Pokémon Pokemon Do-Over

[MarkL1987]

Episode 75: To Master The Onixpected

With only three weeks left until the Pokemon League competition, Ash and Lucy are behind on their training. But they're working hard to get caught up. At least, I think they are.

In the Ketchum house, Brock, Ash and Lucy were watching video footage of a trainer.

"I choose you, Hitmonchan!" cried the trainer. Hitmonchan materialized.

"That's Bruno's Hitmonchan!" cried Brock.

"Bruno's a hardcore fighting type trainer." Said Ash.

"Hitmonchan, Thunder Punch attack!" cried Bruno. But before they could actually see the attack, Misty turned the TV off.

"Couch potatoes." She sighed.

"Hey! Turn that back on right now!" cried Ash.

"Yeah, it was just getting to the best part!" cried Lucy.

"This is no time for the two of you to be watching television." Said Misty. "Aren't you two ever going to stop goofing off an actually start training?!"

"That's just what we WERE doing!" cried Ash.

"What we were watching was a video of Bruno, who happens to be a member of the region's Elite Four." Said Brock. "The reason we were watching him is so that we could try and learn the real secrets of Pokemon."

"What were those secrets again, Brock?" asked Lucy. Brock, Pikachu and Eevee stumbled in disbelief, and Misty sweat dropped.

"Wow, those secrets must be really secret if you don't even know what they are." She said.

"Regardless, studying tapes of strong trainers like Bruno is one way of getting inside information for our next battles." Lucy pointed out.

"The Elite Four must have discovered some secret of Pokemon, and that's what makes them such powerful trainers." Said Brock.

"And that's why I want him to teach me and Lucy the secret, so that both of us can be great trainers like him." Said Ash.

"Like that'll happen." Said Misty. "In case you forgot, you only get to fight him if you win the entire Pokemon League."

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Good point.'

"If we knew how to find him, I'm sure he'd train me and Lucy." Said Ash.

"I know how!" cried Delia. Everyone was in disbelief after hearing that.

"What do you mean you know how, Mrs. Ketchum?" asked Lucy.

"There's rumors that Bruno's secret training spot is somewhere on Mount Hideaway." Said Delia.

"Mount Hideaway?!" cried Lucy. "My dad and I went hiking there one time, and we never ran into Bruno."

"That's probably because you didn't look in the right spot, dear." Said Mrs. Ketchum.

"But this could be the one and only chance that Ash and Lucy have until after the Pokemon League to meet Bruno!" cried Brock.

"He's right." Said Ash. "Mom, don't bother making us dinner because we're going to Mount Hideaway!"

"Unbelievable!" cried Misty. The group was soon up on Mount Hideaway.

"Hey, guys! Looks like Mount Hideaway is only about seven or eight miles away from here." Said Misty. She jumped down to the rest of the group, who were all resting.

"Hurry up, let's get going." Said Misty.

"Maybe you're tired." Said Ash. "We could stop and rest for a while if you want to."

"I wouldn't mind that." Said Brock.

"Me neither." Said Lucy. "I need to take a breather."

"All right, let's find someplace for me to take a rest." Said Misty. The group soon arrived at a rest area near the mountain.

"I'm tired and hungry." Said Ash.

"I'm exhausted and starving." Said Brock.

"That's why you always stock up before going on a hike." Said Lucy.

"Well I'm just fine and dandy." Said Misty. The keeper of the rest area soon came out with some refreshments.

"Well, here we are." She said.

"Ma'am, have you heard anything about a Pokemon trainer named Bruno training somewhere on this mountain?" asked Ash.

"Trainer?" asked the woman.

"Yes." Said Misty.

"Could be." Answered the woman. "I heard tell of a trio wandering rascals convorting with Pokemon in these parts, and they could be the varmints that keep stealing my muskrat meatballs." The keeper soon noticed that her meatballs were gone.

"Those rascals!" cried the woman. "I can't figure…" It turned out that the group was eating the meatballs.

"These are pretty tasty!" cried Ash.

"Just the right amount of muskrat." Said Brock.

"How hungry do you have to be to eat muskrat meatballs?" asked Misty.

"If you're Ash, then you'd have to be quite hungry." Answered Lucy. The group and keeper soon heard a sound coming from behind the station.

"There they are! It's them again!" cried the woman. The group headed back out to find the thieves.

"Hey, look!" cried Ash. He spotted a trio of three walking away from the place where the keeper's alarm system was tripped, and they looked to be a very familiar trio indeed.

"Come on back here, you Poke-polecats!" the woman cried. "I'll teach you to move my victuals!"

"Those aren't polecats!" cried Lucy. The trio stopped, and their hair and the backs of their hairs revealed that the polecats were really Team Rocket.

"Prepare for trouble, whippersnapper!" yelled Jessie in an elderly voice.

"And make it double, young feller!" cried James in an elderly voice. Meowth held up a television remote.

"I think we can fast forward through this part." He said. He pressed a button on the remote control that completely fast forwarded through the Team Rocket motto.

"Okay!" cried Meowth. He then set the pace of the episode back to the regular pace.

"Meowth, that's right!"

"Exhausting." Said Jessie.

"I think I bit my tongue." Said James.

"Those lame disguises don't fool us!" cried Lucy. "What are you three up to this time?!"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but we're just trying to get back to the basics." Answered Jessie.

"Since we always seem to lose you twerps, we decided to seek Pok-enlightenment by living as poor hermits on this mountain." Added James.

"We didn't even bring any money or food." Said Jessie.

"True. We're living off the land as nature intended." Said James.

"Yeah, the land and this old lady's meat kabobs." Said Meowth.

"I'll teach you, you mangy moochers!" cried the woman. She smacked the bags of muskrat meatballs out of Team Rocket's hands and they fled.

"Let's beat it!" cried Meowth. The group was amazed.

"Who knew that an old lady could defend herself that well with a broom?" said Lucy.

"Eevee." Added Eevee, which meant 'Impressive.'

"You really showed them." said Misty. The old lady laughed.

"I reckon you young ones are heading up to the mountains, are ya?" she asked.

"Yes." Answered Ash.

"Then I reckon you'll run into some of the giant Onix up yonder." Said the old lady.

"There are giant Onix?!" cried Misty.

"Yep!" cried the old lady. "Grounds are good for growing around these parts, the Onix jump up like victual heads. Yep. We're famous here for our overgrown Onix."

"Fertile soil makes them grow larger." Said Brock.

"I thought Onix could only grow to be at least 28 feet and ten inches long." Said Lucy. "There's some Onix that are even bigger than that?!"

"They must be scary." Said Misty.

"Don't worry none, missy." Said the old lady. "Those Onix may be overgrown, but they're as gentle as can be." The group soon kept going up the mountain.

"We've been walking for hours, and we still haven't seen Bruno or a giant Onix." Said Brock. Ash then noticed something.

"Hey, look." He said.

"What is it?" asked Brock.

"If it's Bruno or a giant Onix, then that stops our hike." Said Lucy.

"See down there?" asked Ash. "It looks like there's some kind of road." The group soon investigated what Ash was talking about.

"This is no road." Said Brock. "I'd say this is some kind of track left by something really big." The ground began to shake.

"What's that sound?!" cried Misty.

"I have a bad feeling it's whatever made this track, and it's heading our way!" cried Lucy. The group immediately saw something heading toward them.

"Something's coming!" cried Ash. In the distance, they saw an Onix closing in on their location.

"Well, there's your giant Onix!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'It's huge!'

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'That's definitely bigger than your average Onix!'

"It's coming this way!" cried Misty.

"Run for it, before we get crushed!" cried Brock.

"Head for the Poke-hills!" cried Lucy. The group started running, but the Onix was still coming after them.

"I'd love to study what makes the Onix so big up here!" cried Brock.

"Maybe you can, if we survive!" cried Misty.

"Funny how a good Onix chase can give you a huge energy boost!" cried Lucy. They kept running as fast as they could, but no matter how fast they ran, the Onix was still behind them.

"It's gaining on us!" cried Ash.

"We're history!" cried Misty. The group soon heard a voice calling over to them.

"Over here!" cried the voice. They looked over and saw a familiar figure, and decided to take his advice, thus allowing the Onix to rampage on.

"That was a close one!" cried Ash.

"No kidding! We almost got squished!" cried Lucy.

"Are you all okay?" asked the voice.

"Yeah, we're fine." Said Brock. The group turned and saw who they were talking to. Ash, Brock and Lucy were at a loss for words.

"What's up with you three?" asked Misty.

"It's really him!" cried Brock. "Bruno of the Elite Four!" The group soon followed Bruno to his cave, though he wondered why they were following him.

"Is there a reason you're all following me?" he asked.

"Well…." Ash and Lucy started to answer, but Brock cut in.

"Please help them." said Brock. "My two friends here are both training for the Pokemon League competition."

"Brock's right." Said Lucy. "At least, we've been trying to train, but we keep getting sidetracked for different reasons. The competition's in three weeks, and with all the sidetracking that's happened, we've barely been able to train at all. At this point, we need all the help we can get."

"One of them does things without thinking and isn't too bright, while the other one is much smarter." Said Brock. "They're both serious about Pokemon, though, and could really use the extra help, sir." Brock turned to Ash and Lucy.

"Guys, ask him for his help." He said. Ash and Lucy got down on their knees.

"Please help us." They both said. Brock forced them lower.

"Come on, do it right!" he bellowed.

"Please, Bruno. We really need your help!" cried Lucy.

"Master Bruno, please help Ash and Lucy." Said Brock.

"We'll do anything." Said Ash.

"Are you guys willing to do everything that I tell you to do?" asked Bruno.

"Yes, sir!" cried Ash, Lucy and Brock.

"Everything!" cried Ash.

"That means we have to heed Bruno's instructions very carefully so that our minds and bodies will be ready to compete in the tournament, both mentally and physically." Said Lucy. The trainees soon headed to a river and filled up multiple buckets.

"What exactly does hauling water buckets have to do with Pokemon training?" said Misty.

"It had a lot to do with it!" cried Brock.

"This is a good example of putting our bodies through a test of strength." Added Lucy.

"Lucy's right." Said Brock. "Carrying these buckets of water is a perfect way to build up our physical strength."

"And Bruno says it's also great for developing inner balance and outer equilibrium!" cried Ash. He then tripped and the buckets spilled all over Misty.

"Guess I need to work on that equal-whatchamacallit." Said Ash.

"I think you mean your equilibrium, Ash." Said Lucy.

Later, the trainees were given another task.

"Next, we'll split some wood." Said Bruno.

"What's the meaning of splitting wood?" asked Ash.

"This is another physical strength test." Said Lucy. "They key point for this is to determine the best way to swing the axe and bring it down on the log so that it's evenly split."

"More than just that." Added Bruno. "Splitting wood develops a firm grip, and that's a firm foundation for any trainer."

"This should be useful." Said Misty. "Ash needs to learn to get a grip."

"I'm sorry, is that sarcasm I detect?" said Lucy. Ash soon tried his hand at chopping the logs.

"Be the one with the wood." Said Bruno. Lucy managed to chop the logs perfectly, but Ash wasn't as successful. He was able to chop his first log, but then one of the pieces hit Misty in the face.

"Ow!" she cried.

"Your head must've gotten in the way." Said Ash. The trainees were then given their next task.

"Next, you must carry these stones up this hill." Said Bruno.

"Okay." Said Ash.

"What lesson will this teach us, master Bruno?" asked Brock.

"If you can control the physical nature, then you can control your own inner nature as well." Said Bruno.

"That means we're testing our endurance." Said Lucy. "We have to see how many stones we can carry up the hill before collapsing from exhaustion." They soon got to work.

"I think I've got it!" cried Ash. But he started to lose his balance and ended up hopping toward Misty and followed her downhill as she cried out for help before getting hurt.

"Serves you right for putting Ash down all the time, Misty." Said Lucy.

Later, a stove made of stones was seen, with the stones being the ones that the trainees were carrying.

"Peel the bark off this twig." Said Bruno.

"Okay." Said Ash. "What's this for, Brock?"

"Something important." Answered Brock. "Must be some kind of lesson." While some food was being prepared for lunch, Ash and Lucy presented their peeled twigs to Bruno.

"Clean as a whistle, master Bruno." Lucy said proudly. "What lesson does that teach us?"

"It teaches precision and concentration." Answered Bruno. "It also teaches something important that you and your training partner should always remember. If you ever go camping, and you have to prepare lunch, bring a fork." Ash and Lucy were in disbelief over hearing that as Bruno split the twig to turn them into chopsticks for his lunch.

"That doesn't seem like such an important lesson." Said Ash.

"A lot of his lessons seem pretty phony to me." Said Misty. "Although Lucy keeps trying to add meaning to them."

"I can't believe you guys are doubting how great master Bruno is!" cried Brock. He picked up a stick.

"He's so perfectly trained that he'll sense my attack and react like lightning." Said Brock. But Bruno took the hit instead and didn't react before the stick hit him.

"Hey, that hurt." Said Bruno. He promptly fell over.

"Master?" said Brock. Bruno soon got back up.

"You want to know the secret of Pokemon?" he asked.

"Yes, sir!" cried Ash, Lucy and Brock.

"More than anything in the world!" cried Ash.

"There is no secret." Said Bruno. The group was in shock.

"You mean, you didn't come to Mount Hideaway so that you could keep the Pokemon secret a secret?" said Ash.

"The only reason I came up to this mountain was to try and catch the biggest and baddest of all the giant Onix that live up here." Said Bruno. "It's no secret that you have to capture and train the strongest Pokemon to become a strong Pokemon trainer like me." Everyone stumbled in disbelief, with Brock taking it the hardest.

"My image of Master Bruno has been shattered!" he cried. What the group didn't know was that Team Rocket was listening in on them.

"Did you just hear what I just heard?" asked Meowth.

"All we have to do is capture the biggest giant Onix we can find, and we'll be as strong as the Elite Four trainers!" cried Jessie.

"And we won't have to do any Pokemon training!" cried James. Team Rocket laughed in greedy glee. They soon went hunting for a giant Onix.

"This track was made by that Onix?" said James.

"Yeah. It must be humungous." Said Meowth. "The only way we could capture something that big is by total surprise."

"Don't you worry, we've got something Onixpected!" cried Jessie. She and James laughed, but Meowth sweat dropped.

"That joke is Onixceptable." Said Meowth. Team Rocket was soon in a big, rocky opening, waiting for an Onix to pop up.

"Now all we have to do is wait for that rocky reptile to show its petrified puss." Said Jessie. The ground soon started shaking, signalling that an Onix was about to surface.

"Stone cold!" cried James.

"Rock and roll!" cried Jessie. The giant Onix that had chased Ash's group soon showed up and shocked Team Rocket with its massive size.

"Let's forget it!" cried Meowth.

"We came here to bag an Onix, and that's just what we're going to do!" cried Jessie.

Meanwhile, Ash's group was leaving Bruno's campsite disappointed.

"Oh well. I guess Bruno didn't really have a big secret of Pokemon after all." said Ash.

"Pika." Sighed Pikachu, which meant 'That's too bad.'

"Maybe that's just what he tells all the trainers who want to find out what the secret is." Said Brock.

"Don't bet on it." Said Misty. A massive boom was soon heard.

"What was that?" asked Misty.

"It sounds like trouble!" cried Ash.

"And I have a feeling that I know who's behind it!" cried Lucy.

"Let's go!" cried Brock.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket fired their bazooka at Onix.

"We hit it!" cried Jessie.

"I've been shooting skeets since I was a tot." said James.

"Good aims, James!" cried Meowth. But the giant Onix was unaffected, and proceeded to pursue the now frightened Team Rocket trio.

"Head for that cave!" cried Meowth.

"Don't you know ladies always go first?!" cried Jessie.

"Etiquette, schmediquette!" cried James.

"It's every Meowth for himself!" cried Meowth. The giant Onix missed Team Rocket, but it started going crazy and tried to trap them in the cave as Ash's group arrived on the scene.

"Those voices!" cried Brock.

"It's Team Rocket!" cried Misty.

"I knew they had to have been behind this!" cried Lucy. "They must've made the giant Onix angry!"

"We have to help them!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Right on!'

"It's Onix versus Onix!" cried Brock. His own Onix materialized.

"Rock Pokemon are weak against water!" cried Misty. "Go, Staryu!" cried Misty. Her Staryu materialized.

"Two water Pokemon are much better than just one!" cried Ash. "Wartortle, I choose you!" His Wartortle materialized.

"I'll join the fight too!" cried Lucy. "Go, Wartortle!" Her own Wartortle materialized.

"Onix, Tackle attack!" cried Brock. His Onix charged, but the attack was useless against the much larger Onix.

"It's no use!" cried Brock. "That Onix is way too big!"

"That thing's got to be at least forty feet tall!" cried Lucy.

"Help us, please!" cried Jessie.

"Get us out of here!" cried James.

"Star you, try to weaken that Onix with your Water Gun attack, and hurry!" cried Misty. Staryu hit the mark, but Onix blocked the attack with its tail.

