Episode 469: Challenging a Towering Figure!
We open up to Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel continued on their journey throughout the Sinnoh region when Kairi receives a notification on her Rotom Phone. She checks it.
"Sora, it says that there's a Pokémon Contest going on in Celestic Town, and it'll be going on real soon," Kairi said.
"And that shouldn't be too far from here. Maybe we should go and check it out. I mean, as much as I'd like for you to earn your fifth Ribbon, you'll be able to qualify for the Grand Festival," Sora said.
"What about your Gym battle, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"Riku and the others will be watching your performance on TV, and that just gives me more time for training, so the Gym isn't going anywhere, right?" Sora asked.
"I guess you're right. And you're right about it not being too far since Celestic Town is close to Mount Coronet," Kairi said.
"Next stop, Celestic Town," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel decided to make Celestic Town their next destination. They also remembered it being Cynthia's hometown, so not only they would see Cynthia, but Kairi will be in the Pokémon Contest as well.
Several hours came and went as Kairi began to practice for the Contest. Kairi thought of either using one of her Hisuian Pokémon, and she thought of evolving them with the right evolution stone. Kairi used a Leaf Stone for her Voltorb and a Fire Stone for her Growlithe. Before they knew it, her Voltorb and Growlithe evolved into an Electrode and Arcanine. Sora also did some training of his own. During the training, Snover and Bronzor evolved into an Abomasnow and Bronzong.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel arrived to a trail and they saw Barry with a tall man, who has orange eyes and yellow hair. He wears a green coat with yellow buttons and a symbol on the back, a white shirt, brown pants with a black belt, black boots and black gloves.
"Hey, isn't that Barry?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, it is, but who's that with him?" Kairi asked.
"I don't know, but we should go over and say hi to him," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu agreed.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Yeah, we should," Kairi said.
With that said, Sora and Kairi went over to Barry and the man when they were talking.
"Hey, Barry," Sora greeted. Barry turned to see the couple coming up to them.
"Sora, Kairi, hey! It's been a while!" Barry said.
"These your friends, son?" The man asked.
"Yeah, this is Sora and his girlfriend Kairi. They came from the Kanto region. Sora, Kairi, meet my dad," Barry introduced.
"So you're Sora and Kairi. Barry told me about you two. My name's Palmer and I'm the Frontier Tycoon here in the Sinnoh Battle Frontier," Palmer said.
"Wait, there's a Battle Frontier here in Sinnoh?" Sora asked, surprised.
"Chu?" Pikachu asked.
"You mean you to tell me, you didn't know that?" Barry asked.
"Well, I only knew about the one in the Hoenn region," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Really? Did you participate in the Hoenn Battle Frontier?" Palmer asked.
"Yeah. It was while I was challenging the Gym Leaders there, too. I eventually battled against the Frontier Brains and earned of the Frontier Symbols from each of them," Sora said.
"I see. Well, like Hoenn, the Sinnoh region has a Battle Frontier as well, but it's a little bit different than what you're probably used to," Palmer said.
"How different?" Kairi asked.
"Well, for thing, as you are already aware, you challenge the Frontier Brains to a battle like a Gym Leader, and battle. Unlike the Hoenn Battle Frontier, you earn printouts," Palmer explained.
"A printout? We get that instead of a Symbol?" Sora asked.
"That's right. There are five facilities located in Sinnoh, and you earn a printout from every Frontier Brain you defeat," Palmer said.
"Wow, that is different," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Say, Barry also tells me that you're participating in the Sinnoh Pokémon League, right?" Palmer asked.
"Yeah. So far, I got five Gym Badges," Sora said, showing his Gym Badges to Palmer.
"Pretty impressive, kid," Palmer said. "You only need to acquire three more Gym Badges it would seem."
"Yeah, that's right," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Say, you think I can have a battle with you?' Sora asked.
