Adventures Series, Episode 51, "The Return of Team Calamity Jane" We left off the last episode with a bit of a cliffhanger, didn't we? Well, let's pick things up and see what happens next. Disclaimer: With the exception of all of my creations, all characters belong to their respective owners. ====== Dark clouds cover the Ilex Forest as thunder rumbles through the air and bright streaks of lightning can be seen illuminating the sky. The silhouttes of several men running through the thick grass are barely visible, but their destination is certain. They are heading straight for the center of the storm, where scores of their associates and a mysterious Pokémon are locked in a seemingly unending battle. Another flash of lightning later, the red 'R' on all of the uniforms can be seen. All of these humans are members of Team Rocket. And they were all focused on capturing the very Pokémon that stands in front of them. Operative 1: Remember, the boss wants Mewtwo back alive. There's a big bonus for anyone who can capture the rogue Pokémon. Operative 2: Are you sure we should be doing this? It sounds dangerous! Operative 3: If you're that scared, you should've stayed back at HQ. Operative 1: Yeah! If you show that Pokémon any sign of fear, he'll use it against you! The group reaches the battleground, where their fellow Rockets' Pokémon have engaged battle with Mewtwo, the man-made yet very powerful clone of the legendary Pokémon, Mew. And Mewtwo was winning easily, despite being outnumbered 75 to 1. Operative 4: About time you got here! Operative 1: (to his group) Release Pokémon and commence attack immediately! The new group calls out all of their Pokémon, which immediately start attacking Mewtwo with their strongest attacks. Operative 3: We've got another team en route! They'll be here in ten! Operative 5: Damn it, tell them to double-time it! I've never seen a Pokémon this strong! As Team Rocket continues to battle with Mewtwo, two familiar faces watch from far away, trying to piece the whole thing together. ====== Brock: Mewtwo again? I thought that we had seen the last of him. Ash: (shaking his head) Seems that Team Rocket found out that he was hiding in the Ilex Forest. Misty: (moving a bit closer to Ash) Hold on... who is this Mewtwo you're talking about? Duplica: (likewise) Yeah. How come I never heard of this Pokémon before? Brock: (to Misty) Remember the story I told you about when we were in Charger City? Misty: (brightening up) I remember! The one where you said you two saw Zapdos and the giant mutant cat monster. I thought you made that story up. Ash: (uncharacteristic seriousness) It's not made up Misty, and this story's true too! Brock: So why was Mewtwo in the Ilex Forest? Duplica: And why did Team Rocket want to capture it so badly? Besides the obvious reasons, of course. Ash: (sighs) If I knew that I was going to run into Mewtwo again, I would have hung around Azalea Town for a few more days. Misty: (getting a little frustrated) Enough with the flavor text. Can we get on with the flashback? Pikachu: (jumps in and wails his arms around) Pika pikachu! Pi chu pika pika, pikachu pika! Ash: You see? Pikachu saw it too! Misty: Well, at least Pikachu made it sound believable. Ash: (yelling) What's so unbelievable about hearing it from me? Duplica: Misty, stop being so hard on Ashy-boy. (smiles) I believe him. Brock: I do too. After all, I did see Mewtwo in person as well. Ash: (pointing right at Misty's nose) See? Everyone believes me except you. Misty: (huffs, then crosses her arms over her chest) I'll believe it when I see it. Ash: (yelling again) You want me to find Todd and get him to take a picture of it? I'm sure YOU can persuade him. [1] Misty: (jumping out of her seat) Just what are you insinuating? Brock: (motioning for her to sit down) Calm down. Misty glares at Brock but takes her seat once again. Misty: (still shouting at Ash) We traveled together, that's all. There's nothing between me and Todd! Anyway, you're one to talk. I bet you've had your eye on a girl or two while we've been apart. Duplica: (smiles as she points at herself) Well, there's me, for sure. Ash: (blushes) Well, um... Misty: So stop trying to finger me as a flirter, because you do it just as much as I do! Togepi: Toge-prriii! Ash: (lowers his head) Okay already... Misty: (does the victory 'fist pump') Oh yes! It feels good to win arguments over you! They're so relieving! Brock: (whispering to Duplica) I'm sure that's not the only way she relieves herself. Unfortunately, Brock wasn't talking low enough, as Misty growls angrily at him. She throws him to the ground and starts stomping on him. Scene switches to outside the pokemon center as the camera begins to rock about with standard 'crash, bash, smash' sounds. Misty: (off-camera) This'll teach you to talk about me behind my back! Brock: (off-camera) Okay, ow, I'm sorry, ow, stop, ow! The camera switches back inside, at Ash and Duplica. Ash is resting his head on his hands, looking defeated. Ash: I'm lucky that's not me. Duplica: (shouting at Misty) Go easy on him! He's paying for dinner! ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Season 3, Episode 5 [51] "It's All on the Disk," Chapter Five: "The Return of Team Calamity Jane" Story Written by Freedom Fighter, Pre-reading done by Matt Lenz ************************************************************************ Saturday, July 7th, Mikan Island Pokémon Gym At the front desk, Tracey glances around, waiting for a receptionist to appear. Seeing a bell on the desk, he hits a few times. Tracey: (shouts) Hello? Anyone here! (normal voice) Man, I hope the gym's not closed for the day already. He then hears yelling coming from somewhere in the gym. Tracey: (walking towards the noise) The gym leader must be battling someone. (shouts again) Hello? I want to talk to the gym leader! ====== Inside the gym's battle room, Arius and Cassie were trying to bargain with Green in order to get their hands on the disk that she had in her possession. The duo had a small pile in front of them on the floor. It currently consists of six Pokéballs, two of them with a Pokémon inside, a TM, an Itemfinder, and several assorted potions. Cassie: (counting off) Let's see, that's four Pokéballs, Arius's Zubat, my Sentret, the TM that teaches Earthquake, an Itemfinder, three super potions, one awakening, three revives, and one X Special. Green thinks about it for a minute, then shakes her head. Green: Not good enough. Arius: (outraged) What more do we have to give you? There's no way that disk is worth what you're charging for it! Green: (raises an eyebrow) Really? Then I'll take my business elsewhere. Green turns around to walk away, but Cassie calls for her to stop. Cassie: Wait! One more deal... Arius: (grabs her by the shoulder) What are you doing? This is practically highway robbery already! Cassie: (pleading) I know, but what we can do? We need that disk. Arius: (to himself) I thought she was the one not interested in it anymore. Green: (turning around) Okay, one more deal. But this is it. Cassie reaches for her belt and pulls one of the Pokéballs off of it. Cassie: Everything here... She points to all of the items on the floor before holding out the Pokéball she has in hand. Cassie: And my Meowth. Arius: (shocked) Cassie! That's one of your best Pokémon! Cassie: Arius is right. Meowth has helped me get out of a lot of tough scrapes before. Now, she's going to help me one last time. Arius: You can't be serious! Green raises an eyebrow of interest as a smirk forms on her face. Green: A lot of battle experience? Cassie: (nods) Three Pokémon League tournaments, four gym battles, and numerous trainer battles. You won't find a stronger Meowth anywhere else! Green: (thinking out loud) So it could very well be a Persian? Or at least become one in the near future. Not good at escapes, but could probably do well as a thief. Hearing Green's last comment, Arius tries to persuade Cassie not to go through with it. Arius: This isn't worth giving up your Meowth! Cassie: Our first priority is getting that disk back. Arius: But you're playing right into her hands! Cassie: (trying to control her emotions) Like you said before, it's our job! Arius: Earlier, you didn't want to do this! Cassie: We all have to make sacrifices. You said... Arius: Cassie, I know what I said! Forget about what I said and concentrate on what's best for us right now! Cassie: Since when was that a priority? Arius: From the moment that you copied those files onto that disk from Team Rocket's mainframe computer, it's been nothing but trouble for us! Leave this to someone else. Like you promised! You're letting this cloud your thinking! Cassie knew that Arius was telling her the truth, but her brain was unwilling to process the information. Cassie: As long as that disk is in the hands of someone we can't trust... Arius: Don't say it... Cassie: No one is safe. And the only way to ensure that we don't regret another mistake of ours is to get it now, while we still CAN. Arius: Cassie! If you keep hinting that you're smarter than me, than prove it! Walk away right now! And if not, well, then think of what you're giving up! Cassie: (points to the pile) These material objects? Arius: And three Pokémon! Your Sentret, my Zubat, and... Arius snatches the Pokéball from Cassie's hand and lifts it high above his head, so that she can't reach it. She tries to jump up and grab it from him, but to no avail. Cassie: (yelling) Arius! That's my Meowth! Arius: (scolding) At least for the next few seconds! Cassie: (snarling) I'm doing what's best for us! Arius: (pointing at the Pokéball) Maybe you should think about what's best for her! That sentence stopped Cassie in her tracks. As the reality of what she was doing finally set in, indecision started to fill her mind. Here she was, about to possibly save the world by just regaining possession of a mere floppy disk. But in the process, she was going to betray one of her most trusted friends. Arius: I was willing to let Zubat go because I haven't used him in awhile. The same with you and Sentret. Sure, we were hoping to find a few trainers who would be willing to take care of them with the best of care. But we're about to give them to that girl over there, who's probably as untrustworthy as a trainer can get. Do you want to have her immoral