Gee, I can’t believe it’s been almost three months since I wrote a chapter! Yes, life has really dealt me a serious blow over the past few months. Too much college work to do, then having to deal with writer’s block, then having to worry about not getting into my major, and then a whole other bunch of stuff. The eighth and final chapter of this mini-series, “Misty’s Going for Gold,” will be out in about a month or so. I will be working ahead of that part, since the next few episodes after that are all flashback-filled episodes. As for the little contest that I’m running with the trivia questions, it is still going. There is a new question in the usual place here. I am doing something special with the last five trivia questions... I’ll worry about that when it comes up. The answer to question # 4 is also posted here. No new answers are being accepted for all questions up to # 6 (the one given in the last chapter). I think that’s all of the author’s notes that I need to take care of. All that’s left is the usual disclaimer, a little warning, my official website announcement, and announcements regarding the “Adventures Series” specials... Disclaimer: Pokémon is not mine, okay? Go sue someone who has the money to be sued. Author’s Warning: This chapter is rated PG due to the presence of one word of profanity. Visit the official website of the “Adventures Series”: http://users5.50megs.com/freefighter - Freedom Fighter’s Anime Fanfiction Palace! - Also will soon be the place for Digimon, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Tenchi fanfics! Announcements on the “Adventures Series” specials: - “Adventures Series, Parting Ways” -- delayed until February 2001 - “Adventures Series: The Lost Chronicles” -- delayed until March 2001 ***** Thursday, August 25th, Indigo Stadium Narrator: Last time, the eight remaining competitors in the Novice Tournament collided in the quarterfinals. The biggest battle of note was a rematch between Misty and Giselle. Once again, they delighted onlookers with another close competition. Unfortunately, hey may not make it to the end of the battle, though, because Jessie of Team Rocket is overhead; her gun sights aimed at an oblivious Misty! Jessie: (as we see Misty through the cross hairs) Bye bye, twerpette! Misty and Giselle’s faces suddenly appear and cover the screen in split screen fashion. Misty and Giselle: (simultaneously) And now the battle resumes! Realizing that they are both talking at the same time, they give each other a hot look of detestment. Misty and Giselle: Hey! ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Episode 40: “Misty’s Going for Gold,” Chapter Seven: “The Last Ditch Effort” Story Written by Freedom Fighter, Pre-read by Matt Lenz ************************************************************************ Announcer: Misty Waterflower has just lost her Vaporeon, one of her most prized Pokémon, to an outstanding Farfetch’d. Now, Misty must choose her third and final Pokémon in an attempt to make a comeback. What’s this? A strange Meowth shaped balloon has stopped above the stadium. I wonder what this is about... Jessie: (still looking through the cross-hairs) Finally, we’re going to beat those brats. Ready! Aim! Before she can yell “Fire!,” a gunshot rings through the air, and straight past the balloon. Jessie, Persian, and the thousands of fans in the stadium hit the ground (or the floor of the balloon’s basket, in Team Rocket’s case). Down on the field... Giselle: What was that? Misty: (her eyes set in a hot glare) Team Rocket! Up in the stands, meanwhile... Violet: (crouching with her hands over her head) Someone’s trying to kill me! Daisy: (with a smirk on her face) Why would someone try to do that? Ash: Team Rocket! (sees the faint image of Jessie with the shotgun, and follows her line of sight towards...) Misty! Back up in the balloon, Jessie and Persian get back up, and then they hear a familiar voice speaking through a megaphone. Jenny: This is the police! Drop your weapons and surrender immediately! They spot a blue-colored police hot air balloon about sixty feet away and closing. Jessie immediately recognizes the two figures on board. The first is Officer Jenny, with her handgun in one hand and the megaphone in the other, and Brock, who is admiring Jenny while simultaneously guiding the balloon ever closer... well, not exactly. Jenny: (yelling at Brock without the megaphone as the balloon teeters up and down) Either keep that thing steady or let me take over! Brock: (blushing) Well... if you want to lead, I can understand my dear. Jenny: (now in Brock’s face) You really want a time-out in the slammer, don’t you? Brock: (still blushing) As long as you’re with me... Jenny pushes Brock out of the way. Quickly righting the balloon herself, she then turns the controls back over to Brock. Jenny: (with a tone of anger) Now hold it steady! Brock: (now cowering in fear) Yes, ma’am! Jenny turns away from Brock and then turns in Team Rocket’s direction. Jenny: (talking into the megaphone) You’re under arrest! Brock: (grabbing the megaphone from Jenny) You’d better do what this beautiful lady wants right now! Jenny: (snatching it back post-haste) Give me that! Jessie, now very angry and up until now confounded by the bickering between Jenny and Brock, aims the shotgun straight at Officer Jenny. Jessie: Take this, Officer Jenny! Jenny spots the gun just in time. As the shot is fired, she pulls Brock down to the floor, as the bullet narrowly misses them. Jenny’s anger now fires up, as she aims her own gun at Team Rocket, moves into a squatting position, and opens fire. Now the Rockets find themselves