Episode 376: The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing
On the very next morning, Sora was taking a break from training for the Pokémon Stadium Cup finals as he was having a dip in the hot springs.
"Aah, this bath sure hits the spot," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Okay, I know I'll be sending out to battle, but there are the other five to choose from. I'll make up my mind when it comes down to it," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said. Sora pets Pikachu on the head.
Over to Chase, Elaine, and Trace, they were also taking a break just so they would talk.
"Once the Pokémon Stadium Cup is over and done with, what's going to be next? What are the two of you gonna do?" Trace asked.
"Well, according to Master Rei, the next step is finding out other candidates for the Keyblade. That's what Sora and the others said," Elaine said.
"Yeah. I mean, Sora and Riku were one thing. Ash, Ethan, Brendan, May, Kris, Lyra, Leaf, Elaine, and I were given Keyblades same as them," Chase said.
"Don't forget, Kairi and Naminé have one, too. And so does Wes, Michael, and Rui. But there's also Roxas and Xion. They can use the Keyblades because they're the Nobodies of Sora and Kairi," Elaine said.
"I didn't forget. Wes and Rui spent five years in the realm of darkness after they shut down Team Shadow and their Shadow Pokémon scheme. And it got me thinking. Just how many more chosen candidates are there? How many Guardians of Kingdom Hearts could there be left to find?" Chase said.
"But shouldn't Arthur and more of Ben's other students be the ones you're looking for?" Trace asked.
"We already asked Master Rei that question, but she said that Ben's apprentices have a different kind of light than any of us," Chase said.
"What do you mean a different kind of light?" Trace asked.
"We don't know what she meant by that, but that's what she said," Chase said.
"It doesn't really narrow it down. Sora, Riku, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Lyra, and Kris had to find out the hard way that it was me, him, May, and Brendan," Elaine said.
"And it wasn't easy," Chase said.
"I have been thinking something lately. I didn't know what I should say about it, but I wanna get it off my chest anyway I can," Trace said.
"What do you want to say, Trace?" Elaine asked.
"If you have something you want to say, you should say it," Chase said.
"Okay. When I first you two got your Keyblades at the exact same time, I was really surprised. I mean, ever since Sora got his when he first became a Trainer, he's been fighting the Heartless. And when you got yours, I knew that our lives will never be the same again. Sure, I would live a normal life, but you guys would have such epic adventures. Maybe one day, you'd see some other worlds like Sora and Kairi did," Trace said.
"You think it's never gonna be the same with us?" Elaine asked.
"Well, that's what I think," Trace said.
"You're right about thing, Trace. It's not gonna be the same thing between us, but it's not a bad thing," Chase said.
"It's not?" Trace asked.
"No. I mean things changes for a reason. When Sora got his Keyblade, things started to change. I mean, wouldn't life be boring if things stayed the same forever?" Chase asked.
"You got a point there, Chase," Elaine said.
"But there is one thing that's always gonna be the same. It's the friendship that we have. You me, Elaine, Sora, Karen, Ash, Gary, Leaf, and even Tom. Our friendship is strong as ever, and not even a Keyblade can change that," Chase said. Trace thought a lot about what Chase just said to him and he smiled.
"Yeah, you're right. I don't know what I was getting myself worked up over. I wouldn't trade that friendship for anything in the world," Trace said.
"That's what we like to hear," Elaine said.
Later as Sora was about to go back to some training when Professor Oak has arrived.
"Ah, Sora!" Professor Oak called out. Sora turned to see the professor waving at him.
"Professor Oak? What are you doing here?" Sora asked.
"I came all this way to see you, my boy," Professor Oak said.
The rest of the group have gathered as a crowd was amazed and at awe in seeing Professor Oak in person.
"As much as I'm glad you're here, professor, but what are you doing here?" Sora asked.
"Well, I wanted you to deliver this to you personally. When word has gotten around that you, Roxas, Chase, Trace, and Elaine are among the final eight of the Pokémon Stadium Cup, the children in the neighborhood have insisted that they make this for you," Professor Oak said, taking out a enormous flyer and it reads "Fight" in the middle.
"Wow, all those kids made this, huh?" Rui said.
