Episode 457: A Crasher Course in Power!
A couple of days have passed since Kairi's battle against Paul. After a while, it was business as usual, but the only difference was there was no Heartless, Nobodies, or Unversed in sight, or at least not yet. Things have been quiet for the most part.
Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Lea, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Lucas, Dawn, Wes, Rui, Michael, the DigiDestined teams, and the Pokémon made their way through the Great Marsh.
Coming out of the tall grass of the marsh are wild Croagunk and Toxicroak along with some Carnivine as well.
"Wook! There's a bunch of Cwoagunk and Toxicwoak in the gwass!" Suzie said.
"Well, the Croagunk and Toxicroak are frog Pokémon, so of course, they're normally found in swamps," Henry said.
"Hey, you have a Croagunk, don'cha, Sora 2?" Davis asked.
"Yeah, but I think my Croagunk would be considered an out-of-towner since he came from a different area. Thinking back now, I'm sure there might have been a swamp where I caught mine," Sora said.
"I'm guessing it's the same with mine when you mention it, but my Croagunk is a tad different from Sora's," Roxas said.
"Well, Pastoria City should be through this Marsh. I think it'll be a good idea to get there before it..." May was cut off by the sound of thunder. It suddenly began to rain. "...rains."
"Oh, no! I just shampooed my hair!" Mimi cried.
"We gotta find shelter! Quickly!" Ash said.
Not needing any further convincing, the group ran as fast as their feet can carry them through the Great Marsh. They found shelter in a nearby cave and used it to get out of the rain.
"Good thing we found this cave to take shelter in," Elaine said.
"Eevee," Maple said.
"Yeah, good thing. And it's big enough for us all," Takato said.
"Charmeleon," Guil said, clinging to Takato.
"I know, boy. It was scary for you. It's okay now," Takato said.
"Char," Guil said.
Kairi looked at the rain and she took out her Pokéball and threw it.
"Come out, Sliggoo!" Kairi called out. Her Pokéball opened and her Sliggoo emerged from the Pokéball and into the rain.
"Why did you let your Sliggoo out, Kairi?" Dawn asked.
"Just wanted to try something while it's raining," Kairi said.
"Try what?" Yolei asked.
"Watch," Kairi said. With that said, Sliggoo began to evolve in front of everyone, much to their amazement.
"Sliggoo's evolving!" Tommy said.
"I understand. You knew Sliggoo's evolution takes place during rain, so you had to take advantage of the rain while you can," Izzy said.
"That's right," Kairi said. Sliggoo has now become a Goodra. The newly evolved Goodra amazed everyone by the sight.
"Is that Goodra?" Davis asked.
"It is. It's a Hisuian Goodra," Ken said.
"A Hisuian Goodra?" Cody asked.
"If I remember correctly, the Goodra that once roamed these parts are Dragon and Steel-types," Izzy said.
"It looks like Kairi's got a super-rare Pokémon under her belt," JP said.
"Hey, you don't think this'll be a place to find some Peat Blocks, do you?" Michael asked.
"I think you might be on to something, Michael. We can have a look as soon as it stops raining," Wes said.
"What are you guys talking about?" Dawn asked.
"They're talking about Peat Blocks. A Peat Block is what is needed to have an Ursaring evolve into an Ursaluna," Rui said.
"An Ursaluna? Really?" Dawn asked.
"Yeah, but it'll be pretty challenging since Ursaring can only evolve during a full moon," Michael said.
"And adding to that, Michael and I will have to be pretty lucky to find one," Wes said.
"But it'll be worth a look," Ethan said.
"I think I'll get my hands into that, too," Roxas said.
"You think we have the time for that?" Rika asked.
"The Gym's not going anywhere, so why not try getting one of those?" Roxas asked.
"He's right. We're not in any hurry," Lea said.
"Well, I hope we don't stay too long because we never know if they'll be Heartless, Unversed, or Nobodies hanging around," Rui said.
"Right. We can't risk being in one place for too long," Sora said.
As soon as it stops raining, Roxas, Wes, and Michael searches the Great Marsh for their own Peat Blocks. Though the search was easier said than done since they were hard to find, but they didn't give up.
Meanwhile, Lucas stepped in the Great Marsh again as he searches for some Pokémon to catch. And it looks like he didn't wait too long as he came across a Croagunk. Taking out a Pokéball, he threw it at the unsuspecting Croagunk, making it flow inisde. The Pokéball wobbled around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Lucas's catch goes off and it asks him if he wants to keep his new Croagunk with him. He chose to send his new Croagunk to Professor Rowan's lab. Just when he was satisfied, he spotted a red Skorupi.
"Hey, a Shiny Skorupi! Cool! A Shiny Pokémon would make a great catch," Lucas said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. Skorupi flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbled around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Lucas's Pokémon Box goes off and it asks him if he wants to keep his Skorupi with him. He chose to send Skorupi to Professor Rowan's lab. "Great." He saw a Carnvine coming at Lucas, so Lucas managed to dodge its bite. "A Carnivine! Okay, let's try this!" Lucas took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Okay, Monferno! Go!" His Pokéball opened and Monferno came out to battle against the Fly Catcher Pokémon. Carnivine lurched toward the Playful Pokémon. "Dodge it and use Fire Punch!" Monferno dodged and lands a Fire Punch onto Carnivine on the mark. "Now, use Flame Wheel!" Monferno curls into a ball of fire and plowed into Carnivine, making it fall into the mud. Lucas took out a Pokéball and threw it. Carnivine flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbled around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Lucas's Pokémon Box goes off and it asks him if he wants to keep his new Carnivine with him. He sends his new Carnivine over to Professor Rowan's lab. "Great job, Monferno."
