Episode 464: Arriving in Style!
A few hours came and went after Dawn had caught her new Swinub and added him to her team, so Sora, Kairi, Lucas, Dawn, Wes, Rui, Michael, Yugi, Téa, Joey, Tristan, Mai, Bakura, Duke, Serenity, Pikachu, Angel, and Piplup made a stop to have themselves a break. Lucas sat down against a tree when he felt something slightly sharp on his rear.
"Ouch!" Lucas yelped.
"Are you alright, Lucas?" Serenity asked.
"Yeah, something poked me," Lucas said, picking up a Razor Fang. Sora recognized it.
"Hey, a Razor Fang," Sora said.
"A Razor Fang?" Lucas asked.
"It's an evolution item you can use to have your Gligar evolve into a Gliscor," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"A Gliscor? Really?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, I can guarantee it," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"But Gligar's evolution only takes place at night," Sora said.
"Even better," Lucas said, taking out his Pokéball and threw it. "Come on out, Gligar!" His Pokéball opened and his Gligar came on out.t's t's
"Gligar, gar!" Gligar said.
"How would you like to evolve into an awesome Gliscor?" Lucas asked.
"Gli?" Gligar asked.
"Think bout it. When you evolved into a Gliscor, you can be even more awesome than your old boss, so how about it?" Lucas asked, holding the Razor Fang in his hands.
"Gli, Gligar!" Gligar said.
"That's what I thought I'd hear!" Lucas said. He handed the Fly Scorpion Pokémon the Razor Fang to hold to evolve into Gligar.
"Okay, boys! Lunchtime! Kairi said. Hearing Kairi's voice, Sora, Lucas, Pikachu, and Gligar rushes to have some lunch. Kairi has prepared a stewed and made sure there was enough for everyone.
Later that night, Lucas and Gligar while wearing the Rzaor Claw around his neck. Lucas has sent out his Monferno for the training.
"Okay, you guys, are you ready?" Lucas asked.
"Ferno," Monferno said.
"Gli, Gli!" Gligar said.
"Okay, let's do this thing! Gligar! Crabhammer!" Lucas ordered. Gligar flew right at Monferno with a Crabhammer. "Okay, Monferno, dodge and use Power-Up Punch!" Monferno ducked and moves his fist to land a Power-Up Punch. Gligar swings his pincer with Crabhammer, locking Monferno's Power-Up Punch. "Great job, you two! Okay, Gligar! Use Steel Wing!" Gligar flew at the Playful Pokémon with a Steel Wing. "Okay, Monferno! Dodge it!" Monferno tried to dodge, but Gligar came too fast for Monferno to dodge in time. "You okay, Monferno?"
"Ferno, Monferno," Monferno said, giving a thumbs up.
"Awesome! You okay to keep going?" Lucas asked.
"Monferno!" Monferno said.
"Great! Use Flame Wheel!" Lucas ordered. Monferno curls into a ball of fire and rolls right toward Gligar. "Okay, dodge it!" Gligar flew up to dodge Monferno's Flame Wheel. Going up high, Gligar then started to evolve right before Lucas and Monferno's eyes. Gligar has become a Gliscor. "Awesome! You're a Gliscor now!"
"Gliscor!" The newly evolved Gliscor said, sticking out his tongue.
"Looks like you're coming along nicely," a familiar voice said. Lucas turned to see Gary approaching him.
"Hey, I know you. Gary, right?" Lucas asked.
"That's right. I can tell you're doing a great job in raising your Pokémon, your Chimchar evolved into a Monferno," Gary said.
"Well, Monferno has come through for me since I got him from Professor Rowan's lab. Speaking of which, what are you doing out here?" Lucas asked.
"I was on my way to Lake Valor to look into the recent Azelf sighting," Gary said. Lucas remembered seeing something like that back at Lake Valor.
"Did Professor Rowan send you?" Lucas asked.
"I was. And I caught a glimpse of your training and you're doing a decent job with your Pokémon, much like Sora," Gary said.
"You think so, Gary?" Lucas asked.
"I know it. I just couldn't admit that to him when I was traveling in Kanto and Johto," Gary said.
"From what I heard, it was after the Johto Pokémon League when you came to Sinnoh to learn from Professor Rowan," Lucas said.
"You heard right, Lucas. I was ahead of Sora at first, but he never did know when to give up, and that's what I admired most about him. At the end, his Charizard took down my Blastoise, the same way as Ash's Charizard did with mine. I wanted to battle Sora in the Indigo Plateau, but Ash beat me to it, and it wasn't until then that I got what I wanted. When Sora won the Kanto and Johto Pokémon Leagues, I knew he grew so much stronger. And it was no surprise to me when I heard he won the Hoenn Pokémon League and the Pokémon Stadium Cup. So I figured you and he are so much alike," Gary said.
