Here’s the third chapter of “Misty’s Going for Gold!” It’s unquestionably very long (twenty-seven pages, to be exact)... Disclaimer: Don’t own ‘em and probably will never have enough to buy them in the future. Back Episode Reminder: http://www.fanfiction.net - If you haven’t read Episodes 1 - 35 yet, I suggest you do so before moving on. *** Tuesday, August 16th, Indigo Plateau Convention Center, Conference Room A Several important figures have gathered in this room for an emergency meeting of the Pokémon League Indigo Elite Council. This special council is made up of twelve members... the Elite Four and the eight Indigo Island gym leaders. Of course, each gym leader is allowed to have an assistant or family member by their side during a meeting. This would usually cause a problem for one gym in particular (Cerulean, since all three of Misty’s sisters share responsibility for it. Daisy is the actual leader, since she is the oldest.), but as you probably already know, since one of the sisters is away, it doesn’t apply in this case. There didn’t seem to be trouble with finding a seat at the table, which had only enough seats for the actual council members, due to the fact that this was not an ordinary meeting. In fact, this emergency meeting was called for just eighteen hours ago. Eight of the council members managed to attend in person. The other four were using specially designed Internet programs to listen in and participate in the meetings. At one end of the table, Brock, subbing for his dad who couldn’t get away from the children, was trying to calm down Violet, who was complaining about something Samantha did to her earlier this morning. Daisy is covering her ears, in an attempt to get a couple extra minutes of sleep, while Lorelei is attempting to get her to create a special wing for ice Pokémon in the Cerulean gym. Aya, Koga’s little sister, was already way ahead of Daisy... her face was lying flat on the table. At the other end, Lt. Surge is petting his Raichu, Koga and Bruno are discussing Pokémon battling tips, Agatha, her white ruffled hair accenting the purple poncho that she’s wearing, is reading the latest issue of “Awakening Pokémon Spirits,” and Lance, with his black spiky hair and blue shirt and pants, and a matching cape, draped over the seat, is checking to make sure the other four council members were ready on their end. Lance looked onto his laptop computer and could see both Sabrina and Giovanni standing by, although they were both in very foul moods. Someone had toyed with Sabrina’s hair dryer, and so her hair is a total mess... which drew a few laughs from Daisy and Lorelei when they saw her at first. As for Giovanni, well, he and his ‘team’ have been having some bad luck lately, and as a result, he took out his anger on the Elite Four’s leader. Now, he was waiting for Erika to reappear, who temporarily left after he accidentally saw her wearing only her nightgown. Luckily, Lance was the only one in the room at the time. She signed off and told Lance that she wouldn’t come back until she thought she was fully awake and dressed properly. On the other hand, Lance has had no luck reaching Blaine, who seemed to be a very deep sleeper. Finally giving up, he decides to begin the meeting without them. Lance: (sighs) Despite the fact that Erika hasn’t returned yet, and that Blaine won’t wake up, I will begin this emergency meeting of the Pokémon League Indigo Elite Council, scheduled to start at this exact moment. It is currently 7:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16th. If you would all calmly take your seats, I will quickly get through this so that we can all get back to our regular duties. Aya: (mumbling) Like go to sleep? Daisy: (sticks finger and arm up in the air without moving the rest of her slumped body) I second that motion! Lorelei: (nudging Aya awake) Quiet you two! This is important! Agatha: Of course this is important! Do you think Lance would have called this emergency meeting if it wasn’t important? Violet: Like, be gone from my face, ancient hag! I’d like to get out of here before Samantha tries to play another trick on me! Sabrina: (in a monotone) You’re the one who should shut up, Violet! Non-council members aren’t allowed to speak unless spoken to! Daisy: Don’t talk to my sister like that, Sabrina! Besides, that means Aya broke the rule too, you know! Aya: (still somewhat asleep) Wha? The six females begin to bicker loudly. The other males can only watch as the girls begin to make threats to each others’ lives. Finally, Giovanni gathers the courage to stop the argument. Giovanni: (shouting) Will you six shut up! I woke up at five o’clock this morning, found out that someone tried to blow up my house, discovered that a dozen of my Earth badges were stolen, and now I have to attend this stupid meeting because a young girl couldn’t control her Pokémon in a match! I don’t have time to sit here and watch the six of you try to kill each other... (to himself) Although it would be easier for me, since that would get rid of four council members... Lance: Giovanni, that’s enough. I understand that you’ve had a rough day, but let me handle things. I’m the president of the council, remember? (to the girls) And as for the six of you, if any of you refuse to restrain yourselves from killing each other, then you must excuse yourself from this meeting or be kicked off the council! Understood? The six reply with just a simple nod. Brock, Surge, Koga, and Bruno just sit there, afraid to voice their opinions over the situation, in fear of getting hurt by one of the girls. Giovanni just looks on with unblinking eyes, as Lance tries to get the meeting started again. At that exact moment, Blaine, who is wearing his wig, decides to pop in on-screen. Blaine: Hello everyone! Did I miss anything? Lance: Nothing at all. Welcome. Now, everyone, since it is so early in the morning, I’ll get straight to the point. As you know, we are here to decide what we should do about the Scyther belonging to the trainer Misty Waterflower, which went wild during a preliminary round match yesterday morning. Would anyone like to speak about it before we vote? Daisy: Me and my sister would just like to say that Misty would never release a wild Pokémon on