Episode 404: Strength, Beauty, and No Evolution!
Not too long after being put on probation, Riku was beside himself with guilt over he did. He placed himself and Sora at risk as he was consumed by his own anger and hatred over what he did. He could have killed Sora if he had continued his rampage.
"I can't believe I let this happened. I let myself get controlled by my own darkness. I saw what I was doing and I became someone I didn't know or liked. How could I have ever live with myself?" Riku asked in his thoughts. Naminé sat up and she looked at her boyfriend with a concerned look on her face.
"Riku?" Naminé asked. Riku turned to her and she saw how concerned she was for him. "How are you holding up?"
"Honestly, I don't know. Ever since J took Eevee from me, I felt the darkness inside of me growing and growing. I used it on her when I used my Keyblade to cut off her arm and I almost lost myself to the darkness until I got Eevee back. I don't even wanna think about what might happen to me if the darkness had taken a complete hold over me," Riku said.
"I was shocked when the darkness in you started to grow inside you. And I thought the master was going to expel you from being a Keyblade wielder, and that means we won't be able to see each other as much as we want to anymore because it was likely you'd be sent back home or-" Naminé paused as her voice started to break up.
"Naminé, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I scared you like that. I promise, the last thing I ever want to do is to ever hurt you. I was only thinking about Eevee, and I wanted to get him back at all costs and everything," Riku said. Naminé then gave her boyfriend a comforting hug and he hugged her back. He looked at his partner, sleeping beside Azurill. Riku then said in his thoughts, "I'm sorry that happened to you, Eevee. It won't happen again. I won't let it happen again."
Over to Sora, Kairi, Lucas, Dawn, Pikachu, Angel, and Piplup as they had some trouble sleeping. It was obvious they were thinking about J.
"I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I can't sleep," Lucas said.
"Me neither. It's just... I still can't over that there are people like J out there, stealing Pokémon like that," Dawn said.
"Piplup," Piplup said.
"Neither can I, Dawn. And what I can't get over is that amount of darkness that came out of Riku like that. I mean, he had control over it before, but this is the first time I have ever seen him like that. I never thought I would see Riku use his Keyblade just to get revenge on someone like that. I'm surprised that the Heartless didn't even show up that time. But the plus side to this whole thing is, I'm glad Riku got Eevee back," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"And it was after that horrible J took Eevee from Riku like that. I will never forgive that woman for that. I hope she gets life for all her crimes," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"So do I. It just upsets me that she would just steal someone's Pokémon just to make some money. She should have gotten that Pokémon are not products, and they shouldn't be bought or sold to people," Sora said.
"I totally agree with you, Sora. Pokémon should be caught in the wild, because it's the right way," Lucas said.
"Well, we should be glad she's going to be in prison for the rest of her life. I mean, life in prison is way better than being taken by the Heartless. Don't get me wrong, but even I know she doesn't deserve to have her heart taken by the Heartless," Sora said.
"I'm not judging, Sora. After hearing what they can do, just about anything is better than being a Heartless's victim," Lucas said.
"Do you think Riku's darkness will come out like that at anytime?" Dawn asked.
"For all of our sake's, I hope not," Sora said.
"But what will happen if Riku decides to turn it on us?" Kairi asked.
"We could try reaching out to him, Kairi. I mean, I know even Riku isn't beyond hope. I mean, Axel was our enemy before, but he protected Roxas and Xion, so we should be grateful for that," Sora said.
"You're right, Sora. We shouldn't lose faith in Riku. I know Naminé will agree with us," Kairi said.
"Yeah, Riku's our friend," Dawn said.
"Piplup," Piplup said.
Over to Rei, she was having trouble sleeping, due to what had happened earlier.
"I'm glad Riku has Eevee back, but why don't I feel good about it?" Rei asked herself.
"Having a hard time sleeping?" A familiar voice asked. Rei saw it was Kaito standing over her. "Something on your mind?"
"Kaito. As much as I am to see you, but I'm not sure now is a good time for us to talk," Rei said.
