Adventures Series, Episode 12 (Version 1.1), “One Step Closer” It took me a while, but at long last here’s the third chapter! I hope you guys enjoy this one! Disclaimer: Cassie, TJ, and all the miscellaneous characters used for battles are my property. All the others are from Japan, I could never create such great characters! ************************************************************************ Sunday, November 8, 7:00 p.m., Indigo Auditorium @ Indigo State University Narrator: With the first week of matches complete, thirty-two of the original ninety-six competitors have gathered at the Indigo Auditorium to attend a special dinner. All of these trainers have done well enough to move on to the first round. The camera pans around a table, where ten familiar faces sit, dressed in their best. In order, with their record in the preliminaries, if they competed: - Ash Ketchum, 6 wins and 1 loss, and Pikachu next to him with a bottle of ketchup - Cassie Banks, 7 wins and 0 losses, carried torch in the Opening Ceremonies - TJ Smith, 5 wins and 2 losses - Duplica Imite, performed in the Opening Ceremonies, did not compete, Ditto beside her - AJ Kamensky, 7 wins and 0 losses, 5 by Sandshrew single-handedly, also on table - Jeanette Fisher, 7 wins and 0 losses - Joy Fisher, Jeanette’s mother, who works at the Crimson City Pokémon Center They listened as a man in his thirties began going over the requirements for those seeking entrance into the Pokémon League. Man: As standard with all Pokémon League Tournaments since January 1998, all competitors who make it to the quarterfinal round automatically become members of the league at the conclusion of the Closing Ceremonies, no matter what rank they finish. This rule does not apply if a quarterfinalist is disqualified from the tournament. AJ: So we only have to win two more matches and we’re in? Joy: Yes, that’s how it works. Man: In addition, at every tournament at-large membership is also available, up to eight additional membership spots per tournament. The number of at-large spots available depends on how many spots are available in the league. The Pokémon League is currently constricted to one thousand members. At this time, three at-large bids are available. The bids are available to those who reach the second round. The judges decide by a special scoring system which three of the eight trainers who are eligible will be awarded with a membership to the league at the Closing Ceremonies. Ash: Looks like getting into the league won’t be as hard after all. Gary: (from a nearby table) It’ll be hard only for you, Ash! The group looks over to see Gary and his cheerleaders at a nearby table, minus the pom poms. Gary (6 wins and 1 loss in the preliminaries) is in a tuxedo, and each of the cheerleaders are in a unique dress that makes every male over the age of twenty gawk at them. But before one of the guys can make a move, the man begins to talk again. Man: Now, each of the thirty-two trainers will draw a number to determine the order in which you’ll draw your next opponent. Cassidy, in a nice blue dress, runs up so she can draw first. Ash, the only one of the group that recognizes her, jumps up in his seat. Ash: Stop! That girl is from Team Rocket! She doesn’t deserve to be in the tournament. Cassidy: (recognizing Ash) It’s you! That boy with the Pikachu! ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Episode 12 “The Pokémon League Novice Tournament,” Chapter 3: “One Step Closer” Story Written by Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ Man: What is the meaning of this? Ash: Sir, that lady is from Team Rocket! Cassidy: So? Even if I am, you can’t disqualify me because I’m legally entered as a competitor here at the tournament. Man: She’s right. Miss Patterson is in the entry database, and besides, only the Pokémon League Executive Board can make decisions about who gets disqualified. Cassidy: So there! And my five wins will guide me to victory! Ash: You only won five of your seven matches? Well, I won six! Cassidy: Why you little twerp... Man: (coughs) Excuse me, you two, but draw a chip from the hat and then sit down and wait your