mentality imprinted on them? Arius lowers his arm down and gently places the Pokéball between Cassie's hands, before sandwiching them in between his own. Arius: But you've been with Meowth almost as long as you've been a trainer. She's gotten you through the best of times. She's gotten you through the worst of times. And how are you going to repay her? By giving her away as if she was a stuffed Pikachu? Cassie: (on the verge of crying) Stop it! Stop making me feel so guilty! Arius: (with a serious face) It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. Cassie wraps her arms around Arius and starts to cry into his shirt. He comforts her by rubbing her back gently. Arius: (thinking to himself) Great going, stupid. Way to make her feel better. (out aloud) Shut up! Cassie quickly releases her grip from Arius, and with her free hand, slaps him right across the face. Arius: (shouting) I didn't mean you! I meant my conscience! Cassie: (shouting back) You didn't have to say it out loud! Green: (interrupting) Hey! Are we trading or what? The couple stops shouting at each other long enough to turn their focus back on the task on hand. Arius: Deal's off! Green: That's too bad... I was thinking about accepting your offer, but since you don't want it... Cassie: (taking a step forward) Wait! Arius: (rolls his eyes) Not again. Green: My business is done here. Green turns to run out of the room, but then she jumps back in surprise when she finds Tracey standing in front of him. Green: Eek! Don't scare people like that! Tracey: (scratches his head nervously) Sorry about that. Green: What do you want? Tracey: I'm looking for the... As Green and Tracey talk, Arius and Cassie try to remember who Tracey is. Cassie: Haven't we seen him before? Arius: (slams his right fist into his left palm) I remember! He's that lab assistant from Professor Ivy's lab! She must have sent him out here to get the disk. [2] Cassie: Even if he works for that professor, we still can't let him get it. Arius: Then we've gotta snatch it from her! Arius charges right at Green and Tracey, yelling a battle cry. Arius: Eeeeyyyaaahhhhh! Cassie: Wait a minute! Seeing Arius coming towards her out of the corner of her eye, Green jumps aside while simultaneously throwing out Jigglypuff's Pokéball. Green: Jigglypuff, sleep song! Jigglypuff: (singing) Jig-gly-puff, jiggly-y-y-puff! The sound of music immediately affects Arius, as he quickly slows from a head long charge to a Slowpoke's crawl before finally lying down on the ground... just inches in front of the pink Pokémon. Cassie shakes her head in dismay. Cassie: I knew that was going to happen. Green: Tell your friends that if they want they disk, they have to offer me the right price! Tracey: (as Green returns Jigglypuff to her Pokéball) What disk? Cassie: Stay out of this! Tracey: Is that the disk that was stolen from Professor Ivy's lab? Green: (runs out) I'll never tell! Tracey: It is, isn't it? Come back here! Tracey chases Green out the door. Cassie begins to go after them, but then stops when she passes by Arius. Cassie: (looking at him) This is no time to be sleeping! All of a sudden, Cissy enters the room cautiously. Cissy: Officer Jenny is on her way. The gym leader then sees Arius and all of the items on the floor. Cassie smiles and starts towards the door. Cissy: What's going on? Cassie: (running past) I'll explain later! Keep an eye on him! And with that, Cassie disappears from sight. Cissy: (putting a hand on her head) Dad was right. I should have been a teacher. ====== Cassie bolts out of the gym and heads for the top of a nearby hill, where Tracey has Green cornered on the edge of a cliff. Tracey: (shouting at her) Tell me! Tell me what's on that disk! Green: You really want to know? Tracey nods his head. Green responds by shrugging her shoulders and letting out a half-hearted sigh. Green: I wish I knew. I haven't had a chance to put it into a computer yet. Tracey falls to the ground in dismay, then quickly jumps back up. Tracey: (shouting again) Then why the hell did you steal it? Green points to someone running towards them in the distance. Tracey turns around and sees Cassie approaching them. Green: I'm not sure, but that girl says that whatever's on it could destroy the world! (laughs) And I'm not letting it go until I get top dollar for it! Tracey: (turning back towards her) You stole that from Professor Ivy! It rightfully belongs to her! Green: (smirks) But isn't it a bit suspicious? One of the world's renowned Pokémon researchers, possessing something that could bring about the end of the world? Can you imagine the scandal there would be if everyone found out about it? Tracey thought for a minute. Green was right. Well, she would be, as long as Tracey had forgotten that Charity, one of Ivy's assistants, had told him that Ivy had gotten the disk from Nurse Joy. But before Tracey could jar his memory, Cassie skidded to a stop right next to him, bending over as she caught her breath. Cassie: (looking up) Hand over the disk! Tracey: Hey! I was here first! Green: It looks like the trading floor's closed for the day! (throws out a Pokéball) Jigglypuff, let's go! Jigglypuff: (popping out) Jiggly! Jigglypuff breathes in some air and blows herself up like a balloon. As Jigglypuff begins to float away, Green grabs a hold of her feet. The two float away as Tracey and Cassie run to the edge of the cliff, unable to do anything about it. Or maybe they do... Tracey: (throws out a Pokéball) Marill, water gun attack! A blue mouse Pokémon pops out and immediately takes aim at the fleeing Jigglypuff. Marill: Marill! Marill launches her water gun, but it doesn't fly far enough to reach Green or Jigglypuff. Cassie: (pulling out a Pokéball) Allow me to show you how good your Pokémon's aim should be! Cassie throws her Pokéball to the ground. Out of it comes her Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur: Bulba! Cassie: Bulbasaur, razor leaf! Bulbasaur: (firing two leaves from her bulb) Bulba! The leaves fly up towards Green and Jigglypuff, but at the last moment they dodge the leaves by descending. As that is happening, Green pulls out her other Pokéball and throws it into the water below. Seconds later, a Blastoise emerges from the water. Jigglypuff floats down towards Blastoise until Green's close enough to put her feet down. She then captures Jigglypuff in her arms and then recalls her to her Pokéball. Green: Good work, Jigglypuff! (points off into the distance) Let's go, Blastoise! As Cassie, Bulbasaur, Tracey, and Marill watched helplessly as Green surfed away, Tracey had only one thing to say. Tracey: What were you saying about good aim? ====== Meanwhile, three familiar figures are trotting along in a small town on Mandarin Island. They are tired, hungry, and frustrated beyond belief. The rocket trio comes into town in their standard camera-side view, their arms dangling, their backs bent forwards, and their faces too tired to show expression; Persian almost having to drag himself along on his four legs. Jessie: (self-pity) How could we lose that little girl so easily? James: (whining) Not only did we lose her, but we're lost ourselves. Persian: (also whining) Are we going to eat soon? I'm getting hungry! Jessie: We're all hungry, you furrball! Persian: I'm a growing cat! I need to keep my strength up! James: The only thing we need growing right now is our wallets! We're flat broke! Persian: We're always flat broke! Jessie: We could ask the boss for a loan. (thinks again) But we're not exactly in his good graces. James: That's true. I guess we've only got one option. Persian: Lie on the beach until we shrivel up like prunes? Jessie: No! We've got to steal some Pokémon! James: (laughs happily) Just like old times! Jessie: (smiles evilly) And this time, that twerp's Pikachu isn't here to stop us. === === Speaking of the twerp, um, Ash, let's check back at the restaurant, where several empty dishes lie in front of the group... Ash: So now that I've convinced Misty that Mewtwo does exist... Misty: (crossing her arms over her chest) Hmph! Ash: I can resume my story! [Begin flashback - Ilex Forest] Ash: (VO) As I was saying before, Pikachu and I had just earned the Hive Badge the day before. We had decided not to leave Azalea until the following day. Ash and Pikachu follow the dirt path in front of them as dozens and dozens of trees can be seen on both sides of them. The sun was up high in the air, but the treetops kept most of the light from reaching the forest floor. Ash: (VO) I stocked up on supplies in Azalea Town, after my dad wired some money to me through the Pokémon Center. Ash and Pikachu gasp in delight as they see wild Caterpie, Weedle, and Paras frolicking all over the place. They even saw a few Butterfree fly across the path ahead of them, bringing back memories of Ash's old Butterfree. Ash: Luckily Misty isn't here, or she'd be freaking out! Pikachu: (nodding in agreement) Pika! Misty: (VO) You'd better believe it! Ash: (checking out the dark branches above him) I'm glad we stopped by the Poké-Mart, because Nurse Joy said it takes a few weeks to get to Goldenrod by foot. Pikachu: (worriedly) Pika pi, pikachu? Ash: There's nothing to worry about! We'll be fine! I mean, we've made it this far despite everything that's happened. (sighs) Personally, I'd prefer seeing Team Rocket again, just so I can see something familiar. Pikachu: (angrily) Chu, pika pika! Ash: Of course not! If they show up, we'll just blast them off again! (points down the path) Now, onward to Goldenrod! Pikachu: (holding up the peace sign) Pika! Ash and Pikachu continue walking down the path through the Ilex Forest. Ash: (VO) I would end up getting my wish. But the Team Rocket we ran into was much tougher than Jessie and James were. ====== Flash forward eight days later, as Ash and Pikachu are taking shelter in a cave as a thunderstorm moves over the central part of the forest. Ash: (yelling over the wind) Where'd this storm come from? There weren't any clouds in the sky a minute ago! KRAKOOM! Ash and Pikachu peer out the cave entrance as a giant thunderbolt appears in the sky, making a nearly deafening crackle. Ash quickly scurries further into the cave. Ash: Whoa! I don't think even you could make a thunderbolt that big, Pikachu. Pikachu? Ash turns back towards the entrance and