"Staryu can't do it alone!" cried Misty. "Maybe if both of your Wartortle helped!"

"Right!" cried Ash. "Okay, Wartortle, get ready!"

"Wartortle, get set!" cried Lucy.

"Water Gun attack!" they both cried. Staryu and both Wartortle attacked and hit the target.

"I think it's working!" cried Ash.

"Those three make a great team!" cried Misty. With the Onix writing in pain, Meowth saw the opportunity for Team Rocket to make their getaway.

"Jessie, James, now's our chance to run for it!" cried Meowth. But Jessie and James were no longer in the cave.

"We're way ahead of you, Meowth!" cried Jessie.

"Hold it! Where are you going?!" cried Meowth. "Wait for Meowth!"

Back at the battle, the giant Onix knocked back the three water Pokemon with its tail, and then it smacked Brock's Onix and sent Team Rocket into the air.

"I guess that's…" started Jessie.

"The end…" continued James.

"Of our tale!" finished Meowth.

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they cried.

Meanwhile, the battlers were all scattered around.

"I've seen a lot of Onix before, but I've never seen one that's as big and powerful as this one is!" cried Brock. The Onix looked at the group and rammed the wall of the ledge that they were standing on, but the impact caused Ash to roll down the ledge wall.

"Ash!" cried Brock, Misty and Lucy.

"Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Ash!'

"Ash, are you okay?" cried Lucy. Before Ash could answer her, the giant Onix stared at him until Pikachu came down to defend both of them.

"Pikachu, it's no use!" cried Ash. Pikachu tried to use an electrical attack, but the giant Onix simply shrugged it off.

"Pikachu, electric attacks don't work on ground Pokemon!" cried Ash. Pikachu tried to charge up another attack, but Ash stopped him.

"Pikachu, watch out!" cried Ash. The giant Onix dove its head toward them.

"They'll be crushed!" cried Lucy. But right at that very moment, Bruno jumped in and saved Ash and Pikachu.

"Are you okay?" asked Bruno. Ash and Pikachu realized that Bruno had saved them.

"You saved us!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Thank you!' Brock, Misty and Lucy soon rushed in.

"Look, they're all right!" cried Misty.

"Master Bruno!" cried Brock.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Is my Poke buddy all right?!'

"Pika!" Pikachu replied happily, which meant 'I'm just fine!'

"Recall your Pokemon, all of you." Said Bruno.

"Whatever you say!" cried Ash. "Wartortle, return!"

"Wartortle, you return too!" cried Lucy.

"Return, Staryu!" cried Misty.

"Onix, return!" cried Brock. All the Pokemon were recalled and off the battlefield.

"Master, are you going to use one of your fighting Pokemon now?" asked Brock.

"And what attack are you going to use?" asked Ash.

"Are you going to show us your secret?" asked Lucy.

"I will use no Pokemon whatsoever." Said Bruno. The group was confused. Bruno focused his energy and jumped down.

"Onix! Why are you acting this way?" asked Bruno. Onix charged forward.

"Look out!" the group cried.

"I have an idea!" cried Lucy. "Butterfree, stop Onix with your Psychic attack!" Her Butterfree materialized out of the Poke Ball that was thrown. Butterfree's eyes glowed blue and immobilized Onix with Psychic, which allowed Bruno to jump out of the way.

"Why are you attacking us?!" cried Bruno. Onix charged again and Bruno jumped once more following another attack.

"This looks bad!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Bruno!'

"I don't know why he's not using his Pokemon!" cried Brock. Onix charged, Bruno jumped, and he landed on the giant Onix's head. The giant rock snake tried to shake Bruno off, then tried attacking him, but missed and hit itself.

"The Onix is stunned." Said Lucy. "Butterfree, use Psychic to keep it still!" Butterfree did so as Bruno approached.

"Watch out, Master Bruno!" cried Brock.

"Please, be careful!" cried Ash.

"Look at that Onix!" cried Misty.

"It was writhing in pain before." Said Lucy. "And now Bruno's talking to it!"

"Onix. There's no reason to fear me." Said Bruno. "Now, please let me know what you're feeling." Bruno focused his energy, and found out that Onix was going berserk because it had gotten hurt. Bruno examined Onix's body and found something.

"What's this?" he asked. He reached for the object, but Onix squirmed in pain.

"Onix, this will only hurt for a moment." Said Bruno.

"Easy. It's okay." Said Lucy.

"Hitmonchan, I choose you!" cried Ash. Hitmonchan materialized.

"You're not going to use Hitmonchan to attack Onix even more, are you?" asked Lucy. Ash shook his head.

"Hitmonchan, I want you to try and calm Onix down." He said. Hitmonchan nodded and started rubbing Onix's back with his hands. As he did that, Bruno pulled out the reason why Onix had been attacking. A Sandslash had gotten stuck to its body.

"Slash! Sand!" cried Sandslash, which meant 'Thank you so much!'

"So you're what was troubling Onix the whole time!" cried Bruno.

"I didn't think we'd be seeing a Sandslash today." Said Lucy. She pulled out her Pokedex.

"Sandslash, the Mouse Pokemon. The evolved form of Sandshrew. It attacks opponents with the quills on its back."

"Those quills are like splinters to an Onix." Said Lucy. "No WONDER it went all crazy!" Bruno put the Sandslash down, and just as it started too run off, Lucy grabbed an empty Poke Ball from her bag.

"Poke Ball, go!" she cried. The ball hit Sandslash and sucked it inside. The ball wobbled a few times before pinging.

"I just got myself a Sandslash!" cried Lucy.

"Great catch, Lucy." Said Bruno. "As for you, Onix, you should be fine now."

"Roar!" cried Onix, which meant 'Thank you!'

"Hey Onix, you want to come along with me?" asked Ash. "I could use a big, tall Pokemon like you to help me out." The Onix looked carefully at Ash before nodding.

"All right." He said. Poke Ball, go!" He fired an empty Poke Ball at the giant Onix. It hit, absorbed Onix inside, and the whole ball went back to Ash's hand.

"You're mine now, Onix." Said Ash.

"Master Bruno!" cried Brock. "Somehow, you could feel that the Sandslash that Lucy just caught was hurting Onix. Please, tell us what your Pokemon secret is!"

"I already told you, Brock, there are no secrets." Said Bruno.

"Please tell us, Master Bruno." Said Ash. "We can keep a secret."

"Didn't you hear him, Ash?" said Lucy. "He just said that there aren't any secrets."

"Actually, there is." Said Bruno. "But I'll only tell it to you if you don't keep it." The group was confused.

"if there really is a secret to Pokemon, it's only this." Said Bruno. "Humans and Pokemon must live and work and share this world together. And they must care for each other. Just like with you two and your Pikachu and Eevee." Ash and Pikachu's eyes lit up, as did Lucy's and Eevee's.

"I look forward to the day where I face either of you in battle." Said Bruno.

"So do we." Said Lucy.

"Be well!" cried Bruno. He quickly disappeared.

"Bruno was the real deal after all!" cried Misty.

"And he knew the secret after all!" cried brock. Ash and Lucy laughed. And so, Ash and his friends learn a very special secret, from a very special trainer, as the Pokemon League competition moves one day closer.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was surrounded by a bunch of angry Onix.

"I think things are looking sort of rocky, don't you?" said Jessie.

"These Pokemon couldn't be boulder!" cried James.

"Maybe people take them for granite!" cried Meowth.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Onix

Egg

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Krabby, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Dragonair, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair

 

[MarkL1987]

Episode 76: The Ancient Puzzle Of Pokemonopolis

"Pikachu, Agility attack!" cried Ash. Pikachu sprinted forward.

"Then we'll use an Agility attack too!" cried Brock. "Vulpix, go!" Vulpix dash forward. Ash and brock were having a training match with each other that pitted Ash's Pikachu against Brock's Vulpix. Lucy was also having a training match, in which her Eevee was up against Misty's Staryu. With the Pokemon League competition drawing ever closer, Ash and Lucy are finally doing some serious training. But, their training is about to get off the track!

"Eevee, use your Take Down attack!" cried Lucy. Eevee charged, but Staryu jumped and dodged.

"Staryu, use your Water Gun!" cried Misty. Staryu launched its attack.

"Agility now, Eevee!" cried Lucy. Eevee dodged the Water Gun and ran circles around Staryu.

Over on Ash's side…..

"Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" cried Ash. Pikachu attacked, but Vulpix dodged and landed on a rock.

"Vulpix, Flamethrower attack!" cried Brock. Vulpix charged up for a Flamethrower, but Jigglypuff got in the way of both Vulpix and Pikachu, shocking everybody.

"Pikachu, hold it!" cried Ash.

"Vulpix, deflect it!" cried Brock. The two Pokemon aimed their attacks at the wall, and an explosion occurred, which caught the attention of some people nearby.

"Huh? What was that?" asked one person.

"I'm not sure." Said another. On the battlefield, the explosion from the combined attacks uncovered what looked to be an ancient temple.

"Wow, Pikachu, your attacks are getting pretty strong." Said Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which means 'I guess.'

"Your attacks are coming along nicely yourself, Eevee." Said Lucy.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Thank you!'

"It looks like we accidentally uncovered something." Said Misty. "But what?"

"Yeah." Replied Ash.

"Looks like some kind of temple or something." Said Brock. He moved one of the rocks and found something else.

"Hey! Look at this!" he cried.

"It looks sort of pretty." Said Misty.

"Yeah, pretty weird." Said Ash. "I wonder what it is."

"It looks like some sort of artifact." Said Lucy. Someone soon snatched the artifact out of brock's hands, much to the shock of the group.

"I finally found it!" cried a voice.

"You did?" said Ash and Misty.

"Excuse me, miss, but we were the ones who uncovered it, which means you have no right to take all the credit." Said Lucy.

"Professor! Look what I found!" cried a female voice. She gave the artifact to the professor.

"Well, you've done it again!" cried the professor. "Excellent work, Eve!"

"Uh, sir, I was the one who found whatever that is." Said Brock. "My friend and I were having a training battle, and…" But Eve interrupted him.

"Yes, thanks a lot. Couldn't have done it without you. Very helpful." She said. "This is the discovery we've been hoping for! I can hardly believe we found it!"

"But we found it." Said Misty.

"Glory hogs." Grumbled Lucy.

"Congratulations." Said the professor. "Your discovery proves your hypothesis beyond any doubt." The group was still trying to make themselves known since they were the ones who had found the artifact.

"I think we should move the camp here, and begin a major excavation of the temple and the surrounding area." The professor laughed.

"Just take a look." He said. Eve looked and saw that her supervisor had already done so.

"Professor, you've already done it." Said Eve.

"Beg pardon, miss." Said Lucy. Eve finally noticed the foursome that made up Ash's group.

"Oh, hello there." She said. "Can I help you?"

"It's not fair." Said Ash. "We found that first, so we should get the credit."

"Ma'am, my friends and I are actually the ones who uncovered this temple." Said Lucy. "It's because one of their Pokemon aimed an attack in an effort to avoid hitting a wild Pokemon that caused this temple to be uncovered.

"Oh, forgive me." Said Eve. "Please, tell me what happened." While Lucy explained, Team Rocket looked on from a distance.

"Looks like the twerp quartet is onto something." Said Jessie. "Something quite valuable at that."

"It could be a veritable vault of valuables!" cried James.

"And now it's our vault." Said Meowth. Back at the excavation site, the group was getting to know Eve.

"So, Eve, you're part of an expedition team?" asked Lucy.

"Eevee." Said Eevee, which meant 'Golly.'

"That's right." Eve answered. "These are some of our findings from our current expedition." She showed Lucy various statues.

"Pretty interesting." Said Lucy. Ash, on the other hand, was using a cloth to gently rub the egg he had gotten not too long ago.

"You know, this statue looks like a Psyduck." Said Ash.

"I remember reading about a hidden city where the people built temples to honor Pokemon." Said Misty.

"If they built a temple to honor Psyduck, they weren't hidden." Said Brock. "They were lost."

"Says the person that's gotten us lost zillions of times already during our journey!" countered Misty.

"Pika." Sighed Pikachu, which meant 'Oh brother.'

"I remember reading about that same city during a history class in school once." Said Lucy.

"What was the name of this city?" asked Ash.

"I think it was called Pokemonopolis." Answered Misty. "And it got destroyed and then totally disappeared."

"Cities don't just disappear regardless of how ancient they are." Said Lucy.

"The people who lived there believed that Pokemon were symbols of nature's power." Said brock. "At least, that's how the legend goes. Hey, maybe Pokemonopolis was here!"

"We may have discovered the first positive proof of the real Pokemonopolis!" cried Eve. "It's a real find!" A voice was soon heard.

"Doctor! Look here!" cried the professor. He showed Eve a spoon that had the same color and pattern as the relic the group had found.

"The same material as the other relic." Said Eve. "Where was it?"

"Right near the original one." Answered the professor.

"The great two powers of destruction." Said Eve. "These relics might be a key."

"The key to what?" asked Ash.

"How can a spoon be a key?" wondered Lucy.

"And how come you called Eve doctor?" asked Misty. "She's way too young to be a real doctor."

"By age six, Eve was already an expert in ancient Pokemopolitan civilization." Said the professor. "Her research revolutionized the field! She got her PHD at age eight!"

"She must be a super brain!" cried Ash, Lucy, Brock and Misty.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Genius!' The professor laughed.

"When Eve was nine, she wrote her best selling book on her new theories on Pokemop….." said the professor. Before he could finish, however, Eve moved him out of the tent.

"Okay, that's enough about me, Professor." Said Eve. "You've got work to do!"

"Yes, doctor!" cried the professor. The group was still baffled by Eve's accomplishments.

"Doctor." Said Brock.

"Already." Said Ash.

"When I was eight, I used to be afraid of doctors." Said Misty.

"Please, t's no big deal." Said Eve. "And it's not like I had perfect grades or anything. I got an A minus once." As she started to make the spoon in her hand move, the relic reacted to it, although Pikachu was the only one who noticed.

"What's the matter, Pikachu?" asked Ash.

"Pi. Pikachu." Answered Pikachu, which meant 'I don't know.' Eve brought out a stone tablet.

"Here, look at this stone tablet that I discovered." She said.

"What does that writing say, Eve?" asked Misty.

"Is it about Pokemonopolis?" asked Lucy.

"It says beware the two great powers of destruction." Eve read. "The shadow of the dark device will grapple with the prisoner of the unearthly urn. The sacred city will be no more, as day is swallowed up by night. Darker still for when they return to lay waste to the world. But no human knows the secret to sooth the powers and guide them back to the shadow world."

"Oh, I get it." Said Ash.

"No he doesn't." thought Lucy.

"Well, I don't and I'm trying to figure it out." Said Eve. "It's one of the toughest mysteries that I've ever had to solve." The group was amazed, but their look changed to one of shock and surprise when Brock jumped in.

"Eve, what are we waiting for?" he cried. "Let's both start digging and solve that mystery!" He rushed out with excavation tools in his hand.

"Brock must love mysteries." Said Eve. The group chuckled sheepishly.

"He loves something." Said Ash.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was watching the action.

"I'd sure love to have lived in an ancient city that built temples to honor the great Pokemon." Said Meowth. He got on top of Jessie and James' heads.

"Bow down, humans, and obey!" he cried. Jessie and James squished Meowth with their feet.

Later on that night, as the group lay sleeping, the relic glowed and the spoon began to move. Outside, Team Rocket made their move.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all peoples within our nation.

"To denounce the evils of truth and love.

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie.

"James."

"Shh!" Meowth whispered. "Let's swipe all their swag and scram."

"Let's sneak into their camper and grab all their ancient relics." Said James.

"Those little trinkets aren't worth the effort." Said Jessie. "The really big stuff must be hidden deep within that temple, and I know just how to get it." She got out a Poke Ball and tossed it toward the temple.

"Go, Arbok." She said. Arbok materialized.

"Arbok, burrow into that temple and bring back the most valuable treasure you can find." Said Jessie. Arbok started burrowing as Jessie laughed in triumph.

"Well, very soon, we'll all be filthy rich." Jessie said to James. "What wastefully extravagant things will you do with your share?"

"Well, first I'll pay the boss all the money that I owe him." Said James.

"What?! That's the most ridiculous idea I ever heard!" cried Jessie. "Don't you know that with all that money, you won't have to do the decent things?!"

"If the treasure's large enough, I can make myself the boss." Said James. "The big enchilada!"

"The top female!" cried Jessie.

"The king quesadilla!" cried James.

"It's a shame they're so power hungry." Said Meowth.

"The grand guacamole!" cried Jessie.

"The number one nacho!" cried James. A rumbling was soon felt, and Arbok shot out of the rock wall.

"Aha! Here's Arbok!" cried Jessie. Three black spheres were seen in Arbok's mouth.

"Wasn't there anything glitzier?" asked James.

"It sure looks mighty measly." Said Meowth.