turn. If you guys draw each other, then you can settle your differences on the field. Cassidy and Ash: (grabbing a chip each without looking at each other) Fine! All of Ash’s friends step forward, sweatdropping in embarrassment, and draw their chips. Soon all thirty-two remaining competitors have drawn a chip. Man: All right, competitors will draw their slots in numerical order, starting now with the trainer who drew number one. A young boy steps forward to go through the process. Lucky for Ash, he drew number four, and would get to pick before any of his friends. After a few minutes, his number was called, and he stepped into the back room. Man: Well, if you’re calmed down from that disgraceful display earlier, it’s time to pick your slot. It works like this. There are two machines over there. Press the button on each one to start the computer. The computer will randomly pick a letter and a number, which determines when you’ll battle. And since you’re one of the first ones here, it’ll be awhile before you know who you’re facing. Now let’s get started. Ash steps up and presses the button. He draws a D and a 3. Man: D-3. That means your first round battle is Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. And since you drew that slot first, you also get to pick which podium you’ll be on. Do you want red or green? Ash: Green! Man: Well, then, you’re done. Just wait in the auditorium and I’ll announce the match-ups once everyone has drawn. About an hour and a half later, the man returns from the back room, and a scoreboard appears with the lists of battles and times. The first round schedule for all seven main characters in the tournament: - Gary Oak, Monday, 10:00 a.m. - TJ Smith, Monday, 11:00 a.m. - AJ Kamensky, Monday, 2:00 p.m. - Cassidy Patterson, Monday, 4:00 p.m. - Cassie Banks, Monday, 5:00 p.m. - Jeanette Fisher, Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. - Ash Ketchum, Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. The dinner ends after everyone checks the scoreboard, and most of them return to their rooms to rest... all except for Ash, Cassie, and Pikachu, who go out for a walk down Main Street. Ash: So Cassie, do you have a boyfriend? Cassie: (blushes) A boyfriend? What made you think I have a boyfriend? Ash: I don’t know. I guess it’s because you look so beautiful in the night. Cassie: Well, to tell you the truth, my “job” doesn’t allow time for it. Pikachu: Pika? Ash: Speaking of your “job,” why are you here following me? Cassie: Well, they assigned me to... watch over you. Ash: Watch over me? Come on, you can’t be more than a year older than me, right? Cassie: That’s what I was assigned. They told me to watch out for members of Team Rocket. They here to trip you up. Ash: Hah! I knew there was something suspicious about Cassidy being here. And Cassidy’s never alone. That means... Duplica: (walking up to them) Butch is here as well. Ash: Yeah, but how did you know about him, Duplica? Duplica: I had a run-in with him last Wednesday. He tried to get me to join Team Rocket. Cassie: But why would they want you to join their organization? Ash: It’s not like Duplica’s the world’s greatest Pokémon trainer. Duplica: Correction, Ash. The world’s greatest Ditto trainer! Cassie: Well, in any case Duplica, looks like Ash isn’t the only one who’s going to need protection. Ash: Hey! I can take care of myself! Pikachu: Pika! Cassie: Take care of yourself, huh? How many Team Rocket traps have you fallen in since you started your journey? Duplica: Yeah, Ashy-boy. Misty told me how clumsy you always are. Ash: Well, I’ve had a few setbacks. That never hurt anyone. Cassie: Ash, Team Rocket is serious business. Whatever they’re up to could be dangerous. This is no time to fool around. Ash: Who’s foolin’ around? I’m just excited that I got a day off before my first round match! Duplica: Let’s hope your brain doesn’t go on an extended vacation... Ash: Don’t worry about me, Duplica. I’m going all the way! See you two tomorrow! Come on, Pikachu! Pikachu: Pika pika! The two run off towards Pidgeot Hall, leaving the two girls to have a friendly conversation. They talk about how