Episode 427: Sandshrew's Locker
Shortly after thwarting Pokémon Hunter J's plans to poach a group of Shieldon, Sora, Kairi, Arthur, Wes, Rui, Michael, Rei, Pikachu, and Angel have made it to Mount Coronet. As they entered inside a cave, Sora has come across a Bronzor. Sora figured he could have another Pokémon under his belt after catching a Snover very recently. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Okay, Chimchar! You're up!" Sora called out. Chimchar came out to battle, alerting Bronzor. "Flamethrower!" Chimchar fired a Flamethrower, hitting the Bronze Pokémon. Bronzor responds to Chimchar's attack with Gyro Ball and heads right for Chimchar.
"Use Dig to dodge it!" Sora ordered. Chimchar digs underground to avoid Bronzor's Gyro Ball. Chimchar came out to land a hit, but Bronzor hovered out of the way before Chimchar could land a hit. "That must be Levitate. Okay, Chinchar! Flame Wheel!" Chimchar rolled right at Bronzor with a Flame Wheel. Before Bronzor could respond, Bronzor was hit hard by Chimchar's Flame Wheel. When Sora was certain Bronzor was weakened enough, Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Bronzor flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off and it asks him if he wants to keep Bronzor with him. He chose to send Bronzor to Professor Oak's lab. "Another Sinnoh Pokémon under my belt."
"Nice catch, Sora," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
After making a successful catch, they walked their way through the cave in Mount Coronet and they made their way down. As they were climbing down the mountain, Sora noticed something crawling out of a nearby river. It was a Shellos, but different. This Shellos sports a green underside and a turquoise mantle. Two yellow-lined, flap-like protrusions, resembling cerata, are present along its back. On its head are two white-tipped tentacles resembling rhinophores that extend away from its face.
"Is that a Shellos?" Sora asked, taking out his Rotom Phone to scan it.
Shellos East Sea Form, the Sea Slug Pokémon
Type: Water
This form of Shellos suggests that it has taken a liking to cold water. Like its West Sea cousins, it'll secret a purple fluid from its body. Though it is harmless, but it is rather sticky.
"It's definitely a Shellos alright," Sora said.
"The one I have is a West Sea Shellos, and an East Sea one should be right for you, Sora," Kairi said.
"Guess you're right," Sora said, looking at Pikachu. "You up for it, buddy?"
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Go get it," Sora said. Pikachu goes in to battle against the East Sea Shellos. It quikly noticed him. Shellos fired a Mud Shot right at Pikachu. "Dodge it and use Quick Attack!" Pikachu avoids Shellos's Mud Shot and dashed at the Sea Slug Pokémon with Quick Attack, landing a hit. Shellos fought back with a Water Pulse, sending it right at Pikachu. "Dodge that and use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt, shocking Shellos on the mark. Sora was certain Shellos was weakened, so Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Shellos flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbled around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off and asks him if he wants to keep his new Shellos with him. He chose to send his new Shellos to Professor Oak's lab. Just when they were about to take off, Kairi noticed a Finneon swimming by. The lobes were big.
"Hey, isn't that a Finneon?" Kairi asked, taking out her Rotom Phone and scanned it.
Finneon, the Wing Fish Pokémon
Type: Water
It absorbs sunlight with the pink areas of its skin, which then shine. This appears to be a form of camouflage. It has been given the nickname "The Beautifly of the Sea".
"It's a known fact rivers flow right to the ocean, so she must have been swimming upstream," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said. Kairi decided to catch Finneon. "Go for it, Angel! Headbutt!" Angel rushes at Finneon and lands a Heabutt. Finneon angrily responds by firing an Ice Beam. "Dodge and use Swift!" Angel dodges Finneon's Ice Beam and fired Swift at the Wing Fish Pokémon. Finneon then fired a Water Gun right at Angel. "Dodge and use Quick Attack!" Angel dashed right at Finneon and lands a hit. "Use Iron Tail!" Angel smacked Finneon with Iron Tail and Finneon is struck hard. Kairi took out a Pokéball and threw it. Finneon flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbled around and around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Kairi's Pokémon Box goes off and it asks her if she wants to keep Finneon with her. She chose to send Finneon over to Professor Oak's lab.
