Episode 479: Lucas and Roxas on the Defense!
Shortly after Sora had won the Mine Badge from Byron, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Lea, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Lucas, Dawn, Wes, Rui, Michael, Tai, Matt, Sora T, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, TK, Kari, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, Meiko, Amy, Takato, Henry, Rika, Ryo, Kenta, Kazu, Suzie, Takuya, Koji, JP, Zoe, Tommy, Koichi, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Marill, Volt, Maple, Piplup, Little Mei, Guil, Mime Jr, and Munchlax returned to the Pokémon Center. Sora had Monferno, Lucario, and Gabite checked in the Pokémon Center to be healed from their injuries.
Roxas was preparing for his Gym battle as Houndoom, Blastoise, and Hitmonchan. Blastoise ended up being sick with a flu.
"Nurse Joy, how's my Blastoise?" Roxas asked.
"Your Blastoise is going through a flu. I will have to strongly recommened your Blastoise doesn't battle," Nurse Joy said.
"Aw, man. After all that," Roxas said.
"Toise," Blastoise sickly said.
"You're gonna have to use a different Pokémon for the match," Xion said.
"You're right, Xion. Maybe I could use my Marshtomp," Roxas said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
"Eevee," Celeste said.
"Besides, Marshtomp would make a great choice to use against that Bastiodon since Rock and Steel-types are weak against Ground-types," Roxas said.
"That's true, and the same can be said about Hitmonchan since Rock and Steel-types are weak against Fighting-type moves, but you're not going to overdo it, are you?" Xion asked.
"Don't worry, Xion. Watching that battle with Sora and Byron, I know better than to get too confident," Roxas said.
"I guess you do," Xion said. Roxas noticed Lea sitting by himself. And he seems to be down on the dumps about something.
"Hey, Xion, think you can excuse me for a minute? I gotta go talk about Lea for a moment," Roxas said.
"Okay," Xion said as Roxas went off to speak with Lea. The former Organization XIII agent was beside himself.
"You okay there, Lea?" Roxas asked.
"Why would there be anything wrong? I'm perfectly fine," Lea said.
"Come on, man. Don't you think that I would have caught on with what's wrong by now? You'd do the same thing with me, so come on. Let's hear it," Roxas said. Lea said.
"Okay, because you twisted my arm. I've been thinking about families," Lea said. Roxas was puzzled by what he meant.
"What do you mean by families, Lea? What does that have to do with anything?" Roxas asked.
"A whole lot, Roxas. It was just seeing Roark and Byron eariler that first got me thinking. And then, I remembered the rest of you have families of your own, and well..." Lea paused. Roxas caught on to what Lea was talking about.
"I kinda get it," Roxas said. "Why didn't you bring it up earlier?"
"I didn't wanna spoil anybody's day. I guess you can say that I feel really envious toward you guys because I'm the only one who doesn't have a family to call my own. From all the centuries I've spent in the Organization, I even forgot all about my own mom and dad. Even now, I don't remember what they look like or what their names are. I don't even remember if I had any brothers or sisters. All I got are the memories of Isa, and the rest are blank," Lea said.
"Wow, I had no idea that you felt that way," Roxas said.
"Now, you do. I didn't want my problems to be your problems," Lea said.
"Your problems are always going to be my problems, Axel. After all, you are my best friend," Roxas said, reminding him. "And I might not know about your past, but you're here to make some new memories. You've been doing that ever since we met up at Mount Coronet when you took on Hunter J's thugs. And you're still making memories now, and I know you'll never forget those memories even if you tried." Lea looked at Roxas and saw how serious he was being about the subject. Lea suddenly felt better.
"Thanks, buddy," Lea said.
"That's what best friends are for," Roxas said. He and Lea fist bumped.
Meanwhile, Lucas and Dawn talked Sora into convincing in Professor Oak into carrying twelve Pokémon at a time.
"You sure you wanna do that, guys?" Sora asked.
"We're sure, Sora," Lucas said.
"You knew the poetry man longer than most of us, so I know he's going to listen to you," Dawn said.
"Okay. And don't call him 'poetry man', Dawn," Sora said. Pikachu chuckled at the poetry man bit. "Oh, it wasn't that funny." He made a call to Professor Oak's lab. After a few rings, Professor Oak answered it.
"Ah, Sora! Good of you to call. Rei was telling about your arrival in Canalave City. I trust you won your sixth Sinnoh Gym Badge, yes?" Professor Oak asked.
