Adventures Series, Episode 1 (Version 1.1), “The Pokémon League Challenge” Available for Download at: http://www.acmecity.com/games/mythical/292 Hello! My name is The Freedom Fighter. You are about to embark on my Pokémon action/adventure series. It’s called the “Adventures” series, but only because I couldn’t think of a good name for it. Maybe when this series is done, I might actually name it properly. But don’t worry about that right now. You’ve got more important things to think about. For example, you’re probably wondering how much this will differ from the anime. Well, I’ve only got one thing to say about that... Forget everything you saw in the series after episode #63, “Battle of the Badge.” Now that you’re on the same page, you’re ready to start reading. Disclaimer: Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, Jessie, James, Meowth, Professor Oak, Mrs. Ketchum, and any other characters in this fanfic are property of their original creators. ************************************************************************ An audience of nearly seventy thousand screaming fans are gathered at Indigo Stadium at the Indigo Plateau. Suddenly, the crowd is on their feet as the championship match of the Pokémon League Elite Tournament comes to a close. On one end of the field, a Nidoqueen lies unconscious on the ground. It’s then recalled by its trainer, a thirteen year old boy wearing a green short sleeve shirt, blue jeans, a pair of sneakers, and a Pokémon League cap. He then takes off his cap, walks up to his opponent, and then shakes hands with him. After he congratulates him, he departs from the field. The crowd cheers even louder as the bright sun shines down on the new champion. The twelve year old boy, sporting a black short sleeve shirt, a blue jacket, a pair of sneakers, and a pair of fingerless green gloves begins to dance around in glee. His Pokémon, a Pikachu, begins to do the same. The crowd begins to chant his name... Crowd: Ash Ketchum! Ash Ketchum! Ash Ketchum! Ash: All right! We did it, Pikachu! After two long years, we finally made it to the top! We’re Pokémon Masters! Pikachu: Pika! Pikachu! Ash: And I owe it all to you, Pikachu! Pikachu: Pikachu! Joining Ash and Pikachu in their celebration are their two friends, Brock and Misty. Brock was a strapping sixteen year old male, wearing his normal clothes, and still carrying his characteristic squinting eyes and spiky hair. Misty, the red-headed fourteen year old girl from Cerulean City, is still clothed in her traditional yellow tank top and blue jean shorts, and the strange looking ponytail of hers is still sticking out of her hair. Brock is the first to reach the duo. Brock: Great match, Ash! Fought like a true champion! He gives Ash a hearty handshake. Misty: You did great, Ash! I knew you could do it. Ash: (blushing) Well, it was all just luck! Misty: And I suppose this isn’t? She puckers her lips and prepares to kiss Ash. Just as the their lips meet, Pikachu shocks Ash. He closes his eyes as he yelps in pain. When he opens them again, he finds himself sitting up in a bed in a hotel in Viridian City. He opens his jacket, and examines its contents. Ash: (quietly checking his jacket) Yep. Eight badges. I guess it was just a dream. Pikachu: Pika pika! Ash: (notices Pikachu for the first time) Pikachu? Is something wrong? Pikachu: Pi ka pi pi ka! Ash: Do you want me to follow you? Pikachu: Pika! Ash: All right! Let’s go Pikachu! Ash puts on his shoes and runs out the door, with Pikachu leading the way. Ash steps outside the hotel, to the bright sunlight only to be embarrassed. Why? Well, he’s not wearing any pants! Ash blushes and steps back inside. ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Episode 1: “The Pokémon League Challenge” Story Written by The Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ Saturday, August 22nd, just outside Viridian City Narrator: It’s a bright and sunny day in Viridian City. After finally earning all eight gym badges, Ash is ready to head off to the Pokémon League. But first, he and his friends are heading to Pallet Town to get some information from Professor Oak. Ash: I can’t wait to get back home! It’ll be nice to see my mom again. Brock: Yeah. But before we leave guys, I have something to say. Pikachu: Pika? Misty: What is it, Brock? Brock: It’s been a nice trip, but I think it’s time I started on my own journey. Ash: Your own journey? What are you talking about, Brock? Brock: You’re on your way to completing yours. It’s time I went on mine. (sighs) I’m going back to Pewter City so I can continue my studies in order to become a great Pokémon breeder! Misty: So you’re just going to leave us? Ash: (pleading) Please don’t leave me alone with Misty, Brock. She’ll drive me crazy! Misty: (pulls out a hammer out of nowhere) Oh yeah? I’ll show you who’s crazy! Pikachu: Pika? Brock: I’m gonna miss you guys. Ash: We’re gonna miss you two, Brock. Misty: I’ll never forget you. Pikachu: Pika pika. The quartet wraps themselves up in one last group hug before finally breaking apart. Brock: Thanks, guys. (he starts running off) I hope I’ll see you guys again someday! Misty: Bye! Good luck! Pikachu: Pi ka pi ka pikachu! Ash: Good luck! See you around! As Brock finally disappears from sight, Ash turns around and begins to walk towards Pallet Town. Misty and Pikachu follow suit. Misty: Do you ever think we’ll see him again? Ash: I’m sure of it, Misty. But right now we’d better focus on more important things. Like getting into the Pokémon League! Pikachu: (making a peace sign) Pikachu! Ash: On to Pallet Town we go! After about two hours of walking, the trio finally arrives at the Ketchum residence in Pallet Town. Ash knocks on the door, and is overjoyed when he spots a familiar face. Ash: Oh mom, I’m glad to see you again! Mrs. Ketchum: It’s been awhile, hasn’t it? (she hugs Ash, then turns to Misty) Misty, how has it been traveling with Ash? Misty: It has been great, Mrs. Ketchum. Ash has been a joy to work with. Ash: (easily noticing that she’s exaggerating) Don’t rub it in, Misty. Mrs. Ketchum: (turns to Pikachu) And how’s little Pikachu? Pikachu: Pika! Ash: He’s doing great! We just won our eighth badge! Now we’re on our way to the Pokémon League! Mrs. Ketchum: That’s great! So I guess you’re going to see Professor Oak then? Ash: Yeah! Misty: Of course... since Ash here has no idea where the Pokémon League is. Ash: (ignoring Misty) Do you know if he’s home? Mrs. Ketchum: He should be. But why don’t you three come in and rest first? I was getting ready to fix lunch. I bet you guys haven’t had a homecooked meal in days. Misty: Finally! We get to eat a warm meal! Ash: Let’s get eating! Pikachu: Pika pikachu! The three join Ash’s mom inside to relax and have a good meal. Meanwhile, a mile up the road, another group of familiar faces approaches Pallet Town. James: I’m tired of walking. Are we there yet? Jessie: Will you stop complaining? It’s all you’ve done since we left Viridian City! James: Well, ever since you let the boss down, we’ve been trying to keep clear of him. He’s probably mad that we haven’t succeeded at all. Jessie: What do you mean I let the boss down? James: Well, you’re the one who battled the Ketchum boy, and in a Pokémon League Gym, nonetheless. Jessie: Well, if you would’ve rigged the platforms properly, we wouldn’t be in so much trouble. Meowth: Will you two pipe down! Pallet Town is just over this next hill. James and Jessie begin to beat up Meowth. Jessie: How dare you order us around! James: We’ll be quiet when we want to be quiet. Meowth: (getting up, with bruises all over his body) Stop it already! Let’s just go and steal Pikachu. Then we can report back to the boss in good stature. James: I’m not sure if we should, Meowth. Jessie: That annoying little Pikachu isn’t worth it. After all the abuse we’ve been through the past year, I say we focus on other targets. Meowth: Such as? James: I’ve heard that there’s a trainer here who has a Jigglypuff. Jessie: (smacks James on the head with a fan) Don’t talk about Jigglypuff. Don’t even mention one. I’ve had it up to here with Jigglypuff (brings her hand to her neck). Meowth: There’s gotta be some type of Pokémon we can steal. James: Yeah, but what? Team Rocket sits down on the road for a minute, before a light bulb appears over Jessie’s head. Jessie: I’ve got an idea! Meowth: Me-owth! I’m listening. Jessie: Doesn’t the famous Professor Oak reside in Pallet Town? James: I believe so. What’s your point? Meowth: Yeah, I don’t get it. Jessie smacks both of them on the sides of their heads. Jessie: Professor Oak is a renowned Pokémon researcher! He’s sure to have lots of Pokémon there, including a few rare ones. Meowth: And all we have to do is sneak onto his property and take them. James: Then the boss will finally respect us. Meowth: I’ll become the top cat of Team Rocket! Jessie: I’ll finally be able to afford a house of my own! James: I can finally get those implants I’ve always wanted! Team Rocket: (all together) Let’s do it! Team Rocket runs into Pallet Town, towards Professor Oak’s laboratory. Speaking of which, let’s see what’s happening at Ash’s house. There, Ash, Misty, and Pikachu are saying goodbye to Mrs. Ketchum as they prepare to head off for Professor Oak’s place. Misty: Thanks for the meal, Mrs. Ketchum. It was very scrumptious. Pikachu: (happily) Pika! Mrs. Ketchum: Well, thank you. (turning to Ash) Now before you go running off to the professor, honey, make sure you’re back in time for dinner! Ash: Okay, mom, I will. She gives Ash a kiss on his forehead. Ash pulls back in disgust. Misty lets out a small giggle. Ash: Mom! Mrs. Ketchum: Now go on. I’m sure you’ll have plenty to do at the professor’s place. Ash: Goodbye, mom. I’ll see you tonight! Pikachu: (waving goodbye) Pika-pika! Pikachu! Misty: Nice to see you again, Mrs. Ketchum. Mrs. Ketchum: Drop by anytime, Misty. And make sure you keep Ash in line! Ash: (yelling back) Mom! Misty: (giggling again) I will! Good-bye! Mrs. Ketchum continues to wave until the three of them are out of sight. She then sighs, relieved that they’re gone. Mrs. Ketchum: I can’t believe Ash ate that much food! What has he been living on the past year anyway? She ponders this random thought as she enters the house and closes the door behind her. In just minutes, Ash, Misty, and Pikachu arrive at Professor Oak’s laboratory just in time to see a group of people leave from the gates. Without thinking, Ash runs into the lab, with Pikachu and Misty right behind him. He breathes a sigh of relief when he sees Professor Oak at one of his computers. Misty and Pikachu catch up to Ash just as he begins to speak. Ash: Professor? Prof. Oak: (looking towards him) Huh? Oh, hi Ash! It is you, isn’t it? Ash: Of course it’s me. I’m back, and I finally got all eight badges! Now I’m ready to enter the Pokémon League! Prof. Oak: That’s great, but you didn’t have to come here to tell me you’ve gotten them all. I could tell just by reading your Pokédex, remember? Ash: Oh yeah, I forgot. I just wanted to drop by and... Misty: (stepping forward) He wants to know how to enter the League. He obviously has no idea what he’s doing. Ash: I have no idea? What about you? Misty: Well, I’m not planning on being a Pokémon Master just yet, so it really doesn’t matter. Ash: (raising his voice) Well, you’re eventually gonna have to learn! Misty: (raising hers even higher) Oh yeah? How ‘bout you, Mr. Pokémon Master? Just how good do you think you are anyway? Ash: Better than you! Misty: I seriously doubt that, Ash! Ash: And like you know anything about Pokémon. Misty: I knew more about Pokémon than you did before we even met, and I still do! Ash: Oh yeah? Misty: Yeah! Prof. Oak: Children, please! Your arguing is giving me a headache! Pikachu: Pika. Prof. Oak: Besides, I have something to show you. Ash: You have something to show me? Prof. Oak: Yes, follow me. Prof. Oak begins to lead them deeper into the lab. Suddenly, Misty taps Professor Oak’s shoulder. Misty: Excuse me, Professor Oak? Prof. Oak: Yes, Misty? Misty: Just what were all those people doing outside a couple of minutes ago? Ash: Yeah, it’s like something important happened. Prof. Oak: Actually, something did happen. I could tell by your worried look when you came in that you thought I was hurt. In fact, today was