Episode 428: Dive into the Hearthome
On the very same night, Sora was making some preparations for his Gym battle when Roxas, Xion, Lea, Lucas, Dawn, Zoey, the DigiDestined, and Piplup entered the Pokémon Center.
Upon entering, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, and May were shocked and stunned to see Lea with their eyes. Chase and Elaine were a tad lost since they never met him as Axel.
"Looks like you won the race, huh?" Roxas asked.
"Yeah. We saw Fanitina here and she accepted my challenge. Sorry you guys missed your chance," Sora apologized.
"Don't be sorry, Sora. We made the deal," Lucas said.
"Yeah, and we just agreed to it," Roxas said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
"You're right, we did. And we have to honor that deal," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"And there's one more thing," Lucas said, taking out his Pokéball and opened it. His a Monferno came out. Sora was surprised.
"No way! When did your Chimchar evolve?" Sora asked.
"Just yesterday. Isn't that the coolest?" Lucas asked.
"Monferno," Monferno said.
"Anyway, Lea, how does it feel to be with Roxas again?" Sora asked.
"It feels better than I could imagine," Lea said.
"Lucas, Zoey, and I met Lea yesterday, and Roxas filled us in about how he, Lea, and Xion know each other. But I never thought I'd meet him for real," Dawn said as she rememebered being told about him before.
(Flashback)
We see Roxas and Xion sitting with Dawn alone sometime after getting acquainted.
"What? You're Sora and Kairi's what?" Dawn asked.
"Nobodies. You see, when a person with a strong heart is turned into a Heartless, then a Nobody is created. That's my case anyway. I came to be when Sora turned into a Heartless after he sacrificed himself to save Kairi. I had all of Sora's memories and strength for a short while, but when Kairi brought Sora back, I lost every memory I ever had as Sora and half of Sora's strength. I didn't remember anything, not who I was before or anything about Pokémon. It was all blank. Xemnas, the Organization's leader was the one who found me and brought in as the Organization's thirteenth and final member they needed. And Axel was the only friend I made in the Organization," Roxas explained. Dawn was shocked to hear all that. What shocked her was the fact Sora turned into a Heartless.
"Wow. I think it was a romantic thing Sora did to protect her, but what about Kairi. How is Xion her Nobody?" Dawn asked.
"I was created differently from most Nobodies. When I came to be, I didn't know much of anything, except my own name. Ash was the one who found me after he mistook me for Kairi. He and Leaf brought me to Kairi's parents to stay with them. And just like that, they accepted me. After a while, I eventually met Roxas and Axel, and they became my friends," Xion said.
"Axel thought it would be a good idea to keep Xion a secret from the rest of the Organization since he figured Xion will be in danger if they did. And it turned out to be the right call after all," Roxas said.
"What happened afterwards?" Dawn asked.
"Well, one day, I was given an assignment to wipe out three members of a criminal organization called Team Rocket. I tracked them down and I was about to kill them when Axel stopped me. And it was right there I learned the real truth about myself. And when I did, I just lost my temper. I felt betrayed by my best friend because he knew all about me from the very beginning and he kept it from me. And he also filled me in that the Organization were trying to eliminate Sora as a way for me to have my full power. I didn't want to be their puppet any longer, so I cut my strings and all ties to them. But Axel left shortly after I did. He knew the both of us would be labled as traitors, and they would go after Xion, so we took her with us. We stayed hiddened from the Organization, but I knew we couldn't hide forever, so I decided the best thing for us was to go back to where we came from," Roxas explained.
"To Sora and Kairi. But how are you still here? And what happened to Axel?" Dawn asked.
"Well, sometime after we returned to Sora and Kairi, Axel broke into the lab of Vexen, one of the other members of the Organization and took two replica vessels. One for me and for her," Roxas said.
"We knew right when we were inside of Sora and Kairi's hearts Axel wanted us to come back. That meant we would have bodies of our own," Xion said.
"So, the bodies we both have are replica vessels. They make us appear as human beings. As for Axel, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Ethan, Brendan, May, Leaf, Kris, Lyra, Riku, Naminé, and Michael decided to wipe out Organization XIII, so they set a trap for them since they knew Sora and the others would come for them, so Axel showed up and he sacrificed himself to help them get to their stronghold. Most of the others were wiped out, so with Xemnas left, Xion and I awoke in our new bodies and we assited in Xemnas's destruction. And the rest is history," Roxas said.
"You still miss Axel, do you?" Dawn asked.
"Everyday since," Roxas said.
"And we won't ever stop missing him since he made all this possible for us," Xion said.
"I would have liked to meet him," Dawn said.
(Flashback ends)
Dawn smiled, happy to know she has.
"Well, the Hearthome City Contest is a few days away, so you guys can watch my Gym match if you like," Sora said.