"Yeah, I battled Byron hard for it and my efforts earned me Mine Badge. But my accomplishment isn't the reason I'm calling, professor," Sora said.
"Oh no? Why's that?" Professor Oak asked.
"Well, I'm sorry to spring this on you, professor, it's Lucas and Dawn who wants to ask you," Sora said.
"Is that so? Well, what can I do for you two?" Professor Oak asked.
"Well, Dawn and I talked Sora into allowing us into carrying twelve Pokémon like the Ash, Ethan, Chase, Brendan, Leaf, May, Kris, Elaine, Kairi, Roxas, Xion, and Lyra," Lucas said.
"We thought of asking you earlier, but we were worried you would say no, so..." Dawn said.
"I understand. I will send the instructions over to through your Rotom Phones, but before we go through with this, I must ask that you never abuse it in any way or I will not hesitate in taking it away. Is that understood?" Professor Oak asked.
"Yes," Lucas and Dawn replied in unison.
"Good," Professor Oak said as he sent the instructions over to Lucas and Dawn. When retrieved, Lucas and Dawn followed the instructions perfectly. One it was finished, Lucas chose six additional Pokémon to be in his team.
"It's done, professor," Lucas said.
"Excellent. Now, you two can carry twelve Pokémon at once, and that's as far as it can go," Professor Oak said.
"We'll take it, professor. And thanks," Dawn said.
"And you won't worry about us abusing anything," Lucas said.
"I'm glad to hear it. You don't mind if I speak with Sora, do you?" Professor Oak asked.
"No, we don't mind," Lucas said as Lucas and Dawn took their leave.
"What's up, professor?" Sora asked.
"Well, I'm going to be honest, I had a feeling you would bring it up to me at some point, so I have a proposition to ask," Professor Oak said.
"Yeah? What?" Sora asked.
"When you do come across any Keyblade candidates, you think you can suggest this to them? I would be more than happy to give this to them," Professor Oak said.
"I'll do that, professor. And you won't worry about anybody abusing; I hope," Sora said.
"I do too, Sora. Anyway, since you have earned the Mine Badge from the Canalave City Gym Leader, I thought I'd suggest you head for Snowpoint City for your next Gym battle," Professor Oak said.
"Snowpoint City. That'll be Zoey's hometown. And since it's called that, it's safe to assume the Gym Leader there uses Ice-type Pokémon," Sora said.
"I'm assuming Zoey is a friend you made in Sinnoh, but you are correct to suggest the next Gym caters to Ice-type Pokémon, so it should be wise to use Fire, Rock, Fighting, and Steel-type Pokémon against Ice-types," Professor Oak said.
"That's good to know, professor. Kairi has already won her five Ribbons here in Sinnoh, and I have a couple of Sinnoh Battle Frontier facilities to challenge, so it might be a while before we get to Snowpoint City," Sora said.
"You still have plenty of time before the Sinnoh Pokémon League tournament. But may I suggest you have a look into Lake Acuity on the way. There is talk about a mysterious Pokémon being sighted there," Professor Oak said.
"Uxie. Sure, we'll do that, professor," Sora said.
With that said, Sora broke contact with Professor Oak.
Meanwhile, Saturn enters Cyrus's quarters.
"You summoned me, Master Cyrus?" Saturn asked.
"How goes the preparations?" Cyrus asked.
"Smoothly. The new Galactic Bombs shall be ready within a matter of days," Saturn said.
"Are you certain?" Cyrus asked.
"Yes. The Galactic Bomb we used on the Great Marsh was only a prototype, but the real thing will prove more effective. As soon as they finished, we will set them off beneath the three lakes. The force of the blast will cause the Lake Guardians to come out from hiding," Saturn said.
"Excellent, Saturn. We have been waiting a long time for the new world to become a reality. Do you understand the importance of our goals?" Cyrus asked.
"I do, sir," Saturn said.
"Everything deeply depends on our success. The meteorites, the Adamant and Lustrous Orbs, the Lake Guardians, and then the Spear Pillar itself. Everything will soon fall into place. I am counting on you to make sure it all goes as planned," Cyrus said.
"Yes, Master Cyrus. I will do exactly that," Saturn said.
On the very next morning, Roark has returned to Oreburgh City to uphold his obligations as a Gym Leader has to be met. Roxas got everything ready for his battle against Byron. He and Byron took their positions of the battlefield.
