Adventures Series, Episode 25 (Version 1.1), "Climbing the Ranks" ** Once again, remember that this contest is already over and no new entries will be accepted. ** As you all remember, Gary and Cassie became involved in a giant battle? Who won? That's for you to decide. Read "Is a Pokémon Battle Worth My Time?," part of "Three Short Stories: Master Ball Edition." Then decide how you think the battle should end. In fact, write how it should end! The best entries will be placed in "Bloopers," due out at the end of March 2000. If you want to get in on the fun, though, your entry must be in by 3:00 p.m. eastern time on February 29th, 2000! Plus: 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 on 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 entries! 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 "Misty's Travels to the Pokémon League," Chapter 10. The second one is right here in this 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! Entries to either event can be sent directly to my e-mail address, listed at the end of the fanfic. Now, it's time to continue on with this series, "Dreams Do Come True." Disclaimer: Don't recognize somebody? Then that character's probably mine. ************************************************************************ March 14th, Cerulean City Pokémon Gym Daisy has just left with Misty, Todd, Mikey, and Scott, on their way to the airport. Ash, Brock, Sally, Lily, Violet, Pikachu, and Togepi head inside to wait for Gary to show up. Ash: What's taking Gary so long? He knows I'd like to get back to islands to compete in more Pokémon League matches. Brock: Really, how long does it take to get his Pokémon healed and buy some Pokéballs? Gary: (barging in) Sorry it took me so long, guys. Those stupid people at the Poké-Mart don't know what they're doing! Sally: Forget it. Let's just get going. Violet: Let me get the car, guys. Gary: Hey! I just got this on my Poké-Com answering machine. It says that all eight remaining trainers that advanced from last November's Novice Tournament are to report to Parakeet Stadium at Garland State University on Clipper Island for a special tournament. Ash: Really? Oh boy! It'll be great to see whom I fought at the tournament, so I'll remember whom I battled. Gary: Yeah. I'm anxious myself to find out who I actually battled with. Sally: Garland State University? I've always wanted to go there! Brock: Why? Sally: Because that's where I'm planning to go to college when I graduate from high school. A tour of the university now will give a great chance to see what to expect. Lily: Wow, only thirteen and you're already thinking about college? Sally: Better now than later. Brock: It's settled then. We're going to Clipper Island! ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Season 1 [Episode 25] "Dreams Do Come True" Chapter Four: "Climbing the Ranks" Story written by Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ Saturday, March 19, Parakeet Stadium at Garland State University, Clipper Island Sally: So this is where the famous football team, the Garland State Parakeets play. Ash: Who cares? I'm here for a Pokémon battle! Gary: Me too! I'll prove I'm the best one here! Ash: You? What makes you think you're the best? Gary: I don't think so, I know so, and I'll prove it with a battle! Come on! Cassie's Voice: Gary Oak! When will you learn to stop following me around? The foursome turns to see Cassie Banks standing behind them, a brown purse strapped over her right shoulder, and in a plain red and white dress. Brock, as usual, goes into his girl-crazy mode. Brock: Hi! I'm Brock! And you are? Cassie: (pushing Brock to the floor with her left hand) I'm Cassie Banks. And I'm here for the tournament! Gary: You are too? Oh great, now I'll have to take down both of my rivals at the same time. Ash: Both? You mean she's a rival of yours too? Cassie: Gary was my very first opponent... and the contributor of my first win! Gary: You only won because you got lucky. Cassie: Actually, I've beaten you twice already. And beating you here will be no different. Gary: We'll just see about that. Ash: (tapping Cassie on the shoulder) Excuse me, but I think I've seen you somewhere