#pauv

Recommended Music: Road Trip! (Choices)

It’s the second annual La Huerta River Race event and Quinn, the first place winner last year is speaking at the stage, alongside Meg, last year’s second place winner. Jake and Taylor spot their daughter, Kaitlyn, and the other kids.

Taylor: Hey, look who it is!

Jake: Li’l marshmallow!

The family run into each other, exchanging loving embraces. The others walk towards them with smiles.

Blight: Lookin’ slick, Flyboy.

Jake looks up and grins at Blight’s compliment.

Jake: Could say the same for you, Goggles.

The two men approach each other and high five. Jake whispers to Blight’s ear.

Jake: So, how is he?

Blight: He’s doing great. Just a few more getting used to his prosthetic limbs and--

Taylor: What are you guys whispering about?

Jake and Blight suddenly jump and look at Taylor with a nervous grin.

Jake: Nothing!

Blight: Yeah! We were just... talking about... umm...

Jake: Psyducks!

Blight: That’s right, Psyducks!

The two men quickly laugh to cut the tension and suspicion. 

Everyone looks at them with unamused looks. Taylor lightly smacks Jake’s head.

Taylor: Geez, even without Tyler here, you always have someone to joke around with.

Jake: Ow!

Meanwhile, Vishakha and Elesis mock Blight.

Elesis: I rarely see you like this, Blight.

Vishakha: You’re so lame, Jester.

Blight: Hey!

After a few laughs and reconnecting, everyone walks to the crowd. Suddenly, a woman calls out to Mika.

Woman: Mika, my dear!

Mika turns to see her mother, holding a Pokémon egg.

Mika: Mom!

Mika rushes to hug her mother while Kaitlyn follows behind her. 

Kaitlyn: Hello, Mrs. Dinh.

Mika’s Mother: Hello, Kaitlyn.

After they pull apart, Mika’s mother hands her daughter the Pokémon egg.

Mika’s Mother: Here you go, dear. Make sure you take care of it like it’s your own child.

Mika: Thanks, Mom.

The two share an embrace again and Mika’s mother plants a kiss on the girl’s forehead. They exchange “I love you’s” and “goodbyes” before parting ways. Kaitlyn's family approach Mika.

Kaitlyn: Soo, whatchu got there, Mika?

Mika: Oh, it’s a Pokémon egg.

Jake: I think Mikadzuki’s got a Togepi egg there.

(Note: Jake calls Mika, “Mikadzuki” because it is the Japanese word for “Crescent Moon”. Mika wears a crescent moon choker and she has a strand of hair that’s shaped like a crescent moon.)

Taylor: Oh, so you’re planning on using a Togepi evolution line for the Grand Festival.

Mika: Mhm!

Kaitlyn: That’s awesome!

After the four share smiles, they reunite with the others and listen to the rules of the River Race event.

Quinn: Now, the rules of the race are simple; reach the finish line first before your opponents do. The finish line is located at the riverside of Mansingh Town.

Taari: Oh! That’s where our next gym battle is!

Reginald: Then I guess we should participate in this race. Not only is it fun, but it’s also a way for us to reach my mother’s town fast.

Kaitlyn: Yep!

Meg continues the explanation of the rules.

Meg: However, you must NOT knock your opponent out of their surfboards. Only the obstacles are allowed to do that. Speaking of which, the race’s obstacles include, rock formations, small and harmless whirpools, and Carvanhas that only get hostile if you get too close.

Taari: Welp... shi--

Reginald: Language.

Quinn: The first three to reach the finish line will each receive a Pokémon egg.

Kaitlyn: Sweet!

Quinn: First place winner gets a Dratini Egg. Second place winner gets a Chikorita Egg. And Third place winner gets a Tynamo Egg.

Meg: Alright, racers. Please decide on which Pokémon to use and sign up on that booth over there.

Those who are interested in joining the race make their way to the sign up booth. Taari, Reginald, Kaitlyn and Mika do the same. Vishakha, Elesis and Meg are at the stage, exchanging hugs.

Meg: Miss ya, Sistas!

Elesis: Miss ya too!

Vishakha: Yeet!

Recommended Music: Legends of the Past

Meanwhile, Taylor and the other adults gather around to discuss something important.

Taylor: So, Blight... Jake says that you’ve been helping him find my brother, Tyler?

