Adventures Series, Episode 9 (Version 1.1), “Let the Games Begin!” After a long hiatus, I’m back! And now, it’s time for Ash and friends to compete in the Pokémon League Novice Tournament! But who will make it to the Pokémon League? Read on and find out... Disclaimer: Cassie and TJ were created by me. All others were created by those guys in Japan. ************************************************************************ Narrator: November 1st, 8:00 p.m., Indigo Stadium. The sun has already set, and the lights are on all around the stadium. Thousands of fans are gathered, with more still on the way in, as the Opening Ceremonies for the Pokémon League Novice Tournament are set to begin any minute now. Down below, the grounds crew are making final checks on all the props, the performers are rehearsing one last time, and a field of about a hundred trainers are preparing to march onto the field. They knew that only a select group of them would walk out of the tournament as the newest members of the Pokémon League. Our heroes, Ash and Pikachu, are among those preparing to walk out. Ash: I can’t believe it! We’ve finally made it, Pikachu. Pikachu: (on Ash’s shoulder) Pikachu! TJ: (walking up to him) Ready, Ash? Ash: Ready as I’ll ever be, TJ. AJ: (tapping his shoulder) I’m waiting to see how much you’ve improved since our last battle, Ash! Ash: (turns around) Don’t worry. Pikachu and I are ready to put up a good fight against you and your Sandshrew this time! Gary: Hey Ash! Ready to lose? Ash: (turns to Gary) Gary? How did you get here? Gary: No Ash, the question is how did a loser like you get here? Never mind. I’ll figure it out later. My adoring public awaits. See you later, loser! Ash: (beginning to fume) That Gary! TJ: Ash, don’t worry about him. AJ: Yeah, losers like him won’t last long in the tournament. Stadium Announcer: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Opening Ceremonies of the Pokémon League Novice Tournament! We start off tonight’s festivities with the trainers’ parade... the ninety-six trainers who have worked hard to earn a chance to enter the Pokémon League! And here they are! TJ: Time to go! AJ: Let’s show the world what we’re made of. Pikachu: Pika! Ash: Right, Pikachu. Tonight, we’re one step closer to entering the Pokémon League! ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Episode 9: “The Pokémon League Novice Tournament,” Chapter 1, “Let the Games Begin!” Story Written by Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ Fans cheer wildly as the competing trainers enter the stadium. Ash doesn’t recognize anyone in the audience, other than Gary’s squad of peppy cheerleaders. Ash: Wait a minute! Where’s Cassie? Pikachu: Pika? TJ: You mean her? Who cares... Stadium Announcer: And now presenting a special performance by the League Games’ Dancing Platoon, lead by the mascot of this tournament, Belle the Bellsprout! A group of dancers come out, one dressed as a Bellsprout, of course, and they begin to dance a routine that a number of trainers, including Ash, TJ, Gary, and AJ, find to be rather boring. Unfortunately, the acts to follow are all sleepers as well. Only a few people in the stadium stayed awake. And after nearly two hours of watching so many boring acts, they believe that they’ve finally reached the end, until... Stadium Announcer: Now, the last act before the flame is brought in to light the torch. We all know that Pokémon trainers come to the tournament to battle their way into the League. But this young trainer did something different. She was more interested in using Pokémon to entertain. Gary: Oh, great, how many more dancing Pokémon do we need? TJ: Quiet, you upstart! Gary: What? Why you little... AJ: (getting between them) All right, guys, save it for tomorrow. By the way, Ash was asleep throughout this whole ordeal. Stadium Announcer: In less than a year, this trainer-Pokémon act has become one of the best acts in show business. And that may be added to the fact that it’s the only act of its kind. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome “The Mysterious Ditto” and its trainer, Duplica Imite! Ash: (awakens at the sound of the name) Duplica? What’s she doing here? Duplica: Good evening, everyone! I’m Duplica, and this is Ditto! Ditto: Ditto! Duplica: We’re here to present the greatest show of Pokémon ever! For my first trick, I’m going to transform into a Bulbasaur! In a flash, Duplica changes into a Bulbasaur suit, complete with matching leaves and green face paint. Duplica: Bulbasaur! Bulba, bulba, saur! The crowd cheers as Duplica quickly changes to a Mr. Mime suit. Duplica: And now, Mr. Mime! (acting like a Mr. Mime) Mime, mime! Mime, mime, mime mime mime! The crowd doubles over in hysterics, except for Gary, who finds the act pretty annoying. Gary: What kind of act is this? She’s pathetic! Ash: (stops laughing) What do you know? Duplica and Ditto are the best act in their field! Gary: They’re the only act in their field! Besides, any friends of yours can’t be any good. Ash: What? Take that back! Gary: Never! Ash: Take it back! AJ: (breaks them up) Will you guys calm down! Duplica: And now, it’s Ditto’s turn! Ditto: Ditto! Duplica: Now, I need the help of a trainer and his or her favorite Pokémon. She walks over to Ash and pulls him out of the trainer’s lineup. Pikachu follows them towards center stage. Ash: (whispers to Duplica) Hey, Duplica, what’s up? Duplica: (whispering back) Nice to see you again, Ashy-boy! But we’ll catch up on lost time later. Right now, I need you and Pikachu to play along. Pikachu: Pika? Duplica: (to the audience) All right, Mr. Trainer, tell the world who you are and where you’re from. Ash: I’m Ash Ketchum from the town of Pallet. Gary: What a loser! Duplica: And you’ve never met me before tonight, correct? Ash: That’s correct. Gary: Boo! Get off the stage! Duplica: (ignoring Gary) Anyway, can I see your Pikachu? Ash: Sure! Pikachu, would you like to help out? Pikachu: (happily) Pika! The electric mouse runs up and stands next to Ditto. Ash: Now Pikachu, you’ll do whatever Duplica wants, okay? Pikachu: (nodding in agreement) Pikachu! Duplica: Okay then, Ditto. Transform into a Pikachu! Ditto: Ditto! The crowd gazes in amazement as suddenly two identical Pikachu now stand next to each other. Assorted oohs and aahs are heard from the crowd, as well as the other trainers. Duplica: Now, I want both Pikachu to perform a thunderbolt attack and switch positions several times while doing it. The two Pokémon nodded. They fill the sky with thunder. After a few seconds, they stop and face Ash and Duplica. Duplica: Alright, Mr. Ketchum. Which one is your Pikachu? Ash: Let’s see. (picks up one of them) Pikachu? Ditto: Pika-dit! Ash: Pika-dit? Ditto changes back to its original form and jumps into Duplica’s arms. Then the real Pikachu walks up and tugs at Ash’s legs. He leans down to pick up Pikachu. Duplica: Sorry, Ash, but this is Ditto! Looks like another successful night for me, Duplica Imite, and my partner, “The Mysterious Ditto!” The foursome bows to a standing ovation from the audience. The applause changes to cheers as a familiar figure runs into the stadium holding the torch. Ash: Hey! It’s Cassie! Wait a sec... she’s the torchbearer? Stadium Announcer: Now entering the stadium is the final torchbearer of these games. From Poli Town, this bright young lady is one of our ninety-six competitors. Please welcome Cassie Banks! Cassie waves to the audience, and then runs up the stairs. Reaching the top, she lights the torch. Cheers arise once again from the fans, as the announcer yells... Stadium Announcer: Now, let the games begin! The cheering continues as the crowd begins to file out of the stadium. A few minutes later, at the village cafeteria, Ash and Duplica are catching up on old times... Duplica: So Ashy, competing in the tournament? Ash: Yeah! And I’m going to win! Duplica: That confident, huh? Trust me, Ash, I’ve seen some of the competition, and this is no walk in the park. Ash: Don’t worry about me, Duplica. Pikachu and I have an unbeatable team, right, Pikachu? At the moment, Pikachu was trying to get Ditto to try some ketchup. Ash: Pikachu! Pikachu: (puts its hands over its head) Chuuu! Ash: Anyway, Pikachu and I are unstoppable. Gary: I seriously doubt that Ash! Gary walks in and pushes Ash in towards the window so he can sit down. Pikachu and Ditto were fighting over the ketchup bottle at the same time. Ash: Hey Gary, what’s the big idea? Gary: Well Ash, the big idea is you don’t belong here! Ash: I don’t? Look, Professor Oak said I was the second entry! Gary: No way! Professor Oak said I was the second entry! Duplica: Just what exactly is going on here? Ash: There were only two spots available for trainers from Pallet, and one was already filled. Professor Oak had to choose one of us to fill the