Adventures Series, Episode 50, "Let's Make a Deal" I mean it this time! After being on break for four and a half months, the chase is finally on! As you watch the events unfold, you'll find out more of what Ash has been doing these past few months. And are Arius and Cassie out of the picture already? But the biggest surprise lies at the end of this episode! You'll have to read on to see what I mean. Before we start, I'd like to congratulate Xen for winning the trivia contest from last season. I've already talked to him about it, and we're at work trying to find a place for his very own cameo in a future episode. Stay tuned for that! Now, on with the big 5-0, people! Places everyone! Lost in the middle of nowhere, take 1! And action! Disclaimer: With the exception of all of my creations, all characters belong to their respective owners. ====== Narrator: After traveling for nearly the whole night, the Pokémon that have been carrying our heroes over the ocean are beginning to tire out. Lapras, Poliwrath, and Dit-wrath suddenly stop swimming. Of course, the lack of movement awakens Ash, Brock, Pikachu, Misty, and Duplica, who had all fallen asleep. Duplica: (rubbing her eyes) Where are we? Ash: (looking around) It looks like the middle of the ocean. Misty: Of course we're in the middle of the ocean, numbskull! (points to Ash and Brock) You two go off surfing and leave the two of us behind! Ash: (as he and the others start sinking slowly) For your information, we were chasing someone! That someone has the disk we're looking for! Misty: (ideally surprised) He does? Brock: She. She's an old friend of Ash's. Duplica: Huh? Come again? Brock: The girl that has the disk grew up with Ash when they were younger. Misty: (to herself) She better not know her THAT well. (out loud) So why does she have it? Ash: Well, Green was the one who stole it from Professor Ivy's lab. Brock: She somehow heard about how valuable it was, and wants to sell it to the highest bidder. Duplica: (looks around) So, where is she now? Ash: (nervously) Um... Misty: (sarcastically) That's just great! (now angry) We're in the middle of nowhere and our Pokémon are toast! You two have practically doomed us all to a watery grave! Duplica: (cheerful) Come on Misty! Things aren't that bad. The group then finally notices that they are sinking into the water. At that exact moment, Ditto transforms back from Poliwrath to Ditto. This, of course, causes Duplica to fall into the water. She grabs onto Ditto and manages to hold on for a few seconds before finally losing her grip and sinking under the water's surface. The group begins to worry as Ash quickly commits himself to going down and getting her, but Duplica resurfaces seconds later, arms flailing in the air. Duplica: (trying to keep her head above water) Help! Ditto: Ditto! Ash: Duplica! Ash jumps into the water and swims out towards Duplica. Misty is about to jump in as well, but Brock reaches across Lapras and stops her by grabbing her arm. Brock: Hold on! We need to save our energy. We'll soon be joining them. Misty: What do you mean? Ash reaches Duplica almost instantly. Duplica: Ash! I can't swim! Ash: (yells in concern) Climb on my back! Duplica does so quickly. Ash: How come you don't know how to swim? Duplica: (a bit ashamed and embarrassed) Well, I never learned how to. At that moment, Lapras and Poliwrath disappear and return to their Pokéballs. For a moment, Brock, Misty, and Pikachu hold their poses in mid-air as if the Pokémon are still there. Then, they fall into the water. Ash: Misty! Pikachu! Duplica: (worriedly) We're in big trouble! Misty resurfaces with her satchel in hand as Togepi pops out of it, spitting a mouthful of water out. Brock follows shortly thereafter, with Pikachu in hand. Misty: We can't stay afloat for very long! Brock: There must be something we can do! Duplica: I doubt it. Without any other Pokémon that can surf, we're doomed. Ash: I won't let it end this way! We've got to hope for a miracle! All of a sudden, a life preserver flies in out of nowhere and beans Ash upside the head. Duplica giggles as Ash moans in pain. The others look from where the preserver came from. The source happens to be a coast guard ship, in which an Officer Jenny is standing on the deck. Jenny: (with a friendly smile on her face) Did someone call for a miracle? ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Season 3, Episode 4 [50] "It's All on the Disk," Chapter Four: "Let's Make a Deal" Story Written by Freedom Fighter, Pre-reading done by Matt Lenz ************************************************************************ Saturday, July 7th, Tangelo Island Coast Guard Station About an hour later, Ash, Misty, Brock, and Duplica are sitting in the waiting room at the coast guard station, with towels wrapped around their bodies. Officer Jenny appears from the back room. Jenny: I dropped your Pokémon off at the Pokémon Center so that they can rest. You can pick them up in a little bit. Ash: Thank you, Officer Jenny. Jenny: You're welcome. Now how about telling me what you four kids were doing swimming in the middle of the ocean. Brock: (jumps out of his seat and grabs Jenny's hands) Well, you see officer, I told these kids that going out this far was dangerous, but you see, they're all so immature. I, on the other hand, am very mature and very available. I heard that you've done some mighty fine work here on the Orange Islands. Maybe you and I could go out later and we can examine each other more closely. Misty: (grabs Brock by the ear and drags him away) Okay, that's as close as you're going to get, buddy. Duplica: To tell you the truth, we were chasing someone. Jenny: Who? Ash: A young girl named Francine. Misty: I thought you said her name was Green. Ash: That's her nickname. Anyway, she's an old friend of mine. You see, she stole something and we're trying to get it back. Jenny: Why didn't you let the police handle it? We'll find her. Ash: I'm sure she'll give the disk up easily if we can get to her first. Jenny: (gasps) The disk? You mean she's the one who stole the disk from Professor Ivy's laboratory the other night? Duplica: I think so. (turns to Ash) Right? Ash: (nods) Yes. Jenny: Do you know anything else about this girl? A description of her would be helpful. Or maybe you could give me an idea of where she was going. Duplica: (whispering to Ash) I think you'd better tell her about your friend. Besides, what's the worse that can happen? She spends a few years in jail. Ash: (whispers back) But I can't let that happen! Green and I are