"Ferno!" Monferno said.
"Now, let's see if we can find some more," Lucas said. He spotted a Wooper eating a piece of fruit that has fallen from a nearby tree. Lucas took out a Pokéball and threw it at Wooper while it was eating. Wooper flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Lucas's Pokémon Box goes off and it asks him if he wants to keep his new Wooper with him. He chose to send his new Wooper to Professor Rown's lab.
Back with Roxas, Wes, and Michael, they kept looking for some Peat Blocks. It took them a while, but they each eventually found a Peat Block and then continued on their way toward Pastoria City. They finally arrived to Pastoria City and entered the Pokémon Center to relax before heading for the Gym. Roxas and Lucas once again chose Sora to battle Crasher Wake first, so Sora couldn't turn it down.
Sora was training with Pikachu, using an Unversed dummy this time, unaware his training was being watched by a strong-built middle-aged man, who has a patch of black hair and beard. He didn't wear a shirt, but he wore orange/blue bracers and boots. His blue pants with orange outlines have black appendages on his legs, which resemble Swampert's appearance. He also wears a blue mask with white wings-like appendages.
"Okay, Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt right at the dummy, shocking it. "Okay, Volt Tackle!" Pikachu ran toward the dummy with a Volt Tackle. The dummy is struck hard by the electrified attack. "Great job as always, Pikachu."
"Very impressive," a voice said from behind. Hearing the voice, Sora turned to see the man approaching him. "Your Pikachu's speed and power are very impressive. There's no doubt you've raised it very well."
"Thanks. Just training for my upcoming Gym battle," Sora said.
"Is that you? Well, I'll have you know that I will accept your challenge anytime," the man said. Sora got wide-eyed at that.
"Wait, are you're telling me that you're Crasher Wake, Pastoria City's Gym Leader?" Sora asked.
"Yes, I am. We can have our battle in my Gym whenever you're ready," Crasher Waker said.
"Really? I mean, great. I'll show up and give it everything I got," Sora said.
"I'm looking forward to it," Crasher Wake said. He then smiled. "Now, if you excuse me, I'll be at my Gym. Come once you feel you're ready."
"Alright," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"Okay, Pikachu, let's keep training. We wanna be on top of our game against Crasher," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
With that said, Sora and Pikachu went back to training.
At the same time, May goes over her Pokémon Box. It shows May has caught a Clefairy, a Nidoqueen, a West Sea Shellos, a Gardevoir, a Bellossom, a Vespiquen, a Chansey, a Milotic, a Glameow, a Mr. Mime. May's Bidoof, Goldeen, Vulpix, Seel, Ponyta, Smoochum, Caterpie, and Buneary have evolved. May's Caterpie has become a female Butterfree after becoming a Metapod.
Brendan has caught a Pidgeot, an Electabuzz, a Magmar, Steelix, a Scizor, a Primeape, a Persian, a Nidoking, a Gengar, a Fearow, a Beedrill, an Arcanine, a Victreebel, an Arbok, Dragonite, a Drapion, a Gabite, a Yanmega, a Vaporeon, a Jolteon, a Flareon, a Toxicroak, a Skuntank, and a Lucario. Brendan's Rattata has evolved into a Raticate, and his Houndour has evolved into a Houndoom.
"We sure made some good catches in Kanto and Sinnoh since we left, huh, May?" Brendan asked.
"Yeah, we did. I guess I got a tad better than when I was starting out," May said.
"You had a rough start as much as Dawn did, but you can tell she's improved since then," Brendan said.
"Yeah. Speaking of Dawn, I'm glad she won the Lisia Cup," May said.
"Yeah. The way I see it, you and Kairi helped her get the boost in confidence she needed," Brendan said.
"I'm just glad to help anyway I can. After all, Dawn sure could use it. And as soon as Lucas, Sora, and Roxas are done battling, I was thinking of trying this restaurant here in Pastoria City I wanted to try out," May said.
"Your bubbly personality is one of the reasons I love you so much, May," Brendan said, making May blush.
"You're really sweet, Brendan," May said.
Unknown to the Hoenn couple, Dawn was observing them closely and envied the both of them, picturing herself and Lucas.
"How lucky they are," Dawn said.
"Piplup," Piplup said.
A little while later, Sora and Pikachu came back to the Pokémon Center, and told the rest of the group they met Crasher Wake during the training.
"Seriously? You met Crasher Wake?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, Pikachu and I met during our training session. He said he was really impressed by Pikachu's speed and power, and he's already looking forward to seeing him in action," Sora said.
"Well, I don't see why he wouldn't be impressed. I mean, you're a tough Trainer, and he's going to see how hard you're going to battle against him," Lucas said.