"The battle between the Gym Leader, Byron, and the challenger, Roxas from Pallet Town is about to begin! Both Trainers will use three Pokémon each and the battle's over when wither Pokémon is unable to continue to battle! Only the challenger will be allowed to substitute Pokémon. You may choose your first Pokémon and begin," the referee annoucned.
"I LOVE BRONZOR!" Byron called out as he took out a Pokéball and threw it. His Pokéball opened and his Bronzor came out to battle. Roxas took out a Pokéball.
"I was hoping he'd do that!" Roxas said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Let's go, Houndoom!" His Pokéball opened and his Houndoom came out to battle against Bronzor.
"Roxas is starting things up with Houndoom. It works since Dark-types are immune to Psychic-type moves," Ken said.
"Yeah, but I don't think Byron's too concerned about that," Lea said.
"Bronzor! Gyro Ball!" Byron ordered. Bronzor spins around and came in with a Gyro Ball.
"Dodge and use Flamethrower!" Roxas ordered. Houndoom dodged Bronzor's Gyro Ball and fired Flamethrower, hitting the Bronze Pokémon, but it looked like it didn't do much.
"What the? That should have landed some heavy damage. Bronzor is a Steel-type after all," Dawn said.
"It's true, Dawn, but it's gotta be Heatproof," Brendan said.
"Heatproof?" Dawn asked.
"Heatproof is an ability that halves the damage from Fire-type attacks and from burns. It's a great defense against Fire-types," Brendan said.
"At least Sora's Gabite didn't know Fire-type moves because that would have been really hard for him as it is," Ash said.
"Okay, Fire-type moves won't do much on that Bronzor, but here's a move I know that's going to deal some heavy damage. Dark Pulse!" Roxas ordered. Houndoom unleashed a Dark Pulse and sent it at Bronzor.
"Dodge and use Gyro Ball again!" Byron ordered. Bronzor dodged Houndoom's Dark Pulse and came for the Dark Pokémon with another Gyro Ball.
"Use Crunch!" Roxas ordered. Houndoom jumped and caught Bronzor in its mouth like it was catching a frisbee. Houndoom then gave Bronzor a toss and hits the wall, resulting in a knockout.
"Bronzor is unable to battle! Houndoom wins!" The referee announced.
"Roxas takes the early lead!" Meiko said.
"Meowth, Meowth!" Little Mei said.
"Yeah, and it was without relying too heavily on Fire-type attacks," Elaine said.
"Eevee," Maple said.
"Don't celebrate yet. Byron still has two more remaining," Wes said. Byron called back his Bronzor.
"Well done, Bronzor. Rest for now," Byron said. He took out another Pokéball and held it. "Now, it's time for my next Pokémon! I LOVE STEELIX!" His Pokéball opened and his Steelix came out to battle.
"Knew he was sending out Steelix out next. Time to make a switch," Roxas said, calling back Houndoom and took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "You're going in, Marshtomp!" His Pokéball opened and the Mud Fish Pokémon came out to battle.
"Marshtomp!" Marshtomp said.
"Good plan on switching Houndoom with Marshtomp. Marshtomp should have the upper hand since it's a Water-type," Amy said.
"That would normally be the case, Amy, but don't forget that types don't always win battles. It also takes battle experience as well," Rui said.
"She's right. Marshtomp just needs to use a strong enough move that'll be effective on Steelix," Ethan said.
"Okay, Marshtomp, be ready for anything," Roxas said.
"Marsh," Marshtomp said.
"Use Iron Tail!" Byron ordered. Steelix swings its tail at the Mud Fish Pokémon.
"Dodge it and use Mud Bomb!" Roxas ordered. Marshtomp dodged Steelix's Iron Tail and fired a Mud Bomb at the Iron Snake Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Bind!" Byron ordered. Steelix dodged Marshtomp's Mud Bomb and grabbed Marshtomp in its tail. Steelix began to squeeze.
"Try to wiggle out, Marshtomp!" Roxas called out. Marshtomp tried to move, but Steelix's grip was too tight. "Use Water Pulse!" Marshtomp managed to form a ball of water from its mouth and send it right at Steelix, dealing some heavy damage.
"A direct hit!" Kris said. Steelix ends up being confused by Marshtomp's Water Pulse.
"Look at that! Steelix is confused!" Jeri said.
"Chances are Steelix will end up hurting itself on the battlefield," Dawn said.