Blight: That’s right. According to my scans so far, he’s been last seen up in the mountains, near Prisma City.

Jake: That’s where Michelle lives.

Quinn: What do you think has he been doing these past months?

Blight: I don’t know but based on his the places he’s been going to... I think he’s...

Taylor: He’s what?

Blight: ...Looking for Vaanu’s other fragments, Palkia and Dialga.

There is a sudden silence between the group. Quinn clutches her chest after hearing what her husband has been doing ever since she lost him.

Quinn: ....Tyler....

Jake: So, Boy Scout’s been looking for answers to the questions we’ve been asking since he and Princess got back her five years ago?

Blight: I guess so...

Taylor scoffs.

Taylor: Well, that still doesn’t excuse him from leaving us! He should’ve told us about his plan. We could’ve covered more ground together! Instead, he did it alone because he’s so hung up on the loss of--

Taylor notices Quinn starting to break into tears.

Taylor: Oh no, Quinn. I’m sorry. I... didn’t mean to...

Taylor gives Quinn a gentle hug while Blight looks at Jake.

Blight: Loss?

Jake: Yup...

Jake clears his throat.

Jake: You see, Goggles... seven and a half months ago... Tyler and Quinn lost their son, Brandon Kelly.

A weight is pulled in Blight’s heart as he hears the sad news. He is also struck by the idea that he might lose his niece, his daughter-figure, Vishakha. He quickly turns to Quinn.

Blight: Quinn, I... I’m sorry...

Quinn shakes her head and wipes her tears.

Quinn: It’s... okay, guys... Just...

She looks at Blight.

Quinn: Promise me that you’ll find him...

Blight gives a reluctant look before nodding.

Blight: I will. I promise.

Jake shared the same expression Blight has. 

Recommended Music: Mantine Surf (Pokémon)

Soon after, the tension is cut by the kids and the Aryndelle sisters approaching the adults.

Meg: Yo! Everything’s all set and everyone is signed up.

Jake gets between the adults and the kids to hide Quinn’s sadness.

Jake: Nice! Now, let’s get this show on the road, Megatron!

Meg: “Megatron”?

Jake: What?! It’s the best I can come up with your name!

Meg and the kids chuckle while Jake groans and leads them to the Grand La Huerta River. Blight and Taylor lead a slowly recovering Quinn to the stage as they watch the racers get ready. Taari, Reginald, Kaitlyn, Mika and the other racers change into their swimwear and call out their ride partners.

Kaitlyn: I’m counting on you, Empoleon!

Reginald: Come out, Croconaw!

Taari: Let’s go, Wartortle!

Mika: I choose you, Blastoise!

The three kids look at Mika’s Blastoise.

Mika: ....What?

Taari: Cool! Your Wartortle evolved! I can’t wait for mine to evolve too!

Reginald: I guess the girls have the evolutionary advantage here.

Kaitlyn: Yeet!

Jake stands on the stage and announces the beginning of the race.

Jake: Alright, racers. Get ready!!

The racers properly leash their Pokémon and mount their surfboards.

Jake: On your mark!... Get set!...

The kids squint their eyes while their Pokémon prepare themselves.

Jake: SURF’S UP!!

All the racers’s Pokémon dash past the starting line as they surf on the river. At the start of the race, Mika and Kaitlyn are competing in first place, while Taari and Reginald are right behind them.

Kaitlyn: Heh! Just like contest, eh?

Mika: You know it!

Taari: We need to catch up, Reggie!

Reginald: Agreed!

Taari and Reginald grin as they give their commands to their partners.

Taari: Use Aqua Jet!

Reginald: Use Aqua Jet!

Wartortle hides inside his shell and fires jets of water behind him from out of his shell holes to give Taari a boost. Croconaw surround himself with water as he does the same for Reginald. The two then pass Kaitlyn and Mika, accidentally splashing them with water.

Kailtyn: Hey!

Mika: Rude!

The boys snicker and high five. 

Kaitlyn: Empoleon, use Bubble Beam!

Mika: Use Water Gun, Blastoise!

Empoleon fires a barrage bullet-like bubbles towards Taari while Blastoise fires a stream of water towards Reginald. The boys end up getting splashed with water but they remain on their boards.

Taari: Hey! No hitting the racers!

Reginald: Yeah! That’s against the rules!

Kaitlyn: It said that there’s no KNOCKING OUT!

Mika: Yeah! You started it!

