Episode 451: Our Cup Runneth Over
Just to open this up, I did some editing on my previous, making some changes and corrections. Anyway, here is the first chapter of the Lisia Cup arc, and I was thinking of the return of some old rivals from before, so enjoy it.
Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Lea, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Lucas, Dawn, Wes, Rui, Michael, Rei, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Volt, Maple, and Piplup stepped out.
Sora and Kairi are holding two new devices in their hands, called the Gummi Map from the friends Sora and Kairi had made when they traveled to different worlds before the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League tournament had taken place.
"It was quite a surprise to see them come by like that," Rui said.
"Sure was. I didn't think we would see them here of all places," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"You two will have to keep those Gummi Maps close to you at all times. You'll never know when you'll need to get going," Rei said.
"Yes, Master," Rei said.
"I wonder if we'd end up going to places we've been to before," Sora said.
"Other than the Digital World, Radiant Garden, and Organization XIII's stronghold, it'll be awesome to see some more worlds since we have some Keyblades of our own," May said.
"Yeah, only when the Gumni Map says so," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"But what if you guys are camping and someone comes by your camp and nobody sees you around, what then?" Chase asked.
"No worries, I can cover for you when it happens. That way, you won't have a hard time to come up with an excuse," Rei said.
"Thanks, Master," Sora said. Then, Tai went up to the Keyblade wielders.
"Guys, good timing," Tai said.
"What's up?" Sora asked.
"There's something on TV I think you should see," Tai said.
They get to a TV where the DigiDestined are standing along with the other Trainers in the Pokémon Center.
The TV shows a shot with the Lake Valor resort on the screen.
"It's Sinnoh!" Rhonda's voice is heard.
"NOW!" The crowd shouted.
"Flash! That elegant Contest Idol, Lisia, has finally made his appearance in our beautiful Sinnoh Region! To those of you who don't know this, Lisia is the niece of the former Sootpolis City Gym Leader Wallace who was also a Pokémon Coordinator! She has participated and won her share of Pokémon Contests, and won the title of Top Coordinator held in Hoenn. Together with her trusted partner Altaria, Ali, this talented young lady has achieved the impressive rank of Contest Idol! The pride and envy of all Pokémon Coordinators! So in honor of her achievements, we're proud to bring you the exciting Pokémon Contest that bears her name: the Lisia Cup! That's all coming up after these messages, So! Don't you touch that dial!" Rhonda announced.
"I don't believe it! Lisia's here!" Brendan said.
"That's right, you told me you met and traveled with Lisia, didn't you?" Dawn asked.
"She traveled with us since Slateport City, and got caught up with some of our adventures and misadventires," Sora said.
"I didn't know there's a Contest that's named after her," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"There's more to it, guys," Kris said.
And she's right because Marian is standing with Lisia and Ali.
"The time for this most special of Pokémon Contests, the Lisia Cup, is now! The location of which is nestled on one of the three largest lakes in Sinnoh, Lake Valor, where we're now accepting entrants!" Marian announced.
"So which one of you will prove to be the finest Coordinator in Sinnoh? Well, let's all gather around Lake Valor and find out!" Lisia said. Ali lets out a happy cry.
"Now to those of you who doesn't know what the Lisia Cup is, it is an international Pokémon Contest, and it goes into different locations in a different region, and the winner gets the fabulous Aqua Ribbon! This Ribbon will count as one of five that will grant you a spot into the Grand Festival of the region you are participating in!" Lisia announced.
"Set those calanders, because the Lisia Cup is just around the corner, and you better get some training done before we get down to it!" Marian announced.
"I do wonder where on the resort Lisia could be?" Lyra said.
"Marill," Marill said.
"Maybe she could closer than we think," May said.
"May's right. She would be tickled pink to see us again," Kris said.
A little later, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Lea, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris? Lyra, Brendan, Chase, Elaine, Lucas, Dawn, Wes, Rui, Michael, Kanako, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Marill, Volt, Maple, and Piplup stepped out as a familiar Altaria flew up to them.
"An Altaria," Lucas said.
"Cool," Dawn said, taking out her Rotom Phone and scanned the Pokémon.
