In no time, the kitchen was back to the way it was before its visitors came….unless the used utensils and tools were counted. Bubbling and cutting noises could be heard from the kitchen, along with the temp-chefs humming the “Poke’mon X” theme song. Toya sat on Landon’s shoulder and watched him fry the Yakisoba noodles in a sizzling pan on the flattop stove. Raichu spooned some rice into its paws and started to form them into rice balls. Bayleef kept a close eye on the rising cookies in the oven. Tambourine was busy topping the hamburger and Trapinch ground up the chestnuts for the kuri kinton. Vulpix didn’t mind scrubbing the dishes as she enjoyed splashing around in the water. It didn’t take long for the smell of food to force its way thought the kitchen door. May, Zeru, Phanpy, and Phealine were so hungry that they fell asleep right on the table. Phanpy was the first to be aroused by the alluring scent of cooking food; her ears twitched and she let her trunk take a whiff at the air. “….Phanpy….” She smelled the air with a blissful smile. “Phanpy!” She jumped up and awoke Phealine. “Phea?” She looked up drowsily. “Hey, do you smell that?” Zeru sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. May was the only one who was still sleeping. But even in her state of slumber, she could smell the vivid scents of food. “….Yakisoba….hamburger…” She mumbled with a slight drool. “May, wake up; I can smell food.” Zeru shook her shoulder. May just replied by mumbling, “Fice more minutes, please,” “Hmm….” Zeru scratched his cheek, allowing his eyes to wonder around. They came to a stop on Phealine. “Hey, Phealine, use your Cat Fleas ability on May.” “Phea?” Phealine blinked at him. “Don’t worry; hey go away after a few seconds, right?” “Ea,” She nodded. “All we need is one or two.” Zeru told her. Phealine lowered her head and scratched her cheek with her foot. From her fur, a couple of glowing blue specks jumped onto the table. They bounced across and hopped into May’s shirt. “Three…two…one…” “YAAHAA!” May suddenly jumped up, shrieking loudly. She gave a feverish pant as she struggled to scratched her back and shoulders. “Ha-ha-ha!” Zeru, Phealine, and Phanpy giggled. “THAT’S NOT FUNNY!” May growled, practically breathing fire at them. “Gee, we’re sorry.” Zeru forced a smile, sweating anime style. “What did you guys do, anyway?” May asked in a calmer voice. The itching was starting to simmer down now. “We were trying to wake you up. Can’t you smell the food?” Actually, May hadn’t really paid attention to the smells drifting in the air.  She gave it a sniff and felt her stomach argue with her again. “It smells too good to wait any longer.” “Well, you won’t have to wait any longer.” A voice said from the kitchen.

       The door burst open and Toya stepped out first, balancing a tray of Ohagi on her head. She marched out, followed by Bayleef holding the Datemaki tray with her vines. Both Raichu and Tambourine held a large tray settled with bowls of Yakisoba. Trapinch came out with the hamburgers and Vulpix clenched the Kuri kinton tray in her mouth. Landon brought up the rear with a plate of cookies  over his head. As they marched through the restaurant, May, Zeru, Phanpy, and Phealine drooled. “So, how about it? Are you ready to eat?” Landon asked them. There was a giant rumble from everyone’s stomachs to answer his question. As soon as the trays touched the face of the table, the aprons were thrown and the bright lights were flipped on. May and Zeru called their other Poke’mon from their poke’balls; everyone grabbed a plate and began stuffing their faces. Landon was so happy, he started to cry. He wasn’t only happy for filling his gut, but for all the work his friend put into helping. “Thanks, guys; this is the best.”

 

