Adventures Series, Episode 3 (Version 1.1), “Stop Over in Vermillion” Available for Download at: http://www.acmecity.com/games/mythical/292 When we last left Misty, she was in the middle of a gym battle with her three sisters... Disclaimer: All characters and ideas in this fanfic are property of their respective owners, with the exception of Biff, Mr. Whitley, and four new characters (three, and a Pokémon, actually) that are introduced here. ************************************************************************ Wednesday, September 10th, Cerulean City Narrator: It may be a peaceful day outside, but inside the... Suddenly, Duplica runs by, with Ditto cradled in her arms. Narrator: Hey, Duplica, where are you going? Duplica: I’m running to the gym to find Misty! Narrator: And why? Duplica: Yeesh, where have you been? Do you always start a story not knowing what happened beforehand? Narrator: I’m not going to answer that question... at least, not right now. Officer Jenny suddenly appears on her motorbike. She races towards Duplica. Just as she’s about to grab her, Duplica ducks into a nearby alley. Duplica: Whew, that was close, wasn’t it, Ditto? Ditto: Ditto! Duplica: (sighs) I’d wish you’d say something other than your own name. Jenny: (from around the corner) All right, you troublemaker! You’d better show yourself before I send in my Pokémon after you. Duplica: (breathing heavily, talks to herself) I thought Misty said they didn’t have a Officer Jenny here. Jenny pulls out a Pokéball from her purse (since when did a Jenny carry one?), and prepares to throw it into the alley. ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Episode 3 “Misty’s Travels to the Pokémon League,” Chapter Two: “Stop Over in Vermillion” Story Written by The Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ Meanwhile, the real battle is going on at the gym. Misty: (doing her standard pose) Starmie, I choose you! Violet: And I’ll answer with a Seaking! Violet winds up the Pokéball as if it was a baseball before throwing it, releasing her Seaking. Misty: Starmie, tackle Seaking! Violet: Seaking, respond with a horn attack! Seaking meets Starmie head on. If Seaking’s aim would have been right on, Starmie’s jewel would have been broken, and it would have been easily put out of the match. But because Seaking hit slightly to the side, Starmie is still in the match. Misty: Starmie, water gun! Starmie’s water gun misses by just a few inches. Violet: You’ve been getting a little soft over the past few months, Misty. (to Seaking) Seaking, waterfall! The attack immediately knocks Starmie out of the match. Misty: (pulling out Starmie’s Pokéball) Starmie, return! Lily: Looks like spending all that time with her boyfriend lowered her skills, Daisy. Daisy: You can say that again. Misty hasn’t fought this bad since she began training. Misty: (throwing another Pokéball) Horsea, go! Horsea: Horsea! Violet: Okay, Misty, if you think that little thing can beat me... (pulls out a Pokéball) Seaking, return! Seaking is surrounded by a mist of energy and then returns to its Pokéball. Violet then whistles towards the water. Violet: (whistles) Dewgong! Time to battle! Dewgong comes out of the water, ready to fight. Misty looks surprised at this move, while Lily and Daisy begin to grit their teeth for some reason... Lily: Violet, you can’t use Dewgong! Daisy: Yeah, Dewgong belongs to all of us! Violet: Hey, I’m the one here trying to defend a Cascade Badge! Daisy: But you’re using Dewgong without our permission! Lily: I thought we were all sisters here! We should be sharing Dewgong! Violet: I am sharing! It’s my turn to use Dewgong in battle! Daisy: What do you mean? You used Dewgong in the match against that young girl last week. Lily: ...and against the trio of ten year old boys that were gagging all over us earlier this week... Daisy: ...and that old man who challenged us yesterday! Lily: And you lost all three matches! Violet: Well, you two haven’t fought a Pokémon match in almost a year! Daisy: That’s, like, because you wouldn’t let us. Lily: Yeah, like, maybe we wouldn’t have given away so many badges in the past