Episode 492: A Pyramiding Rage
Where we last left off, Roxas had just won his seventh Gym Badge from Candice after Sora. Lucas is having his battle right after Roxas, but an unexpected and familiar face shows up. And that face belongs to Paul.
"You're going have to wait your turn! Because I challenged her first!" Lucas stepped in.
"He is right. You will have to wait your turn if you want to battle against me," Candice said.
Paul scoffed, "Whatever." He spotted Sora again and he's filled with hateful rage upon seeing him again. "So, the phony Champion grazes us with his presence."
"Phony Champion? Who do you think you are?" Riku asked, angrily.
"You can't talk to Sora that way!" Lucas said.
"I'm calling it as I see it!" Paul said, walking off. Sora shook his head in disbelief.
"Who is that?" Zoey asked.
"Paul. He's Sora and Lucas's rival," Kairi said.
"And I may add, he's very disrespectful," Kris said.
"You and Zo-Zo are rivals as well," Candice pointed out to Dawn.
"Not like me and Riku," Sora said.
"Vee," Eevee said.
Over to the Pokémon Center, the Keyblade wielders and Zoey are gathered around to discuss Paul's presence.
"Man, of all the rotten luck, it had to be Paul. Man, I'd rather face Team Galactic rather than see that unpleasant scowly face of his," Chase said.
"What's the story with that Paul guy? And what's the deal with Paul's attitude? I mean, I know he's a jerk and all," Zoey said.
"And you're right. You saw Monferno in action, right?" Ash asked.
"Yeah, what about it?" Zoey asked.
"Monferno used to be Paul's Pokémon when he was a Chimchar. That was until Paul just abandoned him," Ash said. Zoey was shocked and appalled that he just abandoned his own Pokémon just like that.
"He just abandoned his own Pokémon?! Why?!" Zoey exclaimed.
"Paul has a hobby of doing that just so he could get hold of strong Pokémon. Any weak Pokémon he just let's go," Kairi said.
"That and it was because Chimchar lost to Sora's Turtwig," May added. Zoey was really mad.
"That jerk! But why did he call Sora a Phony Champion?" Zoey asked.
"Paul doesn't believe Sora is a real Pokémon League Champion because of how Sora treats his own Pokémon. He's completely opposite of to Sora since Paul believes what it takes to be a Champion is by raw power alone, and Sora is too nice to be a Champion," Leaf said.
"Steven cares about his Pokémon, and so does Cynthia. The reason they're Champions because they worked with their Pokémon to make it to the top," Brendan said.
"Paul has no right talking that way about Sora like that! Ooh, when he does battle against Miss Senior after Lucas, I hope he loses!" Zoey said.
On the very next day, Lucas was having his Gym battle with Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Lea, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Dawn, Wes, Rui, Michael, Tai, Matt, Sora T, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, TK, Kari, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, Meiko, Amy, Takato, Henry, Rika, Ryo, Jeri, Kazu, Kenta, Suzie, Takuya, Koji, JP, Zoe, Tommy, Koichi, Zoey, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Marill, Volt, Maple, Piplup, Little Mei, Guil, Mime Jr, and Munchlax watching. Dawn was wearing her cheerleader outfit. Paul was watching at a different spot.
"The Gym battle between Lucas of Twinleaf Town and the Gym Leader, Candice is about to begin! Both Trainers will be using four Pokémon each. Only the challenger will allowed to substitute Pokémon! Let the battle begin!" The referee announced.
Candice takes out her first Pokéball and threw it.
"Let's get your Kiyah on, Snover!" Candice called out. Snover's Snow Warning activates and pelts Magmar. Her Pokéball came out to battle. Lucas out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Magmar! Go!" Lucas called out. His Pokéball opened and his Magmar came out to battle.
"Magmar's a good choice since Grass-types and Ice-types are weak against Fire-types," Brendan said.
"Yeah, and that won't stop Miss Senior," Zoey said.
"Snover! Ice Beam!" Candice ordered. Snover fired an Ice Beam and sends it right at the Spitfire Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Fire Punch!" Lucas ordered. Magmar dodged Snover's Ice Beam and ran toward he Frost Tree Pokémon with a Fire Punch. "Okay, now use Focus Blast!" Magmar sends out a Focus Blast right at Snover, hitting her.