purpose, much less on a weak Pokémon. Brock: I agree with Daisy and Violet. Misty wouldn’t attempt to take out her frustration on Alan by calling out a wild Pokémon. I’ve traveled with her before. I know that something such as this is very uncharacteristic for her. Surge: You’re out of your minds, all of you! First of all, it’s natural that you would stand up for your sister, Waterflowers! And as for Slate here, he’d do anything to defend his friend because he knows her all too well! How can your opinions be substantiated? Daisy: Now wait just a minute, Surge! Koga: (interrupting Daisy) Actually, I think Surge has a point. If young Misty would have trained her Scyther more, it wouldn’t have gone wild during the match. Giovanni: Just how much training has that stupid Pokémon had? Daisy: Don’t call my sister’s Pokémon stupid! Giovanni: At least she can’t be any stupider than the sisters that raised her! Daisy: Why you! You’re just lucky that your not really in the room! Lance: Daisy Waterflower, restrain yourself immediately! Brock and Violet successfully keep Daisy from jumping out of her seat. Daisy eventually does relax and finally decides to sit back down. Lance: Would anyone like to present a view which won’t result in an argument? Erika, who appeared on the screen while no one was looking, decides to jump in at this opportunity. Erika: Allow me. Agatha: Nice of you to join us, child. Erika: Thanks. Now, I managed to catch the match on television yesterday while I was on my lunch break. From what I saw, Misty looked very confident that Scyther was going to help her in the match. But she was just as surprised as everyone else that it suddenly went wild. I’m pretty sure she wasn’t expecting that to happen. Surge: If that’s true, then why didn’t she recall Scyther as soon as it began its rampage? Daisy: She was scared stiff! Giovanni: I think she planned it all along! Daisy: Misty would never do such a thing! Giovanni: Then maybe you don’t know her as well as you think you do! Lance: Giovanni! Daisy! That’s the last time I’ll warn you. Stop with the excessive arguing. Daisy: (sighs) Okay, Lance, whatever you say. She then glares at Giovanni, who’s just sitting there like he’s paying attention. Lance: We might as well get this vote over with before something else happens. A small keypad, built into the table, appears in front of each of the members present in the room. Lance: Okay, as you know, once all the votes are tallied, the result is final. There are no objections. Also, no member of this council or their family members may not discuss this topic with anyone in or out of this meeting until I have announced the result officially at this morning’s nine o’clock press conference. Finally, all members must depart from this room immediately after the results have been posted. Lance pauses for a brief moment as all of the council members prepare to lock in their votes. Lance: Alright, council members. It’s time to vote. Press one if you believe that Misty did not intentionally call out her Scyther to seriously injury Alan’s Kangaskhan. Press two if you believe she did intentionally call out her Scyther. Press three if you do not wish to vote, or take sides. All twelve council members enter their votes in. A minute later, they receive the results. There seem to be mixed reactions on their faces. Some are happy, some are sad, and some simply don’t care. Lance, the last one to depart, sadly looks at the results. Didn’t call out Scyther intentionally: 3 votes Did call out Scyther intentionally: 5 votes No decision: 4 votes ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Episode 36: “Misty’s Going for Gold,” Chapter Three: “Just Between Rivals” Story Written by Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ A few hours later, after the conference, Ash, Giselle, and Pikachu arrive at the Water Field in time to watch a match take place. Pikachu eyes Ash suspiciously as he ushers Giselle to a seat close to the ground. Ash: (stopping at the eighth row and pointing to two seats by the aisle) After you. Giselle: Thanks, but I could’ve found a seat by myself, you know. Giselle sits down first, followed by Ash and Pikachu, who sits on Ash’s lap. Giselle: Why did you drag me here, anyway? I should be practicing for my match against Misty! Ash: Oh come on! You’ve got to learn to relax once in awhile. Giselle: Alright, but if I lose that match, it’s going to be your head! Ash: (to himself) I hope not... I’m betting on Misty to win. Pikachu: (interrupting Ash’s train of thought) Pika pi! Ash comes back to his senses as the first trainer comes out. A blond haired boy, probably about twelve years old, walks out. He is wearing a plain green T-shirt and a pair of blue jean shorts. He has his back towards Ash, so he patiently waits for him to turn around. Giselle, however, is commenting on the opposition, as usual. Giselle: What’s with the kid? Didn’t anyone tell him that only mature trainers are allowed to battle? Ash: Hey! He looks just as old as I do! Giselle: (with a smirk on her face) Exactly. The second trainer comes out, on the other side of the field. Ash and Pikachu glance at him in awe... because the trainer looks almost like Ash himself, with his own Pikachu to boot! The trainer is sporting a blue and yellow hat and matching jacket, which is worn over a green short sleeve shirt and blue jeans. Announcer: We’ve got two great combatants here, both first-timers here at the tournament. Let’s meet the red trainer first, shall we? First up, you wouldn’t be able to tell that this guy comes from a rich family, because unlike other rich kids, he hit the road and earned all of his eight badges! Giselle scowls at the announcer. Announcer: Introducing the red trainer, Joe Jameson! <1> The crowd cheers as Joe waves back at them. Giselle recognizes Joe as he turns around, and she nearly falls out of her seat! Ash reaches out to help her up, but she bats the hand away. Giselle: Joe? It can’t be! Why didn’t he tell me that he’d be here? I tried to call him last night! Ash: That’s Joe? The same Joe that I convinced to go out on his own? Giselle: (grabbing Ash’s shirt collar) Yes, the very same guy that happened to be my best friend, (dropping Ash) although he was slow at times. Announcer: Now