Adventures Series, Episode 48, "Green with Envy" Now, it's time for the second half of the season premiere! I know some of you may be bored after the first half involved a lot of set-up. Unfortunately, most of this episode is set-up for the remainder of the mini-series, too. By the end of this episode, though, the real action will begin! Before we begin Episode 48, though, some explanations are in order. Where did I get the names Faith, Hope, and Charity from for Professor Ivy's assistants? Well, although they were not assigned names in the anime series, they were in the small book series. I forget what the series is called, but a bunch of Pokémon paperback books were made, novelizing several chunks of episodes from the anime. This included the beginning of the Orange Islands saga, where the threesome was introduced. As for which assistant is which, well, I only glanced at the book. I don't have a copy of it, so I can't help you there. If anyone knows what I'm talking about and has a copy correctly identifying which assistant is which, please let me know ASAP. Thanks! As for Francine Maple, aka Green, there's some explanation needed for her too. Green is a real character, as some of you might know, from the 'Pokémon Adventures' manga that Viz is currently releasing. As those fans might also know, Ash is dubbed as Red and Gary is dubbed as Blue. Of course, the identities of Blue and Green were switched during the translation of the original manga to the American version. That means Gary was originally Green and Francine was originally Blue. Get it? You understand? Oh, and before I forget, Francine Maple is a made-up name. I just had this feeling that Green should be given a real name, just like Ash and Gary. As for the origin to the name, well, Francine is a reference to another anime favorite of mine, Samurai Pizza Cats, and the short green dressed 'fourth wheel,' who also goes by the dubbed name of Francine. For the last name of Maple, well, that was just to keep in tradition with using types of trees/plants. You know, Gary 'Oak,' Professor 'Ivy,' and so on. By the way, I've only read up to the end of Part 3 in the "Pokémon Adventures" manga, so all interpretations of Green are based on her character to that point. I'm not sure what's happened since then, so I don't want to make any false assumptions. That's enough explanations for now. I know, there are still some things left to explain from the last episode, but you'll get a few of those explanations during this episode, and the rest at the beginning of the next episode! So let's get it on, shall we? Here's Episode 48! Disclaimer: I only own all of my original characters. Everything else belongs to Nintendo, Kids' WB, and anyone else who had a hand in bringing Pokémon to life. *** Friday, July 6th, Valencia Island Pokémon Center Narrator: Several hours had passed since Brock, Misty, and Duplica had arrived at the Pokémon Center. They were supposed to go up to Professor Ivy's laboratory and help her retrieve something that was stolen from her. But they haven't gone up there yet, because they're still awaiting the arrival of someone, whom they believe is Ash. But are they right? Outside the Pokémon Center, a young boy and his Pokémon walk towards the building. Once he steps inside, though, he is shocked to find three old friends of his gasping at his presence. Brock: Could it be? Duplica: It really is! Misty: You're finally here, Ash! Sure enough, Ash steps into the bright lights of the Pokémon Center. Ash hasn't changed at all since we last saw him, except for growing an inch. His first and most loyal Pokémon, Pikachu, is standing by his side! Pikachu: Pika! Brock: Pikachu! Duplica: It looks like the old gang's back together again! Ash: (laughs nervously) You can say that again! Misty: (grabs Ash by the collar and starts shaking him) Why are you so late, Ash Ketchum? We were all worried about you! Duplica: (snickers) Especially Misty. Brock: (also snickering) She's been dreaming of you for months! Misty: (yelling at the duo) WHY DON'T YOU TWO JUST MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS? Ash: No offense, Misty, but can you let go of me now? Misty: Huh? Oh. Misty lets go of Ash... and hugs him tightly. Misty: (shaking) Ash, you don't know how much I've missed you. Ash: Well, I've been kinda busy. Misty: Can we not talk about Pokémon for once? Ash: Um... okay. What do you want to talk about? Misty: Oh, nothing. Just this. Misty pulls Ash's face towards her and gives him a nice, long kiss..., which she promptly releases from. Brock: Wow... it's like they never left