"You mean that's the most valuable treasure you could find?" asked Jessie. The spheres began to glow, and the glow enveloped Arbok and the spheres absorbed it, much to Team Rocket's shock. In the camper, the artifacts appeared to react to the one that Arbok had found, which was revealed to be an invisible creature, as evidenced by the footprints it was making, which proceeded to freeze Team Rocket as they were trying to run.

"We're not moving!" cried Jessie.

"I'm catatonic!" cried Meowth. The creature walked towards Team Rocket, and the next morning, the group saw Team Rocket's handiwork.

"Eve, look!" cried Brock.

"Giant footprints!" cried Eve. "And they're coming from the temple!" They all saw the relic that had absorbed Team Rocket.

"This must be the dark device that's mentioned in the tablet!" cried the professor.

"Let's analyze it in the camper." Said Eve.

"Right." Said the professor. When he picked up the dark device, though, he got absorbed into it, much to the shock of everyone who was looking on. The device showed the professor, Arbok and Team Rocket trapped within.

"Team Rocket?!" cried Ash.

"How in the world did they get in there?!" cried Lucy.

"Run! Hurry!" cried Eve. Everyone ran for their lives, but the creature of the dark device froze some of the workers.

"I can't move!" one of them cried. The group rushed inside the camper as the creature absorbed the workers to their horror as the watched from inside. They soon noticed other artifacts floating around, however.

"Those artifacts must be haunted!" cried Lucy. The very thought of that made her go pale. Outside, the creature took a visible and physical form. But inside….

"What's happening? Where are we?" cried Jessie.

"Somehow, we've been transported inside the dark device." Said the professor. "Fascinating."

"I'd rather be at Miami Beach." Said Jessie. Lucy saw a shadow forming from the creature.

"Look!" she cried. The creature's visible form was revealed to be that of a Pokemon.

"Hey, look!" cried Brock. "It's a giant Gengar!"

"How could a Gengar get to be so humungous?!" cried Misty.

"Misty's right! It can't be a Gengar!" cried Ash. "The last Gengar that I saw wasn't even as big as me." The giant Gengar caused the clouds to gather and block the sunlight.

"And it didn't have those weird markings on it, either." Added Ash. He got out his Pokedex.

"Gengar, a Shadow Pokemon. The evolved form of Haunter. Details about this Pokemon are unknown."

"Details…..unknown?" Ash repeated.

"This must be what the tablet meant." Said Eve. "The shadow of the dark device."

"Maybe so, but it's still a ghost type, and I HATE ghost Pokemon!" cried Lucy. Outside, the Gengar became much bigger, and the effects were seen by Professor Oak, Krabby, Muk and all of Ash and Lucy's other Pokemon that were at the lab.

"Looks like a storm." Said Oak. The giant Gengar started to walk through the woods as the group followed it.

"Gengar's going somewhere!" cried Eve.

"Probably to the nearest sign of civilization!" cried Lucy.

"You're right." Said Misty. "It's probably going to head straight for the next town just to wreck it!"

"But that's Pallet Town!" cried Lucy.

"We've got to stop it!" cried Ash.

"It's too powerful!" cried Eve.

"The nearest town is me and Lucy's hometown." Said Ash.

"But you two won't be able to stop it!" cried Eve.

"Maybe you're right, but we have to do something!" cried Lucy. "Come on, Eevee, let's move it!"

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Right!'

"Let's go, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'On it!'

"Ash, Lucy, I'm coming with you!" cried Misty.

"I'll go with them." said Brock. "You go back to the camper and try to figure out this mystery before it's too late!" As the group ran off, the two artifacts in the camper continued to glow, move and levitate. The giant Gengar toppled trees with each step it took. It even snapped the power lines when it walked through them.

"I can handle this!" cried Brock. He grabbed a Poke Ball and tossed it. "Onix, go!" Onix materialized.

"Hurry, Onix!" cried Brock. "Go underground and block that Gengar!" Onix burrowed underground as Ash got out a Poke Ball of his own.

"Pidgeotto, I choose you!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto materialized. Lucy grabbed one of her own Poke Balls.

"Butterfree, go!" cried Lucy. Her pink Butterfree materialized.

"Pidgeotto, Gust attack!" cried Ash.

"Butterfree, use your own Gust attack too!" cried Lucy. The two flying types attacked but the giant Gengar was unaffected. With glowing red eyes, the Pokemon stopped and got absorbed into the dark device and joined the others inside.

"No!" cried Ash and Lucy.

Inside the device….

"It's getting crowded in here!" cried James.

"Can't you battle better than that?!" cried Jessie. "Especially you two bumbling bird brains! I don't want to be stuck in this stomach forever!"

"Free!" cried Butterfree, which meant 'Hey, watch it!' The giant Gengar marched on to Pallet Town, but Onix popped up and intercepted him.

"Onix, use your Bind attack!" cried Brock. Onix wrapped itself around Gengar's leg, but got absorbed.

"No!" cried Brock.

"I don't think any Pokemon can stop that!" cried Misty.

"We have to stop it somehow!" cried Ash.

"But how?" cried Lucy. The giant Gengar gazed at the group, which forced them to retreat, while the artifact Brock had found continued to glow. The group reached the camper, where inside, Eve was levitating with the artifacts.

"Eve!" cried Brock. Ash, Misty and Lucy stopped him from running into the levitation field.

"No!" cried Misty.

"You can't take that risk!" cried Lucy.

"You'll get caught in the spell, just like her!" cried Ash.

"We can't let Eve get swallowed up too!" cried Brock.

"We'll think of some way to save her!" cried Ash.

"Let me go!" cried Brock. "I've got to save Eve!"

"It's not worth getting trapped over!" cried Lucy. As the group spoke, the glass dome covering up the artifact Brock had found shattered, and the spoon that was found later inserted into the slot on it, which emitted a glow and flew off, while the group was outside the camper with Eve, who was now free.

"Are you okay?" asked Brock.

"What happened? I can't remember a thing." Said Eve.

"Look!" cried Lucy. The combined artifacts formed another giant Pokemon.

"That's definitely not an Abra!" cried Lucy.

"Is it a Kadabra?" asked Ash.

"No, that's an Alakazam!" cried Brock.

"Don't you mean Alacolossal?!" cried Misty. Lucy got out her Pokedex.

"Alakazam, a Psi Pokemon. This Pokemon uses psychic attacks to overcome its opponents."

"They say that an Alakazam has an IQ of over five thousand, which makes it one of the smartest, if not THE smartest Pokemon in the whole world!" cried Lucy.

"Attacks must be a hundred times stronger from the super sized Alakazam!" cried Ash. Alakazam attacked, but Gengar sidestepped and a strange object formed when it impacted the ledge. Alakazam tried again, but Gengar sidestepped again.

"What are those?!" cried Misty.

"I don't know, and I'm not so sure we want to find out." Said Brock. Gengar tried to use a Lick attack on Alakazam, but Alakazam teleported behind Gengar mid attack and used an attack of his own. But Gengar retaliated, though Alakazam blocked and attacked again while Gengar countered while Eve's narrated translation of the tablet is heard.

"Beware of the two great powers of destruction." Said her recorded voice. "The shadow of the dark device will grapple with the prisoner of the unearthly urn. The sacred city will be no more, and day swallowed up by night. Darker still for when they return to lay waste to the world." Eve then realized what the tablet meant.

"Now I understand!" she cried. "These two creatures destroyed the city of Pokemonopolis and now they're going to destroy us!"

"We have to stop them!" cried Ash.

"But HOW?!" cried Lucy.

"How could we possibly stop them if the Pokemopolitans couldn't?" cried Misty.

"I'm sorry. This is all my fault." Sighed Eve. "I never should've tried to solve the mystery of Pokemonopolis!"

"Don't blame yourself, Eve!" cried Brock. "Archaeologists are supposed to solve mysteries!"

"He's right." Said Brock. "You didn't know this would happen."

"Yeah, I say it's the ancient Pokemopolitans' fault for making their stupid tablet so hard to figure out!" cried Ash.

"We can figure out who's responsible for the blame later." Said Lucy. "Those two are about to grapple!" Sure enough, Gengar and Alakazam began to grapple. Lucy and Ash took out a Poke Ball.

"You're both going to try catching them!?" cried Misty.

"They may be ancient and powerful, but they're still Pokemon." Said Ash. He aimed his Poke Ball at Gengar, and Lucy aimed hers at Alakazam.

"Poke Ball, go!" they cried. They threw their Poke Balls at the giant Pokemon. The two Pokemon heard and noticed the Poke Balls coming toward them, and used their powers to destroy both Poke Balls, which shocked the group.

"They DESTROYED both of the Poke Balls!" cried Lucy.

"Ash, Lucy, I want to save your home town too, but these Pokemon are way too powerful for us to handle!" cried Brock. "Maybe we better get help!"

"No human could possibly stop those things!" cried Lucy.

Meanwhile, Pikachu and Eevee headed for the river that both of the giant Pokemon were standing in while the two giants froze the group in place.

"My body's frozen!" cried Brock.

"Mine too!" cried Misty.

"We can't move!" cried Lucy. The giants soon turned their attention to the group as Pikachu and Eevee checked on their friends.

"Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Ash!'

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Lucy!'

"Pikachu and Eevee escaped the spell!" cried Ash.

"Quick, both of you jump into that water!" cried Lucy.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'On it!' Pikachu and Eevee jumped into the river.

"Use your Thunder Shock, and hurry!" cried Ash. Eevee swam out of the way to avoid being electrocuted. Pikachu's attack hit the giants, which freed the frozen heroes, and struck those trapped inside the dark device.

"Nice going, Pikachu!" cried Ash. The two giant Pokemon went on the attack and launched attacks all over the place. One of the attacks destroyed the camper.

"They're throwing attacks everywhere!" cried Lucy.

"We can't give up now!" cried Ash.

"But Ash, the tablet states that nobody knows the secret to stopping these creatures from destroying everything!" cried Eve.

"Eve's right, Ash!" cried Misty. Lucy spotted something.

"Look over there!" she cried. It turned out to be Jigglypuff, who got sent down the ledge from one of the giant Gengar's attacks.

"It's Jigglypuff!" cried Lucy.

"Maybe Jigglypuff can knock them out!" cried Misty.

"It could be a heavyweight knockout!" cried Brock. As the two giants continued to grapple, Jigglypuff got on a cliff and prepared to sing while the group was a far distance away. Lucy looked through some binoculars.

"Okay, Jigglypuff, if this works, you'll be Pallet Town's favorite vocalist." She said. Jigglypuff began to sing, and inside the device, Team Rocket applauded.

"That's the most beautiful music I've ever heard!" cried Jessie.

"Yeah! Encore! Encore!" cried Meowth. The music had no effect on the giants, but the stone bell at the top of the temple reacted to Jigglypuff singing as Team Rocket got drowsy.

"How come they're not getting sleepy?" yawned Meowth.

"Maybe Jigglypuff isn't loud enough." Answered James.

"I'd love to talk more, but I need my beauty sleep." Said Jessie. Team Rocket finally fell asleep, but Gengar pushed Alakazam back, which sent Jigglypuff flying away Team Rocket style. As for the glowing bell, it levitated while the group looked on in disappointment that their plan had failed.

"Jigglypuff's just too small." Said Ash. Pikachu and Eevee noticed something.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Guys!'

"What is it, Eevee?" asked Lucy. The group noticed the same thing Pikachu and Eevee had noticed.

"What's happening now?" cried Lucy. From the bell, a giant Jigglypuff appeared.

"What's that?!" cried Ash.

"Some Pokemon!" cried Eve. The group couldn't believe their eyes.

"It's a giant Jigglypuff!" cried Lucy.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Oh my.' The giant Jigglypuff took the bell on its head and used it as a microphone to sing to the other giant Pokemon, but it ended up hurting everyone's ears before putting them all to sleep.

"That's the secret that sooths the powers of destruction." Said Eve.

"I'm feeling kind of soothed myself." Said Brock.

"Me too." Added ash.

"Me three." Said Misty.

"Me four." Added Lucy. All of them fell asleep due to the powerful song, and even the storm clouds went away. But the giant Jigglypuff noticed that its audience had fallen asleep. Just like the regular Jigglypuff, it scribbled on the faces of everyone that had fallen asleep on it. This time, it used a paintbrush instead of a marker.

Later, as the sun was setting, the group woke up as Eve realized something.

"Wake up!" cried Eve.

"Where's the Jiggly-giant?" asked Lucy. "That thing has some serious pipes." Everyone that had been trapped in the dark device was freed, both human and Pokemon.

"Hey!" cried Ash.

"Pidgeotto!" cried Pidgeotto, which meant 'It feels good to be out of there!'

"Free!" cried Butterfree, which meant 'I'm glad to be back!'

"What a nightmare!" cried James.

"But it's over now!" cried Meowth. Team Rocket started crying tears of joy.

"We survived!" cried Jessie and James.

"Welcome back, Team Rocket." said Ash.

"It's them!" cried James.

"We'll let you off easy this time, twerps, but next time you won't be so lucky!" cried Jessie.

"Listen, we didn't even know you guys were trapped in there until we saw the dark device ourselves." Said Lucy. "On top of that, you never challenged us to a battle! Not like it would've mattered anyway since we would've beaten you like we always do."

"Whatever, you goody-good!" cried Jessie.

"Let's go!" cried James. Team Rocket ran off.

"Team Rocket's dashing off again!" they cried.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'So long, losers!'

"That takes care of them!" cried Lucy.

"Pi!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'And how!'

"But what happened to Gengar and Alakazam?" asked Misty.

"Returned to the Shadow World again, I guess." Answered Eve.

"This is awesome." Said Brock. "Eve, maybe a giant Jigglypuff was the protector of Pokemopolitan civilization!"

"If you're right, Brock, then it's also possible that these relics were actually the first primitive Poke Balls!" cried Eve.

"Whoa! Really?" cried Ash.

"That would explain why they materialized from them." said Lucy.

"That'll be the next mystery I try to tackle." Said Eve. She picked up the urn. "And, this could be the key that unlocks all the secrets of Pokemonopolis!" And so, the journey of discovering is just beginning. Who knows what new mystery will turn up? Of course, there's still the bigger mystery of all to solve. Will Ash and Lucy ever get around to training?

(Our episode ends with a montage of Ash and Lucy training as hard as possible with the remaining time they have before having to leave for the league. During the process, Ash and Lucy both managed to catch a normal Gengar and Alakazam respectively. Let's hope that what work they have put in will be enough)

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Onix

Egg

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Krabby, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Dragonair, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan, Gengar

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair

 

[MarkL1987]

Episode 78: All Fired Up!

Our heroes have finally reached the Indigo Plateau, home of the renowned Pokemon League. Ash and Lucy are approaching the competition with dignity and quiet concentration.

"This is it, Ash!" cried Lucy. "We finally made it to our dream!"

"All the hard work we've put in the last several months finally paid off, and now we're here!" cried Ash. "I can hardly believe it!" The two of them started celebrating.

"Are you two going crazy already?!" cried Misty.

"The answer is yes." Answered Brock.

"Come on, making it here should be worth celebrating." Said Lucy. Their celebrating ultimately upset Togepi.

"Now look at what you've done!" cried Misty. "Oh, it's all right, Togepi."

"I guess Ash and I were being a little loud." Said Lucy. "Sorry, Togepi." The infant stopped crying and smiled.

"Sorry, Misty, but we just can't help ourselves." Said Ash. "Whenever Lucy and I think of competing in the Pokemon League, we feel like we're going to explode!"

"You can explode at the opening ceremonies tomorrow." Said Brock.

"Yeah!" cried Ash.

"Pokemon league title, here we come!" cried Lucy.

"Those two are starting to scare me." Said Misty.

"Hey, you and Brock would feel the same way as me and Ash if the two of you were allowed to enter the league." Added Lucy. Brock and Misty just stood back and watched the excited pair of best friends.

"The excitement's really getting to them." said Brock.

"I've never seen them this confident." Said Misty.

"They may be confident now, but just wait until they get a good look at the competition." Said Brock.

"What are you both waiting for?" cried Lucy.

"It's almost time!" cried Ash. The group soon reached the town outside the stadium where the competition was being held and saw crowds lining up the streets.

"What's this?" asked Misty.

"Maybe they're here to cheer me on." Said Ash.

"More like cheering on both of us, since we're the ones competing in the Pokemon League." Said Lucy. The crowd soon started to cheer.

"Hi, everybody. Thanks a lot for coming out to see me and Lucy." Said Ash.

"If you want our autographs, we'll be more than happy to…" said Lucy, but Brock interrupted her by clearing his throat firmly.

"Ash, Lucy, where are your manners?!" he cried. "That warm welcome from this crowd of people isn't for either of you!"

"It isn't?!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"No!" cried Brock. The crowd ran past them to greet someone else.

"Then who was it for?" asked Lucy.

"It was for him!" cried a random citizen. He pointed out a jogger carrying a torch to the Pokemon League stadium with a Hitmonchan at his side and Officer Jenny riding behind and escorting another vehicle.