"I can always tell when something is troubling you, Rei. You wanna let it off your chest?" Kaito asked.
"Well, I feel I should tell someone. Earlier today, a Pokémon Hunter has stolen one of my apprentices' Eevee right in front of him and his darkness began to grow within him and he grew so angry over it. I mean, just about anyone would be angry over having their Pokémon stolen from them by a Pokémon Hunter, but this was anger fueld by darkness. And to make it even worse, he raised his Keyblade in an act of hatred and revenge against her, and I'm still worried that it would have gotten him killed, along with Sora since he went with him, because I sent him to go after Riku, so I had to punish him by putting him on probation and hold on to his Keyblades, but I'm worried that the darkness in him would corrupt him, and I might lose him to the darkness," Rei explained.
"And you blame yourself because you're his master; and as such, you feel responsible for his anger, right?" Kaito asked. Rei nodded. "You did what had to do, Rei. You made the right call in his punishment. I would have the same thing if I were in your shoes."
"I know you would, but-" Rei was cut off when Kaito raised his hand.
"Rei, you should have remembered that light and darkness are neither good nor evil. They're the two halves of the same coin. You should also know that light cannot exist without darkness," Kaito said.
"Yeah, I should know that, but it doesn't change the fact the darkness would still corrupt him and become like Master Xehanort," Rei said.
"True, it doesn't, but darkness can only be used for evil when the person who has it is evil themselves. Also, from what I heard about Xehanort, he never cared for anyone, the same way as Riku cared for his Eevee and for his other friends. Xehanort's selfishness and lust for power is what fueld his anger and his hatred. Your apprentices could succumb to either darkness or light, so it's important to keep them in balance. Isn't it our tasks as Keyblade wielders to maintain that balance, Rei?" Kaito asked, reminding his former apprentice. Rei then took what Kaito said to her to heart.
"Yes, you did," Rei said.
"And what else what I said to you that my master said to me when I was learning from him?" Kaito asked.
"We are what they grow beyond," Rei said. Kaito nodded as he smiled.
"That is a burden that every master has," Kaito said.
"A burden that we both must share," Rei said.
"And don't allow yourself to be lost in doubt, because your doubts will eventually catch up to you and bring you down," Kaito said.
"I won't, Master. And I promise I'll do my best to remember what you said to me," Rei said.
"I know you will," Kaito said, disappearing.
Over to Count Ernesh's mansion, Count Ernesh stood before Insidious, recalling the most recent event.
"I take it that you have hired the Pokémon Hunter known as J to require young Riku's Eevee, my friend. And it has come to my attention that the Pokémon Hunter has also failed to accomplish her goal," Insidious said.
"Indeed, Master. In doing so, the darkness in Riku has grown so much stronger," Count Ernesh said.
"Yes, I have sensed his rage from where I sit. Despite the hunter's failure, you have succeeded. But I can still sense a strong light within him, my friend. A light like his is not easily extinguished," Insidious said.
"Yes, I agree, Master. I am already putting a plan into motion in bringing him closer into being our slave. I have every confidence he will serve us well, and become a suitable vessel for Master Xehanort," Count Ernesh said.
"I will allow you to continue, my friend. I can only hope you are successful," Insidious said, laughing very evilly.
On the next morning, Riku, Naminé, Lucas, Dawn, Rei, and Piplup stood before the couple as they were about to take off in their own way.
"Sora, Kairi, we'll have to separate for a while, but I'll have Dawn meet up with you at some time," Rei said.
"Sure thing, Master," Sora said.
"We're sure we can manage by ourselves for a while," Kairi said.
"I know you can. Just remember. All because the Sinnoh region is safe from J doesn't mean you can let your guard down," Rei said.
"We won't let our guard down," Sora said.
With that said, Riku, Naminé, Lucas, Dawn, Rei, and Piplup went one way as Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel went another way. They figured Rei would keep an eye on Riku since he is on probation and she is holding his Keyblades until she can trust him with them.
Meanwhile, a broadcast of Sinnoh Now is playing as a woman with light skin, brown hair, and blue eyes came on the screen, sitting at a desk. She wore a yellow suit and yellow shoes.