each other's side. Duplica: Maybe someday I'll be as lucky as Misty to have a boyfriend like Ashy boy. Misty growls and then tackles Ash to the ground and begins beating him up heavily. Brock, Duplica, Ditto, and Pikachu watch, cringing in fear and sweatdropping at the same time. Brock: As long as I don't have a girlfriend like Misty. Duplica: (sighs) That's what happens when you disappear for eleven months and don't tell anyone where you were. Pikachu: Pika pika. Ditto: Ditto. Misty: (still beating Ash up) And this is for missing Christmas! And that one's for missing New Year's! And I can't forget about you missing my 13th AND 14th birthday! Ash: Okay, I give, I give, I give! Just stop pummeling me! ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Season 3, Episode 2 [48] "It's All on the Disk," Chapter Two: "Green with Envy" Story Written by Freedom Fighter, Pre-reading done by Matt Lenz ************************************************************************ A few bandages and a full meal later, Ash was ready to inform Misty, Brock, and Duplica where he's been for the past year. Ash: Where should I begin? Brock: How about starting from where you went off to after the tournament last August? Misty: (cocky) Yeah! The one I almost won, if you remember! Duplica: (sniffles) You mean the one when TJ died in that horrific plane crash. Brock: It was the one where that cheerleader of Gary's got booted for underage drinking. You know, what's her name? Samantha, right? Ash: Okay guys, I remember! Anyway, after the tournament, I went to Crimson City to compete in a tournament of my own... [Flashback - September 4th, last year, Crimson City Indoor Stadium A crowd of seven thousand was gathered at the city's Pokémon battle arena for the annual Crimson City League Tournament. After a week of battles, the crowd was rejoicing as this year's championship was about to be decided. Male Announcer: After a week of battles featuring the best trainers of the Crimson City metropolis area and some outsiders as well, it has come down to just two. Female Announcer: Everyone's eyes are on Jeanette Fisher, the hometown favorite. She got here by defeating two-time defending champion, thirty-one year old Miles Landon. Jeanette's broad selection of Pokémon has gotten her through, and the fans love her. Male Announcer: Of course! After her recent advancement to Rookie Class First Level, she's been winning battles left and right... including the ones that she's fought in throughout the course of this tournament. You never know what this girl's gonna pull out next! That's the beauty of her technique! She has the ability to catch trainers by surprise. Female Announcer: Tell me about it, especially after Miles beat her in the quarterfinals, on the way to defending his title here a year ago. Male Announcer: But this year, we will have a new champion. One that, surprisingly enough, will be a Rookie Class First Level League member! Female Announcer: That's because her opponent, Ash Ketchum, competed in the same Novice League Tournament as Fisher did. Both got in with at-large bids as well. But it seems that destiny cut their adventures at the Indigo Plateau short. Male Announcer: Not here, though. Jeanette may be a girl full of surprises, but Ash also relies on a very diverse selection of Pokémon. Most of which he has been with since the early days of his training career. But will that be enough for him to score victory? Female Announcer: It all depends. Ash's number one Pokémon is his Pikachu, but remember... Jeanette decimated a Pikachu in the first round of this very tournament! Male Announcer: Then again, that Pikachu was very weak. Ash's Pikachu is no laughing matter. That rat can really shock the life out of you! Female Announcer: Bottom line, who's going to be this year's champion? Male Announcer: Both of these trainers have surprised us many times this week alone, but I think that the home field advantage is enough to give Jeanette the win. Female Announcer: I agree! Ash has no supporting help with him, while Jeanette has a whole section of the stands reserved just for family, friends, and her own personal cheering squad! If that's not enough to win a battle, I don't know what is. Male Announcer: We'll see what happens today on the battlefield! Some time passes. The six-on-six battle goes smoothly, yet rapidly at the same time. The crowd watches as one Pokémon after another falls. At one point, Ash pulls ahead, but Jeanette quickly strikes back. Eventually, it's down to the final Pokémon. Let's join the action, shall we? Female Announcer: This battle has been