Four weeks without a new episode? That’s unheard of! Yeah, and I’m going to hurt myself just for making you fans wait longer to get this season into high gear. You don’t have to worry about anything now, though. With schoolwork and everything, I might not do something like this again for a long time. A little warning before you dip into Chapter 2 of “Misty’s Going for Gold.” You’re going to be seeing a lot of things in this and the next few chapters that have occurred in the series, yet have not been mentioned. Yes, it’s confusing when you don’t even know half of what the characters are talking about. Don’t worry. You won’t be confused for much longer. Everything will fall into place eventually. On with the show! Disclaimer: I don’t own Pokémon or any of its related characters. The lives of the characters, though, are controlled by my little keyboard. Heh heh. Back Episode Reminder: http://www.fanfiction.net - If you haven’t read Episodes 1 - 34 yet, I suggest you do so before moving on. *** Monday, August 15th, Indigo Plateau With the sun shining down on the Indigo Plateau, the camera quickly switches to the room where the girls are staying, as Duplica runs out, on her way to watch Misty’s first battle. Misty had left about twenty minutes ago. Duplica: (yelling back) Don’t forget to lock up, Giselle! Giselle: (calling from the bathroom) Don’t worry, I will! She listens as Duplica closes the door. Giselle: (sighs) Misty must be so lucky to have friends watch her battle. I wish I had someone here to cheer me on. <1> Minutes later, Duplica arrives at the stadium just as the match is about to begin. Duplica: Hey, did I miss anything? Ash: You’re just in time... Misty’s coming out now! Misty waves to the crowd as she enters the Grass Field for her first League match! Announcer: Our first competitor is from Cerulean City! She’s the younger sister of the trio of gym leaders known as the Sensational Sisters! Introducing Misty Waterflower! Ash: Yeah Misty! Show ‘em who’s boss! Brock: Come on Misty! You can do it! Duplica: (jumping up and down in her seat) Go Misty! Beat the pants off of him! She then stops jumping around when she notices the whole crowd looking at her. She blushes, then sits back down in her seat. Announcer: And now introducing her opponent... from Viridian City. He’s attempting to get into the Pokémon League for his fifty-third time, a modern day record! Meet the third oldest competitor of the competition, at age forty-four... Alan Thickley! Alan, a middle aged man with a medium build and signs of age showing around his face and hair features, enters on the green side of the field, and gets a small cheer from the crowd. Alan: (talking to the crowd) It’s a pleasure to be here. I have trained long and hard over the past six months to ensure that I’ll get into the League this time around. And as for my opponent, I wish her the best... and I hope that she doesn’t become a loser like me! Alan and the rest of the crowd break out into hysterical laughter. Misty just stands there, sweatdropping. Misty: Okay... my first opponent’s a nutcase. Just great. ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Episode 35: “Misty’s Going for Gold,” Chapter Two: “The Girls are in Control” Story Written by Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ Daisy and Violet reach the row that their seats are in just as the crowd finishes laughing at Alan’s introductory speech. They have to climb over a few people to get to them, though. Violet: (reaching her seat first) Hey Daisy, do you think Misty stands a chance of winning? Daisy: (taking the seat next to her sister) I think so. Even though his Pokémon might have a lot more experience than Misty’s, I think it’s going to come down to who uses the best strategy. That’s who’s going to win. Announcer: Let this tournament match begin! Misty: (throws a Pokéball) Misty calls Horsea! Horsea: Horsea horsea! Alan: (throws a Pokéball) Kangaskhan, go! Kangaskhan: Kangaskhan! Daisy and Violet have just made it up to their seats, and they spot Misty’s first choice on the field. Daisy begins yelling wildly, as Violet tries to hold her back. Daisy: (flailing her arms wildly) Misty, what are you doing? Horsea isn’t ready to face a Kangaskhan right now! Get your head on straight! Violet: (keeping Daisy from falling over the railing) Daisy, stop that! You’re going to make us both fall! The two trainer podiums rise from the ground and up to height of about ten feet. The two dueling Pokémon approach each other, taking their places on the field, right in front of the flag official. Flag Official: (after a brief pause, raises both flags) Let the battle begin! Misty: Horsea, bubblebeam! The bubblebeam attack proves to be very effective on the Kangaskhan, as it not only injures it, but also slows it down in the process. Alan: Kangaskhan, dizzy punch! Alan’s Kangaskhan hits Horsea squarely in the jaw... sending it flying right into