
"Thanks Juan. Your Pokémon are just as awesome; just like you are. Now, let's keep this show of ours going," Sora said.
"Yes, let's keep it going, indeed," Juan agreed. "Whiscash! Grab Sceptile with your whiskers!" Whiscash sends its whiskers to grab Sceptile. Sora wasn't gonna fall for it again.
"Dodge it, Sceptile!" Sora called out. Sceptile avoided Whiscash's whiskers just by jumping out of the way before they could grab him. "Fool me once, Juan, then it's shame on you. Fool me twice, then it's shame on me."
"Well, that is a mistake I definitely will not make again. Whishcash! Mud Bomb, if you please!" Juan ordered. Whiscash fires Mud Bomb right at the forest Pokémon.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Sceptile avoids Whishcash's Mud Bomb just by running. "Now move in with Leaf Blade!" Sceptile ran towards the catfish-like Pokémon and swiped it with Leaf Blade just when he got close enough. "Wrap it up with Dragon Claw!" Sceptile swipes at Whishcash with Dragon Claw and it was enough to knock out Whischash.
"Whiscash is unable to battle! Sceptile wins!" Sebastion announced.
"Now Juan has one left to use," Kairi said.
"It might be that Milotic. Then again, it could be anything. Juan might be saving the best for last," Riku said.
"Wonderful job, Sora. You have defeated all of my Pokémon, all but one," Juan said, taking out his next Pokéball. "Go forth, Kingdra!" He threw it and his Kingdra enters the battlefield. The group were surprised by that he sent out a Kingdra instead of Milotic.
"A Kingdra? Thought he was gonna send out Milotic," Riku said.
"So did I. But I think he has been saving that Kingdra for last," Hikaru said.
"That Kingdra looks really strong," Naminé said.
"It looks stronger than the one Claire has; and that was a strong Kingdra. Also, since Sceptile knows Dragon Claw, a Dragon-type move should be effective on it," Ethan said.
"Hope so, because there's a chance that Kingdra knows some tricks to turn the battle to his favor pretty quick," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Sceptile! Dragon Claw! Let's go!" Sora ordered. Sceptile started to run towards the dragon Pokémon with his claws ready to swipe and glowing with purple dragonish energy.
"Kingdra! Ice Beam! Full power!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Ice Beam and it struck Sceptile causing some heavy damage. "Now! Finish it with your Dragon Pulse!" Kingdra sends out Dragon Pulse and it was enough to bring Sceptile down.
"Sceptile is unable to battle! Kingdra wins!" Sebastion announced.
"Both down to one," everyone said all at once. Sora called Sceptile back.
"Okay, this is it. Most of his and my Pokémon are out of commission and I'm down to Pikachu. Better make this count," Sora said, turning to his partner. "Ready to go back out to play, Pikachu?"
"Pika," Pikachu nodded.
"Good. Go for it," Sora said. Pikachu heads back out to battle Juan. This is the final round of his Hoenn Gym challenge and everything greatly depended on him. He couldn't afford to lose after coming so far. "Bottom of the barrel, gotta make this count."
"Kingdra! begin with Dragon Pulse!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Dragon Pulse to strike at the Mouse Pokémon.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu narrowly avoids Dragon Pulse just by running across. "Now use Iron Tail!" Pikachu comes at Kingdra to hit him.
"Kingdra! Use Dragon Dance and then use Hydro Pump!" Juan ordered. Kingdra performs a dance, increasing both his speed and attack. Kingdra then fires Hydro Pump right at Pikachu. Pikachu tries to avoid it, but Hydro Pump had hit its mark. Kingdra had ceased fire. "Now fire Ice Beam!" Kingdra fires Ice Beam to strike at Pikachu.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu avoids Ice Beam just by jumping out of the way before Ice Beam could hit.
"That was close," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said with concern.
"Very close," Karen said.
"That was a lucky break for Pikachu," Naminé said.
"Yeah. Kingdra's attacks won't be easily avoided since Dragon Dance pumped up both of Kingdra's speed and attacks," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Azurill," Azurill chirped.
"Your Pikachu has excellent speed and spirit. We shall see where that spirit takes you. Kingdra! Use Hydro Pump again!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Hydro Pump once again.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu ran to avoid Hydro Pump. It wasn't easily dodged when Kingdra's attack had hit its mark.
"Now! Fire Ice Beam!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Ice Beam to freeze Pikachu in his tracks.