"Snover! Icy Wind!" Candice ordered. Snover blew an Icy Wind at the Spitfire Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Flamethrower!" Lucas ordered. Magmar dodged Snover's Icy Wind and fired a Flamethrower, hitting Snover. "Use Fire Punch!"
"Dodge and use Razor Leaf!" Candice ordered. Snover dodged Magmar's Fire Punch and fired a Razor Leaf. Magmar is hit by Snover's Razor Leaf. "Now, use Ice Beam!" Snover fired Ice Beam at the Spitfire Pokémon.
"Flamethrower!" Lucas ordered. Magmar fired a Flamethrower and successfully blocked Snover's Ice Beam.
"You think Magmar's Flamethrower is going to push back Snover's Ice Beam?" May asked.
"Judging by how powerful those two attacks are, this could go either way," Riku said.
"Vee," Eevee said.
Magmar managed to push back Snover's Ice Beam and hit her. "Focus Blast!" Magmar forms a Focus Blast and sends it right at Snover, finishing her off.
"Snover is unable to battle! Magmar wins!" The referee announced.
"One down, three to go!" Kari said.
"And we already know which three are next," Ryo said.
"Lucas has gotten stronger since I saw him battle back in Oreburgh City, but he's going to need more than fire power to take her down," Paul said in his thoughts. Candice called back her Snover.
"Great job, Snover. Rest up," Candice said. She took out her next Pokéball and threw it. "Medicham! You're next!" Her Pokéball opened and her Medicham came out to battle. Lucas called back his Magmar and took out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"Skuntank! Go!" Lucas called out. His Pokéball opened and Skuntank came out from inside.
"Medicham's a Fighting and Psychic-type, while Skuntank is a Poison and Dark-type, so Medicham's Psychic won't effect Skuntank at all," Kris pointed out.
"Yeah, but Medicham's Ice Punch, and Force Palm can effect on Skuntank," Roxas said.
"Chu," Xipak said.
"Okay, Skuntank! Use Toxic!" Lucas ordered. Skuntank spewed a dark purple sludge hits Medicham, badly poisoning it.
"Alright! Medicham's poisoned!" Dawn said.
"Piplup!" Piplup said.
"Okay, Skuntank! Flamethrower!" Lucas ordered. Skuntank fired a Flamethrower.
"Detect!" Candice ordered. Medicham dodged with Detect and Flamethrower passed right by it. "Use Ice Punch!" Medicham came at the Skunk Pokémon with an Ice Punch.
"Dodge and use Shadow Claw!" Lucas ordered. Skuntank dodged Medicham's Ice Punch and gave the Meditate Pokémon a swipe with Shadow Claw.
"Medicham! Force Palm!" Candice ordered. Medicham came at the Skunk Pokémon with a Force Palm.
"Dodge and use Flamethrower!" Lucas ordered. Skuntank dodged Medicham's Force Palm and fired a Flamethrower at Medicham, dealing some heavy damage. "Use Shadow Claw!" Skuntank slashed at Medicham, dealing some heavy damage and earned a knockout.
"Medicham is unable to battle! Skuntank wins!" The referee announced.
"Whoa! That was sweet!" Davis said.
"Well, it was thanks to that Shadow Claw, and Psychic-type Pokémon are weak against Ghost-type moves," Wes said.
"That's true, and it was a good thing his Skuntank can use Flamethrower," Naminé said.
"Yeah, because that'll come in handy against Candice's Ice-type Pokémon," Ethan said. Candice called back her Medicham.
"Nice job, Medicham," Candice said. She took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Sneasel! You're up next!" Her Pokéball opened and her Sneasel came out to battle. Lucas called back his Skuntank and took out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"Steelix! Go!" Lucas called out. His Pokéball opened and his Steelix came out next.
"Why did he change Skuntank for Steelix? Clearly, he had the upperhand!" Rika said.
"I think I know why. It's because of Sneasel's Metal Claw. He figured Sneasel's Metal Claw won't scratch up Steelix's steel body. Plus, Steel-types has the edge over Ice-types, like when me and Roxas battled her," Sora said.
"I agree. Miss Senior won't find it easy against Steelix's defense," Zoey said.
"Icy Wind!" Candice ordered. Sneasel blew an Icy Wind toward the Iron Snake Pokémon.
