Adventures Series, Episode 14 (Version 1.1), “Seventy-two Hours” In the final chapter, the tournament comes to a powerful conclusion, and decisions will be made that affect several character’s lives... some more than others. Disclaimer: Let’s see, there’s Ricky, Cassie, John, TJ, and Patti. Those are the characters that are mine, so don’t touch them unless you ask me first. ************************************************************************ Narrator: In our last episode, Ash began his second round match with a trainer named Ricky Langley. Ricky had an early advantage, using Blastoise to counter Squirtle, and then Venusaur to counter Bulbasaur. But then Ash sent Pikachu in, and our little yellow mouse hero knocked out Venusaur. Unfortunately, Ricky’s pulled out one of the few Pokémon that Pikachu’s lost in battle to before. Does Ash stand a chance to win? ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Episode 14 “The Pokémon League Novice Tournament,” Chapter 5: “Seventy-two Hours” Story Written by Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ Wednesday, November 11th, Indigo Stadium Ricky: Magmar, fire punch! Magmar began punching fiercely at Pikachu. Ash: Pikachu, agility! Pikachu dodges every punch from Magmar, but the fire Pokémon keeps at it. Ricky: Magmar, confuse ray! Ash: Pikachu, watch out! Magmar’s confuse ray makes Pikachu loopy, as he runs all over the place. Ash: Pikachu, what’s wrong? Ricky: Magmar, ember! The fire attack connects and takes Pikachu down. But the little mouse refuses to give up. Ash: Pikachu, thunder shock! Obviously, Ash hasn’t learned from all of his mistakes, as the thunder just bounces off Magmar. Ricky: Now, Magmar, use the flame thrower! The flame thrower engulfs Pikachu in a fiery flame, taking Pikachu out of the match. Ash: Pikachu! Line Judge: The match is over! (raises the green flag) The victory goes to Ricky Langley and his Magmar! After going to the Pokémon Center to recharge all of his Pokémon, Ash goes to his room and heads for bed, disappointed that he couldn’t get any further. Pikachu couldn’t do anything to cheer up his master. AJ and Sandslash came in later to try and get him out, but they also couldn’t get Ash to budge from his bed. At the dining commons that evening, Duplica and Cassie begin to talk, but not under pleasant circumstances... Duplica: You couldn’t tell me that your “organization” was trying to recruit me? Cassie: Duplica, I didn’t find out until this morning that you were the new recruit! Duplica: I’m supposed to be here to enjoy the games, but instead I’m being chased by Team Rocket, your team wants me to become a member, and I think I’m in love with TJ! Cassie: Gee, that didn’t come out as jumbled up as I thought it would. Wait, did you say your in love with TJ? Duplica: Yes, I did. There’s something about him, something that makes him that “special friend” that I’ve been looking for. Cassie: That little brat isn’t worthy! He couldn’t win a Pokémon battle if he tried! Duplica: Well Cassie, he did get to the first round! Cassie: And then flunked out! Face it Duplica, you’re better off with that kid, what’s his name, Gary. Duplica: Who are you to tell me how to run my life? I trusted you! And what did you do, hide the fact that you want me to be part of something I don’t agree with, and now you’re telling me who I should be going out with! Cassie: Duplica, calm down! Duplica: Calm down! I thought that when I met you that night almost two weeks ago that you’d be my best friend. Cassie: But we are best friends, Duplica! Duplica: Not anymore, Cassie! Consider our friendship terminated! Duplica storms out of the commons. Cassie sighs and then turns to see everyone staring directly at her. Cassie: What are you guys looking at? She gets up and leaves the commons. She knew she’d have to make it up to Duplica someway, but how... Thursday, November 12th, 1:00 p.m., Indigo Stadium Stadium Announcer: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the second of four quarterfinal match-ups. This match features one of the remaining favorites, AJ Kamensky, against