Episode 456: Kairi vs Paul
Several days have come and gone since the Lisia Cup. Dawn was pleased with herself as she now earned her latest Ribbon from the special Contest as Drew and Harley are returning to Hoenn as well. May has received a call from her family, telling her of how proud they were of her. The same can be said with Johanna when she called Dawn.
Sora and Pikachu were training for the battle in Pastoria City, deciding to go with Pikachu, Turtwig, and Lilligant.
"Great job, keep it up!" Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Lilli," Lilligant said.
"Turtwig," Turtwig said.
"Let's keep going, shall we?" Sora asked. The Pokémon nodded as they continued to train hard. The training went on for the next hour right until Turtwig suddenly started to evolve. "Turtwig! You're evolving!"
"Pika!" Pikachu said with awe. Turtwig has now become a Grotle right before their eyes. "Hey, you're a Grotle now. I figured you'd evolve one of these days."
"Grotle," the newly evolved Grolte said, feeling down about evolving. He knew he wasn't going to be fast as he was as a Turtwig. Sora caught on pretty quickly.
"Don't worry, Grotle. I'll just have to work on making you fast like Lucas did for his Grotle. How about would you like that?" Sora asked.
"Grotle!" Grotle said, beaming with that idea.
"Sora! Time for lunch!" Kairi called out.
"Ah, that can wait until after lunch time," Sora said.
"Chu!" Pikachu said.
"Tle!" Grotle said.
"Gant," Lilligant said.
With that said, Sora and his Pokémon rejoined the group as Kairi had lunch made for everyone. They were all surprised to see Turtwig had evolved into a Grotle. Sora explained that it happened during the training.
Meanwhile, Kanako meets up with Ben whom is sitting at a table, enjoying some iced tea, and reading a newspaper. Kanako sat down in the chair across from him.
"I was starting to think you weren't coming. But you did, but a little bit late," Ben said, placing the newspaper down.
"I'm sorry for being a tad tardy, but I had a hard time looking for you, so-" Kanako was cut off when Ben raised his hand.
"No explanation needed, Kanako. The important thing is that you're here now. Rei has made me aware that you wish to become an apprentice of mine," Ben said.
"Yes, sir. I wasn't sure you were willing to hear me out or anything," Kanako said.
"I was willing to, Kanako. And I still am. I will say I am not happy about what you've done in the past, but you're willing to make amends for your actions, and you believe you can do so by helping with the search for Ansem's secret lairs, do you not?" Ben asked.
"Yes, and there's another reason I turned to you," Kanako said.
"Is there?" Ben asked.
"Yes. I believe I can reform your old apprentice Lucius," Kanako said. This greatly grabbed Ben's attention.
"You believe so?" Ben asked.
"I know I can, so I ask that you give me a chance to try," Kanako said. Ben looked at her and saw how serious she is, and he was willing to let her try.
"Alright, I trust you," Ben said.
"Thank you. You won't regret it," Kanako said.
"Your optimism is appreciated, but I cannot speak for the others. Some of them can and will judge you for your past," Ben said.
"I know. I'm not looking for forgiveness, just a chance to prove myself," Kanako said.
"Very well. Beginning now, you will be my new apprentice. So, welcome," Ben said.
"Thank you for giving me a chance, Master," Kanako said.
Meanwhile, the group are seen doing some training as the four DigiDestined teams have arrived to join in on the training. Before the training started, Sora exchanged Basculegion for Skorupi.
"Things are going well for the training sessions. How about we try some actual battling?" Sora suggested.
"I can take you up for that," Koji said.
"Great. I figured I'd go with Grotle," Sora said.
"Grotle," Grotle said, stepping forward.
"Then, I'm going with Espeon," Koji said.
"Not sending in Arcanine?" Sora asked.
"I figured I'd give you a fighting chance," Koji said.
"I appreciate it, so let's get this over with. You ready to go, Grotle?" Sora asked.
"Grotle!" Grotle said.
"Alright. Espeon! Use Psybeam!" Koji ordered.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Grotle managed to dodge Espeon's Psybeam. "Use Razor Leaf!" Grolte dodged Espeon's Psybeam and fired Razor Leaf right at the Sun Pokémon.
"Espeon! Use Detect!" Koji ordered. Espeon dodged Grotle's Razor Leaf with a Detect. "Use Psychic!" Espeon uses Psychic to push Grotle back. "Use Take Down!" Grotle charges with a Take Down. Before Koji could tell Espeon to dodge, Grotle lands a hit with Take Down, taking some recoil damage.