spots Pikachu standing on all fours. He was growling angrily and his fur was standing up. Ash: Pikachu? Pikachu: (charging up) Pikaaaaa... Ash: What's wrong, Pikachu? Is there something out there? Pikachu doesn't reply to Ash. Instead, he runs out of the cave, heading into the forest. Ash: Pikachu, come back! It's dangerous! As the sounds of thunder continue to rumble throughout the forest, Pikachu is running towards something, possibly the storm's source. Ash follows cautiously, doing his best to keep an eye out for thunderbolts and tree limbs. Pikachu eventually approaches a small clearing. Spotting some activity there, Pikachu ducks behind a nearby bush. Ash catches up to his Pokémon and quickly does the same thing. Once he gets settled in, Ash sees a bunch of guys in uniforms running all over the place. There were also a few Pokémon out, but they all seemed to be battling another Pokémon. Turning his attention to where all the attacks were heading towards, he spots their target. Ash: Mewtwo! I'd recognize that Pokémon anywhere! Especially after he nearly killed us in the Miners' Archipelago. [3] But what's he doing here? A flash of lightning brightens up the area briefly, allowing Ash to identify the owners of the Pokémon that were fighting Mewtwo. Ash: (seeing the red 'R') They must all work for Team Rocket. (glancing around) But why are there so many of them? Ash scratches his head as he tries to think about what to do next. Ash: Now that I think of it, it's not a bad idea. But the last time we fought, there was only four of us against Mewtwo, and we couldn't beat him. But there's dozens of Team Rocket members everywhere! As a few more members arrived on the scene and had their Pokémon enter the battle, Ash and Pikachu could hear two of them yelling. Operative 3: We've got another team en route! They'll be here in ten! Operative 5: Damn it, tell them to double-time it! I've never seen a Pokémon this strong! Operative 6: (yelling in pain) AAAAAAAAHHHHHH! Everyone's attention turned towards the battle, as a Raichu, a Dewgong, and two Golbat, all belonging to Team Rocket, have stopped attacking Mewtwo. Instead, the rampant Pokémon are attacking the other Pokémon, as well as Team Rocket members themselves! Behind the bushes, Ash and Pikachu watched helplessly as Pokémon and Team Rocket members alike began to fall, with a select few being met with untimely deaths. Ash: We need to stop this battle before they all end up history! Pikachu chirps in agreement. Ash: (clenching his fist) There must be something we can do! ====== Back on the battlefield, Team Rocket is quickly losing control as most of their Pokémon have turned on each other. And those that weren't battling each other were eliminating their trainers one by one. The group of 75 humans and nearly 200 Pokémon that had been present had been decreased significantly. There were now only 20 humans and about 50 Pokémon still standing. Opeartive 4: We can't take much more of this! Operative 3: Are you being chicken? Operative 1: He's right! If we stay here any longer, we'll all be dead! (to Operative 4) Round up any men and women that can still move, and tell them to hightail it back to the rendez-vous point! We'll regroup there. Operative 4: What about those that can't move? Operative 1: Most of those men are still among our dueling Pokémon. If you step in there, you're as good as dead! Operative 4: What about those that can? Operative 1: What about them?! Out of nowhere, a large thunderbolt strikes ground in the middle of the melee, knocking out a bunch of Pokémon. Human and Pokémon alike turn to the source, which they expected to be Mewtwo, but ended up being a small yellow Pikachu... that was glowing black. Operative 5: (sarcastically) Just what we need. Another all-powerful rare Pokémon! Using an agility attack, the oddly colored Pikachu began decimating the field, knocking out any Pokémon in his way. Even those Pokémon immune to electric attacks were subdued by powerful tackles and quick strikes. It didn't take long until there were only two Pokémon left standing: Pikachu and Mewtwo. Mewtwo, watching the Pikachu closely, decides to talk with him telepathically. Mewtwo: You dare trespass on my territory, as these humans have? Pikachu: (responding in Ash's voice) You can't kill them! Mewtwo: (gasps) You can speak the human language? Pikachu: Although I can't explain it exactly, yes, I can. Mewtwo: Your voice sounds familiar. (with anger in his voice) I remember now. You're that scrawny, pathetic Pikachu, only with the voice of his just as incompetent human master. [4] Pikachu: (hisses) Why are you here? Mewtwo: I can go wherever I desire. Unfortunately, your ability to do the same is no longer available. This time, there's no Pokémon around that can save you! And now I have FULL control of my power! Mewtwo launches a psychic attack, knocking Pikachu back. Mewtwo prepares to produce another blast, when he senses more members of Team Rocket making their way to them. Mewtwo: (looking at Pikachu) I grow tired of this. Mewtwo turns to fly away, leaving Pikachu to collapse on top of the heap of human and Pokémon bodies already accumulating on the