Misty’s podium! The impact causes the podium to shake briefly. Misty: Horsea! Use your smokescreen attack! Horsea gets up and performs the attack, blinding Kangaskhan’s view of the field. Alan: Kangaskhan, pound it into the ground! Kangaskhan attempts to do so, but it misses. Alan slaps himself in the head after realizing the mistake he just made. Misty: (to herself) If Horsea can only use the smokescreen for cover, and its small size to sneak towards Kangaskhan in the grass, then there’s no way it can lose! Horsea moves through the smoke to locate its target as Misty shouts for it to use the bubblebeam attack again. The smokescreen dissipates as Horsea’s attack heads straight for Kangaskhan. Alan: Kangaskhan, hyper beam! At the last possible moment, Kangaskhan uses its hyper beam attack to cancel out the incoming beam. Not only does it cancel it... it goes right through it, hitting Horsea and causing it to faint. Misty: Horsea! Alan: Well, what do you know. Looks like Kangaskhan wins round one, young lady. Flag Official: (raises green flag) Horsea has been defeated! Kangaskhan is the winner! The first light disappears under Misty’s picture on the scoreboard. The crowd cheers their approval for Alan. Daisy: (covering her eyes) I can’t watch... Misty’s going to lose her very first match! Violet: (sarcastically) Who’s being positive now, dear sister? Daisy: Oh, shut up. Ash: Come on, Misty! You can do it! Brock: Standing up for your girlfriend, Ash? Ash: (blushes) Misty’s not my girlfriend! Daisy and Violet: (jumping in) Is too! Ash: Is not! Brock, Daisy, and Violet: Is too! Ash: Is not! Brock, Daisy, and Violet: Is too! Duplica: (shouts) Will you guys shut up and watch the match already! Ash, Brock, Daisy, and Violet: Sorry. Back on the field, Misty is pondering who to send out next. Misty: Let’s see, it should be low on energy, so one good whack from Scyther should do it. (throws a Pokéball) Misty calls Scyther! Scyther, upon being released, attacks Kangaskhan without any orders from Misty. Misty: Scyther, stop! Alan: Kangaskhan, pound! Announcer: Uh oh! It looks like Misty’s Scyther has gone wild... and it’s not obeying its trainer! The official doesn’t know what to do! Kangaskhan faints, but Scyther doesn’t stop attacking. Misty: Scyther, I order you to stop! Scyther continues to disobey Misty, as it begins to slash at Kangaskhan’s hard body. Of course, Kangaskhan has already fainted, but Scyther doesn’t care at all. Alan continuously attempts to recall his Pokémon, but to no avail. Scyther is blocking the beam from reaching Kangaskhan. Alan: Young lady, tell your Pokémon to stop! Misty: I can’t! I don’t know what’s wrong with it! Daisy: (shouting) Misty! Recall Scyther before you get disqualified from the tournament for unnecessary roughness! Misty: Good idea! Scyther, return! The Pokéball aims its beam at Scyther, capturing its intended target. The crowd breathes a sigh of relief as Misty wipes her forehead, only to find something wet there. She realizes that she’s been sweating. Misty: Whew! That was a close one! The flag official nods silently as he hears a conversation coming from his headphones. It’s the judges, deciding what should happen now. Finally, the official pulls out a mini-microphone from his pocket and begins to speak to the crowd. Flag Official: By decision of the judges, Misty Waterflower’s Scyther has been deemed ineligible for battle. It can no longer fight in this tournament until it has been cleared by the League safety officials. It also counts as one of her Pokémon in this battle, so as of this point, Miss Waterflower only has one Pokémon remaining. The battle will now resume, with Mr. Thickley choosing his next Pokémon first. Alan: Have you gone out of your mind, young lady? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that that was an attempt on my life. Misty: I wasn’t trying to kill you! My Scyther just went wild all by itself. I don’t know what’s wrong with him. (to herself) Unless... no, it can’t be! But that was five weeks ago! There’s no way it could have stuck around that long! Alan: Allow me to teach you some manners. Now we’ll see who has the last laugh... Spearow, go! Alan throws out a Pokéball, revealing the small bird Pokémon. Misty: (to herself) I’ve got the perfect choice. There’s no way I can lose this match! (throws a Pokéball) Misty calls Vaporeon! Vaporeon comes out of her Pokéball, anxious to battle. Flag Official: (raising both flags) Begin! Alan: Spearow, fury attack! Misty: Vaporeon, water gun! Vaporeon’s blast easily overpowers Spearow’s attack, sending the bird flying to the other side of the field... fainting on the spot. Flag Official: (raises red flag) Spearow has been knocked out! Vaporeon wins! The crowd cheers as Ash and company glance at the scoreboard... only one light left under each of the competitor’s names. Announcer: There’s only one Pokémon a side now. This preliminary round