"Wow, I never gave that so much thought," Lucas said.
"Maybe, but I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. You have a strong heart like he does," Gary said. Lucas smiled at that. "Tell Sora I said hello, won't you Lucas?"
"Sure," Lucas said as Gary took his leave.
On the next morning, Sora, Kairi, Lucas, Dawn, Wes, Rui, Michael, Yugi, Téa, Joey, Tristan, Mai, Bakura, Duke, Serenity, Pikachu, Angel, and Piplup are walking down the road as several Psyduck are in the path.
"What's with those Psyduck?" Joey asked.
"I don't know, but it looks like they're in a daze," Sora said.
"That's what I was thinking as well," a familiar voice spoke. The voice belonged to Cynthia when she was approaching.
"Cynthia," Sora said.
"Hello there, Sora. I had a feeling we would meet again," Cynthia said.
"Same here, Cynthia," Sora said.
"I don't believe it. That's Sinnoh's Champion, Cynthia," Joey said at awe. Cynthia noticed Yugi and his friends with them.
"Are these your friends as well?" Cynthia asked.
"Yeah. Yugi Muto, Joey and Serenity Wheeler, Téa Gardner, Tristan Taylor, Mai Valentine, Duke Devlin, and Bakura," Sora introduced.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"What brings you out here, Cynthia?" Kairi asked.
"Those Psyduck. I came here to look into this, because I heard there's a group of Psyduck in the area, standing in a path, so I figured it had to be some form of headache they're having," Cynthia said.
"That makes sense. Psyduck are known to have chronic headaches," Sora said.
"Yeah, how would you know that, Sora?" Dawn asked.
"Well, cuz I raised one. But my Psyduck would let out his most powerful psychic attacks whenever he has the worst kind of headache imaginable," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikchu said.
"But that was until he evolved into a Golduck," Sora said.
"So, you have something to help out those Psyduck?" Téa asked.
"I do. Just this," Cynthia said, holding out some medicine for the Psyduck.
"What's that going to do?" Duke asked.
"Just watch," Cynthia said as she approached the Psyduck and kneels down to them. "Here you go, Psyduck." She sprays the medicine on each of the Psyduck. Feeling the headache disappearing, the Psyduck looked among themselves and took their leave.
"Look at that. They're leaving," Serenity said.
"That must be some medicine," Mai said.
"Their headaches vanished just like magic," Michael said.
"Oh, this medicine is normally treated for Psyduck for their headaches," Cynthia said.
"Man, wish I thought of that," Sora said.
"But this medicine isn't easy to come by. It's very rare to obtain, so not many stores or shops has those," Cynthia said.
"That would have been too easy," Sora said.
"By the way, I am curious to know why you're heading for Hearthome City. I thought you would be heading for Canalave City by now," Cyhtnia said.
"Well, the reason we're heading for Hearthome City is because I never got a chance to battle against Fantina and I wanna get a chance to earn the Relic Badge there," Lucas said.
"I see. Well, I wish you the best of luck, Lucas. And if you're interested, I'm heading back to Celestic Town. Drop by whenever you can," Cynthia said.
"Sure," Sora said.
"Until we meet again," Cynthia said, taking her leave.
"Man, I don't know if I should be jealous or amazed that you got to meet Cynthia," Joey said.
"I didn't just meet her. I battled her and took down half of her team before I lost. Cynthia's a force to be reckoned with," Sora said.
With that, the group moved on and continued their way toward Hearthome City. They arrived that night and entered the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy smiled warmly when they returned.
"Ah, welcome back. I trust you had quite a journey," Nurse Joy said.
"Yeah, I earned four Gym Badges for far, and I'm planning for a fifth win once I beat Fantina," Lucas said.
"Is that so?" A familiar voice spoke. The group turned to see Fantina approaching them. "Monsiuer Sora and Mademoiselle Kairi, bonjour. It is a pleasure to see you here in Hearthome City again."
"The pleasure's all ours," Kairi said.
"Fantina, since you're back in Hearthome City, I wanna challenge you to a Gym battle," Lucas said.
"I see. Oui. I accept your challenge, Lucas. We shall have it first thing tomorrow, oui?" Fantina asked.
"Oui," Lucas said.
"Très bien. Until tomorrow," Fantina said as she turned to Nurse Joy. "Are my Pokémon feeling well?"
"Yes, my Blissey shall have them out momentarily," Nurse Joy said as a Blissey came in, carrying a tray with Fantina's Pokéballs. "And here they are."
