Adventures Series, Episode 24 (Version 1.1), "Ditto for Zapdos" ** Once again, remember that this contest is already over and no new entries will be accepted. ** Which of these scenes had the real cut part? (1) Duplica's sort-of romantic moment with Biff in the Cerulean City Poké-Mart. (2) Professor Fir's joke about "The Price is Right" to Misty. (3) Erika capturing Exeggcute before meeting Misty in Celadon City. (4) Cassidy and Butch plant the bomb that destroys Misty's new bike. Pick out the right part and you could be only one of five winners who will receive an advanced copy of "Uncut" and "Bloopers," two Season One specials that salute the great adventures of Ash, Misty, and the rest of the gang... and all of the never-before seen and funny ones as well. It's the "Misty Files" contest! First, read the original scenes and the supposedly added cut scenes in "The Misty Files," part of "Three Short Stories: Master Ball Edition." Then send in your entry to me! The first five with the correct answer win! What if you're totally stumped about the correct answer? Well, you're in luck, because over the course of this month, four clues will be revealed to help narrow down your choices. The first one is in this very chapter. Remember, the contest ends when five correct entries are received, or when the deadline (February 29th, 2000, 3:00 p.m. eastern standard time) passes, whichever comes first. Good luck to all! Now, on with the adventures of Misty Waterflower and company! Disclaimer: Scott was created by Globie. Everyone else were created by... well, you know... those guys. ************************************************************************ Monday, March 14, Cerulean City Pokémon Gym, Trainers' Lounge Narrator: Two days after the wedding, Misty and the gang are getting ready to hit the road once again... Scott: It looks like today's the day we head off for Cinnabar Island, gang. Todd: You must be happy that your brothers allowed you to come along with us, Mikey. Mikey: Yeah. They said I could use some field experience, and they knew they could trust Misty to take care of me. Violet: That is, if you guys can get her away from the battlefield. She must feel happy competing in gym battles again. Out by the pool, a group of three ten year old boys are in the middle of a Cascade Badge battle with Misty. Two of them have already lost, but the third was holding his ground. Boy: Bulbasaur, razor leaf attack! Misty: Horsea, dive under the water! Horsea dives, as the razor leaves go flying by. The boy and Bulbasaur look all over the pool to try and find Horsea. Boy: Hey, no fair hiding! Bulbasaur: Saur. Misty: Okay, but you asked for it. Horsea, bubblebeam! The bubblebeam catches Bulbasaur off guard, knocking it out. The boy, dejected, recalls his Bulbasaur and steps down from the platform. Boy: Man, she's good! That's the third time today she's beaten me! Misty: You've got a good Paras - Bulbasaur team there. Just keep training and I'm sure you'll earn that Cascade Badge! The trio leaves without making a single comment. Daisy and Lily, who were sitting in the stands, come down to congratulate Misty. Daisy: Wow, Misty, that's like, eight victories today! Lily: And it's not even eleven o'clock yet. Misty: Thanks. It looks like all of my training is finally paying off. (sighs) It's too bad I have to go back on the road for those last two badges. Daisy: Don't worry, Misty. We'll be able to handle the gym. Scott: Ready to go, Misty? Misty: In a minute, Scott. I've just got to decide which six Pokémon to take to Cinnabar Island. Violet comes out with a small carrying case. She opens up all ten of Misty's Pokéballs. Golduck, Vaporeon, Scyther, and Jigglypuff stood on the ground, while Poliwrath, Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen, Horsea, and Tentacool took their places in the water. Togepi comes walking in behind Violet, who picks the egg Pokémon up and hands it to Misty. Misty: Let's see, I'll take Poliwrath, Tentacool, Vaporeon, Scyther... Golduck: (jumping up in Misty's face) Duck! Misty: Okay, Golduck, I'll take you! Golduck: Golduck! Misty: And... She held up Togepi, but also looked at her other five Pokémon. Before she could decide, though, Daisy took Togepi from her arms and put Jigglypuff in its place. Misty: What? Jigglypuff? Jigglypuff: Jiggly! Daisy: Oh, please take Jigglypuff! Violet: Like, the thing has been driving us crazy for days! Lily: Please, Misty! We'll take good care of Togepi, we promise! Misty: (sighs) I guess there's no point in arguing with you three. The three sisters begin to celebrate, with screams of "We've gotten rid of Jigglypuff, we've gotten rid of Jigglypuff!" Todd, Scott, and Mikey facefault, and Misty just stands there, with an embarrassed look on her face, and a Jigglypuff in her arms. ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Season 1 [Episode 24] "Misty's Travels to the Pokémon League" Chapter Ten: "Ditto for Zapdos" Story written by Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ A little later, a small gathering takes place outside the gym. Most of the group from the wedding had already left. Professor Oak and Mrs. Ketchum had already left for their honeymoon on the Seafoam Islands, and Mikey's brothers had gone back to Stone Town. Brock was showing Todd the camera he bought in Seaside City... Brock: See, I'm going to use this to take a picture of every beautiful girl I see. Todd: Still on the chase, eh Brock? Scott and Sally were exchanging training tips... Sally: You know, I heard that Vileplume tend to thrive when they're out at night. Scott: I should try that. In the meantime, that Gyarados of yours can be a real advantage in battle, if you can get control of that thing. Sally: Thanks. I try to gain more of its trust by letting it out every time we get near a giant body of water. Daisy, Lily, and Violet watched as Togepi played a game of patty cake with Pikachu and Mikey... Mikey: Patty cake, patty cake, baker's man. Pikachu: Pika pi chu pi ka ka pikachu. Togepi: Toge toge-prrrriiiii! And Ash and Misty, they were talking about their adventures... Ash: So you mean that these three new members of Team Rocket destroyed your new bike? Misty: Yeah. They're such an annoyance. If I ever see them again, it'll be too soon. Ash: I'd like to get my hands on them! Misty: Well, at least it's safe to say that Team Rocket actually has some members that don't share one lone brain. Ash: (laughs) That's funny. Imagine Team Rocket having brains. Misty: So how about you, Ash? How have things been at the islands? Ash: Very tough. At least I can say that I'm surviving the League so far. Misty: Really? And without help from Brock or Sally? Ash: Well, maybe just a little... Misty: (sarcastically) You'll never learn, will you? Ash: Of course I will! Misty: Ash, I was just kidding. I think you're doing a fine job... Ash: Ditto for you, Misty... Ash and Misty's faces edge closer to each other. Just as their lips are about to meet, Brock and Daisy interrupt them. Brock: (to Ash) Getting a little close, aren't you? Daisy: (to Misty) I thought you didn't like him. Ash and Misty: (simultaneously) Us together? Not in a million years! Daisy: Misty! Todd! Mikey! Scott! Let's go or you'll miss your flight! With that, the group says their final good-byes, as the quartet steps into Daisy's brand new white car, and drives off towards Cerulean International Airport. [1] Once the group arrives at the airport, though, a problem arises at the ticket desk... Daisy: What? What do you mean my credit card was rejected? Ticket Lady: Well, according to your credit company, you haven't paid your bills in three months. Daisy: That's a lie! The gym has raised more than enough money to satisfy those money-grubbing pigs! Ticket Lady: Even if it is, I can't do anything about it. You'll have to fork over the money for the plane to Cinnabar Island. Daisy: (sighs, then takes out her wallet) Okay, how much? Ticket Lady: Well, who's flying? Daisy: One adult and three kids. Misty: Hey! I'm thirteen for crying out loud! That qualifies me as a teenager! Daisy: Misty, the kids' rate applies to all passengers fourteen and under. Now sit down! Ticket Lady: That'll be $550 for the adult and $380 for each child, which comes to $1690. Daisy: $1690! Those prices were much cheaper when I paid for the original tickets! Ticket Lady: Well, what do you expect? It's spring break, and there are college students flying all over the place, especially to the islands! Daisy: (turns to the group) Looks like you guys are walking to