"Good morning, Sinnoh. This is Rhonda, your favorite news anchor for Sinnoh Now. To start things up today, the ruthless Pokémon Hunter J has finally been apprehended by authorties yesterday. After she has made a recent theft, her arm which carries the device she once used has been severed. It is unknown what could have caused it. J and a handful of her accomplices are being taken into custody, pending their trial. And even as we speak, a series of raids have been executed as the Pokémon J has stolen for them have been returned to their rightful Trainers, and her customers are being charged for hiring a Pokémon Hunter and possession of stolen Pokémon. We should hear what many people has to say," Rhonda said as the camera shifts to random people in Sinnoh.
"It's about time!" A random man said.
"She doesn't deserve a shred of forgiveness for what she did to those poor people and Pokémon," an elderly Pokémon said.
"Lock her up and throw away the key!" Another man said.
"There isn't a punishment that isn't too good for her," a random woman said.
"I hope the judge is merciless toward her," a teenage boy said.
The camera shifts back to Rhonda.
"And there you have it. Pokémon Trainers everywhere can now breathe in a sigh of relief since the notorious Pokémon Hunter J is no longer a threat to the Sinnoh region and to its citizens," Rhonda said as a boom microphone hits her on the head. "Jack, who taught you how to use a boom microphone?"
"Rhonda, you're still on the air," a man's voice said.
"Right," Rhonda said, calming down. "And in other news-"
At home, Lucas's parents was watching the event on TV.
"Well, at least our Lucas won't have to worry about her," Lucas's father said.
(Ah, if only he knew the truth)
"I agree. That horrible woman doesn't deserve to be free for all the Pokémon she has stolen. I'm just glad those poor Pokémon are being returned to their Trainers," Lucas's mother said.
"I agree with you, my dear. And I agree with that man that the key should be thrown away after locking her up," Lucas's father said.
Back with Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel, Sora has come across a Gible in a rocky area.
"A Dragon-type of Sinnoh. A useful Pokémon to have under my belt," Sora said. He puts a lot of thought into his plan. "Okay, I know Gible's a Ground-type, so Pikachu and Shinx's Electric-type moves won't do anything, but let's try..." Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Riolu!" His Pokéball opened and Riolu came out, catching Gible's attention. The Land Shark Pokémon came at Riolu with a Bite. "Okay Riolu! Force Palm!" Riolu held out his hand and Gible is hit by Riolu's Force Palm. "Great! Bullet Punch!" Riou dashed at Gible and lands a punch onto Gible. Gible then came at Riolu with a Dragon Claw. "Gible's using Dragon Claw, so you use Vacuum Wave!" Riolu unleashed a Vacuum Wave, hitting Gible on the mark. The Land Shark Pokémon digs underground. "Stay calm, Riolu! Try to sense where Gible is moving." Riolu does exactly that and Gible's dorsal fin came out from the ground.
"There he is!" Kairi exclaimed.
"Behind you!" Sora called out. Riolu jumped out of the way as Gible dug through the earth. Gible came out and fired a Dragon Rage at Gible, landing a hit. Gible then came at Gible with another Bite. "Double Team!" Riolu uses Double Team as Gible snapped at a copy. Gible looked around, trying to figure out which was which. "Riolu! Vacuum Wave!" Riolu unleashed Vacuum Wave, now!" Riolu and the copies fired Vacuum Wave, hitting Gible repeatedly. Gible was down for the count, so Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Gible flowed inside it and it wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora picked up his Pokéball and smiled. "And I got myself a Gible."
"Riolu!" Riolu said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
After catching Gible, Sora and Kairi have come across two new Pokémon they had never seen before. They both resembled a hippopotamus. One is tan with mottled dark brown patches, and the othed one is dark brown with molted tan patches. They each have a large snout with round, protruding nostrils, and several blunt teeth inside their mouths. Their eyes and small ears protrude from the top of their heads. They each have a small hole on their backs. Each of their feet has two blunt claws, and they each have a small tail.
"So, what kind of Pokémon are these?" Sora asked.