"Merci, Nurse Joy," Fantina said, accepting her Pokéballs. "Au revoir for now." She took her leave of the Pokémon Center. Lucas knew she wasn't going to be easy to defeat after watching Sora battling her. Just then, Roxas and Xipak approached the group.
"Sora, glad you could make it," Roxas said.
"Roxas, hey," Sora greeted.
"It's been a while, Roxas," Yugi said.
"It sure has," Roxas agreed.
"You won the Relic Badge, didn't you?" Dawn asked.
"I did. Have a look," Roxas said, showing the group his five Gym Badges.
"Wow, five Gym Badges. You only need three more before you qualify for the Sinnoh Pokémon League," Lucas said.
"Yeah. After I beaten Fantina, I thought I'd stick around and train my Pokémon before I moved on to the next Gym," Roxas said.
"That would be Canalave City. Riku and the others are already heading there," Kairi said.
"Cool. How about we catch up? Xion, Lea, and the others are waiting for us," Roxas said.
With that said, the group joined up with Xion, Lea, Celeste, and the DigiDestined at a table. They shared about their recent adventure, involving Giratina and a Shaymin, and about Zero and his ambitions for the Reverse World.
"Hard to believe that had to happen. Giratina felt pretty violated having its home being made a mess by some black clouds," TK said.
"I'm just glad Shaymin made it back with its friends," Kari said.
"So are we. We think Giratina went after Dialga and Palkia for having that fight earlier," Sora said.
"But we don't know what will happen when it does catches up with them," Kairi said.
"After that, we managed to make it back here to Hearthome City for my chance to battle Fantina," Lucas said.
"Well, just to warn you, she gave Roxas a run for his money. Don't expect it to be easy," Lea said.
"I know it won't be easy. I'm planning on giving it everything I got," Lucas said.
"Well, we're gonna root for you, Lucas," Sora T said.
"Because we're with you all the way," Yolei said.
The rest of the DigiDestined gave their voice of opinion, cheering for Lucas. Yugi and his friends all nodded.
"We'll back you up, Lucas," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"You got my support, Lucas," Dawn said. Lucas blushed, knowing Dawn is giving her support to him.
"Thanks, you guys," Lucas said.
On the next day, the group went to the Hearthome City Gym as Lucas and Fantina have taken their positions for the battle as the referee makes the announcement.
"The battle here in the Hearthome City Gym is about to begin! We have Fantina, the Gym Leader, and Lucas from Twinleaf Town! Both Trainers will be using three Pokémon each! Only the challenger will be permitted to make substitutions anytime! The battle is also over when all three of either Pokémon are unable to continue to battle! Choose your first Pokémon and begin!" The referee announced. Fantina took out her first Pokéball and threw it.
"Mismagius! Battle psotion!" Fantina called out hs her Mismagius came out to battle. Lucas took out his first Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Staravia!" Lucas called out. His Pokéball opened and Staravia came on out to battle.
"Lucas made a smart move. Everyone knows Ghost-type moves don't effect Normal-types like Staravia," Joey said.
"That would be true, but that Mismagius doesn't seem to know any Ghost-type moves. What Misgmaius knows happens to be Mystical Fire, Magical Leaf, Psybeam, and Dark Pulse. Moves like Double Team won't help much since Magical Leaf always hits its mark," Lea said.
"Let's see if Lucas can find a way around it," Wes said.
"Mismagius! Begin with your Magical Leaf!" Fantina ordered. Mismagius unleashes a Magical Leaf and sends it right at Staravia.
"Okay, Staravia! Use Air Cutter to block it!" Lucas ordered. Staravia unleashes blades of air from its wings and the air blades cuts through the Magical Leaf into shining, multicolored pieces. "Aerial Ace!" Staravia dashed at Mismagius and lands a hit on it.
"That was awesome! Staravia's Air Cutter cut through that Magical Leaf like it was butter," Yolei said.
"Looks like Lucas did his homework. Magical Leaf can't be dodged and Lucas knows it, so he countered it with an attack that can cut those leaves," Mai said.
"I agree. The battle just started and he's already turning it around in his favor," Izzy said.
"Yeah, but how long can he keep it in his favor?" Duke asked.
"That's a good question," Izzy said.
"Okay, Staravia! Use Wing Attack!" Lucas ordered. Staravia flew toward the Magical Pokémon and lands hit on it.
"Mystical Fire!" Fantina ordered. Mismagius unleashed a Mystical Fire and sends it right at Staravia.
"Double Team!" Lucas ordered. Staravia made several copies of itself and Mismagius's Mystical Fire phased through one of the copies. "Aerial Ace!" Staravia flew and lands a hit onto the Magical Pokémon. Lucas called Staravia back and he took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Time to make your Gym debut, Gliscor!" His Pokéball opened and Gliscor came on out to battle. "Use Night Slash!" Gliscor came at Mismagius and uses his pincer to slash Mismagius and knocked it out.