they each first met Ash, how they both want a boyfriend, and how to deal with Team Rocket’s interference. The two say their good-byes and head off to their rooms to get some sleep. Meanwhile, at the Seafoam Islands, the search for the second legendary bird has been fruitless for Jessie, James, and Meowth. That is, until they arrive in a small resort, and discover a helicopter waiting for them. Out comes an agent in a Team Rocket uniform, who steps out and ushers the trio in. Once inside, the young man begins to tell them some information. Jessie: Who are you? I’ve never seen you around TR headquarters. James: Yeah! Just who are you? Meowth: You dolt! Jessie just asked that question! Ya didn’t have to repeat it! Young Rocket: My name is Justin, and yes, I am a new recruit. There weren’t any reliable agents with at least a year of experience left to carry out this mission. James: So why pick us up, anyway? Where are we going? Justin: We’re heading for the Indigo Plateau. Meowth: The Indigo Plateau? Aren’t Cassidy and Butch already stationed there? Jessie’s head begins to bulge at the utterance of Cassidy’s name. Meowth: Oops, I guess I shouldn’t have mentioned Cassidy. Jessie whacks Meowth into the side window, cracking the glass slightly. Meowth slides down to the floor. Justin: Anyway, that is where Moltres, the second legendary bird, is located. It makes its home in the giant torch atop Indigo Stadium. And tomorrow during the games, you three are going to steal it. James: But how? Justin: You’ll see. But for now, you three had better get some sleep. We’re arriving early in the morning to avoid suspicion from the cops. The helicopter flies through the night to arrive at the Indigo Plateau just before sunrise. Justin briefs the trio on their mission, then the helicopter takes off as fast as it had landed. Jessie: Ready? James: Ready! Meowth: Then let’s go already! The three sneak into the Indigo Plateau and begin to put their plan into action to steal the flame and get Moltres. They head for Indigo Stadium. Once inside, James runs to the top of the stadium, Jessie heads for the bleachers, and Meowth heads underground to the locker rooms. They each have those little microphones that spies always carry to communicate with each other. Jessie: (talking into the microphone) James! Meowth! Are you guys ready? Meowth: (from the receiver) Ready, Jessie! James: (also from the receiver) Wait! (pants) I just reached the top! Jessie: Well, hurry up! We’ve gotta get this set up before... Suddenly, two Officer Jenny on patrol enter the stadium and spot Jessie’s unmistakable hairdo from the ground. Jenny #1: Freeze! Jenny #2: Stop right there, Team Rocket! Jessie: (talking into the microphone) Guys, beat it! The Jennys are here! James: (through the receiver) But my device isn’t planted yet! Jessie: Forget the device, if Giovanni finds out that we’re in jail, we’re dead meat! Jessie takes off running for the top of the stadium. The Jennys give chase, but it’s too late. Meowth is already waiting at the top in the balloon, and Jessie and James climb in before the Jennys can make a grab at them. They watch as the trio floats away. Jenny #1: They’re getting away! Jenny #2: Never mind that! They were planting something. It might be bombs. We’d better round up our cousins and start searching the place before the matches begin. The Jennys spend the early morning hours searching for bombs, and they find two... one in the stands and the other in the locker room. After double checking the whole stadium, they stop their search in order to allow the matches for the first round to begin. But heavy security measures were implemented, and there were Officer Jennys in and out of the stadium to keep the peace and calm anyone worried about the possibility of more bombs being around. A half hour later, the first match of the round begins. Narrator: We now join the first match of the first round, as Gary tries to defeat his latest opponent, and he’s doing a good job of it too. On the scoreboard, Gary’s opponent has two lights already out. Gary only has one light. out. Gary’s Nidoking is already on the field, awaiting his