ground. But before Mewtwo disappears into the clouds, he stops and fires one last blast downward. Mewtwo: You worthless abomination! You must be destroyed, just like the rest of these pathetic humans! A giant blue fireball hurls towards the Earth, eventually hitting the ground and obliterating nearly everything in sight. The screen whites out, ending the flashback. [End flashback] Everyone is staring at Ash with their mouths hanging open and their eyes bulging. Misty: (gasps) Oh my God... Brock: Unbelievable! You were somehow in Pikachu's body? Ash: Yes. I still don't know how that's possible, but it happened. Even harder to explain is the fact that both Pikachu and I are still alive. Duplica: None of this seems logical to me at all. Misty: For once, you actually got a lucky break. Ash: That's one lucky break that I'll thank the stars for having. Duplica: So, how did you survive? Ash: A blacksmith's apprentice from Azalea Town was in the forest chopping wood at the time. He was on his way back when he saw the both of us unconscious, yet barely alive. Seeing that we needed immediate help, he knew of a good doctor in a nearby village that he could take us to. Misty: (gasps again) Oh my God... Ash: (slowly) I was in a coma for two days. Pikachu for nearly a week. Misty, Brock, and Duplica could only sit there with stunned looks on their faces. Misty is the first to snap out her trance, as she reaches over and grabs Ash's clothes. She begins to shake him wildly, shouting at him as tears begin to flow from her eyes. Misty: Damn it, Ash, you nearly died out there! And you didn't have the guts to call us! We should've been... (sniffles) we should've been there by your side. Brock: (as Ash glances at him) Regardless of whether you were trying to prove yourself to us or not, I can't believe that you left us in the dark about something this serious. Ash: I didn't want you guys to worry about me. I mean, you both have responsibilities since your both part of gym leader families... Misty: There's no excuse for that! (sobbing) There's no excuse... Duplica: (sadly) I think we should head back to the Pokémon Center and get some rest. It would give us some time to think about Ash's story. Brock: (pulling out his wallet) I agree. It would be best for all of us. Ash glances at Misty, who is now lying with her head and arms down on the table as she continues to cry. Misty: (almost whispering) Why, Ash? Why? ====== The following morning, Misty and Duplica are sitting at a table inside the Pokémon Center's own cafeteria. As they munch on some syrup and peach covered blueberry waffles and gulp down a glass of milk each, they reflect once again on Ash's story from last night. Misty: Why would he keep that from me? He tells Professor Oak. Heck, he had to tell his mom about it. So why did he keep me and Brock out of the loop? Especially me! Duplica: I've never seen Ashy-boy like this. (glances at the ceiling) Maybe it's a memory of his he'd rather forget. (looks at Misty again) I'm sure we all have a story or two we wish we'd never have to tell anyone else about because of how terrible it was. Misty: He watches me win third place at the Novice Tournament, disappears for almost a year, then reappears just days ago, greeting me as if he had just gone away for a day or two. (shouts) I've been with him for nearly three years now, and that day he treated me as if I was one of those friends we met on our travels! Duplica: Hey! Misty: I spent five months with my sisters, training to be a gym leader, and then another five months on the road alone, gaining battle experience! And did he contact me once just to see how I was doing? No! Duplica: But you were apart from Brock for that long as well. Misty: But I chatted with him at least once a week! We even visited each other a few times! But Ash... he just blatantly ignored us! Duplica: Ash has his reasons, I'm sure. Misty: Like what? His Poké-Com device broke? He doesn't know how to use a pay phone? (growling angrily) He met a cute girl to travel with? Duplica: I'm sure that's not it. Ashy-boy wouldn't know a cute girl liked him even if she kissed him on the lips. Misty: (yelling at the top of her lungs) I won't believe it 'til he says that to my face! One of the trainers at the next table over shouts at Misty for causing an uproar. Trainer: Hey lady, we're trying to listen to the radio here! Misty: (yelling) Well, listen somewhere else, because I'm ranting! Misty's anger quickly dissipates when a voice can be heard talking on the radio. Radio DJ: This is a news flash! More details have been revealed in the investigation regarding a computer floppy disk that was stolen from the laboratory of Professor Felina Ivy, Valencia Island's world renowned Pokémon researcher. Misty: Could it be? Radio DJ: Several eyewitnesses crossed paths with the thief on Mikan Island. They describe the thief as, believe it or not, a young brown haired girl in her early teens, wearing a black dress and boots... ====== At the same time, a TV at the blimp station on Valencia Island was turned to a news program addressing the very same topic. Female TV Reporter: Although not completely sure if the disk in