old friends. Duplica: (whispers) It doesn't matter, Ashy-boy. You need to erase any ties you have right now, before someone starts to suspect that you are an accomplice. Ash: (a little nervous) An accomplice? (insulted) But I'd never... Duplica: Jenny doesn't know that. A few minutes later, the four of them head out of the police station. Ash sighs as he leads the group out. Ash: I can't believe I had to do that. Now Green's going to get caught by the police for sure! Misty: (looks at him strangely) But isn't that a good thing? Ash: No! There's got to be some way around this! Duplica: Just how close are you to this girl? Ash: She was the only girl my age that I knew at the time. We were good friends. Very, very good friends. Misty: (seriously) It looks like she's changed for the worst, Ash. Ash: (clenching his fist) I refuse to believe that! She's a good person! She just needs to be led down the right path. Duplica: That's going to be pretty hard for her to do now. Ash: Green is just misunderstood. If we get to her first, it could work in her favor. It might help reduce her time in jail. Brock: But that's going to be hard to do, Ash. We have no idea where she could be. For all we know, she could've sold that disk already. Duplica: And that's the biggest shred of evidence anyone has. As long as the person she sells it to doesn't slip up and get caught with it, Green is in the clear. She'll get off scot-free. Ash: But if we don't stop her now, she'll keep stealing. I don't want her to continue to be a thief for the rest of her life! We have to straighten her out! Misty: (sighs) You're not going to give up, are you? Ash: I can't, Misty. Not while she's still out there. Duplica: Misty and Brock are right though, Ash. We don't know where she is, and the disk could've already changed hands. Just leave this to the police, like I suggested. Ash: (thinks about retorting but changes his mind) I guess I have no choice. (sighs) We might as well get to the Pokémon Center to get our Pokémon, and then we'll call Professor Ivy and tell her the bad news. The four begin their watch through the beach resort city, in search of the Pokémon Center. ====== Elsewhere on Tangelo, Green and her Pokémon Blastoise and Jigglypuff were also recovering from the long trip from Valencia Island. Actually, it's more like they were thanking the stars that they were still alive, as they had washed up on shore. Green: (as she coughs out some water) That definitely wasn't one of my brighter ideas. Who would've thought it would be so far to travel between islands? (glancing at Blastoise) I really tired you out too, didn't I? She then stands up and wrings as much water as she can out of her dress. She then does the same with her hair, pulling out a piece of seaweed in the process. Green: Yuck! (throwing it aside) This DEFINITELY wasn't one of my brighter ideas. She then takes the two Pokéballs from her belt and recalls Blastoise and Jigglypuff. Green: Don't worry you two. I'll get you to a Pokémon Center. (puts the Pokéballs back) But first, I need a disguise to make sure I don't get caught. Green starts walking off of the beach and towards the city. That is, before she notices that she's still a bit wet and that her dress is sticking to her like a second layer of skin. Green: (looks down) Then again, I guess I should go to the Pokémon Center. It's probably not the safest bet, but it's better than walking in wet clothes all day. ====== A few minutes later, Ash and company had arrived at the Pokémon Center. There was a small crowd inside, consisting mostly of families who were here on vacation, waiting for their Pokémon to be healed. The group makes their way to the front desk, where Nurse Joy greets them. Joy: (cheerful as always) Hello! What can I do for you kids today? Brock: (runs up and grabs Joy's hands) Joy, oh joy! Your hair's the red apple color of my eye! Misty: (interrupting by pulling Brock away) One act of flirting a day's the limit, Brock! Get used to it! Brock: (still being pulled) Okay! Just let go already! Duplica: (to Joy) We're here to pick up our Pokémon. Ash: Officer Jenny brought them in a little awhile ago. Joy: Oh, so you four are the owners of those Pokéballs. May I seem so ID first, though? Ash and Misty pull out their Pokédexes, Brock shows his gym leader ID card, and Duplica pulls out her actor's license, the only thing she had with a picture. Joy: Okay then. They're almost done. If you'll just wait a minute, I'll bring them out when they're ready. Ash: Thanks. Ash and Duplica walk over to a row of chairs in the corner of the room against the wall. Misty and Brock are already sitting down, glancing out the window. Misty: (eyes sparkling as she gazes out the window) I just noticed how beautiful Tangelo Island is! And look at all of the shops around here! Duplica: (sits down next to Misty) Then I guess now's a great time to go shopping! Ash: (sits down next to Duplica) Shopping? But what about Green? Duplica: Ash, we all already agreed that it's no use? What are the chances we're going to see her again? Ash: (sighs disappointedly) Oh yeah. Duplica then decides to try and get a little more information from Ash. Duplica: Are you that attached to her? Ash: She's the only girl I knew at my age. Besides Gary's sister and my mom, but they don't count. Sometimes, I just wish we would've spent more time together. Duplica: (smirks) So, why aren't the two of you a couple now if you're that close? This made Misty's skin crawl. The last thing she needed was another rival for Ash's love, and Duplica was simply fueling the fire. Ash: I only knew her for a few months, then her family moved away. Duplica: So it's all just wishful thinking then. Still, would you feel that way about her if she had stayed in Pallet? Ash: (nervously) Maybe. It's just a thought. Misty: (a bit peeved, with her arms crossed over her chest) That's the problem with you, Ash. If a girl doesn't fall head over heels for you at first sight, you go on and think what would happen if she had. Brock: (crying) I know! How come he's so lucky? Duplica: (slyly) You know, Misty, maybe we shouldn't go shopping after all. Misty: (blinks her eyes as her arms drop to her sides) Huh? Duplica smiles before giving Misty's shirt a small tug. Misty quickly bats Duplica's hand away. Misty: Hey! Duplica: (giggles) Soon enough, those clothes of yours will be so small, he won't be able to take his eyes off of you! Misty: (frowns) That's not funny, Duplica. Misty then notices that Brock is leaning awfully close to Misty, as he examines her