next challenge. Green Trainer: (throwing a Pokéball) Nidoking, go! Stadium Announcer: And in an unprecedented move, the green trainer has called out a Nidoking to match Gary’s Nidoking. Whose is the strongest? Gary: Nidoking, leer! Green Trainer: Nidoking, horn attack! Gary’s Nidoking is much stronger than the Green Trainer’s Nidoking. It stops him in his tracks, unable to move. Gary: All right, Nidoking, thrash it! Gary’s Nidoking gives the Green Trainer’s Nidoking a beating until it faints. The crowd, including Gary’s cheerleading squad, explodes with excitement as the line judge raises Gary’s red flag one more time to signal the end of the match. Meanwhile, in the locker room, TJ makes some last-minute preparations before stepping onto the field for his first round match. At exactly eleven o’clock, an official ushers him to the field. He had chosen the red platform. He eyes his opponent, who seemed to be just as nervous as he was. The two reached for a Pokéball as the scoreboard lit up with their pictures. All that was left was a simple... Line Judge: Go! ... and the match began! TJ pulls out Kangaskhan, while his opponent, whose name was John Ramsey, pulled out a Magnemite. Stadium Announcer: This should be interesting. A ground Pokémon versus an electric Pokémon. Who knows what will happen next. TJ: Kangaskhan, comet punch! John: Magnemite, thunder shock! The thunder shock has no effect, as Kangaskhan sends Magnemite flying. It was knocked out in one punch. Line Judge: (raises the red flag) Magnemite has been knocked out. Kangaskhan is the winner! John: Nice try, Magnemite! All right, let’s try Cubone! Cubone: Cue-bone-bone! TJ: Hang in there, Kangakshan! Tail whip! John: Cubone, dodge, then use your Bonemerang! Kangaskhan’s sweeping tail misses, while Cubone jumps and throws, hitting Kangaskhan. But the match is far from over... TJ: Kangaskhan, mega punch! John: Cubone, bone club! Cubone charges for Kangaskhan, and as he jumps to club the giant, Kangaskhan unleashes his mega punch and puts Cubone down for the count. Line Judge: (red flag in the air) Cubone has fallen! Kangaskhan is the victor again! John: Don’t worry about it, Cubone. Now, time for my ultimate Pokémon... Moltres! TJ: Moltres?! ************************************************************************ Stadium Announcer: Unbelievable! John has just surprised everyone by pulling one of the three very rare legendary birds, Moltres! Moltres, who’s spirit lights our torch for every tournament, is under the control of this young twelve-year old. John: Moltres, fire spin! TJ: Kangaskhan, look out! Kangaskhan is engulfed in flames... she can’t stand the heat and promptly faints. The line judge raises the green flag and the crowd is in shock! Stadium Announcer: John looks like he’s now in control with Moltres. Who will TJ pick to battle with the firebird? TJ: Flareon, go! Stadium Announcer: And now it’s fire against fire. TJ: Flareon, flame thrower! John: Moltres, agility! Flareon fires the flame thrower and misses, as Moltres is way too quick. John: Moltres, sky attack! Moltres dives towards and amazingly through Flareon. Shortly afterwards, Flareon droops to the ground. Line Judge: (raising the green flag) Flareon is out of the match. Moltres is the winner! The crowd cheers wildly as John and Moltres seem to be mounting what was thought to be an insurmountable comeback. TJ calls Flareon back and brings forth his final Pokémon. TJ: Well, this one’s my only chance. Vulpix, go! Vulpix: Vul! Stadium Announcer: And TJ has chosen Vulpix to try and take down Moltres. But does Vulpix have what it takes? TJ: Vulpix, ember! John: Moltres, peck! Vulpix’s ember surrounds Moltres, who just absorbs the attack, and then begins to peck away furiously at Vulpix. TJ: Vulpix, hang in there! Use fire spin! Vulpix: Vullllllll! Moltres absorbs this attack as well. It then initiates his own fire spin, which was too much for Vulpix to handle. Vulpix faints under the extreme heat. Line Judge: (raising the green flag for the last time) Vulpix has been defeated. The victory goes to green trainer John Ramsey! The last light goes out on TJ’s side and