other slot. Gary: And he chose me! Ash: No, he chose me! Cassie then walks in the door, dressed in her usual clothes, the knee-high blue dress and white shoes ensemble. Cassie: Actually, he chose both of you. Ash and Gary: (simultaneously) What? Duplica: What is all of this about? Am I missing something? Cassie: (walks up to the group) May I sit down? Duplica: (moving to the inside) Of course. As long as you explain what this is all about. Cassie: (sitting down) Well, it all started about a year and a half ago. Flashback to scenes from “Changing History.” You’ll have to look at the story to find out the details exactly, I’m not going through them again. The flashback then picks up where it left off. Ronde Town, nearly a month ago. Cassie and Bulbasaur stand in front of a warehouse under the bright night sky. Cassie’s in the same dress as before, only she’s a little bit shorter. Cassie: I decided to take up the offer of joining The Pokémon Trainers’ Association. But when I arrived at the warehouse last night, I didn’t know what to expect. I entered the warehouse, and the next thing I knew, me and all of all my Pokémon were training nonstop for days on end! When September finally rolled around, they shut down the place for the season, since the weather gets unbearable there in the fall. I was paired up with a twelve-year old boy named Arius and our captain, a twenty-three year old woman named Patti. But we didn’t stay together long, as we were assigned different tasks. Duplica: So you’re part of some sort of secret organization? Ash: That’s unbelievable! Gary: It still doesn’t explain why both me and Ash are here! Cassie: Hold on, I’m getting to that part! (flashback continues) Back in June, Professor Oak contacted me, stating that he needed a representative from Pallet at the November Novice Tournament. It was through a letter in the mail: Dear Cassie Banks, I understand that you have all eight badges. I currently do not have any trainers ready to attend the Novice Tournament at the Indigo Plateau in November. Although you’re not from Pallet, I gave you your license, which enables you to compete under my sponsorship. If you’re interested, please let me know as soon as possible so I can begin the needed preparations. Yours truly, Professor Oak Cassie: (seeing herself back then, but doing a voice-over) I thought why not, since a sponsor was all I needed to enter the tournament. So I accepted the offer. In the reply letter, he also told me there were two more available slots that he would be filling soon. Hence, the reason why there are three trainers from Pallet. Ash: That’s still not very clear... Gary: So you’re telling me that there were three slots all along? But why did he lie? Ash: Maybe this is another part of his study about Pokémon trainers and their attitudes during battle. Gary: I guess. That reminds me... (looking at Cassie) Haven’t we met before? Cassie: (examining Gary) Yes, I think so, but where? Gary and Cassie: (simultaneously) The Viridian Forest! Gary: You’re that girl that humiliated me! Cassie: You just can’t admit defeat! The two begin to stare defiantly at each other, which causes Ash to sweatdrop and Duplica to roll her eyes. She finally decides to break them up. Duplica: Okay, there are three of you here, and there are tensions amongst you guys. But still, can’t you at least go through this tournament without being at each other’s necks? Ash, Gary, and Cassie shake hands in agreement. Duplica: Good. (picking up Ditto) Well, I’ll see you tomorrow morning. And good luck in your opening matches! The foursome go their separate ways. Ash and Pikachu head back to their room. There, they find AJ and Sandshrew watching a program on television. Ash: Hey, AJ, what’re you watching? AJ: It’s a documentary on the best way to raise your Pokémon’s level to its peak in the middle of a battle. You’d better watch this Ash. You might need it. Ash: No thanks. I’m just going to wash up and hit the sack. Tomorrow’s a big day. Ash heads for the bathroom while Pikachu joins AJ and Sandshrew by the TV. The next morning, the trainers are eating breakfast and examining their schedules. Ash, Pikachu, TJ, Gary, Cassie, AJ, Sandshrew, Duplica, and Ditto are gathered at a large table in the middle of the cafeteria discussing their matches. TJ: I’m so excited! My first match is on the Grass Field! Ash: Well, my first match is on the Ice Field. Gary: Mine’s on the