match-up is coming right down to the wire! Alan: (to Misty) You may have defeated my Spearow, but see what happens when you deal with its angry father! (throws a Pokéball) Fearow, go! Fearow materializes in front of Vaporeon. The two begin to stare each other down. Announcer: Wow! Despite the fact that Vaporeon has the type advantage over Fearow, Alan’s number one Pokémon isn’t scared at all. It’s almost as if it knows that it can win. Alan: It doesn’t know it can win... it will win! Misty: We’ll see about that! Daisy: (yelling from the stands) Come on, Misty! Show him what the Sensational Sisters are made of! Violet: Calm down sis! If you shout anymore, you’ll lose your voice! She then smiles, thinking that might be a good thing. Flag Official: (raising both flags one more time) Final round! Fight! Misty: Vaporeon, aurora beam! Vaporeon fires its beam at Fearow... but the bird dodges the attack! Alan: (laughs) Deary, you underestimated my Fearow. Mirror move, Fearow! Fearow gathers enough energy to send its own temporary copy of the aurora beam at Vaporeon. The beam makes a direct hit, but it doesn’t do much damage. Misty: Now I see why you’ve been trying for so long to get into the League... because although your Pokémon are at high levels, you still can’t choose the right Pokémon to get the job done. Violet: (yelling) Well said! Daisy: (pulling Violet down) Quiet! You’re embarrassing her! Violet: Like, you were doing the same thing just a minute ago, dear sis! Ash, Brock, and Duplica: (simultaneously) Be quiet! Misty’s about to win! Misty: Vaporeon, hydro pump! The abrupt water burst is strong enough to knock Fearow to the ground hard. Fearow struggles to get up before finally fainting. Flag Official: (raising the red flag for the last time) Fearow has been defeated! The victory goes to Vaporeon and its trainer, Misty Waterflower! The crowd cheers for Misty as the last light under Alan’s name goes out, and then his picture is replaced by the word ‘congratulations,’ in order to praise Misty for her victory. Duplica: Yeah, Misty! Brock: You did it! Ash: All right! Daisy and Violet: (jumping up and down while hugging each other) She won! She won! She won! Misty: (wiping a new batch of sweat from her scalp after letting out a breath of both exhilaration and exhaustion, she whispers to herself) I did it. Misty hadn’t expected that her first match was going to be so hard. She’s just happy that it’s over. As she realizes that the crowd is cheering for her, she waves back as she descends her podium to check on Vaporeon. Misty: You okay, Vaporeon? The water Pokémon lets out a small yelp of happiness, showing that the swift battle has far from weakened her. Misty: Good. (sighs as she looks up at the bleachers) I wonder if Giselle won her first match... Speaking of which, let’s head over to the Rock Field. At one end of the field, a young American male is fuming over his bad luck, while at the other, Giselle is smiling bright enough to light a dark cave. American male: This is unbelievable! How can a mere girl be better than me? Giselle: I learned from the best... at Pokémon Tech! American male: Well, cutie, let’s see how you do against my best Pokémon! He throws a Pokéball, and out comes a Machamp. American male: My Machamp has never lost a match since I got it from my friend! It’s unbeatable! And it’ll knock out that Electrode of yours, or my name isn’t Billy Bob! Giselle: (in her intelligent, yet arrogant tone of voice) It’ll be a little hard for it to do that if I’m using another Pokémon... Billy: What? Giselle: Electrode, return! (pulls out a different Pokéball) This one should do. Using her trademark ballerina pose, she throws out the Pokéball, revealing a Drowsee. Billy: Drowsee? Giselle: (smiling) Not really. (makes a quick laugh at her own joke) Now, let me show you how to win a Pokémon battle! Flag Official: (raising both flags) Begin! Billy: Machamp, seismic toss! Machamp picks up Drowsee and throws it into a rock. Luckily for Giselle, Drowsee shakes it off easily. Billy, shocked that the Pokémon is unharmed, begins to get angry again... giving Giselle’s Drowsee the chance to attack. Giselle: Drowsee, hypnosis! Drowsee puts Machamp to sleep. Billy watches as Giselle’s Drowsee uses Dream Eater to drain all of the energy out of the fighting Pokémon, which faints on the spot. Billy: No! This can’t be happening! Giselle: Believe it... you just got beat by a beautiful girl! Announcer: And that’s it! Giselle Gravelpot is the winner, easily taking down all three of Billy’s Pokémon! She looks like she’s going to be one of the ones to watch here in the tournament... and by the looks of some of the men here in the crowd, it’s going to be in more ways than one! Giselle recalls Drowsee while doing her best to ignore the cheering crowd as the podium lowers to the ground. Her thoughts turn to her upcoming confrontation with Misty as she turns her back to the