Cinnabar. Mikey: All the way from here? Misty: You mean I have to spend another five months traveling on a road that I've already traveled? Todd: You said 'travel' twice, Misty. Misty: So? I don't care if I said it twice! I can say it as many times as I want! Scott comes from the restroom, and notices the argument. Scott: What's wrong, Daisy? Daisy: Somehow, my credit card bounced, even though it wasn't supposed to, and I don't have enough money to get you guys all the way to Cinnabar. Scott: Can we get to Fuchsia? Daisy: (turns to the Ticket Lady) Yes, how much would it cost to get to Fuchsia? Ticket Lady: That would bring it down to an even $1400. Daisy: Well, I've only got $1250. Scott: No problem, Daisy. I've got some extra money to pay the bill. Daisy: You don't have to, Scott. Scott: Daisy, I insist. I have to get to Cinnabar before the end of April! There's no way I'll make it if we fly to Celadon. Besides, this money is going towards my ticket, since mine's the most expensive. Daisy: Can't argue with logic like that. Scott hands Daisy $150, and she hands all the money to the ticket lady. After Daisy says her good-byes, and watches the plane take off with our heroes, she goes to find out why her credit card really bounced... Narrator: Finally! We can actually get on with the story! Thursday, March 17, Just Outside the Entrance Gates to the Safari Zone Narrator: Three days removed from a hectic trip from Cerulean City to Fuchsia City, our four heroes finally arrive at the Safari Zone, the world's number one controlled Pokémon capture park. Todd: I've always wanted to come here. There are so many Pokémon I can take pictures of, and in many different poses. Misty: I'm hoping to catch another Pokémon. You can never have to many, especially since I still have to go through Cinnabar Island and Viridian City. Scott: Don't worry, Misty. You've got a fine team. You'll do well. Misty: Thanks, Scott. Scott: (thinking) Misty's such a nice girl. It's too bad she's already taken... The group finally makes it to the entrance, only to find more problems. Safari Ranger: It's $30 a person for a two-hour hunt. You'll get thirty Safari Balls, especially designed to capture Safari Zone Pokémon. Unfortunately, you cannot use your regular Pokémon here. Scott: We can't? Safari Ranger: No. All you are allowed to use are these. He pulls out two thermos-like containers, one marked "bait" and the other marked "rocks." Safari Ranger: You'll use these to distract the Pokémon and then you'll throw the Safari Balls to capture them. Understand? Scott: Actually, I've got a question. How much for the bait and rocks? Safari Ranger: They're free. Misty: Free? All right! Safari Ranger: That is, if you can capture at least one Pokémon. If you do, we'll give you back the money at the end of your excursion. Todd: I knew there was a catch. After Misty and Scott paid their fees, they started to walk inside when the guard stopped them. Guard: Wait! Misty: What now? Guard: Only those trainers who've bought the Safari Zone gear can go pass this point. There are very dangerous Pokémon out there who could hurt you if you're not prepared. Todd: But I want to take pictures! Mikey: And I want to see if I can find a playmate for my Eevee. Guard: Sorry, but those are the rules. But if you want pictures, the Pokémon Safari Zone Zoo is off to your right. There'll be plenty to take there. Todd: (who had already run off) Wow, a Tauros! A Chansey! That Voltorb looks highly charged! Misty: Mikey, you'd better watch Todd before he ends up trying for a close-up in one of the Pokémon's pens. Mikey: Okay, Misty. Mikey catches up and joins Todd on his journey. Meanwhile, Misty and Scott begin their own journey... in the Safari Zone. Misty: You know, the last time I was here, Ash caught a bunch of Tauros. Scott: Really? I heard that a Dratini lives here. Misty: Yeah, it's the only one in living captivity. Scott: Well, not the only one. Misty: You mean you have a Dratini? Scott: Actually, I have a Dragonite, which is Dratini's final evolution. It's one of my most powerful Pokémon. Misty: Wow! You own a real life Dragonite? How can you control a Pokémon that big? Scott: (pulling a small badge out) With this. The badge was made up of two mountains, split down the middle with a