Water Field. Cassie: So is mine. AJ: I’ve got two matches today, one on the Rock Field, and the other on the Grass Field. Duplica: Well, who’s up first? Ash: Unfortunately, all of our matches take place at the same time. Gary: Well, gotta go. I’ve got a match to win! Gary leaves and meets his cheerleaders outside. Cassie quietly follows, but at a distance, to avoid being hassled by him. AJ: That was a good breakfast, but it’s time for our first match! Sandshrew, let’s go! Sandshrew follows AJ out of the cafeteria and towards the Rock Field. TJ: I guess I’m off to the Grass Field. Bye, Ash. And nice to meet you, Duplica! TJ runs off, leaving only Ash, Duplica, Pikachu, and Ditto. Duplica: So, how are things between you and Misty? Ash: Me and Misty? What’s that supposed to mean? Duplica: Oh, come on Ash. You know exactly what I’m talking about. I even traveled with Misty through Pewter and Cerulean! Ash: You traveled with Misty? Why? Duplica told Ash about her travels with Misty (Author’s Note: The first two chapters of Misty’s Travels to the Pokémon League, and once again, I’m not going through it here.). Ash: Looks like you two had quite an adventure. Any idea where she is now? Duplica: Beats me. We split up after we went through Cerulean. It was the only way that I could make it up here in time for the Opening Ceremonies. Ash: (looks at the clock) Oh oh, looks like I’d better go. My match is in fifteen minutes! Come on, Pikachu. Pikachu: Pika! Duplica: (picks up Ditto) Ash, wait! I’m coming to watch! At the Ice Field, Ash awaits in the green box for his opponent to show up. It’s a thirty-year old man dressed in an army suit. Pikachu is down on the field, warming up. Duplica and Ditto watch from the stands as the stadium comes alive. Stadium Announcer: Welcome to this preliminary round match at the Ice Field, one of the first of the Tournament. Today’s match pits Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town versus Nash Couples of Celadon City. The first to exhaust three Pokémon loses the match. Let the battle begin! Nash: (throwing a Pokéball) Nidorina, make me proud! Ash: (throwing one of his own) Bulbasaur, I choose you! Stadium Announcer: Let’s see who’s going to get the battle off to a good start. ************************************************************************ Meanwhile, on one of the Seafoam Islands, three figures begin their search for the legendary Pokémon birds... Jessie: I can’t believe the boss gave us such an important job! James: Yeah! And to think that we earned it by failing at everything else in life. Meowth: Meowth! Cut the small talk, you two. I think I spotted one of those birds over by the swamp. Jessie: Great! Let’s catch it! James: Let’s go Team Rocket! The trio heads towards the swamp, where they spot one of the birds with their binoculars. James takes a picture out of his pocket and holds it up for the others to see. James: That’s it! That’s Articuno, one of the three legendary Pokémon! Meowth: Let’s pull out a Pokéball and capture it! Jessie: But first things first, Meowth! Meowth: Meowth? Jessie: (with music playing) Prepare for trouble! James: Make it double! Jessie: To protect the world from devastation! James: To unite all peoples within our nation! Jessie: To denounce the evils of truth and love! James: To extend our reach to the stars above! Jessie: Jessie! James: James! Jessie: Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light! James: Surrender now or prepare to fight! Meowth: Meowth, the bird’s gone! Jessie: What? James: Articuno is gone? Sure enough, Jessie and James look up, and Articuno has disappeared. Jessie: Rats! James: We almost had it. Meowth: Come on, it couldn’t have gotten too far. The trio ran deeper into the swamp to try and find Articuno. Back at the Indigo Plateau, the battle was going well for Ash. He still had all three lights up, while Nash only had one. He pulled out his last Pokéball and threw it at Bulbasaur. Nash: Primeape, show that Bulbasaur your guerrilla tactics! Primeape: Primeape! Ash: Look out, Bulbasaur! Primeape’s fists collide with Bulbasaur’s head, and the plant Pokémon goes down for the count. Line Judge: Bulbasaur is unable to battle. Primeape is the winner! Duplica: (over the loud crowd) Come on, Ash! You’re way better than that guy is! Ash: (on the podium) Alright Pikachu, let’s show ‘em what we’re really made of! Pikachu: (running up to Primeape) Pika, pika