Hello, everybody! It’s me, Freedom Fighter, back to begin Season 2 of the “Adventures Series!” If you saw the preview that was on my website two weeks ago, then you already know that things are going to get wild and wacky in a hurry! But let me say some things first before I begin. First and foremost, I would suggest that you stop reading right now if you have not read all of Season 1 yet. I tend to get very involved when I write, and you will get lost really quickly if you do not know about all the events and new characters introduced in the previous season. You can catch up with all 33 previous episodes at Fanfiction.net (only the first 5 episodes are up as of 6/11/01). Of course, you could go on without reading the earlier chapters... just don’t be asking me about who this person is and what he or she does... I won’t tell you. Second, to celebrate the beginning of Season 2, I am holding a contest! For the first 10 chapters of Season 2, each chapter will contain a question pertaining to a previous event in this series. The first three to respond to each question with the correct answer will get points towards a special grand prize... the use of your own personal author created character in a fanfic written by me! I will pass on more details as the season moves along. Keep this in mind! Third and finally, I’ll just say that I’m not expecting to have the next part up any time soon. I’m finishing up my summer job, and packing to go back to college. Hopefully, things will pick up at the end of the month, but I’m not making any promises. Besides, I haven’t good at keeping them lately. ^_^ That’s all, except for the disclaimer. Don’t forget to tell me what you guys think! Disclaimer: All of the characters in this fanfic do not belong to me, but instead to Satoshi Tajiri, who I thank for creating Pokémon in the first place. Most of the ideas present here are mine, though. *** Friday, August 12th, Indigo Plateau The camera pans all around town, as sign-up booths, restaurants, and even Indigo Stadium are under final preparations for this year’s summer edition of the Pokémon League Novice Tournament. Narrator: It’s a bright and sunny August morning at the Indigo Plateau, as the first group of trainers and spectators arrive for the tournament. Predictions are already being made for the favorites to win. Some of those favorites have been here before, and feel that they’ll finally get into the League this time around. Others are first-time entrants, but they show skills that rival even some of the League’s best. Misty’s Voice: Why, thank you! Ash’s Voice: He wasn’t talking about you. Misty’s Voice: Be quiet! This part of the series has my name in the title! Ash’s Voice: You mean the author gave you another mini-series? He titled one after you last season! Misty’s Voice: That just goes to show that he likes me more than you do. Narrator: Ahem. Both Voices: Sorry about that. Narrator: Anyway, as you can see, more preparations for the tournament are underway. There are workers preparing fireworks for the opening ceremonies, a platoon of Officer Jenny keeping peace, the members of the Elite Four, ready to offer training advice, and all of the Nurse Joy getting ready to heal Pokémon throughout the tournament, including a young trainee named Jeanette Fisher! Jeanette turns around and faces the camera. Jeanette: (winks) But you can call me Nurse Jeanette! Narrator: But it wouldn’t be a tournament without the trainers, and two of our favorites are already on the way here... Scene changes now to a small forest, where for some strange reason, a small stream of white smoke is billowing from the trees. A closer look at the small road that goes through it, and we see a motor scooter... or what’s left of it... rammed into a tree trunk. Narrator: Say, isn’t that the same motor scooter that they were riding? Suddenly, we hear a whistling sound from nearby. The camera turns, and there, on the other side of the road, stand Misty and Giselle, uninjured from the crash. Misty: (yelling at Giselle) I can’t believe you! You wrecked our motor scooter! Giselle: I don’t see what the big deal is. After all, we’re close enough that we can still make it to Indigo by nightfall. Misty: Well, we could’ve been there by lunch time, but nooooo, you had to insist on driving the last ten miles! Giselle: Gee, Misty, you’re taking this way too seriously. Misty: Of course I am! I promised Jenny that I would return it to her in one piece! Giselle: So? Just tell her that someone took it and accidentally wrecked it. Misty: Are you crazy? Jenny’s not dumb, unlike you. Giselle: Are you insulting me? Misty: Yes! You have a problem with that? Old Man: Actually, I do. The two turn around to see an old man staring straight at them. The two scream in fright and take off running down the road towards the Indigo Plateau. The old man scratches his head in confusion. Old Man: Hey, you girls forgot your bike! ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Episode 34: “Misty’s Going for Gold,” Chapter One: “Arrival at Indigo” Story Written by Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ Ten minutes, a whole lot of running, and a long rest break later... Misty and Giselle are now walking down the road towards Indigo, out in an open field. Misty: Remind me next time to bring my mallet set. Giselle: I tend to find crowbars as a better weapon of defense then mallets. Misty: Come on, Giselle! You want to knock the guy out, not injure him for life! Giselle: You obviously aren’t familiar with the types of people who tend to hang around me. Misty: Figures. At least we aren’t carrying all of those heavy luggage bags any more. Giselle: That’s a relief. I just wish that I would have been able to bring all of my stuff. Misty: You’re lucky I had an extra bookbag in my luggage bag, or you wouldn’t have anything at all! Giselle: But I knew you would anyway. You always take care of your friends, right? Misty: Friends? We’re rivals, remember? Giselle: Right. I guess I forgot. Misty: Quiet! I hear something! The two girls stop and begin to look all around the open field as they begin to hear quacking sounds. Giselle is the first to spot its source... a wild Farfetch’d! Giselle: Look over there! It’s a wild Farfetch’d! It’d be a perfect Pokémon for my team. Misty: Your team? For your information, I’m going to capture it. Giselle: Is that a challenge? Misty: You’re on! Whipping out one Pokéball each, the two combatants race to weaken Farfetch’d first. Misty throws her Pokéball in just as Giselle prepares to throw hers. Misty: Misty calls Staryu! Giselle: Go, Cubone! Staryu: Ha! Cubone: Cubone bone bone! Misty: Staryu, water gun attack! Farfetch’d twirls its leek to redirect the water to either side of him. Misty: No way! That’s one strong Farfetch’d! Giselle: No, that’s one weak Staryu! Cubone, show ‘em how it’s done! Cubone charges, preparing to headbutt right into Farfetch’d. But the duck knows better, as it steps out of the way and then uses its leek to hit Cubone in the back. Misty: You were saying? Giselle: (eyes wide open) That’s no ordinary Pokémon! Misty: Okay, now that we’ve got that established... Staryu, tackle attack! Staryu begins to spin towards Farfetch’d but it knocks the star aside. Giselle: My turn! Cubone, bonemerang! Farfetch’d can’t react fast enough this time, and is clocked upside the head by the bonemerang. Cubone jumps up and catches the bonemerang in midair. After landing, it runs towards Farfetch’d and begins hitting it on the head with its bone club. Giselle: That’s it! Keep whacking it! Giselle fishes in her bookbag for a Pokéball. Misty, noticing her actions, begins to search for one of her own in her satchel. They both find one at the same time. Misty and Giselle: (simultaneously) Pokéball, go! Cubone and Staryu see the Pokéballs head their way, and jump out of the way. Farfetch’d, though, has nowhere to go. Two quick flashes of light later, both Pokéballs are on the ground. One is completely motionless, while the other is shaking as Farfetch’d attempts to escape. It then stops, and the light goes out. Giselle smiles, and picks up her Pokéball... the one with the Farfetch’d in it. Giselle: This Farfetch’d will make a great addition to my balanced team! Misty: What do you mean your Farfetch’d? That’s my Pokéball! Giselle: (putting her hands on her hips) No it’s not, and I can prove it! She takes out another empty Pokéball and motions for Misty to do the same. She then points to a tree about 40 feet away. Giselle: We’ll throw our empty Pokéballs towards that tree trunk. Whoever reaches it first will be the one who gets to keep Farfetch’d. Misty: What does that prove? Giselle: You’ll see. Ready? Both of them take a step back with their right foot before taking a good look at their target. Then, with a simple nod from Giselle, they turn to the side and then bring their right foot in front of their left and aim at the tree. In less than a second, both Pokéballs are thrown towards the tree, which they both reach rather easily. Although it’s close, it’s easy to see that Giselle’s Pokéball hits first. Giselle: There, you see? That proves it. <1> She walks