"I would like to, Sora, but I have some training to do, but good luck," Zoey said.
"It's cool, Zoey. And thanks for the support," Sora said.
On the next day, the whole group all arrived to the Hearthome City Gym. Lea is now dressed in a new outfit. He now wore a long sleeveless hooded black vest, a sleeveless dark gray and red plaid button-down shirt with a short-sleeve black shirt underneath, burgundy leopard-print pants and black mid-calf boots.
"So this is a Gym, huh?" Lea asked.
"Yeah, and Fantina is inside, waiting," Roxas said.
"And a chance to earn Gym Badge number three is through these doors," Sora said. They all entered inside to find Fantina waiting for Sora to arrive.
"Ah, welcome to Sora. I trust these are your friends as well?" Fantina asked.
"Yeah, I invited them over to watch the Gym battle. Hope that's okay," Sora said.
"But of course. Our Gym battle will be the last one until I return here at some point," Fantina said.
"I didn't forget about the Contest taking place," Sora said.
"Good. Now, we can begin," Fantina said.
With that said, the rest of the group sat in the bleechers to watch as Sora and Fantina took theor positions for battle.
"The battle here in the Hearthome City Gym is about to begin! We have Fantina, the Gym Leader, and Sora, from Pallet Town! Both Trainers will be using three Pokémon each! Only the challenger will be permitted to make substitutions anytime! The battle is also over when all three of either Pokémon are unable to continue to battle! Choose your Pokémon and begin!" The referee announced. Fantina took out her first Pokéball and threw it.
"Gengar! Battle position!" Fantina called out as her Gengar came on out to battle. Sora took out his first Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Gible!" Sora called out as Gible came out to battle.
"Sora's starting off with a Gible. That's a smart move on his part," Zoe said.
"With Gible being a Ground-type Pokémon it gives the advantage against Poison-types like Gengar," Henry said.
"Gible! Bite!" Sora ordered. Gible uses bite right at Gengar.
"Gengar! Dodge it!" Fantina called out. Gengar avoids Gible's Bite.
"Gible! Dragon Claw!" Sora called out.
"Gengar! Dodge and use Poison Jab!" Fantina ordered. Gengar avoids Gible's Dragon Claw and lands a Poison Jab onto Gible. The Land Shark Pokémon ends up getting poisoned by the attack. "Now use Shadow Punch!" Gengar unleashed Shadow Punch going towards Gible.
"Gible! Use Dig quickly!" Sora ordered. Gible digs to the ground while dodging Gengar's Shadow Punch.
"That was so close," Kairi said.
"Vee," Angel said and just then, Gible pops out from the ground, hitting Gengar while Gible was damaged by the poisoning.
"Now use Bite!" Sora ordered and Gible landed a strong bite on Gengar, but again Gible suffered damage from the poisoning. "Hold on, Gible!"
"Use Hex!" Fantina ordered and Gengar used Hex by firing black lightning from the eyes.
"Dodge by using Dig!" Sora ordered and Gible dug underground dodge. "Attack with Dragon Breath!"
"Gengar! Use Shadow Punch!" Fantina ordered, when Gible came out he used Dragon Breath while Gengar used Shadow Punch with both Pokémon hitting at each other and both of them fell knocked out.
"Both Gible and Gengar are unable to battle! This round is a draw!" The referee announced.
Fantina shrieked in horror as she witnessed her Gengar had fallen victim to Gible.
"Impossible!" Fantina gasped.
"You did your best, Gible," Sora said, helping his Pokémon to feel better after the draw.
"I have to admit, I have underestimated you, Sora. But it is not over just yet," Fantina said, calling back her Gengar and took out her next Pokéball. "Mismagius! Battle position!" Mismagius came on out to battle next. Sora calls back Gible and took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Your turn now, Stunky!" Sora called out as Stunky came on out to battle with a swirl of stars.
"We shall see how you do well, Stunky," Fantina said.
"Stunky! Venoshok!" Sora ordered. Stunky fires Venoshock to strike at the Magical Pokémon.
"Mismagius! Dodge and use Magical Leaf!" Fantina ordered. Mismagius avoids Venoshock and sends out Magical Leaf. The leaves all strike Stunky hard.
"That was a good clean hit," Wes said.
"And Magical Leaf can't be dodged," Rika said.
"Mismagius! Mystical Fire!" Fantina ordered. Mismagius sends out Mystical Fire to strike Stunky.
"Dodge it, Stunky!" Sora called out. Stunky avoids Mismagius's Mystical Fire. "Now, use Venoshock!" Stunky sends out Venoshock and lands a hit onto Mismagius. "Now use Night Slash!" Stunky jumps and lands a Night Slash onto Mismagius.
"Magical Leaf!" Fantina ordered. Mismagius fires Magical Leaf right at Stunky.