"That's the torch." Said Brock.

"The torch?" cried Ash.

"They use it to light the flame that burns during the entire Pokemon league competition." Said Misty.

"Just like at the Olympics!" cried Lucy.

"Exactly." Said Brock. "And just like Olympic athletes, the flame is supposed to inspire all the trainers and Pokemon who compete in the Pokemon League. Being one of the torch bearers is a huge honor."

"There's a legends that says the flame comes from way back in ancient times from the flames of Moltres." Added Misty.

"What's a Moltres?" asked Ash.

"He seriously doesn't know about Moltres, or any of the other legendary birds for that matter?!" cried Lucy. Ash got his Pokedex out.

"Moltres, a Legendary Pokemon. Its virtues symbolize the Pokemon league competitions." Ash started visualizing Moltres in his head.

"They say that with every flap of Moltres' wings, embers shed from it, which creates a brilliant flash of flames." Said Lucy.

"If that flame really is lit from the flame of Moltres, then it's more than just a legend." Said Ash. "Moltres has to be real."

"And I suppose either you or Lucy want to catch one." Said Misty.

"Yeah, either of us will catch one and train it, just like….." said Ash.

"Just like how you train Charizard?" said Misty. Ash stumbled in disbelief.

"Misty! Ex-nay on the arizard-chay." Said Lucy. Ash quickly got to his feet.

"But before I try and catch Moltres, I'm going to carry that torch first!" he cried.

"Wait a second! You never signed up to do that!" cried Lucy. Ash, as usual, ignored her and came up to the torch bearer, cheering him on in the process.

"Okay, I'll take it from here." Said Ash. However, Officer Jenny blew the whistle on him.

"Only approved competitors are allowed to carry that flame." She said.

"Officer Jenny, don't you know me? Or even Lucy?" asked Ash.

"No, I'm afraid I don't." said Jenny.

"We know your cousins, though." Said Lucy.

"You might not know us, but we sure know you." Said brock. "Or the other Officer Jennies, like Lucy said."

"Well, looks like your friend is causing trouble." Said Jenny.

"You mean Ash?" said Brock. "He's harmless, just like Lucy. He just gets a little carried away sometimes."

"I'm sorry, but only competitors are allowed to carry that torch." Said Jenny.

"But Lucy and I are competitors." Said Ash. The two of them showed their badges as proof.

"And he wasn't causing any trouble." Added Lucy.

"Please, I just want to carry that torch." Said Ash. "I can even have Lucy, Misty and Brock run alongside me."

"The rule is that you have to be approved." Said Jenny.

"Well, I say we bend the rules this once and give the lad a chance!" cried a male voice. The group spotted an old man on top of the vehicle that Jenny was escorting.

"President Goodshow?" said Jenny.

"As you know, the Pokemon League competition is all about spirit, and it sounds like this younger has a lot of spirit in him." Said Goodshow.

"Is that Santa Claus?" cried Ash. Goodshow fell in disbelief.

"No, you idiot!" cried Lucy. "His beard may look like Santa's, but that's President Goodshow!" Jenny helped Goodshow back to his feet.

"May I present President Charles Goodshow, the president of the Pokemon League torch committee." She said.

"My friends call me Charlie." Said Goodshow.

"You sure don't look like a president, sir." Said Misty.

"What difference does it make what he looks like?" said Ash.

"It's what one does, not what one looks like, that's important." Said Goodshow. "And I see that you, son, are a door. A door to boundless possibility. This whole competition is about spirit, and we could use a spirited young man like you to help deliver this noble flame to Indigo Stadium. What do you say?"

"It'd be an honor, sir." Said Ash.

"Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Yeah!'

"Mind if I run alongside him?" asked Lucy. She pointed to Brock and Misty. "Those two there can help carry the flame as well." The flame soon passed into another torch that was being held by Ash.

"Pikachu. Lucy. Eevee. We're pretty lucky, aren't we?" said Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'We are!'

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'We're very lucky!'

"Just think. This flame came from a Moltres and it stands for the whole spirit of the Pokemon League." Said Lucy.

"Now it's up to us to keep it safe." Said Ash.

"It sounds like you understand the importance of your responsibility." Said Goodshow.

"Yeah." Said Ash.

"We all do." Said Lucy.

"Then, off we go!" cried Goodshow.

"Right!" cried Ash. Soon, everyone clapped as Ash, Lucy, Brock, and Misty ran together toward the stadium.

"Thanks, everybody!" cried Ash. "Thanks a lot!"

"Let this be a memory that will last a lifetime for us." Said Lucy. Up above the clouds, Team Rocket stalked.

"Hey, look there!" cried Meowth.

"Now the twerp has the torch." Said Jessie. "And his twerp friends are his running mates."

"That really burns me up." said James.

"If we can filch that flame, we'll steal the spotlight for ourselves!" cried Meowth.

"That's a hot idea." Said Jessie.

"And we can steal lots of Pokemon too!" cried James.

"All right, let's go!" cried Jessie. Down below, the runners continued out of town and into a wooded area outside the stadium.

"I sure hope nobody tries to get the jump on us as we're running." Said Misty.

"Don't worry, Misty, nobody's going to get the drop on us." Said Lucy. Ash soon heard something.

"Pikachu, guys, you hear something?" said Ash.

"Pika." Answered Pikachu, which meant 'I do.'

"I hear it too." Said Brock.

"We can all hear it." Said Lucy.

"Sounds bad." Said Misty. It was soon revealed that the ground underneath the group was starting to crack, and it gave way under Officer Jenny, Goodshow, and the group ended up in a giant pit as the dust cleared.

"Help, guys, get us out!" cried Misty.

"How did this happen?" asked Ash.

"I have to words to explain that." Answered Lucy. Team Rocket soon made themselves known.

"Yoo-hoo!" cried James. The group looked up.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

"Jessie!"

"James!" team Rocket jumped down to the surface.

"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth, that's right!" Meowth dove toward Ash and scratched his face, which made Ash toss the torch in pain.

"Look, the torch!" cried Brock.

"He's a regular flamethrower!" cried Meowth. He caught the torch. After doing so, however, he accidentally set himself on fire, which made him toss the torch away, and Pikachu caught it.

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'I got it!' Jessie and James, on the other hand, were running away from Meowth, who was still on fire.

"Get away, you fiery feline!" cried Jessie.

"A flaming fur ball!" cried James.

"Help me out! Put me out!" cried Meowth.

"Victreebell, go!" cried James. Victreebell materialized and covered Meowth with its mouth. This, however, caused the grass type to also catch fire too. Jessie and James ran away as Meowth chased after them with Victreebell still on him.

"I'm probably going to regret this." Said Ash. "Wartortle, I choose you!" Wartortle materialized.

"Wartortle, use your Water Gun!" cried Ash. Wartortle's attack put the fire out.

"That was very refreshing." Said Meowth. Jessie furiously got back up.

"Listen, you two, just because you and your squirt toy saved our lives doesn't mean we can't mean!" cried Jessie.

"We're taking that flame-o, lame-o!" cried James.

"No you're not!" cried Ash.

"Not on your lives!" cried Lucy.

"Oh, yes, we are." Said Jessie. "I'm sure that the famous flame from the mysterious Moltres will bring a very pretty price."

"We can make a fortune from the blaze that plays." Said James.

"Forget it! That blaze stays with us!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'That's right!'

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Hands off!'

"Don't make us play rough, kiddies!" cried Jessie.

"Pikachu, give it to me!" cried James. He dashed for Pikachu.

"Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Ash!' Pikachu tossed the flame up and shocked James.

"I got it!" cried Ash.

"Children shouldn't be playing with fire!" cried Jessie.

"Speak for yourselves!" cried Lucy. They managed to get their hands on the torch.

"Let go of it!" cried Jessie.

"Not on your life!" cried Ash.

"After all, we're the heroes of this show, which means WE'RE supposed to win!" cried Lucy.

"This flame stands for everything that's good about the Pokemon League!" cried Ash. "And we're not about to let you, or anybody else, steal it!" Wartortle jumped onto Jessie's back and pulled her mouth back to help his friends.

"Meowth, help!" cried Jessie. Meowth jumped onto Ash.

"You and your friend are taking this torch thing way too serious, kid." Said Meowth. "Come on, lighten up!"

"Lighten up! That's funny!" cried Lucy. She and Ash burst out laughing, which allowed Jessie to take the torch.

"Well, you tried, kids." She said. "But you can't hold a candle to me." She grabbed a rope that led up to the balloon.

"Come back!" cried Ash.

"You thieves!" cried Lucy.

"Fire, away!" cried James.

"Fire away! That's a good one!" cried Meowth. The group watched hopelessly as Team Rocket got away.

"Pika." Sighed Pikachu, which meant 'They escaped.'

"Vee." Said Eevee, which meant 'Not good!'

"Wartortle." Added Wartortle, which meant 'Blast it.'

"Those crooks have disgraced the Pokemon League and everything that it stands for." Said Lucy.

"It's gone." Sighed Ash, who slumped to his knees. "I failed." Goodshow popped up, having ridden on Brock's back.

"Don't worry, guys." Said Goodshow.

"They can't be too far." Said Jenny. "We'll track them down." Goodshow approached Ash and his friends.

"Ash. You and your friend Lucy demonstrated great bravery and I'm very proud of you both." Said Goodshow. "The flame will live on."

"But what about the competition?" asked Lucy.

"Let me show you." Said Goodshow. He unzipped his jacket and revealed a lantern with a Moltres flame inside, which shocked the group.

"Is that a lantern?" said Ash.

"I always keep an extra flame from Moltres tucked away so I could relight the torch if it goes out." Said Goodshow. "The Pokemon League is very close to my heart, so I keep this flame close to my heart too, just as a little insurance policy." Lucy chuckled.

"What's so funny?" asked Ash.

"Sorry. It's just that the flame Team Rocket took is bound to go out on them and they won't even know about the extra flame." Answered Lucy. "I'd love to see the looks on their faces right now!"

Meanwhile, Team Rocket realized what Lucy had been talking about.

"Look! The flame's going out!" cried Jessie. "Somebody do something, quick!"

"Meowth, you better fix this!" cried James.

"You must've broke it." Said Meowth. He spotted a dial on the underside. "See? All you have to do is turn it up a little bit." He turned up the dial, but the flame got bigger and burned Team Rocket before going out completely.

"Too much. Right?" said Meowth.

"The Moltres flame is burned out." Said Jessie.

"So are we." Added James. Jessie and James fell over.

"Our dreams are up in smoke." Said Meowth. He fell over himself and let out a smoke puff. Officer Jenny and her motorcycle were being pulled out of the pit, and Ash lit the spare torch.

"Wow! It looks good as new." Said Misty.

"Are you ready, guys?" asked Goodshow.

"Ready!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"Good. Then it's off to the Pokemon League." Said Goodshow.

"Let's get running." Said Lucy. The run continued with the Pokemon theme song being played in the background, while the foursome took turns running with the torch until they finally reached Indigo Stadium.

"There it is!" cried Misty.

"The site where me or Ash will be Pokemon League champion!" cried Lucy.

"The stadium sure looks great, mister President." Said Ash.

"Yes, Ash." Said Goodshow. "It's empty now, but tomorrow, it will be filled to capacity for the opening ceremonies of the Pokemon League competition!" Everyone soon started cheering as the group arrived.

"Thank you! Thank you, everybody!" cried Brock. "We finally made it!" Brock handed the torch to President Goodshow.

"I present you with the flame of Moltres." Said Brock.

"Thank you." Said Goodshow. "I trust you'll all be at the opening ceremony tomorrow?"

"Yes!" cried the foursome.

"You can count on it." Said Lucy.

"Jolly good show!" cried Goodshow.

Later that evening, the group reached the Pokemon League Village, the place where all trainers competing in the tournament would be living for the duration of the event.

"Wow! The Pokemon League Village!" cried Brock.

"This is great!" cried Ash. "It's where all the trainers stay during the competition." A familiar voice was soon heard.

"Late as usual, aren't you, guys?!" cried Gary.

"That sounds a lot like Gary!" cried Lucy.

"Ash, Lucy, I hope tomorrow is a lucky day for either of you because luck is exactly what you're going to need." Said Gary.

"You don't know what you're talking about, Gary!" cried Ash. "Neither me nor Lucy need luck to win! We're both great Pokemon trainers!"

"Unless you both study with other trainers, your chances aren't so great." Said Gary.

"Says who?!" cried Lucy.

"Every real trainer says you have to study the competition to win the Pokemon League." Said Gary. "Let's go, girls. If I stay here much longer, I might end up catching loser-it is or rookie syndrome and miss the competition. See ya!" He gave a laugh as he left.

That night, the group was sleeping in cabin twelve. At least, Brock and Misty were asleep, as were Pikachu, Eevee, Togepi and Little Pikachu. But Ash and Lucy were lying in bed wide awake and thinking about the competition and about the past several hours.

"Gary's wrong." Whispered Ash. "One of us is going to win that competition."

"Darn straight we are." Said Lucy. She and Ash got out of bed and walked out the door, which semi-woke Misty and Brock.

"I think they're both scared." She said.

"No. They're just nervously determined." Said Brock. President Goodshow was standing at the stadium and looking down on and around the battlefield when he spotted Ash and Lucy.

"What if I'm not ready?" thought Ash. "What if Lucy isn't ready? What if we're not good?"

"They've got the spirit." Said Goodshow.

"Either of us will win, Lucy." Said Ash.

"You're right, Ash." Said Lucy. "As long as we do the very best we can."

The next day, the opening ceremony was underway.

"The opening ceremonies of the Pokemon League competition are officially underway!" cried the announcer. "This is where the top Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon come to prove their strength, their skill, and their spirit! These hopeful competitors will battle one another as they strive for excellence and victory! The victory they will need to enter the ranks of the Pokemon Master! And here they come!" All the trainers came out before the audience.

"The competitors are proudly entering the stadium, each having proven their worthiness by earning a minimum of eight gym badges!" cried the announcer.

"Wow! This is exciting!" cried Misty.

"I can't wait to see Ash and Lucy." Said Brock.

"There! They just came in!" cried Misty.

"There's Pikachu and Eevee!" cried Brock. Ash and Lucy came in, but Ash was looking nervous.

"They both look kind of nervous." Said Misty.

"Gary doesn't." said Brock. All the trainers were standing before the torch where the Moltres flame was due to burn.

"And now, the trainer bearing the flame of Moltres has entered for the official lighting of the central torch which will burn throughout the Pokemon League competition!" cried the announcer.

"The central torch? Where is that?" asked Misty.

"At the top of those steps." Said Goodshow. Brock and Misty looked and saw the central torch. Then, as the trainer with the torch reached the top, two characters wearing Greek costumes appeared.

"This is a surprise!" cried the announcer. "It appears that two robed figures representing the league are about to accept the flame." But the figures turned out to be Team Rocket.

"I'll be taking that torch, little girl." Said Jessie. Ash and Lucy raced to the top of the stairs to try and stop the plot.

"Wait!" cried Ash.

"Don't let them get that flame!" cried Lucy. "While the trainer was distracted, Jessie snatched the torch.

"Too late, kids!" she cried. Team Rocket revealed themselves.

"It's Team Rocket!" cried Misty.

"You crooks are at it again?!" cried Lucy.

"Do you three have to ruin everything?" cried Ash.

"Just because the three of you are villains, it doesn't mean you're the star of the show!" cried Lucy.

"Maybe not everything, and maybe we aren't the stars because we're the villains, but we try to do what we can." Said Meowth.

"Cool it, kids." Said Jessie. "There's no reason to get fired up over an old flame!"

"We'll see about that!" cried Ash.

"Get them!" cried Lucy. She and Ash rushed for them.

"Weezing, Smog attack!" cried James. Weezing materialized and blinded the group as Team Rocket went up to the central torch.

"If you thought stealing the flame was hot, wait until you see what else we've got." Said Jessie. She lit the torch, but as the smog cleared, Ash and Lucy spotted Team Rocket's newest robot.

"Why settle for a flimsy little flame?" said James. "Right, Jessie?"

"Right! Let's live large!" cried Jessie.

"Yeah, and let's put the heat on those twerps." Said Meowth.

"They'll feel the heat, all right, when we pour on the firepower." Said James. The robot took the central torch and out it on its back.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the central torch has just been stolen by a giant, mechanical monster!" cried the announcer.

"Without the flame of Moltres, we can't start the competition!" cried Goodshow. "This is awful!"

"I say we get this bucket of bolts moving and start scooping up as many Pokemon as we can!" cried Meowth.

"There's no backseat driving allowed in here, Meowth!" cried James. "Hold on! Here we go!" The robot jumped down to the battlefield below, which made the Pokemon League participants panic and run.

"Let the games begin!" cried James.

"We've got to stop them!" cried Lucy.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack, now!" cried Ash. The attack landed, but had no effect.

"It's no use!" cried Ash. "It's not working!"