ducking to bullets. Persian: (cowering in a panic) Isn’t this a little too violent for this type of show? Jessie: I’ll show her! After Jenny gets off four shots, she stops firing. This confuses Brock greatly. Brock: Why did you stop, Jenny? You didn’t even hit them once! Jenny: (smiling) I wasn’t aiming for Team Rocket. Jessie gets back up, assumes a similar position as Jenny was just in, and aims right at her. Her concentration is broken by a whooshing sound that’s coming from the balloon itself. She and Persian look up, and see that there are four little holes in the balloon. Jessie: Oh... Persian: ... crap! Looks like Team Rocket’s... Jessie: (interrupting) Don’t even say it... All of the remaining air comes flying out of the balloon as the four holes become one big one. The Rockets are propelled away from the stadium and out towards the outskirts of town. Jenny and Brock give chase. The crowd breathes a sigh of relief. Announcer: Wow! That gunfight was just as exciting as this Pokémon battle. Looks like we’ll let the local law enforcement take care of things. Let’s get back to the battle. Daisy: (yelling so loud that everyone around her jumps back in fright) That’s all he can say? Our little sister was about to be killed, and that’s all he can say? Violet: Calm down sis! Daisy: (screaming at the top of her lungs) I am calm! While the two sisters continued to argue, Ash begins to act more concerned about Misty. The fact that she nearly got killed has drawn his attention from the battle at hand. His mind was going around in circles after seeing what has just occurred, and what had almost happened. His eyes are now lingering on Misty with more concern than he would ever admit to anyone. Down on the field, Giselle and Farfetch’d await their next opponent. Flag Official: (walking over to Misty’s podium) Miss Waterflower, please select your third Pokémon. Misty: (nods) Right. Pulling a Pokéball off of her belt, she throws it on to the field. Misty: Misty calls Poliwrath! Unknown to Misty, the Pokéball she just threw doesn’t contain Poliwrath, but instead contains... Scyther: Scyther! Misty: (surprised) Scyther? Daisy and Violet suddenly stop arguing upon seeing Scyther. They both glare angrily at Ash. Ash sees them and then suddenly wishes that he was an Abra so he could vanish into to thin air. Giselle: (as equally surprised as she loses her composure) What the heck? Announcer: Wait a minute... that Scyther was suspended after it went wild in a preliminary match last week. What is young Waterflower doing with that Pokémon in her arsenal? The flag official begins to walk towards Misty’s podium. Flag Official: Excuse me miss, but I believe that this Pokémon was suspended by the Pokémon League last week. Misty: I know that! Flag Official: So why did you call it out? It’s not allowed to return to the battlefield without evidence of a full medical examination by the local Pokémon Center. Misty: (a little cluelessly) I have no idea. I thought Scyther was still being examined by one of the Nurse Joys. Giselle: (putting her hands on her hips in order to show her good side) Trying to pull a fast one, Misty? Flag Official: For using an illegal substitution, I decree that the red trainer is disqualified from this... Joy: Hold that decree for one second, official! Nurse Joy of Crimson City walks out on to the field, with a piece of paper in hand. Joy: There is no violation of the rules here. (hands the official a piece of paper) Read this. The flag official takes it, and begins reading it silently. He glances at Joy a few times just to make sure what he is reading is true. He then takes his red flag and raises it in the air. Flag Official: Scyther has been cleared by Nurse Joy of Crimson City here. Last week’s outburst was influenced by an illness that has since been treated. Therefore Scyther has been released and is allowed to return to official battle status. Joy: (turning to Misty) I’d be willing to explain all of the details to you later, Misty Waterflower, but I think that there’s a battle to be fought here! The crowd yells in joy. The look on Giselle’s face is one of disbelief. Giselle: (almost babbling) No fair! How can she have a Nurse Joy on her side? This throws off all of my strategic computations! As Joy departs the field, the flag official retakes his place. Misty: (to Scyther) Nice to have you back Scyther! The insect Pokémon nods. Scyther had become perhaps the only bug Pokémon that could get close to Misty without her going into a fit. Giselle: I won’t let something like this keep me from winning. (pointing at Scyther) Farfetch’d, let’s beat them! Farfetch’d: (with confidence) Fetch’d far far! Misty: Ready, Scyther? Scyther: Scyther scy! Violet: Do you think Misty can adjust and win? Ash: (sounding Brock-like) I’m pretty sure Scyther will beat that Farfetch’d rather easily. It’s Giselle’s third Pokémon that worries me. Flag Official: The battle will now resume! (raises both flags) Go! Misty: Scyther, slash! Giselle: Farfetch’d, fury attack! Scyther strikes first, hitting Farfetch’d so hard that his attack is negated. Farfetch’d is dazed, but he is still up. Misty: Yes! Scyther, focus energy! Scyther: Scy! Giselle: (to herself) That should buy me enough time to try that new trick that I had Farfetch’d learn. (to Farfetch’d) Farfetch’d, plan double-oh-seven! As Giselle gives Misty another of her annoying ‘I’m better than you’ smirks, Misty develops a look of curiosity on her face. Misty: Double-oh-seven? You’ve seen one too many spy movies. Giselle: (laughing annoyingly) You’ve met your match now! Farfetch’d: Farrrrrrrrrr! Farfetch’d suddenly disappears from the