his picture is replaced by a sign of congratulations for John. The crowd, as usual, is up and cheering. Stadium Announcer: And it’s all over folks. John uses Moltres to extinguish TJ’s hopes of getting into the Pokémon League. John will face Gary Oak of Pallet in the next round. TJ leaves the stadium in tears. He finds a quiet spot in Indigo Park, and sits on a bench there for hours, crying. Nobody stops to give their condolences. He sat there for several hours, all the time thinking... TJ: How could I lose that match? I was one Pokémon away! But he used a Moltres! It can’t be legal to use a Moltres in a League competition. I think the fortunes of fate were against me. Suddenly, Duplica, carrying Ditto as usual, walks into the park and spots TJ on the chair. Duplica: TJ! TJ: Duplica? Duplica takes a seat next to TJ, his eyes still red from crying. Duplica: Where have you been? You don’t know how long we’ve been searching for you. TJ: Sorry. Duplica: TJ, look. You can’t let yourself get so down after losing a match. TJ: But Duplica, I was so close! And then he pulled out a Moltres! A Moltres! Duplica: Well, sometimes things come up in life that we aren’t prepared for. You’ve got to learn to rise above those moments. Trust me, making it to the field of thirty-two is an accomplishment in itself. TJ: Really? Duplica: Really. Say, let’s forget about it and head back for the stadium. I’m sure AJ’s match is over, but I think Cassie is in the next one. TJ: Thanks, Duplica, but I’d like to go back to my room and rest. Duplica: Okay. But make sure you get something to eat first. You look like you haven’t eaten in days! TJ: Now that you mention it, I am a little hungry. Duplica: Say, you want to go with me, Cassie, and Jeanette to the movies tonight? TJ: I’ll think about it, Duplica. (they both get up) Thanks, Duplica. You’re a true friend. TJ hugs Duplica, which catches her by surprise. TJ lets go, then waves goodbye while walking away. TJ: Thanks again, Duplica! Duplica: (still slightly stunned) Okay then, TJ, see you later. She watches as TJ leaves. Ditto changes into TJ to get her attention, as she is still staring minutes after TJ’s departure. Ditto: Dit to to dit? Duplica: Oh, come on, Ditto. We’re just friends. It’s not like we’re that close. Ditto: (sighs, then changes back to its original form) Ditto. Duplica: (walking towards the stadium) Besides, if I did get into a relationship with TJ, then Ashy-boy might turn jealous and go after him. You know how crazy Ash sometimes gets. Ditto could tell that Duplica didn’t real mean that. It could see through its trainer’s face that she did have feelings for the young boy. But before Ditto could snap its master out of her latest trance, a normally dressed man in his twenties stepped into Duplica’s path. Duplica: Excuse me, but is there any reason why you’re in my path? Stranger: Allow me to introduce myself. I am Randy Vicardi. And you must be Duplica Imite, am I right? Duplica: Alright, what’s going on? You’re not another one of those guys from Team Rocket, are you? Randy: (under his breath, but loud enough for Duplica to hear) Dang, Team Rocket. I knew they would be after her too. Duplica: What do you mean by after me too? Randy: Duplica, I’m from the Pokémon Trainers’ Association. Duplica: (surprised) That’s the same group that Cassie is from! Randy: Cassie? Cassie Banks? Duplica: Yes, she’s a friend of mine. Randy: She’s going to be in real trouble when the boss gets to her. Duplica: In trouble? But why? Randy: For a girl as talented as you, you sure ask a lot of questions. You see, we are sworn to keep our intentions secret to everyone else, sometimes including between ourselves. Duplica: So if your intentions are to be secret, why did you tell me you were a part of the Pokémon Trainers’ Association? Randy: Because we want you to join our organization. Duplica: Join? Randy: Yes. (opens a Pokéball) Clefairy, come out. Clefairy: Clefairy! Ditto: Ditto? Duplica: Isn’t that a Clefairy? I thought Clefairy only existed in the Mt. Moon area. Randy: They do. I spent two months just trying to catch one. Duplica: You spent two months at Mt. Moon? Randy: That’s besides the point. Now are you going to join, or do I have to use Clefairy to prove my point. Duplica: Well, if you’re going to be rude, then I’m not going to join. Randy: I warn you, my Clefairy knows the metronome attack! And I’m not afraid to use force. Duplica: Try me. Suddenly, a police whistle is heard. Randy gets scared and recalls Clefairy. Randy: Consider this your fair warning. I’m going to give you thirty-six hours. And if you tell Cassie or anyone else what happened here, I’ll send Clefairy after you! Understand, Miss Imite? Duplica: You don’t scare me! Randy: (begins walking off) Trust me, Duplica, you don’t want to get on my, or Clefairy’s for that matter, bad side. Randy disappears just as quickly as he had appeared. An Officer Jenny runs by, obviously catching someone breaking the law. She starts to walk towards Indigo Stadium. There, the seventh match of the day is underway, with Cassie winning a very close match. Ash, Pikachu, AJ, and Sandshrew are watching in the stands, cheering her on. AJ: Come on Cassie! Ash: You can win! Pikachu: Pika pika! Sandshrew: Reew! On the field, Cassie’s favorite Pokémon, Bulbasaur, has the upper advantage against her opponent’s Squirtle. The other trainer is an eighteen year-old teen from Jasper Town named Picard Molly. And he felt confident in his Squirtle. But so did Cassie and her Bulbasaur. Picard: Squirtle, water gun! Cassie: Bulbasaur, vine whip! Squirtle: Squirtle! Bulbasaur: Bulba-saur! Bulbasaur gets a few hits in before he’s clobbered by the water gun. Both Pokémon shake the attacks off, as if they never happened. Picard: Squirtle, skull bash! Cassie: Bulbasaur, leech seed! Bulbasaur fires the leech seed and catches Squirtle in mid-flight. The turtle falls to the ground, as his energy is drained. Squirtle is still in the fight, but unable to move. Cassie: Bulbasaur, sleep powder, then razor leaf! Bulbasaur: Bulba, bulba bulba saur. Squirtle falls asleep, then Bulbasaur’s razor leaf attack knocks Squirtle out of the match. Line Judge: (raising the red flag) The match is over! Squirtle is out, and the victory goes to Cassie Banks! Stadium Announcer: And what a spectacular conclusion, as Bulbasaur defeats Squirtle, giving Cassie Banks a pass into the second round! Ash: All right, Cassie! AJ: Good work, Cassie! Pikachu: Chu! Pikachu! Cassie and Picard recall their Pokémon, then they approach each other and shake hands, to the delight of the whole stadium. Cassie: Good match, Picard. Picard: My, you’ve improved since last time, Cassie. Good job. Cassie: Thanks. See you again in six months? Picard: Sure, Cassie. And next time, I’m gonna win! Cassie: We’ll see, my friend, we’ll see! Stadium Announcer: What a gesture of friendship between these two. They truly show what it means to compete in the Pokémon... He’s interrupted by an explosion near the east end of the stadium. Although it’s not big enough to cause any structural damage or injury to any of the spectators, smoke begins to billow from under the stands. Stadium Announcer: We have an emergency situation. Everyone please stay calm and remain in your seats. We need the emergency crew on the field now! A few individuals, including an Officer Jenny and a Nurse Joy (you know they had to be among them), head down towards the smoke. About ten minutes later, the announcer’s voice booms over the stadium. Stadium Announcer: The problem has been taken care of and the police are currently investigating why the bomb was planted. The final match for today, which pits Cassidy Patterson against Jacob Filler has been rescheduled for nine o’ clock tomorrow morning. This is to ensure the safety of everyone here in the stadium. As everyone began filing out of the stadium, Ash, Pikachu, AJ, and Sandshrew walk down to where Cassie is waiting for them. Cassie: I can’t believe someone had the intent of trying to kill hundreds of innocent spectators. Ash: They weren’t. I bet that Team Rocket has something to do with this. AJ: But Team Rocket, they would never be the type to kill. Ash: Yeah, you’re right. They must be after something, but what? Cassie: Well, if you’re planning to ask that