few months if you’d let us handle some of the matches. Violet: (her head getting big) I know what I’m doing! Misty: Hey! Since when did you guys get a Dewgong? Daisy: It evolved from Seel after it did a tremendous backflip during one of our performances two weeks ago. Violet: It was weird! I mean, we rarely use Seel in a battle, but yet he evolved. Lily: I’ve always wanted to see what a Dewgong could do, but Violet here keeps hogging it all the time. Violet: No I don’t! Daisy: Will you two stop bickering and get this match over with? I’ve got a hair appointment at four! Misty: Yeah, Violet. Are you going to fight with Dewgong or what? Violet: Of course I am. Lily: But... Daisy: Lily! Let Violet finish the match, then we can talk about who gets to keep Dewgong. Lily: (turning away) Fine. Violet: Dewgong, head butt! Misty: Horsea, smoke screen! Horsea’s smoke screen totally covers Dewgong and Violet’s views of the match. Then, all of a sudden... Misty: Horsea, water gun! The water gun hits Dewgong with such force that the Pokémon retreats to the other end of the pool. Violet: Hey, Dewgong, come back here! This match isn’t over yet! Dewgong dives under the water and doesn’t return for several minutes. Misty: Well, since Dewgong won’t fight, and Seaking’s injured, that means that I win the Cascade Badge! Lily: See, Violet! If you would have let one of us fight, then Misty wouldn’t have won! Daisy: What’s done is done, Lily. Misty won, so we must give her the Cascade Badge. Violet: Well, Misty, I guess we have no choice but to give you the badge. Out of nowhere, Daisy produces a Cascade Badge, and hands it to Misty. Misty: Yes! Two down, and two to go! Daisy: Congratulations, Misty! Violet: You earned it! Lily: (to herself) If only I fought the battle. Violet and Daisy leer at Lily, which was her cue to be quiet. Misty places the Cascade Badge in her duffel bag. A little bit later, the four sisters, now in decent clothing, instead of the swimsuits from earlier, are sitting down at a table. They begin to catch up on old times... Violet: So, what about that boyfriend of yours... Daisy: What’s his name, Ash? Misty: (yelling) He’s not my boyfriend! We’re just traveling together, that’s all. Lily: Sure you are. Misty, admit it, you’re head over heels for that boy! Misty: No I’m not! I never liked him at all! Daisy: If you say so, little sister... Violet: By the way, how is he? I bet he’s already on his way to the Indigo Plateau to compete in the Pokémon League Novice Tournament. Misty: Probably. Daisy: Do you think he’ll win? Misty: The way he trains, I bet that he’ll never make it past the first round! Lily: Misty! How can you say that? After traveling with him for the past year, you should have noticed some difference in his skill. Misty: Well, guess what, he hasn’t improved any at all. He just gets lucky when he wins those all-important battles. Violet: Misty, anyone who can collect all eight badges in a year is in my opinion a great trainer! Lily: We’ve seen all types of trainers during our reign as gym leaders. Some end up becoming the best of the best. Others don’t even make it past here. Daisy: Trust us, Misty, trainers of Ash’s caliber are hard to come by. Suddenly, the girls hear the front door open wildly, and then the voice of another girl calling out Misty’s name. Duplica: Misty? Where are you? Misty: (getting up from her seat) Duplica, is that you? Duplica runs in, with Ditto still in her arms. The three sisters glare at the intruder. Violet: Like, don’t you know how to knock? Lily: We don’t approve of anyone just barging in. Daisy: And if you want a Cascade Badge, you’re gonna have to wait until we get a chance to run down to the Pokémon Center. Duplica: (in complete panic) I don’t want a Cascade Badge! (to Misty) Misty, we have to get out of here now! Misty: But Duplica, can’t you see I’m talking to my sisters. Duplica: Misty, it’s real important. We’re in danger here. We’ve gotta move on before it’s too late! Ditto: Ditto! Misty: Duplica, what are you talking about? Duplica: I’ll explain on the way out. (to Daisy) Excuse me, is there another way out of this gym besides the