field. Everyone gasps in surprise. They look all around the field as they attempt to find Giselle’s Pokémon. Misty is following suit, as she too has no idea what is happening. Giselle, though, is just standing there, with her arms crossed, and obviously smiling. Misty: Hey! What’s the big idea, Giselle? Giselle: You’re looking at the biggest discovery since Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone! (coughs) That is... if you could look at it. Misty: What are you talking about? And what do you mean IF I could look at it? Giselle: Well, let’s just say that Farfetch’d is now the world’s fastest Pokémon! Misty: (in surprise) The world’s fastest Pokémon? No way! Your ego must of finally gone off the deep end. Giselle: Go ahead and joke. It may not be necessarily the world’s fastest, but he’s fast enough. In fact, Farfetch’d is standing right next to your Scyther at this very moment. Misty: Wha? Sure enough, Scyther can sense Farfetch’d running around nearby, but he can’t pinpoint his exact location. Despite that, Scyther continues to focus his energy for a big attack. Misty: Scyther! Giselle: (her arm raised into a gleeful fist) It’s too late now! This battle is over! She sweeps her arm back down, and Farfetch’d, spotting the signal, temporarily stops on the spot, about five meters to Scyther’s left. Tossing the leek aside, Farfetch’d then begins running around, charging up to attack. Once again, he travels so fast that the naked eye can’t follow him. Farfetch’d, in his super-speed state, jumps up in front of Scyther and prepares to dive at him, planning to strike the bug right across the stomach, thereby subduing him. Farfetch’d dives, and just as it seems that everything is going according to plan, Scyther glows a bright green before releasing a big blast of energy that is totally undodgable. The crowd watches, all on the edge of their seats, as the energy blast appears and fires at what appears to be nothing. After the attack finishes, though, everyone can see Farfetch’d sprawled across the ground, unconscious. Scyther is panting heavily after a good workout. Misty: (jumping up and down) Yes! Giselle: (with distraught) That’s impossible! How could you? Flag Official: (raising the red flag) Farfetch’d has been defeated! Scyther is the winner! The second light goes out under Giselle’s picture. She sighs as she recalls Farfetch’d back to his Pokéball. She tries to keep her composure as a now overconfident Misty is prancing around on her platform. Giselle: (yelling at Misty) Hey stupid! I’ve still got one Pokémon left! Misty: Huh? (she turns around and quickly counts the Pokémon that Giselle’s used in her head) I guess you’re right. Giselle: (smirks once again) I guess your boyfriend’s habits are rubbing off on you. Misty: Hey! Ash may be dense but he isn’t stupid. (realizes what she just said) And he’s not my boyfriend! Ash: (under his breath, sarcastically) Thanks a lot, Misty. (to himself) One minute Giselle compliments me for helping her train in Pallet Town, and the next she’s insulting Misty by comparing her to me. What’s up with that? That settles it... she has a split personality. Giselle selects her final Pokémon. She throws the Pokéball out in her traditional fashion. Giselle: Go Marowak! Marowak: Marowak! Giselle: (pointing at Scyther) Marowak, bonemerang! Misty: Scyther, use agility now! Scyther dodges the bonemerang on both attempts... on the initial throw and on the rebound. Misty: Scyther, strike with your quick attack! Marowak catches the bone, and looks just in time to see Scyther charging straight at him. Giselle: Marowak, bone club! Marowak prepares to strike, but it’s too late. Scyther slices at Marowak, knocking the Pokémon off of his feet. Giselle: Marowak! Misty: (with confidence) Scyther, slash! Scyther slashes Marowak right across his bone-thick skull. Marowak screams in pain. Giselle watches with a concerned look on her face. Giselle: Hang in there Marowak. I know you can win. Marowak tries to shake away the headache he had gotten as a result of the last hit. Scyther stands poised, ready to finish the match. Misty: Scyther, focus energy! We’ll show Giselle who’s the best trainer here! Scyther: Scyther scy! Scyther begins to power up. Marowak sees this and begins powering up as well. Giselle: (with her fist clenched) Yeah! There you go! Show Scyther that we have the power to win! Announcer: What a match! This looks like another match that’s going down to the wire! The two dueling Pokémon reach full power. Misty: Now we’re ready... Giselle: ... to finish this battle! Misty and Giselle: (simultaneously, pointing towards each others’ Pokémon) Ready, aim, fire! Two massive balls of energy are released from the battling Pokémon. The two balls meet head on at the center of the field, resulting in a gigantic flash of light that blinds everyone in the stadium. In the stands, everyone quickly brought their arms up to their faces, in order to keep from becoming completely blind by the light. Ash temporarily resisted the temptation to follow suit when he saw something strange. He wasn’t exactly sure what it was, but as a result, a weird feeling came over him. He was assuming that whatever it was that he noticed had a direct effect on the battle’s final outcome. He proved to be right... The bright light died down exactly ten seconds later, and everyone could see the status of the two dueling Pokémon. On one end, Scyther was panting heavily once again. Scratches as well as a bruise or two could be spotted on him easily from far away. It seemed that the blast hit him really hard. On the other end, though, Marowak was unconscious on the