"I'm with him, Sora. You're gonna rock Crasher's world," Chase said.
"Pika, Pika!" Volt agreed.
"We're all right by your side, Sora, and you're gonna do your best," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"You're right. I'm going to give Crasher a battle he won't forget," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
And not too long afterwards, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Lea, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Lucas, Dawn, the DigiDestined teams, and thePokémon arrived to the Pastoria City Gym's door. They all entered inside and saw Crasher Wake on the inside.
"Well, I truet you are ready. And it looks like you've brought your friends as well," Crasher Wake said.
"Yeah, they came here to watch our battle before a couple of them are challenging you after me," Sora said.
"And I would accept those challenges. What would your name be?" Crasher Wake asked.
"My name is Sora and I came from Pallet Town," Sora said.
"Very well, Sora of Pallet Town. We may begin," Crasher Wake said
Not too long, both Sora and Crasher Wake have taken their positions on the battlefield which happens to be an indoor swimming pool with some platforms on the water.
"The battle of the Pastoria City Gym is about to begin! Each Trainer will be using three Pokémon! During the match, only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokémon! And the battle will be over once all three Pokémon are unable to battle! Now, let the battle begin!" The referee announced as Crasher Wake took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Gyarados! On the water!" Crasher Wake called out. His Pokéball opened and his Gyarados came out to battle. Sora turned to Pikachu.
"Okay, Pikachu, you're going in first!" Sora called out.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"I was hoping you'd begin with your Pikachu. I wanted to see more your of your Pikachu's power first-hand. Gyarados! Use Dragon Rage!" Crasher Waker ordered. Gyarados fired a Dragon Rage.
"Dodge and use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodged by running across the battlefield.
"Look at Pikachu go!" Tommy said.
"Yeah, Tommy, but I wouldn't count out Gyarados yet," Riku said.
"Use Dragon Rage!" Crasher Wake ordered. Gyarados fired a Dragon Rage right at the Mouse Pokémon, hoping to hit him.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu uses a Quick Attack to dodge Gyarados's Dragon Rage. "Use Iron Tail!" Pikachu swings an Iron Tail and lands a hit onto Gyarados on the mark. "Thunderbolt!" Gyarados takes the hit from Pikachu's Thunderbolt, much to Sora's surprise. "What the? Gyarados just took that?"
"But how? Gyarados is weak against Electric-type attacks, right?" Davis asked.
"That's true. But I think Gyarados has a very high stamina to tolerate Luxray's Charge Beam," Henry said.
"Your strategy to take on my Water-type Pokémon with an Electric-type attack is correct! Of course, my Gyarados isn't going to take that lying down! Let's go!" Crasher called out as Gyarados dove into the water. The Atrocious Pokémon swam underwater. Pikachu looked around for Gyarados to show up. And Gyarados did show up.
"Right behind you!" Sora exclaimed. Pikachu quickly turned to see his opponent.
"Use Dragon Rage!" Crasher Wake ordered. Gyarados fired Dragon Rage at Pikachu.
"Dodge and use Volt Tackle!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodged Gyarados's Volt Tackle and lands a heavy hit onto Gyarados, resulting in a knockout.
"Gyarados is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" The referee announced.
"That was awesome!" Ethan said.
"Now, he's got two more remaining," Brendan said.
"And we're gonna find out what he's got planned," Lucas said. Crasher Wake took out another Pokball.
"Thank you, Gyarados. You battled well," Crasher Wake said as he looked over at Sora. "And so did you, Sora. Your Pikachu is even more powerful than I thought. But now, you face your next challenge." He threw his Pokéball. "Quagsire! On the water!" His Pokéball opened. Quagsire came out to battle.
"Okay, Pikachu, come on back!" Sora said. Pikachu came back to Sora's side.
"Sora 2 made a good choice by switching Pokémon since Quagsire's a Ground-type as well as a Water-type, and that's a good counter measure against an Electric-type," Matt said.
"Yeah, but I think there's something more with that Quagsire than we can see," Ryo said. Sora took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Alright, Lilligant! Let's go!" Sora called out. His Pokéball opened and Lilligant came out to battle.
"Well, there's a sight I never thought I would have. A Hisuian Lilligant, and a strong one by the looks of it. Not only that, you made a wise decision by switching your Pikachu for a Grass-type. But my Quagsire is also full of surprises as well. And here it is! Sludge Bomb!" Crasher Wake ordered. Quagsire fired a Sludge Bomb at the Spinning Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Lilligant!" Sora called out. Lilligant dodged Quagsire's Sludge Bomb.
"That was close!" Zoe said.
"Sludge Bomb must be how Crasher deals with Trainers who come in with Grass-types," Jeri said.
"That's right. Grass-types are weak against Poison-type attacks, but I think that Quagsire has something else to show off," Koji said.
"Ice Beam!" Crasher Wake ordered. Quagsire fired an Ice Beam right at Lilligant. It came so fast for Lilligant and she took some heavy damage from the beam of ice.
"And another way of countering Grass-types. Quagsire can use Ice-type attacks as well as Poison-type moves like Sludge Bomb since both are effective against Grass-types. Good planning and strategy," Izzy said.