shirt. Brock: (matter of fact, holding his chin) You know, I think we SHOULD wait for you to get new clothes. Misty responds by elbowing him in the head, sending Brock to the floor. Misty: Why can't I go to the good old days, when Ash didn't know I loved him? Ash: (surprised) What's wrong about me not knowing about that? We're a couple, aren't we? Misty: (not sure) I guess... but sometimes you do things that make me second guess myself. Ash: Like what? Joy: (calling from the desk) Your Pokémon are ready! The group turns towards the desk and spots Joy waving at them. Ash jumps out immediately and starts to run over, when he trips and falls on somebody. That somebody, of course, is Brock, who still hasn't gotten up from being elbowed by Misty. Misty: (as Duplica giggles) Like that. ====== Meanwhile, in a dark room in Viridian City, Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket and the city's gym leader, was making a call to one of his units. As usual, the darkness of the room makes his mouth the only part of his face that's visible. He is dialing the cell number on his videophone. After just one ring, someone answers it. The faces of Jane and Calamity appear on the screen. Jane: (seeing the boss on the screen) Orange Unit 2, reporting for duty! Calamity: Likewise! Giovanni: It's time to do a little weeding out. Calamity: You mean... we've got two over the hill Rockets? Giovanni: Precisely. They've worn out their usefulness. Jane: We'll get rid of them! Just tell us who. Giovanni: (smiles) I knew I could count on you. Here's who I want you two to get rid of. Giovanni doesn't tell them their names, but instead shows them a picture of the unit. And in the photo... are Jessie, James, and Persian. ====== Back with Ash and the gang, they have decided to relax and split up for the day. Ash, Brock, and Pikachu head to the business district to check out some Pokémon shops, while Misty, Duplica, Togepi, and Ditto go dress shopping. ====== While this is all happening, Green arrives at the Pokémon Center. Lowering her head down so that she kept a low profile, she carefully entered. There weren't as many people inside as there were when Ash and company had been there, save for a few trainers. She made her way to the front desk, where Nurse Joy greeted her. Joy: (cheerfully) Hello! How may I... (notices Green's state) Oh my! What happened to you? Green looks up at Joy and quickly makes up a story on the spot. Green: My Pokémon and I went out for some midnight surfing last night and got lost. My Blastoise got too tired to swim and fainted. I'm just lucky we both washed up on shore this morning. Joy: (sympathetic) You poor thing! You can use one of the showers to clean off while I dry your clothes out. Green: Thanks. (takes out her Pokéballs) In the meantime, could you rejuvenate my Pokémon too? Joy: Why, certainly! Joy takes the Pokéballs and then walks over to one of the Chansey. Joy: Chansey, escort this young lady to the ladies' shower room. And get her a towel while you're at it. Chansey: Chansey! Green: (looking back at Joy) Actually, I have another problem. I don't have any extra clothes with me. Joy: Why not? Green: (making up another story) You see, I live on Mikan Island. I'm really lucky I happened to wash up on another island. You can guess I wasn't planning to spend the night out in the ocean. Joy: (smiles, then turns to Chansey) See what you can find for her in the spare uniform room. Chansey: (nodding) Chansey! Chansey walks off, pulling Green by the arm back to the ladies' shower room. Green: (thinks to herself) She fell for it! Now, I just have to find a safe way off of this island. ====== As Ash, with Pikachu on his shoulder, and Brock continue to window shop, they start generating a conversation about Misty. Brock: (finishes scoping out women's underwear, to Ash's disgust) So, what's the deal? Ash: What do you mean what's the deal? Brock: (quite serious) This is the first time in almost a year that you and Misty have seen each other in person, much less talked to each other in person! I thought you two would've missed each other a lot more. But you've acted like you just went on a day trip! Ash: What are you talking about? She nearly choked me, hugged me, kissed me, and then nearly pummeled me to death! If she missed me anymore, I'd probably be dead already! Brock: (snickers) Or you would have gotten to second base. Ash: (blinks) Second base? Brock: (drawing away from that comment) Anyway, the point is that she missed you so much. She definitely missed you. But you've acted like all that time apart was nothing. Heck, she's still wearing the same outfit from the day you left! And if you hadn't noticed, it was a little small. Ash: (scratching his head) I guess. But I'm not the type to notice what people are wearing. Especially Misty. Brock: May I remind you of what happened on Maiden's Peak three summers ago? [1] The end-of-summer festival that was held there comes to mind, as Ash remembers his first dance with Misty... in a beautiful kimono, no less. Brock: And just before that, remember our trip to Puerta Vista? [2] Their first vacation together enters Ash's head, as it was the first time he had seen Misty in a bathing suit. Brock: And let's not forget how she must have looked the first time you two met? [3] Ash remembers being pulled out of the water by Misty, the first day they met. Ash: Okay already! I get the idea! Still, if Misty's growing out of her clothes, why hasn't she changed them already? Brock: Are you brain dead? She's trying to get you to notice her! Ash: Notice her? Brock: It's been eleven months since you two have seen each other. She's kept her heart open just for you! She has no idea what you've been through, or who you might have met. For all she knows, you may have fallen for someone else! Ash: (interrupting) Which is not true! Brock: Still, she feels insecure! I don't know if you haven't noticed this yet, but I was watching you very closely when Misty kissed you. Although you didn't reject it... you weren't exactly kissing her back. Ash: I was kissing her back! Brock: (raising an eyebrow) Really? Do you still love her? Ash: (defensively) Of course I do! Brock: That didn't sound convincing. Do you still love her? This time, Ash didn't answer immediately. He stood there, unsure of his answer. And that's when Pikachu gave him a solemn pat on the back. Pikachu: (sadly) Pikapi. Brock: (taking Ash's shoulder) Is there someone else? Ash slowly shook his head. Brock was going to ask to confirm it, but he then saw Pikachu also shaking his