crowd, exiting the arena without so much as a wave at them. If any of the spectators had been her former peers from Pokémon Tech, they would have yelled at her for her unsportsmanlike gesture. Giselle: (to herself) If this wasn’t an official match, that would have been a waste of my time. But Misty didn’t fold over at Cerulean months ago like she did at Pokémon Tech. She’s going to be a real challenge. After I beat her, though, no one is going to have any doubts about who the best trainer here is. Turning around, she catches sight of Billy walking towards her from across the field. Rethinking things over, Giselle re-enters the stadium running towards Billy. The two stop dead in the center of the field. Giselle sticks out her hand to congratulate Billy for a good fight, while flashing her ‘it’s okay but I’m still better than you are’ smile. Okay, maybe it wasn’t a good fight, but she still had to show that she was a good sport. Billy, though, was thinking just the opposite. He motions to slap Giselle right across the face... but his hand never reaches its target. In one swift motion Giselle grasps Billy’s arm, flips him over her shoulder, and on to the ground behind her, knocking the wind out of him. Turning, she then places her right foot on top of Billy’s chest. She then presses down, making it very painful for him to breathe. Giselle: If you can’t be a good sport about losing, then maybe you should pack your things and leave right now. We don’t need people like you in the Pokémon League. With that, she turns on her heel and re-exits the field, as two thousand stunned faces look on. Billy gets up, trying to breathe normally. He puts his hand on his chest, still feeling the force of Giselle’s sharp high heel against his ribcage. He scowls as the crowd silently watches him leave. Billy: (to himself) This isn’t the last you’ll hear of me, girl! I’ll be back. And then you’ll be sorry that you messed with Billy Bob! He laughs to himself as he walks by the next trainer on his way to the field. The trainer just looks at Billy weirdly before continuing on. After all, he has other things to think about... A little later, Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, and Giselle are gathered at the local university eatery for some lunch. <2> As usual, it was Giselle who has doing all the talking. Giselle: And so, this American boy named Billy Bob thinks he can rub me the right way by showing off his impressive Pokémon. Impressive? He calls a Horsea, a Tangela, and a Machamp impressive? Misty: (feeling insulted) Hey! I happen to think that my Horsea is pretty impressive! Brock: And Erika’s Tangela is pretty strong. Ash: (innocently enough) And a Machamp has to be impressive, with all of the skills it has. Giselle: Just what exactly are you three implying? Brock: (munching on a French fry) I’d have to say that you love him. Giselle: (her jaw wide open in surprise) What? Misty: Brock’s got a point. (teasingly) You’re denying the fact that his Pokémon were impressive. You just think that no guy can have you unless he beats you in battle. Ash: Gee, Giselle. (begins to smile) I guess that makes me your boyfriend! Misty and Giselle: In your dreams, buddy! They both dump their drinks onto Ash before stomping out. Ash just sits there, soaked in soda. Ash: I was only joking! Pikachu, who had gone unnoticed the whole time, is laughing his head off on the floor. Ash: Did I say something wrong? Brock: I guess your charm’s wearing off, Ash. Maybe you need to relax a little. Ash: (dejected) I guess you’re right. I haven’t seen Misty react like that for a while. Pikachu: (laughing) Pika pika pika pika pika pika pika! At that exact moment, at the Water Field, Daisy is in the process of dragging Violet there to see a match. Violet: Daisy! I’m, like, hungry here! Daisy: You’re on a diet, remember? Anyway, you know I like seeing battles on the Water Field! Violet: Why don’t you wait for Misty to battle here? Daisy: She doesn’t have a match here until Thursday morning! I’m not waiting that long! The two manage to catch a seat just as a match is finishing. Daisy: Oh shoot! The match is already over! Violet: I told you this was a stupid idea! Announcer: And that ends the match! As Roger’s Chansey goes down for the count, young Samantha Hutchinson is the winner! Violet: Why does that name sound so familiar to me? Daisy: Maybe it’s someone that challenged you for a gym badge months ago. Samantha, wearing a red sleeveless blouse and a short brown skirt with matching colored high heeled shoes, blows back a lock of her auburn hair as she bends down to check on her Dugtrio, worn out from the battle. Samantha: Good job, Dugtrio! We’ll show you-know-who that I can do more than just be a cheerleader. Daisy and Violet then realize the obvious, both pointing at Samantha at the same time. Daisy and Violet: She’s one of Gary Oak’s former cheerleaders! ************************************************************************ Adventures Series Trivia Question # 2: Which of Misty’s sisters did Misty pick to battle when she came to get a Cascade Badge? ************************************************************************ About twenty minutes later, Samantha walks out of the stadium, carrying a knapsack. She then is suddenly surrounded by reporters of all sorts, carrying microphones, cameras, and tape recorders. She covers her face as they try to ask her questions. Reporter # 1: Samantha, is it true that Gary Oak paid you and your friends to follow him? Samantha: Well... Reporter # 2: Is it true that Gary never meant to make it into the Pokémon League? Samantha: To tell you the truth... Reporter # 3: Is it true Professor Oak paid you to dance for Gary on his eleventh birthday? Samantha: Where did you... Reporter # 4: Did you steal those Pokémon from Gary Oak? Samantha: What do you mean... Daisy runs up to the crowd of reporters. Pushing her way through, she grabs Samantha’s hand and pulls her out. The two, without any second thoughts, take off running, with the reporters right behind them. Luckily, Daisy knew the crowded streets of Indigo like the back of her hand, so it was easy for them to lose the crowd. They catch their breath as they hide in a stray alley. Daisy: That was a close one. Samantha: I’ll say. Who are you anyway? Daisy: (flattening out her dress) Daisy Waterflower. I was coming out of the stadium after seeing your match, and when I saw all of those reporters around you, I just decided to get you out of there. Samantha: Well, thank you. How would you know about reporters, though? Daisy: Me and my sisters double as synchronized swimming performance artists and the gym leaders of Cerulean City. Samantha: I thought your name sounded familiar. I battled your sister Violet. Say, where is she? As if on cue, Violet jumps into the alley, grabs Samantha by the collar, and thrusts her against the wall. She looks very angry. Violet: It’s nice to see you again... Samantha! Daisy: (pulling her off of Samantha) Violet, what’s this all about? Samantha: Your sister here’s jealous of me. Violet: Jealous, nothing! You were the one who tore a hole in my swimsuit the last time you were at the gym! Samantha: Well, I did for a good reason. That green bathing suit of yours was atrocious! Anyone with fashion sense wouldn’t have been caught dead in it. Violet: Did you know I had to go buy another swimsuit from the store to use in a performance that was supposed to start just fifteen minutes later! Daisy: I was wondering why you had chosen a sunshine yellow suit that day... Samantha: Besides, lady, you know I’d look much better in a swimsuit then you ever would. Violet: Oh yeah? It’s not like those clothes you’re wearing are a fashion statement! Daisy: Okay, break it up you two! We just escaped a mob of news hounds! Don’t make me have to turn your lights out! Violet: Daisy, shut up! This is between me and the beauty pageant reject here. Samantha: Who are you calling a reject? Violet: You! You stuck-up brat who has nothing better to do than... follow... a boy... Samantha watches as Violet curls up on the ground and begins to snooze. She then turns to Daisy to see her holding a small brown pouch. Samantha: What did you do to her? Daisy: Oh, it’s nothing. Just a little sleep powder from a Gloom. I had Erika, the Celadon gym leader, make it for me via mail order. She’ll be up in an hour or so... it wasn’t that much. Samantha: Thank goodness. I thought you had killed her. Daisy: Why would I want to kill her? I’d never get away with it anyway. (winks) Now, let’s talk about what happened between you and Gary and the other cheerleaders. (puts her finger over Samantha’s mouth before she has a chance to speak) Don’t worry, it’ll just be between you and me. The two support Violet’s limp body as they walk out of the alley and towards the nearest Pokémon Center. Over at the Ice Field, Duplica has to contend with the hot afternoon sun and a very tough opponent for her first League match. Announcer: Young first-timer Duplica Imite seems to be having trouble here today. She’s already down to her last Pokémon, while her opponent Dorothy Avalon just seems to be breezing through. Duplica: Dang, that Pidgeotto of hers is a real nuisance! Looks like I’ll have to rely on Ditto for this one. Dorothy, who looked somewhat similar to Giselle, but with green hair just like Duplica, watches as Duplica’s Ditto jumps down from her shoulder, and then begins to laugh at Duplica’s final choice. Dorothy: You’re kidding, right? That blob is your last Pokémon? What a riot! Duplica ignores Dorothy’s insults. She begins to plan out her strategy. Dorothy: Oh, I guess you don’t care if I trash your Pokémon. Fine by me. Flag Official: (raising both flags) Begin! Duplica: Ditto, transform into Dewgong! Ditto: (transforming as it speaks) Ditto-gong! Dorothy: Even if you can pull off the