"Sure, why not? The Battle Tower shouldn't be too hard to find since it's the only tower out here, so you're more than welcome to come by whenever you're ready. Barry, can I count on you to meet up with me later?" Palmer asked.
"You know I can, dad," Barry said.
"Great. I'll see you kids later," Palmer said, taking off.
"You too," Sora and Kairi said. A little later, Sora, Kairi, Barry, and the Pokémon has some lunch, consisting of some sandwiches Kairi has made.
"Just so you know, Sora, just because you're a Pokémon League Champion doesn't mean you're gonna beat my dad in battle," Barry said.
"I'm ready for anything your dad can throw at me. Besides, I'm curious about what he's got up his sleeve anyway," Sora said.
"You mean you're not the least bit worried about losing, Sora?" Barry asked.
"Not really. I can tell your dad's an awesome Trainer. He looks strong enough to be a member of the Elite Four if he wanted to be," Sora said.
"Elite Four nothing! He could be Champion if he wanted to be! I can bet a million munny that he can take on Cynthia with one hand tied behind his back," Barry said.
"Sounds like you look up to your dad a whole lot, Barry," Kairi said.
"Are you kidding? My dad's the toughest Pokémon Trainer I know. You can say whatever you want about my dad, but nothing you say will make me think otherwise," Barry said.
"Actually, Barry, Kairi and I think it's great you look up to your dad," Sora said.
"Yeah. That's something you should be thankful for," Kairi said. Barry looked at Sora and Kairi, seeing how serious they were being.
"Wow, I never would have thought of that. But you're right. I guess I would have fined the both of you for nothing," Barry said, feeling embarrassed. He chuckled. "It was really nice of you anyway."
"Hey, that's what friends are for, Barry," Sora said. Barry smiled.
"You remind me so much of Lucas back in the day," Barry said.
"I remind you of Lucas?" Sora asked.
"Yeah. I mean, Lucas would say the same thing as you did, even though my dad's never home most of the time," Barry said.
"Your dad's hardly home?" Sora asked.
"Yeah. I usually see him around Christmas. And he calls me through phone about some things. One of those things was meeting you two and the others," Barry said.
"That wasn't hard to figure out," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Are you heading to Hearthome City, Barry?" Kairi asked.
"Yeah. Tomorrow. So, I'll be watching your battle against my dad before I do," Barry said.
"Kairi and I know you'll be rooting for your dad, so we wouldn't expect you to do otherwise," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Thanks, I was gonna do that anyway. He's gonna whoop you good!" Barry said.
A little later, Barry leads the couple to the Battle Tower and there was Palmer waiting for him to come along.
"Ah, so you decided to show up after all, didn't you? Great job at leading them here, Barry," Palmer said.
"Thanks, dad," Barry said.
"Just so you know, it'll be a three-on-three Pokémon battle," Palmer said.
"I figured as much," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Just as a friendly warning, I am not pulling my punches on you just because you're friends with my kid," Barry said.
"I don't want you to. I want you to throw everything you got at me, and I'm planning on doing the same thing," Sora said.
"I like your attitude, Sora. Let's get started," Palmer said.
A few moments later, Sora and Palmer got into position on the battlefield as Kairi, Barry, and Angel sat on the bleechers.
"The Frontier Battle between the Tower Tycoon Palmer versus Sora from Pallet Town is about to begin! Each Trainer will be using Pokémon! During the match, only the challenger will be allowed to substitute Pokémon! Now, choose your first Pokémon and begin!" The referee called out. Palmer took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're going in first, Dragonite!" Palmer called out. His Pokéball opened and his Dragonite came out with a roar. Sora grinned as he took out his first Pokéball.
"So, a Dragonite, huh? Then, I'm going with Abomasnow!" Sora called out. His Pokéball opened and Abomasnow emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"An Abomasnow, huh? Using an Ice-type Pokémon like Abomasnow is smart. But will it be enough?" Palmer asked.