"Run for it!" cried Lucy. The group evaded the robot while team Rocket laughed at Pikachu's failed attempt.

"Our shock proofing gave that rancid, little rat a power failure!" cried James.

"Ivysaur, I choose you!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur materialized.

"Razor Leaf attack!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur launched the attack, but Team Rocket's robot burned the leaves with the central torch.

"Oh no!" cried Lucy. "They're using as both a defensive AND an offensive weapon!"

"That Ivysaur's leaves made our bonfire bigger!" cried James. The robot back everyone into a corner against the wall.

"Ash and Lucy are trapped!" cried Misty.

"Run for it!" cried Brock.

"We're not running!" cried Ash. "Not from here!"

"We came here so we could compete in the Pokemon League, and now you're trying to wreck this competition and everything it stands for!" cried Lucy. "Well, we're not going to let you do it! So take your best shot, Team Rocket!" Team Rocket fired.

"Look out, you two!" cried Misty. But inside the flames, Ash and Lucy failed to turn to cinders.

"How are we?..." said Lucy.

"We're okay!" cried Ash. Even Team Rocket was shocked.

"What happened?" asked Meowth.

"Those two should've been burned to a crisp." Said Jessie. The flames soon formed a Pokemon, which was the legendary Moltres. Ash and Lucy couldn't believe their eyes.

"Moltres!" they cried.

"Moltres is back!" cried Goodshow. "In a beautiful blaze of glory!" Just then, the real Moltres zoomed in.

"No way!" cried Lucy. "Another Moltres! Tell me I'm dreaming!"

"No, this is real." Said Ash. Both of the Moltres divebombed towards Team Rocket.

"I think our plan….." said Jessie.

"Backfired!" cried James. Team Rocket panicked as the two Moltres raced toward the robot and destroyed it, which sent Team Rocket flying.

"We're blasting off again!" they cried. The central torch returned to its position and Moltres landed in it to light it up. The other Moltres hovered in the sky and watched the rest of the proceedings.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the opening ceremonies will now continue." Said the announcer. "Here is President Goodshow to greet our competitors."

"Welcome, one and all." said Goodshow. "This stadium is a very special place, a place where those who truly love Pokemon come to compete. Here, the glow from the flame of Moltres burns bright to light up their hearts and their spirits. Battle valiantly, and keep that fire alive, both in your hearts and in your spirits!" The real Moltres then looked at Ash.

"I wonder what that Moltres wants." He said. Moltres let out a roar and motioned for him to take out a Poke Ball.

"No way! You want me to capture you!" cried Ash.

"What?!" cried Gary. "A legendary Pokemon actually allowing Ash to capture it! No way! That's not possible!"

"Oh trust me, it is." Said Goodshow. "Moltres has determined that Ash is very trustworthy, especially after he defended the flame from Team Rocket."

"If that's what you want, Moltres, then I'll be glad to have you!" cried Ash. "Poke Ball, go!" He tossed his Poke Ball and Moltres got sucked inside. The ball went back to Ash and pinged immediately.

"I caught Moltres!" cried Ash.

"I still can't believe that." Muttered Gary.

"Congratulations, young lad." Said Goodshow. "Now, trainers, you are all here because you've proven yourselves worth of being in this competition. The badges you all worked hard to win also tell part of the story. The Boulder Badge shows that you have rock hard determination. The Cascade Badge shows that you fluidity in your battling skills. The Thunder Badge shows that you have speed in both your mind and your body. The Marsh Badge shows your mental abilities. The Rainbow Badge represents your kindness and sportsmanship. The Soul Badge represents the soul you have to get all the way to the top. The Volcano Badge represents your passion, the very passion of a red hot fire like the flame that burns before me. And finally, the Earth Badge represents your strength and ability to overcome any obstacle before you. Remember those virtues as you compete here. With that said, I wish you all the best of luck. LET THE POKEMON LEAGUE BEGIN!" Everyone cheered louder than before.

"We finally made it to the Pokemon League, Pikachu." Said Ash.

"Let's give it our all, Eevee." Said Lucy. Ash and Lucy may have finally made it, but will they discover that they're out of their league? Who knows? But they've got to be in it to win it.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Onix

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Krabby, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Dragonair, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan, Gengar, Moltres

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair

 

[MarkL1987]

Episode 79: Round One: Begin!

Last time, Team Rocket tried to steal the central flame of the Pokemon League. Although Ash and Lucy battled bravely, the situation seemed hopeless. But then, Moltres appeared and destroyed the robot that Team Rocket had used. Now, with the central flame burning brightly atop Indigo Stadium, trainers from around the world are ready to compete in the Pokemon League tournament.

In Pallet Town, Delia, Zack, Mimey, Professor Oak and all the supporters for both Ash and Lucy were watching the competition on television at Oak's lab.

"Welcome, Pokemon fans, to our live coverage of the Pokemon League competition." Said the television broadcaster. "Right now, the trainers are about to learn where they will be competing in their first round battles and who their first round opponents will be." As the broadcaster spoke, the camera zoomed in on Ash and his group.

"Look, there's Ash!" cried Delia. "Hi!"

"I see Lucy right beside him!" cried Zack. "Go get 'em, pumpkin!" At the competition, Ash and Lucy were registering at one of the desks.

"Welcome to the Pokemon Village." Said the receptionist. "I'll need your identification so I can check both of you in, please." Brock got in the way.

"Ash and Lucy can check in while I check out your beautiful smile." He said. "I could check that out all day." Misty then pushed Brock aside.

"It's check out time for you, Brock." She said.

"You'll have to excuse him, miss." Said Lucy. "He's a friend of ours." She and Ash handed the receptionist their Pokedexes.

"Is this your first time competing in the Pokemon League?" the receptionist asked.

"Yes." Answered Ash.

"And one of us is going to win!" cried Lucy.

"My goodness, one of you is certainly confident." The receptionist chuckled. She put their Pokedexes into a machine one at a time, entered the information from them into a computer and returned them.

"Well, that's it. You two are all checked in." she said.

"Thank you." Said Ash.

"Thanks." Said Lucy.

"Uh, miss, who are we battling in the Indigo Stadium?" asked Ash.

"Yeah, I'd kind of like to know that myself." Added Lucy.

"Hold it, you two." Said Brock. "You don't just start out at the Indigo Stadium right away."

"What do you mean?" asked Ash.

"Well, how do we start out?" asked Lucy.

"Here at the Indigo Plateau, there are four different types of battlefields. Rock, grass, water and ice." Said Brock. "You have to win your matches on all four of those fields before you can battle at the Indigo Stadium. Isn't that right?"

"How did you know about that, Brock?" asked Ash.

"Because I studied the Pokemon League Trainer's Book!" answered Brock. He held up a copy of the book he was talking about. "This is the source for everything that every trainer needs to know about the Pokemon League. Right, miss?" The receptionist sweat dropped.

"That's right." She said. Misty shoved brock away again.

"What fields do we have to battle on first?" asked Lucy.

"All you have to do is press this button right here." Answered the receptionist. "Wherever the light stops is where your first match will take place. Good luck, you two." Ash pressed the button first, and the light landed on the blue square.

"Hey, that's the water field!" cried Misty.

"All right!" cried Ash.

"Your turn now, Lucy." Said the receptionist. Lucy pressed the button next, and for her, the light landed on the green square.

"Looks like I have the grass field." Said Lucy.

"The water and grass fields it is." Said the receptionist. "Now the system will select your opponents." Soon Ash came up, as did his opponent.

"I guess that's the guy I'm going to beat." Said Ash.

"His name's Mandi." Said the receptionist. "You're the third match. Now let's find out Lucy's opponent." Lucy's picture came up next, along with a picture of her opponent.

"Who is that?" asked Lucy.

"That's Billy." Answered the receptionist. "Now, Lucy, your match begins at noon. And Ash, you be ready for your match by one. Good luck to you both."

"Thanks." Said Ash and Lucy.

Outside, Team Rocket was at it again, but as a news crew this time.

"Sir, you're on TV." Said Jessie.

"Who, me?" asked a trainer.

"I bet you're a trainer in this Pokemon League competition." Said Jessie. "Please, tell our viewers about your rare and valuable Pokemon."

"My Pokemon are all winners." Said the trainer. "I've got a Dodrio, a Raticate and a Venomoth."

"Oh, great." Groaned Jessie. "A three-headed bird, an overgrown rat, and Bugzilla." Team Rocket walked away in disappointment, as they knew they had failed.

"There's got to be some chump we can jump for some halfway decent Pokemon here." Said James. Meowth spotted something.

"Hey, how about him?" he suggested. It turned out to be Ash's opponent, Mandi, who was doing some magic tricks for a crowd of people.

"I like that guy's style." Said James.

"I like those Pidgey." Said Meowth. Team Rocket approached Mandi.

"Are you a Pokemon trainer?" asked Jessie.

"You must not be a very good news reporter." Answered Mandi. "Or else you would know that I am Mandi the astounding, and I'm the biggest news around.

"And the biggest…" started Jessie, but James stopped her from saying anything insulting.

"Don't blow our cover." Said James.

"So, what network are you from?" asked Mandi.

"We're from LCN." Said Jessie.

"Letters that fit us to a tee!" cried James.

"LCN?" asked Mandi.

"Lovely Charming Network." Answered Team Rocket.

"The name was all my idea." Said Jessie. "I thought it captures the essence of me."

"That may be, but Mandi the astounding only appears on networks that actually have viewers." Said Mandi. "Buh-bye." He walked away from Team Rocket.

"Well, is that so, magic boy?!" cried Jessie. "Come back here and I'll make your teeth disappear. I bet a lot of viewers would like to see that!"

"Wait, Jessie!" cried Meowth. "If you blow our cover, they'll bounce us out of here and we'll never get any Pokemon!"

"You've got to hold your temper, or else people will start to get suspicious." Said James. "So act like you're a TV reporter, not a radio talk show host!"

"You're right." Said Jessie. "Besides, it would be a crime for this face to end up on radio."

"You scare me." Said Meowth. On the grass field, Lucy was about to begin her battle with Billy.

"Now we await to see which Pokemon our two trainers will use to begin this match." Said the announcer.

"Kangaskhan, I choose you!" cried Lucy. Her Kangaskhan materialized.

"Sandslash, on the double!" cried Billy. Sandslash materialized.

"And this first battle pits Lucy's Kangaskhan against Billy's Sandslash!" cried the announcer. The referee raised both flags.

"Let the match begin!" he cried.

"Let's get rolling right away, Kangaskhan." Said Lucy. "Use your Mega Punch!" Kangaskhan unleashed her Mega Punch directly on Sandslash.

"Unbelievable! Sandslash took that Mega Punch right on the chin!" cried the announcer.

"We're not going to take that sitting down." Said Billy. "Sandslash, live up to your name and use your Slash attack!" Sandslash charged.

"Dodge, and use Mega Kick!" cried Lucy. Kangaskhan sidestepped the oncoming attack, and then nailed Sandslash with a devastating kick.

"Amazing!" cried the announcer. "Despite Sandslash's superior speed, Kangaskhan stops the attack and retaliates with a Mega Kick!"

"Use Poison Sting!" cried Billy.

"Dodge, and stop that thing with your Bite attack!" cried Lucy. Kangaskhan avoided Poison Sting, and used Bite to grab Sandslash's claw.

"Now, give it a Seismic Toss!" cried Lucy. Kangaskhan threw Sandslash up into the sky.

"Sandslash is completely powerless against Kangaskhan's Bite attack!" cried the announcer. "And that following toss isn't helping its' case one bit!"

"Once it comes down, use Headbutt!" cried Lucy. The moment Sandslash fell towards Kangaskhan, it banged it with headbutt, which made Sandslash slam into a wall. I then toppled to the ground and showed swirly eyes.

"Sandslash is unable to battle! Kangaskhan is the winner!" cried the referee.

"All right!" cried Lucy. The board showed Billy's Sandslash blacked out.

"Lucy is off to a great start." Said the announcer. "She's brought Billy down to two Pokemon, and now we wait to see what he brings out next.

"Here's number two." Said Billy. "Go, Wigglytuff!" Wigglytuff materialized.

"And Billy has chosen a Wigglytuff!" cried the announcer. "What Pokemon will Lucy use next? Will she stick with Kangaskhan, or will she go with something different?"

"Kangaskhan, return!" cried Lucy. Kangaskhan returned to its Poke Ball.

"I've got a big surprise in store for this crowd." Said Lucy. She grabbed a second Poke ball and threw it.

"Let's go!" she cried. To everyone's astonishment, Chansey materialized.

"What a surprising choice, folks." Said the announcer. "Lucy substitutes her Kangaskhan to reveal her second Pokemon, a Chansey."

"Wigglytuff, use your Double Slap." Said Billy. Wigglytuff charged forward.

"Counter with your own Double Slap!" cried Lucy. The attacks collided, creating a stalemate.

"The two attacks collide, and it's a draw." Said the announcer.

"Use your Take Down attack!" cried Billy. Wigglytuff charged and struck Chansey, but did very little damage to it.

"Wigglytuff strikes back with a take Down, but it appears to have little effect." Said the announcer.

"Heal yourself with Soft-Boiled!" cried Lucy. Chansey made some eggs appear and the energy from them healed Chansey.

"Chansey heals itself with Soft Boiled." Said the announcer. "That could buy it some time."

"Use Mega Punch!" cried Billy. Wigglytuff got ready to punch.

"Use Counter!" cried Lucy. Chansey countered the punch and sent it back at Wigglytuff, doing massive damage.

"Body Slam it!" cried Billy. Lucy smirked.

"Big mistake, Billy." Said Lucy. "Chansey, Seismic Toss time!" Chansey grabbed Wigglytuff and circled it around the air and slammed Wigglytuff down hard.

"Good grief, what a thunderous thud!" cried the announcer.

"Wigglytuff is unable to continue! Chansey is the winner!" cried the referee.

"Two in a row!" cried Lucy. Billy's Wigglytuff blacked out on the board.

"Wigglytuff, return." Said Billy. Wigglytuff was recalled to its Poke Ball.

"That Chansey's something." Said Billy. He grabbed his last Poke Ball. "It's down to my last Pokemon. Go, Venusaur!" Venusaur materialized.

"And Billy's final Pokemon is Venusaur!" cried the announcer.

"Chansey, return!" cried Lucy. Chansey was recalled to its Poke Ball.

"And once again, it appears that Lucy is going to be switching Pokemon." Said the announcer. "What could be her plan against a strong Venusaur?" Lucy got out another Poke Ball.

"Arcanine, I choose you!" she cried. Arcanine materialized.

"Lucy's final Pokemon of choice is an Arcanine!" cried the announcer.

"Begin!" cried the referee.

"Venusaur, use your Razor Leaf!" cried Billy.

"Arcanine, use your Flamethrower attack!" cried Lucy. Flamethrower completely evaporated Razor Leaf.

"No surprise there, that Razor Leaf was completely incinerated by Arcanine's Flamethrower attack." Said the announcer.

"Dragon Rage attack!" cried Lucy. The attack hit.

"Retaliate with Vine Whip!" cried Billy. The vines came out and headed for Arcanine.

"Oh no you don't." said Lucy. "Arcanine, grab those vines!" Arcanine stomped on the vines with its paws.

"Impossible!" cried the announcer. "Arcanine stops the Vine Whip attack by grabbing both of the vines, and now Venusaur is completely immobilized!"

"It stopped the Vine Whip?!" cried Billy.

"Do it, Arcanine!" cried Lucy. "Fire Blast it, now!" Arcanine launched a fire ball, which turned into the shape of a star, which hit the vines and set them on fire. The now burning vines were sent into Venusaur, completely engulfing it and making it fall backwards.

"A close range Fire Blast deals a tremendous blow and turns the tables on Venusaur." Said the announcer.

"Not again!" cried Billy. Once the dust had settled, Venusaur was completely charred and swirly eyed due to the damage it had taken, showing it to be knocked out.

"Venusaur is unable to battle. Arcanine wins!" cried the referee. "The winner of this match is Lucy Peters!" Venusaur blacked out on the board, indicating the end of the match.

"There you have it!" cried the announcer. "A clean sweep for Lucy as she defeats Billy without losing a single Pokemon!" Arcanine and Lucy fist bumped each other in celebration of their win.

"Ash's match is going to be starting soon." Said Lucy. "I better go find him so I can watch him and cheer him on."

Later, Ash and company were discussing his strategy for his opening match.

"Ash, do you want to use some of my water Pokemon for your first battle?" asked Misty.

"What would I need those for?" Ash answered. "I have Wartortle."

"Wartortle's great, but you don't want to have just one water Pokemon. You need variety." Said Misty. "Trust me, Ash. Water battles are my specialty."

"She has a point, Ash." Said Lucy. "And whoever you decided to use, you better choose quickly. Your match starts any minute."

"Thanks for the offer, Misty." Said Ash. "And you do have a point, Lucy. But if you can win without losing a single Pokemon, then I think I'll be fine. Wartortle and I can handle this ourselves." Soon, the voice of Gary Oak was heard.