before. Cassie: (looking deep into Ash's eyes) That's weird, I feel the same way. Pikachu: (rubbing its head against Cassie's leg) Pika pi! Cassie: What is your Pikachu doing clinging to my leg? Ash: Pikachu, get off of her! Pikachu: (gets off, then puts its paws over its head) Cha! Sally: (walks over to Cassie) If you're here for the tournament, then you must be very talented. Cassie: Of course. And you are? Sally: Sally Highsaw, second year League member, novice class. Cassie: Novice class? Don't tell me you're here to compete too. Sally: No, just to watch I'm afraid. But I wouldn't mind battling with some of the rookie level trainers to see how tough they are. Ash: Hey, the other trainers have arrived! Ricky Langley, John Ramsey, Jeanette Fisher, and AJ Kamensky walk in, and the seven trainers, plus Brock, Sally, and Pikachu, gather at mid-field. Ricky: All of you might as well give up; you'll never beat me! AJ: My Sandslash will take all of you down! John: If I still had my Moltres, I'd be able to beat you all hands down! Jeanette: My invincible Bellsprout will help me win! Ash: Pikachu's the best there is, and no one's going to stop me from winning! Pikachu: (posing with the victory sign) Pikachu! Gary: If Pikachu's your best bet, then you don't stand a chance against me, Ash! Cassie: Bulbasaur will prove triumphant over all of you! Brock: Hey, who's in charge of this tournament? Sally: And who's the eighth competitor? As if someone had heard Sally's question, two figures float into the stadium, both very familiar to many of the trainers on the ground. Ash: Not you two again! John: Team Rocket! Cassidy: (laughs) Prepare for trouble! Butch: (also laughing) And make it double! Cassidy: To infect the world with devastation! Butch: To blight all people in every nation! Cassidy: To denounce the goodness of truth and love! Butch: To extend our wrath to the stars above! Cassidy: (landing on the ground) Cassidy! Butch: (landing right beside her) Butch! Cassidy: We're Team Rocket circling Earth all day and night! Butch: Surrender to us now or you will surely lose the fight! Cassidy: That's right! Raticate: (comes out of its Pokéball) Cate! Ricky: I thought you two were in jail! Cassidy: Well, Team Rocket always tries to live above the law. Butch: Very high above the law. Cassie: What's your plan this time, you two? Cassidy: (pointing to Cassie) You! The one who beat me in the Novice Tournament! Cassie: Although I don't remember anything about it, you must be a weak trainer if you couldn't beat me! Cassidy: We'll just see about that. Because I'm the eighth competitor! Brock: What? Jeanette: That can't be! AJ: You lost in the Tournament, so there's no way you're a member first of all! Butch: We're making the rules here! He pulls out a remote control, and presses a button, as all the entrances to the stadium are locked shut. Butch: Rule number one. No one leaves the stadium until the tournament is over. Any attempt to escape will activate the self-destruct mechanism, which will blow up the stadium, and kill anyone in it. Brock: But that means you'll kill yourselves too! Butch: Well, nobody said our plan was perfect. Cassidy: Rule number two, we're using Sudden Death rules. One-on-one, no potions or strength enhancers, loser is out of the tournament. Sally: I don't see any problem with that. Butch: Rule number three is that the winner receives a special prize. He pulls out a golden Pokéball and places it on a podium for all of the trainers to see. AJ: Look at how shiny that Pokéball is! Ash: There must be a very powerful Pokémon in there! Cassidy: There is! Whoever wins the tournament gets whatever Pokémon is in the ball. All of the trainers huddled, and after a brief discussion, decide to go ahead with the tournament. AJ: Just be careful everyone. We don't want Team Rocket to pull a fast one on us. Jeanette: But how do we decide who battles who? Sally: (sighs) As much as I hate to take part in a Team Rocket controlled tournament, I've got some straws. (pulls out the straws) There are two red ones, two green ones, two yellow ones, and two blue ones. I'll put them all in a bag, and the trainers that pull out the same colored straws will