"Dig!" Lucas ordered. Steelix burrows underground, avoiding Sneasel's Icy Wind. The Sharp Claw Pokémon looked around for her opponent. Steelix came out too fast for Sneasel to react. "Use Heavy Slam!" Steelix slammed down on Sneasel, dealing severly heavy damage.
"That looks like that caused a lot of damage," Dawn said.
"That's because of Heavy Slam. It deals damage to an opponent depending on their body weight," Kairi said.
"The heavier the Pokémon, the more damage it does," Michael said. Steelix got off of Sneasel. "Use Fire Fang!" Steelix's teeth emits fire and lunged at Sneasel and bit her. It was enough to finish off the Sharp Claw Pokémon.
"Sneasel is unable to battle! Steelix wins!" The referee announced.
"Guess Candice didn't want to risk a Metal Claw head on," Chase said.
"Because she knew Steelix would only resist it, but Lucas made good use of Steelix's other moves. That Heavy Slam and that Fire Fang were good choices," Riku said.
"Pikachu," Volt said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Now, Candice has that Abomasnow left," Takuya said. Candice called back her Sneasel and took out her next Pokéball and threw it.
"You're my last shot! Abomasnow! Go!" Candice called out. Her Pokéball opened and her Abomasnow came out to battle.
"You still good to go, Steelix?" Lucas asked. Steelix roared to confirm it. "Thought you would be. Heavy Slam!" Steelix jumped up and started to come down.
"Dodge and use Blizzard!" Candice ordered. Abomasnow dodged Steelix's Heavy Slam just before it could hit her. "Ice Punch!" Abomasnow lands an icy punch, freezing Steelix solid.
"Steelix is frozen!" Elaine said.
"Vee!" Maple said.
"Now, use Wood Hammer!" Candice ordered. Abomasnow swings her arm and lands a hit onto Steelix, resulting in a knockout.
"Steelix is unable to battle! Abomasnow wins!" The referee announced. Lucas called back his Steelix and he took out his next Pokéball and threw it.
"You're back out, Magmar!" Lucas called out. The Spitfire Pokémon comes back out to battle. "Don't be too quick to think you're in for a win just because you have the advantage. That Abomasnow is tougher than you think."
"You think Magmar might be able to bring down Abomasnow?" Lyra asked.
"Well, Max would think so since Magmar has the type advantage, but in this case, I'm not too sure about that," May said.
"Max would have the right idea, but even he should know by now it's not just about the type advantage, but it's about battle experience, and that Abomasnow has loads of experience," Riku said.
"I agree. You all saw how tough Miss Senior's Abomasnow is," Zoey said.
"I'll let you make the next move, Candice!" Lucas said.
"If you're feeling that confident, Lucas, then I'll make the next move. Abomasnow! Use Blizzard!" Candice ordered. Abomasnow blew a Blizzard at Magmar.
"Dodge and use Flamethrower!" Lucas ordered. Magmar dodged Abomasnow's Blizzard and fired a Flamethrower at the Frost Tree Pokémon, but she redirected her move and blew away Magmar's Flamethrower and hits it.
"Blizzard again!" Candice ordered. Abomasnow blew a Blizzard at Magmar again, resulting in a knockout.
"Magmar is unable to battle! Abomasnow wins!" The referee announced.
"You called it, Riku. Magmar might have the advantage, but Abomasnow has the experience," May said.
"Yeah, but I can't take all the credit, May. You called it, too," Riku said. Lucas called back his Magmar and he smiled.
"You put up an awesome fight, Magmar. You earned a good rest," Lucas said. He took out his Skuntank's Pokéball and threw it. "Your turn again, Skuntank!" His Pokéball opened and Skuntank came out to battle. "Toxic!" Skuntank spewed a Toxic, badly poisoning Abomasnow.
"It looks like Lucas is playing the poisoning card again," JP said.
"I guess he planned this right from the start. Knowing Skuntank's Toxic would be the key," Sora said.
"That's a good plan," Kairi said.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"Vee," Angel said.
"Luck," Paul scoffed.
"Okay, Skuntank! Use Crunch!" Lucas ordered. Skuntank lands a Crunch onto Abomasnow. "Flamethrower!" Skuntank fired a Flamethrower at Abomasnow. The Frost Tree Pokémon takes the hit, but it wasn't enough to bring her down.