ground. His bone club was no longer in his paws; it was also on the ground, several feet to his left. Like Scyther, Marowak’s body was covered with an assortment of bruises and scratches. Unlike his opponent, though, he was unable to withstand the blast. The flag official runs over and signifies his confirmation of Marowak’s defeat. Flag Official: (raises the red flag) Marowak is out! The winners of this quarterfinal match-up are Misty Waterflower and her Scyther! The crowd begins to cheer loudly. Misty resisted the urge to prance around again and praise herself in front of Giselle. She opted for a simple wave to the audience. On the other hand, Giselle, dejected and disappointed, falls to her knees. Without a word, she slowly pulls out her Marowak’s Pokéball and recalls her star Pokémon. Giselle: (slowly) I can’t believe it... I’ve lost. Joe, seeing his girlfriend’s reaction, begins to sympathize for her. Joe: Giselle must be disappointed. That must’ve been the hardest loss she’s ever had. (comments to himself) Then again, not many people have managed to beat her in battle. The podiums lower to the ground. Giselle attempts to sneak towards the locker room, but Misty spots her. Misty quickly runs over to catch up with her. The crowd doesn’t get to see this meeting, since Misty reaches Giselle after she had already gone into the tunnel. Misty: Giselle! Giselle stops, turns around, and faces Misty with an expressionless face. It was hard for Misty to tell how her opponent was feeling at the moment. Nevertheless, she wanted to congratulate her for a great battle. Misty: (sticking her hand out) You fought spectacular today, you know. Giselle: (a little peeved) You don’t have to rub it in. Misty and Giselle begin to walk down the corridor, side by side. Misty: I’m not rubbing it in. Honestly, I probably should be. But that’s not what the Pokémon League’s about. It’s about trying to be the best trainer you can be, win or lose. Giselle: So if you’re not here to rub it in, what are you here to do? Misty: (smiles) To thank you. Giselle: (stops, faces Misty, and puts her hands on her hips) Thank me for what? Misty: For a great battle. No one ever puts so much effort into trying to beat me than you do. (whispers) Not even Ash battles as tough as you do. Giselle: (begins to smile) Tell me about it. Misty: (surprised at Giselle’s response) Huh? Giselle: Our training session in Pallet, remember? Misty crossed her arms over her chest. Now she was the one with mixed emotions. Misty: You know, Ash never told me exactly what went on between you two. Giselle: I assure you Misty. (winks) Sure Ash was cute. But seriously, nothing happened. We never clicked, although I do admit that I did go after him. Misty remained speechless, taking in Giselle’s confession bit by bit. Giselle: Besides, my heart’s always belonged to Joe. Ever since you, Ash, and Brock dropped by to our school that first time, it gave me the chance for me to realize how special he is. (smirks at Misty) And I know that you and Ash have a similar relationship. This causes Misty to blush. Giselle responds by giving her a “don’t lie, I know it’s true” look. Giselle: I’d never rival you for his love. That’s one battle I’ll never win. But a Pokémon battle... that’s a totally different story. Misty: So I guess that means you’re not mad. Giselle: Not really. Just disappointed. But you fought to win. And so did I. We couldn’t have asked for a battle any better than that. The two girls exchanged smiles. Giselle then began to walk off alone. Misty: Giselle! Giselle turns around and looks at Misty. Misty: Do you want to join me and the gang for lunch? It would give you a great chance to get to know my sisters better. Giselle: Thanks, but no thanks. Joe and I want to spend some time together. Misty: Okay. Giselle smiles and walks away. Misty just watches her rival leave. Or are they still rivals? Giselle: (yelling behind her) I’m going to win next time, Misty! Yes, they were. Misty: (yelling back at Giselle) We’ll see, Giselle! We’ll see. ************************************************************************ Adventures Series Trivia Question # 7: At last November’s Novice Tournament, how many people had their memory wiped by Patti Masters at its conclusion? ************************************************************************ Adventures Series Trivia Question # 4: What is the name of the guy that fell in love with Duplica the last time that she was at the Indigo Plateau (first and last name required)? Answer: TJ Smith. The now deceased young trainer took an instant liking to the Ditto trainer at last November’s tournament before being mind wiped with everyone else. ************************************************************************ At dinner that evening, Ash, Misty, Brock, Daisy, Violet, and Pikachu were conversing about the day’s events. Of course, most of the talk was on Scyther... at least between Ash and Misty. Misty: I knew you were lying to me, Ash! That was Scyther’s Pokéball you were holding at the Pokémon Center earlier! Ash: Whatever made you come up with that idea? Misty: Well, I knew that you already had Squirtle and Lapras in your repertoire, so why would you need a third water type like Krabby? Ash: (moans) Was I that predictable? Brock: Looks like the two lovebirds are getting into one of their arguments again... Pikachu: (nodding in agreement) Pika pika. Daisy: (with a smirk on her face) Speaking of which... where were you when Team Rocket attacked during the match? Brock: (begins to sweat) Um... Misty: Yeah... I want to know as well... (yelling at Brock) because you were supposed to be cheering me