front door? Daisy: Yeah, the emergency exit on the north wall of the practice arena. Why? Duplica: Misty, let’s go. Misty: Okay. (to her sisters) This must be important, guys. I’m going to have to go with her. I’ll call you guys when I get to Saffron City, after I have the four badges I need to renew my license. Daisy: Goodbye, Misty! Violet: Good luck getting those four badges! Lily: And let us know when you and your boyfriend get together. Misty: Ash is not my boyfriend! Duplica: Come on, Misty, we’ve gotta hurry! Misty: Tell me, Duplica, why are we running away from Cerulean City anyway? Duplica: I’ll tell you on our way out of town. Now come on! The two begin to sprint out of the city, and towards Route 5. Meanwhile, Officer Jenny has arrived at the gym. Jenny bursts in the door in a similar fashion. Violet: Hey, what do you think this is, a barn? Lily: We don’t allow just anyone to burst in here without a Pokémon battle. Jenny: Stand down, ladies. I’m after a juvenile delinquent. Daisy: A juvenile delinquent? What type of person with a lack of respect would want to come through our gym? Jenny: (showing them a picture of Duplica) This juvenile delinquent! Violet, Lily, and Daisy: (simultaneously) That’s Misty’s friend! Jenny: So, she’s been through here. Which way did they go? Violet: We don’t know. Lily: What? But they... Violet and Daisy place their hands over Lily’s mouth to keep her quiet. Daisy: Misty hasn’t been here in over a month. Lily: But, Daisy, she was here just a... Violet and Daisy cover their sister’s mouth once again. But obviously, Jenny knew they were lying, and the three sisters weren’t doing a good job of covering it up. Jenny: I know Duplica’s been here. I saw her break down the door. She needs to be caught! Violet: On what charges? Jenny: Breaking and entering into your gym, resisting arrest, and shoplifting at the Pokémart. Daisy: Shoplifting? No wonder she came in here wanting to get out of town. Jenny: So, she was here! Violet: Daisy! Daisy: Oops. Jenny: All right, you three. Tell me which way Duplica went, or you’ll go to jail for being accomplices to the crime. Violet: I swear, we like never saw her! Daisy: It’s been quiet all day! Lily: She and Misty ran off through the back door! Jenny: Why thank you, Lily! Violet and Daisy: (shouting) Lily! Lily: Well, I like don’t want to end up in jail. That could ruin my chances for a modeling career, and ruin our reputations as gym leaders! Violet: Still, we can’t allow this to happen! Daisy: Yeah, Misty’s our sister! We’ve got to find out what’s really going on before she and her friend end up in the slammer. Jenny: (leaving) When I catch up with those two, they’ll get ten to twenty! Lily: Days? Violet: Weeks? Daisy: Months? Jenny: Years! Violet, Lily, and Daisy: (simultaneously) Years! Officer Jenny revs up her motorcycle, and heads towards the city border. That’s where we find Misty and Duplica, where Duplica’s already explained what has happened. Misty: Those rotten little... so and sos! Duplica: But there’s nothing I can do! Officer Jenny believes that I shoplifted, and she’s been chasing me ever since. You should leave and continue on to Vermillion City. If she spots you with me, then you’ll be sitting right next to me in jail! Misty: (to herself) I just can’t leave Duplica here to be captured by Officer Jenny. I have to prove that Duplica’s innocent, before Jenny catches us. And I know just how... Duplica: Misty? Misty: Duplica, I’m staying. Duplica: But why Misty? Misty: I can’t let these scumbags get away with this! We’re best friends now, Duplica, and best friends don’t let each other suffer. Duplica: (happy) Okay, then, so how will we prove to Officer Jenny that I’m innocent? Misty: We go back to the Pokémart, and get that surveillance tape. Duplica: Great idea! (then, in surprise) What? Misty: Duplica, if we get the tape, and show it to Officer Jenny, then you’ll be off the hook, and those two will be in jail. Jenny: (from over the hill) Come out, Duplica! I know you’re around here somewhere! Duplica: Officer Jenny! Misty: Quick, follow me. I know my way around the city better than you do. The