"Venoshock!" Sora ordered. Venoshock blocks Magical Leaf successfully. Stunky unleashes a powerful stink all over the battlefield. Everyone covers their noses to keep out the stink.
"So stinky!" Izzy said.
"Just like Raremon's stinky breath...!" JP added.
"Phew! That stinks!" Sora said. He saw Mismagius was trying to keep out the stink. Sora got an idea. "Stunky! Night Slash!" Stunky jumps and lands a Night Slash into Mismagius. "Now, use Venoshock! Your strongest one!" Stunky lets out his strongest Venoshock and lands a strong hit onto Mismagius. It was enough to knock it out.
"Mismagius is unable to battle! Stunky wins!" The referee announced.
"Two-to-one now," Tai said. Just then, the windows opened and the stink was blown right out.
"Much better," everyone all said.
"That was incredible, Sora. Now, it is time for my third and final Pokémon," Fantina said, calling back her Mismagius. "Battle position, Drifblim!" She threw the Pokéball to let out a Drifblim. Sora took out his Rotom Phone and scanned the Pokémon.
Drifblim, the Blimp Pokémon
The evolved form of Drifloon
Type: Ghost/Flying
It's drowsy in the daytime, but flies off in the evening in big groups. No one knows where they go. It carries people and Pokémon when it flies. But since it only drifts, it can end up anywhere.
"A Drifblim. Right, Tonio has one of those," Sora said. He puts his Rotom Phone away. "You still good to go, Stunky?" Stunky nodded. "Great! Stunky! Night Slash!" Stunky jumped to land a hit onto it.
"Drifblim! Silver Wind!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim sends out Silver Wind. "Now, use Ominous Wind!" It struck the Skunk Pokémon and was taken down.
"Stunky is unable to battle! Drifblim wins!" The referee announced.
"Now, both have one left to use," Roxas said.
"And we know what that one is," Xion said. Sora took out his Pokéball and threw it.
"Rotom! Go!" Sora called out as he threw it. Rotom came back out to battle.
"Your Rotom may be a Ghost-type Pokémon as well as an Electric-type Pokémon, but you will not find victory here. Drifblim! Silver Wind!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim sends out Silver Wind to land a hit onto Rotom.
"Dodge it and use Thunder Wave!" Sora ordered and Rotom dodged Drifblim's Silver Wind before using Thunder Wave which paralyzed Drifblim.
"Drifblim!" Fantina gasped.
"Now use Hex!" Sora ordered and Rotom emits dark purple wisps of energy which surrounded Drifblim, damaging greatly due the paralysis condition. "Now finish with Electro Ball!" Rotom fired Electro Ball which came too fast for Drifblim and zaps it, Drifblim tries to get up, but fell back on its back.
"Drifblim is unable to battle! Rotom wins! The winner is Sora Ketchum from Pallet Town!" The referee announced.
"Good work, Rotom!" Sora said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu added. Fantina walked up to Sora with a smile.
"That was a wonderful battle, Sora. When I first saw you, I thought for certain, you were just a foolish boy, but I am pleased to say that I was wrong," Fantina said, taking out a badge. This badge is similar in appearance to a Will-o'-the-wisp or a ghostly aura. "The Relic Badge is yours." Sora takes his third Gym Badge.
"Thanks, Fantina. And I'll say that I had a good time battling you," Sora said. Fantina smiled back at him. He placed it in with his first two.
"Before you go to the Pokémon Center, I thought I shall inform you that your chellenge lays at Veilstone City," Fantina said.
"Thanks for the info, Fantina. I'll make sure to out that to good use," Sora said.
"I am certain you will," Fantina said.
After the Gym battle with Fantina, Sora had his Gible, Stunky, and Rotom checked in to be healed.
"Will my Pokémon be okay, Nurse Joy?" Sora asked.
"Don't worry. Your Pokémon will be all better after I do a thorough check-up," Nurse Joy assured. Sora waited for his three Pokémon to come back to him, but he didn't wait too long as Gible, Rotom, and Stunky were brought back to him. Afterwards, he exchanged Stunky and Rotom for Staravia and Snover.
"Well, the Gym battle's out of the way, and there's still the matter of the Pokémon Contest for Kairi, Dawn, and Zoey," Sora said.
"Indeed there is," a familiar voice sang. Sora turned around and he saw it was Nando who said that. His Roselia is beside him as usual.
"Nando, it's nice to see you here," Sora said, smiling.
"I share your joy, Sora. May I presume you were triumphant in your Gym battle?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, that Fantina gave me a real run for my money, but I managed to win the Relic Badge from her. But the bad news is, she isn't going to be accepting any other challenges because of the Hearthome City Pokémon Contest, which happens the other reason you're here," Sora said.