on! I bet you were out flirting with Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny again! Brock: (shouting back at Misty) For your information, I was helping Officer Jenny stop Team Rocket! If it wasn’t for me, you’d probably be dead right now! Misty: Oh. Misty suddenly froze in place. She was about to strangle Brock when she had heard him say Officer Jenny’s name and confirmed that he was with her. But after seeing that he had a very legitimate reason for being with her, she was no longer angry at him. She instead was grateful for him. Over all of these past two years that she had known Brock, she had never realized that one of his little flings would actually be beneficiary for her. Especially due to something of this magnitude. Misty: I’m sorry, Brock. I guess I jumped to conclusions. Brock: (sighs) No, I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that. Misty: (shaking her head in disagreement) Don’t say that! Your yelling was exactly what I needed to get my head straight. Brock: I’m sorry, Misty. Misty: I’m sorry, Brock. The two look teary-eyed, and they begin to comfort each other. Ash: Hey! What’s going on here? Daisy: (smiling mischievously at Violet) Well well... looks like the kid’s a little jealous... Ash and Misty, as usual, jump up and deny the accusations that they’re in love. And as expected, Daisy and Violet can’t believe the couple’s reaction. Daisy: (whispering to Violet) Do you think they’ll ever admit that they’re in love? Violet: (sighs, then whispers back) Not in a thousand years. Or whenever we get married. Whichever comes first. Daisy: (giggling, then points to a nearby table) Speaking of which... what do you think about that one two tables over? Violet: Him? No way... too tall for me. (points to one of the waiters) That waiter over there’s looking right at you Daisy! Daisy: Where? She looks where Violet is pointing, and sees a blonde haired teenage boy about thirty feet away staring right at her. Daisy: That geek? You can tell that he’s after me just for my looks. Violet: (smirks) Isn’t that how you choose most of your boyfriends? Daisy: (pushes Violet out of her chair) Yeah right. Brock: (interrupting) Are you two lovely ladies talking about me? Daisy: Brock, like, get a life already! Brock: (grabs her hands and clasps his over hers) Can it be with you? Daisy pulls Brock towards her, out of his chair, and quickly frees her hands from his grip, causing Brock to fall to the floor. Ash and Misty look towards Daisy with looks of puzzlement. Daisy: What? Is there something on my face? Misty: (shaking her head) No, Daisy. We’re just wondering why both Brock and Violet are on the floor. Ash: (still puzzled) We are? Misty sighs. She couldn’t believe how incompetent Ash could be sometimes. Meanwhile, Brock and Violet get back in their seats. Before the two could retaliate against Daisy (well, Violet at least), she quickly decided to change the subject. Daisy: So Misty, how do you think you’ll fare in the semifinal match tomorrow? Misty: Gee, I’m not sure. I haven’t even heard who my opponent is. Violet: It’s that kid with the Pikachu. (thinks again just to make sure) I think his name was Richie... Daisy: A Pikachu? You mean like Misty’s boyfriend, sis? Ash: (beating Misty to the punch) I am not Misty’s boyfriend! Misty: Yeah! Brock, Daisy, and Violet: Sure he’s not. (whispering to each other) They like each other. Misty: Anyway, I have to be on my guard if he does have a Pikachu. Most of my Pokémon would be at a disadvantage. Violet: If I remember right, all of your Pokémon are vulnerable to electric attacks... except for Jigglypuff and Togepi. Misty: Well, there’s no way I’m going to use Togepi. She’s still a baby! Brock: (adding in) And I wouldn’t call Jigglypuff reliable at this stage of the tournament. Ash: Gee, looks like you’re in quite a pickle. Misty: Yeah. What do I do? Brock: The only thing I can suggest is to just choose your best three and hope you can pull out the victory. Daisy: You know, I still think you should mix it up. What are the chances that he’s actually seen you battle before? Violet: She can’t take that chance, Daisy! I say go with her three most powerful Pokémon... Vaporeon, Poliwrath, and... (shivers) Scyther. Daisy: I say go with Starmie, Vaporeon, and Golduck. Those three should have enough power to beat this Richie kid. Brock: Scyther, Poliwrath, and Vaporeon are the best in my opinion. Go with those, Misty. Ash: Starmie, Scyther, and Vaporeon are the three you should go with Misty. Misty: Alright, all of you stop it! I know you all mean good, but I’ll decide which Pokémon I’ll use. Daisy: (with a raised eyebrow) And which Pokémon are you going to use? Ash, Brock, Daisy, and Violet lean in closer. Misty: I haven’t decided yet. The foursome falls down and out of their seats. Misty: I have to think hard about this. Whomever I choose has to be able to beat Richie’s Pikachu as well as two other Pokémon. Violet: To add, you know nothing about what other Pokémon he uses. Misty rests both of her elbows on the table. With arms stretched up, she places her chin on top of her open hands and begins to think. Everyone just gets back in their seats and begins staring at her. After a minute or so, Misty blinks, then gets up and heads towards the exit. Ash: Misty! Where are you going? Misty: (without turning around) I’m going for a walk. I need to think in private. Ash: (starting to get out of his seat) Let me go with you. Misty: No. I’ll be fine. Ash sits back down as Misty leaves the restaurant. The others are completely speechless by Misty’s actions. They just sit there, all beginning to worry about Misty and