two duck into a nearby alley, just as Officer Jenny pulls by. Duplica follows Misty through alley after alley, running for a good ten minutes, until they finally come out across the street from the Pokémart. Misty: Okay, they’re pretty nice to me whenever I visit to help out my Pokémon, so I’ll go in the front. While they’re distracted Duplica, you go in the back way and get the surveillance tape. Duplica: Right! A few minutes later, Misty enters the Pokémart, where she’s greeted by none other than... Biff: Hello, Misty! Nice to see you again! Misty: Hello, Biff, how’s it going? Biff: Pretty nice. What can I get for you today? Misty: I’ve heard of this special type of potion that can revive fainted Pokémon. Do you carry it? Biff: I’m not sure. I’d better get Mr. Whitley. Biff leaves to get his boss. Meanwhile, Duplica, using a hairpin, manages to unlock the back door. She has no trouble opening it, and then locating the surveillance room. Inside are three unlabeled tapes, and two running in the cameras. Both were focused on Misty, who was joined by Biff and Mr. Whitley. Duplica took one of the tapes out, went over to the VCR, inserted the tape, and turned it and the TV on. After fast forwarding through hours and hours of tape, she finally finds what she is looking for. Then suddenly, a pair of handcuffs were locked on her wrists. She turned around, and there stands a very angry Officer Jenny. Duplica: Officer Jenny! Jenny: All right, I knew you’d return to the scene of the crime! You’re about to be locked away for a long time! ************************************************************************ Duplica: Officer Jenny, please listen to me! You’ve gotta watch this tape. Jenny: Look, kid, I don’t have time to watch cartoons. I’ve got better things to do. Duplica: But it shows what really happened. Jenny: Oh, I know what really happened, Duplica, and you’re not getting away with it! Duplica: How did you know my name? We’ve never met personally. Jenny: Let’s just say some friends gave me the information. But that’s besides the point. Come along, it’s time to take you down to the station. Suddenly, something on the TV caught Jenny’s attention. She turns up the volume and watches the event take place. Afterwards, she unlocks Duplica’s handcuffs, and stomps towards the front of the store without saying a single word. Up front, Mr. Whitley is trying to see if the item that Misty had asked for is in the shelves, while Biff tried to put “the charm” on her. Biff: So, Misty, do you have a boyfriend yet? Misty: Actually, I don’t. Why do you ask? Biff: Would you like to go out with me Saturday night? Misty: I can’t, Biff. I have to head on to Vermillion City. Biff: Whoa! I didn’t know you were collecting the eight badges! Misty: Yeah! I kinda have to... Biff: Did you win the Cascade Badge from your sisters? Misty: That’s where I just came from. They were easy to beat. Biff: Serves those three right, refusing to go out on a date with me. They ought be hanged and thrown in the river. Misty: Biff! Did you just make a comment about my sisters? Biff: No, of course not! Misty: Yes you did! Don’t ever make fun of my sisters! Sure, they may not be the best Pokémon trainers, but they did right to decide not to go on a date with you. Biff: Why you little... Misty: Don’t start with me! I’m not as gullible as my sisters! I’m giving you a fair warning now, stop bugging me or I’ll call Officer Jenny! (to herself) What did I just say? Officer Jenny’s the one who’s after me! Mr. Whitley: (returning from the shelves) Sorry, Misty, but we must be out of stock. Biff: Mr. Whitley, Misty here tried to steal a Pokéball! Misty: What? I didn’t try to steal anything! Mr. Whitley grabs Misty’s satchel, opens it, and empties it on the counter. Besides some of Misty’s personal belongings, the satchel also contained a few snacks, her four Pokéballs (with Pokémon), a few pictures (mostly of Ash for some odd reason), and three Pokéballs that hadn’t been used yet. Mr. Whitley then lifts his wrists, so that two new Pokéballs fall out of his shirt pocket and into Misty’s satchel. He manages to do this without drawing