over to the Pokéballs, throws Misty’s back to her, pockets her own, and then struts down the path towards Indigo, whistling on her way. Misty catches her Pokéball and puts it away. She then glances at the departing Giselle. Misty: Sometimes I think that girl has a few screws loose. How does that prove that Farfetch’d is hers? Unable to figure out the solution, Misty shrugs her shoulders and then takes off after Giselle, eventually catching her. Several hours later, a second motor scooter pulls up to the spot where the first one was destroyed earlier. Two boys and a Pikachu step off their own scooter to examine it... and to find the trainers who were driving it... Brock: This is the scooter that Misty and Giselle were using! Ash: How do you know that? Brock points to a suitcase full of hair gel, female Pokémon Tech uniforms, and a Pokémon League rule book. Brock: How many people do you know carry those? Ash: About a dozen. Brock: Okay... He then finds a picture of Giselle and Joe hugging each other and shows it to Ash. Brock: How about this? Ash: It’s a picture of Giselle and Joe. So? Brock: Isn’t it obvious who the suitcase belongs to now? Ash: Of course! There’s only one person in that picture that needs hair gel... and it’s Joe! Brock falls down. He gets back up and yells in Ash’s face. Brock: How simple minded can you be? Since when does a guy wear a skirt? Ash: Does the name James ring a bell? Brock: Good point. But I’m talking about Giselle here! Ash: Giselle? Oooohhhh, you mean Giselle. Brock: (facefaults) Yes! She’s the girl who slept at your house for the last two months! <2> Ash: Oh yes, Giselle! Brock: You finally remembered, huh? Ash: (nods his head, smiles, and then laughs) Yep. Pikachu: (sighs) Chaaaa... It doesn’t take them long to get all of Misty and Giselle’s belongings together, and stack them onto the scooter’s luggage case. Ash: (wipes the sweat off his forehead) Whew! Do you think we’ll still be able to operate this thing? Brock: I’m pretty sure we can... it looks like we’re under 500 pounds. Ash: Now all that’s left is to find out where Misty and Giselle are, and why all of their stuff isn’t here. Old Man: The girls have the rest of their stuff. Ash: Oh, okay. So where do you think they are? Old Man: They were heading towards the Indigo Plateau. Ash: Oh. Thanks, Brock. Brock: That wasn’t me, Ash. Ash: Then who? Pikachu: (points to something behind Ash and Brock) Pika pika... Ash and Brock turn around and see the old man standing there, smiling at them. Old Man: Hello there! Ash and Brock: (simultaneously) Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh! Pikachu: Pi-kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! The three of them get back on their scooter and drive off towards the Indigo Plateau. Old Man: Why is everyone afraid of me? (sniffs his armpits) I took a bath last week. A couple of hours later, just as the sun disappears from the sky to make room for the moon, Misty and Giselle arrive at the Indigo Plateau, tired and hungry. Misty: At last... Giselle: (holding her stomach) I’m so hungry... Misty: You’re hungry? You were the one who ate the last bag of potato chips! Giselle: (sigh) Are you always this annoying? Misty: Forget it. Let’s just check in so I can go to bed. Giselle: Finally, something that you and I can agree on. Misty: (silently) How did I ever get stuck with her? Back along Victory Road, three more familiar figures make their way towards the Indigo Plateau. Unfortunately for these three, they’ve been traveling on foot the whole way. James: My feet are tired, Jessie! Let’s stop and rest for a little while. Jessie: We can’t stop! The twerps are arriving at Indigo tonight! We have to get there and stop them before the tournament begins! Persian: They’re going to be there for two weeks! The boss won’t mind us getting there a day late. Jessie: (begins to strangle Persian) No, the boss will mind us getting there a day late. He wants all of the twerps eliminated! James: (in total shock) Eliminated? As in kill? Jessie: (sighs) Yes, as in kill. As much as I regret to killing somebody, if we don’t kill them now, the boss will kill us tomorrow! Persian: Well, it better be the twerps dead and not us! James: Agreed. Let’s keep going! The three of them take off sprinting towards the Indigo Plateau. Speaking of which, let’s take a look at the check-in desk for the tournament. Check-in Guy: Well, Misty Waterflower of Cerulean City. Aren’t you related to the three lovely Sensational Sisters? Misty: Yes, I’m their younger sister. Check-in Guy: That’s funny... I’d imagine