introducing the green trainer, who’s been one of the surprising favorites here. In his first three matches, he used only one Pokémon in each, decimating all of his opponents easily. Meet Richie Sparky! <2> Richie waves to the crowd, and Chuchino does likewise. Ash once again resumes his state of amazement over the similarity between Richie and himself. Pikachu has to slap him awake to return Ash to the present. Ash: Isn’t it weird how that guy looks like me, Pikachu? Pikachu: (a little confused) Pika? Giselle: If he looks like you, then he probably fights like you too. (yells at Joe) Joe, show that Pikachu that you’re invincible! Ash: (sweatdrops) I can’t believe she’s cheering for Joe. And so all of a sudden, too. Giselle: (grabs Ash again) Either start cheering for Joe or you can kiss my foot! Ash: Yes, Giselle! (pulls himself away and starts cheering) Go Joe! Go Joe! Giselle: That’s more like it. As Giselle and Ash continue to cheer on Joe (who does not notice them), Pikachu continues to look at Ash suspiciously, as if he knows something that we don’t. Pikachu’s thoughts are distracted, as the battle is about to begin... Meanwhile, at one of the local Pokémon Centers, Misty is seen handing a Pokéball to the Nurse Joy there. Misty: Here you go, Joy. This is the Scyther in question. Joy: Thanks. It’s too bad, though. I was surprised when I heard the news this morning. Misty: Well, my Scyther must still has some side effects from my battle with the gym leader of Viridian City a couple of weeks ago. <3> Joy: (sigh) Don’t worry! I’m sure nothing’s wrong. The League will just run some tests on Scyther, and hopefully you’ll be able to use it again before the tournament is over. Misty: I sure hope so. Joy: In the meantime, I’m sure you’re going to need a sixth Pokémon, so feel free to use the PC over in the corner to retrieve it. Misty: Thanks. (takes out her other five Pokéballs) You wouldn’t mind rejuvenating my Pokémon while I’m doing that, would you? Joy: Of course not. I’ll get on it right away. Just as Joy walks to the back, Daisy and Violet come in the door. They spot Misty by the PC, getting ready to withdraw a Pokémon. Daisy: Hey Misty! Violet: Like, hi! Misty: Hi! Daisy: Like, what are you doing? Misty: Now that I can’t use Scyther, I have to withdraw another Pokémon to take its place. Violet: Oh. By the way, we’re sorry we couldn’t help them change the vote. Misty: That’s okay. I know you tried. Joy returns to the desk, and spotting the sisters, she walks over to them. Joy: Before you withdraw a Pokémon, I need to type in something. Misty moves over to let Joy use the keyboard. In moments, a screen pops up, which states the following: “Access code required to withdraw an emergency seventh Pokémon.” Quickly typing in a special code and then pressing enter, a screen listing all of Misty’s available Pokémon appears. Daisy: What did you just do? Joy: Scyther is not going to be returned to storage while the League is testing it. Scyther will still count as one of Misty’s six Pokémon. I just entered in a code to temporarily let Misty withdraw a seventh Pokémon for two weeks. Misty: Thanks! With that, Joy returns to her duties. Misty takes her place by the keyboard again. Misty: Now, who should I withdraw? Daisy: You already have Golduck, Vaporeon, Jigglypuff, Horsea, Starmie... Violet: And Scyther! Don’t forget about Scyther! Daisy: Ahem. Now according to your reserves, you have Staryu, Goldeen, Poliwrath, Tentacool... Violet: And cute little Togepi! Daisy: Violet! You know that Togepi isn’t strong enough to battle yet! Violet: But it is one of her reserve Pokémon, isn’t it? Misty: I think I’ll withdraw Poliwrath. Just one minute later, Misty pulls Poliwrath’s Pokéball from the transfer machine just as Joy returns with the rest of her Pokémon. Joy: Here you go, Misty! Good luck in the rest of the tournament! Misty: (taking her Pokéballs) Thanks! (to herself) I’m gonna need it... Misty, Daisy, and Violet walk out of the Pokémon Center, and towards the practice field, where Misty will try to get some training in before her match with Giselle tonight. Back on the Water Field... Giselle: Come on, Joe, you can do it! Beat him into the ground! Ash: (sweatdrops) Giselle, calm down! I know you haven’t seen Joe in almost two years, but it’s not like his life depends on this match! Giselle: (yelling very loudly) I’d still be seeing him at Pokémon Tech if you hadn’t shown your face and inspired him to go on that stupid journey! Ash: Okay, okay, I get the idea! But I’m more concerned about his opponent, who almost looks like me. He even has a Pikachu like me! Giselle: The only thing I’m worried about is that Joe’s down to his last Pokémon... She watches as Joe and Richie continue to stare each other down. Announcer: With Joe Jameson’s Beedrill defeated by Richie Sparky’s Butterfree, Joe is down to his third and last Pokémon. A loss here would be Joe’s second of the tournament, and would put him in danger of not making it to the field of thirty-two next week. Joe: (throws a Pokéball) Go, Bellsprout! Bellsprout: Bellsprout! Bellsprout and Butterfree take their places, ready to begin the battle again. The official then raises both flags, and they both jump into action. Joe: Bellsprout, razor leaf! Richie: Happy, supersonic! <4> Bellsprout gets in a few hits before Happy’s supersonic wave kicks in, confusing it. Joe: Bellsprout, wrap! Bellsprout tries to reach out and grab Happy, but misses and instead wraps itself. Richie: Now’s the time to use stun spore, Happy! Happy complies with his master, and uses the spore to paralyze Bellsprout. Joe: Bellsprout! Hang in there! Richie: Happy, psybeam! The psybeam is strong enough to knock out Bellsprout. The final light goes out under Joe’s picture as Richie is declared the winner. Announcer: And that’s it! Richie Sparky wins the match... his fourth victory in four matches so far in the tournament. Joe Jameson, with the loss, falls to one and two. Giselle: (crying as bad violin music plays in the background) It’s not fair! Joe should have won! Ash: (shocked by Giselle’s sudden display of emotion) It’s okay, Giselle. He’s still got four matches to go. Giselle: But don’t you know how hard it is to get into the second week of the tournament with