"Can't use Axe Kick because it's too risky. I'm going have to rely on her other moves," Sora said in his thoughts. He called out loud, "Use Victory Dance and then Magical Solar Blade!" Lilligant does a victorious dance, building up her attack and defense. Her leaves began to glow.
"Use Ice Beam!" Crasher Wake ordered. Quagsire fired an Ice Beam right at Lilligant.
"Dodge it and let it out now" Sora called out. Lilligant dodged. Lilligant dodged Quagsire's Ice Beam and slashed the Water Fish Pokémon with a Solar Beam, resulting in a knockout.
"Quagsire is unable to battle! Lilligant wins!" The referee announced.
"Two down, one to go," Tai said.
"Now we gotta see which is next," Riku said.
"Vee," Eevee said. Crasher Wake called back his Quagsire and smiled.
"You've done well, Quagsire. Get yourself a well-deserved rest," Crasher Wake said. He sets his attention to Sora. "Your skills in battle are very impressive, Sora. Your quick-thinking and timings are perfect. But we will see if it is enough to bring down my latest Pokémon." He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Floatzel! On the water!" His Pokéball opened and his Floatzel came out to battle.
"A Floatzel, and a strong one judging by how it looks," Naminé said.
"Rill," Azurill chirped.
"I'm with Naminé. It looks like a powerhouse to me," Lea said.
"Now, we'll have to see what kind of attacks Floatzel can use," Rika said.
"How right you are, Rika," Kairi said. Sora called bacl Lilligant and took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"You're going in now, Grotle" Sora called out. His Pokéball opened and Grotle came out to battle.
"Looks like he's sending out Grotle for this one," Sora T said.
"Well, Grotle's a Grass-type, too. And Lilligant has already taken some damage from Quagsire's attacks. So it's a smart idea he's making a switch now," Cody said.
"Grotle! Energy Ball!" Sora ordered. Grotle fired an Energy Ball right at his opponent.
"Use Bulk Up!" Crasher Wake ordered. Floatzel stood and increased its attack and defense power and its floatation sacs, making Grotle's Energy Ball bounce off. Sora was surprised by what he saw happened.
"Wha?! No way! Floatzel's defenses are too tough! How can that be?!" Sora exclaimed. Crasher Wake started laughing.
"I'll tell you, Floatzel's floatation sac can get big enough for a person to ride! Even a super-strong move like Giga Impact wouldn't have any effect either!" Crasher said. "Pretty powerful stuff, wouldn't you say?" Crasher Wake said.
"And combine that with Bulk Up, then you got yourself a tough defense," Henry said.
"This is unreal," Kenta said.
"How is he going to take that Floatzel down?" Kazu asked.
"I'm sure he'll find it," Jeri said.
"She's right. There's no pickle he can't get himself out of," JP said.
"Munchlax," Munchlax said.
"Mime, Mime," Mime Jr said.
"Now, Ice Fang!" Crasher Wake ordered. Floatzel rushes at Grotle with an Ice Fang.
"Dodge and use Take Down!" Sora ordered. Grotle dodges Floatzel's Ice Fang and charges in with a Take Down. It does very little damage due to the floatation sacs and the effects of Bulk Up. "Use Razor Leaf!" Grotle lands a Razor Leaf, hitting Floatzel up close.
"Use Razor Wind!" Crasher Wake ordered. Floatzel unleashed a Razor Wind, hitting Grotle on the mark. "Now, use Whirlpool!" Floatzel unleashed a Whirlpool and washed Grotle in it. Grotle then fell out of the whirlpool. "Use Ice Fang" Floatzel lands an Ice Fang onto Grotle, knocking Grotle out.
"Grotle is unable to battle! Floatzel wins!" The referee announced.
"And he finally takes one down," Yolei said.
"That Floatzel isn't just tough, but scary, too," Jeri said. Sora called back his Grotle.
"Get some rest, Grotle. You earned it," Sora said. He took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Lilligant! Back to action!" His Pokéball opened and Lilligant came back out to battle. Sora looked at Lilligant and grits his teeth. "Lilligant is still feeling the injuries from battling Quagsire. Those attacks she endured has done a serious number on her, so I'm gonna have to wing it as best as I can."
"Floatzel! Ice Fang!" Crasher Wake ordered. Floatzel rushed at Lilligant with an Ice Fang.
"Lilligant! Dodge it and use Magical Leaf!" Sora ordered. Lilligant dodged and fired a Magical Leaf onto Floatzel, dealing a decent amount of damage. "Use Solar Blade!"
"Solar Blade takes time to charge, and I don't think Lilligant is going to last long out there," Ken said.
"Use Magical Leaf again!" Sora ordered.
"Use Razor Wind!" Crasher Wake ordered. Lilligant unleashed a Magical Leaf, but Floatzel blows Magical Leaf with a Razor Wind and strike Lilligant on the mark. "Ice Fang!" Floatzel lands an Ice Fang onto Lilligant, finishing her.
"Lilligant is unable to battle! Floatzel wins!" The referee announced. Sora called back Lilligant and looked at Floatzel. The Sea Weasel Pokémon was panting from the power it put into that Razor Wind.