"Mismagius is unable to battle! Gliscor wins!" The referee announced.
"Great job, Gliscor!" Lucas said.
"Gliscor!" Gliscor said.
"It was a smart move switching Staravia with Gliscor," Serenity said.
"Yeah, because Gliscor's Night Slash can deal some heavy damage since Ghost-type Pokémon are weak against Dark-type attacks," Rui said.
"Let's see if Lucas sticks with Gliscor or switches with Staravia to battle against her next one," Sora said.
"I have a feeling I knew which one it's going to be," Roxas said. Fantina calls her Mismagius back.
"You battled well, Mismagius. Rest well," Fantina said. She took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Gengar! Battle position!" Her Pokéball opened and came out to battle.
"Okay, that Gengar knows Shadow Punch and that never misses. But Gengar also knows Poison Jab and that does little damage to a Ground-type Pokémon like Gliscor," Lucas said in his thoughts.
"Gliscor has the advantage as a Ground-type, right?" Serenity asked.
"Yeah, so Gengar knows Shadow Punch, that always lands a mark," Micheal said.
"Yeah, so he would be better off switching Gliscor for Staravia since Gengar's Ghost-type attacks won't touch it," Matt said.
"Maybe, but Lucas has to do this his way," Sora said.
"Hope you're right," Sora T said.
"Gengar, use Shadow Punch!" Fantina ordered. Gengar sends out a Shadow Punch and lands a hit onto Gliscor. "Shadow Punch again!" Gengar sends out another Shadow Punch.
"Crabhammer!" Lucas ordered. Gliscor swings his pincer with a Crabhammer, blocking Gengar's Shadow Punch. "Use Steel Wing!" Lucas ordered. Gliscor flew toward the Shadow Pokémon and lands a hit onto Gengar.
"Gengar! Use Shadow Punch!" Fantina ordered. Gengar unleashed another Shadow Punch onto Gliscor. "Shadow Punch again!" Fantina ordered. Gengar sends out another Shadow Punch. Lucas quickly called back Gliscor and took out Staravia's Pokéball and threw it.
"Stravia! Go!" Lucas called out. Staravia came back out and Shadow Punch does nothing to it due to its immunity to Ghost-type attacks. "Use Aerial Ace!" Lucas ordered. Staravia flew right toward Gengar and lands a hit. "Air Cutter!" Staravia sends out Air Cutter and struck Gengar on the mark. "Wing Attack!" Staravia flew at Gengar with Wing Attack and lands a hit onto Gengar. Lucas called back Staravia and took out Gliscor's Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Gliscor! Come back out!" His Pokéball opened and Gliscor came back out to battle. "Night Slash!" Gliscor flew at Gengar and slashed Gengar on the mark, resulting in a knockout.
"Gengar is unable to battle! Gliscor wins!" The referee announced.
"Fantina lost two of hers and she has one left to use," Kari said.
"Yeah, and I have a good feeling on which one it is," Xion said.
"Eevee," Celeste said.
Fantina called back her Gengar and smiled.
"Very well done, Lucas. The way you handled your Gliscor and Staravia shows how well you have raised them. But it remains to be seen if they can handle my last one," Fantina said, taking out her third Pokéball and threw it. "Drifblim! Battle position!" Her Pokéball opened and her Drifblim came out to battle.
"You called it, Xion. She was saving her Drifblim for last," Amy said.
"We've seen how strong Drifblim is, so even with Gliscor and Staravia, it's going to be really hard to take it down," Meiko said.
"Meowth," Little Mei said.
"You still good to go, Gliscor?" Lucas asked.
"Gli, Gliscor!" Gliscor said.
"Great! Go for it! Use Night Slash!" Lucas ordered.
"Will-O-Wisp!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim unleashes a Will-O-Wisp and hits Gliscor, leaving it with a burn.
"Uh-oh. Gliscor's burned," Davis said.
"You know what that means," Cody said.
"What does what mean?" Tristan asked.
"Now, use Hex!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim unleashes a Hex, dealing the heaviest damage onto Gliscor due to the burn status. Gliscor felt the burn. "Use Ominous Wind!" Drifblim finishes the Fang Scorpion Pokémon off with an Ominous Wind, knocking him out.
"Gliscor is unable to battle! Drifblim wins!" The referee announced.
"So much for a perfect attendance battle," Joey said.
"Like when he battled Crasher Wake back in Pastoria City. Fantina's isn't the type who was gonna make it easy for him," Davis said.