the talented Cassie Banks! AJ stood at the west end, Cassie at the east end. They drew their first Pokémon. AJ: Butterfree, go! Cassie: Gloom, come out. You’re up! AJ: Butterfree, gust attack! Cassie: Gloom, stun spore! The gust attack blows the stun spore back at Gloom, the plant now unable to move. Cassie: Gloom, shake it off! AJ: Butterfree, use whirlwind to blow it away! Butterfree: Freeeeeee! The whirlwind attack knocks Gloom off her feet and flying into the air. AJ: Supersonic, Butterfree! Butterfree’s supersonic attack is too much for Gloom who faints before even landing back on the ground. Cassie: Gloom, return! Let’s try Bulbasaur! Bulbasaur: Bulbasaur! AJ: Butterfree, blow this plant away too! Gust attack! Cassie: Bulbasaur, wrap that Butterfree up with your vine whip! Bulbasaur succeeds in wrapping Butterfree. Cassie: Bulbasaur, leech seed! The seed plants itself into one of Butterfree’s wings, paralyzing and knocking him out. AJ: Not bad, Cassie. Butterfree, return! But your no match for Raticate! Cassie: Raticate? The evolved form of Rattata? AJ: Raticate, quick attack! Cassie: Bulbasaur, razor leaf! Raticate was fast, but not fast enough to avoid Bulbasaur’s razor leaf attack. Raticate is slightly stunned, but AJ trained it well. It’s barely weakened from the fight. AJ: Raticate, hyper fang! Cassie: Bulbasaur, sleep powder! Bulbasaur succeeds in putting Raticate to sleep, but not until Raticate takes a bite out of Bulbasaur’s neck! The two Pokémon go down, both out of the match! They are recalled by their trainers. Cassie: (to herself) I know he’s going to pull out Sandslash! But who can I pick? I guess I’m going to have to go with Meowth. AJ: Ready to go, Cassie? Cassie: Yep. Meowth, I choose you! Ash: (from the sidelines) Hey! That’s my line! AJ: Sandslash, go! Cassie: Meowth, pay day! AJ: Sandslash, scratch! The pay day attack does not work on Sandslash, as the Pokémon begins to rough Meowth up. Cassie: Meowth, hang in there! AJ: Sandslash, poison sting! Cassie: Meowth, use the fury swipes! Meowth charges at Sandslash, but its sharp claws can’t break through Sandslash’s spiny shell. Sandslash poisons Meowth, and it falls to the ground, defeated. Stadium Announcer: This match is over, and AJ Kamensky advances to tomorrow’s semifinal match-up with John Ramsey! Cassie pulls out a potion and heals Meowth, then recalls it to its Pokéball. Cassie then walks up to AJ and shakes hands with him. Cassie: Nice match, AJ. I guess I really deserved that, didn’t I? AJ: You mean for everything between you and Duplica? Forget it. In my opinion, you gave me my toughest challenge so far. Cassie: That’s because you didn’t pull out Sandslash first. AJ: I guess so. The two shake hands and then walk out of the stadium together. Cassie then leaves AJ, knowing she has some thinking to do. That night, Cassie invites Duplica, Ditto, TJ, Ash, and Pikachu to dinner at a nearby fancy restaurant. After they are seated and they order their food, Cassie begins the conversation. Cassie: Duplica, look, I know I’ve kept some things from you, but please hear me out before you get angry at me like you did last night. Ash: What exactly did you do, Cassie? TJ: Probably upset my sweetheart here. Cassie: Nobody asked you to talk, TJ! TJ: Well, excuse me! Duplica: Cassie! Cassie: He started it. Ash: All right, enough. Pikachu here doesn’t like it when arguments break out. Pikachu: Pika pika! Cassie: Duplica... I want to apologize for all that’s happened. Duplica: Is that all? Cassie: No. I also hope that we can renew our friendship. Duplica: Not unless you take my name off your recruitment list. Cassie: About the recruitment list... Duplica: What? You can’t get me off of that? Cassie: Actually. I’ve talked with my “friends,” and they have allowed me to do this. We’re giving you a chance to decide whether or not to join us. Duplica: You already know my answer, Cassie. Cassie: Please Duplica, at least consider it. There’s a lot more you can learn, and you’ll have more time to train your Ditto to a higher level! It’s more than just picking new