the girl's possession is really the one stolen from the professor's laboratory late Thursday night, two of the eyewitnesses admit hearing the girl confess that it was indeed the disk in question upon confronting her. Tracey appears on the screen, with a caption below him reading 'Tracey Sketchit, Pokémon Watcher' present as well. Tracey: The girl said she wasn't sure what was on it since she had yet to check it in a computer. But she had heard that the contents on it could destroy the world. Cassie then appears next, with a caption reading 'Cassie Banks, trainer.' Cassie: I was just doing my part to help capture her, but she got away using her Jigglypuff and her Blastoise. She did have a disk of some sort, but she was trying to sell it off. As a few other eyewitnesses give their testimonies, the figures watching the program are revealed... it's none other than Jane, Calamity, and Pidgeo. Jane: It's gotta be the disk alright. The one Jessie, James, and Persian were supposed to steal from that lab. Calamity: How could they let a girl steal the disk from right under their noses? Pidgeo: Geo! That girl from the PTA was one of the eyewitnesses. Calamity: If she was in the area, then they must be trying to get the disk back too! Jane: We have to beat them to it! Calamity: And what about the dunderheads we're supposed to disassociate from our association? Pidgeo: Nobody said we couldn't do both tasks at once! This oughtta be fun! ====== Back at the Tangelo Island Pokémon Center, Misty and Duplica were still listening to the radio report. Radio DJ: As police scour the 'Net for a profile on this thief, she was last seen fleeing by surfing Blastoise towards Mandarin Island. Sources say she could be trying to hide in Trovitopolis, the biggest metropolis in the Orange Archipelago, though there have no sightings of her there as of yet. [5] We will keep you updated with new developments as they become available. Duplica: That's Green! It's gotta be! Misty: Ash is going to want to go after her. We'd better tell him. The two girls leap up from their seats and run towards the cafeteria exit, leaving their trays behind. As they approach the exit, Ash, Pikachu, and Brock appear. Ash: We just heard about Green on the news! Misty: So did we! Duplica: We'd better get Ditto and Togepi from Nurse Joy, along with the rest of our Pokémon! Brock: We'll get the bags. Pikachu: Pikachu pika! The group heads off to gather all of their belongings as quickly as possible, in hope of pursuing this new lead while it's still fresh. ====== Cassie: (on-screen) I was just doing my part to help capture her, but she got away using her Jigglypuff and her Blastoise. She did have a disk of some sort, but she was trying to sell it off. The screen of Cassie being interviewed by the local media is then replaced by the face of Patti Masters, their supervisor. The trio is chatting via videophone, by the way. Patti: (raising an arm up to her neck) I'm up to here in trouble with the boss! You two blew our cover! Cassie: She probably wouldn't have gotten away if Arius here would've thought things through! Arius: Well, I wasn't the one about to trade away her own Meowth! Patti: Enough with the arguing! (sighs) If it's any consolation, the girl has no idea what the exact contents of that disk are. Arius: She might get curious and actually stick it in a computer to find that out! Cassie: She could be doing that right now and there would be no way to stop it! Patti: Correct. She'd do anything to sell it for as much as possible, even if the person she sells it to would use it for its intended destructive purposes. Cassie: It'll be even worse if Team Rocket regains possession of it. Patti: That's why we've got to get her first. I managed to get a profile on the thief herself. Take a look at this. Patti's face is replaced by an ID card-like profile of Green. Cassie: (reading aloud) Francine 'Green' Maple. 13 year old female from Saffron City, five feet two, 115 pounds. Arrested a year and a half ago on theft and selling fake Pokémon enhancing items, but charges were dropped after she agreed to reimburse the victims. Arius: A small-time entrepreuneur looking for a breakthrough sale. The profile disappears, replaced with a live picture of Patti once again. Patti: McGray and Vicardi are already on their way to assist you. They'll meet you at seven at the Pokémon Center in Trovitopolis on Mandarin Island. Be there by then. Arius: You can count on us! Cassie: We'll be there on time, ma'am! Patti: Time is of the essence, you two. We must get that disk back at all costs! ====== Several hours later, two Lapras are seen approaching the sand covered beach of Mandarin Island. Ash, Misty, Pikachu, and Togepi are riding one, with Pikachu on top of Lapras' head, and Ash and Misty sitting on Lapras' back (with Togepi cradled in Misty's arms, per usual). Duplica and Brock are riding on the back of the other Lapras. Once they get within a few feet of where the beach begins, the four trainers jump off and walk inland. One of the Lapras transforms back into a Ditto, which promptly leaps into Duplica's waiting arms. Ash takes out a Pokéball and recalls the other one. Ash: Lapras, return! Lapras returns to her Pokéball. Ash puts the Pokéball back on his belt. The four trainers walk off of the beach and into the city. Misty: Are you sure that we're in the right place? Brock pulls out a map that he had bought before they had left Tangelo Island. He begins to examine it closely. Brock: According to this map, we should be on the southern tip of Mandarin Island. Duplica: But are we in Trovitopolis or what? Tracey: (off-screen) You're in Trovitopolis alright. The foursome and their three Pokémon turn to their left, where Tracey is standing, facing towards them. Ash: Then I guess we're in the right place... Tracey: (seeing Pikachu) Wow! Is that a Pikachu? I've never seen one with such a shiny coat! Ash: Well, I do... In an instant, Tracey pulls out a voltmeter and hooks it up to Pikachu's red electrical cheeks. Tracey: (examining the meter) Your Pikachu has a lot of current flowing through those cheeks. It must have been in a lot of battles. Misty: I hate to interrupt, but what exactly are you doing? Tracey then sees Togepi cradled in Misty's arms and the Ditto on Duplica's right shoulder. He rejoices with glee as he looks the two Pokémon over. Tracey: A Togepi and a Ditto! They're even rarer than Pikachu are! I've got to get a sketch of this! He takes a seat on the sidewalk and reaches into his backpack. He puts the voltmeter back in and pulls out a notebook and a pencil. Turning to an empty page, he begins sketching away. Duplica: (blinks curiously) What's he doing? Brock: Just who are you anyway? Tracey looks up momentarily from his sketch to answer Brock's question. Tracey: Oh, I guess in all of the excitement, I forgot all about that. My name's Tracey Sketchit. I'm a Pokémon watcher! Ash: Pokémon watcher? Brock: Pokémon watchers travel around the world, drawing pictures of Pokémon. Most of their work is done out in the wild, where they can sketch Pokémon in their natural habitat. Misty: That's good and all, but we don't have time to stay here and get our Pokémon sketched! Tracey: That's okay. I'll just follow you guys until I can finish my sketch. Misty: We're kind of in a rush. Tracey: (pleading) Please? I promise to stay out of the way! Brock: You're not trying to get us to buy it from you, are you? Tracey: (shakes his head) Spur of the moment sketches like this, I do for free. Besides, I sketch for the thrill of it all, not to get a few bucks out of tourists. Duplica: Let him tag along, guys. There's no harm in that. Misty: But he's a complete stranger! Ash: And we can't just let anyone travel with us! Duplica: (points at herself) You let me come with you guys! Misty: That's different! We know we can trust you! ====== A few blocks away, Jessie, James, and Persian are trotting along slowly, having made their way to Trovitopolis overnight. James: Small town, big city, it doesn't matter! Our stomaches are still empty wherever we go! Jessie: Stop complaining! We'll get our big break eventually! Persian: But when? Male and Female Voices: It won't be today, ex-Rockets! James: Ex? A smoke bomb is thrown to the ground, exploding on impact. Jessie, James, and Persian cough for air as smoke fills the area. The sounds of voices can be heard reciting a motto in the background. Female Voice: Prepare for trouble! Male Voice: And make it double! Female Voice: To introduce the world to devastation! Male Voice: To love our team and unite our nation! Female Voice: To denounce the values known as truth and love! Male Voice: To extend our knowledge to the stars above! Female Voice: Jane! Male Voice: Calamity! The smoke clears, revealing Jane and Calamity, dressed in their orange uniforms. Jane: Team Rocket, the best when stealing Pokémon is right! Calamity: Surrender now, or prepare for a fight! A Pidgeot flies in and poses right in front of the two Rockets. Pidgeot: Pidgeo! You're in for it now! Jessie: Jane? James: Calamity? Persian: Pidgeo? Jane: I'm flattered that you remember us. Calamity: I think it's only fitting that you've mentioned the names... Pidgeo: Of the Rockets who will exterminate you! To be continued... Author's Notes: [1] Todd traveled with Misty in Episodes 24 & 26 from Season 1 of this series! [2] Back in Episode 47... it hasn't been that long since then, has it? [3] Ash first battle with Mewtwo was back in Episode 22. [4] Ash's spirit is actually inside Pikachu! First happened back in Episode 32. [5] In the anime series, Ash and company pass through Trovitopolis, a city on Mandarin Island, in Episode 102, "The Mystery Menace." As usual, please review! Your comments mean so much to me! Next episode... it's time to kick things up a notch! Ash and company are sidetracked while they try to help Jessie, James, and Persian out of a jam. Meanwhile, Arius and Cassie have lost the trail once again, only to stumble back onto it when they find Green catching up with an old friend. Well, it would be an old friend if he remembers who she is! And back with our lead heroes and villains, Calamity, Jane, and Pidgeo are ready to pull out all the stops to eliminate Jessie, James, and Persian! "Execution at Dawn" is the title of Episode 52! See you then! Copyright Date: 8/1/02