"Davis has a point. That Drifblim is a heavy contend with," Joe said. Lucas called back his Gliscor and smiled.
"Not bad for your first Gym battle, huh? You deserve a good, long rest," Lucas said, taking out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Staravia! Go!" His Pokéball opened and the Starling Pokémon came back out to battle. "Let's make it hard for her! Double Team!" Statavia made several copies of itself again, but Fantina wasn't phased.
"I think not. Use Hex all around!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim unleashed a Will-O-Wisp all around and struck all of the copies and the real Staravia on the mark.
"So much for making it hard for Fantina," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Fantina used to be a Pokémon Coordinator, so of course, those contest tricks will make it hard for her opponents," Dawn said.
"Dawn's right. Fantina's Drifblim had so many battles, and it won't be easy to overcome it," Bakura said.
"Okay, Staravia! Use Air Cutter!" Lucas ordered. Staravia unleashed an Air Cutter at Drifblim.
"Silver Wind!" Fantina ordered. Drifloon unleashed a Silver Wind, blowing Staravia's Air Cutter back at the Starling Pokémon and dealt some extra damage. "Keep using Silver Wind!" Drifblim kept unleashing Silver Wind, creating a silver tornado. Staravia is pulled into the tornado and spins around and around. Staravia fell to the ground, beaten.
"Staravia is unable to battle! Drifblim wins!" The referee announced.
"She didn't need to rely on Hex and Ominous Wind to get the job done. Instead she uses Silver Wind to blow Staravia's Air Cutter right back. That's a solid plan," Tai said.
"And it was enough to give Staravia a toss," Mimi said.
"Yeah, let's hope Lucas's next Pokémon can make all the difference," Sora said. Lucas called back Staravia and smiled.
"You battled hard, Staravia. Get some rest," Lucas said. He puts Staravia's Pokéball away and took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Okay, Luxray! Go!" His Pokéball opened and his Luxray came out to battle.
"He's sending out Luxray?" Joey asked.
"He was ready for Drifblim, so he sends out Luxray since Drifblim's a Flying-type, and Luxray's an Electric-type," Roxas said.
"Roxas is right. Hope Lucas has it in the bag from here," Xion said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
"Eevee," Celeste said.
"Drifblim! Will-O-Wisp!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim unleashed Will-O-Wisp and sends it at Luxray.
"I don't think so. Dodge and use Charge Beam!" Lucas ordered. Luxray dodged Drifblim Will-O-Wisp and sends it at Drifblim, landing some heavy damage.
"That scored a direct hit!" Serenity said.
"It did, but Fantina's Drifblim isn't going down that easily," Duke said.
"Drifblim! Will-O-Wisp once again!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim unleashes another Will-O-Wisp and sends it at the Gleam Eyes Pokémon.
"Use Thunderbolt to block it!" Lucas ordered. Luxray fired Thunderbolt, cutting through Drifblim's Will-O-Wisp. A bolt of Luxray's electrical attack hits Drifloon resulting in a paralysis. "Use Crunch!" Luxray leapt at the Blimp Pokémon with a Crunch onto Drifblim and tossed her down to the ground. "Use Thunder Fang!" Luxray heads for Drifblim with a Thunder Fang.
"Use Ominous Wind!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim blew Luxray with an Ominous Wind. Luxray growled.
"That was quite a block," Duke said.
"Now, Silver Wind!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim blew Silver Wind into Luxray's face.
"Hang in there, Luxray!" Lucas said.
"Luxray," Luxray said.
"Now, Will-O-Wisp!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim unleashed a Will-O-Wisp and lands a hit, earning a burn. "Hex!" Drifblim unleashes a Hex, dealing some heavy damage.
"Okay, Luxray! Charge Beam! Full power!" Lucas ordered. Luxray begins to build up power to fire a Charge Beam.
"Lucas is risking it all on Charge Beam. Is it going to pay off?" Sora asked.
"Ominous Wind!" Fantina ordered. Drifblim fired an Ominous Wind at Luxray, but the Gleam Eyes Pokémon fired a powerful Charge Beam, landing a heavy hit. Drifblim fell to the ground, beaten.
"Drifblim is unable to battle! Luxray wins! The winner is Lucas from Twinleaf Town!" The referee announced. The group cheered as Lucas won. Dawn was especially happy for him.
"I knew you'd do it, Lucas," Dawn said. Fantina called back Drifblim back and smiled.
"Well done, Drifblim. You've earned a deserved rest," Fantina said. She approached Lucas. "Congratulations, Lucas. You have truly impressed me. And so, as proof of your victory, it pleases me to present you with this. The Relic Badge." Lucas smiled as he accepted the Gym Badge from Fantina.