recruits and thrashing Team Rocket. We uphold the belief that members should be allowed to train their own Pokémon as well as have time to themselves, if they wish. Ash and TJ: (simultaneously) Can I join? Cassie: Sorry, guys, but it’s not my decision on who may be eligible for membership. TJ: You just don’t think that I can do it, do you Cassie? Cassie: TJ, please! I have no say in the matter. I’ve only been in the organization for roughly three months. The members responsible for new recruitment average at least five years experience. Ash: Is that five years as a trainer? Cassie: No, five years as a member. TJ: You know, Cassie, now that I’ve gotten to know you better, you’re not such a bad person after all. Cassie: Thanks, I think. But TJ, it’s me who should apologize. TJ: Why? Cassie: Because I judged you as if you were inexperienced. I was picked to watch over Ash because many people have heard about his exploits. Ash: They have? Cassie: Yes, Ash. There’s a lot of people who have either met you or heard of you. Your special style of training is turning heads even among the elite of the Pokémon League. Ash: Even the Pokémon League? TJ: Don’t let it go to your head, Ash. Cassie: Just wait, Ash. Very soon, you may be up there with the elites. You’re a very talented trainer. I’m sure you’ll succeed. TJ: Well, thanks, Cassie. I forgive you. Duplica: Cassie, I guess we can become friends again. I overreacted and I apologize. Cassie: Don’t worry about it, Duplica. If I was in your shoes, I’d probably would have reacted the same way as you did. The two girls laughed at the thought. TJ and Ash just sat there, mystified. Ditto was trying to transform into different objects to amuse Pikachu, and it seemed to be working. Cassie and Duplica then stopped laughing and looked at each other. Cassie: (sticking out her hand) Friends forever? Duplica: (smiles, then sticks her hand out as well) Friends forever. The two girls shake hands and smile. The bond between them was even stronger now. As the food was brought forth, the foursome (and Pikachu and Ditto) talked about their favorite memories of the tournament. ************************************************************************ Saturday, November 14th, 7:00 p.m., Indigo Stadium, The Closing Ceremonies Most of the ninety-six competitors of the tournament lined up under the west stands for the final trainers’ parade. Those that were missing either left early out of disappointment or anger, or were in much more serious trouble. A few familiar faces are still there, Ash and Pikachu, Gary (who had to stay around because Professor Oak was there), Jeanette, Cassie, AJ, Sandslash, and TJ. In the stands, Professor Oak, Mrs. Ketchum, Duplica, Ditto, Nurse Joy, Patti, all of Gary’s cheerleading squad (who were unusually quiet, yet calm), and all of Jeanette’s loyal fans. The program begins, as the trainers stepped out onto the field. Mrs. Ketchum: (yelling at Ash) Great job, son! You did well! Prof. Oak: (yelling at Ash, Gary, and Cassie) Great work, guys! You made Pallet Town proud! Duplica: Yeah, Ashy-boy! Congratulations, Cassie! Outstanding, AJ! Good fighting, TJ! Patti: Nice going, Cassie! Jeanette’s Fans: Jeanette! Jeanette! Go, Jeanette! Joy: I’m so proud of my daughter! Yeah, Jeanette! Gary’s Cheerleaders: Gary, Gary, let’s go Gary! Stadium Announcer: To start our ceremonies, all ninety-six competitors will receive the special commemorative badge for competing in the tournament. Each of the trainers stepped up to the stage to receive their badge. Some of them really showed off. For example, Jeanette threw her own set of special pink carnation petals all over the stage. And Ash, he and Pikachu danced insanely over the stage, drawing a few sweatdrops from the officials and some of the trainers. After about half an hour, the length of time it took give out all the badges, the announcer’s voice boomed over the stadium again. Stadium Announcer: And now, the Pokémon League officials will present special badges to the top three competitors of the tournament. The crowd cheered in excitement. Stadium