chu pika cha! Stadium Announcer: And Ash has chosen Pikachu to face off with Primeape! Either he’s trying to extend the match for Nash, or he’s got a secret behind this little mouse. Nash: Is that you’re best? A measly Pikachu? Primeape, rage! Primeape suddenly gets all excited and angry, and charges at Pikachu. Ash: Pikachu, watch out! Pikachu nearly dodges the attack. Primeape turns around, ready to try once again. Nash: Primeape, keeping trying until you knock it out! Ash: Pikachu, thunder attack! Primeape: (charging towards Pikachu) Ape, primeape! Pikachu: Pikaaaaa-chhhhhhhhuuuuuuu! Pikachu’s thunder attack hits Primeape head on. The monkey falls to the ground, but then gets right back up! Ash: Oh oh, this might be harder than I thought! Nash: Primeape, fury attack! Primeape unleashes a flurry of punches that not even Pikachu is able to dodge. Pikachu falls to the ground, unable to get up. Ash: Pikachu! Line Judge: Pikachu is out of the match. Primeape is the winner! Ash runs down to the field and picks Pikachu up from the ground, then returns to the podium. Stadium Announcer: Whoa ladies and gentlemen, we suddenly have quite a match, as Nash Couples has fought back to even the match up. Does Ash Ketchum have a Pokémon capable of winning this fight, or has Primeape set the stage for the tournament’s first major comeback? Ash: (to himself) Which Pokémon would be able to stand up to Primeape? Squirtle? Charizard? Muk? Krabby? Nash: Come on, wimp! Any Pokémon you throw at me won’t have the skill to beat my specially-trained Primeape! Ash: (yelling at Nash) I’m ready to fight! The crowd cheers as Ash relinquishes his third Pokémon to the battlefield. Ash: Charizard, I choose you! Charizard: Rrrrooooaaaaarrrrrr! Ash: Charizard, flame thrower attack! Nash: Primeape, thrash that Charizard! Although in normal circumstances, Charizard wouldn’t obey Ash’s orders, the fire Pokémon saw Primeape as a worthy opponent, and the two Pokémon relayed blow after devastating blow to each other. Ash: Come on Charizard! Nash: Primeape, you’d better win! The votes of confidence from the trainers temporarily disrupt the battling Pokémon, and they both slip and fall down to the ice. Charizard’s tale makes contact with it, and the ice begins to melt all around, limiting the available field space. Despite that, Charizard and Primeape were battling with all their might, both determined to defeat the other. They begin to focus on each other and ignore their respective trainers. Ash: Charizard, I said use fire spin, don’t slash at it! Nash: Primeape, perform a seismic toss! Did you hear me? You’d better do as I say if you know what’s good for you! Among the thousands of fans in the stadium, no one had yet realized that the battle had gotten to its current state, with two Pokémon using their own instincts to battle. Everyone watched intently, except for Duplica, who was watching the scoreboard to hear how the others did in their matches. Her attention did turn, however, when an attack of Charizard’s came awful close to burning some of the spectators in the front row. Stadium Announcer: Look out! That Charizard’s packing heat! Charizard begins to throw flames all over the field. The ice was melting rapidly. Primeape did its best to dodge the flames, but he fell in the water. Primeape floated back up to the surface, but he was unconscious. Line Judge: Primeape is unable to battle. The match goes to green trainer Ash Ketchum! The final light goes out on the scoreboard, and Ash’s picture stands alone there. The crowd cheers wildly for Ash’s win. Ash, though, has got a more important matter at hand... Ash: Charizard, watch out! Almost all of the ice had been melted, and Charizard was starting to slip. Ash quickly pulls out Charizard’s Pokéball. Ash: Charizard, return! The red ray of light misses as Charizard falls into the now totally water-filled pool. Three Pokémon League officials quickly run out to assist Ash in getting Charizard out. They pull it out rather easily, but the raging fire on Charizard’s tale has gone to a small light. Ash: I’ve got to get Charizard to the Pokémon center! Charizard, return! Charizard returns to the Pokéball, and Ash frantically dashes out, trying to find Nurse Joy. The crowd just watches in silence as the young trainer leaves. Duplica picks Ditto up and runs out to catch up with Ash. Scene switches to the outskirts of Lavender Town. The people scream in