"Thanks, Fantina. I gave it everything I had, and it all paid off in the end," Lucas said.
"You need only need three more Gym Badges, and you know where to go next, oui?" Fantina asked.
"Yeah, that'll be Canalave City," Lucas said.
"Then, I wish you the best of luck," Fantina said.
After the battle against Fantina, the group stepped out of the Gym as Lucas smiled as he looked at his five Badges.
"Now, I have five Gym Badges. I'm officially caught up," Lucas said.
"It's been a long wait for you get the Relic Badge and it was worth it," Dawn said.
"Canalave City is next on our Gym battles, so things should get harder going on ahead," Roxas said.
"Roxas is right. We should be up against some tougher opponents," Sora said.
"That won't stop us. I mean, we can fight tooth and nail against whatever's coming our way," Lucas said.
"Guess you're right," Sora agreed.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
Just then, a limo pulls up and the young woman from before stepped out with a Lopunny.
"Excuse me," the young woman called out to them. They turned to see her. "I thought so. You're Sora Ketchum, the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn as well as one of the winners of the Hearthome Tag Battle Tournament! And you're also Yugi, right?"
"Yeah, I'm Yugi," Yugi replied. Dawn was at awe of who she was looking at.
"And yeah, I'm Sora," Sora said.
"Wow, it's a real honor to meet the both of you face-to-face like this. Are you looking for the Hearthome City Gym Leader?" The young woman asked.
"We were just heading for the Pokémon Center after battling against Fantina. I just won my fifth Gym Badge," Lucas said.
"I see. It must have been quite a battle," the young woman said.
"It's really her," Dawn said. Most of the group looked right at her.
"It's really who?" Wes asked. Dawn turned to Wes in surprise.
"Wes! I can't believe you don't know! That's Paris, the world famous Pokémon Stylist!" Dawn asked.
"Well, sorry I didn't know about Paris, Dawn, I guess it's my own fault for not picking up a magazine about Pokémon Stylists," Wes said sarcastically.
"If it makes you feel better, Wes, I never heard of her either," Lucas said.
"It doesn't bother me all that much. In fact, I've seen you around before. And I know about you. You're Roxas Ketchum. And you're Michael and Wes from the Orre region. I heard you were the ones who foiled those Shadow Pokémon schemes. I saw you in the finals of the Pokémon Stadium Cup in Kanto. And you're Kairi. You won the Hoenn and Kanto Grand Festivals. I've been wanting to meet you for quite a while," Paris said.
"We're flattered," Michael said. Dawn took out a Pokéball and opened it to let out her Buneary Paris look at the Rabbit Pokémon.
"Oh tres bien! What adorable Buneary you both have there!" Paris said.
"Thank you. My name's Dawn!" Dawn said.
"Now, you wouldn't happen to be a Pokémon Coordinator, would you, Dawn?" Paris asked.
"Yes! And going for the top!" Dawn said.
"You might like to know that the Hearthome Collection starts tomorrow. So why don't you and your Buneary sign up?" Paris suggested. Dawn was surprised.
"Hearthome Collection?" Dawn asked.
"Right! It's a Pokémon fashion show and it's open to the general public," Paris said. "Everyone gets to dress up and model their Pokémon in their own original designs!"
"Yeah?" Dawn asked, getting all giddy. Dawn imagined herself in a golden yellow dress with her Buneary in a pink dress with a star.
"Poké Stylist is one type of Coordinator, you see? And the winner of the Hearthome Collection gets to work on the Poké Chic campaign photo shoot! It's a great way to become a Poké Stylist," Paris explained.
"Wow! Poké Chic Campaign?" Dawn asked.
"You might say it's a shortcut to becoming a top Coordinator," Paris said.
"I would love to enter it!" Dawn said.
"Great!" Paris said.
"You should go for it, Dawn," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Oh, and Kairi, I think you should enter it, too. And you can enter with your cute little Eevee," Paris suggested.
"Really?" Kairi asked. She looked at Angel. "What do you think, Angel? You think we should give it a try?"
"Vee," Angel said.
Later, Kairi and Dawn went to register for the Hearthome Collection.
"You feeling nervous, Kairi?" Dawn asked.
"I kinda am, because I never entered a fashion show before," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said. A joyous scream is heard as Kairi and Dawn see a young woman with blonde hair and in a green dress. She has four other young women with her.
"We love you, Cocoa!" One of the girls said.
"You're the greatest!" Another girl said. Cocoa laughed in a snobbish manner.
"Thanks for the well-deserved warm welcome! Wow!" Cocoa said.
"Who's that?" Kairi asked. A girl turned to her.
"How in the world could you want to be a Poké Stylist and not know the great Lady Cocoa?" The girl asked.