Altaria, the Humming Pokémon
The evolved form of Swablu
Type: Dragon/Flying
If it bonds with a person, it will gently envelop the friend with its soft wings, then hum.
"I think we know this Altaria," Leaf said.
"You do?" Elaine asked.
"I think you're right, Leaf. It's gotta be Ali, isn't it?" Sora asked. The Altaria hummed to confirm it. "It is you, Ali. How have you been?" Ali nuzzled Sora affectionately.
"It's definitely Ali. And if Ali's here, then Lisia should be here, too," Kairi said. Ali gestures for the group to follow.
"Ali wants us to follow us," Naminé said.
"Azu, Azu!" Azurill chirped.
And they followed Ali. He flew close to the lake and that's where they spotted Lisia in her Contest Idol outfit. Ali flew up to Lisia.
"There you are, Ali. I was wondering where you disappeared to," Lisia said as Ali made his sounds. "What are you trying to tell me?" She saw the group of Pokémon Trainers and her face lit up like it was Christmas. "May, Brendan, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Michael, Wes, Rui, Kris, Lyra, Ethan!" She ran up to the group. "It's so good to see you!" She noticed some new faces in the group. "You two must be Chase and Elaine, right?"
"Um, yeah," Chase said.
"Sora, Kairi, and the others told us all about you, Lisia," Elaine said.
"Good things, I hope," Lisia said with a smile before she turned to Lucas and Dawn. "And you two have to got to be Dawn and Lucas. May told me lots about you, like how you're Johanna's daughter. I'm pleased to finally meet you."
"I'm the one who should be pleased. I got to meet Lisia, Hoenn's Contest Idol. I've been a huge fan of yours forever!" Dawn said.
"I'm flattered," Lisia said. She saw Lea was in the group as well and she gave a shocked expression, seeing him again. "Axel?! Is it really you? How are you even here? You faded away, didn't you?"
"It's a pretty long story. And it's Lea, not Axel," Lea said.
"It feels like it's been forever since I've seen your faces," Lisia said, smiling. She gave her friends each a tight hug. She finally noticed Kanako. "I don't think I know about you?"
"This is Kanako. She's my younger sister," Riku said.
"Sister? I didn't know you had one, Riku," Lisia said.
"It's an even longer story," Riku said.
"It's nice to meet you," Kanako said.
"I would like to know what you have been up to since you left Hoenn. I wanna get caught up as quickly as possible," Lisia said.
"Sure thing," Sora said. With that said, they all filled Lisia in about their past adventures since they last parted company. They told them about how Chase and Elaine ended up with their own Keyblades as well as Kairi and May being in Pokémon Contests in Kanto before the Kanto Grand Festival, and about how they saved the world from Emperor Mateus's evil, and about their adventures in Sinnoh, apart from Team Galactic and Pokémon Hunter J. Roxas pitched in on that he caught more than his share of Pokémon and how he's competing in the Sinnoh Pokémon League along with Sora and Lucas. Lucas and Dawn filled Lisia in about how they ended up with their own Keyblades like Chase and Elaine. Lea also explained to Lisia about himself and the other members of Organization XIII being recompleted as real people again. Lisia was awestruck, but happy Lea got to be recompleted and got to be with Roxas and Xion again. Kanako filled Lisia in about how she's able to use the Keyblade and about being Count Ernesh's apprentice until she redeemed herself, and how they accepted her despite being enemies, and about Count Ernesh targeting Riku by hiring Hunter J to steal Riku's Eevee and how he would have been Count Ernesh's tool like Kanako was. Lisia was shocked to hear those parts, but she was glad Riku didn't become evil. "And that's about it."
"I have to admit, I almost forgot what sort of things you get yourselves mixed into," Lisia said.
"Well, you didn't miss too much," Sora said.
"They told us about about how you were there during that fight with those Black Sun guys, and about when you were in the Digital World against Devimon, the Demon Lords, and the Dark Masters," Lucas said.
"Also about the battles with Organization XIII in their stronghold," Dawn added.
"Piplup," Piplup said.
"What about you, Lisia? What's new with you?" May asked.