"Great job, Lilligant. You tired out Floatzel like I wanted you to," Sora looked at Pikachu. "It's all up to you, buddy."
"Pika," Pikachu said as he gets back in the battlefield.
"He started up with Pikachu, and he's going to end it with Pikachu," Leaf said.
"Yeah, but that Foatzel has taken down two of Sora's Pokémon," Wes said.
"Yeah, but I think Floatzel has gotten himself exhausted from that Razor Wind," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said. The rest of the group noticed Floatzel was panting.
"Kairi's right. Floatzel looks tired," Takato said.
"Charmeleon," Guil said.
"Maybe so, but even when tired, Floatzel isn't going to go down that easy," Lea said.
"Okay, Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt at Floatzel.
"In the water!" Crasher Wake ordered. Floatzel jumped in the water to avoid the electrical attack.
"Floatzel jumped in the water!" Kazu said.
"Now, Pikachu won't be able to tell where he is," Tommy said.
"But where will Floatzel come out next?" Amy asked.
"I don't know, but it could be from anywhere," Davis said.
"Keep your eyes opened for Floatzel! It'll come out at any sec!" Sora said.
"Pikachu said. He looks around for the Sea Weasel Pokémon and doesn't see his opponent anywhere. Floatzel emerged from the water behind the Mouse Pokémon.
"There's Floatzel!" Amy exclaied.
"Pikachu! Behind you!" Sora called out.
"Floatzel! Ice Fang!" Crasher Wake ordered. Floatzel moved in with an Ice Fang to land an icy bite onto Pikachu. Before Sora could tell Pikachu to dodge, the Sea Weasel Pokémon came too fast for Pikachu to respond.
"Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt, but Floatzel dodged it by jumping in the water again. On every second, Floatzel came out and attacked Pikachu with an Ice Fang, landing a hit. Pikachu even flinched a few times from Floatzel's Ice Fang. Floatzel lands one more Ice Fang, but ends up being paralyzed by Pikachu's Static. Floatzel jumped back in the water.
"Pikachu doesn't wook so good," Suzie said.
"That repeated Ice Fang barrage can do that, Suzie," Henry said.
"If Pikachu takes more damage like that, then it could be all over," Tai said.
"Hang in there a little longer," Sora said. Floatzel came out again and lunged at Pikachu with another Ice Fang. Sora quickly noticed how sluggish Floatzel was moving. It didn't take a rocket scientist to tip him off that Floatzel was now paralyzed from Pikachu's Static. This gave Sora an idea of a lifetime, but he hoped it would be worth it. "Get on Floatzel's face!" The group were surprised by what Sora told his partner to do. Crasher Wake was surprised as Pikachu jumped onto Floatzel's face.
"Shake Pikachu off!" Crasher Wake called out. Floatzel tried to shake off Pikachu, but he held on like crazy.
"Thunderbolt! Turn up the juice!" Sora ordered. Pikachu gave Floatzel quite a shock with his Thunderbolt, giving his opponent a huge aount of damage. Floatzel has taken all he could take and fell backwards. Pikachu then got off of Floatzel's face. Floatzel was down and out.
"Floatzel is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The winner of the battle is Sora from Pallet Town!" The referee announced. The entire group all cheered as they each congratulated Sora for his victory as Crasher Wake called back his Floatzel and smiled.
"Well done, my friend. You battled hard, and your rest is well-deserved," Crasher Wake said as he approached Sora and his friends. "That was an incredible battle, Sora. You gave it everything you had, and you didn't give up even once. Your skills in battle deserves so much respect."
"Thanks, Crasher. You would have had me if I didn't think of that last thing," Sora said.
"But you had me. And so, as proof of your victory, it is my honor and privilege to present you the Fen Badge," Crasher Wake said, holding out a Gym Badge that is shaped like a lake with gray reeds around it or a wave seen from the front, a reference to the type of wetland called a fen. Sora placed his newest Gym Badge with the other four he already earned.
"Five down, three to go," Sora said.
"Now, which of your friends have also come to challenge me?" Crasher Wake asked.
"That would be me, Crasher. I would like to battle you tomorrow," Lucas said.
"And I'll gladly wait for my turn later," Roxas said.
"Very well. And your names would be...?" Crasher Waker asked.
"I'm Lucas and I come from Twinleaf Town," Lucas said.
"And I'm Roxas, and I come from Pallet Town," Roxas said.
"Very well, Lucas and Roxas. I'm looking forward in seeing your skills in battle," Crasher Wake said.
"I promise you won't be disappointed," Lucas said.
Shortly after the battle against Crasher Wake, the group returned to the Pokémon Center to have Pikachu, Lilligant, and Grotle healed from their injuries. Lucas has let out his Pokémon to train for it. Lucas's Buizel saw a poster of Crasher Wake and his Floatzel on a wall and Buizel looked at Floatzel. Lucas approached Buizel.
"Hey, Buizel, what are you do-" Lucas paused when he saw the poster. "Have you been looking at this poster the whole time?" Lucas asked.
"Bui," Buizel said as he nodded.
"I see. You wanna battle against that Floatzel, don't you?" Lucas asked.
"Bui, Bui," Buizel said with a nod.