head in the same manner. Brock: (curiously) If there's no one else, then why the hesitation? Ash: (looking at the ground) I don't know. Brock: (after a brief silence) You don't know? Ash: (slowly, as he holds back tears) I've been gone for eleven months. You don't know what I've been put through during that time. I went through losing streaks, scrounging for enough money to eat, and even fought for my life several times. And throughout it all, Professor Oak was the only person I kept in contact with. Brock: (utterly stunned by Ash's uncharacteristic depressive behavior) Why? Why put yourself through all that torment? Why didn't you go home? Ash: (defiantly) Because I wanted to prove that I'm a great trainer! The best! (slowing down again) But then, everything started falling apart. The last thing I wanted was to go home and be looked at as a failure. I couldn't face that. That's why only Professor Oak knows about my journey... and even I didn't tell him everything that happened. Brock: Ash... Ash: (bitterly) That's why I didn't tell you! That's why I didn't tell Gary! That's why I didn't tell my mom! Ash then leans towards a wall, fully extending his arms as his head faces down towards the ground once more. Ash: That's why... All of a sudden, a tear falls out of Ash's eye and hits the ground. Ash: That's why I didn't tell Misty. === === Unaware of Ash's emotional breakdown, Duplica, with Ditto and Togepi playing on her lap, waits outside the fitting room of a department store as Misty tries on some alternate attire. Duplica: (yells at the curtain) Hurry up, girl! Misty: (yelling from inside) Why? We have plenty of time before the store closes. Duplica: I want to get back to the Pokémon Center as soon as possible! I can't wait to see the look on Ash's face! Misty: (yelling a bit louder, as if she were getting closer) This better work! Misty comes out of the dressing room. She is wearing a white sweater with a dark blue stripe that goes around the collar and down the center on both the front and back. A hood is attached to it, with drawstrings in front to tighten or loosen it when she had it on. The word Poliwag and a picture of that Pokémon are over her right breast. And around where her waist was, a pentagon dark blue shape with the eyes and the swirl on the chest of a Poliwag were present. Just barely visible below the sweater are a pair of black biker shorts. [4] Duplica: (walking around Misty, examining the outfit) Nice, but it's summer. Too hot for a sweater. Duplica starts to lift the sweater up, but Misty stops her. Misty: Duplica! We're in a department store! Duplica: (coyly smiling) Don't tell me you're completely in the buff under there! I just wanna see! Duplica lifts the sweater for a few seconds to examine while Misty nervously glances around to make sure no one is watching them. Duplica then lets go of the sweater. Duplica: Biker shorts and underwear? Girl, are you serious? Misty: (sweatdrops) I've got to try something, or Ash will never look at me as his girlfriend. Duplica: It's not like you have any competition! Misty glares at Duplica, who slowly backs away. Duplica: (sweatdrops and laughs nervously) Oh yeah, there's me. Didn't think you noticed. Still, I'm sure you've already got Ash in the bag! We do want you to get him to notice you. But the sweater's too much and the biker shorts are too small. WAY too small. (pushes Misty back behind the curtain) What else do you have? Misty: (off-screen) There's one I know you'll like! Hold on one sec! ====== Back with Ash, Brock, and Pikachu... Brock: You've got to tell all of us what happened. Especially Misty. Ash: (takes a deep breath that causes him to shake) I don't know if I've got the strength to relive that experience. Brock: You have to try! If you don't, how will Misty know you still care about her? You may lose her to someone else! You don't want that, do you? Ash: (looking up as he dries his tears) Not really. Pikachu: (scolding Ash) Pika! Pika pi, pikachu pika pika! Brock: Pikachu's right! You've got to try! Ash: (straightening up) You're right. We should go find her. Ash starts to run off, but Brock stops him in mid-stride. Brock: (smiles) I have a better idea. ====== For her second outfit, Duplica and the two Pokémon look on as Misty models a pair of small light blue jean shorts, as well as a red sleeveless top, which was only big enough to cover her developing chest area completely. It was strapless, so Ash could see Misty's bare shoulders. And her midriff was uncovered as well, giving him an unobstructed view of her belly button. [5] Duplica: I like the shorts. But... She reaches for the top and tugs at the white elastic band. Duplica: I don't think allowing 'easy access' is the way to go. Misty: (blushes) Duplica! I'm 14, he'll be 13 in a few months! We're far from going to the next step! Duplica: I wasn't hinting that you go all the way. It was just a suggestion. Misty: (puts her hands on her hips) Keep the suggestions for when you get a boyfriend, okay? Duplica: (laughs as she examines Misty's skirt) Sure. Still, I don't like the way the top makes you look. Misty: What? Duplica: It makes you look easy! You want Ash to notice you, not the whole island! Misty: (grumbles) Fine. I'll try something else. ====== At the Pokémon Center, Green has come from the shower refreshed... and dressed in a spare Pokémon nurse trainee's outfit, minus the white apron and cap. Joy: (sees Green and smiles) Don't you look adorable? Green: (under her breath) Personally, I hate pink. But as long as it keeps me from being spotted, I'll wear it. (to Joy) How are my Pokémon and dress doing? Joy: Your Pokémon should be ready any minute. As for your dress, it's in the dryer right now. Green started to worry a little bit. Even in this disguise, she didn't want to stay in one place for too long. Joy noticed Green's nervousness and calms her fears. Joy: (assuringly) Don't worry! The ferries to Mikan Island run every hour until seven. You'll still get back home tonight. Green: (does her best play acting) Um... thanks! Green smiled to show that she was relieved over that, so Joy went back to work. Green: (to herself) At least I have a way off of this island now. ====== Misty comes out again, this time wearing an orange sleeveless vest with a pair of small blue jean shorts, where the legs were obviously cut off unevenly. A pair of red suspenders holds the outfit up. [6] Duplica: (happily) Not bad! Misty: (smiles) Really? Duplica: (in a less happy tone) Only one problem... it's almost identical to your LAST outfit! Misty: (casually) Well, I thought that maybe I didn't need as much of a change as I thought. Duplica: (pushing Misty back in) Wrong-o! Try something else! ====== Let's check in with Ash, Brock, and Pikachu, who are now in front of a sit-down seafood restaurant called 'Tall Tentacool.' Ash: Are you sure? Isn't this a bit expensive? Brock: Nonsense! Besides, you'll think and remember better on a full stomach. Plus Misty won't be as likely to yell at you when she's full. (pushes Ash away) Now go find Misty and Duplica! They're probably done by now! Before Ash could object, Brock walked into the restaurant to make reservations. Pikachu jumped down from Ash's shoulders and ushered him on. Pikachu: Pika pika! Ash: Oh well... let's see if this clothing change of Misty's is going. ====== Back with Green again, as she sits in the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy approaches her with two Pokéballs in hand. Joy: Here you go! Blastoise and Jigglypuff have fully recovered! Green: (takes the Pokéballs) Thanks, Nurse Joy. Joy then reaches into the right pocket of her apron and pulls out a black case. Joy: (waving it around) I almost forgot... this fell out of your dress just before I put it in the dryer. Green began to panic. She had forgotten all about the disk! It was sitting in that case and Joy may have already seen it! For all she knew, there was an Officer Jenny already on the way there to capture her. Green, as calmly as possible, takes the case from Joy. She then promptly thanks the nurse. Green: Thank you! I forgot that it was still in there! Joy smiles, then walks back to check up on Green's clothes. As soon as Joy was gone, Green opened the case. Luckily, the disk was still inside. Green: (breathes a sigh of relief) Thank goodness. I can't risk getting caught now with this thing. How can things get any worse? Then, out of the corner of her eye, Green spots someone familiar run by the Pokémon Center. It was Ash and his Pikachu. And he seemed to be in a hurry. Green: I had to ask. (to herself) Red made it here! He's probably looking for me now! I've got to get out of here! Green jumps out of her seat and runs over to the desk, slamming the bell on it with her right hand. Joy returns from the back and sees her standing there in a panic. Green: (not bothering to hide the urgency in her voice) I need my clothes back! Now! Joy: (taken back by Green's change in demeanor) Well, they're not completely dry yet. Green: I'll dry them on the way home. Um... (making up something) I just remembered that I have a very important business back home! Joy: Well, okay. I'll go get your clothes. Joy leaves the room and returns a minute later with a small plastic bag filled with her still damp clothes. Green grabs the bag and runs out of the Pokémon Center. Green: (yelling back) I'll bring the uniform back tomorrow! I promise! With that, Green runs down the street and towards the pier in order to catch the next ferry to Mikan. ====== Ash and Pikachu continued to run through the streets, looking for Misty and Duplica. After a few minutes, they spot Duplica, who is waiting outside a store for some reason. Ditto is resting peacefully on her left shoulder. Ash: Duplica! Duplica: (waving hello) Hey Ashy-boy! Come to see Misty's new outfit? (smirks) I bet you'll like it a lot. Ash: (stopping in front of her) What's that supposed to mean? Duplica: (giggles) You'll see. She decided to wear it out of the store. Ash starts to look around for Misty, as does Pikachu. Ash: (not seeing her) But where is she? Pikachu: (jumping up and down) Pikapi! Pika pikachu! Ash glances in the direction that Pikachu is facing. He then spots Misty and Togepi walking out of the shop and towards him. Misty sees Ash, so she decides to show her outfit off. Misty: (smiling suggestively) So Ash, what do you think? Ash could only stand there stunned as he looked Misty over. Starting at her feet, Ash first notices that Misty is now wearing a longer pair of blue jean shorts, which have an extra pair of pockets near the ends of the jean's legs, right at her knees. He then sees the belt across her waist, which not only holds up the shorts, but also can hold Pokéballs, just like Ash's belt. But the real eye-opener was the small unbuttoned short sleeve jacket and what she was wearing under that. It was an orange form-fitting top similar to one she had tried on earlier (not that Ash knew that), but this one was placed much lower, showing off her cleavage. It was still small enough so that her belly button was clearly visible, but obviously Ash wasn't focused on that part of the body. [7] Needless to say, he looked her over several times and was still speechless. Pikachu: (happily) Cha! Misty: (waving her hand in front of his face) Ash! What do you think? Ash snaps out of his daze and finally manages to blurt out a few words. Ash: Not bad. Misty: (angry) Not bad? You stand there gawking at me for an entire minute, and all you can say is not bad? Ash: Misty, all I'm saying is... Misty: I should've known better to ask for your opinion, Ash Ketchum! Misty then stomps off, with Pikachu and Togepi following behind her. Ash: Wha? What did I do now? Duplica walks up to Ash and puts a hand on his shoulder. Duplica: Ashy-boy, I know this is something Brock would probably say. So... She spins around and quickly changes into slightly shorter but otherwise perfect double of Brock. Duplica: (in Brock's voice) You still have a lot to learn about women, Ash. After changing back to herself, Duplica, with Ditto still perched on her shoulder, walks after Misty. Ash follows her down the street, still confused over Misty's reaction. Ash: All I said was that it wasn't bad! Why did she get so riled up over that? ====== Down at the Tangelo Island South Pier, a ferry was pulling out from the docks and heading towards nearby Mikan Island. Among those aboard was Green, still dressed in her Pokémon nurse trainee's uniform. She enjoys the view from the port side railing as she watches Tangelo Island slowly disappear from sight. Green: (in thought) Once I find a place to change back into my regular clothes, I'll find someone to sell this disk to. The sooner, the better. ====== At that exact same time, Arius and Cassie arrive at the Mikan Island Pokémon Center with their belongings. They had gotten there after a short flight from Valencia Island. Cassie: It's nice to finally have my mind off of work for once! Arius: I don't know. Something bugs me about having the organization send down two new agents just to find out what happened to that