"Nice one," Sora said.
"Thanks, Sora," Kairi said.
After catching a couple of Water-type Pokémon, they continue on their way toward Hearthome City.
Up ahead, there's a short little girl with fair skin, burgundy eyes, and long burgundy hair that's held up in a side ponytail on the left and a loop on the right with golden bell-shaped hair clips. She wears a white shirt with poufy sleeves, a burgundy collar-like tie and matching shorts, white tights, and burgundy shoes with poufy cuffs.
She looked at the water and right to a dam, feeling sad. She sighed as a tear hits the water.
"If only I could get to poor Sandshrew," the girl said. She looked at the water and we take a look into the water to see that there was an underwater town. Swimming in the water is a large Gyarados. Apprently, the Atrocious Pokémon has claimed the lake as its territory and attacks anything that invades it. "If only I could find someone to help get Sandshrew out of there. Gyarados are scary Pokémon and I'm going to need help dealing with Gyarados." She sighed again she began to walk.
Not too far, Sora, Kairi, Arthur, Wes, Rui, Michael, Rei, Pikachu, and Angel are walking closer toward Hearthome City.
"We should be getting closer to Hearthome City by now," Michael said.
"Yeah, it should be. Roxas and Lucas could be catching up by now. Even with Lea back, I don't think that'll slow him down," Sora said.
"You're right, Sora. With Axel back, Roxas will be more fired up than ever," Kairi said.
Speaking of which, Lea was filled in by what was happening since then.
"Wait, you mean to tell me, you partook in a tournament called the Pokémon Stadium Cup and made it all the way to the finals, and you caught a boatload of Pokémon, and now you're collecting Gym Badges and so far, you won only two?" Lea asked.
"Yeah. That's what I said," Roxas said.
"Man-oh-man. I missed a lot of things. But on the plus side, I'm glad you're doing okay," Lea said.
"Not as glad as I am right now," Roxas said. Lea looked at Roxas.
"What do you mean?" Lea asked.
"Well, to be totally honest, I never thought we would be hanging out like this again before we left Organization XIII. And here we are. Sitting here and talking. It feels just like those times again," Roxas said.
"I know what you mean. I'd be lying if I told you that I didn't miss those days. When you and Xion left to rejoin Sora and Kairi, I missed you both like crazy everyday since then. And when I broke into Vexen's lab, I guess I was taking a selfish and yet a stupid risk in getting you back in my life. I know you went back to Sora to make things right for yourself, but I just couldn't imagine my life without you, not since you came in it. Like I said, it was rather selfish and stupid of me to think that," Lea said.
"I don't think it was stupid," Roxas said. Lea looked at Roxas. "I'll admit, it was a crazy risk you put yourself in, but you did that for me and Xion, and I'm forever going to be grateful for that. It's because of you that Xion and I have our own bodies, our own hearts, our families, and our own lives. You were the one who made all of this possible for us. So thanks for giving us a second chance." Lea just smiled at that.
"You're welcome," Lea said.
Back with Sora, Kairi, Arthur, Wes, Rui, Michael, Rei, Pikachu, and Angel have made a stop as Sora is training Stunky, Rotom and Gible for the upcoming Gym battle against Fantina. Unknown to him, the girl from earlier was watching him train. Over to Kairi, she practiced her double performance with Angel and Combusken with her combinations.
"You're both doing great," Rui said.
"Yeah, those combos should be worth a lot of points," Michael said.
"And as for you, Sora, you're going to fine in your Gym battle," Wes said.
"Yeah, Hearthome City is close enough and we still have time for the Pokémon Contest," Sora said.
"Hearthome City? So, those people are heading there for a Gym battle and a Contest. Maybe they can help me out. Problem is, how am I going to convince them to help me out?" The girl thought to herself. "I'll have to wait for them to come my way." Good fortune smiles on her because the group were making their way to Hearthome City since they were almost there. The girl then comes before the group with a smile on her face. "Hi there!" The group were surprised by her sudden appearence. "Uh, in case you happen to be going to Hearthome City I can tell you about a great shortcut."
"A shortcut? That'll be great," Sora said.
"That's very nice of you," Rui said.
"That'll help us out a lot," Arthur said.