"Well, what do you expect? They look up to Sora," Karen said.
"Yes. Tracey, Daisy, and even Kairi's parents have contributed to it," Professor Oak said.
"There's no doubt about it. That'll be Seth's little hands right there," Kairi said, seeing the baby's handprints.
"And that one right there is little Harry," Elaine said.
"Yeah, and that one's Peter's," Chase said.
"And that one is Becky's," Trace said.
"They did all this for us," Sora said.
"That is not the only one. Yugi, Tai, Takato, Davis, and Takuya are coming as well to support the eight of you. Your aunt and uncle in Porta Vista wanted me to hand this to you for luck," Professor Oak said, handing Sora a gold charm. And there is a present and a postcard from Gary." Professor Oak gave Sora a postcard and a Pokémon egg. The egg is blue with black oval-shaped spots on the sides.
"A postcard and an egg?" Sora asked as he accepted them.
"Yes. Gary has requested that I deliver this egg to you personally because he felt that you were the right one to take care of it and make it hatch," Professor Oak said. Sora then reads the postcard from Gary.
Sora,
How's it going for you? It's not really surprising to hear that you won the Hoenn Pokémon League and participating in the Pokémon Stadium Cup. The reason I'm writing this to you is because I received this egg sometime ago because the Trainer who had this couldn't make it hatch. There were several others who couldn't make it hatch, and I was no exception. I could have chosen Ash or Leaf, but I figured you would have better luck than I would. Good luck in the Pokémon Stadium Cup.
Gary
"The last time we saw Gary was when he was leaving for the Sinnoh region to learn what he can from Professor Rowan, isn't that right?" Leaf asked.
"Yes. The egg gave me an excuse to come down," Professor Oak said.
"I do appreciate it," Sora said. The egg gave off an azure glimmer. But only Sora and Roxas saw it. "Hey, did you see that?"
"See what?" Ash asked.
"For a second there, I thought the egg was glowing a bit," Sora said.
"I didn't see any glow," Riku said.
"Well, it started to as soon as I touched it," Sora said.
"I saw it," Roxas said. He touched it himself, but it does nothing. "That's weird. It's not doing anything for me now."
"But the egg didn't do anything," Wes said.
"Maybe it only happens when Sora touches it," Roxas guessed.
"What does that prove?" Michael asked.
"I don't know," Roxas said.
"I think one of us will have to keep it instead of Sora," Ethan said. Sora touched it again and the egg gave off another azure glow from Sora's POV.
"Actually, I think I'll hold on to it," Sora said.
"Are you sure? The offer is still stading in case you changed your mind," Ethan said.
"I think Sora made up his mind, Ethan," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Also, Gary gave it to him," Ash said.
"So the egg's his now," Leaf said.
"They're right, Ethan. Gary wouldn't give it to him if he didn't trust him," Kris said.
"But what's in the egg?" Ryuko asked.
"Maybe it could be a Pokémon from Sinnoh. You think it could be a Glameow, a Starly, or maybe a Croagunk," Ventus said.
"Slow down, Ven. The best part is not knowing, isn't it?" Karen asked.
"She's right. It could be anything," Aqua said.
"Aw, man," Ventus pouted.
"Whatever it is, I'm going to do my best to make it the best Pokémon it could be," Sora said.
"That's the spirit, Sora," Professor Oak said with a smile.
Just then, Nurse Joy appeared at awe over Professor Oak's prescense.
"Wow! You're Professor Oak, the famous Pokemon researcher! May I have your autograph?" Nurse Joy asked, holding out a book on Pokemon poetry, written by Professor Oak.
"Ah, I see it's one of my books on Pokémon poetry," Professor Oak said.
"Would you make it out to me. professor?" Nurse Joy asked.
"Of course," Professor Oak said.
"We all know he was gonna make it out to her anyway," Brendan whispered to May, making her chuckle.
'This is a first edition if I'm not mistaking," Professor Oak said.
"I happen to be a budding Pokémon poet, myself," Nurse Joy said.
"I see. I wish all the luck in the world," Professor Oak said.
"Professor Oak is giving everyone some support," Terra said.
"Pika," Thor said.
"Roselia," a familiar voice said. They turned to see a Roselia.