Misty’s suspicion. Then, the two Pokéballs fell out of the satchel. Mr. Whitley: Aha! Those are my Pokéballs, Misty, and you tried to steal them! Biff: You know what we do to shoplifters, Misty. Biff pulls a chain from a drawer and begins to twirl it in the air. Misty quickly becomes frightened, and tries to run out the door, only to be blocked by Mr. Whitley. Mr. Whitley: You’re not getting out of this one, my young Pokémon trainer. Misty: If you guys try to hurt me, I’ll scream! Biff: And who’s gonna stop us? Officer Jenny? That dame’s probably chasing your friend all over town. Misty: So you did try to set up Duplica, after your attempts to get a date with her failed! Biff: And she’s paying for it, as you are about to now! Mr. Whitley: You should have kept your nose out of this, young lady. I’m afraid we can’t let you out of here alive. Mr. Whitley pulls a gun out of his pocket and points it at Misty, while Biff approaches her from behind with the chain. Suddenly, Officer Jenny comes out of nowhere, knocking Mr. Whitley to the ground with a flying kick, to the surprise of both Misty and Biff. Misty quickly recovers from the shock and slams her left foot down hard on Biff’s left foot. Biff jumps around in pain! Biff: Ouch! You’ll pay for that, you... Misty: Call me names, and I’ll beat you up with my Pokémon! Duplica: (coming in from the back room) That’s right! You’re gonna pay for what you tried to do to me! Biff: Oh, I’m so scared of two girls who play with Pokémon! Meanwhile, Jenny easily disarms Mr. Whitley, and handcuffs him to the door. She then runs over to help out Misty and Duplica. Jenny: Give up now, Biff. There’s no way you’ll beat the three of us! Misty: Yeah! You don’t stand a chance! Duplica: Against the triple threat of three Pokémon trainers! Biff: Cute speech, but I didn’t get where I did today by giving up so easily. Or without having a back-up plan. Biff reaches into a shelf and pulls a small, almost unnoticeable switch. Knockout gas suddenly begins to come out of the air vents. Biff laughs as he puts on a gas mask, the only one in the shop. Biff: (still laughing) Well, ladies, it’s been fun, but now it’s off to another city to prowl on another bunch of unsuspecting losers like you three! Duplica: You’re not getting away that easily. Ditto, transform into a cage around our friend here. Ditto: Ditto! A cage fifty square feet around materializes around Biff. Misty then pulls out her trusty mallet and knocks him unconscious. She takes the mask, and immediately puts it on, since the gas had already spread across the floor. Misty: (under the mask) Jenny, Duplica, open the door quick! Jenny and Duplica do as Misty says, and after allowing a few minutes for the gas to escape (and the time it took them to find the switch to close the vent), the air inside the shop became clear. Misty takes off the gas mask and sighs in relief. Duplica, holding the tape, and Jenny, who is handcuffing Biff, also sigh, happy that this adventure is over. An hour or two later, Misty, carrying her satchel (nothing was lost in the scuffle), and Duplica wave goodbye to Officer Jenny as they head toward Route 5, and eventually towards Vermillion City. Suddenly, Officer Jenny gets a call on her motorcycle radio. She races after the duo, and stops them just as they reach the top of the hill. Jenny: Duplica, I just got a call from the Pokémon League Opening Ceremonies Committee. They want you to do your show with Ditto at the Opening Ceremonies next month! Duplica: Wow! Misty: That’s great, Duplica! Ditto: Ditto! Jenny: Unfortunately, if you want to make it to the Indigo Plateau on time from here, you’re going to have to head there right now. Duplica: (sighs, then turns to Misty) Well, it was a great journey while it lasted. Misty: Yeah. But I guess we have to follow our own paths sometimes. Duplica: Don’t worry, Misty. I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon, after the tournament is over. Misty: I’m sure we will. Jenny: Um, Duplica. Duplica: Well, gotta go. Call me when you get your four badges! Misty: I will, Duplica! Goodbye, and good luck! Duplica: Come on, Ditto. Stardom