"It's a great idea sending out Abomasnow first since he's an Ice-type Pokémon," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Yeah, I'll admit, Abomasnow has the advantage since being an Ice-type, but Abomasnow is also at a disadvantage since Dragonite is a Flying-type," Barry said.
"That's true, Barry. It could go either way," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"It'll take more than ice to scare my Dragonite away, and he is the proof! Draginite! Fire Punch!" Palmer ordered. Dragonite rushes at Abomasnow with a Fire Punch.
"Dodge and use Ice Shard!" Sora ordered. Abomasnow dodged Dragonite's Fire Punch and fires Ice Shard at the Dragon Pokémon. It deals heavy damage on it. "Now, use Ice Punch!" Abomasnow heads right toward Dragonite and lands an Ice Punch onto Dragonite.
"Dragonite! Use Iron Tail!" Palmer ordered. Dragonite swings its tail as it gives off a metallic glow and lands a hit onto the Frost Tree Pokémon. "Fire Punch!" Dragonite lands a Fire Punch, landing a hit onto Abomasnow.
"Whoa!" Sora exclaimed.
"Did you think Fire Punch was the only move I taught my Dragonite to deal with Ice-type Pokémon like your Abomasnow? Iron Tail works wonders against them since Ice-types are weak against Steel-type moves like Iron Tail," Palmer said.
"Acutally, I thought you had some other moves to use against Abomasnow besides Fire Punch. I was just surprised you didn't take long to use them," Sora said.
"Is that so? Well, here is a little something extra. Air Slash!" Palmer ordered. Dragonite unleashed an Air Slash and sends it right at Abomasnow. It came so fast for Abomasnow, he didn't have time to dodge in time. "Dragon Pulse!" Dragonite sends out a Dragon Pulse at Abomasnow.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Abomasnow quickly got up and ran to avoid Dragonite's Dragon Pulse. "Use Ice Shard!" Abomasnow unleashes Ice Shard.
"Fire Punch!" Palmer ordered. Dragonite uses Fire Punch to block Abomasnow's Ice Shard. "Nice try. Like I already told you, it's going to take more than ice to scare my Dragonite away."
"I'm planning to do more than scare your Dragonite, Palmer. And I'm just getting warmed up!" Sora said. Palmer said.
"That's the spirit," Palmer said.
"I knew Palmer's good, but he's even better than I thought. Maybe I could give him a little some he won't see coming," Sora said in his thoughts. He called out, "Razor Leaf!" Abomasnow fired a Razor Leaf at Dragonite.
"Fire Punch again!" Palmer ordered. Dragonite uses Fire Punch to block Abomasnow's Razor Leaf.
"What is he up to? He should know Dragon-types don't take too much damage from Grass-type moves," Barry said.
"If I know Sora, Razor Leaf's a trick," Kairi said.
"What do you mean a trick?" Barry asked.
Abomasnow kept firing Razor Leaf as Dragonite keeps blocking with Fire Punch. Each punch was tiring out Dragonite. Sora began to notice how tired Dragonite was getting.
"Great! Dragonite's getting tired from using all of that Fire Punch. Better take advantage of the situation while I can," Sora said in his thoughts. He ordered. "Use Ice Shard!" Abomasnow fired Ice Shard at the Dragon Pokémon, dealing some heavy damage from the ice attack. This takes Palmer completely by surprise when he then realized something as soon as he noticed how pooped Dragonite looked.
"I get it. That Razor Leaf from eariler was a trick. He set a trap for me and I walked right into it. An impressive strategy," Palmer said.
"I see what you mean, Kairi. My dad's Dragonite tired itself out with that Fire Punch shield. He knew what to do after that," Barry said.
"That's Sora for you, Barry. He found a way around a problem," Kairi said.
"Abomasnow! Ice Punch!" Sora ordered. Abomasnow lands an icy uppercut, sending Dragonite flying.
"Air Slash!" Palmer ordered. Dragonite sends out an Air Slash and sends it at Abomasnow.