"Shake it off, Steelix! Use Iron Tail!" Byron ordered. Steelix tried to comply with its Trainer, but Steelix does hurts itself.
"Use Bumb Bomb!" Roxas ordered. Marshtomp fired a Mud Bomb, hitting the Iron Snake Pokémon on the mark, resulting in a knockout.
"Steelix is unable to battle! Marshtomp wins!" The referee announced.
"Two down, one to go!" Sora said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"And I have a feeling I know what he has been saving for last," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
Byron called back his Steelix and he smiled.
"Not a bad battle, Steelix. You've earned a good rest," Byron said. He looked at Roxas with a smile. "Not too shabby, son! You managed to break through my defenses twice in a row! But now, it's time to end it with my Bastiodon!" Byron said, taking out his third Pokéball and threw it. His Pokéball opened and his Bastiodon came out to battle.
"I thought he was saving Bastiodon for last. It's just like he did with Sora. Luckily, I'm ready for anything he's got up his sleeve, thanks to that battle," Roxas said in his thoughts. He called out, "Okay, Marshtomp! Use Mud Bomb!" Marshtomp sends out a Mud Bomb.
"Iron Defense!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon gives off a metallic glow, taking Marshtomp's Mud Bomb. "Now, use Metal Burst!" Bastiodon then gave another metallic glow and sends out a powerful Metal Burst, hitting the Mud Fish Pokémon, resulting in a knockout.
"Marshtomp is unable to battle! Bastiodon wins!" The referee announced.
"Looks like Roxas lost one already," Sora T said.
"It was because of Metal Burst. Clearly, Byron knew Bastiodon is weak against Ground-type attacks, so he had Bastiodon take so much damage and send it back with so much force," Kairi said.
"That makes sense. The more Bastiodon took the damage, the lot more power Metal Burst let's out," Michael said. Roxas calls back Marshtomp and he smiled.
"You did your best, Marshtomp. You deserve a good rest," Roxas said. He took out another Pokéball. "Here's my backup. Hitmonchan!" He threw his Pokéball and his Hitmonchan came out to battle. "Okay, Hitmonchan! Start things up with your Mach Punch!" The Punching Pokémon dashed at Bastiodon and lands a powerful punch. "Use Power-Up Punch!" Hitmonchan lands another punch on the Shield Pokémon.
"Metal Burst!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon took the damage from Hitmonchan's punches and unleashed another burst of energy, hitting the Punching Pokémon. Hitmonchan was down, but he wasn't out. Roxas called back his Hitmonchan.
"Attacking Bastiodon head-on wasn't such a hot idea after all. It looks like I'm gonna have to send out Houndoom again, but I gotta plan my next moves carefully," Roxas said, taking out Houndoom's Pokéball and threw it. "Okay, Houndoom! Back to action!" His Pokéball opened and his Houndoom came out to battle.
"He's sending Houndoom back out?" Dawn asked.
"Well, he did lose Marshtomp against that Bastiodon, but I'm just as concerned as you are, Dawn," May said.
"Piplup," Piplup said.
"Well, knowing Roxas, he's going to bounce back," Lea said.
"Considering where he came from," Kris said, making everyone looking at Sora. Sora chuckled nervously.
"That makes sense, Koji said.
"He is Sora's Nobody," Koichi added.
"Mime, Mime," Mime Jr said.
"Munchlax," Munchlax said.
"Okay, Houndoom! Go around Bastiodon and use Flamethrower!" Roxas called out. Houndoom ran around Bastiodon and fired a Flamethrower, hitting the Shield Pokémon on the side. "Awesome! Keep it up! Flamethrower again!" Houndoom fired another Flamethrower at Bastiodon, dealing some extra damage. Bastiodon ends up being burned by Houndoom's Flamethrower.
"Alright, Bastiodon! Iron Head!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon charges at Houndoom with an Iron Head, landing a hit. "Use Flash Cannon!" Bastiodon fired Flash Cannon, hitting the Dark Pokémon on the mark, resulting in a knockout.
"Houndoom is unable to battle! Bastiodon wins!" The referee announced.
"Now, they're down to one Pokémon each," Zoe said.
"And it looks like it's going to be Hitmonchan, but Bastiodon's Metal Burst, Iron Head, and Flash Cannon are going to be tricky," Leaf said.
"And Hitmonchan has already taken some damage from Bastiodon's attacks," Xion said.
"Eevee," Celeste said.