awaits us at the Pokémon League! Ditto: Ditto! Duplica and Ditto climb on to Officer Jenny’s motorcycle, and begin to speed back towards Cerulean City. Duplica: I’ll tell Ashy-boy how you’re doing, Misty. Misty: (under her breath) Sure, go ahead and do that. (shouting at Duplica) Good luck! Narrator: And so, Duplica and Ditto prepare for world fame -- they’re participating in the Pokémon League Novice Tournament Opening Ceremonies! Unfortunately, Misty will have to miss it in order to claim the two badges she still needs to renew her trainer’s license. So, it’s on to Vermillion City, and a chance to get a Thunder Badge! Good luck, Misty, you’ll need it! Misty: (screaming) Aaaaaahhhhhhhh! Narrator: What did I say? Scene changes to Misty, who is stuck in a giant hole in the ground. Looks like some of Team Rocket’s old traps are still lying around. Misty: Ow! That hurt! I still can’t believe that Jessie and James are still after me! You’d think they’d be more focused on getting Ash and Pikachu. Boy: Excuse me, miss, but can I be of some assistance? A young boy, about Misty’s age, stands above her. He offers his hand to help, and although Misty knows not to trust strangers, she doesn’t hesitate to grab his hand. He pulls her out of the hole, and then she dusts herself off. The boy then picks up Misty’s satchel, and hands it to her. Boy: Here, you dropped this. Misty: Thanks! Misty began to stare at her rescuer. He was just her height, probably about an inch or two taller. He wears clothes similar to that of Todd Snap, but she could tell that he is not a photographer. His golden brown hair did give him a resemblance towards the famous photographer though. Boy: So, where you headed? Misty: (faces the boy) To Vermillion City. Boy: Cool! I’ll travel with you! A few minutes later, Misty and her newfound friend are walking down the path towards Vermillion City. Misty: Well, thanks for your help back there. Boy: I’d do anything for you, my dear. What was your name again? Misty: I’m Misty Waterflower. <1> And you? Boy: My name is... Woman: Prepare for trouble! Male: And make it double! Misty: Oh no, not them! Woman: To introduce the world to devastation! Man: To love our team and unite our nation! Woman: To denounce the values known as truth and love! Man: To extend our knowledge to the stars above! A man and a woman drop down from a tree in front of the duo, with an unidentifiable Pokémon by their side. The two are wearing Team Rocket uniforms, but they are orange in color, with the red R in the center. Otherwise, their uniforms are similar to those of Jessie and James, but Misty obviously realizes that they aren’t these two... Woman: Jane! Man: Calamity! Jane: Team Rocket, the best when stealing Pokémon is right! Calamity: Surrender now, or prepare for a fight! Pokémon: Pidgeo! We may be the new recruits, but we make quite an entrance! Misty: Team Rocket? Boy: And a talking Pidgeotto? Misty eyes the intruders. Jane is a tall woman, about six feet tall, with her pink hair wrapped in a giant ball on top of her head. Calamity stands six feet five, with green hair that hangs down to the back of his neck. Also, uncharacteristic for a member of Team Rocket, Calamity wears glasses, and Jane does not wear any earrings. Misty: What do you want? Jane: Simple, little girl. We want all of your Pokémon. Misty: Well, you’re not getting them. Boy: Mine neither. And from what I’ve heard about Team Rocket, you’re nothing but a bunch of dummies who try to steal Pokémon but end up in jail. Calamity: Very perceptive of you, boy. What is your name? Boy: The name’s Arius. Arius McFly of Cobalt Town. Jane: And you, girl? Misty: Misty Waterflower, from Cerulean City. Jane: Ah, Miss Waterflower, just the person we’re looking for. Misty: Excuse me? Calamity: Our “boss” wishes to have a word with you. Misty: (gulping) Your “boss?” Why would he want me? Arius: You leave her alone! If you two want Misty, you’ll have to go through me first. Jane: So our target has a bodyguard... or is he an arrogant boyfriend? Arius facefaults. Misty stands in disbelief over what Jane just said. Misty: How can this guy be my boyfriend? I