one for the ages! Male Announcer: This is one of the greatest battles in the tournament's seven year history! Female Announcer: Ash's Pikachu just got beat down by Jeanette's Bellsprout, undoubtedly her most unpredictable Pokémon. Male Announcer: With that, Ketchum is down to his last Pokémon. Which one has he saved up for last? And will it be good enough to take down Fisher? Ash: (throws his Pokéball out) Ponyta, I choose you! The fire horse Pokémon comes out of her Pokéball. Jeanette begins to worry. Jeanette: (to herself) A Ponyta? I don't know if Bellsprout can take one on. Female Announcer: I think it's official, folks. Fire burns grass, end of story! We might as well declare Ketchum the winner. Male Announcer: Hey! Where's your Crimson City spirit? Jeanette will win this! You just watch! Referee: (raising both flags) Begin the final round, now! Jeanette: Bellsprout, razor leaf! Ash: Ponyta, dodge it, and then use a take down attack! Bellsprout fires at Ponyta, but she dodges the attack and hits Bellsprout head on. Bellsprout is reeling after that first hit! Jeanette: Bellsprout! No! Ash: This game's all over! Jeanette: Try your acid attack, Bellsprout! Bellsprout: (nods) Bellsprout! Bellsprout spits out a ball of acid, hitting Ponyta right in the head. She takes some damage, but is otherwise fine. Ash: (smiles) Ponyta, ember! Ponyta fires off an ember attack, burning Bellsprout to a crisp. The root Pokémon faints on the spot. Referee: The match is over! (raising the green flag) The new Crimson City Pokémon Tournament Champion is Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town! End flashback] Duplica: (getting up and slamming her hands on the table) Who are you trying to fool, Ashy-boy? Ash: (blinking in surprise) Wha? Misty: Duplica, what are you talking about? Duplica: (hands on her hips) I was there in the stadium myself. Ash, Misty, and Brock: (in unison) WHAT? Duplica: Hold on, you three! Let me explain! Misty: (jealous) Were you hitting on Ash again? Ash: What's that supposed to mean? I didn't even know she was there! Duplica: True. I never actually went up to him and said hello. I had gotten there the day before and heard that there was a tournament going on. So I went. Brock: So what did you mean by who was Ash trying to fool? Duplica: You see, Ash didn't win the final. Jeanette did. Misty: (angry) You mean you made the whole story up? Ash: I wanted to show you guys that I could win a tournament without any coaching. Duplica: Looks like Ashy-boy's got a long way to go, 'cause Pikachu was the only Pokémon that really showed any spunk that day. Ash: It was only because Jeanette's Pokémon were much stronger than mine! Misty: How can that be? You got into the League at the same time! Brock: Something's amiss here. Duplica: How about explaining the facts? I'd like to know the whole truth myself. Ash: Well, you see, it seems that Jeannette's mom, which happened to be the Crimson City Nurse Joy, was trying to get the two of us to go out on a date. Misty: (now boiling angry) A DATE? WITH THAT PIECE OF TRASH? Ash: Hey! At least she's more dignified than a certain water trainer I know. Misty leaped over the table and started strangling Ash. Duplica and Brock went over and hastily separated the two. Brock restrained Misty while Duplica helped Ash catch his breath. Misty: If I find out that you've been flirting with girls behind my back... Ash: Misty, it's not like that! You're my one and only! Misty: Don't give me that! And you still owe me a bike, remember? Ash: (shocked and enraged) I paid for a new one a year and a half ago! Misty: And it got trashed before the week was out! You still owe me a new one! Ash: I wasn't the one who destroyed it! Blame Team Rocket or whomever you said it was that was chasing you! Brock: Misty, stop it! You're thinking irrationally! Brock was rewarded with an elbow in the gut for his trouble. He fell over backwards and Misty glares at him, temporarily forgetting that she wanted to strangle Ash. Duplica: You know, maybe we shouldn't have brought you two back together! Misty: Why'd you have to come along, Duplica? Duplica: You invited me to come along, remember? Besides, since your sisters' ballet is going on for two more weeks, so they didn't mind me postponing my performance! Ash: So that's why you're here? Duplica: That's right! I missed you guys! Besides, maybe I can have a thrilling adventure or two with you three. You guys seem to attract them like magnets. Misty: No, you won't! Duplica: Oh, come on! It's not going to kill you! Misty: True. But it is going to kill you! Misty lunges