"Roselia?" Kairi asked.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"There's no way you're by yourself," May said.
"And he's not," another familiar voice spoke. It turns out to be Drew. "I thought I'd run into you guys here."
"Drew," May said.
"Wow! First Sora Ketchum and these other famous people, and now, it's Drew! Wouldn't you mind giving me your autograph?" Nurse Joy asked, holding up her album, showing Drew during the Kanto and Hoenn Grand Festivals.
"Um, no," Drew said, turning down the request for an autograph.
"Drew, how did you know how to find us?" Kairi asked.
"After the Kanto Grand Festival, I was told that the Pokémon Stadium finals was taking place right here in Fennel Valley, and it looks I was right on the trail," Drew said. He sets his attention to May. "Hey, Brendan, you wouldn't be jealous if I had a talk with May, would you?"
"No. May doesn't need to ask for permission to speak to anyone," Brendan said.
A few moments later, May and Drew were on the stage, talking.
"So, May, I take it that history repeated itself. You face off against Kairi in the final round and you come in second. How does it feel?" Drew asked.
"Well, I'll admit, I almost had her after my Combusken evolved into a Blaziken, but the results were the same as the last time. There was no shame in losing against her," Kairi said.
"Funny, Solidad pretty much said the same thing to me after she lost to Kairi," Drew said.
"Really?" May asked.
"Yeah. After you and the others left for the Pokémon Stadium Cup finals, I have been doing some thinking. I've been thinking of the future," Drew said.
"Yeah? What do you have in mind?" May asked.
"Well, I thought about the two of us becoming a duo. You and me," Drew proposed. May was surprised to hear Drew wants her to be his partner.
"Are you serious? You want me to be your partner?" May asked.
"Yeah. I mean, there's no rule against Coordinators forming a partnership. You and I can tour the world together. We would see places like the Unova, Kalos, Galar, and Pladea regions. Give everyone such a spectacular performance," Drew said.
"I don't know, Drew. I-" May paused.
"You don't need to answer right now, May. You can take all the time you need to let me know. And I know Brendan is your boyfriend, so he can tag along if he wants to," Drew said.
"Well, I appreciate you telling me your idea and including me in it. And for remembering my relationship. I'm flattered you thought of me," May said. She sighed. "I just don't know."
"Take all the time you need, May," Drew said.
"Doth my ears deceive me? Did I just hear Drew is offering you a partnership with you, May?" Harley asked, entering the stage.
"Oh, it's you," May deadpanned.
"What do you mean it's only me?! Can't you even pretend that you're surprised to see me?" Harley asked as he huffed.
"You couldn't even scare a pair of Buneary slippers," May said.
"How rude!" Harley snapped.
"It's always horrible to see you, Harley, but what are you doing here?" May asked.
"If you have to know, a little birdy Pokémon told me that the Pokémon Stadium Cup finals is just around the corner, and your boy toy is one of the eight finalists, along with those other keyslinging friends of yours. So, I thought I'd come and see it go down," Harley said.
Just then, Nurse Joy shows up and she happily exclaimed with delight.
"Oh, my gosh! Harley! It's Contest heaven! May I have your autograph?" Nurse Joy asked, holding up her album with Harley's photos.
"Oh, of course you may," Harley said, signing an autograph.
"Is this where you went off to?" Sora asked. He saw Harley and he sighed. "Oh, Harley, too. There goes the neighborhood."
"Pika," Pikachu said.
A little while later, the whole group were sitting in the chairs as May has explained to them that May is offered to join Drew as a duo.
"You're kidding, right?" Karen asked.
"Wish I was," May said.
"I'm surprised Drew asked you of all people," Lyra said.
"Marill," Marill said.
"Hey, I was just as surprised when I came here," Harley said.
"I'm not answering as of yet," May said.
"Well, it's really your choice, May. If you're gonna make up your mind, I suggest you do it quickly," Rei said.
"Right," May said, agreeing with her master.
"So, Brendan, I wanna ask you something," Drew said.
"Yeah? What?" Brendan asked.
"I was wondering if you would have a battle against me? We'll make it a double battle. How about it?" Drew asked.
"I guess I can take you up on that," Brendan said.