small river. Misty: What's that? Scott: It's a Cascade Badge. Misty: A Cascade Badge? No, Scott, me and my sisters have the only gym that gives out Cascade Badges. Misty pulls out her Cascade Badge, which as you all know, looks like a droplet of water. Misty: How can you have a Cascade Badge when you're from America? Scott: Back in the United States, we have gyms just like you do here. And trainers who run them each have a badge, just like you do here. And if you beat them, you get a badge... Misty: Yeah, I know, just like you do here. Scott: Wait a second, Misty. Scott called back Dragonite, and then stood quietly. Misty was about to speak, when Scott shushed her. Scott: Quiet, Misty. I think I hear a Pokémon over in the grass. Scott pulls out a pair of roller blades, slips them on, and then moves fast towards the noise. Getting close, Scott dives, and connects with whatever was hiding. Misty starts to run over as she hears not one, but two human bodies hit the ground. Finally reaching the spot of the collision, she stares in shock at the person now lying next to Scott. Misty: Duplica? Duplica: (as she falls into unconsciousness) Misty? Misty: Duplica! ************************************************************************ "The Misty Files" Contest, Clue # 1 - One of the characters in the true scene has made at least one trip to the Indigo Plateau. ************************************************************************ Duplica opens her eyes and sees Misty holding up a cup full of water to her mouth. Scott is standing to Misty's right side. Duplica suddenly jumps up and screams, not knowing that some of the water was already in her mouth. The water from her mouth and the cup goes flying at Misty's face. Misty: (wiping the water off of her face) Well, at least I know that you're okay. Duplica: Gee, how long was I out? Misty: About a minute or so. That's all. What happened, anyway? Duplica: All I know is that I was looking for Ditto when he (points to Scott) tackles me to the ground! Scott: Sorry about that. I thought you were a Pokémon. Duplica: (getting up and placing her hands on her hips) Do I look like a Pokémon to you? Misty: Calm down, Duplica. Scott didn't mean to do it on purpose. Duplica: The way he hit me, it felt like he did mean it. Just look at how big he is. Misty: I guess I'd better get to introductions. Duplica, meet Scott McGwire. He's from the United States. Duplica: An American, huh? I've heard a lot about Americans. Are you a Pokémon trainer too? Scott: Yes, I'm a trainer, a gym leader, and a football player. Duplica: Oh, you play football too? Scott: Yes, I mean, no, not that football, American football. Misty: (to Duplica) I'll explain later. (to Scott) Scott, meet Duplica Imite, famous Pokémon impersonator. Duplica: (dressed up as Misty, begins to yell) Ash, you've gotten us lost again... and I like it! Misty: She impersonates humans too... hey! Duplica: (back in her regular clothes) Sorry, Misty, I couldn't help it. I think it's so cute when you and Ashy-boy are together. Misty: Duplica, Ash and I are not an item! Duplica: Then you won't mind me taking him from you. Misty: Duplica! Scott: Ladies, ladies, why do you have to fight over one guy? Anyway, maybe we should be looking for your Ditto, Duplica. Duplica: Good idea. The trio walks deeper into the Safari Zone in search of Duplica's Ditto. In the skies above the third area, the famous Meowth balloon of Team Rocket flies overhead. In the basket, James and Persian watch as Jessie points a weird looking energy reader downward. Jessie: The device that the boss gave us is working a like a charm! James: It won't be long until we've captured that Zapdos! Persian: Then the boss will realize that I am the top cat! Jessie and James: (simultaneously) We know, Persian. We know. The two humans turn their attention towards a small section of trees, while Persian sighs and looks out over the other side. Persian: (deep in thought) I miss being a Meowth. At least in that body, I'm able to move around more freely. Now, I'm just a Pokémon that would rather be spending its life being groomed rather than battling. How am I supposed to strike fear into my opponents now? Jessie: I think I see Zapdos! Get the Master Ball ready. James: Got it. And Hitmonchan