"So, who is she?" Kairi asked. Another girl spoke up.
"She's only a world-famous celebrity who has the ability to hire all the greatest fashion designers for her," the other girl said.
"Wow, I'm impressed," Dawn said. Buneary was looking at her awestruck at how pretty she looked.
"As soon as I heard Poké Stylist Paris was coming here, of course I had to come, too!" Cocoa said. "Grading the Hearthome Collection with my debut with the season. And transforming the winner of a local event into an idol to be adored the world over!" Buneary hopped over to Cocoa and she wanted to touch it. She turned to see the rabbit Pokémon. "Don't you touch me with those filthy paws of yours!" Kairi instantly didn't like her attitude.
"How rude," Kairi said. Dawn went over to her Buneary.
"I'm so sorry!" Dawn apologized as she ran up to Kairi.
"What? Are you thinking of competing with Buneary?" Cocoa snobbishly asked. The other young women laughed as well.
"What snobs," Kairi hissed.
"What Cocoa considers fashion is plain gaudy," a woman's voice poke. Kairi and Dawn turned to see a woman with black hair and huge red glasses. "Though she has lots of Poké Stylist secrets up her sleeve." Dawn went up to her.
"Excuse me," Dawn spoke. She turned to her with an unconcerned look.
"Yes, what?" The woman strictly asked.
"Could you just tell me just one of her secrets?" Dawn asked.
"That's for me to know and for you to find out," the woman said. She huffed as she took off. She stopped for a moment. "Have you ever been in a Pokémon Contest before?"
"Yes," Dawn replied.
"Coordinators and Poké Stylists, they're all the same," the woman said, taking off. Dawn was letting what she said sink right in.
That night at the Pokémon Center, Dawn was coming up with a design idea as Kairi was doing the same thing for Angel. She held out two dresses for her to wear. One of them was light blue and the other was lavender.
"So, what do you think, Angel? This or this?" Kairi asked. Angel looked at the dresses for a moment and pointed to the lavender dress.
"Vee," Angel said, making up her mind.
"Yeah? Maybe we can go with that since we'll match," Kairi said.
On the very next day, it was time for the Hearthome Collection. Enta was hosting the event after hosting the Hearthome Tag Battle Tournament.
"Welcome everyone to the Hearthome Collection!" Enta announced as the crowd cheered. "I want you to join me in giving a great big warm Hearthome City welcome to all the Poké Stylists gathered here today! You all may know my name is Enta, the mayor, and your master of ceremonies!"
"He must have lots of free time on his hands if he's making an appearance like this," Sora said in his thoughts.
"Now it's my honor and privilege to introduce you to our Poké Stylist judges! First, you love her a lot! Your Poké Stylist idol superstar, Paris!" Enta announced as everyone all cheered as Paris smiled warmly. "And now, presenting, our other Hearthome judge! She's editor-in-chief of the fashion magazine Poké Chic! The lovely, talented, and gracious Madame Hermione!" Dawn and Kairi were stunned to see she's one of the judges.
"Who knew she'd be a world famous star?" Dawn asked in surprise.
"The Hearthome Collection is a contest that takes into account the overall impression of a Pokémon including its fashion sense accessories and its moves!" Enta announced as the lights went out and the lights went on stage. "Alright then! Let's get this wonderful spectacle underway!" The show begins with a pair with a Bellossom and its Trainer. Both wore a purple flower and had jewels around the flower. Bellossom unleashes Magical Leaf. Paris and Madame Heroine gave it a so-so. Next it was a Trainer and his Magikarp with gems on the body. A Chikorita with jewels on the green seeds, a Toxicroak giving off a punk vibe, a Roselia with roses on the head. And finally an Arcanine with a woman with an Arcanine shirt and wearing a gem collar.
"What a bore. As usual, nothing's really standing out," Madame Hermione said.
"I see you're as critical as ever, Ms. Hermione," Paris said.
"It's your fault. You earned such a reputation as a talented Poké Stylist, everyone wants to be one now," Madame Hermione said.
"I'm sorry. Fashion should be a crime," Paris said in a blush.
"Now it's time for Poké Stylist entry number eighteen! Kairi and her Eevee Angel!" Enta announced as Kairi and Angel came out wearing matching lavender dresses.
"My, that's beautiful," Paris said. Kairi and Angel. Angel stepped forward as she awaits Kairi's instructions.
"Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel unleashed Swift and the stars went around. The stars sprinkle into little bits of dust.
"Look at that," Tai said.
"That was pretty," Serenity said.
"What do you expect?" Sora asked.
"So, who's next?" Matt asked.