face each other. Agreed? Everyone: Agreed! Sally places the straws in a plastic bag, shakes it up, and then holds it in front of the trainers. They each draw the straws, with Cassidy pushing her way up front to draw first. Cassidy: Red. AJ: Yellow. Gary: Blue. Jeanette: Green. Cassie: Red. John: Blue. Ash: Green. Ricky: That leaves me with the other yellow one. Butch: It's settled. The matches are set. Brock: Sally, we'd better get out of the way. This might get a little rough. Sally: I think you're right, Brock. The two make their way to a bench on the sidelines, as Butch draws up the brackets. Butch: Let the tournament begin! *Red Match: Cassidy Patterson vs. Cassie Banks, i.e. "The Second Round Rematch"* Cassidy: (throwing a Pokéball) Arcanine, go! Cassie: (throwing hers) Raticate, it's time to take care of business! Cassidy: Arcanine, take down! Cassie: Raticate, hyper fang! Arcanine successfully knocks down Raticate, but the rat bites back in fury. The two Pokémon began a massive struggle. Butch: Uh oh! I don't want Cassidy to lose her first match. (to Raticate) Raticate, distract the other girl's Raticate! Team Rocket's Raticate began to dance around in a feverishly funny way, but it was good enough to catch Cassie's Raticate off-guard. Cassidy used it to her advantage. Cassidy: Arcanine, flamethrower! The flames consumed Raticate. When they finally disappeared, Raticate was out. Butch: The winner is Cassidy! Cassie: Hey! No fair! You cheated! Cassidy: It's Team Rocket rules, kid. Anything goes. Cassie recalls Raticate and then madly stomps her way to the stands... but not without a remark from Gary. Gary: I thought you were good, Cassie? You can't even beat an Arcanine? How pathetic! Cassie: (pulls on Gary's shirt collar) Well, Mr. Know-it-All, I'd like to see you win a match. Gary: (pulling himself away) No problem. Just watch me. *Blue Match: Gary Oak vs. John Ramsey* John: (throwing his Pokéball) Magnemite, go! Gary: (kisses his, then throws it) Nidoking, go! John: Magnemite, sonic boom! Gary: Nidoking, double kick! Nidoking easily overpowers Magnemite, sending it to the ground. John: Magnemite, try your screech attack! Gary: Nidoking, counter with your poison sting attack! Magnemite screeches and confuses Nidoking, but not before the poison sting hits. Gary: One more hit and the poison should do the rest. (to Nidoking) Nidoking, tackle it! John: Magnemite, use the move I taught you the other day! Magnemite rams hard into Nidoking, knocking him out! Gary: No way! Impossible! John: Good job, Magnemite. That body slam move sure helped out. Butch: The winner is John! Gary recalls Nidoking and heads back to the stands. He then turns to Cassie, who's about to open her mouth to say something. Gary: Cassie, just keep your comments to yourself. I already know what you're going to say. Cassie then breaks out in complete laughter, as Gary takes a seat at the other end of the bench. *Yellow Match: AJ Kamensky vs. Ricky Langley* Butch: Ready? Begin! AJ: (throws out his Pokéball) Sandslash, go! Ricky: (throws out his) Against your Sandslash, I'll choose Poliwhirl! Poliwhirl, hydro pump! The big gush of water hits Sandslash, but has no effect. Ricky: What? AJ: Hah! If I had faced you in the semifinals, you wouldn't have stood a chance. (to Sandslash) Sandslash, fury swipes! AJ's Sandslash shows his amazing power, as he knocks out Ricky's Poliwhirl in record time. Butch: (still a bit surprised) The winner is AJ! Boy, that was fast. * Green Match: Jeanette Fisher vs. Ash Ketchum * Jeanette: May the best trainer win, Ash! Ash: Likewise, Jeanette! Jeanette: I guess I'll start. (initiate Jeanette's Pokéball throwing sequence) Go, Bellsprout! Bellsprout: Bell! Ash: Let's see, a grass type. (standard pose) Charizard, I choose you! The gigantic fire dragon appears in front of Ash, about to face his first battle in nearly four months. Ash: After all we've been through, Charizard, please win this match for me! Charizard stands there for a minute, eyes the Bellsprout, throws a quick ember attack, and fries the plant instantly. Unhappy for the very mis-matched challenge, Charizard then falls asleep. Ash: (sweatdrops) Charizard may have won, but he