"Yes. I came here for the Gym challenge and the Pokémon Contest as you rightfully assumed, my friend. Though it saddens me to hear Fantina will be not accept any challenges during the Contest preparations, but nonetheless, I am looking forward for a magical performance," Nando said.
"Well, good luck to you," Nando said.
"Thank you," Nando said, tipping his hat to Sora.
Meanwhile, Kairi is practicing with Angel and Combusken, using the same combination as before. Kairi was amazed and at awe to see her efforts were paying off and at the same time, she hoped to see Dawn and Zoey do the same thing. Watching her boyfriend's Gym battle has inspired her to try just as hard. Unknown to her, a wild Chatot lands right on a tree. It began to watch the training go down as Chatot perched on the tree branch.
"That was great, you two. You're both going to do well," Kairi said.
"Do well! Do well!" Chatot repeated. Kairi turned to see the parrot-like Pokémon eyeing her.
"You're a Chatot," Kairi said.
"You're a Chatot! You're a Chatot," Chatot repeated. Kairi took out her Rotom Phone and scanned it.
Chatot, the Music Note Pokémon
Type: Normal/Flying
Chatot is famous for repeating every word that it hears. It does so in order to trick its attackers into not attacking.
"Trick its attackers into not attacking. Trick its attackers into not attacking," Chatot repeared.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Eevee," Chatot repeated.
"Chatot is such a cutie, so I gotta have him," Kairi said.
"Gotta have him," Kairi said.
"Go for it, Angel! Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel fired Swift at the Music Note Pokémon. Angel's Swift lands a hit onto Chatot. "Use Headbutt!" Angel dashed at Chatot with a Headbutt, but Chatot responds by saying several words and phrases, making Angel cover her ears.
"Eh, what's up, doc? I say, I say, boy! You're despicable! Gwarsh! Yabba-Dabba-Doo! Hakuna Matata! Ain't I stinker? Hey, what's the big idea?! Off with their heads! Happy Unbirthday! Meep-Meep! Th-th-th-that's all, folks!" Chatot randomly chattered.
"He's using Chatter. Angel! Quick Attack!" Angel dashed at Chatot and lands a hit. "Headbutt!" Angel lands a Headbutt. Chatot lands on his back, so Kairi took out a Pokéball and threw it. Chatot flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Kairi's Pokémon Box goes off and asks her if she wants to keep Chatot with her. She chose to keep Chatot in exchange for Cherrim. "It looks like I got myself a Chatot."
"Eevee," Angel said.
"We should keep going. Let's train a little while longer," Kairi said.
"Vee," Angel said.
"It would seem fate is much kinder than it is believed," Nando said as he and Roselia approached Kairi.
"Nando, hi. I haven't seen you since Eterna City. You're here to enter in the Contest and challenge Fantina to a battle?" Kairi asked.
"Yes, but Sora has inforned me she will not be accepting any challenges for a while. But entering the Hearthome City Contest should be satisfying enough," Nando said.
"You do know it is going to be a double performance, right?" Kairi asked.
"I am well aware. And I have practiced my performance to a tea," Nando sang.
"I'm looking forward in seeing it," Kairi said. Just then, Dawn shows up.
"Nando, it's been a while," Dawn said.
"I share your view, Dawn. It is delightful to see you again," Nando said.
"Nando, there is someone I would like you to meet," Dawn said. Knowing who she was talking about, Kairi decided to tag along. Zoey is sitting with her three Pokémon.
"Kairi, hey. How did Sora's Gym battle go?" Zoey asked.
"It went alright. Fantina gave Sora a hard time, but he managed to do okay," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said. She noticed the young bard with them. "So, who is that?"
"Hello, my name is Nando. Pokémon Bard at your service," Nando sang.
"We met Nando here just after Sora, Kairi, and the others came here from Sinnoh and meet me and Lucas," Dawn said.
"Yes, and it was after meeting up with Dawn and her friends that I shall partake in both Gym battles and Pokémon Contests," Nando said. Zoey felt a disdain for Nando's way of thinking.
"You're participating in both Contests and Gym battles?" Zoey asked.
"Is that a problem, Zoey?" Kairi asked.
"Yeah, that's a problem. He should make up his mind," Zoey said.
"My Pokémon guide me. That is the wise way. Do you not agree?" Nando asked. Neither Kairi or Dawn knew what to say, since they didn't want to risk making it worse.
A few days later, the Hearthome City Contest has come as Fantina joins the other judges for the Contest to officially begin.
"People and Pokémon connecting side by side, creating all kinds of emotions! Ladies and gentlemen! The magic moment you've all been waiting for! And that moment takes place in the Hearthome Stadium right here and now!" Marian announced. The crowd all cheer hard for the Contest to about to begin. "For our first round, Coordinators will use two Pokémon in an exciting Double Performance. With the second round, a double battle! It's beauty times two! Battling times two! Double the fun, no matter how you slice it!" Marian holds out the Hearthome City Contest Ribbon. "And here is what our Coordinators will compete for! The Hearthome Ribbon, and add to the chance to enter the Grand Festival! What do you think of that?" The crowd cheers on again. "And now, it's time to hear a few words from our panel of judges! Mr. Contesta, the head of our Contest Committe!"