"There should be someone after her. And after that one is someone named Lady Cocoa," Lea said. The next entry had shown off their spectacle. Once that was done, Enta stepped in.
"And now it's time for entry number twenty! It's the pride of Hearthome City Cocoa and her Mismagius!" Enta announced. The crowd cheered hard for Cocoa and Mismagius as they entered the stage from opposite sides. Cocoa was wearing a pink dress and a silver tiara as Mismagius is wearing a read dress
"Dear Mismagius, won't you please show everyone your lovely dress now?" Cocoa asked. Mismagius obliged her as it went to the center bottom part of the dress stretched down, captivating the audience. "Mismagius! Psywave!" Mismagius uses Psywave to give off a sparkle. The audience was even more captivated. Madame Hermione was not impressed. It was now Dawn's turn. She wore a white dress along with Buneary.
"And now, for our final entry number twenty-one: Dawn and her Pokémon Buneary!" Enta announced. Dawn and Buneary came out as they both stood on stage. Lucas was captivated by Dawn's beauty in the dress. His face was blushing like mad. "Coming after Lady Cocoa, they seem particularly plain!"
"True! But the simplicity can be strong and effective," Paris said. Madame Hermione looked on and she was impressed by Dawn's Buneary bounced around as she was on a field of snow.
"Use Ice Beam!" Dawn ordered. Buneary fires Ice Beam all over. It creates a winter look. Madame Hermione was even more impressed by Dawn's resolve.
"Oh, tres bien! Oui, tres bien!" Paris said.
Once and Dawn and Buneary were impressed by Dawn's performance was done, they bowed their heads as the audience clapped their hands. Kairi was even impressed. They waited for the results.
"The results are in! We've narrowed them down to three Poké Stylist entrants down to three finalsts! From those three, we'll choose a winner, a first runner-up which recognizes best accessories and a special award for good measure!" Enta announced as the crowd cheered. "Our first finalst is number eighteen. Kairi and her Eevee Angel!" Kairi smiled as Angel has shred her expression. "Our second finalist is number twenty, Lady Cocoa, queen of Hearthome City!" The crowd cheered.
"I expected no less," Lady Cocoa said.
"And our final pick is none other than entrant number twenty-one, and that's Dawn and her Buneary!" Enta announced.
"Kairi, what's my name?" Dawn asked, getting excited.
"Dawn! You made it!" Kairi said.
"Yippee!" Dawn cheered.
The three finalists walked in the center stage to decided the winner.
"Our rewards will be divided up mong these fine entrants!" Enta announced.
"Of course the rest of you no talents are only here to make me look fabulous," Cocoa said under breath. She gave off a snobbish laugh.
"And now to our three awards! The award for uniqueness goes to Kairi and Angel!" Enta announced. Sora was surprised Kairi didn't win it, but it was okay, because she was always a winner to him.
"Of course, we already know who the big winner is," Cocoa snobbishly said.
"And now, the lovely Paris will announce our big winner!" Enta announced.
"Thanks. The winner is," Paris paused as the sounds of drums are heard. Dawn was hoping sh emade it so far. "The amazing team of Dawn and Buneary!"
"Yay!" Dawn cheered. Everyone all applauded for Dawn, especially Lucas.
"Not me?!" Cocoa exclaimed with her tiara nearly falling off.
"I knew you could do it, Dawn!" Lucas said.
"But I'm supposed to win! This doesn't make one bit of sense at all!" Cocoa exclaimed.
"Ah, but the Accessory Award is perfect for you. After all, it was only your dress and accessories that stood out. You see, darling, you completely forgot about showing off your Mismagius," Madame Hermione said. Paris walked up to Dawn.
"I just love the way you used your accessories so well. Simple things that showed off your Buneary. Great! Tres bien!" Paris said.
"Right," Madame Heriome agreed. "And you did it in the true spirit of a Poké Stylist!" Dawn smiled.
"Thanks," Dawn said.
"Blast! I could just die!" Cocoa cried. Paris placed the winning tiara on Dawn's head and on Buneary's.
"Now, if it's alright with you, Dawn, I'd like you to start work with Poké Chic right away!" Madame Heriome said.
"Thank you so much!" Dawn said. "But you see my goal is to become a Top Contest Coordinator, and there's still a lot of work I need to do with my Pokémon."
"I understand," Madame Heriome said with a smile. "Make your Pokémon shine in contests like they did today!"
"Thanks!" Dawn said.
And so, the Hearthome Collection has provided Kairi and Dawn with new valuable experiences. Not only that, but Lucas has earned the Relic Badge from Fantina after a hard battle. Now, the next Gym is to head for Canalave City and battle against Byron, but what sort of challenges awaits our friends? Find out as we continue on.