is ready to battle as well. Jessie: You'd better get Gyarados and Aerodactyl out also. You never know who might be down there trying to capture Zapdos for themselves. Back at ground level, our heroes spot a Tauros eating. Scott: Watch out, ladies, this one's mine. Duplica: If you say so. Misty: Go ahead. I don't want a Tauros anyway. Scott: Safari ball, go! He throws it straight at Tauros, but the Safari ball is intercepted by a fast moving bird. Scott: What was that? Misty: I'm not sure. Suddenly, Ditto falls from a tree, and right onto Duplica's head. Duplica: So there you are! Ditto: Ditto! Duplica: You know you had me worried. Scott: Hey, I just thought of something. How can your Ditto be in here if the guards don't allow trainers to bring in their own Pokémon? Misty: Yeah, Duplica, how did you get Ditto in? Duplica: Easy. Ditto, transform into a hairpiece! Ditto changes into a pink bow and plants itself at the top of Duplica's head. Duplica: Ta-da! Ditto can change into just about anything now! Misty: That's amazing! Duplica: I think we're ready to officially hit the road, after we get past our summer shows back at the Imite House. Misty: Of course. Say, that reminds me. How did things go at the Indigo Plateau? Duplica: To tell you the truth, Misty, I really don't remember much about the Novice Tournament. Misty: That's weird. It only happened a few months ago, and you already forgot about it? Duplica: I guess. Scott: Misty, Duplica, something's coming our way. Misty and Duplica stop conversing and walk to Scott's side. Duplica: I don't hear anything. Scott: Just listen to the wind. Misty: (rolling her eyes) You know, your behavior is starting to bug me. Scott: Really? In what way? The trio then hears a series of explosions, each one in succession getting closer and closer to their position. Misty: What's going on? Scott: I'm not sure, but it's something really big. Duplica: (points ahead) Whatever it is, it looks like it's coming this way! Sure enough, a large cloud of dust was coming their way... and fast! Noticing the alarming speed that it was approaching them, Scott follows his gut reactions and tackles Misty, Duplica, and Ditto out of harm's way just in the nick of time. The figure flies by, leaving behind a combined trail of wind and electrical attacks. Scott: Whew! That was a close one. Duplica: Scott, we wouldn't know. Scott: And why is that? Misty and Duplica: (screaming at the top of their lungs) Because we feel like our backs are about to break! Get off of us! Ditto: (in the same tone) Ditto, ditto! Scott gets up, then helps up the girls, who dust themselves off. Duplica: That's twice you've tackled me today, Scott! I'm beginning to think you've got something against me! Scott: Why would I have something against you? I just met you! Duplica: Exactly! Misty: Stop arguing, you two! We've got to find out what that thing was before someone tries to capture it! Jessie's Voice: It's too late for that! James' Voice: We already claiming that Pokémon for ourselves! Misty: Jessie! James! What are you two doing here? Trying to make my life miserable, as usual? Jessie: Well, in a way, yes! James: Prepare for trouble! Jessie: (smacks James) That's my line! (she then clears her throat) Prepare for trouble! James: (rubbing his head) Ouch! I mean, make it double! Jessie: To protect the world from the devastation! James: To unite all peoples within our nation! Jessie: To denounce the evils of truth and love! James: To extend our wrath to the stars above! Jessie: Jessie! James: James! Jessie: Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light! James: Surrender now or prepare to fight! Jessie and James jump out of the balloon, which for safety reasons was only a few feet above the ground, and land on their feet. Persian follows them and lands in front of the duo. Persian: Perrrrrsian! Shoot, that doesn't sound right! I'll never get used to this! Duplica: Meowth's a Persian now? Misty: Yep. Long story. I'll talk about it later. Right now we've got to stop Team Rocket! She motions to throw a Pokéball, and Scott does the same. Misty: (thinks she's throwing a Pokéball) Misty calls Poliwrath! Scott: (ditto for him) Vileplume, go! They stop in mid-motion, realizing their mistake. Misty: (sweatdrops) That's right, our