The kids’ aggressive playstyle backfires as surrounding Carvanhas are agitated by their actions. The Savage Pokémon jump up from the river and ambush their agitators.

Taari: AAAHH!!

Kaitlyn: AAAHH!!

Reginald: AAAHH!!

Mika: AAAHH!!

The other slow-and-steady racers pass the kids.

Kaitlyn: Damn it! We gotta take back our lead.

Taari: Yeah!

Reginald: Truce for now?!

Mika: Yep!

The four compose themselves and work together to catch up to the other racers. Meanwhile, on the stage, Blight, Vishakha and Elesis say their goodbyes to the others.

Elesis: Right, we should probably head to Prisma City to prepare the Masquerade Ball.

Vishakha: Yep. Take care, Sis!

Meg: You too, Sista!

Blight looks at Jake, Taylor and Quinn.

Blight: You take care too, you guys.

Jake: No prob, Goggles.

They all exchange hugs before parting ways. Jake, Taylor, Quinn and Meg focus on the river race while Blight, Vishakha and Elesis make their way to Prisma City. 

Recommended Music: Brink

A few minutes pass and Blight looks up and sees a familiar object.

Blight: Hey, isn’t that..?

His two nieces follow his gaze.

Vishakha: The orange and blue comet!

Elesis: What is that supposed to be anyway?

Blight: I dunno, but... I think this is the first time it’s passing by Earth since it’s never been seen before until now.

The three shrug off the comet and continue on their way. Meanwhile back at the river race, a loud boom is suddenly heard.

Jake: What was that?!

Two large figures pass by the stage. Jake and the others recognize them.

Taylor: Is that...?!

Jake: No way!

Quinn: It’s.... Tyler!

Meg: And Palkia?!

The three spot Tyler flying over the river, on his Charizard, while chasing Palkia.

Tyler and Palkia eventually fly over the racers. The kids notice them.

Taari: Woah! Is that...?!

Kaitlyn: Uncle Tyler?!

Reginald: And the legendary Palkia?!

Mika: What’s going on?!

Due to Palkia’s presence and it being cornered by Tyler, spacial disturbances start to appear around the area.

Recommended Music: Fight or Flight (It Lives)

Dangerous waves start to form on the river and the whirlpools start to get bigger.

Racer 1: Oh no!

Racer 2: Everyone get clear!

But it’s not yet over. Dark purple eyes start to gleam from beneath the river.

Reginald: The Carvanhas! Don’t tell me...

Taari: They’re being corrupted!

Kaitlyn: Hell no! I don’t want this to end up like It Lives Beneath!

Mika: Too late for that!

Taylor, Jake, Quinn and Meg take notice of the situation.

Quinn: The racers! 

Meg: They’re in danger!

Jake: We gotta go help them.

Taylor: Come on!

The four rush towards the endangered racers. Meanwhile, Tyler is still chasing Palkia.

Tyler: Charizard, use Fire Blast!

Charizard attempts to breathe a  大-shaped flame towards Palkia. But before he could do it, another Fire Blast is fired towards them. Tyler and Charizard notices this and avoid it just in time.

Tyler: What the?!

Suddenly, two silhouettes leap from the forest. It’s revealed to be the Flame Vigilante and his Mega Blaziken.

Flame Vigilante: I found you, Tyler! YOU BASTARD!!

Tyler: Tch! You again!

Palkia turns to the two trainers with its eyes gleaming. It’s prepared to fight this time. Tyler and the Flame Vigilante prepare for a three-way battle.

Recommended Music: Fortree City

In the humble town of Ursidae, Taari, Reginald, Kaitlyn and Elena have gathered in front of the town’s own Gym. Before they walk in, they remembered a conversation they had with Blight and his niece, Vishakha.

[FLASHBACK]

Blight and Vishakha are standing with the four Gym challengers at the hotel lobby.

Blight: Alright, her Highness and I are on our way to Prisma City to prepare for the Christmas Masquerade Ball.

Vishakha: Join us when you finish the Gym battle, Sis.

Elesis: I will.

Blight: What about the three of you?

Reginald: We’re headed back to Mansingh Town in order to challenge my mother.

Blight: Ah, yes. Professor Grace Hall.

Taari: I’m excited!

Kaitlyn: Me too.

Blight places a hand on Reginald’s shoulder, as a means of saying “Good luck.”