"Wait, how about we make a show out of it?" Nurse Joy suggested.
"A show?" Everyone asked.
"Right. We'll make it look like a contest battle! How does that sound?" Nurse Joy asked.
"I'm down with it if he is," Brendan said.
"I have no objections," Drew said.
"Then, we can get started!" Nurse Joy announced.
It take too long until the Contest hall was filled up as everyone was watching, along with Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, May, Chase, Elaine, Wes, Rui, Michael, Trace, Rei, Ryuko, Harley, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Marill, Volt, and Maple are watching it get underway.
"Talking about a packed house," Roxas said.
"I guess everyone loves a good show," Naminé said.
"Everyone likes to be entertained," Rui said.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it pleases me to present to you a double Contest battle! In my left is Drew from LaRousse City, and Brendan from Littleroot Town! Drew made it in the top 8 in the Hoenn and Kanto Grand Festival and Brendan made it to second place in the Hoenn Pokémon League! Both of these young men are having a five minute Contest-style battle, and the Trainer who can take out the most points before the timer reaches zero is the winner!" Nurse Joy announced. The crowd cheered. "In the words of Lillian, let's get busy!" The timer starts to run as Brendan took out two of his Pokéballs and threw them.
"Sceptile, Charizard! Go!" Brendan called out. His Pokéballs opened as Sceptile and Charizard emerged from inside.
"Roselia, Butterfree! Go!" Drew called out. His Roselia and Butterfree came out at the same time.
"Charizard! Start things up with a Flamethrower! Sceptile! Seed Bomb!" Brendan ordered. Sceptile fired a Seed Bomb as Charizard fires a Flamethrower, making it look like a rocket launching.
"Sceptile and Charizard starts things up with a combination of Seed Bomb and Flamethrower! It looks like a missile is being launched!" Nurse Joy announced.
"Roselia! Petal Dance!" Drew ordered. Roselia unleashed a Petal Dance, blocking the combo attack.
"Amazing! That Flamethrower was pulverized by Roselia's Petal Dance!" Nurse Joy announced.
"Use Trailblaze on Roselia!" Brendan ordered. Sceptile dashed at Roselia with Trailblaze, hitting Roselia. "Charizard! Use Thunder Punch on Butterfree!" Charizard came at Butterfree with a Thunder Punch.
"Use Gust!" Drew ordered. Butterfree flapped its wings to blow Charizard in it, but the Flame Pokémon was too strong for the Gust.
"Charizard just overpowered that Gust like it was nothing! Maybe it might have to do with the strong and powerful wings Charizard has at their disposal!" Nurse Joy announced.
"Charizard's wings aren't just for show after all," Ethan said.
"Well, that Thunder Punch did a number on Butterfree. That Flying-typing does come with a bad aftertaste," Trace said.
"Solar Blade!" Brendan ordered. Sceptile began to build up solar energy in his leafy arms, forming them into blades.
"Sceptile is preparing to use a Solar Blade! As many of you may know, Solar Blade works the same as Solar Beam! It begins to charge up energy before the user launches the attack," Nurse Joy announced.
"Sceptile is opened for attack. Roselia! Magical Leaf on Sceptile! Butterfree! Psybeam on the same target!" Drew ordered. Both Pokémon fired their attacks at the Forest Pokémon. Brendan saw what he was up to.
"Charizard! Use Flamethrower to block!" Brendan ordered. Charizard fired a Flamethrower to protect Sceptile from being hit by Roselia and Butterfree's attacks.
"Wow! Charizard is using its Flamethrower to project Sceptile while it's preparing its Solar Blade! Talking about a good sense of teamwork!" Nurse Joy announced.
"Now!" Brendan called out. Sceptile came at Roselia and Butterfree with a Solar Blade, hitting the both of them. "Dragon Claw on Butterfree!"
"Protect!" Drew ordered. Butterfree uses Protect to block Sceptile's Dragon Claw.
"A clean save with that Protect!" Nurse Joy announced.
"Roselia! Petal Dance! Butterfree! Use Psychic!" Drew ordered.
"Charizard! Use Flamethrower! Maximum power!" Brendan ordered. Charizard fired Flamethrower to block the combo attack.