transformation, that Ditto-Dewgong is no match for Pidgeotto! (to Pidgeotto) Whirlwind! Blow this sorry excuse for a Pokémon away! Ditto-Dewgong uses its flippers to grab onto a chunk of ice and hang on for dear life as Pidgeotto tries to get it up into the air, where it has the advantage. The move fails. Duplica: Ditto, ice beam! Ditto-Dewgong uses a quick burst of ice to turn Pidgeotto into an icicle... which falls from the sky and onto the field, breaking open upon impact. Pidgeotto faints on the spot. Flag Official: (raising red flag) Pidgeotto is out! Ditto wins! The first light goes out under Dorothy’s picture, but she doesn’t seem at all worried. Dorothy: It’s incredible that your Ditto can change into any Pokémon at will, Duplica. (with confidence) But I doubt that even you will change that blob into the right Pokémon before my Growlithe blows it away! Growlithe comes out of its Pokéball and gets into position on the field. Ditto decides to remain as a Dewgong for the moment. Flag Official: (raising both flags again) Let the battle resume! Dorothy: Growlithe, take down! Duplica: Ditto! Arcanine hits Ditto so hard that it changes back to its regular form. Luckily for Duplica, Ditto hasn’t fainted. Duplica: Ditto, transform into Golem! Ditto transforms just as Dorothy orders Growlithe to use its fire spin attack. Trapped, Growlithe slow begins to zap away Ditto-Golem’s energy. Dorothy: That fire spin should be strong enough to finish off that Ditto of yours. And if not, I’ve got Growlithe’s flamethrower attack ready. Duplica’s only hope was that the flamethrower attack missed. She watched with unblinking eyes as the fire spin attack wore off, and Dorothy ordered Growlithe to perform the move in question. Dorothy: Growlithe, flamethrower! The crowd watched as Growlithe fires at Ditto-Golem. Even though fire attacks are weak against rock and ground types, Ditto had taken so much damage so far that it wouldn’t matter since the flamethrower was strong enough to drain what was left of its energy. The crowd fell silent as the blast approached Ditto... And missed... Duplica, without sparing a second to celebrate, gives Ditto-Golem a new command. Duplica: Ditto, earthquake! Ditto-Golem pounds on the ground hard, causing the ice around Growlithe to break. Growlithe falls in to the melted pool of water below. After a full seconds, it pulls itself onto a small slab of ice... and promptly faints. The crowd gasps in surprise, then begins to cheer. Duplica was coming back! Flag Official: (raising red flag again) Growlithe has fainted! Ditto wins again! Now, only one light remains lit under both Duplica and Dorothy’s pictures. Dorothy: I don’t know how that Ditto can be powerful enough to beat a Pidgeotto and a Growlithe, but you won’t stand a chance against my strongest Pokémon! Dorothy throws her last Pokéball, and out comes a Pikachu. Duplica: A Pikachu? No way! Ditto changes back to its old self, then smiles at its new opponent. Dorothy: I don’t know what your Ditto is so happy about, Duplica! My Pikachu is going to ground you before your Pokémon can change forms! Flag Official: (raises both flags one more time) Begin! Duplica: Ditto, transform into a Pikachu! Ditto: (transforming) Ditto-chu! Dorothy: Pikachu, thunder bolt! Pikachu’s thunderbolt connects with Ditto-Pikachu. But to Dorothy... as well as everyone else’s surprise, Ditto isn’t down! Dorothy: That’s impossible! That blast should have finished off your Ditto! Duplica: It should have, but it didn’t! Looks like I win! Ditto, slam! Ditto-Pikachu rams into Pikachu so hard, it knocks it out in one hit! Announcer: Unbelievable! Not only did Duplica fight back from a three-one deficit, but she beat all of Dorothy’s Pokémon using an amazingly strong Ditto! The final light goes out under Dorothy’s name. Duplica begins to celebrate while Dorothy pounds the podium in anger. Duplica: Yeah! I did it! I can’t believe it! I won my first Pokémon League match! Dorothy: It’s not fair! That match was supposed to be mine! How did I lose? Duplica and Ditto continue to celebrate as Dorothy and Pikachu walk off, angry over their loss. In fact, Duplica could have sworn that Dorothy was scolding her Pikachu while they were walking away. Oh well, it looks like Duplica’s got time to relax before Misty’s second match that evening... Later that night, Giselle is sitting alone at the Indigo University Cafeteria, sipping on a soda. She seems to be thinking. She doesn’t notice Duplica come in and take the seat across from her. Duplica waves her arm in front of Giselle to get her attention. Duplica: Hello? Earth to ‘Miss Perfect!’ Are you okay? Giselle: Huh? Oh, it’s you. Duplica: Yes, it’s me. What are you doing out here all alone? Giselle: (in her usual stuck-up tone) I can handle myself. Duplica: That’s not what I meant. Why aren’t you over at the Rock Field watching Misty battle? Giselle: I’m thinking about someone. Duplica: (reading her face) Boyfriend? Giselle: (slams her hands down on the table) I do not have a boyfriend! He’s just... an old friend of mine. He left Pokémon Tech to pursue his own career after that stupid boy Ash dropped by our school almost two years ago, having this crazy idea that there was more that he could learn out in the wild then from a textbook. Duplica: Didn’t you try to talk him out of it? Giselle: Yes. He wasn’t happy there. He thought that he’d have better luck on the road. (sigh) I wonder how he’s doing. Duplica: From what you’re telling me, he must have been very special to you. Giselle: I’m not in love with him! I’m just worried... he just turned twelve two months ago, and he didn’t respond when I tried to call him. Last I heard, he was in Viridian City. Duplica: Well, maybe he got his eighth badge! I think he could’ve registered to compete in this tournament. Giselle: What am I talking about... that’s just wishful thinking. Even if his skills did drastically improve since leaving Pokémon Tech, he’d probably still be in Fuschia. Duplica: Well, why don’t you try calling him again? You’ll never know how he’s doing if you keep procrastinating! Giselle: Okay, I’ll try. Thanks! Duplica: (with a smile) You’re welcome. Giselle gets up and heads over to the pay-videophones. She then stops and turns around, and begins to stare at Duplica. Duplica: What? Giselle: Why aren’t you watching Misty’s battle? Duplica: I’m waiting for a call. Giselle: Let me guess... from your boyfriend? Duplica: How did you... Giselle: I can see it in your eyes. I had this friend of mine who fell head over heels for this cute guy from Vermillion, and she had the same sparkle in her eyes that you have now. So, why don’t you tell me about him? Duplica: (blushes slightly) I don’t know... Giselle: Hey! I told you about mine! (sits back down and crosses her legs) It’s only fair that you tell me about yours! Duplica: So he is your boyfriend. Heh. Okay, I’ll tell you. As the two girls continue to converse over their possible future husbands, let’s head over to the Rock Field... There, the rest of the gang (including Samantha and Violet, who’s now awake) are watching Misty in her second preliminary match, as the sun begins to set over the horizon. She’s doing well so far... Announcer: And it’s been a turnaround for Misty Waterflower after what happened to her this morning. In fact, it’s unbelievable. Her Jigglypuff took out a Charmeleon and nearly put out a Vileplume before fainting. Since then, Golduck has taken over, subduing Vileplume, and amazingly seems to be making easy work of a Blastoise. It seems that the other trainer, Manny Zassraphas, is stunned over this battle. But he doesn’t seem to be giving up at all. Manny: Blastoise, skull bash! Knock that Golduck into the ground! Blastoise’s attack works, knocking Golduck senseless. Of course, we all know what happens when Golduck is hit in the head real hard... Misty: All right! Golduck, confusion! Blastoise starts running all around the field. It ends up tripping over a small grouping of rocks, falling flat on its shell. Manny: Blastoise, quick! Withdraw! Misty: Golduck, flush it out with your hydro pump! Golduck’s hydro pump blast knocks Blastoise’s shell back into Manny’s podium, nearly knocking him over the railing. The turtle comes out, dazed and confused. Manny: Blastoise, give that Golduck another skull bash! Aim for the body this time! Blastoise tries to follow its trainer’s instructions, but it’s still confused. It bashes its head right into a rock. Golduck looks on, ready to finish the battle. Misty: Golduck, it’s time for your fury swipes attack! Golduck runs towards Blastoise and begins to slash at it like crazy. Blastoise eventually faints after receiving about a dozen scratch marks across its face. The crowd cheers like crazy once again as the final light goes out under Manny’s picture. Flag Official: (raising red flag) Blastoise has been defeated! The victory goes to Golduck and the red trainer, Misty Waterflower! Misty: Yahoo! That’s two in a row! Great work, Golduck! The others cheer from the stands. Ash: You did it Misty! Brock: You beat another one! Pikachu: (cheering for Misty) Pika pika! Daisy: That’s my little sister out there! Violet: (begins to cry) I don’t even remember the last time I was this happy for someone. Samantha: I don’t even remember seeing you happy for anyone. Violet: (stops crying, and begins arguing with Samantha) What do you know about being happy, other than pleasing that friend of yours, Gary Oak! Samantha: Take that back! Violet: Never! Brock: (getting between them) Ladies, ladies! Isn’t there some way we can settle this gently... like, over a candlelight dinner? Violet: Butt out of this, Brock! Samantha: Hey, you’re the guy who asked me and the girls for our phone numbers near that construction site full of Diglett! Brock: So you remembered. So, how about that date? Daisy: Stop it, all of