Blight: We’ll see you soon in Prisma City.

Reginald: Of course.

And so, Blight and Vishakha left Ursidae Town.

[END OF FLASHBACK]

Back to the present, Taari takes a deep breath and looks at his friends.

Taari: Here we go!

Recommended Music: Hoenn Gym

They all nod at each other as they enter the Gym. They are soon greeted by Craig.

Craig: Alright! You’re all here. Awesome!

He then leads his challengers to the main area. The kids are a bit confused as to why it is large and has different battlefields.

Taari: Umm... what is this?

Craig: You see, in my gym, I don’t just do battles. I also do a test of strength to my challenger’s Pokémon through physical competitions, like Sumo or Hit-the-Target.

Reginald: So, you’re adding a twist to every challenger?

Kaitlyn: That doesn’t sound like the Craig I know of.

Craig glares at Kaitlyn.

Craig: HEY! Just cuz I’m as dumb as your parents say I am, doesn’t  mean that I can’t think of something like this!.... actually, Z helped me....

Kaitlyn: Ah, there he is.

Elesis: So, what’s going to be our challenge then?

Craig: That depends on who’s going to take me on....

Elesis VS Craig

Reginald & Kaitlyn VS Craig

Taari VS Craig

Recommended Music: Hoenn Gym

The kids gather in front of Craig as he grins proudly.

Craig: Chyeah boi! Now that was an exciting gym challenge! You guys have really improved ever since your first gym battle.

The kids smile at his comment as he holds out four small items.

Craig: As a reward for beating the Ursidae Gym, I reward all four of you with the Ursa Badge.

Ursa Badge - 4 out of 8 Badges Collected.

The four kids store their badges in their cases. Afterwards, they thank Craig and high five him. They grin at each other before departing. At the gym’s doors, Craig waves at the kids and they wave back as they make their way to the city gate.

Recommended Music: Fortree City

A few minutes earlier, outside of Ursidae, Blight and his niece, Vishakha are on their way to Prisma City.  Vishakha smiles softly at her uncle. 

Vishakha: I just remembered how you used to take me in the forest near the Forge and lead me to a cherry blossom garden.

Blight chuckles and grins.

Blight: Yeah, I remember that too. You like cherry blossoms so much that every time you visit the garden, your worries always go away instantly.

Vishakha: Hehe, true.

Blight pauses in thought and grins again.

Blight: I just remembered your battle with the Flame Vigilante.

Vishakha puffs her cheeks.

Vishakha: Hmph! That boy...

Blight: I’m proud of you from the way you battled.

Vishakha: I... really?

Blight nods and Vishakha smile. Soon after, someone calls out to them from behind. They turn to see Mika running up to them.

Vishakha: Mika?

Blight: What are you doing here? Are you joining us on our way to Prisma City?

Mika: Actually... I want to challenge Vishakha.

Recommended Music: Memories Returned (PKMN Mystery Dungeon)

Blight and Vishakha are startled.

Vishakha: HUH?!

Blight: Are you serious?

Mika nods.

Mika: I want to see if I can actually reach her with my current strength.... and to know what she sees in Kaitlyn...

Vishakha: What do you mean?

Mika sighs and looks at Vishakha with determination.

Mika: I... was eavesdropping on your conversation with her after the contest...

Vishakha approaches Mika and places a hand on her shoulder.

Vishakha: Mika, listen. Both of you and Kaitlyn have really good potential. Hell, you guys can even beat me in the upcoming Grand Festival, with enough hard work.

Mika: Really...?

Vishakha nods while Blight rebuttals.

Blight: Hey! What about me?!

Vishakha: Shut up.

Mika lets out a soft giggle at the Vishakha and Blight’s mishap. She then smiles and nods as Vishakha embraces her.

Mika: Thank you.

Vishakha: You’re welcome. And yes, I accept your challenge.

Vishakha VS Mika

Recommended Music: #BandGoals (Choices, HSS)

Suddenly, they hear a trumpets playing within the woods.

Taari: What’s that?

Reginald: Hmm... can it be...?

Reginald rushes towards the source of the sound and everyone else follows him. They come across a group of people gathered near a large river. The people are facing a stage, where Taylor, Jake, Quinn and Meg are standing on.

Kaitlyn: Oh! It’s Mom and Dad!

Reginald: Ah, I knew it! It’s the annual La Huerta River Race!