girl Cassidy, you might as well forget it, because she left already. Ash: Something tells me we’re going to have to keep a close eye on Cassidy and Butch. Pikachu: Pika! Cassie waves goodbye to the foursome, then heads downtown to relax after her win. Ash and the others head back to Pidgeot Hall to watch some good old TV. AJ: Hey, Ash. Ash: What is it, AJ? AJ: I just realized that if I win on Wednesday and so does Cassie, then we’ll meet in the quarterfinal round! Ash: Gee, that’s right. Do you think you’ll be able to beat her? AJ: Cassie’s good, but not good enough to beat Sandshrew and me. Ash: That confident, huh? AJ: Don’t worry about me, Ash. I’ve got to get past the second round first. Ash: Right. And I’ve still got my first round match tomorrow. The next day (November 10th) was not a happy day. First of all, it was raining. There were Officer Jenny out all over the village in full force, watching for any foul acts from Team Rocket. Most of the matches were affected greatly, as some Pokémon vulnerable to rain could not perform to the best of their ability. It was nearly four o’clock and Ash was waiting in the tunnel on the west end for his match. There were about a dozen officials on the field, trying to keep it as dry as possible by using a tarp to cover it. Pikachu was with him, obviously depressed over the gloomy weather... and its defeat in Ash’s last match. Ash: (deep in thought) TJ lost, but Gary, Jeanette, Cassie, and AJ all won. I can’t let the past few battles get me down. I’ve got to get past Charizard’s condition and Pikachu’s untimely loss and win this match. I know Misty and Brock wouldn’t let me get in this state. I can see Brock giving me some tips, while Misty tries to strangle them into me. Pikachu: (tugging at Ash’s pants leg) Pika, pika! Ash: Is it time already? Well then, let’s go Pikachu! Ash and Pikachu step out onto the field. His opponent, Ashley Drizzle (No, she has nothing to do with the current weather conditions), is already standing at the other end of the field. The crowd tries its best to remain enthusiastic, as Ash and Pikachu take their place. Stadium Announcer: And now, from Pallet Town, a young boy who has gone through a lot more than most normal trainers so far in this tournament, but through it all, still stands as one of the tougher competitors here. Let’s welcome the green trainer, Ash Ketchum! In the stands are all of Ash’s friends, AJ and Sandshrew, Duplica and Ditto, Cassie, TJ, Jeanette, and surprisingly, Professor Oak and Mrs. Ketchum! Mrs. Ketchum: Excuse me, but are these seats taken? Jeanette: No, you can have them, Miss... Mrs. Ketchum: Mrs. Ketchum. Duplica: Ketchum? As in Ash Ketchum? Mrs. Ketchum: Yes! I’ve come here to watch my son, although it’s not the best of days to be fighting in a Pokémon match. Cassie: (pointing at Professor Oak) And you are? Prof. Oak: Professor Oak. TJ: The great Professor Oak of Pallet? It’s an honor to meet someone as talented as you! AJ: Yeah. Who would have thought that you’d come way out here for the Pokémon League Tournament. Mrs. Ketchum: (yelling at Ash) Hey Ash, dear! Good luck! And be careful not to catch a cold! Ash blushed after hearing his mother’s voice, but was glad to hear her after being gone for several weeks. She turned to see her and Professor Oak sitting with his friends under several umbrellas. He waved back at the group, then focused his attention on the match. Line Judge: Let the battle begin! Ashley: Jigglypuff, go! Ash: Krabby, I choose you! Ashley: Jigglypuff, double slap! Ash: Krabby, bubble! Jigglypuff dodges Krabby’s attack and hits Krabby down. The crab gets up, and tries to initiate another attack. Ash: Krabby, vice grip! Ashley: Jigglypuff, sing! Ash: Sing? Krabby, watch out! Pikachu: Pika! Jigglypuff: (singing) Jig-gly-puff, jiggly-ly-puff! Ash: Hang in there, Krabby! Unfortunately, Krabby cannot resist, as he gives in to the song and falls asleep. Line Judge: (raises the red flag) Since Krabby has fallen asleep, Jigglypuff is the winner! The first light goes out under Ash’s picture. Ash recalls Krabby and calls forth his next Pokémon. Ash: Muk, I choose you! Muk: Muk muk