"Dodge and use Ice Beam!" Sora orded. Abomasnow fired an Ice Beam, freezing Dragonite in it.
"Dragonite!" Palmer called out.
"One more Ice Punch!" Sora ordered. Abomasnow lands an Ice Punch onto Dragonite, resulting in a knockout.
"Dragonite is unable to battle! Abomasnow wins!" The referee announced.
"Awesome job, Abomasnow!" Sora said.
"Snow!" Abomasnow roared.
"No way! My dad's Dragonite lost," Barry said.
"Your dad has two more Pokémon left to use," Kairi said.
"Vee," Angel said.
"You're right, but my dad's Pokémon's gonna get the job done," Barry said. Palmer called back his Dragonite and smiled.
"Great job, Dragonite. You've earned a good, long rest," Palmer said. He looked right at Sora. "Not bad, Sora. You're even better than my Barry said you are. Now, it's time to dish out my next Pokémon." Palmer took out a Net Ball and threw it. "Milotic! Go!" His Pokéball opened and a Milotic emerged from inside. Palmer's Milotic has shorter hair-like appendages than Kairi's, indicating it's a male Milotic.
"A Milotic," Kairi said.
"Awesome," Barry said, taking out his Rotom Phone to scan it.
Milotic, the Tender Pokémon
The evolved form of Feebas
Type: Water
It is said that Milotic is the most beautiful of all Pokémon. Its beauty is the source of inspirations among artists. It makes its home at the bottom of large lakes. When this Pokémon's body glows a vivid pink, it releases a pulsing wave of energy that brings soothing calm to restless spirits.
"Milotic's a Water-type, so that means Abomasnow has the advantage against it; but I think Abomasnow's tired from battling Dragonite, so I'm gonna have to switch Pokémon just to play it safe," Sora said, calling back Abomasnow. He turned to Pikachu. "You go and battle it, Pikachu."
"Chu," Pikachu said. Pikachu stepped in to battle the Tender Pokémon.
"Now, you're using Pikachu against my Milotic, huh? I like the way you think. Milotic! Start up with Disarming Voice!" Milotic sends out Disarming Voice to strike Pikachu.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu uses his speed attack to dodge Milotic's Disarming Voice. "Use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt, shocking the Tender Pokémon.
"That was super effective!" Kairi said.
"Yeah, but Milotic's still standing!" Barry said. Kairi looked at Milotic and saw how right he was.
"He just took it?" Kairi asked.
"Vee?" Angel asked.
"You thought my Dragonite was the only Pokémon who has a way to deal with type weaknesses? Well, it's the same for my Milotic. Alright, Milotic! Use Water Pulse!" Palmer ordered. Milotic sends out a Water Pulse, landing a hit onto Pikachu, resulting in a confusion.
"Pikachu's totally confused from Milotic's Water Pulse. Pikachu's going to be an easy target with Milotic's attacks. Better be careful with whatever that Milotic has got," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Dragon Dance!" Palmer ordered. Milotic swerves around, building up his attack and defense power. "Use Aqua Tail!" Palmer ordered. Milotic lands a hit with Aqua Tail.
"Use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu managed to use Quick Attack and lands a hit. "Thunderbolt!" Pikachu tried to use Thunderbolt, but ends up hurting himself. "Use Thunderbolt again!" Pikachu tried to use another Thunderbolt and fired Thunderbolt, landing a successful hit.
"Impressive. But it's not over yet. Water Pulse!" Palmer ordered. Milotic sends out a Water Pulse. Pikachu shook off the confusion and dodges Milotic's Water Pulse before it could hit him.
"Nice dodge! Use Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dashed at Milotic and swings in with Iron Tail.
"Aqua Tail!" Palmer ordered. Both Pokémon clashed their attacks against one another, dealing some damage on one another. "Disarming Voice!"
"Dodge and use Volt Tackle!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dodged Milotic's Disarming Voice and dashed at the Tender Pokémon with a Volt Tackle. Pikachu deals a heavy hit. Milotic fell backwards, beaten.