       The food was so good that in a matter of minutes, the entire banquet had merely diminished to nothing. The only thing that did remain was one last bow of Yakisoba. Still, the smell of everything eaten drifted heavily in the air. Landon’s stomach finally came to a rest, but didn’t pudge like Toya’s did. She just lay on he back, rubbing it gleefully. Everyone had eaten their fill and couldn’t eat another bite….at least, most of them, anyway. Eevee was greedy enough to go dump the rest of the Yakisoba into that black hole she called a stomach. “That was great!” Zeru slouched in his chair. “I don’t think that even the restaurant owner could do that good.” “Hey, we got a compliment.” Landon told his laid-out Poke’mon and they smiled back. Speaking of restaurant owners, a sorry thought crept into Landon’s head. He just used a bunch of the owner’s supplies to fill his own gut and had no money to pay for such a large meal! To make matters worse, they could get arrested for entering without permission. “I knew this was going to leave a bitter aftertaste…..and I guess our trip to Lavaridge town will be delayed.” RIIGLIGG-GLING! The bell hanging over the door jingled, indicating someone was entering. The kids looked up to see a woman with long amber-colored hair and blue eyes. She wore a pair of navy jeans and a black short-sleeved shirt. She blinked and looked around the restaurant. The three kids remained silent, but no less interested in what she wanted. The lady glanced to them and started to talk, “Excuse me, but do you know where the waiter is?” She asked, her voice echoing in the nearly empty building. “Sorry; nobody’s here but us.” May said to her. “But….” The lady sniffed the air and smiled, “Where’s that yummy smell coming form? There must be a chef around here.” “Chefs, and we’re right here.” Landon stood up with his Poke’mon. “You mean you seven are the cause of that delicious smell?” “Yup,” “Lan’s a great cook.” May added. “Do you think…you could make me something like the Yakisoba I smell?” The lady asked. “But ma’am,” Landon started, sweating anime style, “We don’t’ work here—” “I’ll pay you.” The lady stated. At the sound of money, Zeru pushed Landon away and jumped in front of the lady. “Sure, miss; he can fix whatever you want. Just have a seat and he’ll be ready with your food.” “But, Zeru—” Landon whispered, but Zeru hissed silently, “Use the money to pay for our meal.” “Oh,” Landon stood up. He grabbed the aprons from the floor and headed towards the kitchen. “C’mon, let’s get back in the kitchen.” He said to his Poke’mon and they followed him.

       It didn’t take too long for them to create a bowl of Yakisoba noodles at all. Landon sent a hot bowl in front of the lady with his Poke’mon watching eagerly to see if she linked it. The lady took her fork and plunged it into the noodles. Everyone started at her as she ate slowly to saver the taste. “…..” “Yeah?” Landon, May, and Zeru blinked. “….Five Star!” The lady exclaimed and started shoveling the noodles into her mouth even faster. Landon and his Poke’mon smiled at the compliment. “For a bunch who doesn’t work here, you should decide to make this a profession. What’s your name, kid?” “Landon Himura, ma’am.” He told her. “(Gulp) Himura, eh? You’re the son of that gym leader, right?” The lady asked. “Yeah, I am.” Landon replied. RINGLING-GLING! There was another jingling form the door as another pair of people walked in. “This is going to be a long day.” Landon stated.

 

       Soon, the entire restaurant was filled with a busy hustle and bustle of people. The smell of food was now heavier than ever. People and their Poke’mon were chatting loudly and scarfing down the food in front of them. It was so busy that even May and Zeru had to help. They and their Poke’mon took peoples’ orders and delivered them, which was pretty hectic for two kids to do by themselves. But their jobs were nothing compared to Landon and his six Poke’mon. They were all assigned to a specific dish that they had to do fast and still have it taste extraordinary. It was hectic, but still kind of fun. “Pick up, Mitso soup!” Landon put a bowl of soup on the counter and disappeared back into the kitchen.

       Meanwhile, the all-too-familiar brother-sister duo trudged along the red rocky path of Mt. Chimney. They held their stomachs in hopes to stop the growling. “I’m….so hungry.” Tsubimi complained, “If we don’t’ find somewhere to eat, we’re gonna’ collapse!” “It wouldn’t help us much if we did place to eat, we wouldn’t be able to pay for it.” Yoshimari sighed, “Since wee never made it to a town shop, we can’t sell anything—” Both of their stomachs let out a loud and begging rumble. Their legs felt like jelly and they felt they could’ve dropped right where they stood. “…huh?” Tsubimi took a quick sniff of the air. A look of bliss spread on her face once she realized what it was. “I smell some beef stew and cheeseburgers!” She exclaimed. “You do?” Yoshimari sniffed the air as well. In a matter of seconds, the same expression over-took him. “Hey, me too!” He stated, “And its coming form up there.” The two averted their attention to the Chimney Shack in the distance. Just by looking, they could tell it was crowded. This gave Tsubimi a sneaky idea. “Hey, Yoshi—” “Yeah, I know; we order the food, eat it, then skip off without paying the bill.” Yoshimari finished for her. “Great minds think alike.” Tsubimi smiled and winked. With that, they dashed towards the restaurant. Thy pushed open the doors and stepped in; the two were immediately greeted by a rush of food smells that caused their stomachs to growl even louder. It was so crowded, they could easily sneak out—even in their Team Darkhorn uniforms. “Hi, welcome to the Chimney Sha—dah!” “Dah!”

       The two suddenly gave a gasp as May stood before them. They stared at each other with disapproving expressions. “May, I need your help—you!” As soon as Zeru saw them, his reaction was the same as May’s. “Why do you losers keep showing up?” Tsubimi asked with a frown. “We’ll stop showing up when you stop following us!” Zeru exclaimed. “So quit trying to start fights and go somewhere.” “What’s going on out there?” Landon burst out of the kitchen with Toya resting on his shoulder. Even though they had been cooking the entire time, their aprons remained unsoiled. Landon looked from his friends to Team Darkhorn with a curious air. “…so, what’s the problem?” BANG!! May and Zeru fell to the ground, sweating anime style. “Landon, this is Team Darkhorn!” Zeru started. “Yeah, so? Everyone’s entitled to eat.” “You mean—” “—you’ll let us eat without any trouble?” Yoshimari and Tsubimi blinked at him. Landon nodded to them, “And then, you can help us out—we could really use it.” With that, he turned around and started back towards the kitchen.