"Xion's right. You were all right here when I battled Bastiodon, so we all know how powerful Bastiodon is. But I noticed Bastiodon's burned from Houndoom's Flamethrower, but Bastiodon's attack power is still up even though burns are supposed to weaken attacks," Sora said.
"I noticed it, too. Roxas will have to take full advantage of the situation while he can," Lea said.
Roxas noticed Bastiodon has taken some damage from its burns and he smiles.
"Great job, Houndoom. You gave me the edge that I needed. Your efforts won't go to waste," Roxas said, taking out Hitmonchan's Pokéball and threw it. "Hitmonchan! Back to action!" His Pok3233ball opened and Hitmonchan came out, still feeling his previous injuries.
"I don't know what you're grinning about, boy, but I'm going to wipe that grin off your face! Bastiodon! Use Iron Head!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon ran to ram into the Punching Pokémon.
"Dodge and the last minute and use Mach Punch!" Roxas ordered. Hitmonchan waited for his chance to dodge. Once Bastiodon was close enough, he dodged and lands a hit onto Bastiodon with Mach Punch. "Use Dynamic Punch!" Hitmonchan lands a Dymanic Punch onto Bastiodon, confusing it.
"Use Flash Cannon!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon fired a Flash Cannon despite being confused.
"Dodge and use Power-Up Punch!" Roxas ordered. Hitmonchan dodged Bastiodon's Flash Cannon just by jumping and lands his Power-Up Punch, dealing some heavy damage and building up Hitmonchan's attack power. "Use Sky Uppercut!" Hitmonchan jumped and lands a powerful uppercut onto Bastiodon, dealing some additional damage. Bastiodon lands on its side.
"Get up, Bastiodon! Don't give up!" Byron called out. Bastiodon struggled to stand on its feet, but fell back down, beaten.
"Bastiodon is unable to battle! Hitmonchan wins! The winner is Roxas from Pallet Town!" The referee announced. The group all cheered, happy for Roxas. Byron called back his Bastiodon and smiled.
"You battled hard, Bastiodon. You have earned a well-deserved rest," Byron said. He approached Roxas with a smile. "Not bad, Roxas. Like Sora, you got through my strongest defense. You're just as strong as your brother. As a reward for your victory, I am giving you the Mine Badge." Roxas smiled as he accepts his Gym Badge.
"Thanks, Byron. I enjoyed our battle," Roxas said.
"So did I, son," Byron said.
"That means, it's going to be your turn, Lucas," Ethan said.
"Yeah, you're right. If I'm going to earn the Mine Badge, then I'm going to give him an epic battle, too," Lucas said.
After Roxas's battle against Byron, Lucas decided to have his own training to go down. He got down to training his chosen Pok3233mon, Barboach, Gyarados, and Gliscor. He wanted to be ready for anything Byron throws at him.
On the next morning, everyone returned to the Canalave City Gym to begin the battle.
"The battle between the Gym Leader and the challenger, Lucas from Twinleaf Town is about to begin! Each Trainer will be using three Pokémon each! Only the challenger is permitted to make substitutions! The battle will be over when all three of either Trainer's Pokémon are unable to continue battling! Choose your first Pokémon and begin!" The referee announced. Byron took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"I LOVE BRONZOR!" Byron called out, throwing his Pokéball and his Bronzor came out to battle. Lucas took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Thought you'd start things up with Bronzor! So I'm sending out Barboach!" Lucas called out. His Pokéball opened and his Barboach came out to battle.
"Wait, he isn't sending out Infernape or any of his Fire-types to battle Bronzor?" Dawn asked.
"After watching Roxas battling, he figured Fire-type attacks aren't going to cut it since Byron's Bronzor has Heatproof as an ability, so he figured he'd start things up with a Ground-type instead," Leaf said.
"That's actually a smart move on Lucas's part," Sora said.
"It sure is. That means Ground-type moves can hit Bronzor since it doesn't have Levitate as an ability," Kairi said.
"Yeah, but it doesn't mean Barboach is going to find it easy with an opponent that float around in the air," Riku said.
"Let's see how it turns out," Brendan said.
"Bronzor! Gyro Ball!" Byron ordered. Bronzor spins around and around, heading right toward Barboach.
"Dodge and use Mud-Slap!" Lucas ordered. Barboach sends out a Mud-Slap at the Bronze Pokémon. It dodged the Whiskers Pokémon's Mud-Slap. "Use Mud-Slap again!" Barboach sends out another Mud-Slap, hitting Bronzor on the mark.