the day that new young trainers could qualify to get their Pokémon license. I sent off two nice ten year old boys on their way earlier today, one with a Charmander, the other with a Bulbasaur. I was quite surprised. Misty: Why? Prof. Oak: For the first time ever, I actually had a starter Pokémon left after the kids came in. Ash: (to himself) I wish it was that way last year. Prof. Oak: Believe it or not, if I calculated right, Ash will be eleven years old tomorrow. Ash: My birthday’s tomorrow? No wonder my mom wanted me to stay the night. Pikachu: (ecstatic) Pikachu! Misty: (eyeing Ash carefully) When were you going to tell me? Ash: Why? Were you going to buy me a gift or something? Misty: (acting innocent) Oh, not really, just wondering what it was all about. Ash: Don’t play dumb, Misty. If you’re going to buy a gift, go ahead. If not, I don’t care either. Misty: Fine! I was going to get you a nice new pair of shoes. But I guess you don’t want them at all, do you? Ash: I don’t need ‘em. My shoes are fine. Prof. Oak: Oh, stop it with the shoes already! Misty: Okay. (brightens up) Hey, since you’re going to be eleven tomorrow... She begins to pinch Ash all over. Ash howls in pain, and he tries to escape. She eventually gets her eleven pinches in. Pikachu watches in admiration because he’s never seen this type of behavior before. Professor Oak’s not paying attention to the scuffle at all. Instead, he’s motioning for someone to come in. Ash: Ouch! That hurt! Misty: There you go, Ash. I pinched you once for each year. Ash: Misty! Misty: Yeesh, Ash, you don’t have to yell! Ash: Say... when’s your birthday? Misty: Not for a few months. Why? Ash: I can’t wait. (makes a pinching motion with his fingers) And since you’re gonna be thirteen... Misty: Don’t even think about it, Ash. Professor Oak coughs as if he is clearing his throat. Ash and Misty turn towards him. Prof. Oak: Now Ash, I suppose you remember this young man. The newcomer steps out of the shadows, and Ash immediately recognizes who it is. Ash: You! ************************************************************************ Ash: It’s you! Gary: Nice to see you again, loser! Prof. Oak: Now, Gary. Where’s your respect? Ash: He lost it somewhere between Vermillion and Saffron. Gary: Hey, shut that blabbermouth of yours before I shut it for you! Prof. Oak: Boys, please! Can’t you children ever get along with each other? Ash: All right, I’ll stop. Gary: Okay, grandpa. (to Ash) We’ll settle this later, Ash. Ash: (to Gary) We’ll just see who’s the better trainer. Prof. Oak: Ahem! If you two are done, it’s time to discuss who will compete in the Pokémon League Novice Tournament in two months. Ash: You mean that only one of us can compete? Prof. Oak: Yes and no. I am only allowed to send two trainers from here. Gary: So what’s the problem? There’s two of us here. Prof. Oak: I’ve already selected one trainer. She saw me last week and is now training with some friends of hers who are also competing in the open. Gary: I’ll bet it was you, the girl with the ponytail! Misty: Who? Me? Ash: Yeah! While we slept in the nearby woods one night, you snuck away and saw Professor Oak, didn’t you? I knew you were hiding something from me. Misty: What are you talking about? First of all, I’m from Cerulean City, which makes me unable to register here. And second, this is the first time that I’ve set foot in the professor’s lab! Prof. Oak: She’s correct. And her ties with the gym leaders of Cerulean seals the deal. Even if I wanted to sign her up to compete in the tournament, she could only do it through the Pokémon Center back in her hometown. Misty: (a little angry) Even if you wanted to?! Ash: So who is it anyway? Prof. Oak: Unfortunately, I can’t release that data to you, Ash. Not even Misty or my very own nephew can’t know that information. Gary: I can’t believe it. My own grandfather can’t even trust me. Prof. Oak: As much as I’d like to help, I swore to secrecy to keep her identity hidden. But now I’m left with picking one of you to be the other representative for Pallet. Gary: Let me, grandpa. I’ve got more Pokémon than