 

       Yoshimari and Tsubimi let out a duo of burps. Their table was piled with the empty plates of their meal. “I have to admit; that loser can really cook!” Tsubimi slouched in her chair. “That was one of the best meals I have ever eaten!” Yoshimari exclaimed. Loudred, Chansey, Aipom, and Tailow gave a pleased smile. “So, did you like it?” Landon walked up to them with a smile. Toya, however, was still looking kind of bitter. “Oh, yeah—it was amazing!” Team Darkhorn smiled back in response. “Good, then you can help May and Zeru out.” Then, the two stood up from the table. Their sweet smiles turned into competitive grins. May and Zeru had moved to the kitchen to separate them from Team Darkhorn (he left them some very specific instructions to follow). Filling for them instead were Landon’s Poke’mon. They eyed Team Darkhorn suspiciously, predicting their next move. “Sorry, little Lan, but Team Darkhorn doesn’t pay anything.” Tsubimi said. “But we will help ourselves to your Mudkip. Go, Chansey!” “Chansey!” Chansey jumped from the table and in front of its trainer. It flexed its muscles, ready to fight. “Are you ready, Aipom?” “Aipom-Aipom!” The purple monkey Poke’mon followed in suit of its partner. Landon scratched his head. “I knew this was a little too good to be true.” He said, “….well, I guess there’s only one thing to do. And that’s—” There was the sudden sound of rushing fabric; Landon’s apron went flying into the air and landed neatly in an empty chair. Immediately, everyone averted their gazes form their meals to the potential fight building. To them, it was like some form of entertainment while they ate. Even May and Zeru poked their head out form the kitchen. Some of the people were so eager for entertainment that they moved the tables around the trainers aside. “Grrrr…this is not a show—this is serious!” Landon shouted, sweating anime style. Then, in a matter of seconds, his face went serious. “I choose Bayleef and Tambourine!” He exclaimed. At the sound of their names, Bayleef and Tambourine hurled their aprons into the air; they jumped forward in front of their trainer, ready to fight.

       “Then let’s start this. Aipom, use Quick Attack!” Tsubimi exclaimed. “Aiiipom!” And like lightning, Aipom dashed forward in a rush-tackle for the opening damage. BOOOFF! “Baaay!” Bayleef staggered backwards a bit. “Sorry abut that, Bayleef.” Landon apologized for his reaction time and Bayleef nodded to him. “Cool, now use Vine Whip attack!” He exclaimed. “Bay-ee!” Two green vines shot from the leaf necklace around Bayleef’s neck. They flashed forward in a series of smacking sounds that repeatedly stung Aipom’s body. “I’ll show you! Chansey, use Egg Bomb attack!” Yoshimari shouted and Chansey jumped high into the air. “Chansey-sey!” It pointed its fists forward and blasted a battalion of egg-shaped energy shots. As soon as one touched the ground, there was a small “KABOOM!” that shook the tables. Tambourine and Bayleef dashed off to opposite sides to greater their chances of being missed. “Aw, geeze!” Landon smacked his forehead, sweating anime style, “I know who’s gonna’ have to clean that up later.” He mumbled. Then he rose up his fist and spoke in a clearer voice, “Tambourine, it’s time for the Dynamic Punch!” “Furrrr—” Tambourine jmped for Chansey in the air; she drew back her clenched paw and it started to glow.