"Abomasnow! Ice Punch!" Candice ordered. Abomasnow lands an Ice Punch on the Skunk Pokémon. It was enough to bring it down.
"Skuntank is unable to battle! Abomasnow wins!" The referee announced. Abomasnow is hurt by the poisoning.
"Lucas has one left to use," Dawn said.
"Yeah, but his plan worked perfectly," Sora said, grinning. Lucas shared the same grin on Sora's face.
"Good job, Skuntank. You poisoned Abomasnow like I wanted you to. It's time to wrap it up," Lucas said. He took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "You're up, Infernape!" His Pokéball opened and his Infernape came out to battle.
"You had another Fire-type waiting for me, didn't you? Well, it won't matter! My Abomasnow can take the heat!" Candice said.
"Infernape! Use Mach Punch!" Lucas ordered. Infernape dashed at Abomasnow and lands a Mach Punch.
"Ice Punch!" Candice ordered.
"Dodge and use Power-Up Punch!" Lucas ordered. Infernape ducked and lands a Power-Up Punch on the Frost Tree Pokémon, building up his attack power. Abomasnow is hurt by the poison.
"Infernape's attack power has gone up!" Roxas said.
"And that means Lucas's seventh Gym Badge is within reach," Lea said.
"Use Flare Blitz!" Lucas ordered. Infernape charged at Abomasnow while engulfed in blue flames. Infernape made contact, hitting Abomasnow. As the Flame Pokémon has taken recoil damage, Abomasnow has fallen, beaten.
"Abomasnow is unable to battle! Infernape wins! The winner is Lucas from Twinleaf Town!" The referee announced.
"And Lucas wins it!" Dawn cheered.
"All that training has paid off," Sora said.
"Nicely done," Candice said, calling back her Abomasnow. She approached Lucas. "You battled hard and gave me everything you had, so I'm going to give you this: The Icicle Badge." She presents the Icicle Badge to Lucas. He accepts it.
"Thanks, Candice. Now, one more to go," Lucas said.
"Now that each of us has an Icicle Badge, we're gonna have to head for Veilstone City and meet up with the Master," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"You're right. We'll take off tomorrow," Sora said.
On the next day, a van is seen driving on Snowpoint City's road, being driven by Reggie. He spots Paul walking by the road. He stopped.
"Reggie?" Paul asked. Reggie stepped out of the van to greet his younger brother.
"Hey, Paul. How's it going?" Reggie asked.
Inside the Pokémon Center, just when everyone was about to leave, they see the van outside.
"Hey, look who it is!" May said.
"Who's that guy?" Zoey asked.
"He's Paul's older brother, Reggie. He's a Pokémon Breeder in Veilstone City," Dawn said.
"Haven't you won your Gym battle in Snowpoint City yet?" Reggie asked.
"Coming soon," Paul simply said.
"Well, keep in mind, Candice is tough," Reggie told his brother.
"I've got a plan for her," Paul said.
Everyone stepped out of the Pokémon Center and approached them.
"Reggie!" Sora said. They turned to see the group.
"Well, look who it is! Sora and his friends!" Reggie said.
"It's been a while since we last saw you, Reggie," Brendan said.
"Sure has. But what brings you all the way out here?" Lea asked.
"I just finished bringing a Pokémon I was watching back to its Trainer. You challengimg the Snowpoint City Gym, too?" Reggie asked.
"Lucas, Roxas, and I already have our Icicle Badges, bringing our total to seven, so we need just one more to make it complete," Sora said.
"Really? Awesome. Then, your next challenge should be Sunyshore City. And you'll be up against Volkner, and he specializes with Electric-type Pokémon," Reggie said.
"That's good to know," Roxas said.
"Would it be okay if I watch your battle?" Reggie offered.
"Whatever you want," Paul said.
"Man, that guy Paul may be the total opposite of Sora and Lucas, but he's absolutely like his brother either," Zoey said.
"Tell us about it," May, Chase, Elaine, and Dawn said. They felt some rumbling beneath their feet.
"What's that?!" Ethan gasped.
A shadow looms over them as a pyramid flies over them. Sora instantly recognizes it.