"Thanks! A real pleasure! I trust you're as excited to see these Double Performances as I am!" Contesta announced.
"Next is the head of the Pokémon Fan Club, Mr. Suziko!" Marian announced.
"Hearthome City is remarkable!" Mr. Suziko announced.
"Last and most never least, is our local Gym Leader, and former Top Coordinator, Fantina!" Marian announced.
"One Coordinator and two Pokémon! It should be very magnifique!" Fantina announced.
"Alright then, let's get started!" Marian announced. "Now, it's time for the first round! The Double Performance! And our first entry: Nando!" Nando makes his appearence on stage as he took out two Pokéballs and threw them.
"Sunflora and Kricketune, make your mark!" Nando called out as he unleashed his Pokémon, coming out of their Pokéballs with musical notes coming out.
"And the fresh and exciting Swords Dance has the crowd in hushed awe!" Marian announced.
"Sunflora, Grass Whistle! Sing, Kricketune!" Nando ordered. Sunflora and Kricketune performs their song as Nando plays his harp. They let out such beautiful music as they played.
"Ah, words cannot begin to describe what's happening. So let's all just listen to this beautiful music and ourselves in its spell," Marian announced. Everyone was smiling as they listened to the beautiful music being played.
"The crowd loves it," May said.
"It's so soothing," Kris said.
"Nando is good," Ethan said.
Backstage, Kairi, Dawn, Zoey, Angel and Piplup are watching closely.
"Nando is showing off his Pokémon just like a bard could. He truly does deserve to call himself Coordinator," Zoey said, impressed by Nando's performance.
Once Nando has finished, he bowed his head as well as Sunflora and Kricketune. Everyone applauds.
"And thank you, Nando! Now, to our judges!" Marian announced.
"Truly incredible! A performance that moved me from the bottom of my heart!" Contesta said.
"Remarkable!" Suziko said.
"The timing between Pokémon and Coordinator was perfect!" Fantina said.
"Now! Time for our next entry!" Marian announced.
Other performances has gone on as Coordinators has shown off two Pokémon each. There was a Solrock and a Lunatone on stage. Then there was a Steelix and a Smoochum. Next was a Duskull and a Psyduck. Next was a Cubone and a Marowk juggling bones. And there was a Kantonian and Galarian Mr. Mime putting up barriers at the same time.
"Wow, so many wonderful performances," Kairi said.
"Hearthome City is pretty famous for that. Now we just so see what you got in the mix, Kairi," Zoey said.
"I got something special planned," Kairi said, taking out Combusken's Pokéball and placed it into the Ball Capsule. She placed a Fire Sticker C on it. "Let's go, Angel."
"Vee," Angel said.
"Now, time for our next entry! We have Kairi!" Marian annouced as Kairi and Angel entered the stage at the same time. Angel does a flip forward and lands on her hind legs. Kairi threw Combusken's Pokéball.
"Come out, Combusken!" Kairi called out. Her Pokéball opened as Combusken came out with a blaze of blue flames.
"Incredible! Combusken makes an amazing and yet awesome entrance with those blue flames! And her Eevee isn't contained in a Pokéball, but her entrance is just as elegant!" Marian announced.
"Angel! Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel fired a swarm of stars all around and sends them straight into the air.
"Kairi starts things up with a Swift! Let's see what her Combusken does now!" Marian announced.
"Okay, Combusken! Flamethrower on the Swift!" Kairi ordered. Combusken fired Flamethrower right into Angel's Swift, turning the stars bright orange. The crowd is at awe with what they're seeing.
"The stars from Eevee's Swift are now giving off that orange glow from Combusken's Flamethrower! Truly one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!" Marian announced.
"The crowd's loving it!" Sora said.
"Yes. It's such a beautiful display," Arthur said.
"Okay, Combusken! Use Slash!" Kairi ordered. Combusken came at the stars and slashes through all of the stars. Each slash from Combusken has left behind orange sparkles and they all linger in the air. Combusken slashes through all the stars until the very last one was slashed. In doing so, the orange sparkles glitter on the stage, much for everyone to see. Fantina was even at awe for what she has witnessed with her own eyes.
"Wonderful! Combusken's Slash has created such dazzling sparkles for all of Hearthome City if not the entire Sinnoh region to see! Let's hear what the judges have to say!" Marian announced.
"That combination of both Swift and Flamethrower is a sight to beheld. And the use of Slash has shown so much beauty," Contesta said.