"Well, after you went back to Kanto, I went back to what I did best before I started to travel with you. Like before, I've been scouting for Trainers who had potential to become Coordinators. When Drew and Harley came back, they started to keep an eye on things in Hoenn when Heartless, Unversed, and Nobodies were being spotted, but only them, but some others with Keyblades. I assumed it was Vanitas, but it was different ones. Thinking about now, I'm sure they're connected to this Count Ernesh person you mentioned to me. In fact, Steven, my Incle Wallace, and your dad managed to convince the other Gym Leaders and the Hoenn Elite Four to wipe out any Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed on sight so that the Heartless attack on Rustboro City wouldn't be repeated, May," Lisia explained.
"I'm glad my dad did," May said.
"Me too," Brendan said.
"Come to think of it, I got word from Vincent that he did the same thing with Johto's Gym Leaders and Elite Four," Ethan said.
"And with Kanto's Gym Leaders and Elite Four," Ash said.
"At least we know they're in safe hands," Kris said.
"No doubt Morty is on board since he knows about us having a Keyblade," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Not only that, I ran into Zach, Patrick, Jason, and Marina just before coming here, and they wanted me to give this to you," Lisia said, handing Sora a photo of four kids in a single photo. Zach is a tall, skinny boy with brown hair, and viridian eyes. He wore a pair of round glasses, a dark green shirt, light gray shorts, white socks, and black shoes. He holds a D-Tector-style Digivice that is dark green and black. Patrick is a short, round boy with messy brown hair and indigo eyes. He wore a brown vest, a yellow shirt, brown shorts, and brown shoes. He holds a D-Tector-style Digivice that is brown and orange. Marina is a girl with red hair and violet eyes. She wore a light blue shirt that shows off her navel, a light blue skirt, white socks, and light blue shoes. She holds a D-Tector-style Digivice that is aqua and dark blue. Jason is a boy who has black hair and brown eyes. He wore a blue baseball cap, blue overalls, and white sneakers. He holds a D-Tector-style Digivice that is tan and brown. "And a note." Sora sees the note and reads it.
Hello Keyblade wielders and fellow DigiDestined,
We've been thinking so much about you since we last saw you and fought together in the Digital World up to the final battle.
You inspired us so much, and we've grown even more confident because of you. Not only as DigiDestined, but as Pokémon Trainers, too. We hope we get to hang out with you again.
Zach.
PS, we hope it's soon.
"We haven't seen them since that last battle in the Digital World. I have been wondering how they were," Sora said.
"We all have," Ash said.
"Anyway, Dawn, have you thought about entering the Lisia Cup?" Lisia asked.
"I honestly want to, but I don't know if I should. Every time I think about a Pokémon Contest, I remember what I did wrong, and everything," Dawn said.
"Not everyone makes it in, but you shouldn't let that stop you, Dawn. I'll tell you this. I made my share of mistakes when I was just starting out, and there were times I thought about giving up," Lisia said.
"What kept you going?" Dawn asked.
"It was a peptalk I got from my uncle. He told me that letting down your fans was bad enough, but letting down yourself and your Pokémon is a lot worse. What I'm saying is, you shouldn't be too quick to give it up before you really try," Lisia said.
"I shouldn't give up before I really try," Dawn repeated. She took a deep breath and she thought hard about it. She then remembered the talk got from Kairi and Zoey, and how hard Sora, Roxas, and Lucas battled to earn their Gym Badges. She decided to give it a try as well. "Okay, you've convinced me, Lisia. I'm going to keep trying."
"That's the spirit!" Lisia said with glee. "I'm already looking forward yo see what you got. I'm sure it'll be dazzling!"
"You bet!" Dawn said.
Everyone all smiled, knowing Dawn was willing to give it a chance, not only for Lisia and herself, but her Pokémon.
"You thought about which Pokémon you'll be using for the Lisia Cup?" Elaine asked.
"Eevee!" Maple said.
"I thought about Ambipom just to try again. The last time I used Ambipom to perform, her Swift pretty much covered her up and nobody could see her, but I think I'll try something new," Dawn said.
"Cool," Ethan said.
"I'm looking forward in seeing it," Rui said.
"Me too," Wes said.
"How about you, Kairi? You entering it, too?" Kris asked.
"I don't know. I already have four Ribbons under my belt, and..." Kairi was cut off.