"Great job! I thought you'd catch on quickly from watching Lucas's Grotle!" Sora said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
"Not too shabby. But we're not done yet. Espeon! Use Psychic Fangs!" Koji ordered. Espeon charges at Grotle with a Psychic Fangs.
"Crunch!" Sora ordered. Grotle lands a heavy bite on Espeon's tail when it was close enough, so Grotle tosses Espeon. "Energy Ball!" Grotle fired Energy Ball and it struck Espeon on the mark. Espeon has taken a lot of damage from Grotle's attack.
"Use Morning Sun!" Koji ordered. Espeon's body shines like sunlight and recovers from its injuries. "Psychic!"
"Crunch!" Sora ordered. Grotle lands a Crunch onto Espeon, dealing some heavy damage. "Take Down!" Grotle lands a Take Down, resulting in a knockout. "Great job, Grotle!"
"Grotle!" Grotle said.
"Very impressive. And I thought he was strong as a Turtwig," Koji said.
"Well, your Espeon was really awesome, too," Sora said.
"How about I get a shot?" Koichi asked.
"Okay, Koichi. I can take you up on your offer," Sora said. He looked over to his Lilligant. "And I think Lilligant should battle this time."
"Alright. And I'm picking Luxray," Koichi said as his Luxray stepped forward.
"You up for it, Lilligant?" Sora asked.
"Lilligant," Lilligant nodded.
"Okay, let's do this thing," Sora said. Lilligant got into position.
"Luxray! Use Snarl!" Koichi ordered. Luxray fired Snarl right at the Dancing Pokémon.
"Dodge it!" Sora called out. Lilligant dodges Luxray's Snarl just by doing a twirl. "Use Victory Dance and then Solar Blade!" Lilligant dances a victorious dance and then builds up solar energy in her leafy arms.
"Use Thunder Fang!" Koichi ordered. Luxray charges at Lilligant with a Thunder Fang, but Lilligant slashes her leaves at Luxray, dealing some damage on the Gleam Eyes Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Axe Kick!" Sora ordered. Lilligant dodged and jumped in the air before bringing her legs down at Luxray, landing a heavy kick. "Now, Magical Leaf!" Lilligant unleashed Magical Leaf, hitting Luxray on the mark.
"Not bad, but let's see how you handle this one. Charge Beam!" Koichi ordered. Luxray fired a powerful Charge Beam and sends it right at Lilligant, landing a hit. It does some minimum damage due to her resistance to Electric-type attacks and increased defense.
"Magical Leaf again!" Sora ordered.
"Use another Charge Beam!" Koichi ordered. Luxray fired another Charge Beam and blocked Lilligant's Magical Leaf.
"Okay, use Solar Blade!" Sora ordered. Lilligant builds up solar energy in her leaves.
"Use Charge Beam!" Koichi ordered. Luxray fired Charge Beam, making Lilligant jump and land a hit with Solar Blade, dealing some heavy damage. Luxray was taken down. He called back Luxray and looked at Sora and smiled. "Not bad. Your Lilligant's pretty strong."
"Thanks. She's going to do just fine in the Pastoria City Gym," Sora said.
"Gant," Lilligant said.
"Let's keep training," Sora said.
With that said, they keep on training and training hard for the Pastoria City Gym battle.
Meanwhile, Professor Brimstone was just delivered a package.
"We brought it just as you wanted, professor," one of the men said.
"Good. I've been waiting for this to arrive," Professor Brimstone said as he grabbed a crowbar and used it to open the package. Inside the package was a robot. It's a robotic version of Sora. His hair is brown and pointy like a mace, and his body matches Sora's old clothes. He grinned at the sight of it. "Ah, Metal Sora. I've been waiting to meet you."
"What's so important about some of junk?" The first man asked.
"This hunk of junk was created by one of Ganondorf's associates, Dr. Eggman to counter Sora when he and Kairi were first on Mobius, searching for its Keyhole. A fine piece of technology it is. When given the proper upgrades, I can turn it into a more lethal fighting machine. And I can give him a new weapon without relying on the Chaos Emeralds," Professor Brimstone said.
As it turns out, Professor Brimstone isn't just good with creating replicas, but he has a gift for technology as well. Putting that to the ultimate test, he upgraded Metal Sora to match the real Sora's clothes, allowing Metal Sora to mirror his Drive Forms. And instead of Keyblades, Metal Sora was given some swords like his previous one before being destroyed. Professor Brimstone then reactivates Metal Sora. His eyes gave off a red glow.