"That did it!" Lyra said.
"When Mud-Slap hits, it cuts a Pokémon's accuracy," Kris said.
"Marill, Marill," Marill said.
"Use Water Gun!" Lucas ordered. Barboach fired a Water Gun right at Bronzor.
"Dodge it and use Gyro Ball!" Byron ordered. Bronzor spins around and dodged Barboach's Water Gun.
"Keep firing Water Gun until you hit it!" Lucas ordered. Barboach keeps firing its Water Gun until landed a hit on the Bronze Pokémon just when it was getting close. "Use Mud-Slap!" Barboach sends out a Mud-Slap, hitting Bronzor on the mark. Bronzor was knocked out.
"Bronzor is unable to battle! Barboach wins!" The referee announced.
"One down, two to go," Chase said.
"Pikachu," Volt said.
"We know Byron's going to be sending out his Steelix next. And even with a type advantage, Barboach won't send it easy since Steelix is more experienced in battle than Barboach is," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Riku may be right. Lucas has to keep his wits up since he wants to keep Barboach in it," Lea said. Byron called back his Bronzor and smiled.
"You put up quite a fight, Bronzor. And your reward is a good rest," Byron said. He took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "I LOVE STEELIX!" His Pokéball opened and his Steelix came out to battle. Lucas grinned as he called back his Barboach.
"I was hoping he'd do that," Lucas said, taking out his next Pokéball and threw it. "You're going in, Gyarados!" His Pokéball opened and his Gyarados emerged from inside and roared upon entry.
"Another clever move on Lucas's part. Clearly he knows Steelix can use Earthquake, and it won't even touch Gyarados since it's a Flying-type," Roxas said.
"Pika," Xipak said.
"Not only that, but this is the second Water-type he's sent out so far. He's got something planned," Sora said.
"Whatever he's planning, then he better stick with it," Rika said. Gyarados gave off an intimidating expression, making Steelix a tad nervous.
"Why does Steewix wook so scared?" Suzie asked.
"It's because of Gyarados's ability called Intimidate," Henry answered.
"Intimiblate?" Suzie asked.
"No, Intimidate. It's an ability that lowers an opponent's attack power when entering the battlefield," Henry said.
"Steelix! Use Bind!" Byron ordered. Steelix sends its tail out to grab the Atrocius Pokémon.
"Okay, Gyarados! Dodge it and use Aqua Tail!" Lucas ordered. Gyarados dodged Steelix's attack and smacked the Iron Snake Pokémon with Aqua Tail. "Great! Now, use Ice Fang!" Gyarados rushes at Steelix and lands an Ice Fang onto Steelix.
"Use Dragon Breath!" Byron ordered.
"Use Dragon Rage!" Lucas ordered. Gyarados fired a Dragon Rage and it cuts through Steelix's Dragon Breath, dealing some damage.
"Wow, that was an awesome Dragon Rage!" Dawn said.
"I'll say. Dragon Rage does more damage depending on how strong the user is," JP said.
"Steelix! Use Iron Tail!" Byron ordered.
"Whirlpool!" Lucas ordered. Gyarados summons a massive whirlpool and sends it at the Iron Snake Pokémon. When it hit Steelix, it gets caught in the whirlpool, going around in circles. Steelix was getting dizzy from it. The Iron Snake Pokémon fell to the ground, beaten.
"Steelix is unable to battle! Gyarados wins!" The referee announced.
"And that's it for Steelix," Kazu said.
"Yeah, but he's been saving that Bastiodon for last," Kenta said.
"He's right, Kazu. We've seen first-hand how strong that Bastiodon is," Jeri said. Byron called back his Steelix and he smiled.
"Not too shabby, Lucas! You took down two of my Pokémon! Now, let's see if you get passed my Bastiodon!" Byron ordered. He threw his next Pokéball and it opened. Bastiodon came out to battle.
"And here it is," Matt said.
"He's been saving Bastiodon for last, like he did with Roxas and Sora 2," TK said.
"You're gonna have to be careful, Gyarados. That Bastiodon knows Metal Burst, so it's going to do some heavy damage on you the more damage you give it," Lucas said. Gyarados nodded. "That gives me a reason to take Bastiodon down hard and fast. So, use Ice Fang!" Gyarados heads for the Shield Pokémon with an Ice Fang.
"Use Iron Defense!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon builds up its defense with Iron Defense.