Pokémon are back at the gate. Scott: (laughs) I totally forgot about that! Jessie: Well, if you two are done making fools of yourselves... Arbok, go! James: Weezing, go! Misty: How are we going to defend ourselves? Duplica: How about we don't and just make a run for it? Scott: Good idea. Duplica picks up Ditto. Scott then picks up both Misty and Duplica, cradling them under each of his arms, and then tries to use his roller blades to make a fast getaway. Scott: Hang on, girls! James: You're not getting away that easily! Weezing, smog attack! Weezing: Wheeeeezzzzing! The smog quickly blinds Scott, and he doesn't notice a loose tree root sticking out in the middle of the path. Consequently, he trips, and sends his passengers flying to the ground hard. Jessie: (laughs in her usual manner) Arbok, wrap up the one with the roller blades! Arbok: Charrrrr-bok! Arbok wraps around Scott and tries to squeeze the life out of him. Scott is simultaneously trying to force his way out. Unfortunately, their forces are equal, and neither one has an advantage... in other words, Arbok's grip around Scott was just barely enough to keep him still. Meanwhile, Misty and Duplica slowly begin to get up. Misty: Scott! Duplica: Why are you guys bothering us, anyway? There's only one Pokémon between us! James: We're not taking any chances. As long as you guys are here, you're still considered a threat to our hunt! Misty: Hunt? For what? Jessie: For the three legendary Pokémon birds, of course! Duplica: (in thought) Moltres? Misty: (imagining Articuno's presence) Articuno? Scott: (thinking about it as well) Zapdos? Persian: (claws at Jessie's face) Go ahead and spoil our surprise, why don't ya? Jessie: (knocks Persian away) Why don't you just act like a good kitty and go groom yourself! Misty: You'll never get your hands on those birds, Team Rocket! James: (pulling out the other two Master Balls) On the contrary, we've already captured Articuno and Moltres! Jessie: All that's left is Zapdos, the legendary bird of thunder and electricity! Persian: And once we've got that one, Team Rocket will take over the world! Duplica: You'll never get your hands on all three, you goons! Jessie: How dare you call us goons! James: We're refined robbers. Persian: Stop refining and start returning to the task at hand... to get rid of these guys! Suddenly, the wind begins to pick up again. The sky also begins to fill with electricity. Duplica: Looks like a storm's moving in. Misty: Duplica, that's no storm. It's Zapdos! Zapdos appears high in the sky, and swoops towards the group. It pulls up before it gets close to the ground, but the wind left behind from its presence really increased the hot air flying near our heroes and villains. James: This is our chance, Jessie! Jessie: Right! Prepare the Master Ball for launch! Persian: Master Ball ready! Persian pulls a switch, and the Master Ball goes flying into the air, careening towards Zapdos. Misty: Oh no! They're going to capture Zapdos, and there's nothing we can do about it. Duplica: (holding a pink ball of energy) Actually, this should be a piece of cake! Duplica throws the ball towards the Master Ball's trajectory. The Master Ball, Duplica's pink energy ball, and Zapdos converged in the sky, lighting it up for miles around. Everyone shields his or her eyes from the blinding light. After a while, the light finally fades, and only one object is now in the sky... the Master Ball! Jessie: Could it be? James: We actually did it! Persian: We've captured all three legendary birds! The Master Ball falls from the sky and hits the ground. James walks over and picks it up. The Rockets begin to dance around in glee. Jessie, James, and Persian: (simultaneously) We've won! We've won! We're the champions of the great Team Rocket! Misty: (slowly) Could it be? Team Rocket actually succeeded for once? Persian: Now that we're champions, I feel like doing something totally evil! Jessie: Agreed. Let's try out our newest Pokémon! James: And we'll use those two brats over there as target practice! Misty and Duplica take a step back, preparing to run for their own lives. James: Zapdos, destroy them all, starting with the girl who's the brat's girlfriend! Misty: Ash is not a brat, and I'm not his girlfriend! Duplica: (eyes brightening