still won't obey me! Butch: The match goes to Ash! Cassidy: The semifinals will begin shortly, folks. Butch and Cassidy then run to a secluded area under the stands to discuss their plan. Cassidy: You know the plan, right? Butch: Yep. Raticate and I rig the matches so that you and the brat meet for the championship, then we steal his Pikachu and blow the whole stadium up! The two begin to laugh, while a very bitter Cassie watches from nearby. Cassie: So that's their scheme, is it? I'd better defuse those bombs quickly, or we're all goners! ************************************************************************ "The Misty Files" Contest, Clue # 2 - The only character from the anime in the correct scene has had only one encounter with Ash and company in the anime. ************************************************************************ *Semifinal Match # 1: Cassidy Patterson vs. John Ramsey* Butch: Let the match begin! John: (throws a Pokéball) Cubone, go! Cassidy: Oh yeah? (throws hers out) Go Machamp! John: Cubone, bonemerang! Cubone: Cu-bone! Cassidy: Machamp, karate chop! Machamp gets hit in the face by Cubone's bonemerang, but delivers a hit twice as powerful to Cubone. Cassidy: Now, finish it off with seismic toss! John: Cubone! Head butt it away! Cubone puts his head down and charges at Machamp, who grabs Cubone by the skull, then jumps high in the air, and then sends Cubone flying all the way back down and into the ground. Cubone wasn't going to walk away from that one. Butch: Cassidy wins! Cassidy: I'm just one match away from winning it all! John just recalls Cubone and walks towards the stands, when he is met by Cassie. John: Is something wrong? Cassie: Yes. I need your help defusing the bombs around the stadium. John: Defusing them? Are you crazy? Cassie: Yeah, a little. But if we don't stop them now, they'll blow up the whole place with us in it! John: Forget it, sister. A trainer as pathetic as you doesn't deserve attention! John walks away, which makes Cassie very upset. Cassie: Rats! Who else will be willing to help? Maybe Jeanette can lend a hand. *Semifinal Match #2: AJ Kamensky vs. Ash Ketchum* AJ: You gonna put up a good fight this time, Ash? Ash: You bet! AJ: I'll choose Sandslash, as usual. Sandslash takes his place in front of AJ. Ash: I'll choose my starter as well! Pikachu, go! Pikachu stares down at the previously undefeated, but very powerful Sandslash that was formerly a Sandshrew. Despite his fright of Sandshrew when Ash and AJ met for the first time, Pikachu wasn't willing to battle. Now Pikachu knew what was on the line, and the little yellow mouse stepped forward to accept the challenge. AJ: Sandslash, poison sting! Ash: Pikachu, agility, then quick attack! Pikachu dodges, then collides with Sandslash head on, but to no avail. AJ: Sandslash, slash attack now! Sandslash reaches out, and with one flick of the wrist, knocks Pikachu to the ground. Ash: Pikachu! AJ: Sandslash, blind Pikachu with your sand attack! Ash: Pikachu, watch out! Pikachu dodges out of the way in the nick of time. Ash: Pikachu, thunder bolt! Pikachu releases the thunder bolt, and as expected, Sandslash uses his tail as a ground. Pikachu then catches Sandslash by surprise, using his slam attack to knock Sandslash down. AJ: Come on Sandslash! Get up! As Sandslash struggles to get back up, Pikachu charges for another attack. Ash: Pikachu, thunder! Sandslash tried to get his tail set up to ground the electricity, but it was too late. Pikachu's thunder attack overwhelms Sandslash, knocking the ground Pokémon out. Butch: Ash wins the match! Ash: Yeah! I did it! I finally beat AJ! AJ: (shaking his head) He may not be humble, but he's sure improved from the last time we met. AJ walks over to Ash and sticks his hand out to shake with him. Ash complies and shakes with AJ. AJ: Good match, Ash. You've really improved. Ash: Tell me about it. Back in the stands... Jeanette: I don't know, Cassie. Even if what you are saying is true, I can't help because I haven't had any experience in defusing bombs. Cassie: Well, thanks anyway, Jeanette. Gary: (walking up to them) What's this I hear about defusing bombs? Cassie: Gary, it's none of your business! Jeanette: Cassie overheard the Rockets saying that they were rigging the tournament so that Ash and Cassidy would meet in the final. During the match, they'd steal Pikachu and run off, then blow up the stadium with all of us still in it. Cassie: Why'd you tell him, Jeanette? Jeanette: (nonchalantly) He asked. Gary: No lousy Rockets are going to blow me and my Pokémon up! Cassie, let's go defuse those bombs! Gary runs towards the gates to begin. Cassie sighs as she watches him. Cassie: Nice to see someone's looking out for himself. (to Jeanette) I'd better go help before he blows us all up himself. Jeanette: Good luck, Cassie! I'll make sure the Rockets don't catch on to your plan. Cassie follows Gary's path, and catches up with him at the closed door of Gate 8. Cassie: (kneeling down in front of him) Why didn't you start? Gary: Because I have no idea what to do! Cassie: Oh. You know, that's the first logical thing you've said all day, Gary. Gary: Cassie, are you going to defuse it or not? Do you even know how to? Cassie: Don't worry. I'm an expert at this. Gary: An expert? Where does a twelve-year old girl learn to defuse bombs? Cassie: (trying to make up an excuse) In school. Gary: (scratches his head) That must be some school if they allowed that. Back on the field... Butch: The championship will be between Cassidy and Ash! Cassidy: This time, we'll be the victors! Ash: Don't bet on it! Pikachu: Pikachu! Over at Gate 5... Cassie: It's easy, Gary. Just cut the red and blue wires without touching the white and green ones. Then pull out the little wire attached to that little revolving wheel. Finally, pull the spring out of the clock face. After a few seconds, Gary does so, and defuses the bomb successfully, but not without the bomb puffing some smoke back to Gary in return. Cassie: See? (smiles) That wasn't too bad, now was it? Gary: (wiping the soot of his face) I bet you're enjoying this, huh? Cassie: (attempting to hold in a giggle) I'm enjoying this a lot, Gary. Now, go the other way and defuse all of the bombs down there. I'll continue down this path. We'll meet at Gate 19. Be careful, but hurry! We don't have much time. Gary: (grumbling) Yes, boss tyrant. Cassie: I heard that! Cassie and Gary continue on their task, in their attempt to save everyone's lives. On the field, though, all of the others had no idea what the duo was doing... their eyes were focused on the match at the center of the stadium... *Championship Match: Cassidy Patterson vs. Ash Ketchum* Butch: Remember now, the winner gets this Pokémon to keep! He points to the golden Pokéball. Ash: That Pokémon's going to be mine! Cassidy: Not likely, brat! (releasing her third Pokémon) Electabuzz, go! Ash: In that case, I choose you, Pikachu! Pikachu jumps in front of Ash, ready to battle. Cassidy: (laughs) You're a fool to send that Pikachu into battle after it's fought already. Ash: Pikachu can handle two battles in one day! You just worry about yourself! Cassidy: (now angry) Since you put it that way... Electabuzz, thunder punch! Electabuzz moves fast and lands his fist right on Pikachu's face. Pikachu drops straight to the ground. Ash: No! Pikachu! Cassidy: Hah! That was too easy! Butch: Abnormally too easy. (to Cassidy) What went wrong? Cassidy: (to Ash) I told you that you should've used a fresh Pokémon. Ash: (runs over to Pikachu and picks it up in his arms) Pikachu! Say something! Pikachu lies lifeless in Ash's arms. Meanwhile, over at Gate 24, Cassie had called out one of her Pokémon to help in defusing the bombs. Cassie: (throwing out a Pokéball) Come out Meowth! Meowth: Me-owth? Cassie tells Meowth what to do. The cat then runs to the next bomb and begin to scratch away at the wires. Cassie smiled, and then resumed defusing the one she was taking care of. Cassie: (thinking) Please don't let the battle end so soon... Back on the field, Cassidy began to approach the golden Pokéball and the remote control to blow up the stadium... Cassidy: With Pikachu no longer able to battle... Butch: We win the tournament! Ash: Wait! It's not over yet! Pikachu suddenly awakens, jumps out of Ash's arms, and seems anxious as ever to continue. Ash: Pikachu! You ready this time? Pikachu: (with a determined look) Pika! Butch: Well, then, let the battle continue! Cassidy: (stepping back down and returning to her spot) I'm surprised the rat got back up. Ash: Pikachu is not a rat! Pikachu's a mouse! Raticate's a rat! Cassidy: What are you trying to do, give me a lesson in Pokémon species identification? Ash: Nope, just trying to distract you to give time for Pikachu's thunder attack! Pikachu's titanic thunder attack strikes Electabuzz down. The giant electric Pokémon quickly recovers, though. Cassidy: Is that all? Electabuzz, show Pikachu a real thunder attack! Electabuzz charges up and prepares to throw the giant bolt at Pikachu. In a bold move, Pikachu runs towards Electabuzz, in an attempt to knock him out before it's too late. Ash: Go, Pikachu! Cassidy: Electabuzz, squash that Pikachu! Pikachu reaches Electabuzz just as the giant thunder bolt rains down from the sky. Electabuzz directs it towards Pikachu, not knowing that the mouse was right underneath him. The thunder attack hits Electabuzz, sending an extra thousand volts through his already electric body. Pikachu had managed to dive out of the way, but not before getting a few hundred volts through his own body. Both Pokémon drop to the ground, fried to a crisp, and unconscious. Butch: They're... both out! Sally: (coming over from the bench) So who wins? Cassidy watches as everyone else comes down. She then notices that Cassie and Gary are missing from the group. Cassidy: Hey! Where are Cassie Banks and Gary Oak? Sally: I don't know. AJ: I thought they were watching you and Ash fight, just like the rest of us. Butch: If they're not here, then they're... Cassidy: (catching on) They'd better not be. At Gate 19, Gary and his Kingler meet up with Cassie and her Meowth... Gary: So I see you were thinking the same thing, huh? Cassie: Yep. I knew that using one of my Pokémon to help would cut the time needed to defuse the bombs in half. Gary: Well, let's get rid of this last one and be done with it. Back on the field, Butch recalls all of their Pokémon, and then takes the remote control while Cassidy reaches for Pikachu. Ash: Hey! Give back my Pikachu! Cassidy: Forget it, kid. We're taking your Pikachu and leaving you guys for scrap! Butch: (takes out two teleportation belts) Ready to go, Cassidy? Sally: What's going on? Cassidy: What does it look like? We're leaving, and you guys will be here in the stadium when it blows up! Butch: Good-bye, and farewell! Before they can do both, Ash takes a risk and dives for Cassidy's mid-section. Cassidy is knocked right into Butch, which causes all three to be knocked to the ground. Butch's finger slips, as he presses the button that will blow the stadium up. Back at Gate 19... Cassie: (to herself) Okay, defuse this last one and we're out of here. Suddenly, a beeping sound is heard from the bomb. This causes Gary, Kingler, and Meowth to panic. Gary: What's that sound? Cassie: The bomb's just been activated! Run for cover! The foursome starts to run towards the field, struggling to get out of range in time. Gary: Cassie, what'd ya do, activate the silly thing? Cassie: It wasn't me! You really think I wanna get myself killed today? Gary: I don't know. You look like you do. Cassie was about to retaliate with her own snide remark, but at that moment, the bomb exploded, sending pieces of glass and other things flying from that end of the stadium. Cassie, Gary, Kingler, and Meowth dive for cover as some of the stands start to come down on them. A huge cloud of smoke forms where the rubble has fallen. Ash and the others work their way through the mess to try and find them. Ash: Gary! Brock: Cassie! Sally: Are you guys okay? AJ, John, and Ricky manage to find Gary and dig him out. Gary: I could've gotten out myself, you know. Ricky: You should be lucky that you're alive! AJ: Ungrateful piece of... Gary: Hey! Has anyone seen Kingler? Just then, both Kingler and Meowth use their claws to escape from the rubble. Only Cassie is left to dig out. Jeanette: Cassie! Cassie! Cassie: (muffled under the rumble) Over here, Jeanette! Jeanette: Guys, I need some help here! Ash and Brock come over and help Jeanette dig Cassie out. Brock: Are you injured