"Go for one of its legs!" Lucas called out. Gyarados bypasses the face and lands an icy bite on one of Bastiodon's front legs.
"Use Iron Head!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon lands an Iron Head onto Gyarados, dealing some damage. "Use Flash Cannon!" Bastiodon fired a Flash Cannon, hitting Gyarados at close range.
"Hang in there, Gyarados! Dragon Rage!" Lucas ordered. Gyarados fired a Dragon Rage, hitting the Shield Pokémon. "Time to deal extra damage! Whirlpool!" Gyarados summoned another Whirlpool and sent it at Bastiodon.
"Use Metal Burst!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon takes some damage from Gyarados's Whirlpool while giving off a metallic glow.
"And here's Metal Burst," Zoe said.
"And since Bastiodon took so much damage, Metal Burst will be powerful as ever!" Mimi said. Bastiodon unleashes a Metal Burst, cutting through Gyarados's Whirlpool and struck the Atrocius Pokémon. Due to the damage Bastiodon has endured to Whirlpool, Gyarados has taken some heavy damage, resulting in a knockout.
"Gyarados is unable to battle! Bastiodon wins!" The referee announced. Lucas called back his Gyarados and he noticed how injured Bastiodon is.
"You did a great job, Gyarados. You softened Bastiodon up for me, like I wanted you to. Your efforts won't be for nothing," Lucas said, taking out Barboach's Pokéball and threw it. "You're coming back out, Barboach!" His Pokéball opened and his Barboach came back out to battle. "Okay, use your Mud-Slap!" Barboach sends out a Mud-Slap right at Bastiodon.
"I don't think so! Use Iron Head!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon plows right through Barboach's Mud-Slap and struck the Whiskers Pokémon, dealing some heavy damage. Barboach was knocked out by the intensity of Bastiodon's Iron Head.
"Barboach is unable to battle! Bastiodon wins!" The referee announced.
"Now, they have one each," Kari said.
"Whatever Lucas sends out next will determine the match," Sora said.
"I'm down to my last Pokémon, so Gliscor, it's going to be you!" Lucas called out as he took out his next Pokéball and threw it. Gliscor came out to battle.
"What's he doing? If he wanted to attack from above, wouldn't Staravia be better?" Dawn asked.
"Piplup, Piplup!" Piplup said.
"No, because Staravia is a Normal and Flying-type, so Normal and Flying-type moves won't even dent Bastiodon one bit," Xion said.
"And Gliscor makes a lot more since Gliscor's a Ground-type. But types aren't the reason why he's choosing Gliscor," Sora said.
"It isn't?" Tommy asked.
"Then, what?" Dawn asked.
"I think he chose Gliscor considering Bastiodon's moves, but this could end either way with this going on," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"Bastiodon took down two opponents and took a lot of damage from Lucas's assault, but that Bastiodon doesn't even look close to tired," Wes said.
"Okay, Gliscor! Up!" Lucas called out. Gliscor uses his tail to lift himself up into the air and fly. "Come up Bastiodon from behind!" Gliscor flew right to the Shield Pokémon from behind. "Steel Wing!" Gliscor's membranes gave off a metallic glow.
"Bastiodon! Iron Defense!" Byron ordered. Gliscor flew at Bastiodon and bounced off.
"Now, Gliscor, come in from behind again!" Lucas called out. Gliscor flew behind Bastiodon once again. "Fire Fang!" Gliscor's fangs emits fire.
"Bastiodon! Flash Cannon!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon fired Flash Cannon, hitting Gliscor, making him fall right to the ground. "Time to shift from defense to offense! Now, Bastiodon! Use Iron Head!" Bastiodon charges at the Fang Scorpion Pokémon with an Iron Head.
"Gliscor! Get out of the way! Hurry!" Lucas called out. Gliscor quickly gets up and jumps up before Bastiodon could land a hit.
"Bastiodon! Turn around and use Iron Head!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon turns around and charges at the Fang Scorpion Pokémon when he lands. Gliscor is struck by Bastiodon's Iron Head.
"Gliscor! No!" Lucas gasped.
"Now, for the real match! Bastiodon! Use Iron Head one more time!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon turns and charges at Gliscor once again.
"Watch out, Gliscor!" Lucas called out. Gliscor heads down, but is struck by Bastiodon's Iron Head again. Gliscor s sent flying into the air.