"I think I heard of these Pokémon. Those are Hippopotas," Kairi said.
"Hipopotas? Hey, got it right on the first try," Sora said.
"Here," Kairi said, taking out her Rotom Phone and scanned them both.
Hippopotas, the Hippo Pokémon
Type: Ground
It shuts its nostrils tight then travels through sand as if walking. They form colonies of around ten.
"Wow, so cool. And you can tell which is a boy and which is girl," Sora pointed out.
"I can. That one with the tan on the eyes is a girl and that one is boy," Kairi said, pointing to each one.
"Alright, that narrows it down. Which one do you want?" Kairi asked.
"I think I'll catch that one," Kairi said, pointing to the female Hippopotas.
"Fine with me," Sora said. He and Kairi took out their Pokéballs and threw them.
"Okay, Turtwig! You're going in!" Sora called out.
"Bulbasaur! Go!" Kairi called out.
Both Grass-types came out to battle against the two Hippopotas. The two Hippo Pokémon came out of the sand to battle against them. They kick up a sandstorm as the battle has started.
"Are they using Sandstorm?" Sora asked.
"No. It must be Sand Stream!" Kairi said.
"Right. When out in battle, a sandstorm kicks up. And a sandstorm does damage on any Pokémon except for Pokémon with Sand Veil and Rock, Steel, and Ground-types," Sora said. "But, we're gonna have to risk it."
"You're right. Grass-types are effective against Hippopotas," Kairi said.
The two Hippopotas charges at them with a Tackle.
"Turtwig! Razor Leaf!" Sora ordered.
"Bulbasaur! Magical Leaf!" Kairi ordered.
Turtwig struck the male Hippopotas with Razor Leaf while Bulbasaur struck the female Hippopotas with Magical Leaf. The two Hippopotas then started to stomp on the ground.
"They're using Stomping Tantrum!" Sora said.
"Bulbsaur! Use Sleep Powder on the both of them!" Kairi called out. Bulbasaur sprinkled Sleep Powder on the Hippopotas, making them both fall asleep. Sora and Kairi each took out a Pokéball and threw the Pokéballs. Both Hippopotas flowed inside and the Pokéballs wobbled around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéballs to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep his new Hippopotas with him. Sora decides to keep Hippopotas in exchange for Stunky. The sandstorm has subsided.
"Thanks for the assist, Kairi," Sora said.
"You would do the same for me, Sora," Kairi said.
Meanwhile, Genishiro made contact with Count Ernesh's mansion after he heard about J taking his son's Eevee under Count Ernesh's orders. He was angry at the Count for it. He finally got through.
"Genishiro. You have something you want to say?" Count Ernesh asked.
"Yeah, I do! I want to say what you did was incredibly stupid!" Genishiro exclaimed.
"I don't know what you mean," Count Ernesh said, feigning ignorance.
"You know what I mean, Ernesh! I just heard that you hired that Pokémon Hunter to steal my son's Eevee! What were you thinking?! You do not mess with somebody's Pokémon!" Genishiro angrily exclaimed.
"I only did what I thought was necessary. After all, he needed a nudge," Count Ernesh said.
"You went too far, Ernesh! You said you were just going to convince him, you didn't say you were going to pull this shit! That was not part of the deal! How dare you do that to my son and to me!" Genishiro shouted.
"I will do as I please to ensure your son's destiny. And I do not appreciate your tone with me. Remember your place," Count Ernesh said, breaking contact. Genishiro then punched the screen, making it crack. His knuckles started to bleed.
"Look at this. Look at what your life has become, Genishiro. Look at what you allowed it to become. Your kids are fighting each other, his Eevee was taken from him by someone who you would never trust to mow your lawn, and everything. You are a total disgrace. You brought shame to your family and to yourself. You were supposed to protect your family, not let them fight each other and brainwash each other. You failed miserably. If Darcel was around, he would agree with everything I just said to you," Genishiro said in his thoughts. He clutched his bleeding fist. He said out loud, "I'm done following Ernesh's plans. I'm done! I let him do this to Kanako, but I won't let him do this to Riku! I won't! I'm going to start making things right, even if he kills me! I'm going to protect and save my daughter!"