for Duplica, but a recovered Brock manages to restrain her. Brock: Somebody get me a glass of water! Ash: I'll get one! Duplica: Better make it a whole pitcher! Boy's Voice: Butterfree, sleep powder! A Butterfree appears out of nowhere and drops some sleep powder on Misty. As she slowly succumbs to the powder, Brock loosens his grip on her and slowly guides her limp body to the floor. Misty then curls up like a baby and promptly falls asleep. Butterfree then returns to his trainer. Ash: Gee, thanks... um, whoever you are. Arius steps into the light, followed by Cassie. Although none of them recognizes Arius, they do know Cassie very well. Ash seems to be ecstatic, Brock is going into lovey-dovey mode again, and Duplica, surprisingly, seems to growl at her very angrily. Cassie notices this and sighs. She goes over to comfort Duplica, but she turns away. This quickly gets Ash's attention. Ash: Duplica, what's wrong? Aren't you and Cassie good friends? Duplica: Friends? Yeah, right! Friends don't murder each other's friends. Ash: Huh? Cassie: I'm sorry. But how many times do I have to tell you it was an accident? Brock: (butting in and taking Cassie by the hand) No need to apologize. It was no accident that the two of us would meet again. Arius comes in and bonks Brock on the head, before pushing him away. Arius: Watch who you're touching there! That's my girlfriend! Ash and Brock: What? Arius and Cassie... you two are... Arius: Yeah, so hands off! Cassie: Arius! Arius: I just don't want anyone touching my girl! Is there anything wrong with that? Ash: Wait, I'm all confused! How did you two become all close, and what is Duplica talking about? Cassie: (sighs) I guess it's up to me to explain. First of all, Arius knew me well before I met any of you. I guess you could say we were meant for each other. Brock: (yells) NOOOOOOO! Cassie: (coughs) Ahem. Anyway, as for Duplica's story... [Flashback - August 19th, last year, Team Rocket HQ Arius and Cassie are silently sneaking their way to the front gate. Cassie: (VO) We were sent to Team Rocket Headquarters to gather information on a so-called top-secret project that they were working on. One that would throw the world into chaos if they were allowed to complete it. Cassie was in Giovanni's office, working on the mainframe computer. Arius: (VO) Cassie had managed to download the computer files from their hard drive before promptly deleting it. Unfortunately, Team Rocket had caught onto us, so we desperately had to escape. Next is a shot of their brief scuffle with Jane and Calamity. Cassie: (VO) After some struggling, we got away. But not cleanly. A plane on its way from Mandarin Island to the Indigo Plateau flies over the Tippecanoe Mountains. Arius: (VO) It seems that Team Rocket had placed a bomb on an aircraft en route to the Indigo Plateau. We believe that they set it off in retaliation against our organization. Cassie: (VO) The flight happened to be United Indigo Airlines, Flight 360. Brock: (VO) You mean the one that exploded in the Tippecanoe Mountains? That was during the tournament, wasn't it? Arius: (VO) Unfortunately, yes. Cassie: (VO) But that's not the worst of it. Duplica: (VO, after a quick sigh) TJ was on that plane. End flashback] ********************************************************************** Ash: Unbelievable. Misty: (groggily) Did I miss anything? Misty then turned and saw Arius and Cassie standing there with the group. Misty: Arius and Cassie? What are you two doing here? Arius: Well, we were in the middle of explaining things when you woke up. Misty: What's going on? Duplica: (sniffles) Cassie got TJ killed! Misty: What are you talking about? Duplica: After they had stolen some top-secret files from Team Rocket, the Rockets retaliated by setting off a bomb on the plane TJ was on! Misty: Oh... my... God. Cassie: We do feel sorry for what happened. Arius: After all, those innocent people lost their lives. Ash: (screams) So TJ is dead because of you? The both of you are responsible for cutting TJ's life short? Arius and Cassie can only nod sadly. Duplica turns away and starts running to the restroom, crying all the way there. Misty motions to after her, but she gives Cassie a cold glare before running off, with Togepi in her arms. Ash, Brock, and Pikachu stayed with Arius and Cassie, but neither of them were happy about it. Cassie: I'm sorry, Ash, but there was nothing we could do. It caught us completely by surprise, just like everyone else! Ash was beginning to break down himself. So he did the only thing he could think of that would keep him from running over and