that you’d be the prettiest of them all, not the small runt that you are. Misty: And I can imagine my foot kicking you into next Tuesday! Will you just finish up so I can get a good night’s sleep! Giselle: (calling from the other booth) What’s the matter, Misty? Did he insult you for having too many inferior Pokémon? Check-in Lady: Giselle Gravelpot, Pokémon Tech graduate. Figures... you rich kids think you can just go to school for a couple years and be a professional at Pokémon training. Well, let me tell you something, girl! Only one graduate a year ever makes it to the quarterfinals! And a graduate hasn’t won a Novice Tournament in six years! The odds are against you, girl, so I’d quit while I’m ahead. She hands Giselle her room key and a schedule of events and then shoos her away. Giselle: Sheesh, some people have no respect when it comes to the best of the best. Now let’s see, who are my roommates. My first one is... Misty: Me! Giselle: Oh, so it is. Rats. Misty: Don’t take it so hard, Giselle. At least you’re not rooming with someone who slobbers in their sleep. Giselle: You’ve got a point. Misty: And our other roommate is... The camera pans back so that we see Duplica standing right behind Misty and Giselle as she completes Misty’s sentence for her. Duplica: Duplica Imite, that’s right! Misty: Duplica Imite. Suddenly, Misty gets the realization that someone is behind her. She turns around and spots Duplica waving at her only a few feet away. Misty: Duplica? Giselle: Who the... Duplica: Nice to see you again, Misty! I know we’re going to have fun here together! ************************************************************************ Adventures Series Trivia Question # 1: How many gym badges did Misty have when she and Duplica were last together? ************************************************************************ Misty runs up to her friend and hugs her. Duplica smiles and accepts the token of friendship. After Misty lets go, the two begin a friendly conversation, unknowingly leaving Giselle out of it. Misty: Duplica! What are you doing here? Duplica: I’m competing in the tournament, that’s what. Misty: Are you serious? With just your Ditto? Duplica: Nope. I caught a few new Pokémon since we last traveled together. Misty: Can I see them? Duplica: No way, Misty. That’ll be my secret if we meet in battle. Misty: So how did you qualify for the tournament? I know you didn’t go to Pokémon Tech, and there’s no way you could have defeated all eight gym leaders in such a short amount of time. Duplica: I qualified by passing the Pokémon League Entrance Examination last month. Misty: You mean you passed that test? That must have been one hefty task. Duplica: Tell me about it. It helped that I knew a lot about many different types of Pokémon, with me being a Ditto trainer and all. Still, I had to study four hours a night for three weeks straight just to get all of my information straight. There were things on that exam that I surely would have gotten wrong if I didn’t study... I’d bet most trainers have never heard of the third evolutionary stage of a Slowpoke. Misty: You mean there’s another stage past Slowbro? Giselle: Ahem... have you two forgotten about me? Misty: Oh, that’s right. Duplica, this is Giselle Gravelpot. Giselle, meet Duplica Imite. Duplica: (shaking Giselle’s hand) Pleased to meet you. Giselle: (doing likewise) And a pleasure to meet you. Enjoy yourself while you can rookie, you’re not getting to the first round anytime soon. (to Misty) I’m going to get something to eat. I’ll meet you later. Giselle lets go of Duplica’s hand and walks off towards the center of town. Misty and Duplica watch as she departs the scene. Duplica: What’s with her? Misty: The check-in lady made her angry. She said that she wouldn’t get past the second round. So she took out her frustration on you. Duplica: Figures. With an attitude like that, that lady might be right. Suddenly, they spot a motor scooter heading their way. The driver steps on the brakes, and pulls it to a stop just a few feet away from Misty and Duplica. They both cough as they are covered in a cloud of smoke. As it clears up, they notice two guys and a Pikachu on the scooter as they walk up to it. Misty: (walking up to the driver) Who taught you how to drive a motor scooter, bub? The driver takes off the helmet... it’s Brock! Brock: Is that any way to treat your old friends? The Pikachu and its trainer take off their helmets... it’s Ash! Duplica: Ash? Brock? Pikachu? Ash: Duplica? Misty: (giving Brock a swift kick to the face, causing him to fall