Back with Sora and Kairi, they had arrived to a town as they bumped into a young man, carrying his Linoone (Hoenn form Linoone).
"Sorry, we didn't see you there," Sora said.
"No, it's my fault. I was in such a hurry to reach the Pokémon Center, I wasn't looking where I was going," the Trainer said.
"It's my Linoone. I was battling those B-Button League girls and I lost before I knew what happened," the Trainer said.
"B-Button League?" Sora and Kairi asked in unison.
"You mean you never heard of them? Were you two living under a rock or something?" The Trainer asked.
"We just got here, so what is the B-Button League?" Sora asked.
"The B-Button League is an organization of Trainers and Coordinators that raises their Pokémon to be strong and beautiful without evolving their Pokémon," the Trainer explained.
"Without evolving their Pokémon?" Sora and Kairi asked.
"That's something I have got to see for myself," Sora said.
"Yeah, me too," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Where do the B-Button League hang out?" Sora asked.
"Just look for a building for a big B on it. If you wanna try your luck, I won't stop you. As for me, my Linoone needs attention and she needs it bad," the Trainer said, taking off.
"Sora, what kind of unevolved Pokémon could have done that?" Kairi asked.
"Maybe it might have been a Pichu. And a tough one to be at that," Sora said.
"Maybe, or it might be a Cleffa," Kairi said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Why guess when we can go there and find out?" Kairi asked.
"You've read my mind," Sora said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel went off to find the B-Button League they were just told about and they came across the building they were just told about.
"This has to be the place," Kairi said. The door opened and the couple stepped right in. "Is anyone here?"
Just then, two young women stepped out of a room. The both of them wore an orange shirt with a yellow stripe in the middle and a B in the chest area. One has long black hair that reached her shoulders and the other has blue hair. The black haired young woman wore a dark purple skirt, pink shoes, and long white socks. The young woman with black hair wore white pants and purple shoes.
"Hi! And welcome," the blue haired young woman greeted.
"Is this the B-Button League building?" Sora asked.
"It sure is! Would you to join?" The blue haired young woman asked.
"Actually, my boyfriend and I are just curious about what you do here," Kairi said.
"No problem. My name's Haley, and I'm the B-Button League leader," Haley introduced herself.
"I'm her sister Oralie," Oralie introduced herself.
"I'm Sora," Sora introduced himself.
"And I'm Kairi," Kairi introduced herself.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Are these two yours?" Haley asked.
"Yeah. Pikachu is my partner," Sora said.
"This is Angel," Kairi introduced her partner.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Anyway, we just heard about the B-Button League being made up of Trainers and Coordinators who raises a Pokémon's potential without evolving. Is that right?" Sora asked.
"Yes. That's right," Oralie said.
"Why don't you come and meet our Pokémon and see for yourselves," Haley suggested.
"Sure thing," Kairi said. They made their way to a stage area. Haley raises a an aquarium pool on the stage and shows a Magikarp and a Feebas.
"A Magikarp and a Feebas?" Sora and Kairi asked.
"Magikarp is my partner," Oralie said.
"And Feebas is my partner as well," Haley said.
"Wow, look at that," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"The B-Button League believes there's more to Pokémon than just evolving," Haley said.
"So, without evolving them, members concentrate on strengthening their Pokémon," Oralie said.
"And beautifying them," Haley added.
"Really?" Sora asked.
"The thing is, I love Magikarp," Oralie said.
"And I love my Feebas," Haley said.
"I don't want my Magikarp to change," Oralie said.
"We want to teach our Pokémon beautiful new moves without evolving," Haley said.
"I guess I know what I mean. I mean, it's been the same thing for Angel. I decided to keep her the way she is by giving her an Everstone," Kairi said.
"Yeah, I kinda feel the same way with Pikachu. Remember back in the Vermillion City Gym, when Pikachu was my last Pokémon against LT. Surge?" Sora asked.