Announcer: First up, the second runner-up, who showed dominance with his Sandshrew / Sandslash. That was until the semifinals, where he was upset. Still, he showed his professionalism and won the third place match with no trouble at all. The second runner-up is AJ Kamensky! AJ stepped up to the stage to receive his third place badge and then stood up on stage and waited for the other two trainers. Stadium Announcer: The first runner-up showed dominance here. He surprised the competition by using Moltres in his first and second round matches. Unfortunately, Moltres was stolen by members of Team Rocket. The matter is still under investigation, but he still managed to make it all the way to the championship match before getting into trouble. Presenting the first runner-up, John Ramsey! John comes to the stage to receive his badge, then stands next to AJ. Stadium Announcer: And now, the champion of this tournament! He fought all of his matches brilliantly, which is why he is deserving of the title. The champion of the November 1999 Pokémon League Novice Tournament is Ricky Langley! Ash scoffed at Ricky because of what he thought was “luck” that he lost to him, but in respect he still applauded along with the thousands of others around him. Stadium Announcer: These three individuals have also earned the membership badge to the Novice Level of the Pokémon League! These are given to the trainers who have competed in the tournament and advanced to the quarterfinal round at least. Five other trainers will join these three, and their names are... As the announcer read the names off, the crowd cheers as they’re called off one by one. Ash and friends cheer for Cassie especially, for doing so well in the tournament. There were now eight trainers on stage, each with the membership badge. Stadium Announcer: Now, as announced at last weekend’s trainers’ banquet, each tournament is allowed to offer a few extra at-large membership bids, depending on how many slots were available in the League. At this time, three lucky members who competed up to the second round will be awarded with the bids and enter the League along with the eight already here on stage. The first bid goes to Gary Oak! Usually, Ash would scowl or boo at Gary for being better than him. But the only words that came out of Ash’s mouth were... Ash: Good work, Gary! Gary was stunned at how nice Ash was, and responded with a simple... Gary: Thanks. Gary stepped onto the stage to receive his badge. Stadium Announcer: The second bid goes to Jeanette Fisher! Jeanette walked up to the stage in her regular fashion, as she stepped up to receive her official League badge. Only one slot left and Ash was getting nervous. Ash: (to himself) It’s great that Gary and Jeanette made it, but I’m worried. What if I didn’t do well enough to qualify? TJ: Nervous, Ash? Ash: Kind of. TJ: Don’t worry, Ash. If they don’t let you in, then there’s something wrong with them. Stadium Announcer: The third and final bid goes to Ash Ketchum! Ash: Yeah! Ash jumps out of his seat and runs to the stage, Pikachu close behind. He begins to celebrate on stage, then realizes where he is. He calms down, then shakes hands with all of the other ten trainers on the stage. Stadium Announcer: To conclude our ceremonies, we present a spectacular salute to the ideals that the trainers have upheld so proudly in the tournament. Congratulations to all! The lights in the stadium go out, and the crowd enjoys a fireworks show that’s unforgettable. Ash smiles on stage, and he watches with AJ, Cassie, Gary, and Jeanette in pride, knowing that all their hard work has paid off and earned them membership into the Pokémon League. The following morning in the forest, roughly ten miles northwest of Vermillion City, Jessie, James, and Meowth have just awoken from their long journey. Their search for Zapdos, the third legendary bird, has been fruitless for two straight days. Jessie can be seen cooking scrambled eggs over an open fire, James has begun to pack up the camping materials and put them back in the balloon, and Meowth is shining his coin