to the ground) If you dare try a stunt like that again, I will personally rip your arms from their sockets! Misty storms off towards the trainers’ dormitories as Brock gets back up, rubbing his face hard. Brock: What’s up with Misty? Duplica: She’s had a bad day... and Giselle’s to blame for about half of it. Ash: We figured that much... we found some of their suitcases laying out in the forest, near the remains of their motor scooter. Did they tell you what happened? Duplica: Nope, not a word. Giselle’s not the friendliest girl at the tournament, you know. Brock: Tell me about it. Duplica: (kneeling down to pat Pikachu on the head) And how have you been, Pikachu? Pikachu: (enjoying Duplica’s advances) Chu! Duplica: Have you been keeping Ashy-boy out of trouble? Ash: Hey! I can take care of myself! Duplica: That’s a surprise, especially with Team Rocket always picking on you. Ash: They don’t pick on me! Brock: Say, it’s been a long day. Let’s head to the dorms and get some sleep. Do you have any space in your room, Duplica? Duplica: Are you kidding? I’m already sharing a room with Misty and Giselle! Besides, they don’t allow boys and girls in the same room anymore. Ash: Then are there extra rooms available? Duplica: Nope. There’s about two hundred and fifty trainers competing in this tournament alone, not to mention tournament officials and employees, and the Elite Four! Ash: The Elite Four is here? Brock: What are they doing here? Duplica: They’ll be giving lectures and training sessions throughout the tournament to help aspiring trainers improve their skills. Haven’t you guys heard anything? Ash: That’s great! I’m going to be competing in the Rookie First Level Tournament in Celadon City next month! I could use some extra pointers. Brock: And I’ve always wanted to meet my hero, Bruno! I’d like to know how trains his Pokémon to be so good. Plus, it’ll be great to see Lorelei again. Duplica: (whispering to Ash) He still hasn’t found the right girl, has he? Ash: (whispering back) Nope. And the girls that do like him can’t stay with him because they’re too busy with their jobs. (talking aloud again) Anyway, how about a hotel? Duplica: All booked for weeks. Brock: Then where are we supposed to stay? Duplica shows Ash, Brock, and Pikachu to a nearby campground filled already with about three hundred tents. Ash: There’s no room at all to set up our sleeping bags! Duplica: Well, you guys should have set up reservations in advance. Brock: How were we supposed to know that getting a bed to sleep in would be so difficult? Hey Ash, was it like this when you competed here last November? Ash: Gee, I don’t remember. All of the details from the tournament are still fuzzy. Duplica: Don’t tell me you forgot everything that happened during those two weeks! That whole mess with the Pokémon Trainers’ Association, Team Rocket’s plan to trip you and the others up, and the disappearance of the legendary birds! <3> Ash: Huh? Brock, do you remember all of this? Brock: Not really. I was watching the tournament from home, remember? Duplica: (sighs) Get settled, and then meet me, Misty, and Giselle at the cafeteria in half an hour... if I can get those two out of their gloomy moods. Duplica leaves the boys and heads to dorms. Finding her room, she pulls out her key and opens the door. Stepping inside, she puts down her purse on the dresser. She spots Misty in one corner watching the news on TV, while Giselle is in the other, sitting on one of the twin beds while dressed in nothing but a yellow fuzzy robe and matching colored slippers... well, one at least, because she throws the other straight at Duplica and misses. Duplica: (dodging the slipper) Hey! What was that for? Giselle: Close the door! Do you know how many perverts there are running around here? Duplica: (tossing the slipper back while closing the door) Aren’t you a little paranoid? Giselle: Paranoid? Yeah, right. Did you know that females are most likely to be assaulted within five minutes of taking a shower? Of course you wouldn’t know that... you’re not as beautiful as I am. Duplica: Whatever. Ash, Brock, and Pikachu are here. We’re meeting them for dinner in twenty minutes. Giselle: No thanks. (holds up a paper bag) Besides, I’ve already gotten some food to eat. Plus, I’m not stepping outside after already taking a shower! Duplica: (sighs) Misty? Misty: I’m not hungry. Duplica: Oh Misty, you mean you’re still pissed after Brock nearly ran you over? Misty doesn’t respond. Duplica: Fine then! I’ll have them both to myself. Duplica laughs wildly as she grabs her small purple