"Are you sure? That Floatzel is a tough customer. He took on Sora's Pokémon and they were nothing to sneeze at, so I..." Lucas was cut off.
"Bui!" Buizel said. Lucas knew that just fired Buizel up a whole lot more.
"I don't think I can talk you out of it even if I try, so okay. I'll use you in the upcoming battle against Crasher. And I'll save you for that Floatzel," Lucas said.
"Bui, Bui!" Buizel said.
Unknown to Lucas, Sora, Kairi, and Dawn are in the corner, observing Lucas.
"I never would have thought of Lucas using his Buizel against his evolved form," Kairi said.
"Me neither. But I don't think Buizel is going to back away from a challenge like a Floatzel," Sora said.
Floatzel"We all saw how tough Floatzel is, and he took down Grotle and Lilligant like it wasn't a problem, Dawn pointed out.
"Yeah, you're right, Dawn. That Floatzel gave me a real run for my money. And I could tell Crasher's Floatzel is tougher than mine, but if Lucas is going for it, then we're all going to back him up," Sora said.
"Yeah, you're right, Sora," Kairi said.
With that said, they decided to leave Lucas alone to let him train in peace. Lucas has decided to use his Grotle and Luxray for the match. Lucas trained for a couple of hours before heading off for bed. Lucas got up earlier than the rest of the group and continued to train some more as a tune-up. Once Lucas felt he was ready, the group returned to the Pastoria City Gym for the match to begin.
"The battle between Lucas from Twinleaf Town and Crasher Wake is about to begin! Both trainers will be using three Pokémon each! The battle will be over when either of the challenger's or the Gym Leader's Pokémon are unable to continue battling! In addition, only the challenger is allowed to switch Pokémon! Now, choose your Pokémon and begin!" Crasher Wake chooses first as he threw his Pokéball.
"Gyarados! On the water!" Crasher Wake shouted as Gyarados roared upon entry. Lucas knew Luxio would be the best choice since Gyarados is a Water and Flying-type, also the Pichu he got recently is still a beginner.
"Luxray, you go first!" Lucas said as he called him.
"Luxray!" Luxray said as he entered.
"Luxray, huh? You made a wise choice, Lucas. Give it all you got!" Crasher Wake called out.
"Luxray! Charge Beam!" Lucas ordered. Luxray fires Charge Beam at the Atrocious Pokémon. Gyarados got hit by Luxray's Charge Beam but did little damage to Gyarados. "Charge Beam didn't do a thing!"
"Just like before! Gyarados just took that," Kris said.
"Yeah, but I don't think that's going to stop Lucas from trying," Wes said.
"Much like Sora, your strategy to take on my Water-type Pokémon with an Electric-type attack is correct! And just like before, my Gyarados isn't going to take that lying down! Let's go!" Crasher called out as Gyarados dove into the water. The Atrocious Pokémon swam underwater. Luxray looked around, knowing Gyarados was going to come out at any time.
"I gotta keep my cool. If I lose it even once, Luxray will get just as flustered," Lucas said in his thoughts.
Gyarados came right out of the water.
"Now, use Dragon Rage!" Crasher Wake ordered. Gyrados fires Dragon Rage right at the spark Pokémon.
"Break it with Iron Tail!" Lucas ordered. Luxray breaks Gyarados's Dragon Rage with Iron Tail.
"Use Bite and don't let it get away!" Crasher called out.
"Wild Charge!" Lucas ordered. Luxray came at the atrocious Pokémon and landed a good clean hit. "Way to go, Luxray!"
"What?! But that Wild Charge hit in mid-air!" Crasher Wake exclaimed. Gyarados was taken down by Luxray's Wild Charge.
"Gyarados is unable to battle! Luxray wins!" The referee announced.
"Great job, Luxray!" Lucas said.
"Lux," Luxray said.
"Lucas won the first one," Dawn said, feeling glad for him while Crasher Wake called back Gyarados.
"Thank you, Gyarados. You did your best," Crasher said kindly. "As for you, Lucas, the way you used the speed from Gyarados's fall with that Wild Charge was incredible!"
"I'm glad that I was able to impress you! Thanks a lot!" Lucas said.
"Lux!" Luxray said. Crasher took out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"Time for our next battle! Quagsire! On the water!" Crasher Wake called out as Quagsire came on out to battle. Lucas knew Quagsire is a Ground-type as well as a Water-type, so he called Luxray back.
"I knew he was going to send Quagsire out next. Just as I knew Lucas was going to make a change in Pokémon," Sora said.
"That would mean he's sending out his Grotle next," Elaine said.
"That's right, Elaine. And that Quagsire knows Ice Beam and Sludge Bomb. Both do some serious damage on Grass-types," Ash said.
"Go Grotle!" Lucas called his next Pokémon.
"Excellent strategy to come after my Quagsire with Grass-type Pokémon! After you!" Crasher said.
"Grotle! Razor Leaf!" Lucas ordered. Grotle fires Razor Leaf right at the Mud Fish Pokémon. As soon as Grotle fires Razor Leaf, Quagsire sways to the right.
"Just barely made a scratch!" JP said.