"Milotic is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" The referee announced.
"Two down, one to go," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"That's second my dad lost to Sora. But I have a feeling he's the best for last," Barry said in his thoughts. Palmer called back his Milotic and smiled.
"You did a great job, Milotic. Get some rest," Palmer said. He looked right at Sora. "That was very impressive, Sora. You're nothing to sneeze at, Sora. Now, the real battle is about to begin." He pulled out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go for it, Rhyperior!" His Pokéball opened and Rhyperior came out to battle.
"Rhyperior's a Ground-type, so Electric-type attacks won't do a thing, but Pikachu knows Iron Tail," Sora said.
"Stay alert, Rhyperior. That Pikachu's tougher than it looks," Palmer said. Rhyperior roared.
"Okay, Pikachu! Use Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Pikachu dashed around the Drill Pokémon. "Now, use Iron Tail!" Pikachu jumped up and swings his tail, landing a hit with an Iron Tail. "That was awesome! Iron Tail!" Pikachu lands another Iron Tail on Rhyperior's head.
"Use Rock Blast!" Palmer ordered. Rhyperior fired rocks from its hands three times.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Pikachu ran to dodge the shooting rocks. "Keep it up, buddy!" Pikachu jumped up in the air.
"Use Drill Run!" Palmer ordered. Rhyperior ran toward Pikachu with its horn spinning. Rhyperior lands a heavy hit onto Pikachu, dealing some heavy damage. "Rock Blast!" Rhyperior fired a Rock Blast, pelting Pikachu and resulted in a knockout.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Rhyperior wins!" The referee announced. Sora ran up to Pikachu and picked him up in his arms.
"You did your best, Pikachu. You should rest up," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu weakly said. Sora took out Abomasnow's Pokéball and threw it.
"Okay, Abomasnow! Back to action!" Sora called out. His Pokéball opened and Abomasnow came out to battle. "Okay, Abomasnow! Use Ice Beam!" Abomasnow fired Ice Beam right at the Drill Pokémon.
"Dodge it and use Rock Blast!" Palmer ordered. Rhyperior dodged Abomasnow's Ice Beam and fired another Rock Blast, hitting the Frost Tree Pokémon. "Great! Now, use Stone Edge!" Rhyperior unleashed a Stone Edge and sends it at Abomasnow.
"Dodge it, Abomasnow!" Sora called out. Abomasnow dodged Rhyperior's Rock Blast. "Ice Punch!" Abomasnow lands an Ice Punch. "Razor Leaf!" Abomasnow fired a Razor Leaf, hitting Rhyperior, but it's still standing on its feet.
"That Abomasnow is really giving it to my dad's Rhyperior with those attacks," Barry said.
"Well, Ground-type Pokémon are vulnerable to Grass and Ice-type attacks," Kairi said.
"Yeah, but Abomasnow's weak against Rock-type attacks, so my dad's Rhypeior isn't going to go down that easily," Barry said.
"You're right, Barry. Sora knows that, too," Kairi said.
"He does?" Barry asked, surprised.
"Sora isn't the kind who thinks little of his opponents," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Okay, Abomasnow! Ice Shard!" Sora ordered. Abomasnow fired Ice Shard at Rhyperior crossed its arms, taking the hit of the ice attack. "Rock Blast!" Rhyperior fired Rock Blast at Abomasnow.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Abomasnow ran to dodge Rhyperior's Rock Blast, but got struck Abomasnow, five times. The Frost Tree Pokémon fell to the ground, beaten.
"Abomasnow is unable to battle! Rhyperior wins!" The referee announced.
"Now, they're down to one left," Barry said.
"So far, Sora's got Prinplup, Grotle, Monferno, Lucario, Bronzong, and Croagunk to deal with since Fighting, Water, Grass, and Steel are effective against Rhyperior," Kairi said. Sora called back Abomasnow.