only met him five minutes ago! Jane: A lot can happen in five minutes. Pidgeo! Pidgeo: Pidgeo! What do you two want know? Misty: Your Pidgeotto can talk? Calamity: Of course he can talk! You think that all Pokémon can’t talk? Jane: Cut the chit-chat, Calamity! Time to do what we came here for... to take this Pokémon trainer to the boss. Arius: (getting up and pulling out a Pokéball, then throwing it straight down on the ground) Golbat, come out and play! Golbat: Gol-bat! Calamity: Two can play at this game. Jane: Maybe even three! They both pull out a Pokéball, Jane kissing hers before throwing it as hard as she can, Calamity rolling his hard on the ground till it reaches a rock, when it bursts open. Jane: Pinsir, vice grip! Calamity: Kabuto, scratch attack! Misty: I thought that Kabuto were extinct. Misty pulls out her trusty Pokédex, and opens it, then points it at the Kabuto. Pokédex: Kabuto, a rock and water Pokémon. Although thought to be extinct, some Kabuto still exist in hidden caverns that have gone unnoticed to excavators for years. Arius: Golbat, leech life! Misty: (doing her standard pose) Staryu, go! Water gun attack! Pinsir’s attack misses Golbat, who manages to cling on to Pinsir. Golbat begins to suck up all of Pinsir’s energy, but before Golbat finishes, Pinsir gets up, showing little signs of fatigue. Arius: That’s impossible. Your Pinsir should be close to fainting! Jane: Oh, but it is. My Pokémon are specially trained to last twice as long as their counterparts that are trained by others. Staryu’s water gun attack dazes Kabuto, who then charges back at Staryu. Calamity: Absorb that Staryu’s power! Misty: Staryu, tackle it from underneath! Unfortunately, Calamity has trained Kabuto well, as the Pokémon latches on to Staryu before it has a chance to move. Staryu begins to jump wildly in the air, trying desperately to get Kabuto off. Misty: Staryu! Shake that Kabuto off! Calamity: I doubt that will happen. Kabuto here has never lost a match in his entire battling career! Back with Arius and Jane... Jane: Pinsir, seismic toss! Pinsir: Pinsir! The seismic toss is so devastating that it knocks Golbat out. Arius: (pulls out Golbat’s Pokéball) Golbat, return! (pulling out a new Pokéball) Beedrill, time to come out and play! He throws the Pokéball, and out comes Beedrill. Arius: Beedrill, twin needle attack! Beedrill: Buzzzz! Beedrill aims for Pinsir, but Pinsir just deflects the needles using its left arm. Arius: No! Jane: Ha! Is that the best you can do? Pinsir, swords dance! Arius: (suddenly becoming cold) Swords dance? That’s Pinsir’s most powerful attack! Jane: Correct! I’m about to put your Pokémon right where it belongs... from six feet up in the air, to six feet under ground! She laughs in a similar manner to that of Emerald from “Sailor Moon,” I’m sure most of you know what I’m talking about. Meanwhile, Kabuto prepares to finish off Staryu. Calamity: Kabuto, slash attack! The attack is centered straight at Staryu’s jewel, which breaks immediately. Staryu falls to the ground. Misty runs over to check if her Pokémon is okay. Kabuto, who jumped off of Staryu before it hit the ground, now stands next to Calamity, both of them laughing. Misty: (checking Staryu’s jewel) Staryu! Are you all right? Starmie responds with a weak flash of light. Misty pulls out Staryu’s Pokéball and recalls it, and then stares at her opponents, who are still laughing. Misty: What’s so funny? Calamity: Don’t you understand what’s going on, Miss Waterflower? Jane and I are not like the members of Team Rocket that you’ve faced before. We’re very intelligent, and although we lack the experience of the others, we’re more powerful than they, or you, will ever hope to be. Kabuto: Kabuto, kabuto! Misty: How do you know about Jessie, James, Cassidy, and Butch? Calamity: Those simpletons will never amount to anything. The first two can never catch any Pokémon, and the other two can’t seem to stay out of jail. Personally, I think they’re lucky that the boss hasn’t finished them off himself? Misty: Finished them off? Calamity: Oops! I’ve said too much. Now, do you wish to come with us, or