two losses? Ash allows Giselle to lean over and cry into his shoulder. Ash just sits quietly as he watches Joe walk off the field with his head down. Ash: (in a soft tone) Don’t worry, Giselle. Joe is a great trainer. He’ll be fine. Giselle looks up at Ash, tears still present across her face. Giselle: I know he will. He’s managed to travel for nearly two years by himself without any trouble. He can get through this just fine. She gives Ash a peck on the cheek. Ash blushes in response. Giselle: Thanks for making me a better person these last five weeks, Ash. You’ve helped me out more than you’d ever known. Ash: Thanks... I think. Giselle: (grabbing Ash’s hands and pulling them up) Come on! Let’s go find Joe and get something to eat! Ash: Uh... sure. Ash was shocked by her sudden mood swing. He was beginning to think that she was developing a split personality. Just as he gets up to follow her, Pikachu tugs on his pant leg. Pikachu: Pika pi! Ash: What is it, Pikachu? Pikachu: Pi pikachu pika! Giselle: What’s up? Ash: Pikachu wants to talk to me about something. You go on ahead, Giselle. You go find Joe and meet me at the university cafeteria in fifteen. Giselle blows Ash a kiss as she walks towards the stairs, with several potential suitors looking on. Ash stands dazed and confused as Giselle disappears from sight. Pikachu gives Ash a quick jolt to return him back to reality. Ash: Yow! What was that for? Pikachu: Pi pikachu! Pika pika pikachu! Ash: Giselle and I weren’t flirting! Pikachu: Pika pi pika! Pika pikachu pi pichu pi pika pika! Ash: (pats Pikachu on the head) Look, Pikachu. You already know that Giselle likes Joe, and I like Misty. (looking around to make sure no one else is listening) Those five weeks we spent training together in Pallet Town mean absolute nothing! Pikachu: Pi pika pika chu... (sadly) pi pika pika kachu. With that Pikachu starts to walk off. Ash: What do you mean by that? There’s nothing going on between me and Giselle, and Misty won’t get mad at me! (then slowly to himself) ... she won’t get mad at me... will she? At the other end of the field, Richie and Chuchino had been watching everything transpire. Richie: Gee, Chuchino. You’d think that his Pikachu doesn’t like him and that girl getting together. Chuchino: Chu. Richie: Really? I wonder why they were here together, though. Outside, Joe walks towards a nearby Chinese restaurant, and doesn’t catch Giselle sneaking up on him from behind. Just as she’s about to tap him on the shoulder, she trips over a small hole in the sidewalk. She reaches out for something to keep her from falling... which ends up being Joe... but she’s already got both feet in the air! As a result, both of them go tumbling to the ground, with Giselle lying on Joe’s back. Giselle: Oops... Giselle gets up and then helps pull Joe up. Realizing who she is, Joe merely gawks at Giselle for a moment before they both notice that a small crowd has gathered around them. Giselle winks at Joe, suggesting that he follow her lead. Giselle: It’s okay, folks. He’s just a friend of mine. Joe: She wasn’t trying to rob me or anything... she just hasn’t seen me in a long time. Giselle: (starting to wave the crowd away) So go return to your normal lives. I’m sure there’s other things that are much more important than us. As the crowd starts to thin out, Joe pulls Giselle into the restaurant. After finding a table, Joe starts to question Giselle. Joe: (with a hint of anger) What did you do that for? Giselle: I just missed you so much, that’s all. Joe: (flatly) You didn’t have to tackle me to the ground, you know. Giselle: I didn’t mean to! I tripped! Joe: You’re acting like we haven’t seen each other in ages. Giselle: We’ve been apart for nearly two years! That’s long enough for me. Joe: Gee, Giselle. You’ve changed a lot. Giselle: (batting her eyes at Joe, in her cute voice) In what ways? Joe: (gulps) Um, for one, you seem to have gotten cuter since I last saw you... Giselle: Tell me more... Joe: And you don’t seem as tense or cold-blooded as before... Giselle: (ignoring Joe’s last comment, leaning on the table as she inches closer to Joe’s face) Anything else? Joe: (gesturing to all of the males, whom we just now see) Well, you don’t seem to care about all of the guys that are staring at you right now. Giselle: All that matters right now is that I have you... Giselle kisses Joe on the lips. At first, Joe seems surprised and reluctant at Giselle’s reaction towards him, but he eventually relaxes and gives in to her advances. After having their lips locked for about twenty seconds, they let go... and spot the waiter impatiently waiting for them to order. They both blush, and begin to look at the menu... but not without each of them stealing another glance at each other. An hour later, the pair walks out of the restaurant, satisfied now that their stomachs are filled... as well as their hearts. The two are holding hands and conversing as they walk down Indigo Plateau’s main street. Giselle: So, are you going to watch me compete in my match tonight? Joe: Of course! Who are you facing? Giselle: Misty. She’s that red-haired girl that I beat at Pokémon Tech before you left. Joe: Oh, you mean the girlfriend of that boy with the Pikachu that beat you? Giselle: (a little annoyed) Yes, that’s the one. Joe: Cool! It’s going to be a great match! Giselle: You bet. Just make sure you’re there... six thirty sharp on the Ice Field! Joe: (kissing Giselle on the hand) I wouldn’t miss it for the world! With that, Joe heads off to Indigo Stadium to watch a battle. As Giselle watches her sweetheart leave, she sees Ash, with Pikachu asleep on top of his hat, approaching from the other direction. Giselle: Where were you? You said you’d catch up with us forty-five minutes ago! Ash: I did! But then I saw you two together, and I decided not to bother you guys. Giselle: Well, you should have said something! You were the one who supposed to pay for lunch, remember? Ash: Oh yeah, I guess I forgot. Giselle: Just don’t let it happen again. Ash: Don’t worry. I won’t. Giselle: Good. Well, I’m off to make sure all of my Pokémon are ready for tonight, so I’ll see you later. Ash: Bye. As Ash and Giselle part ways, neither of them notices Daisy and Violet nearby. The two sisters