"What's that?" Dawn asked.
"The Battle Pyramid!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said. This grabs Paul and Reggie's attention.
"Wow, you guys know about that thing?" Reggie asked.
"Know it? You could say that, because I challenged the Pyramind King Brandon to a battle and I won the Brave Symbol there," Sora said. Paul was surprised to hear Sora said he won it.
"What? You actually beat it?" Paul asked.
"Last time I checked, the Battle Pyramid is supposed to be in the Hoenn region, so what's it doing out here?" May asked.
"Maybe we could ask Brandon when we see him," Kairi said.
"You're right, let's go," Sora said.
With that said, everyone followed the Battle Pyramid as Sora, Kairi, Lucas, Dawn, Paul, Zoey, Pikachu, Angel, and Piplup rode in the van with Reggie as the rest of the group followed by riding on a Pokémon. Candice stepped out and saw it flying over her Gym.
"Oh, wow!" Candice said in awe.
Inside, Brandon and Samuel are up front.
"Transmissiom from a Rotom Phone!" Samuel said.
"Put it through," Brandon said. It turns out to be Sora calling in.
"Hey, Brandon. Long time no see," Sora said.
"Sora. It certainly has been a long time. How are you?" Brandon asked.
"We're doing great so far. We were just heading out when we saw a familiar face, but yours wasn't a familiar face we were expecting to see," Sora said.
"Is that so?" Brandon asked.
"Yeah, we were quick to notice you, so we're already heading up to meet up with you," Sora said.
"I am close to landing anyway. We can talk then," Brandon said.
The Battle Pyramid makes a landing, so everyone approached the Pyramid King.
"Is that him?" Ash asked.
"Yeah, that's him," Sora said.
"Reggie. It's been so long, hasn't it?" Brandon asked.
"Too long, Brandon," Reggie said. Brandon spots Paul approaching him.
"You do remember me. I came to challenge you to a Pokémon battle, right here and now," Paul stated. Everyone were confused by the challenge Paul had just made.
"Battle?" Sora asked.
"Hasn't he learned from his past mistake challenging Cynthia?" Kris asked.
"He's a glutton for punishment, if you ask me," Lyra said.
"Rill," Marill said. Candice came riding in on a Dodrio.
"Incredible! It's the real Battle Pyramid!" Candice said.
"Miss Senior!" Zoey said.
"And it's so huge!" Candice said.
"Sorry to cause such a fuss, I'm Brandon, the Pyramid King of the Battle Frontier," Brandon introduced himself.
"I'm honored to meet you. I'm Candice, the Snowpoint City Gym Leader," Candice said. Another jeep came driving in. A temple maiden stepped out.
"Oh, it's you, Maria," Brandon said.
"We've been waiting for you, Pyramid King," Maria greeted, bowing her head.
"Everyone, say hello to Temple Maiden Maria," Brandon said.
"It is an honor," Maria said.
"Zoey, isn't there a temple here?" Dawn asked.
"Oh yeah. There's a temple not too far from here. It has a rich history," Zoey said.
"Awesome," Dawn said.
"You see the purpose me being in Sinnoh is to investigate the Snowpoint Temple," Brandon said.
"You do research many ancient civilizations," Kairi pointed out.
"That's correct, young lady," Brandon answered.
"I never imagined that you were going to travel here in your amazing Battle Pyramid," Maria said.
"It appears we have caused a bit of a scene," Brandon said. He turned to Samuel. "Now, Sam."
"Sir!" Samuel replied.
"Please go on ahead with Maria in the temple," Brandon told Samuel.
"What about you?" Samuel asked. Brandon looked right at Paul.
"Take a look. Take a look into his eyes. How can I refuse the battle this young man requests?" Brandon asked. "I'll catch up with you later."
"Thank you, sir," Maria said.
"Paul, why now?" Reggie asked.
"Because I have to do what you couldn't do,. And that's that," Paul said.
"Would it okay, if we watch the battle, Brandon?" Sora asked. Brandon looked at Paul again.
"Young man?" Brandon asked.
Paul scoffed, "I don't care." Everyone entered the Battle Pyramid and right into the battlefield.
"This should be entertaining to watch," Chase said, chuckling.