fright as ghost Pokémon roam free all over. Haunter, Gastly, and Gengar were all over the place. And the only person capable of solving this problem was already involved in another matter... It’s approximately four thirty in the evening the day before. In the Saffron City gym, Sabrina, the gym leader, sends Alakazam to try and do away with a Dragonite, owned by the strange intruder who stands before her. Sabrina: Alakazam, disable. Intruder: Dragonite, dragon rage! Alakazam fights psychically to avoid Dragonite’s attacks, but the dragon Pokémon is way too powerful. Dragonite connects and begins to tear Alakazam apart. Intruder: Dragonite, hyper beam! That did it. The hyper beam sends Alakazam flying back towards Sabrina. Sabrina: Alakazam, return. Intruder: Now, Sabrina, I’m finally going to claim my prize. Sabrina: And that is? Intruder: This gym! And you’re not going to stop me! Suddenly, all of Sabrina’s Pokéballs begin to float away from her and towards the intruder. Sabrina: My Pokémon! You’re able to do telekinesis too, I see. Intruder: Oh my dear Sabrina, I can do more than just do telekinesis. I’ve mastered it! He psychically picks Sabrina off the ground and slams her hard into one of the side walls. Haunter: (laughing) Haunt, haunt, haunt! Intruder: So you thought that was funny, huh? Well, take this! He throws a weird looking Pokéball at Haunter and captures it. Sabrina, rubbing her back, gets up and stares angrily at him. Sabrina: (begins to glow with a blue aura) No one comes into my gym and humiliates me! Intruder: Well, I’m sorry to break it to you dear, but I humiliate whomever I wish. He telepathically begins to fool around with Sabrina’s hair. It goes one way, then the other. Suddenly, Sabrina is thrusted out of the main room, and out the front door. Sabrina’s employees come out to see what’s going on, and the intruder easily throws them out. Intruder: At last, I’ve claimed the Saffron City gym for myself! With this much power, I’ll be able to rule the world! He laughs maniacally as he closes the doors. No one is able to enter the gym. Everyone stands outside, puzzled and confused. Sabrina, as usual, doesn’t show any signs of emotion. She did begin to feel a strange presence approaching the city, though... Sabrina: Ah yes, she’s coming back. And it looks like she’s coming for a Pokémon battle. She’ll be here in a week. I’d better prepare myself to make sure that she’s ready for what’s to come. Sabrina walks off, to the surprise of her employers, who are yelling and pleading of her to try and get back in. Back to present day, Indigo Plateau Pokémon Center. Two Nurse Joys are standing at the counter, talking to each other about new Pokémon care techniques, when Ash suddenly bursts in the door. He has Pikachu in his arms and Charizard’s Pokéball lying on Pikachu’s belly. Ash: Nurse Joy! Nurse Joy! Both Joys: (simultaneously) Yes, how can we help you? Ash: (confused) Well, Nurse Joys, well, there are two of you here, right? Joy #1: Yes, you’re eyes aren’t playing tricks. I’m the Joy from Crimson City. Joy #2: And I’m the regular Joy here at the Indigo Plateau. Both Joys: (simultaneously) And we’re the only Joys that are directly related. We’re twin sisters! Ash: Twin sisters? (finally remembers why he’s here) I’ve got a Pokémon emergency! Crimson Joy: What is it? Ash: My Charizard was injured badly in the last battle. I don’t know how long it can hold on. Indigo Joy: I’ll handle this one. (talks into a microphone) I need a stretcher to transport a Charizard to the E. R., pronto! Four Chansey come out of nowhere with a giant stretcher. Ash releases Charizard from its Pokéball. The dragon is still unconscious. The Chansey manage to place it on the stretcher, and then they begin to sprint for the emergency room. The Indigo Plateau Nurse Joy follows them hastily. Crimson Joy: Don’t worry, if anyone can do it, my sister can. Anything else you need? Ash: Well, I need Pikachu and Bulbasaur recharged. Crimson Joy: (takes Pikachu and Bulbasaur’s Pokéball) I’ll have them recharged in a jiffy! She leaves the room, just as Duplica, Ditto still in her arms, runs in. AJ and TJ, both already done with their first match, follow her in. They watch Ash stand motionless at the front desk. The trio walks up to him, Duplica puts her left hand on Ash’s right shoulder. Duplica: (with a concerned look) Ash? What’s wrong? Ash: Charizard... I can’t believe what