"Where am I?" Metal Sora asked.
"Welcome, Metal Sora. And good morning to you," Professor Brimstone greeted.
"Who are you?" Metal Sora asked.
"I'm Professor Brimstone. And I was the one who repaired you and upgraded you," Professor Brimstone said.
"For what purpose?" Metal Sora asked.
"Why in order for you to get your revenge on Sora Ketchum. The one you were modeled after. You fell in battle by his hand, and you were left for scrap. You remember?" Professor Brimstone asked. Metal Sora did remember the fight.
"I do. He thought he was rid of me, but now I will exact my revenge against him!" Metal Sora vowed.
"I was hoping you would. But let's get you combat-ready first. Just to practice," Professor Brimstone said.
"Yes," Metal Sora said.
And began the revenge of Metal Sora.
"So, you're playing with machines now, professor?" A dark feminine voice asked.
"Of course. And what a fun machine it is, huh?" Professor Brimstone asked.
"If you say so, professor, but I thought that's what you made Silver Moon for," the girl said, stepping forward from the shadows. She wore a black dress and wore a crystal mask. She has a dark shade of red hair.
"Well, this one is just backup. And the same can be said for you, Crystal Witch. I created you for a purpose of your own," Professor Brimstone said.
"Yeah, yeah. Just so you know, that's just a pathetic little toy if it's been beaten by the real Sora. And when you do send it after the real Sora, he's just going to break it again," Crystal Witch said.
"Maybe, and I'll just fix it up again," Professor Brimstone said.
"Whatever. I'm heading out. I'm not waiting for anything anymore," Crystal Witch said, taking her leave.
"Best of luck. Not that you need it," Professor Brimstone said.
Back with the group, everyone took a break and they were taking off as they spotted Paul battling against a wild Drapion with his Electabuzz.
"Oh, great. It's Paul," May deadpanned.
"Thunderbolt!" Paul ordered. Electabuzz fired a Thunderbolt, shocking Drapion, making it fall backwards. Paul took out a Pokéball and threw it. Drapion flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbled around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Paul approached the Pokéball and analyzed it. "This one could be useful. I'll keep it." He called back his Electabuzz. Just when he was about to take off, he noticed the group.
"Oh, it's you again," Paul groaned in annoyance.
"So, you're heading off for Pastoria City, too, huh?" Lucas asked.
"So what if I am? Just why would you care?" Paul asked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Lucas asked.
"I saw you at Lake Valor. Just when you were over at the Lisia Cup," Paul said.
"And why is that such a big deal?' May asked.
"Only that I think Pokémon Contests are a huge waste of time," Paul admitted. Kairi, May, and Dawn didn't like how Paul retorted it.
"What? A waste of time?!" Dawn angrily exclaimed.
"I never could understand why it's such a big deal to show off beauty and all that crap! It's all about power! That's how it's always been!" Paul said.
"Hold on, Paul! Just what gives you the right to judge people on their chosen paths?" Sora asked. Paul just glared at him. "I'm not a Coordinator, but I've seen my share of Contests, and a lot of them knocked my socks off, but you can't just knock it just because you don't like it! Everyone has their own way of raising Pokémon! I mean, I chose to battle in Gyms, just as much as you did."
"Your point?" Paul asked.
"My point is, it was the same with me when I first started out! I made my way through battling in Gyms and earning my Gym Badges in each regions we've been to up to now, but that's because me and my Pokémon worked together. In my opinion, the reason Cynthia is Sinnoh's Champion is because she actually worked with her Pokémon, and that's what we all did! Sure it was hard work to make them stronger and stronger, but it was totally worth it! Unlike you, I actually love and care about my Pokémon! We all love and care about our Pokémon! We formed an unbreakable bond with them! Their hearts are connected with ours, and our hearts are connected with them! That should be the same for every Trainer!" Sora said.
"Well, that isn't my thing," Paul said.
"So, not one thing Cynthia said to you has ever sank in, did it? I just don't understand you! And I can doubt the beating you got from me and Sora didn't teach you a thing, did it?" Ash asked.
"Look, I don't need a lesson on life, I'm only interested in strength, nothing else. That's the reason I'm battling in Gym battles, and when I entered the Hearthome Tag Battle tournament. I only entered it to toughen them up. And I figured they'd really toughen up by beating you, Sora!" Paul said.