purse (with Ditto inside) and walks out the door, closing it behind her. Giselle: (pulling out a curling iron) What’s with your friend? Misty: I think she’s had too much caffeine to drink. At the cafeteria twenty minutes later, Ash, Brock, Duplica, Pikachu, and Ditto are all sitting down to a nice, hot meal. Duplica has already refreshed Ash’s memory of his Novice Tournament last year. Ash: So, you’re telling me this all happened within the course of two weeks? Duplica: That’s the gist of it, yes. Ash: Then how come I don’t remember all of this? Duplica: I told you... a trainer named Cassie Banks used a camera to erase our memories. Ash: (rolling his eyes) Yeah, sure. A sweatdrop appears on his face when he spots Duplica staring angrily at him. Ash: So how do you remember everything? Duplica: Well... Joy: (yelling from the street) Fire, fire! Ash, Brock, and Duplica: (all together) Huh? Fire? They glance out the window and see the nearby Pokémon Center engulfed in flames. They run outside and see Nurse Joy running around in a frenzy. Joy: Isn’t there anyone who has any water Pokémon? Brock: That’s your cue, Ash! Ash: (throwing two Pokéballs) Squirtle, Lapras, double hydro pump attack! Duplica: Ditto, transform into a Seadra and help Ash’s Pokémon out! Other trainers from nearby release their water Pokémon to join in fighting the fire. But as soon as they put out one part, another one ignites in another part of the building. Duplica: It’s no use! We’re not getting anywhere with this! Ash: Don’t give up! It’s not over until the whole foundation collapses! Joy: (sarcastically) That’s... reassuring. Brock: (heroically and flirtatiously) Don’t worry, Nurse Joy! I’ll make sure the Pokémon Center doesn’t burn down! (throws a Pokéball) Geodude, go! Find some dirt to smother the fire! Geodude: Geo! Geodude joins the battle, but it doesn’t seem to help any. Brock then spots three lovely ladies out of the corner of his eye... walking straight towards the building! Brock: Hey ladies, look out! You’re about to walk straight into a burning building! The three ladies ignore Brock, though, as they each let out a Pokémon... a Dewgong, a Seadra, and a Tentacruel respectively... and then enter the building following them. The whole crowd watches the group of six enter, emitting screams and gasps from their mouths. Then in an instant, they watch the Pokémon Center fill with water, and then drain just as fast. The Pokémon Center reappears, with the fire completely out, and only minor structural damage. The crowd rejoices with glee. Duplica: I can’t believe it! Those three just put out the fire by themselves! Ash: That’s pretty amazing. Brock: (blushing) I’ll say. Do you think that they’ll allow me to date all three of them at once? Duplica: (sweatdrops) Probably not. Ash: (also sweatdrops) And you don’t need a psychic to tell you that. Joy walks up to the Pokémon Center as the three ladies step out of the building. Joy: Thank you for all your help! We couldn’t have put out the fire without you. The three ladies reveal their identities to the crowd. Lorelei: It’s nothing that me and Dewgong couldn’t handle. Daisy: Besides, we wouldn’t want the tournament deprived of one of its Pokémon Centers. Violet: And like, it was a great workout for our Pokémon. Joy: Well, thank you once again, ladies! I’ll make sure that the Pokémon League hears of your feat tonight. The crowd rejoices once again and then gathers around the trio. Officer Jenny, who has just arrived on the scene late as usual, pushes through the crowd to quiet everyone down. Jenny: (speaking through a megaphone) Alright everyone, show’s over! Let’s break it up! We’ve got a very busy weekend ahead of us, so clear the area! It only takes about ten minutes for everything to return to normal. Only a small group remains behind to talk, including our heroes. Jenny: We’re lucky that you three were here when we needed you. Lorelei: No problem. We can’t let one fire ruin the spirit of the tournament. (turns to Ash and Brock) So, it’s nice to see you two again. Ash: And it’s an honor to see you again. Brock: (running up to Lorelei, knocking over Ash in the process) It’s always an honor whenever you’re around, Lorelei! Duplica: Daisy! Violet! What are you doing here? And where’s Lily? Daisy: Well, we made a bet during one of our shows. Whoever received the least number of autographs would have to stay home and watch the gym while the other two would come up to watch the tournament. And of course, Lily lost. Violet: As for why we’re here; to watch Misty compete, of course. Ash: Of