Ash does, plus I’ve got ten badges! Ash: Badges don’t mean anything. A trainer who’s one with his Pokémon has a better chance of winning than one with more experience. Misty: Ash! That may be true for you, but things are different in the Pokémon League! Gary: Yeah, squirt. You think they’re going to let you win? Just look at that Pikachu of yours! I’ll bet that it doesn’t know a lot of attacks. Ash: Oh yeah? Let’s settle it with a Pokémon match! Two on two! Gary: That’s fine by me! Prof. Oak: Please, no Pokémon battles in the lab! You might destroy years of research! Misty: Not to mention your heads. Ash, you’ve gotta think straight here. What purpose will beating Gary serve on your way to become a Pokémon Master? Ash: Misty, who’s side are you on? Because if you’re on Gary’s side, you’d better see if he has any openings in his cheerleading squad first. Misty: I wouldn’t become one of Gary’s cheerleaders if I was the last girl on Earth! Gary: Fine! I was thinking of letting you join, since one of my beauties came down with the flu the other day. But if that’s the way you feel, fine. Ash: Misty, if I beat Gary, then I can truly show you all that the last year of hard work has really been worth it. (to Pikachu) Ready, Pikachu? Pikachu: (with a determined look on his face) Pika! Misty: (rolling her eyes) I can’t believe he’s going through with this. Ash and Gary step outside to a clear patch of land behind the laboratory. Prof. Oak and Misty watch from a distance. Misty: Isn’t there anyway to stop them, professor? Prof. Oak: I’d love to, but there’s no way I can stop those two. Besides, I’ve been waiting to write a documentary about the true feelings of trainers and their Pokémon during a battle. Misty: (sweatdrops) Oh brother! Professor Oak’s videophone then begins to ring off the hook. Prof. Oak: Excuse me, Misty, but the phone’s ringing. On the battlefield, Ash prepares to release his first Pokémon, with Pikachu by his side. Gary, on the other hand, is already palming his Pokéball containing his first choice. Gary: Kingler, go! The Kingler materializes in front of Ash. He takes one of the Pokéballs from his belt and throws it at the Kingler. Ash: Bulbasaur, I choose you! Bulbasaur: Bulbasaur! Ash: Bulbasaur, vine whip! Bulbasaur: Bulba! Gary: All right, Kingler, give ‘em your leer attack! Kingler leers at Bulbasaur, but misses. Bulbasaur’s vine whip connects, and Kingler is beat senseless. It’s not out of the fight, though. Gary: Shake it off, Kingler! Give it your stomp attack! Kingler’s attack connects, and Bulbasaur is knocked senseless to the ground. Ash: Bulbasaur, return! Gary: Is that the best you can do? Ash: I’m just gettin’ started, Gary. Ash takes out another Pokéball and throws it. Ash: Squirtle, I choose you! Squirtle: Squirtle! Ash: Squirtle, water gun! Squirtle: Squbbbbblllllubbbb! Squirtle’s attack knocks out Kingler. Gary is obviously very angry. Gary: Kingler, return! Dodrio, I choose you! Gary throws a Pokéball, and out comes Dodrio. Ash: (pulling out his Pokédex) What’s that? Pokédex: Dodrio, the two-headed bird Pokémon. Although it can’t fly, it can perform flying attacks that prove useful in Pokémon battles. Ash: Squirtle, attack it with the water gun. Gary: Dodrio, fury attack! The two Pokémon continue to attack each other. Back near the lab, Professor Oak has returned from inside. Prof. Oak: Misty, the call is from your sisters in Cerulean City. Misty: Gee, I wonder what they want. Prof. Oak: Beats me, but they don’t seem to be too happy. Misty goes inside and walks over to the videophone. She presses a button on the keyboard, and her sisters appear on the screen. Daisy: (angry) It’s about time! Lily: (angry as well) I can’t believe what you did! Misty: What did I do? Violet: Did you know that your Pokémon trainer’s license is about to expire? Misty: It is? When did you find out about this? Lily: We got a letter from the Pokémon League Trainers Registry yesterday. Violet: It says that in order for you to keep your license, you must earn a League badge by the end of next week, or they will send someone to get your Pokémon! Misty: (surprised) They can’t do that! Violet: They can and they will! Daisy: (deep in thought) I didn’t even know that a rule like this was in the Pokémon by-laws. Misty: What do I do? Lily: There’s only one thing we can do, if you want to keep your Pokémon. Misty: (to herself) Staryu, Starmie, Horsea,... even Psyduck... I’ve worked so hard to train them. I don’t want to lose them. (to her sisters) What can I do? Violet: Misty, we’re sending you your old Pokédex, with Professor Oak’s latest upgrade included. Daisy: In order to make it to the Pewter City gym, you’ll have to leave Pallet Town tomorrow morning. Misty: But I can’t leave! What about Pikachu... and Ash? Lily: Misty, what’s more important, your license or your silly boyfriend? Misty: (thinking for a second) All right, send me the Pokédex. After a few seconds, a Pokédex comes out of the transfer tube in the videophone. It looks similar to Ash’s except it’s colored light blue, to signify that it was issued by the Cerulean City Trainers’ Association. Violet: Good luck, Misty! Lily: I know you can do it. Daisy: See you in a couple of weeks! Misty: (surprised) You... mean... you guys... Lily: What do you think we are, cannibals? Daisy: You’re our sister. We’re all sisters! We’ve gotta watch out for each other. Violet: We’ll see you soon, little sis! Misty: Thanks! You’re the best sisters that I’ve ever had! Daisy: Um, hate to break it to you, Misty, but we are the only sisters you’ve ever had. Misty: Oh, yeah. The videoscreen turns off. Misty stands there for a second, speechless. A tear rolls down her face. Misty: Thanks again! She puts the Pokédex into her pocket, then she stands still once again. Misty: Looks like I’ll have to go on my own journey if I want to be a Pokémon master... I can’t believe I just said that! I sound just like Ash! (pauses for a second, then begins to cry) But how am I going to tell him how I truly feel... Misty is interrupted by an explosion. She runs outside, where Professor Oak is waiting for her. Misty: Professor Oak, what’s going on? Prof. Oak: Some weirdoes in a giant Meowth-faced balloon just landed, trying to steal all the Pokémon. Misty: Team Rocket! Prof. Oak: You mean them? Misty: Yeah! Where’s Ash and Gary? Prof. Oak: Over near the Ground Pokémon Reserve. Why? Misty begins to run towards that location, while simultaneously she begins to finger for a Pokéball in her duffel bag. At the reserve, Team Rocket was ranting as usual... Jessie: Prepare for trouble! James: Make it double! Jessie: To protect the world from devastation! James: To unite all peoples within our nation! Jessie: To denounce the evils of truth and love! James: To extend our reach to the stars above! Jessie: Jessie! James: James! Jessie: Team Rocket blasting off at the speed of light! James: Surrender now or prepare to fight! Meowth: Meowth! That’s right! Gary: I’ve seen you guys before. You’re the substitute gym leaders from Viridian City. Ash: What are you three planning this time? Jessie: To finally take that Pikachu of yours. James: As well as all of the Pokémon here! Meowth: So hand ‘em over! Ash: You’re not touching any of these Pokémon! Gary: I won’t let you destroy my grandfather’s Pokémon research facility! James: I’d like to see you try! Jessie and James pull out their Pokéballs and chucked them at Ash and Gary. Jessie: Arbok, go! James: Weezing, go get ‘em! Arbok: Char-bok! Weezing: Weezing! Ash: Oh, yeah? Well, prepare for... (pulling out a Pokéball) Charizard, I choose you! Charizard comes out of the Pokéball, but he relaxes as usual, refusing to fight. Gary, annoyed, looks at Dodrio, and points at Team Rocket. Gary: Dodrio, drill peck! Dodrio: Dodrio! Jessie: Arbok, glare attack! James: Weezing, sludge attack! The two Pokémon attack simultaneously and knock Dodrio to the ground. Ash then turns to Pikachu, while pulling out Charizard’s Pokéball to recall it. Ash: Charizard, return! Pikachu, thundershock! Pikachu: Pika-chuuuuuu! The area suddenly becomes full of electricity, and it shocks everyone. They all fall to the ground. Pikachu runs over to Ash, who is the first to get up. Ash: Nice work, Pikachu! Pikachu: Pika chu! Meowth: We’re not done yet! Ash: What? Jessie, James, and Meowth are up, and are pointing 3 giant water guns at Ash and Gary. Gary: (getting up) What are you going to do? Soak us? He begins to laugh. Jessie, fed up, fires at Gary, soaking him to the bone. Ash manages to dodge the initial attack, but James connects the second time around. James: Ooh! This is so fun! Ash: I may be wet, but they’re making a big mistake! (to Gary) Get out of the way, Gary! Gary: I can’t, Ash! The current’s too strong! Misty: Then I’ll help! Everyone turns to see Misty standing on a nearby hill, with a Pokéball in hand and her duffel bag hanging over her right shoulder. Jessie: I was wondering when that scrawny brat was going to show up. Misty: Scrawny? You fashion freak, I’ll show you who’s scrawny! Misty calls Staryu! Staryu: Hi-ya! Jessie: Arbok, wrap around that Staryu! Arbok: Char-bok! Misty: Staryu, water gun! Staryu: Yu! Staryu fires at Arbok, who doesn’t stand a chance. The snake faints almost immediately. James, Gary, and Meowth stand watching, amazed at how easily Misty won that battle. Ash decides to take advantage of the situation. Ash: Okay, Pikachu, team up with Staryu and send Team Rocket flying! Thunder Bolt! Pikachu: Pikachuuuuuuuu! Misty: Staryu, pour it on! Staryu: Yu! An explosion follows, then three bodies fly out towards the mountains. Jessie: I’ll get that Misty if it’s the last thing I do! James: Misty? What about Pikachu? He’s more important! Meowth: Who cares! Jessie, James, and Meowth: (simultaneously) Looks like Team Rocket’s blasting off again! Several hours later... it’s nine o’ clock in the evening. The Water Pokémon Reserve Lake is no longer filled with Pokémon, as Professor Oak has placed them in their Pokéballs for the night. Despite that, a lonely soul sits on the grass near the lake. Another figure approaches from behind. The two face each other and begin to talk. Misty: Ash! Ash: Hi Misty! Your note said you wanted to talk to me about something. Misty: Yeah, sort of. Ash: Well, what is it? We have to get back to my house before my mom has a fit! Misty turns around and sits silently on the ground. Ash takes a seat next to her. They watch the small ripples in the water form as the background music to “Misty’s Song” begins to play from out of nowhere, but they’re too busy thinking to notice it. Misty finally decides to break the silence. Misty: Ash, there’s been something I’ve been dying to tell you. Ash: Which is? Misty: (slowly) I don’t know how to tell you this, but... I think I’m in love with you. Ash: Come again? Misty: (flashbacks to some of the “Pokémon” series episodes) The first time I saw you, I thought you were a creep, running off with my bike without asking. But the more I found out about you, the more I began to get an attraction to you. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to say this but...I love you, Ash Ketchum! Misty grabs Ash’s face and embraces him. (Begin playing lyrics to “Misty’s Song”) I wanna’ tell you what I’m feeling, but I don’t know how to start I wanna’ tell you, but now I’m afraid that you might break my heart Oh, why should anything so easy, ever be so hard to do? I wanna’ tell you what I’m feeling, and to say that, I love you. (Music stops playing) Ash: What... just... happened? Misty: (getting up) I’ll see you back at the house, Ash! I’m going to get some sleep. (to herself) I can’t tell him after I kissed him that I’m leaving to go on my own Pokémon journey in the morning! It’ll be better if he finds out for himself. Misty walks off towards the Ketchum residence. After a few minutes, Ash comes to his senses. Ash: Yuck! I can’t believe Misty just kissed me! Why would she do a thing like that? Ash begins to ponder this thought as he walks back to his house. Suddenly, an idea pops into his head. Ash: Hey! Maybe Misty likes me... but why? After all we’ve been through, why would she confess now? Ash runs back to the house, takes his key out of his pocket, unlocks and opens the door, locks it again (from the inside this time), then runs up the stairs to the