"Hold on! If you think beating Sora is your main goal, then how far are you willing to take this?" Kairi asked.
"As far as I can!" Paul said.
"Well, how about I battle you now?" Kairi challenged, having all eyes on her.
"Are you serious, Kairi?" TK asked.
"Serious as heart attack," Kairi said.
"Okay, fine! I could use some amusement! Let's make it a three-on-three battle!" Paul said, setting the rules.
"That's fine with me!" Kairi said.
"Take him down, Kairi!" Elaine cheered. Kairi took out her first Pokéball and threw it.
"You're first, Squirtle!" Kairi called out. Squirtle emerged from inside, ready to battle. Paul wasn't impressed.
"This will be easy," Paul smirked darkly before calling his first Pokémon. "Gliscor, stand by for the battle!" Gliscor appeared first.
"Start with Ice Spinner!" Kairi ordered and Squirtle spun inside his shell.
"Advantage of type won't gonna save you," Paul said before ordering. "Start with Knock Off!"
Gliscor's claws glow with dark energy and clash against Ice Spinner's attack but both moves collide with both of them hitting at each other.
"Use Ice Punch!" Kairi ordered and Squirtle used Ice Punch to hit Gliscor. "Now Water Pulse!" Squirtle used Ice Punch which hit Gliscor again but it wasn't enough to bring him down.
"Gliscor is still standing!" Takato said.
"He doesn't know when to give up," Rika
"And neither does Squirtle! After all, he is Kairi's Pokémon!" Brendan said.
"Now Aqua Tail!" Kairi ordered and Squirtle used Aqua Tail.
"Use Sandstorm!" Paul ordered and Gliscor used Sandstorm which allowed Gliscor to dodge Aqua Tail.
"Surely that Gliscor has Sand Veil's ability," Izzy said.
"Sand Veil nothing, Izzy. Gliscor's a Ground-type, so even without it, Sandstorm won't even bother Gliscor at all," Leaf said.
"Wanna see sheer power? Use Guillotine!" Paul ordered and Gliscor's claws glowed with azure energy.
"Dodge it and use Ice Spinner combined with Aqua Tail!" Kairi ordered and Squirtle barely dodged Gliscor's attack before spinning inside the shell while unleashing a watery stream spinning with ice and hitting and knocking out Gliscor.
"Impossible...!" Paul exclaimed as he called Gliscor, he was in disbelief because he was close to gaining the upper hand back during the battle.
"Good job, Squirtle," Kairi said before calling him back. "Your turn Staravia!" She called her next Pokémon.
"Such foolishness," Paul said as he called Gliscor back and prepared his next Pokémon. "Honchkrow, stand by for the battle!" Murkrow appeared, and evolved as Honchkrow.
"Didn't you say Kairi's Staravia used to belong to Paul before he released her?" Tai asked.
"Yeah, and Kairi took her in as her own Pokémon," Lyra said.
"Marill," Marill said.
"Use Sky Attack!" Paul ordered and Honchkrow charged energy.
"Use Quick Attack!" Kairi ordered. Staravia used Quick Attack hitting Honchkrow but he still charging energy and went towards Staravia. "Dodge it and use Wing Attack!" Staravia barely dodged and hit Honchkrow with Wing Attack.
"Night Slash, go!" Paul ordered.
Honchrow flew towards Staravia.
"Now dodge it with Quick Attack!" Kairi ordered.
Honchkrow used Night Slash, but Staravia evaded by using Quick Attack.
"Use Dark Pulse!" Paul ordered and Honchkrow fired Dark Pulse.
"Dodge it and use Aerial Ace!" Kairi ordered and Staravia dodged while using Aerial Ace to hit Honchkrow. "Now Quick Attack!" Staravia used Quick Attack to hit Honchkrow. "Wing Attack!" Another Wing Attack which hit Honchkrow. "Now Aerial Ace!"
"Not this time! Use Dark Pulse!" Paul ordered and Honchkrow used Dark Pulse which hit Staravia closely. "Now Night Slash!" Honchkrow used Night Slash which critically hit Staravia.
"I guess Paul saw that coming a mile away," Chase said.
"Of course. Paul is only using power to counterattack against Staravia's speed, so he had to stop her in her tracks," Wes said.
"Hold on!" Kairi said.
"You and Sora are pathetically predictable," Paul commented. "Now wrap it up with Sky Attack!"
Honchkrow activated Sky Attack to finish off Staravia but suddenly took flight while dodging Sky Attack and then started to evolve.