"I think you should, Kairi. After seeing you win your fourth Ribbon just makes me want to win it even more," Dawn insisted."
"She's right, Kairi," May agreed. "And to make it interesting, I'll enter it, too."
"You sure, May? You haven't entered in a Contesy for a while," Leaf pointed out.
"I know. It'll be like riding on a bike, you never forget," May said.
"Especially when she's been practicing just so she wouldn't be rusty," Brendan said.
"And you won't find even a speck of rust on me," May said.
"I don't doubt it, May. You're gonna do just as awesome as Dawn and Kairi," Lyra said.
"Marill," Marill said.
"And I appreciate that, Lyra," May said.
"Yeah, that's real nice of you to say so, Lyra," Brendan said.
"Friends supports each other, no matter. Isn't that right, you guys?" Lyra asked.
"Yeah, that's right," Ethan said.
"Absolutely, Lyra," Kris added.
"Okay, how about the rest of you?" Lyra asked.
"Yeah," Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Chase, Elaine, Lucas, and Dawn said in unison.
"All the way," Riku said.
"I don't need any convincing," Naminé said.
"You got my number," Wes said.
"Mine too," Rui said.
"My two thumbs are up," Michael said.
"Even Luxord wouldn't gamble against it," Roxas said.
"You're barking up the right tree," Xion said.
"I'm with Roxas about that comment about Luxord," Lea said.
"Marill," Marill agreed.
"I'm not even a Coorinator and it feels like I'm a sudden center of attention," Lyra said.
"We all know you'll support us. It shows how loyal you are," Sora said.
"And we all support you, too, Lyra," Kairi said.
"Again, I do appreciate it, Lyra. I'm lucky to have such supportive friends," May said.
"I feel the same way. I don't know how it would have turned out if you haven't come along when those Heartless attacked me, and I'm thankful for that you did come to my aid," Dawn said.
"Piplup," Piplup said.
"And what about your master? How is she doing?" Lisia asked.
"Same as always," the group all said in unison.
"Speaking of which, we should go see her now. She's probably wondering why we're taking so long," Riku said.
"Vee," Eevee agreed.
"Yeah, we should head back and see her. Anyway, Lisia, it was awesome seeing you again," Sora said.
"Likewise," Lisia said with a smile. "Oh, and Chase, Lucas, Dawn, Elaine, it was nice meeting you."
"You too!" Chase, Elaine, Lucas, and Dawn said in unison.
Just when they said their temporary goodbye to Lisia, they're suddenly approached by Nurse Joy, Rhonda, and her crew.
"Excuse me there," Nurse Joy said.
"How much do you wanna bet Rhonda is looking for Lisia?" Sora whispered.
"I don't even have to be a gambler like Luxord to make that kind of bet," Roxas whispered.
"Good point," Sora whispered. Nurse Joy, Rhonda, and the crew got close. "What's up, Nurse Joy?"
"Actually, it's all me. I just wanted to ask you if you saw Contest Idol Lisia, did you?" Rhonda asked.
"Contest Idol Lisia? Who us?" Sora asked.
"Uh," the group all said, trying to think of what to say.
"Why are you looking for her?" May asked.
"It's her day off, and her staff refuses to tell me where she is, but my sources tells me she's somewhere around here," Rhonda said.
"Is that right?" Sora asked.
"I did hear she's around here, but I didn't know where exactly," Kairi said as the rest of the group nodded and played dumb.
"A shot of Lisia relaxing is priceless, and needless to say, we just gotta find her. And when you do see her, just let me know, okay?" Rhonda asked as she's once again conked by the microphone. "WOULD YOU CUT OUT THIS NONSENSE AND WAKE UP ALREADY?! We got an exclusive to cover."
"That explains why Ali came all the way out here by himself," Kris said.
"Well, at least Lisia's privacy is intact," Lucas said.
"You can say that again," Xion said.
"Eevee," Celeste said.
"But it was an amazing day. It was a day we got to see some friends again," Kairi said.
"That's one way to look at it, Kairi," Roxas said.
"Anyway, let's head inside," Sora said as the rest of the group nodded and stepped inside.
"You've been gone for a while," Rei said.
"Well, we had a run-in with another old friend, Master," May said.