on his forehead. Jessie: Breakfast is served! James: Eggs again? Meowth: This gets eggs-aggerating after a few meals of nothing but eggs. Jessie: Oh, be quiet! We haven’t had time to go into a town and buy, I mean, steal some supplies. James: Well, why don’t we do it today? We don’t have any leads on the location of Zapdos, so today’s as good a day as ever. Meowth: Yeah. I feel like an old-fashioned type of criminal today. Jessie: Agreed. Vermillion City is nearby, we can swipe what we need there. The trio eats their breakfast, then packs up their remains and lifts off to do some shopping in nearby Vermillion City. That afternoon, at the Indigo Plateau, our heroes are in the middle of saying their good-byes. Ash: So, where is everybody going? Joy: Me and Jeanette are heading back home. I’m sure my husband misses having me around. Jeanette: It’ll be nice to see our old place back in Crimson City, huh, mom? TJ: Hey, Ash! Ash: Huh? TJ: Do you mind if I come with you guys? Mrs. Ketchum: Don’t you have a family to go home to? TJ: Well, I live in Viridian City, and I’d like a traveling companion. Prof. Oak: Sure, in fact, we’re flying down to Viridian, then catching a bus back to Pallet. Let me just call the airport to see if they have an extra seat. Gary: Do we have to bring him along? Prof. Oak: Now, now, Gary. Be nice. You should be happy that you got picked to get into the Pokémon League. Gary: Of course I’m happy, but I’m mad because some people (staring at Cassie) think they’re so much better. Cassie: (staring back) Stop being jealous because I made it to the quarterfinals and you only made it to the second round! Gary: Oh, yeah? What about a match, right here and now! Cassie: Okay, Gary, one on one. But remember, you asked for it. Duplica: This should be interesting. AJ: Yeah, I’m interested in seeing if Gary can beat Cassie. Gary: (kisses a Pokéball) Nidoking, go! Cassie: (does her traditional pose) Come out Bulbasaur! Gary: Nidoking, horn attack! Cassie: Bulbasaur, vine whip! Bulbasaur dodges Nidoking’s attack, then connects with his vine whip. Cassie: Bulbasaur, tackle! Bulbasaur charges at Nidoking. Gary: Nidoking, use tackle also! Knock it to the ground! Nidoking overpowers Bulbasaur and sends him flying. Cassie: Bulbasaur! Razor leaf! Bulbasaur lands and performs the razor leaf attack. Nidoking is cut badly, but not yet out of the battle. Gary: Nidoking, double kick! Cassie: Bulbasaur, look out! Bulbasaur just barely dodges Nidoking, but is starting to show signs of fatigue. Cassie: Bulbasaur, leech seed! Gary: Nidoking, get out of the way! Bulbasaur fires the leech seed and misses Nidoking completely. This allows Nidoking another shot at the double kick. Gary: Nidoking, double kick again! Nidoking manages to get a piece of Bulbasaur this time, but he too is showing signs of fatigue. Cassie: Bulbasaur, solar beam! Gary: Nidoking! Now! Nidoking’s double kick connects head on... with Bulbasaur’s head. The energy that had already started to gather for the solar beam had disintegrated back into the air. Cassie: Bulbasaur! Gary: Time to wrap this up! Nidoking, thrash! Ash: Thrash? Ash pulls out his Pokédex, and gets this reply: Pokédex: Thrash, Nidoking’s strongest attack. It can totally waste an opponent’s Pokémon if caught off guard. Gary: Let’s go Nidoking! Cassie: Bulbasaur, get up! Bulbasaur gets up, but not quick enough to avoid Nidoking’s attack. In a matter of moments, Cassie’s Bulbasaur is on the ground, out cold. Gary: Hah! I knew it was a fluke that you made it that far! Cassie: A fluke? Look Gary, I’m four months older than you, which means I have four months more experience and training with my Pokémon than you do! I earned my place fair and square! Gary: Well, I just proved that you earned it by cheating! Cassie: I do not cheat! Gary: Yes you do! Cassie: No I don’t! Ash: Will you two stop it! Gary and Cassie: (simultaneously) Stay out of this, Ash! Ash: Oh, not this time. Pikachu, thunder shock! Pikachu: Pikachu! Pikachu shocks both Gary and Cassie, and the two fall to the ground, singed, but now totally