breaking their necks. Ash: GO! Just go away! Pikachu: Pika pika! Brock began to comfort Ash as the young trainer began to weep openly into the breeder's shirt. Brock turned towards Arius and Cassie and stared at them. Brock: I think you two had better leave. Arius: (beginning to pull Cassie away) Come on. We can find that disk without their help. Cassie wasn't budging, though. She too was on the verge of crying. She would have never predicted that her job would cost her several good friends. But she knew there was no way that they would trust her again. Not after TJ died. Sure, she never got along with the kid, but it wasn't like she outright hated him. He was just another trainer. Cassie: (to herself) Another trainer. That's probably what they're all thinking. They probably think that we consider the life of one trainer insignificant. That the needs of many outweigh the needs of a few. That no one would miss one trainer. But Cassie knew better. The trouble was that she'd never convince them otherwise. Especially after how much she's affected their lives. Cassie's thoughts are interrupted as Arius manages to drag her out of the Pokémon Center. After walking for what seems like hours, the two finally stop and take a seat on a nearby bench, close to the boardwalk. Cassie: Why did I even take this stupid job anyway? Arius: You were looking for a way to enhance your Pokémon training skills. Cassie: (sniffles) Maybe I should just quit while I'm ahead. Arius: Cassie, don't say that! Cassie: I'm totally serious! How many innocent lives have been lost because of our bungling? Arius: The invasion at our headquarters wasn't our fault! Cassie: Maybe not, but I still feel responsible. Some of my best friends died that night! Arius: I know it's hard to accept it, but you can't let every little thing get you down. Cassie: I've lost Ash's trust and Duplica's friendship. I don't consider those little things! Arius: So, you've lost those two. You can always get new friends. Cassie, enraged, slaps Arius across the face. Cassie: Is that all you think about? Your stupid job? Arius: Well, I... Cassie: Why did I even take this stupid job anyway? Arius: You were looking for a way... Cassie: It was a rhetorical question, stupid! Arius: Oh! Cassie: That's it! I'm calling Patti right now and submitting my resignation! Arius: You can't do that! Cassie: Just watch me! Unless you want to try and stop me! Arius hesitates at first. He then reaches over and grabs Cassie by the arm. Arius: I won't let you go through with it. Cassie: (stops and turns towards Arius) Give me one good reason why I shouldn't. Arius: Um... Cassie: I'll give you one reason I should. 'Cause I'll break up with you if you don't let me do this! Arius: (laughs nervously) I know Patti's cell phone number. You want it? Back at the Pokémon Center, Duplica was still crying her head off. Misty and Pikachu were doing their best to calm her down, but nothing was working. Ditto and Togepi look on with worry. Finally, Ash and Brock join them in the room. Ash: I can't believe things changed so suddenly. Brock: And I was going to ask her out! Misty: (ignoring Brock) I'm still shocked over the whole thing. Ash: Yeah. But I see Duplica's taking it hard. Misty: Of course she's taking it hard! Brock: Can you two stop? I think I've heard enough arguing from you two. Ash: You know, we still have to go up to Professor Ivy's laboratory. Misty: Hey, that's right! Brock: But what about Duplica? Misty: Well, Professor Oak just wanted the three of us to go up there. Maybe we should leave Duplica with Nurse Joy and then come back for her. Brock: But didn't the letter say five? Misty: Now that you mention it, it did! But who are the other two? Ash: Guess we'll just have to find out. After all, there were only enough upgrades for the three of us. Misty: So, we'll leave Duplica with Nurse Joy? Brock: That might be okay. (to Duplica) What do you think, Duplica? Duplica mumbles something incoherent as she continues to sob. Brock: I'll take that as a yes. Misty: Don't worry, Duplica! We'll help you get through this! Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, and Togepi head out, leaving only Ditto to comfort Duplica. As the group made their way up the road to the Professor Ivy's laboratory, they continue to discuss the events of Cassie's horrific story. Ash: I can't believe it. Just like that... TJ's life ended so suddenly. Misty: I know you and TJ were good friends. Duplica was even closer. Ash: Do you think we should report this to Officer Jenny? Brock: We could, but I don't know if it would be enough to warrant an arrest. Misty: What do you mean, Brock? Brock: Well, Arius and Cassie didn't kill TJ, or anyone else on that plane. It was because of their actions that the bomb on board that plane went off. They said Team Rocket actually set off the bomb. Misty: Then maybe we should report it! That would get all of the police after Team Rocket, at the very least. Brock: But even if the police capture Team Rocket, they would need Arius and Cassie's story for Officer Jenny to place the blame for the accident on them. Misty: So we should find Arius and Cassie and get them to confess their story to the police. Ash: Knowing them, though, they're probably long gone. Brock: (sighs) So much for that theory. Misty: Look, let's just go see the professor, and then we'll look for Arius and Cassie. Okay? A few minutes later, the gang arrives at the laboratory. They notice that some of the police tape is still around. Otherwise, the laboratory looks as normal as usual. Ash knocks on the front door, which is immediately opened by Professor Ivy. Ivy: Oh my! Ash: Sorry to bother you ma'am, but... Ivy: I'm sorry, but I don't have time for any door-to-door salesmen. Could you come back another time? Misty: But we're not door-to-door salesmen. Ash: We're here on behalf of Professor Oak. Ivy: Professor Oak? Why didn't you say so? Come in! Ivy heads inside and motions for the group to follow her in. She leads them to her study, where her assistants Faith, Hope, and Charity are busy working. Faith is taking notes about a book that deals with Pokémon feeding habits in tropical places. Hope is taping up a few bookbinders that are badly in need of repair. As for Charity, she is filing some old research documents. But the trio quickly stops their work when Professor Ivy approaches them. Faith, Hope, and Charity: Work is proceeding on schedule, professor! Ivy: I see. You girls may stop for the night, if you wish. Faith, Hope, and Charity: Who's that behind you? Ivy: Oh, these are the other kids that Professor Oak sent to help find that disk. Brock: Other kids? Misty: What other kids? Ivy: You mean Professor Oak didn't tell you? Ash, Misty, and Brock: No. Ivy: Strangely enough, I thought all five of you were going to be here at the same time. Ash: All five? Ivy: Yes. You're Ash Ketchum, Misty Waterflower, and Brock Slate, correct? Ash: Yes. Misty: The professor told you who we were? Ivy: Of course. I couldn't let another trainer know about this. Soon it would spread, and then the whole world would be after that disk. Ash: Whom else did the professor ask for? Misty: And what's so important about this disk? What's on it? Ivy: Well, he also asked for Cassie Banks. Perhaps you know of her? Brock: Oh yeah. We know about her. Ivy: I see. Well, it's not my place to judge, but she can't be all that bad if Professor Oak requested her help. Misty: I guess. Ash: And who was the other trainer? Mystery Voice: That would be me, loser! Ash: Gary? Sure enough, Gary steps into the room with that same old smirk on his face. He hasn't changed much either since any of them last saw him. Gary: I'm surprised my grandfather asked you and your friends to help. I'll track down that disk before any of you get out there. Ash: Oh yeah? We'll see about that! Gary: At least Cassie had enough guts to show up before I did, so she's got a bit of head start. No matter. I'll still beat her to the punch. Misty: Gary... there's something you should know about Cassie. Gary: No time! If I waste any more time with you three losers, I'll never find that thief! (to Professor Ivy) My cheerleaders and I will be leaving you now, professor. Ivy: Good luck! Gary: (mock salutes Ash) See you later, losers! With that, Gary leaves the room and heads out. Brock: Gary's cheerleaders are here? Where? Misty: (grabbing Brock by the ear) Down, boy. (to Ash) When did Gary get back with his cheerleaders? I thought they all dumped him. Ash: Beats me. Ivy: If you don't mind, I have a lot of work to do. So I'll just tell you what you need to know. Please take a seat. (to Faith, Hope, and Charity) Girls, will you excuse us? The three young assistants scurry out of the room and head off to relax. Ivy: Now Misty, to answer your question, I can't tell you how valuable that disk is exactly, but I have a pretty good hunch that if anyone knew the exact contents of that disk, they would do anything to get their hands on it. Misty: What exactly is on it? Ivy: You see, Nurse Joy gave me the disk yesterday afternoon. I went to work deciphering it. But I was only able to translate part of one small section before it was stolen last night. Brock: What was on it? Ivy: I'm not exactly sure, but from what I could figure out from my information, it's information from a research project. The scientists who were conducting this study were trying to figure out a new way to breed Pokémon. Brock: So? What's wrong with that? Ivy: It's the methods they were employing to do so. At least in the part I translated, there was evidence of experimentation on actual Pokémon subjected to inhuman tests that killed a good percentage of their subjects. Misty: That's terrible! Ash: Do you think the researchers work with the Pokémon League? Ivy: I doubt it. If they did, they would've all been fired long ago and this disk would've never ended up in my hands. It would've been destroyed. Brock: I see. Misty: So, our job is to get this disk back for you? Ivy: Correct. Once I get it back, I will report my findings to Professor Oak, and then we'll work with the Pokémon League if any further action is needed, in terms of criminal activity. Of course, that's Officer Jenny's department. But I digress. Ash: Any idea where this disk could be? Ivy: Well, it's probably not here on Valencia Island any more. An Officer Jenny would have caught the thief if he were still around. My guess is that he's already off. He could be anywhere. Ash: (gulps) Anywhere? Ivy: But if he did leave, it would have to be either by boat, by a surfing Pokémon, or by flying out on a Pokémon. Security was beefed up at the airport to see if the thief would try catching a flight out, but nothing's come up. That is, unless the thief's left immediately after stealing the disk. (gasps) The thief may be long gone already! Brock: Don't worry, Professor Ivy! We'll get that disk back! Ivy: I trust you will. Ash: We'll do anything for a Pokémon professor! Ivy: Thank you. You all have my gratitude. After saying their goodbyes, Ash, Misty, and Brock head back to the Pokémon Center. Misty places Togepi in her satchel, realizing that her Pokémon had fallen asleep. Pikachu walked next to Ash, confused over the whole thing, yet still willing to follow his trainer wherever he needed to go. Misty: I guess we'd better go get Duplica and inform her of the news. Brock: Do you think we should leave her out of this one? I mean, she seemed very depressed when we left her with Nurse Joy. Ash: We probably should. Misty: No way! She's not skipping out on a vacation with us! Brock: But Misty, we're not exactly here for a vacation either. Ash: Maybe we should just let her stay here and see the sights. Pikachu: (in agreement) Pika! Misty: (sighs) Okay, I give up. I'll tell Duplica the bad news. Upon arriving back at the Pokémon Center, Misty heads inside to go fetch Duplica. Ash tells Misty to meet them down by the beach. Brock and Pikachu follow Ash there. Fifteen minutes later, they arrive at the beach, where they sit down and look up at the night sky. Brock: It looks the stars are out tonight. Pikachu: Pikachu! Ash: Sometimes I wish my life were as calm as the sky is right now. Brock: Well Ash, if that happened, then we'd all be living rather boring lives. Wouldn't you agree? Ash: I guess. Suddenly, the group hears the sound of someone running on the sand, and in their direction. But without any lights on the beach, it's hard to figure out who it is. Ash, of course, assumes the obvious. Ash: That must be Misty. Brock: Can't be. There's no way she could've told Duplica that quickly. The figure comes into view. Before anyone can identify it, the figure grabs Ash and pulls him away from Brock and Pikachu. Ash: Hey! Pikachu: (charging up) Pika! Brock: Who are you? The figure, which happens to be Green, stops and lets go of Ash. The aspiring trainer takes this opportunity to quickly gather himself and confront her. It's then that Ash recognizes her. Ash: It's you! Green: I'm flattered that you remember me, 'Red!' Narrator: What a turn of events! Things keep getting more confusing by the moment! Will Cassie really quit the Pokémon Trainers' Association? Will Duplica return home alone? Where does Tracey fit into all of this? And how does Green know Ash? How many questions will really be answered? Find out... next time! To be continued... Please review! All of your comments are greatly appreciated! Next time... what's this I hear about Green also being from Pallet Town? That can't be true... can it? But just as the gang discovers that Green has the disk they seek, she takes off using her Blastoise to escape! Up next is Episode 49, "The Chase Begins!" Will Ash stop Green before she auctions the disk off to the highest bidder? Tune in and see! Copyright Date: 1/22/02