"You did great, Abomasnow. You tired out Rhyperior like I wanted you to," Sora said, noticing how tired Rhyperior was. Sora took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Grotle! You're up!" His Pokéball opened and his Grotle came out to battle.
"Rhyperior! Rock Blast!" Palmer ordered. Rhyperior hurls Rock Blast at the Grove Pokémon.
"Dodge it, Grotle!" Sora called out. Grotle ran to dodge Rhyperior's Rock Blast. Palmer was impressed by Grotle's speed.
"Amazing. I didn't think a Grotle could move so fast. Sora's more interesting than I thought," Palmer said.
"Okay, Grotle! Energy Ball!" Sora ordered. Grotle fired an Energy Ball at Rhypeior, hitting it on the mark. "Razor Leaf!" Grotle fired a Razor Leaf at Rhyperior, dealing some heavy damage.
"Stone Edge!" Palmer ordered. Rhyperior sends out a Stone Edge, hitting Grotle on the mark. "Drill Run!" Rhyperior ran toward Grotle, dealing some extra damage.
"Impressive, Sora. Your Grotle is strong, only because you did a great job at raising your Pokémon, and that deserves a whole lot of respect," Palmer said.
"Thanks for that, Palmer," Sora said.
"But that doesn't I'm going to pull my punches with you. Rhyperior! Rock Blast!" Palmer ordered. Rhyperior fired a Rock Blast at Grotle three times. "Rock Blast again!" Rhyperior fired another Rock Blast, dealing some extra damage. Grotle fell on his belly and he gets back up.
"Grotle!" Grotle yelled as he began to evolve.
"Grotle! You're evolving!" Sora said.
"What the?! Grotle's evolving!" Barry said.
"It's amazing!" Kairi said. Grotle stomped on the ground and lets out.
"Torterra!" The newly evolved Torterra roared.
"Wow, I got myself a Torterra," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"That means Torterra's a Ground-type, and he's got a new move to learn. Earthquake!" Sora ordered. Torterra slammed on the ground, making the whole Battle Tower Shake. Rhyperior fell on the ground. "Energy Ball!" Torterra fired a much more powerful Energy Ball, hitting the Drill Pokémon. "Use Headlong Rush!" Torterra charged at Rhyperior, hitting it. Rhyperior fell backwards, beaten.
"Rhyperior is unable to battle! Torterra wins! The winner of the match is Sora from Pallet Town!" The referee announced.
"No way! My dad lost!" Barry exclaimed.
"Way to go, Sora," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said. Palmer called back Rhyperior and smiled.
"Thank you, Rhyperior. You battled hard, and you've earned a good rest," Palmer said as he approached Sora as he pets Torterra.
"That was awesome, Torterra!" Sora said.
"Torterra," Torterra said.
"Congratulations, Sora. You have earned your victory. It's no wonder you earned your Gym Badges. And so, I will present you the Tower Print," Palmer said, giving Sora a gold print of Sora and Palmer's mugshots printed. Sora took it.
"Thanks, Palmer," Sora said. "That means there's four more to earn." Kairi, Barry, and Angel came to Sora.
"You were absolutely right about your friend, Lucas. You just didn't tell me how strong of a Trainer he is," Palmer said.
"See? I told you, dad," Barry said.
"Shouldn't you be heading for Canalave City by now?" Palmer asked.
"Well, we're heading to Celestic Town for a Pokémon Contest. I already won four Contest Ribbons and I'm almost finished," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"And as soon as we get that out of the way, we're going to be heading for Canalave City for my next Gym battle and to meet up with the rest of our friends," Sora said.
"I see. Well, the best of luck to the both of you," Palmer said.
"Thank you, Palmer," Sora said.
"No, thank you for that great battle you gave me," Palmer said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel left for Celestic Town after saying their goodbyes to Barry and his father. And the question is, will Kairi be able to earn her fifth and final Contest Ribbon? Find out as we continue on with the Journey of Sinnoh.