"This is it, Bastiodon! Use Flash Cannon!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon stopped running and prepared to fire Flash Cannon just when Gliscor was coming down. Bastiodon fired Flash Cannon after aiming at Gliscor.
"Spread your wings and dodge it!" Lucas called out. Gliscor managed to dodge it by flying. "Now, get on Bastiodon's back!" Gliscor flew on Bastiodon's back and grabbed it by the horns. Byron was caught off guard by what he was seeing. "Use Fire Fang!" Gliscor's fangs emits fire once again and lands a fiery bite onto Bastiodon's back. "Beautiful hit! Keep up the Fire Fang!" Gliscor prepared another Fire Fang, but Byron wasn't having any of that.
"I don't think so! Throw Gliscor off, Bastiodon!" Byron called out. Bastiodon tries to shake Gliscor off of its back, but Gliscor keeps holding on.
"Don't let go, no matter what!" Lucas called out. Gliscor keeps holding onto Bastiodon and then lands another Fire Fang. Having enough of Gliscor holding on, Bastiodon finally shook the Fang Scorpion Pokémon off.
"It's time for Flash Cannon!" Byron stated. Bastiodon began to build up energy to fire Flash Cannon.
"Use your tail to knock Bastiodon off its feet!" Lucas called out. Gliscor swings his tail and makes Gliscor slip, just after Bastiodon fired Flash Cannon. The blast of the attack destroys a rock instead.
"What's going on?!" Byron exclaimed.
"Way to go, Gliscor!" Lucas said.
"Wow, at first, it looked like Bastiodon had Gliscor on the ropes, but Gliscor turned the tables on Bastioson as fast as it was running," Meiko said.
"Meowth, Meowth," Little Mei said.
"It's not over yet," Amy said.
And she was right, because Gliscor and Bastiodon were both greatly injured.
"Gliscor and Bastiodon are both running out of energy out there. I gotta put an end to this match fast. Gliscor! Use X-Scissor! And attack it straight up!" Lucas ordered. Gliscor flew at Bastiodon with an X-Scissor, crossing his arms.
"Now, this is just what Pokémon battling is all about! Bastiodon! Iron Head!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon charges at Gliscor with an Iron Head. Bastiodon overpowered Gliscor's X-Scissor and lands a direct hit. "Bastiodon, let's decide this match!" Bastiodon is still charging at Gliscor with Iron Head.
"Get behind that rock! Quick!" Lucas called out. Gliscor hides behind the rock.
"So we'll smash that rock, too! Iron Head!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon plows through the rock, but much to the Shield Pokémon's confusion, Gliscor was nowhere to be seen. "Where is Gliscor?!"
"Closer than you think, Byron!" Lucas said. Gliscor flew down and heads right for Bastiodon.
"Bastiodon! Use Flash Cannon!" Byron ordered. Bastiodon fired Flash Cannon right at Gliscor, but the Fang Scorpion Pokémon dodged, making Bastiodon miss its target completely.
"Use Sand Attack!" Lucas ordered. Gliscor sprinkles sand on Bastiodon, cutting its accuracy.
"Oh no!" Byron exclaimed.
"Oh yes! Wrap it up with Fire Fang!" Lucas ordered. Gliscor flew at Bastiodon and lands a red hot Fire Fang on Bastiodon. Exhausted from the intense battle, Bastiodon fell to the ground, beaten.
"Bastiodon is unable to battle! Gliscor wins! The winner is Lucas from Twinleaf Town!" The referee announced.
"Alright, Gliscor! We did it!" Lucas cheered as Gliscor flew into Lucas and embraced him. Byron called back Bastiodon and smiled.
"That was an excellent battle, Lucas. Like Sora and Roxas, you overwhelmed by defenses, so as proof of that, I am giving you the Mine Badge," Byron said, presenting Lucas his sixth Gym Badge.
"This is awesome. I just need two more," Lucas said.
"That's great, Lucas," Dawn said, feeling happy for her crush.
"Now, the three of us have each earned the Mine Badge, the next Gym is going to be Snowpoint City," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"That's right. You fought hard to earn the Mine Badge from me, so all I ask is you keep your defenses up and fight hard like you did right here," Byron said.
"We will," Sora, Roxas, and Lucas said.
Now that Sora, Roxas, and Lucas have each earned a Mine Badge from Byron, they each have two more to retrieve, and the road ahead might get a tad harder, so what sort of challenge awaits for everyone? And what nasty plans does Team Galactic have for the three lakes? Keep sticking around if you wanna find out.