happened... TJ: What happened? AJ: Yeah! We just came back from our matches, and then suddenly Duplica here nearly ran us over... Duplica: Well, Ash won his match, but... Charizard had accidentally melted all the ice, and it fell in the pool. Three league officials had to help get it out, but it was in terrible shape. Ash: (yells) Duplica, why do you always have to be a tattle tale? Ash runs out of the Pokémon Center, with tears on his eyes. Duplica: Tattle tale? (turns to AJ and TJ) Am I a tattle tale? The two boys just shrug their shoulders, since they have no idea how to respond. At that moment, the Crimson City Nurse Joy enters the room, with Pikachu and Bulbasaur’s Pokéball on a tray. Crimson Joy: Hey, where did that young boy go? TJ: He kinda left. Duplica: I hope I didn’t hurt his feelings. Maybe one of you should go find him. AJ: Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. C’mon, Pikachu. Pikachu jumps off the tray and follows AJ out, who picks up the Pokéball containing Ash’s Bulbasaur, before leaving. Crimson Joy: Well, looks like it’s back to work for me. She walks back to the other room to look at a magazine. Duplica: Well, I guess I’d better get going. I’d like to see some of the other matches. TJ: Hey, Duplica, right? Would you like to come with me? I heard there’s a good match out on the Grass Field right now. Duplica: Great, let’s go! Ditto: Dit dit to? TJ, Duplica, and Ditto leave the Pokémon Center and head for the Grass Field. Meanwhile, at Ash and AJ’s room, Ash is face down in his bed, crying. AJ and Pikachu slowly open the door and enter the room. AJ: Hey, Ash, are you okay? Ash: No! Go away! Pikachu: (going to Ash) Pika! Ash: Pikachu, please! AJ: Ash, come on, it wasn’t your fault! Ash: Yes it was! I’m a lousy trainer! Charizard shouldn’t have gotten out of control! Pikachu: Pika chu chu pi chu ka pi chu, pika pika! AJ: Ash, what are you, a wimp? If you’re going to cry every time something doesn’t go your way, you’re never going to get into the Pokémon League! Pikachu: Pika! Ash: (sniffles) But Charizard, it shouldn’t have... AJ: Ash, you’re going to have to get past this tragedy and move on! I’m sure Charizard will be fine. Back at the Pokémon Center, blue lights are flashing, and the Indigo Plateau Nurse Joy’s voice blares over the loudspeaker. Indigo Joy: Code 1 blue! Code 1 blue! All available personnel report to the emergency room immediately! I repeat Code 1 blue! This is not a drill! Crimson Joy: (at the front desk) Oh, it can’t be! I’ve never thought I’d see the day that this happens. She runs to the emergency room, where the Indigo Joy and about a dozen Chansey are running around, scrambling to save the Charizard, who’s lifeline had gone flat... Back at the Seafoam Islands, we see Jessie, James, and Meowth chasing Articuno! Jessie: (pulling out a Pokéball) Arbok, go! James: (pulling out a Pokéball as well) Weezing, go! Arbok: Char-bok! Weezing: Weezing! Jessie: Arbok, poison sting! James: Weezing, sludge attack! Jessie and James: (simultaneously) Now, combine attacks! The two poison attacks combined and hit Articuno head on. The flying ice bird is stunned, but she easily recovers and sends an ice beam at the Rockets, who just manage to get out of the way in time. Meowth: Meowth! At this rate, we’re never gonna catch that Articuno! Jessie: Oh no, it’s not over yet! She pulls out the three Pokéballs that Giovanni had given them for the mission. James: Oh, I forgot about these three! What a great Christmas gift! Meowth: Why wait for Christmas? Let’s open our presents now! They throw the three Pokéballs and out comes... To be continued... Will Team Rocket succeed in capturing Articuno? Will Charizard survive? The games continue on, in “A Close Call,” the second exciting chapter of “The Pokémon League Novice Tournament,” coming soon! Comments? Constructive criticism? Suggestions? Please e-mail me at jgg121@yahoo.com. Copyright date: 12/03/99, Revised: 7/24/01 Revisions from the Original Release Include: - A ton of grammar corrections in tense, punctuation, and spellings, especially at the beginning of the chapter. In the next episode... the tournament continues! Will Ash’s Charizard survive? Will Team Rocket get their hands on the three legendary birds? Will Cassie’s true intentions be discovered? And why is Duplica talking with a stranger? Find out the answers to at least some of those questions in Episode 10, “A Close Call.”