course. Duplica: (waving her hands in the air) Hello! I’m competing too, you know. Daisy: Yeah, whatever. Joy: Say, while we’re on the subject of the tournament... does anyone need their Pokémon healed? Ash, Brock, Duplica, Lorelei, Daisy, and Violet: (simultaneously) I do! I do! Joy: (smiles and giggles) Well, we’d better get started if I’m to be done by eleven o’clock. Jenny watches the group of seven walk in to the Pokémon Center to take care of business while she returns to her night patrol duties. Two evenings later, a crowd of nearly ten thousand are gathered at Indigo Stadium to watch the Opening Ceremonies. Ash, Brock, Daisy, and Lily are among those watching from the stands as the trainers begin to parade into the stadium. Down below, Misty, Giselle, and Duplica converse as they begin to move. Misty: Are you guys ready? Giselle: I’ve been ready for two hours now! Unlike you... Duplica: Okay you two, calm down! We’ve got two weeks to strut our stuff on the battlefield. Leave all of the fighting until then, okay? Giselle: Fine. (points to Misty) Just don’t get in my way. Giselle walks off to join the parade, and as Misty is about to punch Giselle in the back, Duplica grabs hold of her arms. Misty: Duplica, let go of me! You know she deserves it! Duplica: Maybe, but you really don’t want the tournament to start on a bad note. Besides, what would your Pokémon think? What would your sisters think? What would Ashy-boy think? Misty, after hearing Ash’s name, finally calms down. Duplica lets go of her. Misty: (sighs) You’re right, Duplica. I shouldn’t let petty arguments like this get the best of me. I was raised to be stronger than that... especially with me being the baby in the family. Duplica: Now that’s the Misty that I became best friends with. Let’s join Giselle so we can get this tournament started right. The two run off to catch up as their group enters the stadium. Ash: (pointing to a small group) Hey, there they are! Over there! Daisy: (yelling) Yeah, Misty! You go girl! Violet: Why are you giving Misty so much support? She has still yet to prove she can compete at this level. Daisy: Sister, haven’t you ever heard of term “encouragement?” We have to cheer her on, no matter what. (yelling once again) Kick some serious trainer butt, Misty! Violet: (rolling her eyes) Why did Daisy have to be the boisterous one of the family? Ash: Go, Misty! Show ‘em who’s boss, Duplica! Beat ‘em all, Giselle! Violet: Gee, Ash, you seem to be supportive of all three of them. Ash: Of course! I’ve got three reasons to spend a lot of money on romantic dinners. Daisy and Violet facefault to the ground. Brock pats Ash on the back. Brock: Wow, looks like some of my techniques rubbed off on you, Ash! Daisy: (to Violet) Let’s hope it’s not contagious. Violet: (to Daisy) Otherwise, we might as well forget going out to pick up guys. The crowd watches in awe as several performance acts come on, one after the other, to promote the spirit of the tournament. Finally, at the end, President Goodshow comes up to welcome the torchbearer and kick off the tournament. Goodshow: Good evening, one and all! Before the torchbearer runs into the stadium to light the torch for this year’s games, I’d like to give thanks to all of the trainers who are participating in the biggest Novice Tournament ever in recorded history! We have two hundred and fifty-six trainers of all shapes and sizes, and from all around the world! For the first time, we have trainers from other countries... twenty-two trainers from ten countries, to be exact. One hundred seventy-nine trainers are competing here for the first time... that’s also a new record. We’ve got a lot to be proud of. And believe or not, at this time next week, that field of two hundred and fifty-six will be reduced to just thirty-two. Amazing, isn’t it? Well, I’ve just received word that the torchbearer is just outside the stadium, so I’d better wrap up my welcome real quick. Ahem... I hope that every trainer competing the next two weeks exercises fair play and participates in intense battles. We’re looking for some great battles... let’s hope that you trainers don’t disappoint us. The crowd cheers in applause as President Goodshow bows, then silences the crowd once again. Goodshow: Now, I’d like to introduce the torchbearer, whom a lot of you are already know. He’s currently ranked number one in the Pokémon League, and he is the leader of the illustrious Elite Four! Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a standing ovation for Lance! The crowd stands and claps in delight as Lance, dressed in a black T-shirt and matching shorts, runs into the stadium and heads up the stairs of Indigo Stadium towards the torch. Reaching in about three minutes, he lights the torch. The crowd watches as the spirit of Moltres comes alive in the fire, signifying the beginning of the tournament. Goodshow: Let the Novice Tournament begin! The crowd responds with boisterous cheers for their favorite trainers! The lights then dim as the fireworks show begins. The crowd is speechless as they watch many of the fireworks explode into forms of familiar Pokémon. Daisy: (pointing to one) Like, that one looks like Staryu! Violet: (pointing to another) And that one’s a Seel! Ash: (spotting one) There’s one of a Pikachu! Pikachu: (eyes wide open in awe) Pi-kaaaaaaa! Brock: This sure is a great fireworks show, isn’t it guys? Violet: It sure is, Brock. It sure is... The fireworks continue to burst in the air for another half hour. The next morning, in the room where Misty, Giselle, and Duplica are sleeping, someone knocks on their door. Misty, being the only one awake... and properly dressed... answers it. Misty: (still somewhat sleepy) Yes? Messenger: I have the battle schedules for Misty Waterflower, Giselle Gravelpot, and Duplica Imite here. Misty: I’ll take them. My roommates are still asleep. The messenger then hands Misty the three schedules and heads on to the next room. Misty places Giselle and Duplica’s schedules on the dresser, then opens hers up, and begins to read it. Misty: Oh my gosh! I’ve got a match on the Grass Field in fifteen minutes! And I even haven’t had breakfast! Grabbing her things, Misty runs out of the room, schedule in hand, and slams the door behind her, waking both Giselle and Duplica. Duplica: What was that all about? Giselle: Beats me. (gets out of bed dressed in a short purple night gown, and notices the schedules on the dresser) Hey look, our schedules came in! (looks at hers) Oh my gosh... Duplica: (still lying in bed) What? Giselle: (slowly, in shock) I’m battling Misty on the Ice Field tomorrow evening. Roughly fifteen minutes later, under the stands of the Grass Field near the green podium, Daisy and Violet are giving Misty some last minute tips. Daisy: Now remember, Misty, you save your best Pokémon for last. Violet: But don’t pull out your weakest one to start off with either. Daisy: Make sure to change your Pokémon if you have one that stands a better chance against your opponent. Violet: And don’t forget to smile! You’re representing the Cerulean City Sensational Sisters, remember? Misty: That’s enough, you two! I’ve been a trainer long enough to know what to do in battle. Stop worrying... I’ll be fine. Daisy and Violet smile as Misty heads out towards the stadium. Daisy: (tries to hold back a tear) There goes our baby sister... she’s growing up in front of our eyes! Violet: Tell me about it... I think she grew an inch since last night! Daisy: You know what... I think she can win this tournament? Violet: The whole thing? (Daisy nods in approval) Okay then, I believe that she can win too. After all, I’m pretty sure she’ll never get a chance like this again. Daisy gives Violet a very stern look. They then spot Misty about to step out into the daylight, and they begin to cheer her on. Daisy and Violet: (simultaneously) Let’s go, Misty! Go for gold! Although Misty hears her sisters, she doesn’t respond. Instead, she speaks silently to herself. Misty: Thanks, guys. You can count on me... because Misty’s going for gold! With that, she walks out to the thousands of cheers coming from the stadium crowd. To be continued... Comments, questions, and suggestions can be sent to jgg121@yahoo.com. Also, thanks to Matt Lenz for a superb pre-writing job! This series wouldn’t be a success without him! Author’s Notes: <1> For those of you unclear of this, here’s a brief explanation. Giselle has a little more power in her arms than Misty, and therefore can throw the Pokéball slightly faster than her opponent. <2> Want to here more about Giselle’s stay at Ash’s house? Write to me and let me know! <3> Do you want to know how Duplica already remembers what happened at the last tournament and Ash doesn’t? That will be explained in a future episode... stay tuned! Copyright Date: 7/31/00 Preliminary round action kicks off, as Misty, Giselle, and Duplica begin battling their way towards the top. Plus, they discover that one of Gary’s former cheerleaders is competing... but for what reason? Watch what happens as all 256 trainers begin to fight to obtain the gold medal... in Episode 35, “The Girls are in Control.”