"Hi-ya, Ash!" he cried. "So, you're on the water field first. I'm sure you saw Lucy wipe out some Billy kid in her first match on the grass field without losing a single Pokemon."

"Yeah, I'm on the water field for my first match." Said Ash. "And I did see Lucy's battle. How about you?"

"I'm on the ice field first." Gary answered. "Well, I really hope you win your first battle, Ashy boy. I would just feel terrible if you lost. Same goes for Lucy."

"Oh, yeah? And why is that?" cried Ash.

"Because I want the pleasure of beating you both myself." Answered Gary. "Then you'll both see what a real Pokemon master looks like."

"Save your words of war for when you're actually on the field, Gary!" cried Lucy.

"Oh my, look at the time. It's getting late. Time for my first victory!" cried Gary. "Gotta run, Ashy boy. I think Pallet Town deserves at least one trainer who isn't a complete and total embarrassment!" He laughed and walked away.

"I'll show him!" cried Ash.

"Now I hope one of us does face Gary so we can put him in his place." Said Lucy. An announcement soon came on the PA system.

"Paging trainer Ash Ketchum. Paging trainer Ash Ketchum. Please go to the nearest courtesy phone for an important call."

"For me?" Ash wondered.

"It could be your mom wishing you luck." Said Lucy. "Let's find out." The group reached a phone inside the Pokemon Center and found that it was Professor Oak calling.

"Hi there, Ash." Said Oak. "And hello to you too, Lucy."

"Professor oak, is something wrong?" asked Ash.

"Hi, Professor." Said Lucy.

"Everything's fine, Ash." Answered Oak. "I was thinking you might want to swap out one of your Pokemon."

"What for?" asked Ash.

"So you can use different Pokemon." Answered Oak. "Lucy thought of that when she considered what Pokemon would help her out the most in the tournament. In fact, Gary just traded two of his Pokemon to get ready for his first battle." Ash's Krabby entered the picture.

"Hey! Krabby would be perfect for a water battle!" cried Ash.

"Not to mention that Misty said earlier how having a variety of Pokemon can help." Said Lucy. "And Krabby are naturally adapted for being near water."

"Krabby doesn't look too shabby." Said Oak.

"Professor, could you send Krabby over right away?" asked Ash.

"Can do, Ash." Said Oak. Then to Krabby, he said "This should really cheer you up, Krabby." Krabby happily agreed with him.

"This'll just take a moment." Said Oak. "But first off, I think you have a full team of six on you right now, don't you, Ash?"

"He does." Answered Lucy.

"Then you'll have to send someone to me to make room." Said Oak. Ash grabbed the Poke Ball containing his Onix, and both Poke Balls were put on the transfer machine. While Oak got the transfer ready, Delia came onto the screen.

"Honey? You look thin. Are you eating all right?" she asked.

"Mom? You're there?" Ash cried.

"Professor Oak invited a bunch of us over here." Delia answered. "We saw you, Lucy, Brock and Misty on television in the opening ceremonies. Everyone in the neighborhood is rooting for you and Lucy, sweetie." A bunch of Pallet residents were shown cheering Ash and Lucy on.

"That's really great." Said Ash. "Can they put down those signs, please?"

Meanwhile, Professor Oak had finished prepping the transfer machine.

"All set. Now to begin the transport and transfer." He said. The transport activated, and Onix was sent to oak, while Krabby was sent to Ash.

"Here comes Krabby!" cried Ash. Krabby's Poke Ball appeared in front of him.

"It's here, professor. The Poke Ball's here!" cried Ash.

"Good luck." Said Oak.

"And just remember to brush your teeth, go to bed early, and make sure to wear clean you-know-what every day." Said Delia.

"Mom, I'll do everything you say!" cried Ash.

"Like Lucy before you, we'll be watching and cheering." Said Delia. "Good luck in your match, honey! Oh, and congratulations on your first win, Lucy!"

"Thanks, Mrs. Ketchum!" answered Lucy. Soon, Ash was holding Krabby's Poke Ball in his hand.

"With both Wartortle and Krabby, this match should be pretty easy." He said. The group then met Ash's opponent.

"You mean easy for me." Said Mandi. "I am the astounding Mandi. I am your opponent."

"I'm Ash. It's very nice to meet you." Said Ash. He tried shaking Mandi's hand, but was unsuccessful due to mandi performing some slight of hand magic tricks.

"I'm sorry, but my hands are for Poke Balls, not for people." Said Mandi.

"I wouldn't hurt to shake before your Pokemon match." Said Misty.

"That's an unfortunate word." Said Mandi. "I'm afraid your eager little friend here will be no match for me. Lovely meeting you." Mandi proceeded to walk away.

"He's charming." Said Misty.

"He just doesn't know what he's talking about, Ash." Said Brock.

"He just talked himself into the toughest match he's ever had." Said Ash.

"Pika." Agreed Pikachu, which meant 'Oh yeah.'

Later, the group was eating before Ash's match.

"Ash, are you sure you want to use Krabby?" asked Misty.

"Yeah, why?" replied Ash.

"Well, Krabby's barely done any battling." Misty answered. "I still think it'd be a good idea to use water Pokemon that actually have some experience."

"Well that's your opinion." Said Ash.

"She brings up a good point." Said Lucy. "Other than that water type tournament we had a while ago, Krabby hasn't battled at all. I just hope that both it and Wartortle can hold up against whatever Pokemon that Mandi guy may have up his magical sleeve."

"Ash, I'm only trying to help you win your match." Said Misty.

"I think Misty's right, Ash." Said Brock. "You only get to use three Pokemon per battle, and you have to pick the right ones. A lot of matches are decided before they even start, when trainers pick the right or wrong Pokemon to battle with."

"You could be right." Said Ash.

"If I may make a suggestion of my own." Added Lucy. "Since you're going to be on a water field, it might be a good idea to have Pikachu as backup just in case Mandi brings out a water type Pokemon of his own."

"In the end, it's still your decision." Said Brock.

"We just want you to win, Ash." Said Misty.

"We all do." Added Lucy. "But it's your battle, so you should pick what you think is best."

"I know. Thanks, guys." Said Ash. On the TV screen, it was shown that Gary had won his first match.

"We're live here on the ice field where Gary Oak has just scored an impressive victory." Said the TV reporter. "Gary, how are you feeling after your first win?"

"Well, naturally, winning your first battle is always important." Gary answered. "Of course, in every Pokemon match, there has to be a winner and there has to be a loser. And there's at least two trainers I know that are real losers." Ash got a look of determination in his eyes, which Lucy noticed.

"Those are fighting words, Gary!" she cried. "Just wait until one of us faces you!"

Meanwhile, a battle was in progress on the water field.

"Right now, on the water field, the second battle is nearing a possible end!" cried the announcer. "The green trainer is using a Seaking while the red trainer is using a Tentacruel. But if the red trainer loses Tentacruel, then this match will be over." The Tentacruel used Hydro Pump, but the Seaking retaliated with Horn Drill, which struck and knocked Tentacruel out.

"Tentacruel is out of the match! The winner is Seaking!" cried the referee. The trainer and his Pokemon celebrated as the crowd cheered them on.

"What a finish!" cried the announcer. "Seaking's Horn Drill sank any chance of a Tentacruel comeback, and the green trainer is the winner!" Ash was bracing for his own battle.

"We're up next, Pikachu." Said Ash.

"Ash, you're shaking." Said Misty.

"That's not me, it's the stadium that's shaking." Said Ash.

"They're not even THAT loud." Said Lucy. The door soon opened.

"Good luck, buddy." Said Lucy.

"Ready, Pikachu?" said Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Always!' Both competitors were soon in position and ready to rumble.

"And now, the start of the third battle on the water field!" cried the announcer. "On the green side is newcomer Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town! On the red side, a Pokemon League favorite, the astounding Mandi! Ketchum is accompanied by his coaches and best friend as he faces one of the most popular Pokemon trainers, known for his exciting battle style!" Team Rocket saw what was going on.

"It's him!" cried Meowth.

"Yeah." Said James. In Pallet, everyone was watching.

"Each trainer is allowed only three Pokemon. Now, let the battle begin!" cried the announcer. The bell rang to signal the start of the match.

"It's showtime. Now Ash, watch me work my magic!" cried Mandi.

"I have some tricks of my own!" cried Ash. "I'm not just some twerp!" Jessie soon caught Ash's attention.

"Hey, twerp!" cried Jessie.

"That voice!" cried Ash. The voice was coming from the announcer's box.

Listen up, kid! We're on your side this time!" cried Jessie. "So you better dump that skunk!"

"Use some spunk and leave him sunk!" cried James.

"Team Rocket!" cried Misty.

"And they're cheering for Ash!" cried Brock.

"Who would've ever thunk that we'd be rooting for that little punk?" said Meowth. A group of Officer Jennies soon showed up and escorted Team Rocket out.

"How did you three get back in here anyway?" asked Jenny number one.

"Come on, you're going right back outside." Said Jenny number two.

"You're under arrest for trespassing!" cried Jenny number three.

"We know who you really are, Team Rocket!" cried Jenny number four.

"I want my lawyer!" cried Jessie.

"I want my mommy!" cried James.

"How'd they even see through my disguise?!" cried Meowth.

"Looks like Team Rocket's being carted off again!" they cried.

"Those guys never change." Said Ash.

"Neither does Brock." Said Misty.

"Awesome. Those were some of my top favorite Officer Jennies." Said Brock.

"You mean you can tell them apart?" said Misty.

"Of course I can!" cried Brock. "Jenny from Viridian City wears her skirt shorter than the other Jennies! The Celadon City Jenny uses styling gel in her luxurious hair! Saffron City's Jenny wears exotic Vileplume Number Five perfume! Then there's the vivacious Vermillion City Jenny!" Misty pushed Brock away.

"All right, we've heard enough. Let's get on with the show." She said.

"Please excuse the interruption." Said the announcer. "Now let the battle begin!"

"Go, Exeggutor!" cried Mandi. Exeggutor materialized.

"I choose you, Krabby!" cried Ash. Krabby materialized.

"Mandi is starting with Exeggutor, while Ash is commencing with Krabby!" cried the announcer.

"Don't use Krabby." Said Misty. "It's barely battled."

"Don't worry about it, Misty." Said Ash. "I've got Wartortle and Pikachu for backup."

"He's right." Said Lucy. "He's the one battling right now, not you, Brock, or me."

"I know, but he's making a big mistake." Said Misty.

"Maybe he is, but Lucy has a valid point." Said brock. "Ash has to fight these battles his own way."

"Exeggutor, Psywave now!" cried Mandi. The attack raced towards Krabby.

'Krabby, dive in and Harden!" cried Ash. Krabby scuttled aside and dove into the water. By doing so, it dodged the attack. It then made itself harder, which raised its protection, but Mandi anticipated that.

"Now I've got him." He said. Exeggutor created a Whirlpool with Psychic, which trapped Krabby inside.

"Krabby!" cried Ash.

"Krabby looks like a rubber duck in that whirlpool!" cried the announcer. "Things don't look good for the newcomer from Pallet!"

"I knew this was going to happen!" cried Misty.

"Quick, Ash! Switch to Pikachu!" cried Brock. "It looks like that Exeggutor is using a Psychic attack!"

"That's because it IS using Psychic." Said Lucy.

"Exeggutor, Egg Bomb attack!" cried Mandi. Exeggutor launched a barrage of glowing eggs at Krabby.

"Wow! Exeggutor is putting on quite a show!" cried the announcer. "It looks like the Fourth of July out there!"

"Krabby, return!" cried Ash. But the whirlpool blocked every attempt Ash made to recall Krabby.

"It looks like Exeggutor's barrage has created a wall of water, making it impossible for Ketchum to recall Krabby."

"Come on!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Come on, Krabby!'

"Exeggutor is getting drenched down there, but it's not even flinching!" cried the announcer. "Mandi has trained it well, as this Exeggutor has the traits of both psychic and grass type Pokemon!" Mandi suddenly noticed Krabby rising out of the whirlpool.

"It's up!" cried Lucy.

"All right, Krabby, now use your Vice Grip!" Krabby connected with its Vice Grip attack and broke Exeggutor's concentration.

"Exeggutor, Hypnosis!" cried Mandi. The attack failed, however.

"Now Krabby's in control, and it's clamped onto Exeggutor's leaf blooms and is stopping it from launching any attacks!" cried the announcer.

"Leer attack!" cried Ash. Exeggutor was immobilized.

"Now, Stomp!" cried Ash. Krabby struck the Exeggutor and knocked it out.

"Victory for the green!" cried the referee.

"Whoa! That little Krabby has some serious fight in it!" cried Lucy.

"Krabby, we did it!" cried Ash.

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Nice going!'

"I don't believe it!" cried Misty.

"Yeah, Ash did it!" cried Brock.

"Krabby did a great job!" cried Lucy. Krabby suddenly started glowing, which meant only one thing.

"Pika?" cried Pikachu, which meant 'What the?'

"First it beats Exeggutor, and now it evolves?!" cried Lucy. The glow faded to reveal a different Pokemon in Krabby's place. Everyone in the stadium and back in Pallet was surprised.

'Oh no!" cried mandi.

"Krabby evolved!" cried Misty.

"It looks like the intensity of that battle has caused Krabby to evolve into Kingler!" cried the announcer. Lucy got out her Pokedex.

"Kingler, the evolved form of Krabby. A Pincer Pokemon whose claws can pinch with the power of ten thousand horsepower."

"That's awesome!" cried Ash. "Well, I'm sticking with Kingler all the way!"

"Pikachu." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Good call.'

"Now the astounding Mandi must decide which of his two remaining Pokemon he will choose to battle Ash's Kingler." Said the announcer.

"The kid's had some beginner's luck." Said Mandi. "But his luck is about to run out. Go, Seadra!" A Seadra materialized.

"Seadra?" cried Ash. He got his Pokedex out.

"Seadra, a Dragon Pokemon. The evolved form of Horsea. Seadra has a violent temperament, and the quills that cover its body can render its victim unconscious."

"His Kingler may be strong, but it's no match for my Seadra's speed." Said Mandi. "Seadra, use your Agility!" Seadra dashed forward.

"Kingler, Water Gun, now!" cried Ash. Kingler fired, but Seadra's speed made it unhittable.

"Vee!" cried Eevee from the sidelines, which meant 'Oh no!'

"Kingler, look out!" cried Ash. Seadra closed in.

"Not good." Said Lucy.

"Kingler, Bubble!" cried Ash. Kingler sprayed the attack around the water, but Seadra dodged every attack.

"Kingler's too slow to hit my Seadra when it's using Agility." Said Mandi. Kingler attacked again, and this time, Seadra slipped on the foam and went flying into the air.

"Oh no!" cried Mandi.

"How about that?!" cried the announcer. "Kingler's Bubble attack caught Seadra and sent it flying!"

"Seadra was moving much too quickly, and its own momentum ended up being its downfall!" cried Lucy.

"Seadra!" cried Mandi.

"All right!" cried Ash. "Now, Kingler, Crabhammer attack!" Kingler slammed Seadra with its giant left claw and knocked it into the pool back first.

"WHAT A SHOT!" yelled Lucy.

"Mandi's speed strategy is just no match for Kingler's crushing Crabhammer attack and Seadra is knocked cold!" cried the announcer. "Ash may be on his way to victory, but will Seadra surface belly up or ready for battle?" Seadra surfaced in a knocked out state.

"Seadra has been defeated! The victory goes to Kingler!" cried the referee.

"We did it! We did it! Kingler beat Seadra!" cried Ash. "Two down and one more to go, Pikachu!"

"Ash doesn't look like he's nervous anymore." Said Misty.

"He was scared, but he was tough enough to stick to his strategy." Said Brock. "And the crowd seems to be on Ash's side too. Everybody's rooting for him." At the top of the stadium, Team Rocket was watching.

"The twerp's not doing so badly." Said Jessie.

"And his Kingler really came through in a pinch!" cried James.

"Yeah!" cried Meowth.

"Now the astounding Mandi is just one Pokemon away from being defeated." Said the announcer. "can he stage a magical comeback?"

"The answer is he can and he will." Replied Mandi. "Let's see if your Kingler can handle this."

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Oh boy.'

"And now, Pokemon fans, may I present, Golbat! Go!" cried Mandi. Golbat materialized.

"This Pokemon is the ace that Mandi hid up his sleeve!" cried the announcer. "Now Golbat is taking this water battle sky high. There's no telling what could happen now!" Golbat zoomed past Kingler.

"This isn't good." Said Lucy.

"Misty, Lucy, this is the worst thing that could possibly happen to Ash now." Said Brock. "Kingler's really weak against air attacks."

"Quick, Ash! Switch Pokemon!" cried Misty.

"Use Pikachu!" cried Lucy.

"Not so fast!" cried Ash. "Kingler, dive underwater!" Kingler did so.

"All right, Golbat, we've got them now!" cried Mandi. "Take Down attack!" Golbat dove down.