"Staravia is evolving!" Zoe said.
"It must have been that intense battling!" May said.
then Kairi's Staravia became Staraptor. The white patch on her forhead is smaller.
"Look at that!" Dawn said.
"It's a Staraptor!" Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
Paul remained calm after seeing the evolution.
"Just stay calm and use Night Slash!" Paul ordered.
Honchkrow activated Night Slash as he flew toward Staraptor.
"Use Double Team!" Kairi ordered. The newly evolved Staraptor used Double Team to dodge.
"Use Dark Pulse on all of the copies! Don't stop using it until you find the real one!" Paul ordered. Honchkrow fired Dark Pulse on Staraptor's clones, but the real one was behind Honchkrow who then attacked by using Close Combat. "What!?" Paul exclaimed with frustration.
"Keep it and use Aerial Ace!" Kairi ordered. Staraptor used an Aerial Ace which hit and knocked out Honchkrow.
"Way to go!" Sora told her while Honchkrow got up and saw his Trainer.
"We didn't win because your reaction time was too slow," Paul scolded Honchkrow.
"Honchkrow," Honchkrow cooed sadly before being called back inside the Pokéball.
"That was uncalled for...!" Tommy said, not liking how Paul scolded one of his Pokémon.
"What can you expect from that jerk?" Elaine asked.
"Eevee," Maple agreed.
"He already made it clear that he doesn't care about how it affects his Pokémon," Chase said.
"Pikachu," Maple said.
"You did a great job, Staraptor," Kairi said as she called her back. "It's your turn, Angel."
"Vee," Angel said as she entered the battle. Paul took out one more Pokéball.
"I will crush your Eevee mercilessly! Electabuzz, stand by for the battle!" Paul called out as he threw his Pokéball. His Pokéball opened and his Electabuzz emerged from inside to battle.
"Pikachu was able to beat Electabuzz previously, therefore Angel can do it!" Kairi said.
"With Pikachu was pure luck and twice!" Paul scoffed before ordering. "Electabuzz! Brick Break!" Electabuzz came at Angel with Brick Break.
"Dodge and Quick Attack!" Kairi ordered. Angel dodged before hitting Electabuzz with her Quick Attack. "Use Swift!" Angel used Swift and she struck Electabuzz. "Now, Iron Tail!" Angel's tail gave off a metallic glow before she swings it at the Electric Pokémon.
"Protect!" Paul ordered. Electabuzz forms a protective barrier around himself and blocks Angel's Iron Tail. "Thunder Punch!" Electabuzz comes at Angel with Thunder Punch.
"Dodge and use Headbutt!" Kairi ordered and Angel dodged Thunder Punch which hit Electabuzz while flinching him, too. "Use Swift!" Angel used Swift hitting Electabuzz. "Now Quick Attack!" Angel used Quick Attack which hit and knocked out Electabuzz.
"And that's that! Kairi won it!" Kris said.
"Like there was any doubt," Ryo said.
"So, how do you like that?" Kairi asked as Paul called back his Electabuzz.
"Don't let it go to your head. You only won it, because you got lucky, that's all," Paul said.
"You think it was luck?" Riku asked, not liking Paul's tone.
"Riku, cool it," Roxas said.
"Don't tell me to cool it! I'm going to let it all out! Kairi whooped you because she's got skills! I know you saw it yourself, only you won't admit it! How is it even scientifically possible that didn't sink in that thick skull of yours?!" Riku angrily exclaimed.
"I don't need to explain myself even more to the likes of you, so back off!" Paul said, walking away. Just when Riku was about to go after him, Sora stopped him.
"Let it go, Riku. He's not worth it," Sora said.
"He has no right talking to us like that," Riku said.
"Yeah, but don't forget what happened to you before," Sora reminded Riku. He remembered his rage and revenge against Hunter J and he calmed down.
"You're right, Sora. I guess I almost lost my cool again," Sora said.
"It was a good thing I was around to make sure you keep it. I mean, my second-in-command has got to have a leveled head," Sora said. Riku chuckled at that.
"My head is plenty leveled," Riku said.
"Well, let's keep going. Pastoria City shouldn't be too far from us," Roxas said.
"Right. Let's go," Sora said.
With that said, the group has once again set off for Pastoria City as Sora, Roxas, and Lucas have prepared themselves for the upcoming Gym battle against Crasher Wake. And it won't be ven remotely long, so stay tuned!