disk. It was supposed to be our job to find it. Cassie: (glaring) I thought we agreed not to talk about that any more! Arius: I can't help it. I keep thinking about how things would've been simpler if we had just done it ourselves. Cassie: Well, I'm not going to look for the disk. If you want to, you can go find it yourself. Arius: But what about you? Cassie: There's no way I'm helping anyone find that disk! (sadly) Not if it means losing another friend. Arius: Cassie, you've got to move on! You've got to learn that in this job, you have to make sacrifices! Even if it means losing someone you know. Cassie: But how many more people must be hurt for our own well being? Before we know it, the victim may be closer to us than we think. One day... it could be you or me. Arius had to think about that comment for a moment. He had never considered the fact that one of them could end up like the people on that plane that crashed en route to the Indigo Plateau. Or be caught in an explosion like the one at headquarters just a few days ago that killed their fellow scientists and agents. Then again, they've had a few close calls themselves. Case in point, the incident at Team Rocket's headquarters a year ago, where they almost bit the bullet. As Arius brought himself back to reality, he saw Cassie standing in front of him silently. Trying to find some way to cheer her up, Arius began glancing around the room. His eyes stopped on a poster taped to one of the walls. It was an advertisement for the Orange Islands Pokémon League. Arius: (pointing at the poster) I've got an idea! Why don't we try this out? Cassie turns to look at the poster. As she reads it to herself, Arius tries to encourage her. Arius: This is a perfect opportunity to get our mind off of that mission and test our skills against a local Pokémon gym leader! And at the bottom here, it says there's a gym right here on Mikan Island. Cassie: (brightening up a little) It's worth a try. Arius: That's the spirit! Let's ask Joy if there's any rooms left. We'll drop off our things and then head up to the gym! Arius grabs Cassie by the arm and then starts pulling her towards the front desk. ====== Ash, Misty, Duplica, and their Pokémon arrive outside of the Tall Tentacool restaurant. The girls follow Ash in, a bit surprised over Brock's decision to eat here. Misty: How are we paying for all of this? Ash: (shrugs his shoulders) Brock said not to worry about it. Duplica: I hope that doesn't mean he's going to try and charm the cook into letting us eat for free. The trio, with their Pokémon in tow, enter the restaurant. Once inside, they immediately spot Brock waving at them from a nearby table. They walk over and take their seats. Brock: About time you three got here! Misty: (starry-eyed as she looks at the fancy decor) I absolutely love this place! Brock: (to Ash as he notices Misty's outfit) You must be one lucky guy. Ash: Huh? Brock: Now's your chance to go for second! Misty: (blushes) Stop giving Ash ideas! Ash: What idea? I don't understand. Duplica: (suggestively) I'll explain it to you later, Ashy-boy. Misty: Duplica! Duplica: (laughs) I'm kidding! Brock: (coughing to clear his throat) Ash, I think it's time to start talking. Misty: (blinks in confusion) About what? Ash: (sighs, becomes serious) I guess it's time to tell you guys the truth about what's been going on with me the past year. And I warn you, it's not pretty... [Begin flashback - New Bark Town] Ash: (VO) After leaving Crimson City, I decided to head west to the Johto region. Misty: (VO) But why there? Brock: (VO) I heard somewhere that the trainers and gyms are much tougher than they are in our region. Plus, there are a lot of Pokémon that are exclusive to that area. Ash: (VO) Exactly. So, I was hoping on getting a few new Pokémon to help me prepare for the annual Rookie League Tournament, which took place this past January. Anyway, I heard from one of the Nurse Joys that trainers started their journey through the Johto League in New Bark Town. So I went there. Pikachu: (VO) Pika! Ash: (VO) And Pikachu too. A shot of Ash and Pikachu standing in front of the sign at the entrance to town. Ash: (reading the sign aloud) New Bark Town, where the winds of new beginnings blow. A small gust tries to blow away Ash's hat, but he holds onto it until the winds die down. Ash: (smiles) Our new journey begins today, Pikachu! Pikachu: Pikachu! Ash and Pikachu make their way to the town's Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy registers Ash as a Johto league trainer. After picking up a few supplies and having Joy revitalize Pikachu and the others, Ash heads out towards Violet City. Ash: (VO) Things were great at first. None of the trainers I faced on the way to Violet were able to beat me in battle. Not even those who were trying out for the League from Indigo, just like I was. And I caught a few new Pokémon as well... Along Route 30, while traveling at night, Pikachu engages in a battle with a Hoothoot. Ash: Pikachu, thundershock! Pikachu electrocutes the pesky Hoothoot as he falls to the ground, defeated with one shot. Ash takes out a Pokéball and throws it at the fainted Pokémon. Ash: Pokéball, go! The Pokéball hits Hoothoot on the head and sucks it inside. Ash and Pikachu rejoice over their new catch. [End flashback temporarily] Ash: After catching Hoothoot, I later caught a Bellsprout and a Totodile. Misty: You caught a Totodile? I've heard about those! Can I see it? Ash: You know what one is? Misty: Of course! I am a water Pokémon trainer, after all. Duplica: Misty, Ashy-boy's talking about his trip! You can see his Totodile later. Ash: But it didn't help my cause when I finally got to Violet City and faced off with the city's gym leader, Falkner. [Resume flashback - Violet City Gym] Highlights of the battle begin to flash on the screen. Ash sends out his Pikachu to fend off Falkner's flock of bird Pokémon. Pikachu manages to subdue Dodrio and Fearow, but Falkner's Pidgeot is too fast for the electric mouse's attacks. Pidgeot wears down and eventually knocks Pikachu out. Ash then chooses Pidgeotto, but he can't stand up to his evolved counterpart. Ash pulls through when he calls out Lapras to ice beam Pidgeot to the ground. Falkner: Good work, Ash. You've earned this. Falkner reaches into his kimono and pulls out a Zephyr Badge. He then hands it to Ash, he celebrates as usual. Ash: I've got a Zephyr Badge! My first in the Johto League! Brock: (VO) It seems like a typical battle to me. Misty: (VO) Yeah. You always struggle with the gym leaders. Ash: (VO) That's what I thought too. But at the time, I didn't know how bad things were about to get. Ash is now walking down Route 32, en route to the next gym in Azalea Town. Unfortunately, it seems that he's walking in circles over the same area over and over again. Ash: (panting) I don't believe this. We've been walking for days and haven't seen any towns or anything. Pikachu: (equally tired) Chaa... Ash: (VO) Route 32 was so long! There were several towns along the road where Pikachu and I could rest, but they were far and few between. Ash watches as Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and his other Pokémon fight in battle after battle with both other trainers and wild Pokémon alike. Ash: (yells as Pikachu falls in one battle) Noooooo! Pikachu! A few friendly strangers offer Ash and his Pokémon food and shelter for the night at certain places. Ash: (VO) Except for a few random occassions, Pikachu and I were forced to sleep out in the wild every night, open to attack from Beedrill swarms or wandering Zubat. Pikachu lights the way as Ash tries to get through Union Cave while battling as little as possible. No such luck, as they are frequently attacked by wild Pokémon. Ash: (VO, as the on-screen Ash and Pikachu run for their lives) In Union Cave, we had take on wild Onix, Geodude, and Sandshrew... none of which were friendly. Gasping for air, Ash and Pikachu exit Union Cave and finally spot Azalea Town off in the distance. Using the last of their energy, they make it into town. [End flashback temporarily] Duplica: So, if you two were struggling that much, why didn't you quit when you got to Azalea Town? Ash: Because I didn't have enough money to fly back home. And I didn't have any flying Pokémon strong enough for such a trip. Misty: You still should've called somebody for help! I'm sure your father, um, I mean Professor Oak would've been glad to send Gary or someone else to help you. Ash: Gary wouldn't help me like that. He'd just make fun of me. Brock: Maybe so, but you still should have called one of us. Misty: You could have died out there! Are you crazy? Ash: What are you talking about? That's not the worst of it. Duplica: You survived all of that. What could be worse? Ash pauses for a brief moment before shuddering the name of a Pokémon he would long like to forget. Ash: Mewtwo. ====== As Ash told his friends about encountering Mewtwo again, Arius and Cassie were off to have some fun at the Mikan Island Gym. They were there to do something that neither of them had done in months. Battle a Pokémon League gym leader. Upon entering the gym, the duo were met by the gym leader herself, Cissy. She seemed very relaxed, as if she were taking the day off. Cassie: Excuse me miss, but we're here to battle the Mikan island gym leader. Cissy: (pointing at herself) You're looking at her. Arius reaches into his jeans pocket and pulls out a Pokémon League membership badge. Cassie searches herself for a minute before finding hers and showing it to Cissy as well. Cissy: (raising an eyebrow) Pokémon League members, eh? Arius: (clenches a fist) We're ready to take on whatever Pokémon you have! Cissy: (smirks) Before you get yourself worked up over a Pokémon battle, I might as well tell you that gyms in the Orange League work differently than those you're probably used to. Cissy leads Arius and Cassie to the battle room of the gym. It looks like the inside of a regular gym, except that lined up on an room indentation a foot long in length are a dozen aluminum cans. Arius and Cassie then stop as Cissy walks towards a small fuse box on the other side of the room. Cissy: (as she continues walking) Here in the Orange League, each gym has its own unique challenge. We believe that skill should be more important than raw muscle. In my gym, the Pokémon battle, but not by throwing attacks at each other. She reaches the small fuse box and opens it. Plainly visible inside to Arius and Cassie are a few switches and a big red button in the center. Naturally, Cissy pushes the big red button. Arius and Cassie gasp in awe as the battlefield in the center of the room slides open to reveal a small swimming pool. Arius: What's with the pool? Do I have to do something for you first? Like give you a massage? Cassie: (smacks Arius upside the head) Don't mind my boyfriend. He likes to flirt sometimes. Arius: (rubbing his head) I do not. Cissy: (sarcastically) Charming. (turns to Arius, then smirks) If he's so anxious, then why don't we have him battle me first? Cissy then pulls out a Pokéball and throws it into the pool. The Pokéball opens, revealing Cissy's Seadra to Arius and Cassie. Cissy: To get the Coral Eye badge from me... She takes out the badge and shows it to them. Cissy: (points at the cans) You have to knock down all of your targets from that platform before my Seadra does... Arius: (begins to draw a Pokéball) Easy enough. Cissy: But you can only use water Pokémon. Arius falls over backwards, then gets back up. Arius: (angry) How am I supposed to battle you? I don't have any water types! Cissy: Then you can't battle me. Arius: What? That's so unfair! You treat every person who doesn't have a water Pokémon like this? Cissy: It's in the rules. It's in the official Orange League rule book. Chapter three, page... Cassie: (interrupting) Uh, do you have a computer I can borrow? Cissy: (smiles) Sure. ====== Moments later, Cissy stands off to the side as Cassie exchanges Pokémon from her storage boxes. Arius peers over her shoulder with disgust. Arius: (grumbling) You think you're so smart, miss I-have-every-Pokémon-in-the-world. Cassie: You would have more Pokémon if you spent some time exploring forests, caves, and lakes, instead of just sitting at headquarters all day. Arius: Give me a break! A normal trainer only has eight to twelve Pokémon at the most! You have 55, for crying out loud! Cassie: (raises an eyebrow) 55 may seem a lot to you, but I know a few trainers who have way more than I do. If you think being normal means training less than a dozen Pokémon, you're out of your mind. Arius: Eight to twelve is what I consider normal, okay? Cassie: (intelligently) A good trainer is prepared for any situation. A good trainer also always has at least one good reserve Pokémon if their main one is out cold. Arius: Okay. (smirks) But if you're a good trainer, how come you only have one water Pokémon? Cassie: How come you don't have any? Arius: I asked you first! Cassie: So? At least I have a water Pokémon to battle with. Arius: You just love rubbing it in, don't you? Old Voice: Hey! Can you two have your romantic spats on your own time? Cassie turns back to the computer screen, remembering that Professor Oak was still there. Cassie: (sighs) Sorry, professor. She then hears Arius snickering behind her. Cassie: That's not funny, Arius! Oak: Cassie! Forget about him for a minute! Cassie: Sorry. Oak: Anyway, I'm sending you Starmie right now. Do you have a Pokémon to switch it with? Cassie: (nods) I'm sending Gloom your way for a little bit. Placing Gloom's ball on the transporter, Cassie watches as the Pokéball disappears and is then instantly replaced with the one containing Starmie. Cassie: Thanks! Oak: You're welcome! Now remember to find that disk when you're done! Professor Ivy and I are counting on you! Cassie: (fakes a smile) Of course! I'll get right on it. Professor Oak and Cassie then logoff simultaneously. Cassie then growls in anger. Cassie: Stupid disk. Arius: I told you, it won't go away. Cassie: (gritting her teeth) We'll talk later. Right now, drop it! Arius: Why? Cassie: Do you want Cissy to hear? Arius: Good point. Cassie walks back over to Cissy, then throws her Pokéball into the water. Starmie materializes next to Seadra. Cassie: I'll battle you for a Coral Eye Badge. Cissy: The scoring system's set. When the light turns green, the match begins! Cassie and Cissy take their places as a stoplight rises from the center of the platform. Arius looks on from the sideline, dejected that he can't battle Cissy himself. The red bulb lights up on the stoplight. After a few seconds, the light changes to an amber yellow, and then a second later... But Cassie and Cissy don't notice the green light come on because the noise of someone slamming the door to the room open fills the air. Both girls turn and see a brown haired girl in a slightly wrinkled black dress entering. This happens to be Green, no longer in the Pokémon nurse uniform but now back in her mostly dry clothing from before. Arius: (standing up) You have to wait your turn! This is an official gym battle! Cissy: Hey! This is my gym! I'm supposed to say that! Green: (interrupting) I apologize, but I have something that I want to sell. Cissy: Then you wait until my battle with this girl is finished. Cassie: Yeah! I'm trying to win a badge! Green: (pleading) Please! I have something you might want! Cissy then looks at Green suspiciously, as if she's seen her somewhere before. Cissy: Do I know you? Green reaches into the top of her dress and pulls out a small case. Out of that, she produces a small computer floppy disk. Arius: (to himself) Could it be? Cissy: (to herself) Is this the girl? Cassie: (to herself) I hate it when Arius is right. He thinks he's so smart. Green: (raising the disk in the air) I'm offering it for five hundred! Any takers? Arius: (shouts) You must be the thief from Valencia Island! Cissy: I knew she looked familiar! Cassie: (walks towards Green) Give me that disk! The information on it is top secret and shouldn't be released to the public! It must be destroyed! Green: (stepping back) If you really want it so much, then pay me for it! Arius: (approaches Green as well) You don't know what you're dealing with! Give us the disk, now! After recalling Seadra, Cissy runs out of the room to call the police. As she exits, Arius and Cassie corner Green in one part of the room. Green: Look, if you guys are that desperate for this disk, then let's make a deal! Cassie: Girl, we just want the disk! Arius: The information on it could destroy the world if it's in the wrong hands! Green: (smirks) Really? Then your deal has to be really good. Arius: What? Green: Trade for it. Either that, or fork over a thousand. Cassie: (in dismay) You just said you were offering five hundred! Green: That was before he said that it would end the world as we know it. Green then takes out a Pokéball and throws it to the ground. Out of it comes her Jigglypuff. Green: I warn you, my Jigglypuff's a really good singer. She can put anyone to sleep in an instant! So unless you want me to scoot and find someone else to buy this disk, you better make me an offer I won't refuse! Arius and Cassie stop in their tracks and decide to huddle to discuss their options. Arius: What now? Cassie: We play along. If she'll trade for the disk, we just have to find something she likes. We're not losing any money off of it and we can end this case right here and now. Arius: Good idea. Cassie: That's why I'm the brains of this duo. Arius: Are you inferring that I'm stupid? Green: (interrupting) I'm waiting. Arius and Cassie break the huddle and begin to search their belongings for something to trade. Cassie: (smiles while in thought) This ought to be easy! Just find something very valuable to trade, we get the disk and destroy it, and the case is solved! ====== At that exact moment, a familiar figure was walking up towards the Mikan Island gym. With notebook in hand and backpack strapped to his back, Tracey Sketchit looked ready to find the thief who stole the disk from Professor Ivy's lab. Tracey: I'll show Professor Ivy that I'm just as good a trainer as I am a watcher. I bet Cissy's seen something. I'll just ask her and I'll be on the right track. To be continued... Author's Notes: [1], [2], and [3] - References to Pokémon anime episodes "The Ghost of Maiden's Peak," "Beauty and the Beach," and "Pokémon, I Choose You," respectively. [4], [5], [6] and [7] - Outfits were drawn from the manga series, both the anime based sixteen issue series and the game based, much longer Adventures series. Anyway, you can find the first outfit in Pikachu Shocks Back #1, the second in Pokémon Adventures, Part 1 #2 & #3 (color picture on the cover of #3), the third in Pikachu Shocks Back #2, and the fourth and final outfit, which Misty picks out at last, is in The Electric Tale of Pikachu #3. Dig out the manga folks and see the stylings of Misty Waterflower! Now that this series has celebrated its fiftieth episode, help keep it going by reviewing! Pretty please? In our next thrilling episode... we've got a big mess to clean up! In the chase for the disk, Arius and Cassie try to trade to get it from Green, but Tracey's about to butt in and take matters into his own hands! Back on Tangelo, what event with Mewtwo is Ash describing to the gang while thanking the stars he's alive to tell about it? And the always dangerous Team Rocket Orange returns, this time to eliminate a few has-beens: Jessie, James, and Persian! It's "The Return of Team Calamity Jane," Episode 51 and the fifth part of "It's All on the Disk." Copyright Date: 6/24/02