"Very remarkable," Suziko said.
"Tres magnifique! Kairi has shown so much passion and beauty from the combinations of the two moves! And I personally loved the entrance by her Eevee as well! And she has given a new perspective of the color orange as well!" Fantina said.
"Let's give a big hand for Kairi and her two Pokémon!" Marian announced as Kairi, Angel, and Combusken bowed their heads.
"Way to go, Kairi," Sora said, feeling proud for his girlfriend. Dawn makes her way to the stage, knowing she was on next.
"And now, it's time for our next Coordinator! Dawn!" Marian announced. Dawn comes on stage for her Double Performance. She stood on stage with her eyes closed. She opens both eyes.
"I'm ready," Dawn said to herself. She readied her Pokéballs. "Piplup! Pachirisu! Spotlight!" She threw them both as hey both came out through confetti. Pachirisu landed on its tail as Piplup did a little stance. "Now, Pahirishu! Sweet Kiss!" Pachirisu sends out some hearts. "Piplup! Use Bubble Beam!" Piplup fires Bubble Beam right at the hearts, engulfing them inside the bubbles. "Yes!"
"That was great!" Michael said.
"The timing was perfect!" Brendan said.
Kairi had just come backstage as she watches along with Zoey and Nando. The both of them had smiles on their faces.
"Let's finish this up! Pachirisu! Discharge! Piplup! Whirlpool!" Dawn ordered. Pachirisu began with its Discharge attack as Piplup forms a huge Whirlpool. The combination of water and electricity was fantastic. Both attacks has vaporated as Dawn was proud to see her performance completed. "Our first Double Performance! You guys were awesome!"
"What a thrill to see an Electric-type and Water-type work well together!" Marian announced.
"Dawn's performance showed off her Pokémon's power in quite a stunning manner!" Contesta announced.
"Agreed! Remarkable!" Suziko added.
"The combination of Sweet Kiss and Bubble Beam is something I will not forget for a long time!" Fantina said.
In Twin Leaf Town, Johanna was watching on TV and she looked down to the ground. She wasn't so sure for some reason.
"Alright then! The excitement continues with Zoey!" Marian announced. Zoey came on the stage with her two Pokéballs ready to go.
"Shellos! Glameow! Curtain!" Zoey called out as she threw both of her Pokéballs. They came out with beams of light emerging from the Pokéballs as Glameow and Shellos both came on out. "Now! Shellos! Use Mud Bomb!" Shellos fires Mud Bomb right at the in the air. "And Glameow! Iron Tail!" Glameow smacks the Mud Bomb with Iron Tail. "Now, Secret Power!" Glameow's body glows pink and it releases a pink wave from its body all around it. "Glameow! Use Shadow Claw!" Zoey ordered. Glameow jumped in the air and its claws emits a shadow aura. Glameow swipes its claws as it absorbs Secret Power.
"Wow! Shadow Claw has absorbed the Secret Power and is giving off a dazzling light. Gorgeous!" Marian announced.
"Now Shellos! Water Pulse, let's go!" Zoey ordered. Shellos fires Water Pulse as it twirls around Glameow. "It's your turn, Glameow!" Glameow slices through the water and it splits, and the whole stage has sparkled. The crowd goes wild as they had finished.
"Glameow and Shellos's sharp and bold movements had me riveted in my seat, and held me transfixed until the dramatic finish!" Contesta announced.
"And remarkable!" Suziko added.
"The way her Pokémon shone, their precision moves, and the sense of completion were just marvelous!" Fantina stated.
"And that's it! The end to our super exciting preliminary round! So hold tight. The reslts will be presented in just a sec!" Marian announced.
Once the first round was over with, Kairi, Dawn, Zoey, and Nando congratulated each other for the stunts they done.
"That was good out there, Dawn," Kairi said.
"Thanks. That stunt with Angel and Combusken was very awesome. And it was beautiful as well," Dawn said.
"Thanks," Kairi said. She turned to Zoey and Nando. "And you two did good as well."
"Thanks a lot, Kairi," Zoey said.
"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! Here are the eight Coordinators who;ve made it through!" Marian announced. Everyone was anxious to see who made it to the final round. "These eight lucky contestants have so impressed our judges with their Double Performances that they're going on to be part of Round Two, the exciting double battle!" The Coordinators waited to see who has made it through. Nando and Zoey has made it in to the finals. As it turns out Kairi has made it to the final eight and Dawn has not. Dawn's heart has sank. Kairi felt sorry for Dawn since she worked so hard to make it in. Johanna was watching on TV and she shuts her eyes.
"These sorts of things happen," Johanna said.
"Dawn, I'm sorry," Kairi said.
"It's fine. Don't apologize," Dawn said.
"Dawn," Kairi said.