"Kingler, Vice Grip attack, now!" cried Ash. Kingler came out of the water and grabbed Golbat right out of the air.

"Look at Kingler go!" cried Lucy. However, Golbat quickly got itself free and appeared behind Kingler.

"I think you may have spoken too soon." Said Lucy.

"Golbat has countered Kingler's Vice Grip with a behind the back Double Team attack!" cried the announcer.

"Golbat, Razor Wind, now!" cried Mandi. The attack hit and sent Kingler flying and crashing.

"A stunning turnaround! This could be the end for Kingler!" cried the announcer.

"Hang on, Kingler!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Come on!'

"Now, we'll win with a Mega Drain!" cried Mandi. Golbat's eyes glowed and it closed in, which worried Ash's friends.

"Look out!" cried Misty.

"Hyper Beam now!" cried Ash. Kingler fired a Hyper Beam and nailed Golbat, knocking it out of the sky and out of the match.

"I can't believe it!" cried Mandi.

"Golbat is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "Victory goes to the team of Ash and Kingler!"

"No way!" cried Lucy. "He just pulled off a clean sweep with only one Pokemon?!"

"It's all over and what a finish!" cried the announcer. "Pokemon league rookie Ash Ketchum has scored a stunning victory in his first match without once changing Pokemon!"

"I did it! I won my first battle!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Nice going, pal!'

"But I'm Mandi the astounding." Cried Mandi. "How could I lose?!"

"You did it, Ash!" cried Brock.

"Congratulations, Ash!" cried Misty.

"Way to go, Ash!" cried Lucy.

"Thanks, guys." Said Ash. He ran across the field to celebrate with Kingler.

"We actually did it, Kingler!" cried Ash. "You were unbelievable!" As the crowd in the stadium cheered, so did everyone watching in Pallet.

"He did it!" cried Delia. "My little baby!"

"The twerp actually did it." Said Jessie.

"And we…. we cheered him on." Said James.

"Yeah, well I say the better his Pokemon get, along with his friend's Pokemon, the better Pokemon we get when we swipe 'em!" cried Meowth.

"Yeah." Said Jessie and James.

"It says here that winning trainers should conduct themselves with dignity and restraint." Said Brock. However, Ash was celebrating his win in front of the TV crew.

"Woohoo! I won!" cried Ash. "Yeah! I'm going to win every battle just like I won this one! Hi, Mom! Hi, everybody in Pallet! I hope you're taping this, Mom! I'm the winner!"

"Dignity and restraint, huh?" said Misty.

"Yeah." Said Brock.

'Take it easy on him, guys." Said Lucy. "This WAS his first League win, so he has every right to celebrate." Well, Ash and Lucy are both off to a great start, but is this the beginning of two winning streaks, or just beginner's luck? Find out what surprises are in store, as the second round is just around the corner.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Kingler

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Onix, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Dragonair, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan, Gengar, Moltres

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair

 

[MarkL1987]

Episode 80: Fire And Ice

Last time, Ash and Lucy finally got to compete in the Pokemon League competition. First, in Lucy's opening match on the grass field, Lucy earned a clean sweep and didn't lose a single Pokemon at any point in the battle. Over on the water field, Ash pinned all his hopes on Krabby. After putting the pinch on Exeggutor, Krabby evolved into Kingler! Kingler then proceeded to sink Seadra and beam Golbat! With new fans on their side, Ash and Kingler were unstoppable. And for Lucy, the crowd turned to her immediately. Together, the two best friends scored two impressive upsets.

On the rock field, the crowd was watching the match that was taking place on that field.

"The second battle on the rock field is nearing its climax!" cried the announcer. "Each of the trainers has only one Pokemon left! The outcome of this match could very well be decided by whichever Pokemon these two young trainers select! Who will make the winning decision?"

"Go!" cried an unknown trainer. A Nidorino materialized.

"And the red trainer has chosen a Nidorino!" cried the announcer. "Now let's see what Pokemon the popular newcomer Ash Ketchum chooses to face this pesky poison type." Pikachu started letting off sparks. It was ready to battle.

"I choose you! Gengar!" cried Ash. Pikachu fell over in surprise at not being picked as Gengar materialized.

"The young trainer from Pallet has chosen Gengar!" cried the announcer. "Ketchum must be hoping that Nidorino's horn is no match for Gengar's ghostly tricks!"

"I'm counting on you, Gengar, so give it everything you've got!" cried Ash.

"Gar!" cried Gengar, which meant 'You got it!' Nidorino started charging.

"It's a Tackle attack!" cried Misty.

"And a powerful one at that!" cried Lucy.

"Get ready." Said Ash. Nidorino closed in.

"Nidorino's leading off with a Tackle attack!" cried the announcer.

"All right, Gengar, jump!" cried Ash. Gengar dodged just in time, causing Nidorino's horn to strike a rock. Nidorino chased after the Gengar.

"Nidorino can run all it wants, but normal type moves like Tackle have no effect on a ghost type Pokemon like Gengar." Said Lucy.

"Gengar, use your Lick attack!" cried Ash. Gengar stuck out its tongue to lick Nidorino on the chin, paralyzing it.

"Now use your Psychic attack!" cried Ash. Gengar's eyes glowed blue, and Nidorino was lifted off the ground and sent crashing into a rock.

"Gengar's Psychic attack was right on the money, and now Nidorino is shaken!" cried the announcer. Nidorino struggled to get to its feet, but fainted.

"Nidorino is out of the competition!" cried the referee. "The battle and the match go to the green trainer, Ash Ketchum!"

"Yeah!" cried Ash.

"Boom, baby!" cried Lucy. Ash's friends and fans celebrated while Gary watched with his cheerleaders.

"And a very happy Ash Ketchum will advance to the third round of this Pokemon League competition!" cried the announcer. Lucy quickly made a mad dash out of the stadium.

"I'd love to stay and celebrate more with you, Ash, but my match on the ice field starts in five minutes." She said. "Gotta melt!"

"Melt! Good one!" cried Brock.

"Just look at him." Said Gary. "He wins two easy matches and he's already acting like he's won the whole thing." He walked out of the arena. "He better enjoy all his celebrating now. Same goes for Lucy. Because when their luck runs out, both Ash and Lucy won't have anything to cheer about. Unless they want to cheer for me, right, girls?" The cheerleaders rooted for Gary as he left the arena. Outside the arena, Team Rocket popped out of some trash cans ala Oscar The Grouch.

"Oh, what a cruel twist of fate." Said Jessie. "Thousands are all inside rooting for Lucy and Ash while Team Rocket is outside looting through trash."

"Let's come up with some plans so we can get out of these cans!" cried Meowth.

"Say! There's a way we can swipe Pikachu and Eevee that I know." Said James.

"So let's all get back to work and get on with the show." Said the trio.

Later, Lucy's match on the ice field was about to start, and the fans were ready to see what would happen. Gary even watched himself.

"And now the next second round match is about to begin!" cried the announcer. "It's Rachael going up against another Pokemon League newcomer, Lucy Peters, also from Pallet Town!" Lucy took a deep breath and reach for her first Poke Ball.

"Arcanine, go!" she cried. Arcanine materialized, which surprised Gary.

"She has an Arcanine too?!" he cried.

"Haunter, go!" cried Rachael. Haunter materialized, which made Lucy sweat drop.

"Don't tell me she's afraid of ghost types." Said Gary.

"Rachael has chosen a Haunter to start the match, while Lucy opens with Arcanine." Said the announcer.

"Let the battle begin!" cried the referee.

"Haunter, Night Shade attack!" cried Rachael. Haunter formed a Night Shade and launched it at Arcanine.

"Dodge it!" cried Lucy. Arcanine quickly dodged the incoming Night Shade.

"Use your Bite attack!" cried Lucy. Arcanine clenched its teeth onto Haunter's tail.

"Ouch, that Bite attack has got to hurt Haunter. No doubt that it's super effective!" cried the announcer.

"Quick, Haunter!" cried Rachael. "Get yourself loose and use another Night Shade!"

"No way I'm letting you do that, Rachael!" cried Lucy. "Arcanine, sidestep and use your Flamethrower attack!" Arcanine sidestepped away the Night Shade and struck Haunter hard with a Flamethrower, which knocked it out.

"Haunter is unable to continue! Arcanine wins!" cried the referee. Rachael's Haunter blacked out on the board.

"Unbelievable!" cried the announcer. "Lucy may have another clean sweep on her hands if she can keep this up!"

"Haunter, return!" cried Rachael. Haunter was recalled to its Poke Ball.

"Not bad, but not good enough." Said Rachael. "Go, Raichu!" Her Raichu materialized, and Arcanine gave Lucy an eager look.

"You sure you want to keep going?" said Lucy. "Don't you want a rest?"

"Arcanine!" cried Arcanine, which meant 'I can take it!'

"Okay then." Said Lucy.

"And it looks like Lucy will be sticking with her Arcanine." Said the announcer.

"Raichu, use your Quick Attack!" cried Rachael. Raichu charged in for Quick Attack.

"Dodge, and use Flamethrower!" cried Lucy. Arcanine did so.

"Now, use Dig!" cried Rachael.

"What?!" cried Lucy. Raichu dove underground, which made Arcanine stop.

"What a combination!" cried the announcer. "Rachael walked Lucy's Arcanine right into a trap with a Quick Attack, and then switched things up by using Dig!" Lucy cringed.

"It could come out from anywhere!" she cried. Raichu popped out of the icy field and struck.

"What an attack, and what a tactic!" cried the announcer. "Arcanine just took a wallop of an attack!"

"Stay strong, Arcanine." Said Lucy. "Use Flamethrower again!" Arcanine got up and launched the attack.

"How predictable." Said Rachael. "Raichu, use Dig!" Raichu used Dig again and emerged again after some time, with Arcanine taking a lot of damage.

"It's so quick!" cried Lucy. Arcanine struggled to get up, which it did.

"Flamethrower!" cried Lucy. Arcanine got off another Flamethrower and hit Raichu.

"That's a clean hit with Flamethrower, but Arcanine doesn't look so hot!" cried the announcer. Arcanine looked hurt due to the damage it had taken.

"Looks like Arcanine's taken a lot of damage." Said Lucy.

"Finish it with a Thunderbolt attack!" cried Rachael. Arcanine was hit by Thunderbolt.

"Arcanine, no!" cried Lucy. Arcanine fell in defeat.

"Arcanine is unable to battle! Raichu wins!" cried the referee. Arcanine blacked out on Lucy's side of the scoreboard.

"That Thunderbolt and Dig combination was too much for Arcanine, and now the match is tied at one apiece." Said the announcer.

"Arcanine, return!" cried Lucy. Arcanine was recalled to its Poke Ball.

"You battled brilliantly, and you deserve a nice, long rest." Said Lucy. She grabbed a second Poke Ball.

"All right, your turn now." She said. "I choose you, Cubone!" cried Lucy. Cubone materialized.

"Lucy's second Pokemon is a Cubone!" cried the announcer.

"She has a Cubone too?!" cried Gary. "Since when?!"

"Okay, Raichu, Quick Attack!" cried Rachael. Raichu charged in for another Quick Attack, but it didn't do much to Cubone.

"The attack landed, but Cubone barely felt it." Said the announcer.

"Cubone's a ground type, which means any electric attacks Raichu tries will be no good." Said Gary. Raichu quickly recomposed itself.

"Use Dig!" cried Rachael. Raichu dove underground again, but Lucy had a plan.

"Shoot a Fire Blast attack into the hole that it dug!" she cried. Cubone sent the attack down the hole.

"Incredible!" cried the announcer. "A surprise Fire Blast from Cubone forces Raichu out of the ground and completely shutting down the Dig attack!"

"WHAT?!" cried Rachael.

"Now for the Bone Club!" cried Lucy. The bone struck Raichu repeatedly, and Raichu landed hard on the icy ground.

"That has got to be it for Raichu!" cried the announcer. The powder of the cracked ice showed Raichu to be knocked out.

"Raichu is unable to battle! Cubone is the winner!" cried the referee. Raichu blacked out on the board.

"It's lights out for Raichu, and now Rachael has only one Pokemon remaining!" cried the announcer.

"That's the way, Cubone!" cried Lucy. Raichu was recalled.

"Not bad, but this is where your run ends." Said Rachael. "Go, Rhydon!" Rhydon materialized.

"Rhydon." Said Lucy. "Cubone, that's enough for now. Return!" Cubone was recalled to its Poke Ball.

"Gloom, go!" cried Lucy. Gloom materialized.

"And Lucy has substituted Cubone for Gloom!" cried the announcer.

"Good call for Lucy." Said Gary. "I'm impressed with how well her Pokemon are trained. And since Gloom is a grass type, it'll have a big advantage over Rhydon."

"Gloom, attack with Petal Dance!" cried Lucy. Gloom launched its petals and they headed for Rhydon.

"Block it with Rock Slide and then send it over to Gloom, fast!" cried Rachael. Rhydon blocked and then sent the Rock Slide towards Gloom.

"Dodge it, and use Razor Leaf!" cried Lucy. The attack hit Rhydon so fast that it couldn't dodge.

"Horn Drill!" cried Rachael. Rhydon regained its footing and headed right at Gloom, nailing it with its horn.

"Rhydon retaliates, and hits Gloom with a powerful Horn Drill attack!" cried the announcer. Gloom skidded to a stop near Lucy.

"Can you still battle, Gloom?" she asked it. Gloom nodded.

"All right, now use Petal Dance again!" cried Lucy. Gloom fired a barrage of petals at Rhydon.

"Gloom fights back with a powerful Petal Dance attack!" cried the announcer.

"Use your Ice Punch!" cried Rachael. Rhydon closed in and nailed Gloom with a frozen fist.

"Rhydon hammers Gloom with a powerful Ice Punch attack!" cried the announcer.

"Hang in there, Gloom!" cried Lucy. She got something out. "Quick, use this!" Lucy tossed an evolution stone at Gloom.

"It looks like Lucy just tossed something to Gloom!" cried the announcer. Gloom touched the stone and then it began to glow.

"Amazing! The item that Lucy gave to Gloom was an evolution stone!" cried the announcer. Within the glow, Gloom started morphing.

"Gloom must be evolving into Vileplume." Said Gary. The crowd was in awe when they saw Gloom evolve into a different Pokemon, which was indeed a Vileplume.

"In a complete shocker, this is the first time in Pokemon league history where a Pokemon has evolved from an evolution stone mid battle!" cried the announcer.

"I didn't think Lucy was going to do something like THAT!" cried Gary.

"Okay Vileplume, use Swords Dance!" cried Lucy. Vileplume performed a Swords Dance, increasing its attack power.

"Now, Vileplume, Solar Beam attack!" cried Lucy. Vileplume's petal flowers started glowing.

"It looks like Vileplume is about to end this!" cried the announcer.

"Shut it down with another Ice Punch!" cried Rachael. Rhydon ran towards Vileplume with Ice Punch, horrifying Gary.

"Solar Beam better charge up quickly with how fast Rhydon's closing in!" he cried.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if Solar Beam doesn't fire soon, it could be over!" cried the announcer. The attack was now charged and ready to fire.

"GO!" cried Lucy. Once Rhydon was close, Vileplume launched the Solar Beam at close range.

"HOLY SMOKES!" cried the announcer. "At the last second, Vileplume strikes with a very close range Solar Beam attack!"

"RHYDON, NO!" cried Rachael. Rhydon hurled into the air and then crashed into the ground. Once the icy powder settled and Rhydon was swirly eyed, the referee made the call.

"Rhydon is unable to battle! Vileplume is the winner!" cried the referee. Rhydon blacked out on the board.

"The winner of this match is the green trainer, Lucy!" the referee shouted. Lucy went to Vileplume to celebrate her win.

"I can't believe she did it." Said Gary. Lucy gave Vileplume a hug.

"That was an incredible Solar Beam!" she cried.

Later that evening at the cabin, Misty entered the bedroom and found Brock feeding Ash and Lucy's Pokemon. The two competitors themselves, however, weren't there.

"Where'd Ash and Lucy go?" asked Misty.

"They were hungry, so they went out to get something to eat." Brock answered.

"What? You mean they ran out to eat and didn't even bother taking their Pokemon to the Pokemon Center to get them treated?" cried Misty.

"They said they were really starving." Answered Brock.

"But their Pokemon are going to get worn out." Said Misty. "I suppose that's typical of Ash, but that's highly unlike Lucy." She noticed Togepi reaching for some food.

"Aw, are you hungry too, Togepi?" asked Misty. She placed Togepi down, and Ash's Wartortle happily shared his food with Togepi.

Meanwhile, Ash and Lucy were looking for a place to eat.

"Lucy and I have got to get something to eat." Said Ash. "I bet you and Eevee are just as hungry as we are, Pikachu."

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Starving.'

"Eevee." Eevee added, which meant 'Big time hungry.'

"Brock and Misty are fine because they were only watching." Said Lucy. "But being in those battles really works up an appetite." The two of them went past the theater, where Pokemon In Love was being advertised and shown.