"How could I forget. That Raichu was strong, but Pikachu is way faster," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Yeah, and that was when Pikachu and I decided that he was going to take on any Pokémon as a Pikachu," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Well, if that's the case, the B-Button League was made for you," Haley said.
"It goes to show that evolution has its ups and downs," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"The world of Pokémon is pretty complex. And as long as we're both here, Oralie, I thought I could battle against your Magikarp, I mean, just so I could see how strong your Magikarp is for myself," Sora said.
"Of course, Sora," Oralie said.
"Are you going to be using your Pikachu against her Magikarp?" Haley asked.
"I thought of it, but I think I'll be sending out my Piplup. I mean, he is the only Pokémon I have with me that can actually swim underwater," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Alright, Sora. It will be a one-on-one battle," Oralie said.
"Fine with me," Sora said. Both Sora and Oralie took their positions. Sora took out his Pokéball and threw it. "Okay, Piplup! Go!" His Pokéball opened and Piplup emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"Are you ready, Magikarp?" Oralie asked.
"Karp!" Magikarp said, jumping out of the water.
"Okay, Piplup, in the water!" Sora said as Piplup jumped in the water. "Start up with Peck!" Piplup moved in with his beak forward to peck at the Fish Pokémon. Magikarp swam around as Piplup is in hot pursuit. "Piplup is much faster in the water than I thought." Piplup started to catch up with Magikarp
"Magikarp! Dodge it!" Oralie called out. Magikarp dodged Piplup's Peck, much to Sora's surprise. Magikarp jumped out of the water with a powerful jump.
"That's a powerful jump!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"Bubble Beam!" Sora ordered. Piplup fired Bubble Beam from under the water.
"Use Flail to knock those bubbles away!" Oralie ordered. Magikarp smacked the bubbles away with its tailfin. "Now, use Tackle!" Magikarp charges at Piplup and lands a hit onto the Pengiun Pokémon and he splashed down to the bottom of the pool. Magikarp tackled Piplup again and again. "One more Tackle!" Magikarp lands a strong Tackle on Piplup, sending the Penguin Pokémon flying. "Piplup, you okay?" Piplup floats back up, knocked out. It was clear Sora lost the battle. Sora called back his Piplup and smiled. "You did your best, Piplup. Have yourself a good rest." He looked at her Magikarp, impressed. "Magikarp's Tackle is way stronger than I thought. I can see why that one guy lost."
After the battle, Sora had Piplup healed up from his injuries and they started to leave.
"Well, thanks for the battle, Oralie. Your Magikarp truly is the strongest Magikarp," Sora said.
"Thank you, Sora. Your Piplup was impressive, too," Oralie said.
"Say, aren't you two entering Pokémon Contests?" Haley asked.
"I am. Why?" Kairi asked.
"Well, I have gotten word that a Contest is being held in Floaroma Town," Haley said. Sora checked the map app on his Rotom Phone and saw Floaroma Town on the map.
"It works out for us. Floaroma Town is just on the way to Eterna City," Sora said.
"That means I can have my Contest," Kairi said.
"Before you go, I was hoping you can have a look at Feebas in a performance," Haley said.
"Sure. I would like to see Feebas's beauty," Kairi said.
"Great," Haley said. She came to the stage as Feebas jumped out of the water. "Ice Beam, Feebas!" Feebas jumped out and fired Ice Beam straight into the air, creating an ice sculpture. Sora and Kairi were amazed by what they were seeing. It was an ice sculpture of a, made from an Ice Beam.
"Wow, that was beautiful," Kairi said, awestruck.
"I'll say it was," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
Sora and Kairi had taken their leave of the B-Button League and continued on their way. It did remind them that evolution doesn't always mean it's better, and Kairi's second Sinnoh Contest will start up as they head there before Eterna City. How will Kairi do in her Contest? Well, stick around if you wanna find out.
Here is a fun fact to those who didn't know this. The B-Button League is a huge reference to the games as you press the b button to stop a Pokémon from evolving before the evolution process is complete. If you already did, just disregard this fact.