her match tomorrow. Outside, on the main streets of the Indigo Plateau, a small parade roamed its way through. A crowd of about a thousand or so were watching, including Joe and Giselle. Joe: Isn’t it a great night for a parade? Giselle: It sure is, Joe. (rests her head on Joe’s shoulder and puts her arms around his chest) It sure is. All of a sudden, they spot Misty walking slowly in their direction. Misty hadn’t noticed the duo until they ran up to her. Joe: Hi, Misty! Giselle: What’s up with you? I thought that you’d be happy to be in the semifinals. Misty: (sighs) I’m having trouble deciding what Pokémon to use in the match tomorrow. Giselle: (crosses her arms over her chest and smirks) Oh, so now you’ve come to the expert, huh? Misty: I didn’t exactly come crawling to your feet, you know. Giselle: I’ll be right back, Joe. (winks) Don’t go anywhere, okay? Joe: Um... sure thing. Giselle walks over to Misty and puts her right arm over Misty’s right shoulder. This made Misty a little nervous, but then she noticed Giselle gesture to her that it was okay. The two start moving towards a nearby abandoned alley. Giselle: Misty, if you really want to win tomorrow, then take my advice. (turns and stares straight into Misty’s face) Don’t take anyone’s advice... except for your own. Misty: (with eyes wide open in surprise, as Giselle starts walking away) What? That’s your advice? Giselle: (stops and talks without turning around) A true Pokémon master knows that he or she controls his or her own destiny. A master must make their own decisions, and be able to know that those decisions are the ones that will lead them to victory. Misty: (under her breath, smiling) And you say Ash is rubbing off me... With that, Giselle walks off, leaving Misty standing there dumbfounded. And off in the shadows nearby, a familiar figure watches over the departing brunette. Shadowy Figure: Just you wait you little bitch... and then you’ll wish you never stuck that high heel of yours on my chest... Friday, August 26th, Indigo Stadium Announcer: It’s a bright and sunny day here at Indigo Stadium, and we’re ready for the semifinals of the Pokémon League Novice Tournament! A Nidoqueen and a Nidoking lock horns on the field as the first two semifinalists fight for the first spot in the championship match. After struggling for a few seconds, the Nidoqueen goes down. The Nidoqueen’s trainer sobs over his loss, while the trainer of the Nidoking begins to celebrate his victory. Down in the locker room, Misty sits quietly on one of the benches. She is thinking about her upcoming battle. Pulling her six Pokéballs out of her satchel, she begins to look over them carefully. Misty: (in thought) I’ve got to trust my own instinct... I know that the three Pokémon I choose will do the job. With that, Misty gets up and heads up towards the field... hoping that she has the key to victory with her... Outside, the stadium is filled to its capacity with spectators awaiting the second semifinal match. Of course, the whole gang is there to cheer Misty on. Violet: I’m kinda nervous... do you guys really think Misty can pull this off? Daisy: I’m sure she will. After all, she is a Waterflower. Brock: As long as Misty’s Pokémon fight with all they have, she’ll win. Pikachu: Pika! Pika pika pikachu! Ash is sitting silently, ignoring the others. He only has one thing on his mind... Ash: (silently) Come on Misty. You can win this match. I know you can. Announcer: Good afternoon Pokémon fanatics! We’re now prepared to begin the second semifinal match! It’s time to introduce the competing trainers. Everyone turns towards the north end of the stadium to await the arrival of the first competitor. Announcer: Let’s start with the red trainer! Hailing from Limerick Town, just outside Hop Hop Town, this young trainer is a first-timer here. Only one of a small gaggle of trainers who give nicknames to their Pokémon, he is the lone survivor of that group. His signature Pokémon... a Pikachu named Chuchino! Here’s Richie Sparky! Richie, with Chuchino on his shoulder, waves to the crowd as he enters the stadium and heads towards the red podium. Announcer: Now let’s meet the green trainer! (the crowd looks towards the south end) From Cerulean City, this young lady is also a first-timer. The youngest member of the city’s gym leader family, she has proven beyond a doubt that she is one of the most talented trainers here despite her rough start. Her favorite Pokémon... her water and ice type hybrid, Vaporeon! Here’s Misty Waterflower! Misty comes out and waves to the crowd as well. After receiving their cheers, she turns her attention to the match as she heads to the green podium. The two trainers, now in position, stand still as the podiums rise to their pre-set height. The flag official motions for Richie and Misty to select their first Pokémon. The crowd is on their feet, as the battle is about to begin. <1> Richie: (throws out a Pokéball) Happy, go! Happy: Freeeeee! Misty: (throwing hers out as usual) Misty calls Starmie! Starmie: Hya! Daisy: (to the others in the stands) Hmmmmm... that was unexpected. Still, at least she went with my first choice. Violet: Go Misty! Win this one for us! The two Pokémon are ready to battle. The flag official gives the signal for the battle to begin. Flag Official: (raising both flags) Go! Richie: Happy, stun spore! Misty: Starmie, minimize! Starmie minimizes just in time... Happy cannot aim his stun spore attack efficiently, and thus, he misses his target. Richie: Happy, try your sleep powder attack! Misty: Starmie, water gun now! Starmie fires water into the air, breaking up the powder as it made its