"Quagsire! in the pool!" Crasher Wake called out. Quagsire dove in the water.
"Quagsire is in the water, so I'll have to attack from the surface," Lucas said. "Move around to throw off Quagsire!" Grotle moves around to throw off the Mud Fish Pokémon, but Quagsire could tell where Grotle is by the platforms on the water's surface.
"Sludge Bomb!" Crasher ordered. Quagsire fires Sludge Bomb at Grotle and it strikes Grotle hard.
"Hold on, Grotle!" Lucas said.
"Even underwater, Quagsire's excellent hearing allows it to know just where Grotle is every second!" Crasher Wake said. "I'm afraid there's no place to hide in my Gym!" Quagsire swims around in the water. "Quagsire! Ice Beam!" Quagsire comes out and fires Ice Beam right at Grotle from behind.
"A direct hit!" Matt said.
"And that was pretty powerful!" Kari added.
But then Grotle opens his mouth and fires a massive glowing green seed which went to the water and causes explosions that greatly damage Quagsire expelling him out from the water which surprises Crasher.
"That was Seed Bomb!" Lucas said, seeing that Grotle learned a new move while Quagsire fell to the platform, already beaten after receiving more than double the damage done by the Seed Bomb move.
"Quagsire is unable to battle! Grotle wins!" The referee announced.
"Nice job, Grotle," Lucas said.
"Grotle." Grotle nodded.
"That was fantastic," Sora T said.
"The way that he turned the tables on Quagsire was amazing!" TK said.
"That was surprising," Cody said.
"And now, Crasher Wake is down to one Pokémon left to use," Izzy said.
"And I think I have a good idea on which one that one is," Takato said.
"Char," Guil said. Crasher calls Quagsire back and he smiles.
"Quagsire, excellent. Time for a good rest," Crasher said, taking out his next Pokéball. "Nice, Lucas! You've really given me an enjoyable battle! Your speed and combinations are all first-rate! And that deserves respect. Now for my final Pokémon!" He threw it. "Floatzel! On the water!" Floatzel appeared on the battlefield as Lucas remembered that his Buizel wanted to beat his evolved form before calling back Grotle.
"Now it's your turn, Buizel!" Lucas called his Buizel to battle.
"And here it is. The battle between evolved forms," Chase said.
"Buizel is at a disadvantage since Floatzel is Buizel's evolved form. But I don't think that's going to stop him or Buizel," Ryo said.
"I knew he was saving Floatzel for last. He did the same thing with me," Sora said.
"Okay, Buizel! Use Aqua Jet!" Lucas ordered. Buizel launches himself with Aqua Jet.
"Bounce it back!" Crasher Wake called out as the floatation sac inflated and sent Buizel back. Buizel was shocked to see that his attack didn't even touch him.
"I forgot! Floatzel's defenses are too tough!" Lucas said.
"Okay, refresh my memory. Crasher did say that Floatzel's floatation sacs can get to be so big, right?" Amy asked.
"Yeah, and that super-strong attacks like Hyper Beam won't even have that much effect," Joe said.
"And after battling Sora 2 yesterday, Lucas will have to try very hard to take that Floatzel down," Michael said.
"Water Pulse!" Lucas ordered. Buizel forms Water Pulse and sends it right at his evolved form. Floatzel just stood there and gave the Water Pulse a punch with its paw. Lucas and Buizel were shocked to see it.
"Now, we' 'll just have a turn! Use Razor Wind!" Crasher ordered. Floatzel unleashes Razor Wind right at Buizel. Razor Wind has struck him hard.
"Buizel!" Lucas gasped as Buizel fell in the water.
"That was a powerful Razor Wind!" Kenta said.
"Buizel! Water Gun!" Lucas ordered. Buizel fires Water Gun at Floatzel, but Floatzel blocks with a fin and Buizel ceases fire.
"Water-type moves aren't going to work against us!" Crasher Wake said.
"Come at Floatzel!" Lucas called out. Buizel heads right for his evolved form.
"Intercept it!" Crasher called out as Floatzel dodged Buizel and gave him a light punch on the side. Buizel fell into the water again. "Now, use Bulk Up!" Floatzel began to flex its muscles and increased both of its attack and defense.
"Now Floatzel increased the attack and defense," Kazu said as Floatzel dove into the water after Buizel. They circle each other in the water, waiting for the other to make.
"Sonic Boom!" Lucas called out.
"Razor Wind!" Crasher ordered. Buizel and Floatzel fire Sonic Boom and Razor Wind and an explosion occurs underwater. They circle around each other again. They both knew it was going to go either way.
"Aqua Jet!" Lucas ordered. Buizel inflated his floatation sac and darted right at Floatzel. The evolved Sea Weasel Pokémon took the hit heavily. Buizel hurls Water Pulse at Floatzel and goes flying out of the water, creating a pillar of water. Buizel jumped out of the water and looked at the pillar with pride.
"That was excellent! Use Ice Fang!" Crasher ordered. Floatzel came at Buizel with Ice Fang.
"Sonic Boom!" Lucas ordered. Buizel unleashes Sonic Boom, but Floatzel moves to the right and lands a perfect Ice Fang on Buizel.