"I SAID IT'S FINE!" Dawn snapped at her. She realized she was taking it out on Kairi when she was trying to help her. "Sorry." Dawn got on her feet and started to run off. Nando was having his battle first against another Coordinator as Kairi was having his after Nando and Zoey was having her battle after hers. Dawn let out a loud yell of anguish. The whole city has echoed in her scream. Nando was battling with his Kricketune and Roselia against a Butterfree and a Beautifly. Kairi was using Ivysaur and Drifloon against a Cacturne and a Dustox. And Zoey battled against a Solrock and Lunatone using Misdreavus and Glameow. It was now the quarter finals as Kairi is up against Nando.
"Up next is Nando and Kairi! Now, we'll be in for a real treat!" Marian announced. Kairi and Nando readied their Pokéballs and threw them.
"Kricketune and Roselia! Go!" Nando called out.
"Ivysaur, Drifloon! Let's go!" Kairi called out. Her Pokéballs opened as Ivysaur and Drifloon came out. Ivysaur came out with flower petals as Drifloon came out with white smoke.
"Kricketune, begin with Sing!" Nando ordered as he sang. Kricketune begins by putting its scythes together and rubs them against each other. Then, its body starts to glow white and golden music notes come out of its body at Ivysaur and Drifloon.
"Drifloon! Use Omnious Wind to block!" Kairi ordered. Drifloon sends out Omnious Wind and it successfully blocked Kricketune's Sing.
"A beautiful block with Ominous Wind!" Marian announced.
"Roselia! Use Petal Dance!" Nando ordered as he sang again.
"Use Razor Leaf!" Kairi ordered. Ivysaur unleashed Razor Leaf, cutting through the flower petals. "Drifloon! Use Gust! Ivysaur! Use Trailblaze!" Drifloon unleashes Gust while Ivysaur charges in with Trailblaze, leaving behind green sparkles. She lands a hit onto both Roselia and Kricketune. Nando has lost some points in the process.
"Kairi is making good work of her Water and Ice Type attacks!" Marian announced.
"Magical Leaf!" Nando ordered as Roselia has fired Magical Leaf right at the two Pokémon.
"Vine Whip and Gust!" Kairi ordered. Ivysaur uses her Vine Whip and Drifloon blew away the leaves. Nando has lost some additional points.
Over to Dawn, she had changed back into her regular clothes and brushes her hair. She steps outside and sees Kairi on the screen. Nando was making a comeback onto her. Kairi and Nando had some little points left. And there was less than two minutes left.
"X-Scissor!" Nando ordered.
"Gust and Razor Leaf!" Kairi ordered. Ivysaur and Drifloon fired Razor Leaf and Gust, turning the two attacks into one attack, hitting both Roselia and Kricketune at once. Kricketune and Roselia had both been taken down.
"And Kairi moves on in the final round!" Marian announced.
Once Kairi and Nando had their battle, she spots Dawn and she went up to her.
"Dawn, I'm so sorry about what happened. I thought for sure you were going to make it in," Kairi said.
"So did I. I worked so hard to get here," Dawn said.
"You'll make it in on your next Contest," Kairi assured her.
"You sure you're not saying that just to cheer me up, are you?" Dawn asked.
"No! No, no, no, no, no, no, I'm not. I really mean it, Dawn. I know you'll do fine in the next Contest you compete in," Kairi said.
"Promise?" Dawn asked.
"I promise. Just don't blame me if it happens again," Kairi said.
"I'll try not to," Dawn said.
It was now the final round of the Hearthome City Pokémon Contest as Kairi and Zoey were on stage once again.
"Now, it's the moment that you've all been waiting for! Zoey and Kairi! Only one of them is going to win the Hearthome Ribbon and get one step closer to the Grand Festival!" Marian announced.
"Here we go again," Tai said.
"Yeah, those two gave it everything they had back in Jubelife City. Wonder if it'll be different this time," Sora T said.
"Only one way to find out," Izzy said.
"Now, let's begin!" Marian announced as the clock starts running.
"It won't be the same as the last time! Glameow! Shadow Claw! Misdreavus! Shock Wave!" Zoey ordered. Glameow heads right towards Manaphy and Phione as Glameow's claw has a combo of Shadow Claw and Shock Wave.
"Zoey starts off with a Shocking Shadow Claw; literally!" Marian announced.
"Dodge and use Rzor Leaf and Gust!" Kairi ordered. Ivysaur and Drifloon dodges Glameow's electrified Shadow Claw as the unleashed Razor Leaf and Gust. They send it at the Catty Pokémon and they both land a hit onto Glameow. Zoey has lost some points.
"And Kairi blocks with her combination of Razor Leaf and Gust!" Marian announced.
"Misdreavus! Double Team!" Zoey ordered. Misdreavus makes several copies of itself. "Now, use Shock Wave!" Misdreavus and the duplicates fires Shock Wave and struck both of Ivysaur and Drifloon, causing Kairi to lose some points. Drifloon's damage was the heaviest due to her weakness to Electric-type attacks.