way down. Richie: (a little frustrated) Happy, confusion! Happy uses the psychic blast to confuse Starmie. Misty: Starmie, tackle! Starmie, confused, jumps up into the air and lands jewel first onto the ground. Misty: (to herself) Ouch... that’s gotta hurt. Richie: Happy, psybeam! Happy fires the psybeam at Starmie, but it does very little damage. Richie: (in surprise) Huh? Misty: (also a little surprised herself) How come that didn’t work that well? As if they had heard their little sister, Daisy and Violet were quietly commenting in the stands. Daisy: (to herself) Amazing... I guess all of those theories about Starmie I read about were true. Starmie is the only water type that has a strong defense against psychic attacks. Violet: (to herself) I can’t believe that dodo was oblivious to the fact that Starmie has a strong defense against psychic blasts! Misty: (sees Starmie shake off its confusion) Okay Starmie, let’s try your hydro pump! The blast from the hydro pump is so strong that it knocks Butterfree out of the air! Butterfree plops down onto the field hard. He struggles to get up. Richie: Happy! Announcer: Whoa! Looks like Happy isn’t happy anymore, folks! Misty: Starmie, tackle that Butterfree! Starmie spins towards Butterfree and hits the butterfly right on the head. Butterfree flies back, hits the ground, and tumbles twice before coming to a stop, unconscious. Flag Official: (raises the green flag) Butterfree is out! Starmie wins round one! The first light goes out under Richie’s picture. The stadium is filled with an assortment of cheers and boos. Once again, it seems that the crowd is divided evenly. Announcer: Happy has been taken down, and Misty takes a one to nothing lead early. Richie: (pulling out Happy’s Pokéball) Happy, return! (throws out another Pokéball) Zippo, go! Zippo, Richie’s Charmeleon, comes out, ready to battle. Announcer: And young Richie chooses his Charmeleon, Zippo. This may be a bad choice on his part, though, as most of Misty Waterflower’s Pokémon are water types. Misty: (silently) What is he, stupid? Did he really come into this battle without any knowledge of me? Flag Official: (raises both flags) Let the battle resume! Misty: Starmie, hydro pump! Let’s finish this in one shot! Zippo tries to dodge the attack, but he is unsuccessful. Zippo gets a face full of water and goes down for the count. The crowd begins to boo Richie for making such a bad choice. Brock: What was he thinking? You’re telling me this guy made it to the semifinals? Daisy: (smirking) You know, he kinda reminds me of someone... Ash: (sarcastically) Ha ha, very funny Daisy. Violet: (giggling) That is, like, so true! The screen behind Ash is black as a red streak of light appears for a second before the screen goes back to normal. Ash: (alarmed) If this guy is really like me then he’s going to come back with Pikachu and total Misty. Pikachu: Pika, pi pika chu. Announcer: It seems the crowd is in disapproval as Starmie takes down Charmeleon rather easily. Richie can’t be giving up this easily. It’s like he’s throwing away his chances to win... he’s now down two to nothing! Richie: (sighs, pulls out Zippo’s Pokéball) Zippo, return! (to himself) I can’t believe I was so stupid! I was paying too much attention looking at my opponent that I made such a bad choice. Well, it’s time to get my head back in the game. Chuchino: (as if he overheard his trainer) Pika chu pikachu kachu. Richie: Very funny, Chuchino. I’m not in love with her... I just think she’s cute. Chuchino: (rolls his eyes) Chu. Richie: Okay wise guy, why don’t you get in there and help me by showing her what you can do! Chuchino: Chu pika! Chuchino jumps down from the podium and heads to the center of the field. Announcer: Richie has chosen his Pikachu, Chuchino, as his third and final Pokémon. Will this be the right path to a comeback? Flag Official: (raises both flags) Let’s go! Misty: Starmie, light screen! Richie: Chuchino, thunder bolt! Starmie puts up the screen in time, and diverts a little bit of the energy from the thunder bolt. Not enough, though, as the bolt drills through the screen and shatters Starmie’s red jewel center. Starmie slumps to the ground, obviously out after this devastating blow. Misty: (sighs) Oh no... I knew this was going to happen. Announcer: With one blast from Chuchino, Starmie is out despite his attempt to block the attack. Now the score is two to one in favor of Misty... but that Pikachu looks ready for more. Misty: (pulls out Starmie’s Pokéball) Starmie, return! (throws out another Pokéball without hesitation) Misty calls Jigglypuff! Jigglypuff: Jigglypuff! Daisy, Violet, Brock, Ash, and Pikachu are speechless over Misty’s second choice... and so are most of the her supporters in the audience. Announcer: Now it looks like its Misty’s turn to pull off a desperation move, as she selects Jigglypuff to battle against Richie’s Pikachu, Chuchino. Do these trainers expect an easy battle, or are they just trying to psych each other out? Flag Official: (raises both flags) Trainers, let the battle resume! Richie: Chuchino, thunderwave! Chuchino’s thunderwave paralyzes Jigglypuff on the spot. Jigglypuff can’t make a move! Misty: Jigglypuff! Richie: Chuchino, thundershock! Misty: Jigglypuff, defense curl! Jigglypuff curls up, managing to take only half as much damage as originally expected from Chuchino’s thundershock. Richie: Chuchino, growl! Scare that Jigglypuff out of her wits! Chuchino growls at Jigglypuff. Jigglypuff jumps up and out of her defensive position. Misty: (to herself) Wait for it... Richie: (pointing towards Jigglypuff) Okay Chuchino, quick attack! Chuchino