had just left Misty, who was at the practice field, and were on their way downtown to do some shopping. They had accidentally stumbled onto the scene, and they decided to hide behind some crates and listen in on their conversation. Unfortunately, they had misinterpreted everything that they had heard. Violet: Misty’s isn’t going to be happy about this. We should tell her about Ash and Giselle. Daisy: No way! If Misty finds out before the match, she’ll be so angry that I doubt she’ll be able to beat Giselle on the field! Let’s just leave everything alone, and everything will work out. Violet: I hope your right, Daisy. Daisy: (to herself) I hope so too... ************************************************************************ Adventures Series Trivia Question # 3: What Pokémon were Misty and Giselle planning to use in their battle against each other before Team Rocket interrupted them? (Hint: The question is referring to their battle in Cerulean City.) (Note: You must give the names of both Pokémon to receive points.) ************************************************************************ That evening, the stage was set for one of the greatest battles of the tournament so far. The clouds had managed to cover most of the sun, which was helping to keep the ice on the ice field cool, despite the hot summer temperatures. The two opposing podiums then rise up to their normal height, as the crowd begins to cheer for their favorite. Obviously, the crowd was behind the more beautiful of the two trainers, Giselle, who is on the red podium. But then there was also a sizable amount of supporters for Misty, who is standing on the green podium. The two girls begin to stare each other down as they wait for the command to release their first Pokémon. Ash, Pikachu, Brock, Joe, Daisy, Violet, and Samantha are among those watching in the stands. Announcer: Let the battle begin! Giselle, using her trademark ballerina pose, selects Golem as her first choice. Misty, utilizing her traditional softball underhand throw, decides to start out with Golduck. The flag official raises both flags, signifying the beginning of the battle. Giselle: Golem, rock throw! Golem begins a furious attack on Golduck... which results in a minimal amount of damage. Misty: Golduck, hydro pump! Misty relies on Golduck’s strongest... and only... water-type move to defeat Golem. There’s only one problem... Golem dodges the blast. Misty: Rats! That should’ve hit for sure! Giselle: Golem, earthquake! The attack causes the ice to shudder violently, as cracks begin to form. Golduck seems disoriented, but it’s still up. Meanwhile, Giselle and Golem don’t seem to be too worried about it. After all, Giselle knew everything when it came to deciding which Pokémon would work well in a battle. That’s something that Misty knows all too well. Misty: Golduck, confusion! Golduck’s confusion attack hits Golem hard, but the rock hard Pokémon refuses to faint. Giselle: Okay Golem! It’s time for another earthquake! Golem’s second earthquake completely breaks up the ice. With nothing left but small slabs of frozen water floating in the now watery pond, both Pokémon fall in the water. Announcer: Oh no! Both Pokémon are in the water! In addition, Giselle’s Golem is in big trouble, as rock-types are vulnerable to water-types. Of course, as most of you know by now, Giselle has lots of faith in her Pokémon. And she knows that her Golem is capable of surviving underwater for several minutes. So she’s not surprised that Golem jumps out of the pool and onto one of the glaciers. As expected, though, most of the crowd is surprised. By then, Golduck has managed to get out of the water and onto a platform as well. Giselle: Golem, tackle! Misty: Golduck, disable! Golduck’s disable attack misses, giving Golem an open shot at the duck. Golem rams into Golduck, sending them both back into the water. Moments later, Golem comes out, ready for more. Golduck also returns to the surface, but it has already fainted. Misty: Oh no! Poor Golduck! Giselle: (arrogantly) Ready for another try Misty? The way that she says it implies that Misty might as well of been trying to burst through a brick wall. Misty naturally retorted at the remark. Misty: I’ll show you! Golduck, return! Pulling out Golduck’s Pokéball, she returns the fainted duck to its Pokéball. Announcer: Giselle’s Golem has amazingly defeated Misty’s Golduck, despite the fact that the Ice Field has become a Water Field for fourth time today! After all that water, though, you have to wonder how much more that Golem can take, as Misty calls out her second Pokémon. Misty: Misty calls Poliwrath! Poliwrath comes out, ready to battle. Flag Official: (raising the flags) Round two begin! Misty: Poliwrath, hypnosis! Giselle: Golem, defense curl! She then sees Golem is just standing there. She realizes that he’s already asleep! Giselle: (shouting) Golem? Golem? Golem, wake up! Announcer: Wow, Poliwrath’s hypnosis attack was so powerful that it put Golem to sleep before Giselle could give it a command! Giselle recalls Golem, then proceeds to choose another Pokémon. Giselle: Let’s go... Graveler! Announcer: What’s this? Giselle calls out Golem’s previously evolved form, Graveler! You have to wonder what she’s doing. Wait a minute... the official has raised the two flags, and the two Pokémon are going at it! Misty: Poliwrath, hydro pump! Giselle: Graveler, explosion! The hydro pump attack hits Graveler directly, but the rock Pokémon doesn’t seem to be affected much. Graveler’s explosion is strong enough to destroy the remaining ice platforms. Both Pokémon faint as a result of the explosion as well, leaving the whole audience stunned over Giselle’s weird strategy. Announcer: I don’t know what Giselle, the beautiful Pokémon Tech graduate, has planned, but both her and the youngest Sensational Sister are both down to their last Pokémon. Misty and Giselle whip out one more Pokéball each, to prepare for the final round. Misty: Misty calls Starmie! Giselle: Let’s finish the job... Marowak! Misty: (surprised) You mean Cubone evolved? Giselle: Yep. Guess that extra practice battle over the weekend did wonders for him. The two Pokémon come out, ready to fight. The two Pokémon end up swimming in the water, although it