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, Jeri, Kazu, Kenta, Suzie, Takuya, Koji, JP, Zoe, Tommy, Koichi, Zoey, Reggie, Candice, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Marill, Volt, Maple, Piplup, Little Mei, Guil, Mime Jr, and Munchlax entered the Battle Pyramid and right into the battlefield.
"Let's make this a full six-on-six battle! Pokémon exchanges are allowed. The battle will be over when all six of either one of our Pokémon are unable to battle!" Paul said.
"Very well," Brandon accepted the terms. Paul makes the first choice.
"Magmar! Stand by for battle!" Paul called out. Magmar came out to battle. Brendon took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Regirock! I need your assistance!" Brandon called out.
"Is that a Regirock?" Takato asked.
"Yeah, it is. Regirock was the first Pokémon Brandon sent at me when I challenged him to a battle. It was after I earned the other six Frontier Symbols from all of the other Frontier Brains. A Trainer named Isaac challenged him before me and it was because of that, I knew what I was up against until I saw the other two," Sora said.
"That's the same with me," Reggie said.
"So, Brandon starts off with Regirock like he did with my brother," Paul said.
"Brandon used that Pokémon when I was collecting Gym Badges. I was defeated by Brandon. Paul was watching the battle. Paul had just gotten his Turtwig and came with me to Hoenn when I challenged Brandon to a battle. Brandon defeated me without losing a single one," Reggie said.
"Is that why Paul is so obsessed with power?" Sora asked.
"So, he's going to do what his brother couldn't; beat Brandon," Riku said.
"I can handle anything you can bring. That is my battling style," Brandon said. Paul calls his Magmar back, confusing Brandon.
"What's he doing?" Takuya asked.
"Paul made a smart move, because he knows Magmar is at a disadvantage against Regirock," Brendan said. Paul took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Hariyama! Stand by for battle!" Paul called out. His Hariyama came out to battle against Regirock.
"Hariyama has the advantage since it's a Fighting-type," Tai said.
"You might be right, Tai. But Regirock looks like it won't be taken down so easily," Ash said.
"So, Hariyama's gonna have to use some heavy-hitting attacks to take it down," Sora T said.
"Let's begin! Stone Edge!" Brandon ordered. Regirockformeds Stone Edge and hurled the stones at the Arm Thrust Pokémon.
"Quick, block it!" Paul ordered. Hariyama holds its hands out. "You know Rock-type moves won't have that much effect on Hariyama! Is this a test?"
"You'll have to see!" Brandon said.
"Arm Thrust!" Paul ordered. Hariyama gave Regirock a series of Arm Thrusts.
"Hold it down!" Brandon called out. Regirock grabs Hariyama in its grip. "Use Shock Wave!" Hariyama is damaged greatly by Regirock's Shock Wave.
"Hariyama definitely felt that," Naminé said.
"Azurill," Azurill chirped.
"Force Palm!" Paul ordered.
"Use Power-Up Punch!" Brandon ordered. Regirock gave Hariyama a Power-Up Punch before Hariyama could land a hit. Hariyama had been taken down. Paul calls back Hariyama. Paul took out his next Pokéball and then he threw it.
"Electabuzz! Stand by for battle!" Paul called out.
"And here is Electabuzz," Joe said.
"What is he planning?" TK asked.
"Wait, doesn't Electabuzz know Brick Break?" Kari pointed out.
"Yeah," Sora said.
"Brick Break!" Paul ordered. Electabuzz lands a Brick Break onto Regirock.
"I knew he was going to do that," Sora said.
"Brandon's Regirock is a high-level Pokémon and Paul knows it. So of course, he got to use an attack that has a huge effect on it," Reggie said.
"Stone Edge!" Brandon ordered. Regirock fires Stone Edge at the Electric Pokémon.
"Protect!" Paul ordered. Electabuzz uses Protect, but it backfired since it wasn't strong enough to block Stone Edge. Paul growled in anger.
"Now, Hyper Beam!" Brandon ordered. Regirock fires Hyper Beam right at Electabuzz, resulting in another knockout. Paul calls his Electabuzz back and takes out another. Brandon does the same thing for Regirock.
"Why did he call Regirock back?" Tommy asked.
"After using Hyper Beam, Regirock won't be able to attack right away," Ethan said. Brandon took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Registeel! I need your assistance!" Brandon called out. Registeel came out to battle. Paul threw his Pokéball.