"Misdreavus sends out a stunning Shock Wave and now Kairi's points suffers for it!" Marian announced. Misdreavus kept firing Shock Wave at both of Kairi's Pokémon as her points goes down even more and more.
"Glameow! Shadow Claw!" Zoey ordered. Glameow comes at Drifloon with Shadow Claw.
"Ivysaur! Vine Whip!" Kairi ordered. Ivysaur extends her vines and she repeatedly smacked Glameow.
"Drifloon! Ominous Wind all around!" Kairi ordered. Drifloon spins around and unleashes Ominous Wind as the air grew more eerie by the minute. Misdreavus took some heay damage due to its weakness to Ghost-type attacks, it dropped the Double Team trick. Glameow has taken one last strike from Ivysaur's Vine Whip.
"I'm getting the chills from this! Drifloon has found Misdreavus by unleashing Ominous Wind all over the place! Of course, that's to be expected of a Ghost-type move!" Marian announced.
"Let's wrap this up! Ivysaur, Drifloon! Razor Leaf and Ominous Wind at the same time!" Kairi ordered. Ivysaur and Drifloon unleashed Razor Leaf and Ominous Wind, creating another combination. Both attacks mix so well together and it struck both of Glameow and Midreavus. Zoey has lost some points. Glameow is immune to Ominous Wind due to being a Normal-type, but it was Ivysaur's Razor Leaf that did the truck while Misdreavus was struck by both at once. Glameow and Misdreavus were both unable to battle.
"And that's it! Kairi has won the double battle and the Hearthome City Pokémon Contest!" Marian announced. Everyone applauds for her along with the judges, especially Sora. He was very proud of his girlfriend as she was presented the Ribbon for her victory. "Congratulations, Kairi! And that concludes the Hearthome City Pokémon Contest, so be sure to join us again next year!" The crowd goes wild.
Later that night, Lucas made a call to Johanna to talk about her.
"Dawn must feel pretty bad," Johanna said.
"I know she does. I thought of talking to her about it, but I'm just worried I'll end up saying the wrong thing and she'll end up biting off my head if one word gets passed my lips, so I thought of speaking to you about it since you're her mom. I mean, she has Zoey and Kairi to talk about these sort of things," Lucas said.
"I appreciate that you're talking to me about it, Lucas. I'm happy for Kairi for winning it, but..." Johanna paused.
"Do you think I should go get her just so you can talk to her?" Lucas asked.
"No, Lucas. I think I should leave her alone for a while. Give her some time and she'll be her old dynamic self again in no time. And besides, having a couple of friends to talk to instead of me is the best thing for her," Johanna said. Lucas smiled at that.
"Yeah, you're right. I guess I made the right call to call you. Thanks for that," Lucas said.
"It's the least I can do for you. You've been such a sweet boy to Dawn," Johanna said.
Meanwhile, over to Dawn and Zoey, they were silent, relecting on their loss at the Contest. Kairi might have won it, but she couldn't help but feel sorry for them both.
"Even though I didn't battle Nando, but he is surely something else. The way he would pick to choose Contests and Gym battles like that. It's like he knows it's his destiny. I could never have have done that," Zoey said.
"At least you didn't lose in the first round," Dawn said.
"Would you cut that out?" Zoey asked her.
"Sorry," Dawn apologized. "I know I had that kind of talk with Kairi, but I can't help it. It's still eating at me."
"I know what you mean, Dawn. To be honest, I wasn't sure I'd make it passed the first round either. When that happens, I know what to do. I just hug my Pokémon. And that makes me feel a lot better," Zoey said.
"Yeah, you're right," Dawn agreed.
"I guess I would have done that, too," Kairi said as she and May stepped in. "Sorry for eavesdropping, but May and I have some words of wisdom to share."
"When Kairi and I first started to compete in Pokémon Contests, we weren't sure we'd make it ourselves. But that didn't discourage us. That just made us try even harder than ever," May said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"And we know it won't discourage you either, Dawn. I think your mom would agree with me on that, wouldn't she?" Kairi asked. It didn't take Dawn long to come with that question.
"Yeah, she would. She's probably been in the same boat as me when she was competing. And that didn't stop her, so I don't see why I should throw in the towel, too, right?" Dawn asked.
"And there's the cheerful Dawn we know and love," May said.
"That's the spirit," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Thanks, May, Kairi," Dawn said.
"That's what friends are for," Kairi said.
Sora may have won his third Gym Badge and Kairi has won her third Contest Ribbon, but Dawn has failed to make it passed the first round, so how will Dawn be able to make a big comeback in Pokémon Contests? You can stick around if you wanna find out for yourselves.