"Water Pulse!" Lucas ordered. Buizel sends Water Pulse against Floatzel.
"Bounce it back!" Crasher Wake called out. Floatzel's sac inflates and Water Pulse bounces right Buizel ends up being confused by his own attack.
"Buizel's confused!" Lucas gasped.
"Razor Wind!" Crasher ordered as Buizel is sent flying right into Lucas' arms. He catches the Sea Weasel Pokémon.
"Why don't you take a short rest for now?" Lucas suggested and Buizel nodded while Lucas prepared his next Pokéball. "You're going back out, Luxray!"
"Luxray!" Luxray appeared in the battlefield to battle Floatzel.
"Okay, Luxray, Floatzel took loads of damage battling Buizel, so let's finish what Buizel started! Charge Beam!" Lucas ordered. Luxray fires Charge Beam right at Floatzel.
"Whirlpool!" Crasher ordered. Floatzel forms whirlpool and hurls it to block Charge Beam. An explosion occurs as the water conduscted sparks. They struck both of Lucas and Buizel. It was enough to snap Buizel out of his confusion.
"Wild Charge!" Lucas ordered.
"Razor WInd!" Crasher ordered.
Luxray came at Floatzel with Wild Charge as Floatzel fires Razor Wind at Luxray and sends him flying and cancels out Wild Charge.
"Luxray, no!" Lucas cried.
"Use Ice Fang!" Crasher ordered as Floatzel came at Luxray with Ice Fang and landed a hit with Ice Fang. His back ends up being frozen from that Ice Fang.
"Luxray!" Lucas gasped.
"You see, Lucas, my Floatzel is no ordinary Water-type Pokémon. It's the strongest Water-type Pokémon!" Crasher said.
"Bui, Bui!" Buizel said. Lucas looked right at Buizel and saw how determind he is. "Bui, Bui, Bui!"
"You wanna go back out there after taking all that damage?" Lucas asked.
"Bui," Buizel nodded.
"If that's what you want, then I won't stop you," Lucas said. He called out to his partner. "Luxray! Buizel's to go back in!"
"Lux!" Luxray said. Crasher was impressed by the teamwork Lucas's Pokémon were displaying.
"Excellent teamwork, Lucas!" Crasher complimented. They switch places as Luxray and Buizel high-fived with each other. Buizel fires a gentle Water Gun on Luxray's back, shattering the ice.
"Thanks a lot, Buizel!" Lucas said.
"Ray!" Luxray said. Buizel turned and he got ready to battle some more.
"That's wonderful! Seeing true friendship between Pokémon! So! Lucas, bring it all on!" Crasher Wake dared his opponent.
"Buizel! Aqua Jet!" Lucas ordered as Buizel comes at Floatzel with Aqua Jet.
"Ha! You can't defeat Floatzel with Water-type moves! Ice Fang, go!" Crasher Wake ordered. Floatzel came at Buizel with Ice Fang. Buizel gets pass Floatzel and right back at Floatzel from behind. "Not bad!" Buizel lands on a platform on the water as Floatzel stands back up. "Destroy where they stand with Razor Wind!" Floatzel fires Razor Wind at the platform. An explosion occurs, but Buizel jumps in the water in the cover of smoke. "Jump above, Buizel!" Floatzel jumps to get Buizel, but when the smoke clears, it saw Buizel was gone. "The the?!
"Knock Floatzel down with your powerful Water Pulse!" Lucas ordered and Buizel jumps out of the water and gave the evolved Sea Weasel Pokémon a powerful Water Pulse up close.
"Floatzel!" Crasher Wake gasped. Floatzel is sent flying as it lands on its back on a platform.
"Floatzel is unable to battle! Buizel wins! The victory goes to Lucas from Twinleaf Town!" The referee announced. Everyone all cheered for Lucas's win.
"Yes! Lucas did it!" Dawn cheered.
"Piplup!" Piplup cheered
"And he did it without losing a single Pokémon!" Takuya said.
With that done, Buizel gave a few kicks and punches as Buizel started to evolve. The intense battle has caused Buizel to evolve into a Floatzel. Crasher Wake was impressed by the way Lucas has handled himself in battle, just like Sora. He called back his Floatzel.
"As always, great job, Floatzel," Crasher Wake said. "Witnessing Buizel underwater like that during the explosion was something to see! And the way his Buizel had evolved after the battle is what I wasn't expecting. He's more powerful that I could ever expect," Crasher Wake said in his thoughts as he approached Lucas. "You did a masterful job combining each of your Pokémon's abilities! Great effort"
"Thanks, Crasher! After watching you and Sora yesterday, I just wanted to show you what I was made of," Lucas said.
"You did promise that I wouldn't be disappointed, and you kept your promise. So, as proof of your victory, I shall present you the Fen Badge," Crasher Wake said, giving Lucas the Fen Badge. Lucas accepts it and he smiles.
"I'm half way done," Lucas said.
"That means it's all on you now, Roxas," Lea said.
"Yeah, it does," Roxas said.
Now that Sora and Lucas have each earned a Fen Badge, it was now Roxas's turn. And he will have to be on top of his game in order to earn his fourth Gym Badge from him, so stay tuned for an epic battle coming up.