"Sure! And by the way, my name is Mira," Mira introduced herself.
"I'm Sora, and this is Pikachu," Sora introduced.
"My name's Kairi, and this is Angel," Kairi introduced.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I'm Arthur."
"Wes."
"My name's Rui."
"My name's Michael."
"And I'm Rei Sakura."
"So, tell us about that shortcut. We just to get there before the sun sets," Sora said.
"Relax. Hold on a sec," Mira took out a Pokéball and opens it. "Abra, come on out." Her Abra came out to greet the group.
"An Abra," Michael said.
"Looks like you raised her well," Kairi said.
"What does Abra has to do with the shortcut?" Sora asked.
"Relax, Sora. You just hang on to Abra when she teleports. And you'll be in Hearthome City, just like that," Mira said. The group didn't suspect that it was a lie.
"Your Abra can teleport all of us?" Rei asked.
"It's the result of lots of special training," Mira said. "Okay, everyone, hold on to Abra." The group held onto the Psi Pokémon. "Abra! Teleport!" Abra telepports them out of sight. They were on a dam instead of their destination.
"Here we are!" Mira said.
"Finally, we're here at la-" Sora paused. "Wait a minute. Are we at the wrong place?"
"I don't remember it being on a dam," Arthur said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"We're in front of a lake," Wes said.
"Oh dear, I guess we made a mistake," Mira said. Everyone did an Anime-style fall. "Sorry about that."
"I guess we all make mistakes, don't we?" Wes asked.
"You think we can try again?" Kairi asked.
"Hold on," Mira said. Everyone were wondering what she has in mind. "I need to ask you all a favor."
"A favor?" Sora asked.
"See, a while back I dropped my grandmother's beautiful pendant into the lake down there. And so..." Mira paused.
"I get it. So you thought you'd ask us if we'd help you to get your pendant back," Michael said.
"You mean, you teleported us here on purpose?" Kairi asked.
"I'm sorry," Mira apologized.
"Don't be. You should have just told us from the start. And we would have helped you then," Sora said.
"And it would seem your Abra can't teleport underwater, right?" Rei asked.
"Yeah, and that's why I brought you here. Abra can't teleport underwater and that creates a problem," Mira said.
"It looks like we'll need some additional help," Sora said, taking out his Pokémon Box and exchanged his Staravia for Buizel as Wes has chosen his Feraligatr, Quagsire, Mantine, and Qwilfish as Michael has chosen his Walrein, Sharpedo, Dewgong, Golduck, and Poliwrath.
They all changed into their swimsuits and prepared to go underwater.
Sora wore a pair of red and blue swim trunks as Kairi wore a green bikini wth a skirt. Arthur wore a pair of purple trunks as Wes, Rui, Michael, and Rei wore their usual swimsuits. Mira wore a swimsuit that is a white top with pink shorts.
"Here, take these. You'll be able to stay underwater a long time," Mira said as she hands them air masks to help them breathe underwater.
"You ready to go?" Rei asked.
"We're ready," Sora said.
Pikachu, Angel, and Abra had air masks as well. They dove underwater and they swam along with Mira. Everyone were surpriesed to see the town underwater. They never could expect such a thing. An entire city was under water. It was like Atlantis, but only more modern. The group had to focus on the task at hand. Mira led them to the direction she wanted them to go. Wes suspected there was something going on. They got close to what looks like a school. Inside the school building is a Gyarados and it swam right at them. Gyarados comes right back at them.
"Piplup, Buizel! Hydro Pump! Water Gun!" Sora ordered.
"Bibarel! Tux! Water Gun and Bubble Beam!" Kairi ordered.
"Mantine! Bubble Beam! Qwilfish! Barb Barrage! Quagsire! Muddy Water! Feraligatr! Hydro Pump!" Wes ordered.
"Walrein, Dewgong! Ice Beam! Sharpedo! Water Pulse! Golduck! Psybeam! Poliwrath! Hydro Pump!" Michael ordered.
"Kingra! Hydro Pump!" Rei ordered.
The Water-types fired their attacks right at the Atrocious Pokémon, but in response, Gyarados fires Hyper Beam at them, overpowering the Pokémon. They retreated up to the surface as Gyarados points its tail at the group and waves it around in circles, creating a whirlpool. They get caught in the whirlpool and they go flying. They come flying out of the lake, screaming.