"Magmar! Stand by for battle!" Paul called out. Magmar came back out to battle.
"Fire-types should have the advantage over Steel-types," Zoey said.
"That's true, Zoey. But will it be enough?" Roxas asked.
"Use Flamethrower!" Paul ordered. Magmar fires Flamethrower right at Registeel.
"A direct hit!" Elaine said.
"Eevee!" Maple said. Registeel has come out unharmed by the flames.
"Registeel isn't even bothered by that fire," Mimi said.
"How?" Davis asked. "Registeel should have felt all that intense heat from Magmar's Flamethrower."
"That's very true, Davis. It must have had an effect, but it's hanging in!" Reggie said.
"Use Iron Head!" Brandon ordered. Registeel came at Magmar with Iron Head and landed a hit.
"Block it and then, Will-O-Wisp!" Paul ordered. Magmar took a bad hit from Iron Head and then flinched. "Magmar's scared?"
"Where's Will-O-Wisp?" May asked.
"Iron Head can cause an opponent to flinch," Riku said. Paul called back his Magmar and took out his other Pokéball and threw it.
"Nidoking! Stand by for battle!" Paul called out and Nidoking came out to battle.
"Nidoking's a Poison-type Pokémon. I thought Poison-type moves don't have any effect on Steel-type Pokémon," Dawn said.
"That's true, Dawn, but Nidoking is also a Ground-type, so Nidoking has to know one or two moves that are effective," Lucas said.
"Use Flash Cannon!" Brandon ordered. Registeel fires Flash Cannon and it struck Nidoking on the mark.
"Earth Power, now!" Paul ordered. Nidoking's outline flashes yellow and he slams his fist into the ground, creating glowing gold cracks that travel at Registeel and go under it, hurting it.
"That's impressive strength," Brandon said.
"Double Kick!" Paul ordered. Nidoking lands a couple of kicks onto Registeel. The iron Pokémon still stood on its feet, despite taking heavy damage.
"Registeel's still standing after taking those hits," Sora said.
"Now, use Thunderbolt!" Paul ordered. Nidoking unleashed Thunderbolt at Registeel.
"Iron Head, let's go!" Brandon ordered. Registeel plows through Thunderbolt and lands a hit onto Nidoking, resulting in a knockout.
"And that's three Paul had lost," Lucas said.
"Alright, what's wrong? And here I thought you wanted to defeat the man who defeated your brother," Brandon said. Paul calls back his fallen Nidoking.
"The truth is, it is because you defeated my brother that my victory over you will have meaning. The challenge you always presented to Trainers to find their own strength, was something my brother wasn't able to do! I'm not like my brother! My will gives me strength! And now, you'll see it first hand! And I'll become more powerful than even Sora!" Paul shouted.
"NO!" Brandon bellowed. "All wrapped up in the past. Why then do you walk the Pokémon path in the first place? Tell me why do you battle?" Paul didn't respond and took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Aggron! Stand by for battle!" Paul called out, letting Aggron out to battle. Brandon calls back Registeel and took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Regice, I need your assistance!" Brandon called out, letting out Regice.
"Iron Defense!" Paul ordered. Aggron increases its defense power with a metallic glow.
"So, Paul's going on the defense," Riku said.
"Paul wants to hang in there and look for a chance to counterstrike," Reggie said.
"But will Aggron be able to hold on?" Koichi asked.
"Ice Beam!" Brandon ordered. Regice fires Ice Beam and freezes Aggron completely.
"What?!" Paul exclaimed.
"Zap Cannon!" Brandon ordered. Regice forms a ball of electricity and fires right at Aggron and took it down with one hit. Paul growled again.
"Aggron didn't get to attack once," Chase said.
"Chu," Volt said. Paul took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"Even though Rock and Steel-types had the advantage over an Ice-type like Regice," Ryo said.
"Ursaring! Stand by for battle!" Paul called out. Ursaring came out to battle. "Use Hammer Arm!"
"Use Power-Up Punch!" Brandon ordered. Regice and Ursaring come at each other to land a hit. Both had collided and felt pain to one another.
"Focus Blast!" Paul ordered.