doesn’t seem to bother either of them. It seems that the crowd has gotten used to the unusual type immunities that Giselle’s Pokémon possess. Misty: I can’t believe this! We’re actually going to finish a battle! Giselle: (even more arrogantly than before) Now we’ll finally get to figure out which of us has improved the most since our first battle! Which in case you haven’t realized by now, is me. (begins to mock Misty) What? You didn’t guess that by now? I honestly don’t know how you’ve gotten this far, but it ends now little girl! She finishes her remark with a dark smile. This really ticks Misty off. Misty: (on the verge of a blinding rage) Little girl? You’re barely any older than me, you arrogant, stuck-up, pampered, snobby piece of slith who wouldn’t know compassion if it kissed you on the lips! Giselle continued to smile, but their was a slight hint of fear in her eyes. She had gotten Misty angry. That was good for her, since anger usually lead to stupidity. On the other hand, it seemed that anger made Misty very focused on her goal, and that made the Pokémon Tech graduate a little nervous. She remembered how Misty had told her that she didn’t have the right to treat people like dirt simply because their training skills didn’t match hers. That had been two years ago. Both were lost in the moment of heated competition, as Giselle didn’t realize her own emotions were boiling over. Misty was the symbol of everything that she balked at. She trained in the wild instead of at Pokémon Tech, causing her to have to learn everything on her own, rather than from a textbook. She had taught Misty a lesson the first time, and the last time they had met, their fight had been called off, since Pokémon couldn’t be used for grudge matches. Well, there was no one to stop them now. Misty was feeling similar emotions, but for slightly different reasons. Giselle treated everyone and everything as if it was hers to use and discard; that Graveler had been a sacrificial lamb to her and nothing more. When she found out Joe had a crush on her she had at first treated him with that same disregard. Misty didn’t know that they shared a new bound, but it was doubtful that would of lessened it. She remembered how Brock and Ash had fallen like lapdogs to her appearance... and then back off when they got to know her. She was nothing more than a rocketeer in a school uniform. Okay, that was pushing it. Still, Misty had had it with that stuck-up attitude of hers. Ash had taught Giselle a lesson in humility when they first met. Misty was going to teach her a lesson too, and this one was going to stay. She didn’t know it, but she felt the same heated anger Ash felt whenever he confronted Gary. Misty was fed up with her disregard for people and Pokémon alike, as well as her arrogant attitude. Now it was time for some payback. The official signals for the match to resume, and now the last two Pokémon go at it. Misty: Starmie, minimize! Giselle: Marowak, bonemerang! Starmie shrinks itself in order to dodge the flying bonemerang, which misses completely. Misty: Starmie, tackle it now! Giselle: Marowak, leer! Starmie’s attack connects, but Marowak quickly recovers, and uses the leer attack to paralyze the star shaped Pokémon. Misty: (to herself) Even Marowak can’t last forever in that pool of water. I’ve just got to weaken it enough, and then have Starmie stay alive until Marowak faints. Giselle: (to herself) Marowak can’t last that much longer. I’ve got to take down Starmie before it’s too late! Misty: Starmie, hydro pump! Giselle: Marowak, thrash! Marowak dodges Starmie’s hydro pump and begins to wail on Starmie, with club in one paw. Finally, Starmie succumbs, and faints on the spot. Marowak, aware of his current situation, quickly gets out of the pool. Audience: Unbelievable! Despite having to fight for several minutes in a pool of water, Marowak pulls out an unbelievable victory! Giselle Gravelpot is the winner, her second victory of the tournament, while Misty Waterflower gets her first loss in three matches so far. Marowak, excited over his victory, runs over to Giselle as the podiums lower to the ground. She squats down to catch Marowak, as trainer and Pokémon alike celebrate another victory. At the other end of the field, Misty recalls Starmie as she silently watches the celebration. She seems to show no emotion... until she looks up to see the disappointed faces of Daisy, Violet, Brock, Pikachu, and of course, Ash. Unable to bear it, Misty begins to cry. Her tears sparkle in the limited amount of sunlight as her head drops, looking at the ground. Not wanting the others to see her, she runs out of the stadium. It’s too late as Ash heads down to comfort her, Pikachu following close behind. Joe had already made his way down to the field to congratulate Giselle. The two expressed themselves without words... by kissing each other in front of the whole crowd. Daisy: Yeesh, you’d think she’d won the championship already. Violet: I would never celebrate that much if I beat my rival. Samantha: (jumping in) Is that a challenge? Violet: (reaching for a Pokéball) You’re on. Daisy and Brock sweatdrop as Violet and Samantha run out of the stadium to find a place to battle. Daisy: Those two will never learn. Brock: Tell me about it. (eyes brightening up) Say, Daisy, now that we’re all alone... Daisy: (sticks her hand in front of Brock’s face) Stop. Brock: Okay, later, I understand. Daisy just shakes her head as Brock continues to admire her. Meanwhile, Ash and Pikachu were busy trying to find where Misty had ran off to. Ash: Misty! Misty! Where are you? Pikachu: Pika! Ash: Gee, I’ve never seen her upset this much about anything before. I hope she’s okay. At the Indigo University Natatorium, Misty sat by the edge of the pool with her shoes and socks off. Her feet were dangling, barely touching the water. She is weeping rather loudly. In fact, it’s so loud, that she doesn’t notice the presence of another girl swimming in the pool. Girl: Excuse me miss. Are you alright? Misty: I’m fine. Misty was wiping the tears from her eyes in order to get a clear picture of the girl in front of her. The girl, with a somewhat curvaceous figure, only looked a year or two older than her. Her blue hair was tied up in a fashion that’s