"I sure wasn't expecting to have a run-in with a Gyarados," Sora said.
"Mira, you knew about that Gyarados being down there, didn't you?" Rei asked.
"Of course. But if I had told you about it, you wouldn't have come with me," Mira said.
"So, what else?" Wes asked. Mira looked at Wes with a serious look on his face. "It's time for you to tell us what else you've been hiding."
"What do you mean, Wes?" Arthur asked.
"Yeah, fill us in," Michael said.
"You brought us here like you knew the place like you knew the back of your hand. And that was right where that Gyarados was hanging out. It was like you were looking for something else down there. It was no accident. The thing is, you've already narrowed your search to such a small area, I don't understand what you need us for," Wes said. Mira knew the Torracat was out of the bag, so she knew she had to come forward.
"You're right and I'm sorry. I made up the pendant story," Mira admitted.
"Why did you do that for?" Sora asked.
"You know the building we found Gyarados in? That's the school I used to go to. When I was there, I had two best friends in the whole wide world. We played together all the time. On the playground, on the gym, and everywhere. One day, we found a Pokéball, and there was a Pokémon already inside it. We decided right away it was going to all three of us, and we all raised it. See, we were all working hard to become Pokémon trainers. So we took turns bringing it to each of our houses and taking care of it. But one day, some people we didn't know said they were building a dam that would put our town underwater. We all had to move away and my friends went to a different town," Mira explained.
"So that's it," Rui said.
"What happened to the Pokéball you were taking care of?" Kairi asked.
"Not sure. I even called up my friends who moved away, and they had no idea either," Mira said.
"Well, it has to be somewhere down there then," Arthur said.
"Thing is, I really think I do know. The three of us had a secret hiding place. I can't tell you how many times I tried to go back down there with Abra. But we can never get past you-know-who," Mira said.
"Should I take a guess?" Sora asked.
"That nasty Gyarados always chases us away! We've tried to fight back before, but Abra's water battling skills aren't so good," Mira said.
"Now at least I can understand why you wanted us to help you," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Why didn't you just tell us the truth from the very start?" Sora asked.
"I couldn't. Here I am working to be a Pokémon Trainer, and at the same time I've totally neglected the Pokémon I loved and took care of for such a long time," Mira said.
"I guess it would be pretty hard to admit that," Rei said.
"So what kind of Pokémon is inside that Pokéball, anyway?" Michael asked.
"It's a Sandshrew," Mira said.
"A Sandshrew?" The group asked.
"Yeah. The Sandshrew living here are Ground-type Pokémon, so they're weak against water, so I'm worried about it," Mira said.
"That makes sense. It's common knowledge that Ground-type Pokémon don't so well in the water, so as long as Sandshrew stays inside, it'll be okay," Michael said.
"Now we just have to get passed that Gyarados. Our Water-types could use some underwater training," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"And I think I might have an idea," Rei said. They all looked at her.
"What's your plan?" Arthur asked.
"Listen up, everyone," Rei said. They go over the strategy for contending with Gyarados as they dove back underwater and swam back to the school building. Gyarados comes back out to scare them away again.
"Go!" Sora and Kairi called out.
The Water-types all scattered out of Gyarados's path. Gyarados fires Hyper Beam right at them. Buizel lands an Aqua Jet onto Gyarados.
"Tux! Bubble Beam!' Kairi ordered. Tux fired Bubble Beam and Gyarados, bats the bubbles with its tail.
"Buizel! Sonic Boom!" Sora ordered. Buizel sends out Sonic Boom right at the Atrocious Pokémon and the attack struck him hard.
Gyarados chased them right into the surface. Once Gyarados has jumped right out. Pikachu then unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt, shocking Gyarados and it deals heavy damage. Gyarados then swam away for miles into the massive lake.
Back underwater, they swam throught he halls as Mira had led them to the place. She found the Pokéball and all swam back up to the surface.
"Mission accomplished," Sora said.