"Zap Cannon!" Brandon ordered. Regice fires Zap Cannon right at Ursaring and landed a hit onto the Hibernator Pokémon. Ursaring became paralyzed.
"What's up with Ursaring?" Amy asked.
"Ursaring's paralyzed from taking that Zap Cannon," Naminé said.
Paul just stood there and he didn't bother to call back his Ursaring. Brandon calls back his Regice.
"Regirock, I need your assistance!" Brandon called out and Regirock came back out.
"Regirock again?!" Paul exclaimed.
"Use Stone Edge!" Brandon ordered. Regirock fires Stone Edge at Ursaring, resulting in a knockout.
"That's five he lost," Leaf said.
"Why didn't he just tell Ursaring to do anything?" JP asked.
"Paul had already given up on Ursaring. He just stopped giving him commands," Reggie said.
"Now, Magmar, stand by for battle!" Paul called out, letting Magmar out to battle Regirock.
"It's almost over. Paul never stood a chance against Brandon and his Pokémon," Riku said.
"Flamethrower!" Paul ordered. Magmar fires Flamethrower at Regirock. Regirock braced itself and blew back its Flamethrower.
"Shock Wave, let's go now!" Brandon ordered. Regirock gave Magmar one last Shock Wave, much to Paul's dismay. Magmar had been taken down. Paul had lost the battle. He calls his Magmar back.
"Young man, this battle of yours, was that your true battle?" Brandon asked. "You've done an excellent job raising and training your Pokémon, but you allowed your emotions to betray you on the battlefield!" Paul glared right at him. "We will battle again one day, but only when you control them." Paul didn't say a thing and bowed his head.
After everyone stepped out of the Battle Pyramid, everyone was silent until Paul spoke up.
"You can expect to see me at the Snowpoint City Gym," Paul said.
"Great, Paul. I'll be looking forward to it," Candice said. She turned to Zoey. "So, Zo-Zo, I guess it's ournturn next, right?"
"Huh?" Zoey asked.
"Kiyah battle for you and me! Let's get going!" Candice said.
"You bet, Miss Senior!" Zoey said. Candice has let out Dodrio.
"And much good luck for your next Contest, Dawn!" Candice said.
"Thank you!" Dawn said. Candice and Zoey got on Dodrio's back and heads back.
"Okay, everyone! See you around!" Candice said.
"See you, Dawn, Kairi!" Zoey said.
"See ya, Zoey!" Kairi called back.
"Take care!" Dawn said.
Paul was silent, thinking about the recent battle and about what Brandon said to him. Sora could tell Brandon went through him.
"What's with him?" Takato asked.
"Char?" Guil asked.
"He's been like that ever since he lost, but it looks like Paul is thinking about what Brandon said," Sora said.
"You might be right. Paul might have misunderstood what I said, I should have explained better. Anyway, it was great seeing you again," Reggie said.
"You too," Kairi said.
"You can count on us seeing you again," Brendan said. He looked at Lucas. "Hey, Lucas?"
"It's nothing," Lucas said. He approached Paul. "Hey, Paul, I'm challenging you to a full six-on-six battle!" Everyone is surprised to hear Lucas say it.
"Lucas?" Riku asked.
"You challenge me?" Paul asked.
"You didn't mishear me, Paul! Both of us, having a full battle, two days from today! You and me!" Lucas said.
"Are you sure you wanna do that, Lucas?" TK asked.
"Sure as a Gible has a strong bite," Lucas said.
"Alright, Lucas. I'll take you up on that offer. We'll meet at Lake Acuity in two days. Just be sure you show up," Paul said.
"Trust me, you won't be waiting for long," Lucas said.
"That is an interesting idea! Two days shall be more than enough time to prepare," Brandon said.
"I'll be seeing you in two days," Paul said.
"Same with you," Lucas said. With that said, Paul and Reggie got in the van and drove off to the city when Samuel and Maria drove back.
"Brandon! I'm glad I found you!" Samuel said.
"Sam? What's wrong?" Brandon asked.
"There's an emergency at the temple!" Maria said.
"Oh no!" Brandon exclaimed.
Uh-oh, there's big trouble down in the temple. What could it be? Heartless? Nobodies, Unversed? Or could it be Count Ernesh and his forces? Well, just be sure to stay tuned and see for yourselves!