up) Really? Misty: Duplica, shut up. James: (throwing the Master Ball) Let's go Zapdos! Zapdos comes out, and Misty and Duplica begin to clutch each other in fear. James: (with an evil grin) Zapdos, thunder attack! Zapdos' attack hits head on, electrocuting both Misty and Duplica, who are screaming their lungs out, and sending them both to the ground, fried to a crisp! Jessie: (laughs) Great job! Now finish the other one off! James: Wait, Jessie! Zapdos is glowing... Persian: Is it evolving? Jessie: How can it be evolving? Zapdos doesn't have an evolutionary form! Yes, Zapdos did seem to be evolving... but its form was getting smaller, and smaller, and smaller... until it changed into a familiar small pink blob. James: No way! I didn't know Zapdos evolves into a Ditto. Jessie: James, you idiot, it was a trick! Persian: That's not the only trick those two pulled. Look! The lifeless forms of Misty and Duplica were changing into Ditto as well. Jessie: What's going on here? Duplica: (stepping out from behind a tree) Team Rocket, you've just fallen victim to my Triple Trouble Transformation Attack! Misty: (on the other side of the path) Now you're the ones who are in trouble! The three Ditto then turn toward Arbok, each transform into an Arbok themselves, then they team-up to bite the real Arbok. Jessie's Arbok unwraps itself from Scott, then slithers back to Jessie. James: Alright you twerps, where's the real Zapdos? Misty: Far away and out of your reach! Jessie: Well, we can always catch it later. But we can use the other two birds to kill you guys off! Duplica: Not if I beat you to the punch! Ditto Squad, transform into Electrode! The three Ditto change into three Electrode. They then self-destruct and send Team Rocket on a familiar path... Jessie: We were so close to the prize! Persian: Tricked by that Ditto girl again! James: Next time we meet, there will be no survivors! Jessie: But until then... Jessie, James, and Persian: (simultaneously) Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again! A little bit later, outside the Safari Zone... Scott: That was a nice trick you two pulled off. I really thought that you two were goners! Misty: Thanks, Scott, but I think all the credit goes to Duplica. She thought of the idea. Duplica: Oh, shucks, it's just an ingenious trick that me and the Ditto Squad were practicing for our act. Misty: Well, at least I know who's been watching me over the past few months. I'm sure your show will be a success with tricks like that. Duplica and her Ditto Squad wave good-bye, as Misty and Scott head towards Route 19 and Cinnabar Island. Narrator: With some help from Duplica, Misty and Scott temporarily put Team Rocket's plan to capture the legendary birds on hold. But for now, the duo continues on their journey to Cinnabar Island. Misty: You know what, Scott. Scott: What, Misty? Misty: I have this nagging feeling that we're leaving someone behind. Scott: More like two someones... uh oh! Misty: Uh oh is right! Back at the Safari Zone... Mikey: Misty! Scott! Todd: Where are you guys? Are you still hunting? Did you guys catch any Pokémon? Are you guys even still here? Mikey: You don't think they left us behind? Todd: No way, Mikey. They'd never be like that... right? Right? To be continued... Author's Note: [1] Ash and company continue their journey in Chapter 4 of "Dreams Do Come True" from this point on. For those of you following Misty and her party, the story continues for the rest of this chapter. Copyright Date: 2/9/00, Revised: 12/19/01, courtesy of Matt Lenz Revisions from the Original Release Include: - Oh, you know. The usual grammar correction or two. Did I used to suck at this or what? - I don't remember if I added an explanation to all of Misty's recent rescues in an upcoming episode, so Misty identifies Duplica as the benefactor in this chapter. She didn't in the original version. Next episode... back in Cerulean, Ash, Gary, Brock, and Sally depart for Clipper Island after both Ash and Gary are asked to compete in a mini-Pokémon tournament involving the most recent Pokémon League inductees. But when it ends up a plot by Team Rocket Black to get all of their Pokémon and destroy them, who will be standing when the dust settles? We're "Climbing the Ranks," in Episode 25!