should we continue with this little game while we watch your Pokémon fall one by one? Suddenly, a beeping sound is heard by everyone. Calamity picks a cell phone from his pocket, and turns it on. Calamity: What is it, boss? Giovanni: I want you and Jane to pull out of there right now! Pidgeo: (landing on Calamity’s left shoulder) But boss, why? Giovanni: Don’t question my authority! Now, leave before I have your heads! Calamity: At once, sir. Calamity turns off the phone, and turns to Jane, who’s Pinsir is about to finish off Beedrill. Calamity: Jane! Jane: What, Calamity? Don’t you see that I’m busy? Calamity: The boss wants us to get out of here now? Jane: Can’t I finish this Pokémon off first? Pidgeo: (flying over to Jane, and beginning to pick at her hair) The boss said now! Come on, before he finds out that we disobeyed his orders. Jane: (grabbing Pidgeo) Don’t ever touch my hair! Pidgeo: (being squeezed by Jane) Okay, just don’t squeeze me any more. Jane lets go of Pidgeo, then walks over to Calamity, who pulls a silver ball out of his pocket. Pidgeo lands back on Calamity’s left shoulder. Pidgeo: Well you jerks, it’s time to go! Jane: We usually don’t leave jobs half done... Calamity: ...so expect us to go all out the next time we meet! Jane, Calamity, and Pidgeo: (simultaneously) Team Rocket’s blasting off again! Calamity throws the silver ball on the ground, and a smoke screen appears, engulfing Misty and Arius. They walk out of the cloud coughing, and discover that Team Rocket is gone. Arius: (recalling Beedrill) What is with those three? Misty: Yeah. It’s like the Team Rocket that Team Rocket’s supposed to be like. Arius: (sweatdrops) Why did you put it that way? Misty: I don’t know. I couldn’t think of any other way to say it. Misty then looks at the sun. It’s already beginning to set. Misty: We might as well set up camp. It’s not safe to travel down Route 6 at night. Arius: I agree. Besides, we might need some time to relax after what we just went through. About half an hour later, the sun is gone, and the stars are beginning to come out. Misty and Arius have already gotten out their sleeping bags, and are already lying in them. They have already eaten (thanks to some food that Arius had), and are now resting. A fire is glowing brightly in between them. Misty: So, Arius, what made you take the risk to go on a Pokémon journey? Arius is already sleeping. Misty smiles, then closes her eyes, preparing to sleep. Narrator: (as the camera began to rise towards the sky) So, after a close encounter with a new faction of Team Rocket, and a new friend by her side, Misty tries to rest after the hardest day in her life. From fighting for a Cascade Badge, to proving Duplica innocent, to meeting Arius, and to facing off with the most dangerous members of Team Rocket yet, she’ll need all her rest to make it down Route 6, and into Vermillion City. To be continued... Feedback would be appreciated! Send it to jgg121@yahoo.com. Author’s Note: <1> This is the most used last name given to Misty, so it’s the one being used for these stories. There’s no proof as of yet that this is her real last name. Copyright Date: 11/8/99, Revised: 5/15/00, courtesy of Gloomboy Revisions from the Original Release Include: - The narrator recap originally featured in this chapter was taken out. The scene, which features Officer Jenny chasing Duplica, is now used for the introduction to this chapter. - The gym battle between Misty and Violet has been slightly rewritten. - A lot of script changes were done, especially in changing most of the descriptive dialogue from past tense to present tense. - The character profiles were taken out. New, more detailed character profiles are currently being provided, so stay tuned! (Note: Episode 1 - 5 profiles will be posted later this week) In the next episode... While Misty’s busy gathering gym badges, Ash has completed his training, and is now on his way to the Indigo Plateau. But he’d better watch out, because Team Rocket’s now after him! And to get to him, they’ll steal some Pokémon! Can Ash stop the terrible trio? That’s in Episode 4, “Team Rocket Switching Sides.”