you! Violet, Samantha, stop fighting! And you, Brock, stop trying to pick up girls! Brock: Hey, back off Daisy! I was only trying to help! Daisy, Violet, and Samantha: (very loudly) Well, your ideas aren’t working! Ash and Pikachu watch from a distance as the foursome continue to argue. Ash: You know, arguments just aren’t amusing unless you’re right in the middle of them. Pikachu: (in a surprised tone) Pika? Ash: I’m just kidding, Pikachu! Let’s get out of here and congratulate Misty... before an Officer Jenny kicks us out of the stadium. Ash and Pikachu follow the crowd out of the stands and down to the main entrance to wait for Misty. Later that night, a mysterious figure is sitting by a pond just outside the small town. He and his Pikachu, Chuchino, sitting on his left shoulder, just seem to be gazing at the stars, without a care in the world. Mystery Figure: (sigh) What a day we had today, huh Chuchino? Chuchino: Pika! Mystery Figure: Who would have thought that we would end up being one of the lucky ones who would fight three matches in a day. What’s even more believable is that we won them all. Chuchino: (pats its trainer on the back) Pikachu pika, chu chu pi! Mystery Figure: Amazingly, there are some great competitors here. He reaches into his backpack and pulls out pictures of Misty, Duplica, Giselle, and Samantha. Chuchino: (eyes sparkling) Pi-kaaaaa! Mystery Figure: Chuchino! Even if they are beautiful, they’re still opposing trainers. Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think that I’d be battling one of them for a spot in the Pokémon League. Chuchino: Pika pikachu chu, pika pi chu pikachu chu pi pichu? Mystery Figure: If I had the chance, which one would I ask out on a date? That’s a silly question! Chuchino: Pika! Mystery Figure: I’m not telling you! Chuchino: Pikachu! Chuchino begins chasing its trainer around the pond, trying to get him to blurt out his answer via electric shocks. Unknown to them, three familiar figures have set up camp by a nearby tree. Jessie: How did it take us three nights to travel fifteen miles? James: It’s because Persian fell in love with that stray Meowth eleven miles out of town! Persian: It wasn’t that long! She walked out on me after ten minutes! Anyway, Jessie spent the whole day Saturday shopping at that new mall six miles out of town! Jessie: How am I to blame? It was James who wanted us to spend the whole day swimming at this pond! James: Wait a minute! Persian: That can’t be right! You two are blaming me for the fact that we haven’t tried to kill the twerps yet? Jessie: Hold on! Why are we arguing? We should be lucky the boss hasn’t found out yet! Why don’t we get some sleep, and then we’ll take care of the twerps tomorrow. Persian: Anyways, da tournament should have started by now, and we can pick them off when dey least expect it! James: That sounds so delightful! (voice now sounds downtrodden) Do we still have to kill them, though? Jessie: As much as I hate to do so, it’s either them or us. Persian: But how will we kill dem in broad daylight? Jessie: Don’t worry... I’ve got it all worked out! James: (leaning in) Really? Persian: Tell us more... Jessie beckons them even closer and whispers in their ears. The three laugh maniacally as the camera pans up towards the night sky. Narrator: Oh no! Will Team Rocket go through with their plan to kill our heroes? Who is this mysterious figure? And how will this all affect Misty and Giselle’s battle tomorrow? Oh, I’m so worried that I won’t be able to get any sleep tonight! I suggest you get some though, because tomorrow’s going to be one busy day! To be continued... Please, it’s hard to write these fanfics if I don’t know who’s reading them! Send me feedback, even if it’s just a word or two. Oh, and I don’t accept flames. I do accept constructive criticism, though. I want to know what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong. My e-mail address is jgg121@yahoo.com. Don’t forget to send in your contest entries, either! See part one of this mini-series to find out more! Author’s Notes: <1> Matt, my pre-reader, brought up the thought that he believes that the Giselle here actually acts differently than the one you all probably know. For those who want to know, I’m trying a temporary personality change, and I’ll be glad to change it back if you all don’t like her new persona. <2> The Pokémon League is using Indigo University as a place to help out with providing extra housing and food for the competing trainers. Note that none of our heroes aren’t old enough to go to college yet. Copyright Date: 8/26/00 As Jessie, James, and Persian prepare to kill our heroes, the preliminary round matches continue. Some surprising new trainers begin to strut their skills, as the League prepares to cut the field to thirty-two. But all eyes are on the battle between Misty and Giselle, as the two of them go at it... in Episode 36, “Just Between Rivals.”