"Now we have Sandshrew back," Mira said, letting Sandshrew out of its Pokéball. "Sandshrew looked around. "Sandshrew, it's me, Mira." Sandshrew was very happy to see Mira again after being so cooped up inside that Pokéball. "I'm sorry for leaving you. I went through all sorts of trouble to get you out. Can you forgive me?"
"Sandshrew," Sandshrew said.
"It's always so good to see Trainer and Pokémon being reunited again," Sora said.
"It sure is. It gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling inside," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Thank you so very much for helping get Sandshrew back for me," Mira said.
"Hey, it's the least we can do. We're not wild about you lying like that in the first place, but we're just glad everything worked out when it did," Sora said.
"Yeah, but what about that Gyarados? He's still in the lake," Kairi pointed out.
"Maybe, but he won't be our problem anymore," Sora said.
"Maybe not, but to make it up to you for lying to you, and to repay you for helping to rescue Sandshrew, I'll bring you to Hearthome City for real. "That'll be great," Sora said.
Meanwhile, Gyarados has swam far enough from his attackers when Paul has shown up along with his Elekid. He grinned.
"A Gyarados. Looks like a good Pokémon to catch. Stand by for battle, Elekid," Paul said. Elekid understood as he got in front of Gyarados. The Atrocious Pokémon fired Hyper Beam right at the Electric Pokémon. "Protect!" Elekid forms a protective barrier around himself and made Gyarados's Hyper Beam bounce off. "Use Thunderbolt!" Elekid fired Thunderbolt, shocking Gyarados on the mark. "Move in with Thunder Punch!" Elekid jumped and lands a Thunder Punch on Gyarados. Confident that Gyarados was weakened enough, Paul took out a Pokéball and threw it. Gyarados flowed inside the Pokéball and it wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Paul used his Rotom Phone to scan Gyarados. "Gyarados's Hyper Beam is useful, so I'll keep it."
Back at the lake, everyone changed back into their regular clothes as Mira had teleported everyone right to Hearthome City.
"We're here!" Mira announced. "Promise! Hearthome City!"
"Yes! A Gym battle and Contest is just around the corner for us!" Sora said.
"You said it, Sora!" Kairi added.
"And we got here a lot earlier thanks you, Mira," Wes said.
"Come on," Mira said with a blush. "I should be the one who should thank you. Good luck in your Gym battle and Contest."
"Thanks," Sora and Kairi both said.
They finally arrived to Hearthome City. Now Kairi has her third Sinnoh Contest and Sora's third Gym battle coming up and they were ready than ever.
They went down to the Pokémon Center and they saw Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Takato, Henry, Rika, Ryo, Jeri, Kazu, Kenta, Suzie, Takato, Koji, JP, Zoe, Tommy, Koichi, Marill, Volt, Maple, Guil, Mime Jr, and Munchlax in the Pokémon Center.
"Hey, you guys. Good of you to show up," Ethan said.
"Have Roxas, Lucas, Xion, Dawn, or the others get here yet?" Sora asked.
"Nope. You're the first one here, so that makes you the winner of the race," Leaf said.
"I guess you're right. Now I just to look for Fantina," Sora said.
"I am much closer than you think, mon ami," Fantina said from behind.
"Fantina," Sora said.
"That is my name," Fantina said. She looked right at Kairi and instantly recognized her. "Ah, I recognize you. I have seen you in the Jublife City and Floaroma Town Contests, oui?"
"Um, oui. I have to say it's a pleasure to meet you outside the Contest hall," Kairi said.
"I'm sure it is," Fantina said, readdressing her attention on Sora. "Now, young man, may I assume you are here to challenge me to a Gym battle, oui?"
"Oui, I mean, yeah. I came all this way to challenge you to a Gym battle, and I thought of having it before the Hearthome City Contest and before you take off again," Sora said.
"I see. Very well, monsieur Sora, I accept your challenge. Any other challenges afterwards will be later on," Fantina said.
"Great," Sora said.
"We will have the battle first thing tomorrow, so I suggest you rest up before then," Fantina said.
"Sure thing," Sora said.
And now, it was set. Sora won the race to Hearthome City and got the chance to batte Fantina and her Ghost-type Pokémon. How will Sora be able to best such a Gym Leader? And how well will Kairi do in the upcoming Pokémon Contest? Just wait and see if you wanna find out.