anywhere? Cassie: No, I'm fine. (turns to Ash) Ash, the Rockets were planning to run off with Pikachu and blow us all up! Ash: I knew there was something going on behind this! Cassidy: It looks like our scheme has been discovered, Butch! Butch: Don't worry, Cassidy! They'll never catch us! Cassidy and Butch start to make a run for it, with Cassidy holding Pikachu. Brock: Not so fast! (throws a Pokéball) Onix, bind Team Rocket! Onix comes out and does so, trapping Cassidy and Butch. Pikachu awakens and slips out of Cassidy's arms. Ash: Pikachu, thunder shock! Of course, the thunder shock doesn't affect Onix. It does, however, affect Cassidy and Butch, who are promptly electrocuted and knocked out. Pikachu goes running back to Ash. Pikachu: (jumping into Ash's arms) Pika pi! Ash: (catching Pikachu) Good work, Pikachu! A little later, Cassidy and Butch are seen being taken away in handcuffs by Officer Jenny. A couple of others are seen cleaning up the stadium. After a brief interrogation by the officers, the trainers part ways. AJ, John, and Ricky leave to continue their own adventures, while Gary and Cassie say their good-byes to Ash, Brock, Sally, and Pikachu. Ash: You sure you don't want to go with us, Gary? Gary: I'm sure, Ash. I'll do much better traveling by myself. Besides, I've got to do some personal training of mine own. Cassie: Really? Gary: Yeah, although I'd hate to admit it, I've learned a lot today, especially from you, Cassie. Cassie: Reeee-ally? I'm surprised... but at the same time, happy for you. I know that you're a nice guy at heart, Gary. You just haven't had someone around you to bring out all of that pure goodness. Gary: Okay, Cassie, enough of the mushy stuff. Just be ready for a battle the next time our paths cross! Gary turns and begins to walk away, down a nearby path. Cassie: (yelling after him) Don't worry! I'll be ready whenever you are! Sally: Looks like you two are finally becoming friends. Cassie: Maybe... but we're still rivals. There's not much room for friendship there. Ash: I guess you're right. I'm still wondering if I can renew the friendship I had with Gary before we became trainers. Cassie: You mean you two used to be friends? Ash: Best friends... but I guess Pokémon training changed all of that. Cassie: Guess so. (picking up her things) Well, I'd better be heading off as well. I've got training of my own to do. Brock: (sad) Leaving so soon, Cassie? Sally: Ignore Brock, Cassie. (whispering in Cassie's ear) Just between you and me, I think Brock is never in his right mind when he's thinking about girls. Cassie: (whispering back) Tell me about it. Good luck keeping him under control. The two laugh, which brings up a look of puzzlement from Brock. Cassie then walks off, waving towards our remaining four travelers. Sally: Good luck, Cassie! Ash: Hope we meet up again soon! Brock: Can I have your phone number? Pikachu: (giving Brock a little shock) Pika. Brock: Ouch! Pikachu! Brock begins chasing Pikachu down the path. Sally follows them, trying to keep him from strangling the little mouse to death. Ash: Hey! (pulls out the golden Pokéball) I wonder what's in this thing? Pokéball, go! He throws it and out comes a beautiful fire-draped Ponyta. Ash: Wow! My very own Ponyta! He tries to pet her, and gets his hand burned. Ponyta then runs down the path, trying to escape. Ash chases after her. Ash: (trying to get Ponyta to return) Ponyta, return! Come back! Please Ponyta! Come back into your nice golden Pokéball! Narrator: With another adventure completed, who knows what else can happen on this wild trip. Who knows? Anything is possible... To be continued... Copyright Date: 2/12/00, Revised: 12/21/01 Revisions from the Original Release Include: - Just grammar revisions, that's all. Nothing else major this time around. Next episode... after their wild adventure in the Safari Zone, Misty and her Group finally arrive on Cinnabar Island. Team Rocket gives chase, looking for revenge on Duplica, although she's no longer with the group. At the same time, their search for Zapdos continues. And Misty goes for a Volcano Badge as well! That's all in Episode 26, "The Heat is On." It sure is... only two badges left!