"And she's someone you know very well," Ash said.
"I see. It's a funny coincidence that she happens to be here since it has her name. And I trust you had a lot of catching up, my apprentices," Rei said.
"Yes, Master," Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Lucas, and Dawn said in unison.
"Good. I'm glad," Rei said.
"Also, we're announcing that Kairi, May, and I will be entering the Lisia Cup together, Master," Dawn said.
"Is that so?" Rei asked.
"Yeah, Master. We thought we'd give Dawn some additional inspiration," May said.
"But we will do our best," Kairi said.
"I know you three will, my students. Just don't forget that only one of you can win. And even when one, two, three, or none of makes it in, you've done your absolute best. That's the same as Keyblade wielders and Pokémon Trainers," Rei said.
"We won't forget it, Master," Kairi said.
"Now, I believe you will be training for the Lisia Cup. After all, it is a Pokémon Contest," Rei said.
"Right," Kairi, May, and Dawn said in unison.
"Master, if it's okay to ask, but I would like to have a battle with you. It's just, my Hisuian Qwilfish looks really close to evolving," Sora said.
"Of course, Sora. I'll be more than happy to oblige you with a battle," Rei said.
"Thanks," Sora said. A little while later, Sora has his Hisuian Qwilfish out and Rei has her Kindra out. They're both using a water battlefield. "You ready to go, Qwilfish?"
"Qwil!" Qwilfish said.
"You may make the first move, Sora," Rei said.
"Qwilfish! Use Barb Barrage!" Sora ordered. Qwilfish fired a Barb Barrage right at the Dragon Pokémon.
"Kingdra! Use Agility to dodge!" Rei ordered. Kingdra uses its speed move to dodge Qwilfish's Barb Barrage. "Use Twister!" Kingdra whips up a powerful tornado and sends it right at the Hisuian Balloon Pokémon.
"Dodge it and use Sludge Wave!" Sora ordered. Qwilfish dodges Kingdra's Twister and sends Sludge Wave right at Kingdra.
"Dodge it!" Rei called out. Kingdra dodges Qwilfish's Sludge Wave.
"Keep firing that Sludge Wave! Spread it all around if you have to!" Sora called out. Qwilfish does exactly that by spewing Sludge Wave in a spin, hitting Kingdra on the spot. "Use Barb Barrage!" Qwilfish sends out Barb Barrage and it lands a hit onto Kingdra, dealing some damage on Kingdra. "Use Lash Out!" Qwilfish swam towards Kingdra and lands a frustrated hit onto Kingdra. "Barb Barrage again!" Qwilfish sends out Barba Barrage again, so the Hisuian Balloon Pokémon began to evolve. "Qwilfish is evolving!" Qwilfish then became an Overqwi, much to Sora's delight.
"Your Qwilfish is now an Overqwil," Re said.
"How cool is that?" Sora asked.
"Overqwil," the newly evolved Overqwil said.
"You're right. Let's try it again. Barb Barrage!" Sora ordered. Overqwil sends out Barb Barrage and it came out even more powerful since evolving. Kingdra is strck on the mark. "Lash Out!" Overqwil rushes at Kingdra and rammed into the Dragon Pokémon.
"And that will be enough. Kingdra had enough," Rei said.
"Okay, Master, if you say so," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"It was worth having you evolve, Overqwil. You should rest up for a while," Sora said, calling Overqwil back.
Unknown to them, Lisia was watching closely and she smiled at the sight.
"That's one thing that hasn't changed or ever will change. And I know you've grown even stronger since Hoenn, Sora. I can't help but wonder how strong Kairi and May has grown since then, too. It makes me glad I made the trip to Sinnoh after all. I can't show any favoritism toward my friends, but I'll cheer them all on in spirit," Lisia said in her thoughts.
An unexpected meeting with their friend and former traveling companion Lisia made for a happy reunion between friends, and now, Kairi, May, and Dawn are all competing in the Lisia Cup and a win from either region's Pokémon Contests counts towards the Coordinator who wins it, so who will be able to win the Aqua Ribbon and make it one step toward the Sinnoh Grand Festival? Well, that's what we're here to find out, so keep on reading if you want to see some more excitement.