even weirder than Misty’s own. The back of it was spread out like the tail feathers of a bird, while a tuft of hair at the front spoked upwards in a way that it spread totally to her left, added to its feathery appearance. Her wet pink jumpsuit clinged to her tightly, but it was so thick and so long that any boy who’d happen to walk into the room wouldn’t see anything provocative. Girl: You look like you just came from a match. Lost too, I bet? Misty: What would you know? Girl: I lost this morning too... to a dude with an Electabuzz. Misty: That’s harsh. I’ve seen how strong they are. What Pokémon did you use? Girl: Do you want me to show you? She takes out three Pokéballs and lobs them into the air. Out of them come a Tentacruel, a Kabutops, and a Psyduck. <5> Girl: (proudly) Meet my team... (points to Tentacruel) First is my Tentacruel, who’s poison sting has a reach of over two thousand feet. His tentacles also have the power to subdue any Pokémon up to four times his size. (points to Kabutops) Next is my rare Kabutops, the only Pokémon in the world who can perform a hydro pump attack and have as much defense as a rock made out of concrete. (finally points to Psyduck) Last but not least is my Psyduck, who used his psychic powers to help me earn three Orange League badges and four Indigo League badges. There are only a few people that I know that have been able to beat my Psyduck in battle... including the guy who beat me today. Misty: (stops crying, perks up with interest) You mean you’re a water Pokémon trainer? Girl: Somewhat. I specialize in raising water-type hybrids... water Pokémon that also are capable of learning a move or two of a different type. Such as Psyduck, who has both water and psychic attacks. Psyduck: Psy-duck! Tentacruel: Tenta! Kabutops: Kabutops! Misty: Wow! Amazing! And to think that all three of them are rare. Girl: But enough about me... how about a little about yourself? Misty: (points to herself) Me? Well, my name’s Misty. I’m from Cerulean City, and I’m competing in my first tournament. (silently to herself) It might be my last, too... Girl: Wow! You wouldn’t happen to be Misty Waterflower, the runty little sister of the Sensational Sisters? Misty: (depressed) Why does everyone call me the runt? Girl: Well, it’s true. It’s what everybody talks about around my island these days. I’ve heard it all. She finally notices just how deep her words are stabbing Misty. She sweatdrops and decides to quickly change the subject. Girl: But enough about that. (sticks out her hand and says proudly) My name’s Marina Lake, and I come from Tangerine Island, the friendliest island in the Orange Archipelago and home to the biggest exhibit of water Pokémon in the world. Pleased to meet you. <6> Misty: (shaking hands with Marina) Likewise, I think. Marina: (gets out of the pool and sits down next to Misty) So, that means that you’re also a water Pokémon trainer, right? Misty: Right. I’d show you my collection, but I haven’t gotten a chance to run over to the Pokémon Center yet. Marina: Why don’t I go change and we’ll walk there together. Besides, I can tell that you have a lot on your mind right now, and you’re going to need someone to talk to. Before Misty has a chance to object, Marina walks out of the room and towards the showers. A half an hour later, Misty and Marina are conversing while they walk to the local Pokémon Center. Marina: So this Giselle girl of yours is your rival? Misty: More or less, yes. It doesn’t help that she’s from Pokémon Tech. Marina: So she’s rich, pretty, and haughty. Yep, she’s the type of trainer you’ve got to watch out for these days. People like her aren’t satisfied unless they’re winning. Misty: You’ve got that right. Marina: I thought you only trained water Pokémon. Misty: That’s how I was originally, until I found Scyther... (Flashback # 1 <7>) Prof. Fir: I think the Scyther wants to go with you, Misty. Misty: Scyther? But why? Scyther: Scyther! Scy scy scyther! Vaporeon: Por! Vaporeon por va por eon! Prof. Fir: They insist on it, Misty. Misty walks up to Scyther, and doesn’t say a word until she pulls out a Pokéball. Misty: Scyther, are you sure you know what you’re about to do? Scyther: Scyther! Misty: Okay, then, Scyther. She places the Pokéball on the ground, Scyther pushes the button on it, and it is sucked inside. (End flashback) Misty: ... and then Jigglypuff... (Flashback # 2 <8>) Psyduck holds its head, and for some reason, runs straight at Jigglypuff! The two Pokémon collide head on, and both fall to the ground. Misty throws another empty Pokéball at Jigglypuff. Misty: Pokéball, go! Once again, the Pokéball snares Jigglypuff, and it begins to rock. This time, though, the light on the center goes out and the Pokéball stops rocking. Misty: Now, at long last, I finally captured Jigglypuff! (End flashback) Misty: ... and then... well, then came little Togepi... (Flashback # 3 <9>) Misty notices some shaking from her satchel. She walks over and pulls the egg out, which is shaking. Misty: Hey, look! The egg I got at Puerta Vista is about to hatch. Ash: I wonder what’s inside. The egg hatches, and out comes Togepi. Misty: Wow! A new... what is this thing anyway? Ash: Doesn’t look like any Pokémon I’ve ever seen. Misty pulls out her blue Pokédex. Pokédex: Togepi, a shell Pokémon. Not much is currently known about this Pokémon. Misty: That helps. Well, I guess I have a new Pokémon. (End flashback) Misty: I guess I got convinced that having a team of all of the same type of Pokémon wasn’t going to get me far into the Pokémon League. Marina: I understand your point there. It seems like they haven’t been your best Pokémon, though. Misty: Yeah. Togepi is still too young and too inexperienced to battle. Jigglypuff may be able to put her opponents to sleep, but she’s very vulnerable if she can’t sing. And Scyther, well... Marina: Already know about that one. Probably everyone in the village knows about that by now. Misty: Right. (still depressed) Thanks so much for reminding me. Marina: Chin up, girl! One little blunder like that isn’t going to get you kicked out of the tournament. You’ve still got the rest of the week! You can win the rest of your matches, and still be in good shape to qualify for the field of thirty-two. Misty: You’re right, Marina. I need to stop sulking and get back to training. (shouting) It takes more than one loss to make me quit! I haven’t lost this tournament yet, Giselle! You hear me! Misty Waterflower is here to stay! (stops, then states the next line in a soft voice) I guess I should get my Pokémon healed first, shouldn’t I? Marina falls over. After getting up, she guides Misty towards the Pokémon Center. Not too far away, Ash and Pikachu are walking down a street, unaware that Team Rocket, hiding in an alley, is about to spring a trap on them. Persian: This better work. I’m tired of using nets, you know. Jessie: Ah, but this time we’re using the nets only to tangle him up. We’ll then be able to use the handgun the boss gave us to eliminate the brat and steal his Pikachu. James: Then we’ll get a promotion for sure! Jessie: All we need is the handgun. Hand it over, James. James: (with a surprised look on his face) Jess, I thought you had it! Persian: Forget the gun! They’re in position! Throw the net! The trio stumbles over each other trying to release the net, and as result all three fall into the street, all tangled up. All three of them push and pull to get free as Ash and Pikachu continue to walk away, not even aware of what just happened. He’s far too concerned with Misty to notice if the sun fell from the sky. Persian: Someone’s on my paw! James: I can’t move! Jessie: Get your foot out of my face! As they continue to struggle, the handgun that they were looking for suddenly falls to the ground. All three of them spot it, and lean over to reach it, but then end up tangling themselves even more. Jessie finally manages to get her hands on it, but our heroes are already long gone. Jessie: Oh, fiddlesticks! Persian: Another plan wasted. James: (slightly relieved) And I thought we had them, too. James was happy that they hadn’t gone through with it, but he didn’t dare tell Jessie that. Jessie: You two better pray that the boss doesn’t call for a status report! Otherwise, we’ll end up on the wrong end of that psychopath, Calamity’s pistol! James and Persian feel their blood freeze at the thought of Calamity, the mental image appearing far too clearly in their minds. Meanwhile, at the Pokémon Center on the south side of town, two females, Duplica and Jeanette, to be exact, are reuniting after being apart for so long. They are sitting down in the lounge, amongst several other trainers who are having their Pokémon healed. Jeanette: So you say that Ash still doesn’t remember? Duplica: Yep. It’s strange. Out of everyone that I could remember that was there when that girl, Cassie Banks, took that picture, everyone I’ve talked to in the last month or so recalls every single detail of the tournament... except for Ash. Jeanette: So why doesn’t Ash remember any of this? Duplica: No idea. Jeanette: (smiling) Maybe we should get his head checked. The two let out a slight giggle. Jeanette: (changing the subject) Anyway, how has ‘you know who’ been doing? Duplica: (eyes wide open) Him? He’s been fine. He’s been having good luck ever since qualifying for the League three months ago. I heard he was having some fun over on the Orange Islands in a practice tournament with some old friends of his. Jeanette: That’s good. I heard that you’re not doing too bad yourself, with the House of Imite and all. Duplica: I couldn’t be happier. Business has never been this good for me. (glancing at Jeanette’s nurse uniform) And I see someone’s really interested in nursing. Jeanette: Yeah. My mom beckoned me to return home to Crimson City after my Pokémon League career went downhill. I’m still a member of the League, but I’m near the bottom of the rankings. I’m the only League qualifier from our tournament that’s still at the entry level - Rookie Class Second Level. Duplica: Gee, that’s too bad. Jeanette: At least I have a chance to follow in my mom’s footsteps... a Pokémon Center nurse! Duplica: Wow, it must be a great honor to be the first Nurse Jeanette! Jeanette: (with a wink) You bet! Duplica: (sigh) I’d better go. I’ve got to get some sleep. I’ve got two matches tomorrow morning! It’s unfair, I tell you. Jeanette: (wiping the sweat off her forehead) That’s nothing. Every night since the tournament started, we’ve been getting nearly fifty people an hour, especially at this time. The two share another laugh as Duplica gets up and heads to the counter to get her Pokéballs from Jeanette’s mom, the Nurse Joy from Crimson City. Narrator: It seems that everything is calm at the Indigo Plateau for the moment. But there’s no rest for the weary in a Pokémon League Novice Tournament. With four days of competition left in the preliminaries, it’s still anybody’s game. To be continued... Comments? Suggestions? A reason why Team Rocket should succeed in killing Ash and the gang? Okay, maybe not, but you guys get the idea. Drop me a line at jgg121@yahoo.com. Author’s Notes: <1> This is the same Joe that left Pokémon Tech (Anime Episode, “The School of Hard Knocks”) <2> Yep, Richie, Ash’s fifth round opponent from the anime. Remember, though, that in this continuity, this is the first time they’ve seen each other. <3> Scyther was poisoned by Calamity and Jane back in Episode 31, “Showdown in Viridian.” <4> Richie gave his Pokémon names, if you remember. Happy is the name of his Butterfree. He also has a Charizard (did not appear in this chapter) named Zippo, and his Pikachu’s name is Chuchino (it’s the name from the manga, not from the anime). <5> & <6> Another character from the anime, Marina appeared in the episode “Bye Bye Psyduck.” <7> This flashback scene, featuring Professor Fir, with his suggestion that Misty train a balanced team, comes from Episode 8, “Misty’s Great Catch.” <8> This scene is straight from the beginning of Episode 15, “The Evolution,” prior to entering Celadon City. <9> Togepi hatched from its egg in Episode 16, “Celebration.” Copyright Date: 9/2/00 The preliminaries end, but not without a tragedy that affects Duplica! Then, in the first round, Misty leads the way as the thirty-two remaining trainers scramble to win. As if the second week couldn’t get any more exciting, Team Rocket may have a foolproof plan to finally capture Pikachu... all coming in Episode 37, “To the First Round!”