"Pikachu! Block it with Electro Ball!" Sora ordered. Pikachu forms a ball of electricity and hurls it to block Ice Beam. The two attacks collides and creates an explosion. It creates some smoke.
"Blow that smoke away with Hydro Pump!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Hydro Pump and it cuts through the smoke. Pikachu was already close to Kingdra to much to the surprise of Kingdra and his trainer. "What in the world?!"
"Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu swings his tail at Kingdra and landed a successful hit.
"Pure genius of using the smoke of our previous attacks as a cover. Well done," Juan said.
"That was pretty sneaky," Zinnia said.
"Yeah, but he's gonna have to come up with something fast if he wants to keep this in his favor," Michael said.
"I'm gonna have to put an end to the battle fast. How?" Sora asked himself. He then remembered that water conducts electricity. "Gotta wait for Juan to use Hydro Pump again. Dragon Pulse and Ice Beam, I'll have Pikachu dodge."
"Now use Dragon Pulse!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Dragon Pulse again. Kingdra fires it right towards Pikachu.
"Dodge!" Sora called out. Pikachu avoids Dragon Pulse with his speed.
"Ice Beam!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Ice Beam rigtht at Pikachu.
"Dodge again!" Sora called out. Pikachu avoids Ice Beam with his speed. Kairi and Riku knew Sora had something up his sleeve. They just had to wait and see. Michael figured that Sora was up to something, but he couldn't figure it out.
"What is he waiting for?" Michael asked. It then struck him. "He's waiting for that Hydrpo Pump. Because water conducts electricity."
"Kingdra! Hydro Pump!" Juan ordered. Kingdra fires Hydro Pump right at Pikachu. Sora smirked, knowing he was going to use it again.
"Stand your ground!" Sora called out. Pikachu stood there and took the hit of Hydro Pump. Angel covered her eyes, but Eevee kept his open.
"Is he throwing the battle?" Zinnia asked.
"No. He planned for Hydro Pump," Riku said. Zinnia was about to ask why when Sora gave the word.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt and turn up the juice!" Sora called out. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt and is greatly shocks Kingdra. The electricity sends Kingdra flying into the air and he falls back to the water as Pikachu stops his attack. Juan wondered if his Kingdra could still go on or has he lost the battle. Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Michael, Lisia, Zinnia, Hikaru, Max, and the Pokémon waited anxiously for the results. Kingdra then resurfaced, beaten.
"Kingdra is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The winner is Sora Ketchum of Pallet Town!" Sebastion announced.
"He did it!" Kairi praised.
"Eevee!" Angel also praised.
"What did you expect?" Ventus asked.
"I never doubted him for a second," Karen said.
Juan smiled and calls his fallen Kingdra back.
"Thank you, my friend. Take a good long rest. You have certainly earned it. You all have," Juan said. Juan clapped his hands as he approached Sora. "Congratulations, Sora. You have battled gallantly. And you are worthy of recognition among Pokémon trainers of the world. I have truly enjoyed our battle."
"Thanks Juan. I did too," Sora said. Sebastion walks up to Juan with a chest and the Gym Leader opens it.
"As proof of your victory here in the Sootolpolis City Gym, it is my honor and privilege to present to you the Rain Badge," Juan said, presenting him his final Hoenn Gym Badge. It is shaped like three raindrops arranged in a triangle. Sora accepts his Gym Badge.
"And this makes eight," Sora said.
"Indeed it does. Sebastion, would you be so kind to tell our victor of the tournament's location?" Juan asked.
"With pleasure, sir," Sebastion said, taking a bow. "The Hoenn Pokémon League is taking place in the Evergrande stadium in Evergrande City. And now that you have acquired all eight of your badges, you now qualify to participate in the Hoenn Pokémon League tournament."
"Than, I've some heavy training to do," Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu agreed.
"But before we go, I think Brendan still has his battle to have," Sora said.
"Yeah. After watching you in action, I'm more fired up than ever," Brendan said. He looked right at Juan. "Juan, I don't plan on leaving Sootopolis City until I have won that Gym Badge like Sora did," Brendan said.
"I don't doubt it, young man. And I hope you give me an enjoyable battle like your friend has," Juan said.
"I promise you that I will," Brendan said.
With that said, everyone went to the Pokémon Center to have Sora's Pokémon recover from their injuries, and Brendan had to prepare for his Gym battle as well. So now we just have to wait and see how it'll turn out, so stay tuned if you wanna see it.