calm. Cassie: Rematch in three months, deal? Gary: Deal. But don’t bother showing up if you can’t fight to win. Duplica: Will you two quit it already! Ash: So, where are you going from here? Duplica: Probably back to the Imite House to work out some new routines for the holiday season. (sighs) People of our talent never get a break, right, Ditto? Ditto: (nods in agreement) Ditto! Jeanette: And you, AJ? AJ: Me, heading home to see my parents. I can show them how much I’ve learned on my Pokémon journey. Ash: Well, good luck. Cassie: So Duplica, have you decided? Duplica: Yes, Cassie. Although your offer is tempting, I can’t imagine myself living the life of a traveling soul. Cassie: Well, then I and the rest of the team respect your decision. Good luck, Duplica! The two shake hands and give each other a goodbye hug before Cassie is tapped on the shoulder by Patti. Patti: Cassie, can I have a word with you real quick? Cassie: Sure, Patti. Patti pulls Cassie to the side and hands her a black camera. Cassie: No, Patti! You can’t mean... Patti: Unfortunately, yes. We have to brainwash them all. Cassie: But why? Patti: Well, we wouldn’t have to if you would’ve told them who you were working for. Cassie: Patti. Patti: Yes? Cassie: (handing her the camera) I can’t do it... Patti: What? Cassie: Not without me in it. Patti: Cassie? Cassie: Trust me, wouldn’t it be better if I didn’t know anything about it either? Patti: I suppose. Cassie: Good, then let’s get this over with. The two return, and Patti pulls out the camera. Cassie: Hey guys, how about one picture so I can remember you all! Everyone gathers for one giant picture: Ash, Pikachu, Mrs. Ketchum, Professor Oak, Gary, Jeanette, Nurse Joy, AJ, Sandslash, Duplica, Ditto, and TJ. Cassie: You know what to do, Patti. Patti nods and prepares to press the flash button. Cassie: One more thing, Patti. Patti: Yes? Cassie: Whatever happens from this day forth, don’t remind me of any of the events from the past month, no matter what! Patti: I understand. Ash: Come on, what’s taking you so long, Cassie? Cassie: Coming! Cassie takes a seat next to TJ, as Patti prepares to snap the picture. Patti: All right everyone, ready? One, two, three! The camera flashes, and everything goes white. A few minutes later, Patti can be seen walking down the path, helping Cassie along. The other three team members lead the way, back to wherever they came from. On the plane back to Viridian City, Mrs. Ketchum and Professor Oak take a seat in the coach section, Ash, Pikachu, TJ, and Gary take a middle aisle three seater. But there was no arguing between the two rivals from Pallet. Just peaceful slumber. Except for Ash, who sat in his chair, wondering only one thing. Ash: (in thought) How did I get this Pokémon League membership badge already? I could have sworn that I was on my way to the Indigo Plateau with TJ. So how do I already have this badge and an eleventh place certificate? The plane flies peacefully through the sky, as the passengers relax. Narrator: It’s been a long journey through the Pokémon League, and although Ash and the others won’t ever remember the experience, it was sure fun while it lasted. Ash is now in the Pokémon League, but someday he will be drawn back to this experience when, and if he meets up with Cassie again, he’ll then remember the truth behind the Pokémon Trainers’ Association. The End So what lies next in Ash’s journey? Is it a straight path to the Pokémon League? Will he get back together with Misty and Brock? Are there any new friends or foes on the road ahead? Keep your eyes peeled, who knows what’s next. Comments and suggestions can be sent to jgg121@yahoo.com. Copyright Date: 12/16/99, Revised: 7/31/01 Revisions from the Original Release Include: - More small grammar revisions. In the next episode... the search for Zapdos, the third and final legendary bird, leads Jessie, James, and Meowth to Celadon City. There, they find Misty challenging Erika to a gym battle. Wait! I thought Misty was done with all of that? Don’t miss Episode 15, “The Evolution.” Who will evolve to the next level?