muk! Ash: Muk, sludge attack! Ashley: Jigglypuff, body slam! Jigglypuff tries to body slam Muk, but her hands just went through Muk’s slimy body, even more slimier than usual due to the rain. Muk sludges Jigglypuff pretty good, changing it from a pink Pokémon to a slimy purple one. Ashley: Jigglypuff! Ash: Okay Muk, knock Jigglypuff out with your poison gas attack! Muk releases toxic fumes, which knocks the little puffy Jigglypuff out. Line Judge: (raising the green flag) Jigglypuff is out of the match. Muk is the winner! Mrs. Ketchum: Go Ash! (to the others) That’s my son out there! Come on, honey! Cassie: (to Duplica) She kind of reminds me of my mother. Duplica: Yeah... overconfident and fully supportive... AJ: ...And harsh. TJ: Harsh? Moms aren’t supposed to be harsh, AJ! AJ: Well, mine was. Prof. Oak: What are you kids babbling about? Cassie, Duplica, AJ, and TJ: (simultaneously) Oh, nothing! Stadium Announcer: Ash uses the weather to help him defeat Jigglypuff. But what will Ashley send out against Ash’s Muk? Ashley: Return, Jigglypuff! Go Chansey! Chansey: Chansey! Ashley: Chansey, pound! Ash: Muk, screech! The sound of Muk’s screech catches Chansey off guard and the “nurse” Pokémon is swept off her feet. Ash: Okay now, Muk, sludge! Ashley: Chansey, look out! Chansey can’t get out of the way, as Muk reaches over and poisons Chansey. It doesn’t take long for the poison to sink in, due to the fact that Chansey has a weak defense level. Chansey eventually faints. Line Judge: (green flag in the air) Chansey has been knocked out of the match. Muk wins again! The second light goes out under Ashley’s picture, but she wasn’t ready to give up yet. Ashley: Chansey, return. Arbok, go! Arbok: Charrrr-bok! Ash: Arbok! That’s perfect! Duplica: That’s it. Ash can just pick Pikachu and win! TJ: How do you know that, Duplica? Duplica: Team Rocket has an Arbok and Ash took care of it easily. Back on the field, Ash pulls out Muk’s Pokéball, recalls it, and sure enough, calls out... Ash: Pikachu, I choose you! (then, in a slightly lower tone) Be careful, Pikachu. Pikachu: (smiles) Pika! With the rain suddenly picking up, it might have been derived as a sign of bad luck for Ash. Luckily for him, though, Pikachu could take advantage of the rain. Ashley: Arbok, glare! Ash: Pikachu, dodge, then use thunder shock! Pikachu dodges the glare attack, then shocks Arbok, knocking it out. Line Judge: (green flag up again) The match has ended. With Arbok out, the match goes to Ash Ketchum! The crowd is on their feet and cheering (as usual). Ash’s six fellow supporters gave him cheers of encouragement. Ash didn’t stay out in the rain, as he wanted to get under some shelter before he caught a cold. Pikachu followed suit. Ash is met by his friends and his mother downstairs, who give him a big hug in front of everyone. Mrs. Ketchum: Oh Ash, I’m so proud of you! Prof. Oak: You and Pikachu did pretty good out there. AJ: See Ash! You can win if you put your mind to it. Duplica: I never doubted you, Ashy-boy. TJ: You were great, Ash! Cassie: I’m sure you’ll do fine. Now let’s get out of the rain and into some dry clothes! The seven humans, plus Pikachu, Sandshrew, and Ditto began walking back towards Indigo Village to dry up and spend a night out on the town. Narrator: And so, Ash fights through the wet rain to win his first round match. But although Ash may have passed his first test after Pikachu’s fall in the match before, battle lines are being drawn as the field narrows down. Can Ash do well enough to advance to the Pokémon League. Check out the next chapter, to see what happens next... To be continued... Copyright Date: 11/26/99, Revised: 7/30/01 Revisions from the Original Release Include: - Dialogue and grammar revisions aplenty in this installment. In our next episode... Jessie, James, and Meowth arrive at the Indigo Plateau, as they try to track Moltres down. Also, Duplica must decide whether or not to accept the offers from Team Rocket and the Pokémon Trainers Association. Most surprising of all is the trainer that gives Ash a call before his next match. It’s Episode 13, “Mighty Misty, the Pokémon Trainer!”