room where Misty is already sleeping. Ash: I’d better not wake her. She might get all mad at me and then wonder what I’m doing in her room. That’s just like her! Ash closes the door, but as he turns to go to his room, he has a change of heart, and walks back into the room. He walks up to the bedside, leans over, and kisses Misty on the cheek. Ash: (quietly) Good night, Misty. Misty stirs briefly, but she doesn’t wake up. Ash closes the door and heads off to bed. The next morning, Ash’s mom is in the kitchen cooking breakfast. Ash comes down the stairs, with Pikachu by his side. Ash: Morning, mom! Mrs. Ketchum: Morning, sweetie. And happy birthday! How are you and Pikachu doing today? Ash: Fine. Pikachu: Pika! Mrs. Ketchum: Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Ash: (looking around) Where’s Misty? I didn’t see her in her room this morning. Mrs. Ketchum: Misty left this morning for... Viridian City. Ash: (surprised) Viridian City? Why? Mrs. Ketchum: Beats me. But she went to Professor Oak’s first. She said something about a Pokémon research project... Ash grabs his backpack and runs out the door, with Pikachu right behind him. Mrs. Ketchum: Ash! Where are you going? Ash: To find Misty! Ash runs to Professor Oak’s lab. Surprisingly, the professor’s already waiting for him outside. Prof. Oak: Ash! I’d knew you’d come here! Ash: Stop the small talk! Where’s Misty! Prof. Oak: I can’t tell you. I’m sworn to secrecy... Ash: You’re always sworn to secrecy! Can’t you let one secret out for once? Prof. Oak: Well, sort of... He hands Ash an envelope that’s stapled shut. Ash: What’s this? Prof. Oak: It’s a letter from Misty. She told me to give it to you. Ash: All right, I’m gonna open it now! Prof. Oak: Wait, Ash! Misty said not to open it until you’ve won a battle in the Pokémon League Novice Tournament. Ash: But that’s still two months away... Prof. Oak: She said that if you and her are still friends, then you’ll honor her request. Ash: Okay... but I may never get to open it. You probably picked Gary to go to the tournament. Prof. Oak: On the contrary, Ash, I picked you! Ash: You chose me? Why? Prof. Oak: I think you have the skill and the knowledge to win in the League, even if you don’t have as many Pokémon as my grandson does. Ash: Thanks! Prof. Oak: Well, I gotta go. Oh, and by the way, take these. He hands Ash two more letters. Ash: Are these from Misty too? Prof. Oak: No, they’re from me. One of them contains your Pokémon League entry form. That needs to be filled out and signed by me and all eight gym badges need to be submitted with it two weeks prior to the tournament. Ash: Will you sign it, Professor Oak? Prof. Oak: Not until you’ve done some training in my Pokémon reserves. Then I’ll sign it. Ash: Okay. And the other? Prof. Oak: The other? Oh yes, that’s my shopping list. I need you to go to the store and get a few things for me. Ash and Pikachu facefault. Narrator: And so the sun sets on another day. Even though Ash no longer has his two traveling companions with him, he still continues his training with Pikachu and his other Pokémon. You can bet that when the day of the tournament arrives, Ash will be ready to face off with the best trainers in the world! But first, Ash has to go get the groceries... Ash: (carrying a bunch of grocery bags) I don’t see what this has to do with training for the League! Pikachu: Pika! The End... for now. Comments, questions, and concerns can be sent to jgg121@yahoo.com. Copyright Date: 10/31/99, Revised: 5/11/00 Revisions from the Original Release Include: - Ash’s dream at the beginning was slightly reworded to sound a little better. - Two scenes were slightly rewritten: the one where Brock leaves the group and the one where Misty is talking to her sisters on the videophone. In the next episode... Misty arrives in Pewter City, and is forced to battle Brock if she wants to obtain a Boulder Badge. She’d better be careful, though, because Jessie, James, and Meowth are seeking a rematch with our red-haired heroine. Can Misty subdue both Brock and Team Rocket? Find out in Episode 2, “Old Friends, New Enemies.”