       There was no way Chansey could’ve dodged or blocked in a matter of seconds, let alone in mid air. There was a mild explosion and Chansey was forced to the floor harshly. “Ha! Top that, Yoshi!” Landon exclaimed and Yoshimari growled. “Aipom!” From out of nowhere, Aipom dropped in front of Bayleef. “Pom!” It sprinted to the right. “Bay?” Bayleef blinked before glancing off in that direction. A sinister glint and grin spread on Aipom’s face; it brought its tail swinging through the air with its fist clenched tightly. By the time Bayleef noticed, she got a nice sturdy punch in the side. “Baaaay!” She winced greatly. “That must be Aipom’s Feint Attack.” Landon growled. “Hey, Bayleef, are you up to a Sweet Scent?” “Bay-ee!” Bayleef forced herself to stand up straight. She allowed the leaf on her head to stand up tall as well, making it rattle. As it vibrated, a pink-colored dust emitted from it and drifted all around the room. The sweetest caused everyone to give a delightful expression. That is, all except for Landon, Bayleef, and Tambourine. “Good job, Bayleef. Now, Tambourine, use Tackle.” “Fur-ur!” Tambourine raced forward, heaving her power into a tackle. She slammed her body into Chansey, who toppled over Aipom like a Domino. “Awwww! This never ends in a victory!” Tsubimi growled. “It does end in a victory—for us!” Landon exclaimed, pointing forward, “Toya, Raichu; send them far away!” “Mudkip!” “Rai-ai-chuuuu!” Toya and Raichu jumped into the air, ridding themselves of their aprons; Toya spat out a jet-stream of water and a duo of lightning bolts raced from Raichu’s cheeks. The tow attacks joined together to become a sparking hydro shot. “Whhhaaa!” KABOOOOM! There was a smokey explosion and Team Darkhorn went fling down the tunnel. “We’ll get you, Laaaaannnn!” Their voices trailed off. “Hmph!” Landon folded his arms and grinned. He knelt down so that his Poke’mon could run over and get their heads massaged, “Good job, everyone. You’ve done great Today.” He told them and they smiled at the compliment. “Yaaahhh!” Suddenly, the entire restaurant went into a frenzy of clasps and cheers. Compliment like, “He can cook and battle!” flew through the air at him. And with each clap, he felt prouder and prouder—even though he told them it was serious (sweats anime style)! “Good job, Landon, though I should be mad because you left me out.” Zeru and May walked up to him. When the other’s clapping quieted, one more person broke the silence with her clapping. “Hey, it’s the lady form before.” Zeru stated as he looked at the first customer they served. This time, there was a small white bag around her shoulder. “Wow, I’m truly impressed with you, Landon. The way you and your Poke’mon work together shows you are really close to each other.” She said. “Uh…thanks,” Landon blinked, holding Toya in his arms. “Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Rony, the owner of this restaurant.” “What!?” “Dah!” Landon, May, Zeru, and their Poke’mon gasped. “You’ve done exceptional—all of you. You repaid eating here by giving me more business in an hour that I could get in a day.” Rony smiled, “You should consider working here.” “We’d love to, but we’re kinda’ on a journey.” May told her. “Are you sure? You seem to be a cut above my other chefs.” Rony insisted, but Landon shook his head. It just wasn’t like him to stay in one spot for too long. “Well, at least let me give you something for your trouble.” Rony glanced down at Landon’s feet. “…and I know exactly what to give you.” She reached into her bag and rummaged through its contents. Toya clambered up to Landon’s head to get a better look. Rony gave an “Aha!” and pulled out a pair of brand new shoes. They were dominantly orange with black markings and at the bottom, from the soul to the heal, was an extremely dark blue. On the side of the heal was a black rubber button, which posed something strange for a shoe. “These would match your outfit a lot better than the ones you have on, Landon.” She handed Landon the new-looking shoes. They even smelled brand new. “Gee, thanks, Ms. Rony.” Landon smiled in gratitude. Rony held up a finger, “These aren’t just an ordinary pair of shoes. These are the newest footwear to hit the Devon company market. They’re called the Blade Adaptors, a pair of shoes that can transform into a pair of roller blades.” She reached forward and pushed one of the shoe’s black buttons. From the bottom of the shoe, four in-line guarded wheels jutted with a clicking sound. “Cool!” Zeru exclaimed. “You see, I was going to give these to my son, but they’re too big for him. But your feet look big enough to fit.” Rony explained to Landon. He beamed at her to show his gratitude.

 

       “Goodbye!” Landon, May, and Zeru stood on the rocky trail of Mt. Chimney. They and their Poke’mon waved to Rony at the entrance of the Chimney Shack, who was now wearing a pink apron. Landon didn’t waste any time in putting on his cool new shoes. “Take care of yourself, Ms. Rony!” “Mudkip-mudkip!” “Bay!” He, Toya, and Bayleef waved to her. “And you, too. Take care of yourselves and good luck!” Rony shouted back. With that, the friends turned away and started down the pathway once again. (Today, we dove into Landon’s ability to cook more deeply. Who knows; if he doesn’t make it as a Poke’mon Doctor, he could become a famous chef. Join us next time on “Poke’mon X”!)

 

Fast Fact answer: The Fang sword is called that because of Landon’s own fang. Could it have some connection with the ancient past? Stay tuned for more Fast facts.

 

                                      “Shine the Sky” (Ending Theme)

 

Shine the sky!

Crystal power hit the high—

Flying current to my victory

Try and Try!

Never give the fight away

I’ll take every challenge that I can get in my hands

Des—tiny!

Prophecy I can’t ignore

Know what surprises that it has in store

Shine the sky!

A new adventure I will face

Another chance at victory with Poke’mon!

 



THIS IS THE END OF THE EPISODE.