jumps up into the air, lunging at Jigglypuff. Misty sees this as her chance to attack. Misty: Jigglypuff, body slam! Jigglypuff jumps up and grabs Chuchino just as he is in arms reach. Jigglypuff lifts Chuchino over her head, then throws the Pikachu straight towards the ground. From the stands, the crowd looks on in amazement as Chuchino hits the ground with a thud. Violet: Ouch. That’s gotta hurt. Ash: (happy) I think it’s over... Misty won! Brock: (puts his hand on Ash’s shoulder) Hold on... that Pikachu is stronger than you think. As Jigglypuff lands softly back on the ground, Chuchino struggles to get up. Announcer: It looks like Richie’s hopes of making it to the championship are slowly slipping away. Misty’s Jigglypuff looks ready to go at it again. Misty: Jigglypuff, double edge! Jigglypuff uses up some of her energy, and then she charges straight at Chuchino. The two bodies collide, and both go tumbling on the field towards Richie’s end. Richie: Chuchino! Thunder, now! Chuchino jumps up before Jigglypuff gets a chance to prepare for another attack. Chuchino charges up, as the sky grows dark. A huge bolt of thunder rains down from the sky. It hits Chuchino and begins to flow through him. Chuchino: Pika pika... PIKA-CHUUUUUUUUUUUU! Chuchino gathers up the energy from the bolt and aims it right at Jigglypuff. It strikes the pink rotund Pokémon so hard that she is literally fried on the spot. Chuchino finally relaxes and lands back on the ground tired, yet happy. Flag Official: (runs over and checks up on Jigglypuff) Jigglypuff has been defeated! This round goes to Pikachu! Announcer: (as the second light goes out under Misty’s picture) Oh, and just as we thought that this match was over, Richie’s Pikachu, Chuchino, defeats Misty’s Jigglypuff. This match is now dead even at two. Misty: (under her breath) Did he have to say dead? (pulls out Jigglypuff’s Pokéball) Jigglypuff, return! Jigglypuff returns to her Pokéball. Misty sighs silently as she selects her third and last Pokémon. Misty: (to herself) This one’s for all the marbles. Don’t let me down. (throws out the Pokéball) Misty calls Vaporeon! Vaporeon: Vaporeon! Misty: It’s time to rock and roll, Vaporeon! Vaporeon: Eon! Richie: Let’s wrap this up, Chuchino! Chuchino: Pika! Taking their positions, the flag official gives the signal... and the final round begins. Announcer: (with the crowd cheering in the background) And the final round begins, with the victor advancing to the championship match! Who will win? Richie: Chuchino, thunder! Misty: Vaporeon, mist! Misty knew that a mist attack would hinder Chuchino’s visibility temporarily. She also knew that thunder wasn’t always accurate. She was going to use her knowledge to her advantage. It seemed for sure that her strategy was working... the thunder attack missed hitting Vaporeon by a good ten yards, and Chuchino couldn’t see anything within five feet in front of his face. This was the chance to strike. Misty: Vaporeon, aurora beam! Richie: (a little unsure) Chuchino, agility! (to himself) It’s my best chance to avoid Vaporeon... I don’t know what her Pokémon is capable of. The tactic worked, as it gave Chuchino enough time to dodge the beam once he located it. He also dodges a surprise attack, as Vaporeon goes diving to his right. Richie: Good work! Chuchino, let’s try that thunder attack again! Misty: Vaporeon, look out! Chuchino charges up, aims, and this time connects. Luckily for Misty, Vaporeon is at a high level, and she takes the damage from the attack. Misty: Hang in there, girl! Try your hydro pump! Vaporeon fires the hydro pump, and hits Chuchino square in the stomach. The blast sends Chuchino flying back and towards Misty’s platform. Richie: Chuchino, thunder again! Chuchino strikes again, with a bolt stronger than the first one. The bolt quickly strikes Vaporeon before she can get out of the way. She gets hit hard this time... and as a result, she goes down. Misty: (with a hint of worry in her voice) Vaporeon! Richie: Looks like we’re in control, Chuchino! One more time! Thunder! Chuchino: (charging up) Pika-CHHHHHHHHHHUUUUUUU! Misty: Vaporeon! The third bolt of thunder strikes Vaporeon and zaps the remainder of her strength away. Vaporeon finally faints and concedes the battle. Flag Official: (walks over to where Vaporeon is down) Vaporeon is out! The victory goes to the red trainer, Richie, and his Pikachu, Chuchino! The crowd goes nuts as the battle concludes. All except for Misty’s friends and family, that is... Daisy: I... Violet: ... can’t believe... Brock: ... that she... Ash: (with a tear) ...lost ............ Pikachu just stands there next to Ash, motionless yet sad. Meanwhile, Misty stands on her podium in complete shock. She thought that she was going to win. She had jumped out to an early advantage. Yet, she couldn’t finish the job. She believed that she let her opponent get the best of her. And now, her chances of getting that gold medal she wanted... ... were completely gone. To be concluded... I need comments! This is my first chapter in more than two months and I need comments to inspire me to keep going! The address is jgg121@yahoo.com. Author’s Notes: <1> Unlike the anime, where the final rounds are six-on-six, here the battles are still three-on-three only. Copyright Date: 12/14/00 Misty... has lost. And now she has to settle for battling for a bronze medal. That is, if anyone can convince her to actually compete in the match. Meanwhile, someone’s stalking Giselle... and he’s looking for a little more than revenge. Plus, will Misty take up her sisters’ offer? The tournament concludes with Episode 41, “Eyes Set on Bronze?”