"Charizard uses a powerful Flamethrower to block out that combo Petal Dance and Psychic!" Nurse Joy announced. The flames engulfs both the Thorn and Butterfly Pokémon, dealing some heavy damage due to their weakness against Fire-type attacks. "And in the end, Charizard ended up overpowering Roselia and Butterfree!" Both of Drew's Pokémon fell backwards.
"Okay, Sceptile! Use Dragon Claw! Charizard! Thunder Punch!" Brendan ordered. Both Pokémon gave their chosen attacks to their opponents, resulting in a double knockout.
"Roselia and Butterfree are both unable to battle! The winner here is Brendan and his two fabulous Pokémon, Sceptile and Charizard!" Nurse Joy announced.
"Way to go, Brendan!" Chase said.
Once the battle was over, Brendan waved to the crowd.
Later, Brendan is outside as Drew came out to join him.
"Hey, Brendan," Drew said.
"Hey, Drew. That was a great battle earlier," Brendan said.
"I was thinking the same thing. There was a reason I challenged you," Drew said.
"It's because you have a thing for May, right?" Brendan asked. This caught Drew by surprise and he blushes a bit.
"Was it that obvious?" Drew asked.
"I caught on. I mean, why else would you offer her a rose?" Brendan pointed out.
"I only meant that as a compliment. But since it's out in the open, I'm gonna say it. I do have a thing for May. I did ever since we met each other in Slateport City," Drew said.
"I thought as much," Brendan said.
"I was trying to show off for May, and I wanted to see if I could convince May on coming on tour with me since she's more than a Keyblade wielder. I also thought I could try to have a relationship with her, but even a Zubat can see that's only a pipe dream," Drew said.
"Well, maybe she would have liked you better if you weren't talking to her like you're better at life than she is; especially when she was only starting out," Brendan said.
"I sure walked into that one, didn't I?" Drew asked.
"You did," Brendan said.
"Just be careful of your footing," May said as she approached them.
"How long have you been there?" Brendan asked.
"Long enough. I have given your offer a lot of thought, Drew, but I'm not gonna be joining you in becoming a duo. I'm sorry," May apologized.
"Don't be. I kinda knew you would turn me down anyway. But you can't blame a guy for trying, can you?" Drew asked.
"No, I can't. Also, I wanted to verify that I'm flattered you have feelings for me, Drew, but-" May paused.
"Your feelings aren't mutual, right?" Drew asked.
"Afraid so," May said.
"That's okay. My chance of being with you went down the drain the moment I saw you and Brendan kissing during the Hoenn Grand Festival closing ceremony. But I have a question to ask. Are you happy with Brendan?" Drew asked. May smiled as she looked at Brendan.
"More than happy," May said.
"Then, that is all that matters," Drew said.
"Are you kidding me?" Harley asked as he popped out of nowhere. "You're just giving up the fight to win May's heart all because she chose him over you? That's not how I pictured it at all!"
"Gee, why do you care if I'm in a relationship with someone else other than him, Harley?" May asked in a teasing manner.
"Who says I care?" Harley asked.
"That is so not convincing," Brendan said. "Anyway, what will you be doing since the Kanto Grand Festival is over and done with?"
"Probably head back home. I should train for some Pokémon Contests," Drew said.
"Likewise. What about you two lovebirds?" Harley asked.
"Most likely, go with Sora, Kairi, and the others around the world. We could see Pokémon that can't be found in Hoenn. Also, there could be other candidates for the Keyblade who are said to be Guardians of Kingdom Hearts," Brendan said.
"Brendan's right. Even though Organization XIII is gone, the threats of the Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed are still around," May said.
"The same thing for Vanitas," Brendan said.
"I can respect that. Let's hope they have strong hearts like you," Drew said.
"If you're gonna go and add more Keybladers for your little club, just make certain to make those Heartless cry. It's almost too bad that I won't be there to make you cry for a while, but I plan to in the next Pokémon Contest we enter," Harley said.
"I'd be surprised you didn't plan to," May said.
An unexpected visit from Drew and Harley sure have made things interesting, but since May will be continuing her journey with Brendan and her Keyblade training, she has made a promise to her two rivals they'll cross paths again, and only time knows when that will be.