"Want to see that movie again?" asked Ash.

"No way!" cried Lucy. "It was terrible the first time, and I'm sure it wouldn't be any better the second time." She then spotted something else.

"Look at this, Ash!" she cried. "It's a parade!" Lucy was right, because at that moment, a parade of Pokemon floats was seen going down the street.

"Wow! They sure have a lot of cool events going on at the Pokemon League!" cried Ash. Brock's voice was soon heard.

"Hey guys!" he cried. He and Misty caught up, with Ash and Lucy's Pokemon in hand.

"We finally found you here." Said Brock.

"We've been looking everywhere for the two of you." Said Misty.

"We sort of got lost." Said Ash.

"What are you both doing here?" asked Lucy.

"Did you two forget all about your Pokemon?" asked Misty. "Or are your stomachs more important than they are?!"

"Take it easy, Misty. We were only looking for a place to eat." Said Lucy. "Besides, I don't think any of the restaurants would allow large Pokemon like Kingler or Pidgeotto to set foot inside, but would probably allow the likes of Pikachu and Eevee to enter. And, in case you forgot, Ash and I are the ones competing, not you!"

"That may be, but you can both stuff your faces AFTER we drop off your Pokemon at the Pokemon Center." Replied Misty.

"Misty and I have your Poke Balls right here." Said Brock.

"That's great, thanks guys!" cried Ash. "Let's get them all to the Pokemon Center right away!" The group was soon looking around for a Pokemon Center.

"I wonder what Pokemon you two should use in the third round." Said Misty.

"They told me that my next match is going to be on the ice field, so I think the other trainer will probably use some ice type Pokemon." Said Ash. "I guess that means I should probably stick with Wartortle and Kingler."

"My next match is on the rock field." Said Lucy. The group soon reached the Pokemon Center, but there was a huge line in front of it.

"What's going on?" cried Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'I don't know, pal.'

"Whatever's going on, that's the biggest line for a Pokemon Center I've ever seen!" cried Lucy.

"Wonder why it's so crowded." Said Brock.

"It wouldn't have been if we'd gotten here sooner." Said Misty.

"May I have your attention, please!" Joy shouted into a megaphone. "Due to the Pokemon League competition, this center is now completely full! If your Pokemon need emergency care, please take them to the nearest Pokemon Center!"

"That's the Pewter City Nurse Joy!" cried Brock.

"The Joys all look exactly the same to me." Said Misty.

"Will you quit spacing out already?" cried Lucy. "How can you even tell them apart?"

"What your eyes don't see, is very clear to me." Answered Brock.

"Brock's a poet and I didn't even know it." Replied Misty. Ash and Lucy turned and saw the restaurant they had been searching for.

"The Doduo Express." Said Lucy. "Looks like they have a special going on."

"Yes! All you can eat!" cried Ash. "Come on, Lucy, let's chow down!"

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Finally!'

"But what about your Pokemon?" said Misty.

"Lucy and I haven't had anything to eat all day!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'We're starving!'

"And what if we collapse before we find another Pokemon Center?" said Lucy. "How do you think our Pokemon would feel about THAT?!" With that, the group entered the restaurant.

"Time to dig in!" cried Brock.

"Wait! There's one important thing that we forgot!" cried Lucy.

"We have no money!" cried Ash. A waitress soon came in.

"Would you four like a plate for each of you?" she asked.

"Only if it's a collection plate." Answered Lucy. The group laughed.

"One of you take this plate, and I'll grab three more." Said the waitress.

"You mean we get to eat….." said Lucy.

"For free?" finished Ash.

"Sure!" exclaimed the waitress.

"Thanks a lot, miss." Said Lucy. She and Ash chose what they wanted to have, and Brock and Misty soon joined them.

"Careful, you two." Said Misty. "All that food could make your stomachs as big as your heads."

"We can't help it." Said Lucy. "We get all this for free just because we're league competitors."

"You both won twice, which is great and all, but you can't let that make you crazy." Said Misty.

Meanwhile, Pikachu and Eevee spotted Togepi pulling on a tablecloth that had a basket full of utensils inside, including forks and knives.

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Keep away from there!' The utensils began to fall.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Incoming!' Togepi cheerfully walked away, while Pikachu and Eevee ended up surrounded by pinned utensils as they both caught a fork with their teeth.

"What are you two doing there?" asked Ash.

"Practicing to be in the circus or something?" asked Lucy.

"Togepi, don't you try anything dangerous like that, okay?" said Misty.

"Hey, wasn't Brock with you?" said Ash.

"You mean lover boy?" added Lucy. The group headed to a building where Brock was said to be waiting for them.

"Brock said he'd be waiting here." Said Misty.

"But knowing him, he probably got distracted by a pretty girl that happened to be passing by." Said Lucy.

"Hey, Brock!" cried Ash. The group looked and saw a whole bunch of Officer Jennies and Nurse Joys coming out of the building.

"Look at all the Jennies." Said Ash.

"And all the Joys too." Said Misty. They soon spotted Brock spacing out again.

"It doesn't get any better than this. Officer Jennies and Nurse Joys everywhere!" he cried. A Nurse Joy ran by.

"You're the Joy from Saffron City." Said Brock. Another Joy ran down the street.

"And you're the Joy from Celadon City." Brock added. "Remember me?"

"Brock's going crazy!" cried Misty. The group was soon at another Pokemon Center, which also had a very long line.

"There's even more people waiting to get into THIS Pokemon Center." Said Ash.

"This is your fault, Ash." Said Misty. "You should've gone right after your match ended. Same for you, Lucy."

"If your match had ended sooner, we would've gotten here quicker." Said Lucy. "Now we're going to have to stand in line and wait."

"Yeah, but….." said Ash. Before he could continue, he spotted a hand motioning for him and Lucy.

"Hey, look!" cried Ash. Misty and Lucy turned around.

"Look at what?" they cried. They headed toward the hand and saw a supposed nurse with blue hair.

"I know where there's another Pokemon Center that isn't crowded at all." he said.

"Is it any good?" said Ash.

"Is it any good? It's great!" said the "nurse". "It even has its' very own Nurse Joy.

"Nurse Joy." Said Brock. His sudden appearance scared the living daylights out of everyone.

"DON'T EVER SCARE US LIKE THAT, BROCK!" yelled Lucy.

"Eevee Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'That wasn't cool!'

"Hey Brock, where'd you come from?" said Ash.

"And what's the big idea sneaking up on us like that?!" cried Lucy.

"I'd come from anywhere to see a Nurse Joy." Answered Brock.

"Now he's driving me crazy." Said Misty. The nurse led the group to the so-called Pokemon Center.

"Here we are, I guess." Said Ash.

"This looks nothing like any of the other Pokemon Centers." Said Misty.

"Looks can be deceiving." Said Lucy.

"Eevee." Said Eevee, which meant 'Good point.' The 'nurse' giggled.

"This is a temporary center that we only use during the Pokemon League competition." He said. "Now, won't you come inside?"

"Yes, thank you." Said Ash. The group entered.

"At least it isn't crowded." Said Ash.

"Yeah, because it's so small." Said Lucy.

"This place doesn't seem right." Said Misty.

"Well, it must be a Pokemon center because it's got a very beautiful Nurse Joy." Said Brock.

"That's right, Brock." Said Ash.

"I don't know." Said Lucy. "Her skin looks all, I don't know, plasticky."

"Well, why don't you check in your Pikachu and Eevee?" suggested the other 'nurse'. "And how about your other Pokemon two, you two?" Ash and Lucy handed Pikachu and Eevee over.

"Oh, thank you, miss." Said Ash. Lucy wearily got her Poke Balls out.

"Okay." She said. Ash prepared to hand over his other Pokemon.

"These ones all need treatment too, please." He said. As the nurse headed to the back, Brock noticed that something was off.

"That's really weird." He said.

"What's weird?" said Ash.

"Usually, when I see a Nurse Joy, I get dizzy and act crazy and start talking in a really goofy way." Brock answered.

"Oh, you FINALLY notice?!" cried Lucy. "Took you long enough!"

"So what?" said Misty. "That sounds like Ash all the time."

"I don't know if it's just me, but maybe I'm experiencing a temporary Nurse Joy overload." Said Brock.

"Either that, or the place seems off." Said Lucy.

"Brock, you probably just weren't prepared for them." said Ash.

"That must be the trouble." Added Misty. "You weren't prepared to see them. That's the trouble.

"There's double the nurses here, and you must not have been prepared for double the trouble." Said Lucy. The whole time, the nurses reacted to the group's remarks, indicating that they were Team Rocket in disguise.

"We say something wrong?" said Ash.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!" Jessie and James tossed aside their costumes.

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

"Jessie!" She removed her Nurse Joy mask.

"James!" He removed his nurse hat and face mask.

"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth, that's right!"

"See, Ash?" said Brock. "My internal Nurse Joy detection system is always one hundred percent accurate."

"What are you wasting time for?" cried Misty. "Go get all your Pokemon back!"

"Time to say buh-bye!" cried Meowth. He pressed a button, and the Center was revealed to actually be Team Rocket's balloon. It lifted up off the ground as Jessie laughed wickedly.

"We'd love to stay and see the rest of the big competition, but we've simply got to fly!" she cried.

"But we really enjoyed our vacation!" cried James. Meowth held up Pikachu and Eevee in a glass case.

"We'll be bringing home these little cuties in a bottle as a souvenir." He said. "And this bag of Poke Balls is another one."

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Team Rocket finally captured Eevee and Pikachu!" cried Meowth.

"For them, this is like a nightmare come true." Said Jessie.

"It's so terrible, it's wonderful!" cried James.

"You crooks!" cried Lucy. "Ash and I need those Pokemon for the rest of the competition!"

"Weezing, go!" cried James. Weezing materialized.

"Go, Onix!" cried Brock. Onix materialized and smacked Weezing hard with its tail. Weezing was sent into Team Rocket, which caused Meowth to drop the net full of Ash and Lucy's Poke Balls out of the balloon. The Poke Balls rolled out of the net and were now free.

"All that's left is to get Pikachu and Eevee." Said Lucy. Onix went up to Team Rocket's level and bit the balloon.

"Great! Now bring them back down!" cried Brock. Onix did so, and Ash caught the case.

"Nice work, now take them back up!" cried Brock. Onix did so.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Onix, time to say bye-bye!" cried Brock.

"We're defeated again, Jessie." Said James.

"We're defeated and deflated, James." Said Jessie. Onix tossed the balloon into the distance.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" cried Team Rocket.

"Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Ash!'

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Lucy!' Ash and Lucy hugged their Pokemon after Brock removed the case that had been concealing both Eevee and Pikachu.

"You're both back." Said Lucy.

"That was great, Brock. Thank you." Said Ash.

"If Team Rocket had gotten away with those two, as well as our other Pokemon, we'd be out of the competition." Said Lucy.

"We'd better find a REAL Pokemon Center." Said Brock. Nurse Joy's voice was soon heard on the PA system.

"May I have your attention please?" she cried. "Area Pokemon centers are now accepting new Pokemon. I repeat, area Pokemon centers are now accepting new Pokemon."

"Okay, let's get them there as fast as we can!" cried Ash.

"Right!" cried Lucy. The group made a run for the nearest available Pokemon Center.

The next day, a battle in the third round was underway.

"Scyther's Wing Attack misses, and now Butterfree is airborne!" cried the announcer.

"Now, Butterfree, Psychic attack!" cried Lucy. The attack connected and Scyther was lifted up and sent flying backwards.

"Butterfree turns the tables on Scyther with a powerful Psychic attack!" cried the announcer. Scyther crashed into a rock and fell to the ground, knocked out.

"Scyther is out of commission, and the third round victory goes to Lucy!" cried the referee.

"All right!" cried Lucy. "Nice attack, Butterfree!"

"And Lucy moves on to the fourth round after winning a very exciting match!" cried the announcer.

Later, at the ice field, Ash's battle was in progress and both trainers had already lost one Pokemon.

"And now we're waiting for this third round match between Pallet Town's Ash Ketchum and Pewter City's Pete Pebbleman to continue!" cried the announcer. "Both of them have already won one battle each. And now that we're on the ice field, this match is really heating up!" Kingler scuttled towards the center of the field at the same time that Pete's Cloyster also headed for the center.

"Kingler, Crab Hammer attack!" cried Ash.

"Cloyster, use Withdraw, now!" cried Pete. Cloyster sealed itself in its shell as Kingler began to bang on it with Crab Hammer.

"And it looks like Kingler's Crab Hammer is completely ineffective against Cloyster's rock hard shell!" cried the announcer.

"Oh no!" cried Ash. "If Kingler gets worn out, I'll have to switch Pokemon!"

"Wait, Ash!" cried Misty. "Cloyster should be losing hit points too!"

"Okay! Just keep hammering away, Kingler!" cried Ash. Kingler continued to hammer away until the cracks started to form and get bigger, which indicated that Cloyster was out.

"Oh no!" cried Pete.

"Cloyster's shell cracked!" cried Lucy. The shell opened to reveal that Cloyster was unconscious.

"Cloyster is out of the match! Victory to Kingler!" cried the referee.

"Cloyster, return." Said Pete. Cloyster was recalled.

"Ketchum's Kingler's crushing Crab Hammer cracks the clammed up Cloyster!" cried the announcer. "Now, with just one Pokemon left, will Pebbleman choose an ice type or a water type?"

"Go, Arcanine!" cried Pete. Arcanine materialized as it landed on an ice rock.

"And a big surprise!" cried the announcer. "Pebbleman's chosen Arcanine, a fire Pokemon!"

"All right!" cried Ash. "Kingler is a water Pokemon, so this should be easy. Kingler, Bubble!" Kingler launched a barrage of bubbles, but Arcanine jumped over them and between the icy rocks.

"Arcanine, good job." Said Pete. "Now, show them your Dragon Rage attack!" Lucy's eyes grew smaller upon hearing that.

"HIS ARCANINE KNOWS DRAGON RAGE?!" she cried. Arcanine started howling and formed a cyclone around it. The cyclone headed right for Kingler, which trapped it and swirled it around until it got knocked out and sent to Ash's side of the field.

"Are you okay, Kingler?!" cried Ash. "Try to get up!"

"That move almost knocked Kingler out cold!" cried Lucy. Kingler tried to get up.

"The Dragon Rage attack!" cried Brock. "I never expected that!"

"I might have to teach that move to my own Arcanine." Said Lucy.

"Do something quick, Ash!" cried Misty. "Call Kingler back and use another Pokemon!"

"Misty's right, Ash." Said Lucy. "Another hit like that and Kingler will be gone for good."

"Okay. Kingler, return!" cried Ash. Kingler was successfully recalled.

"Pikachu, it's all up to you now." Said Ash.

"Pikachu." Said Pikachu, which meant 'All right, then.' Pikachu lept into battle.

"All right, Pikachu, let's confuse Arcanine with your Agility!" cried Ash. Pikachu started dashing down the field and ran circles around Arcanine.

"A very impressive slide show as Pikachu on ice performs some very cool moves!" cried the announcer.

"Right where you want him!" cried Lucy.

"Arcanine, Fire Blast!" cried Pete. Arcanine launched the attack, but missed because Pikachu was too fast.

"We're too fast for a Fire Blast." Chuckled Ash.

"Maybe so, but it's too bad that your only chance of winning just melted away." Said Pete. Arcanine started launching multiple Fire Blasts around the field as Pikachu kept running, which made the ice melt.

"I don't get it." Said Misty. "What's Arcanine doing?"

"It's trying to stop Pikachu by using Fire Blasts to melt the whole field!" cried Lucy.

"This is unbelievable!" cried the announcer. "The whole field has melted down to two little icebergs!"

"Oh no!" cried Ash, Pikachu was floating on an ice berg that was smaller than Arcanine's.

"Pika pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Ash!'

"With nowhere to go, Pikachu is trapped!" cried the announcer. "It can't use its Agility!"

"Arcanine, just one more Fire Blast!" cried Pete.

"Quick, Ash! You better have Pikachu take a dive!" cried Brock.

"You mean, just quit?" said Ash.

"No, he means dive under the water!" cried Lucy.

"Pikachu, dive in!" cried Ash. Arcanine launched its attack as Pikachu dove into the water to avoid it. Pikachu then surfaced for air, but then found itself face to face with Arcanine.

"All right! Now Pikachu shouldn't have any problem!" cried brock. Ash was confused.

"Ash! You didn't forget what happens when Pikachu is in water, did you?!" cried Lucy. "Water conducts electricity!"

"I didn't forget, I just didn't think of it right away." Ash replied.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Hurry!" cried Misty.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack! Now!" cried Ash. Pikachu let loose its voltage, and gave Arcanine the shock of its' life. Arcanine was sent crashing into the water after the attack destroyed the iceberg and sent the fire type flying.

"Arcy!" cried Pete. Arcanine was seen unconscious in the water.

"Arcanine has been eliminated! The victory goes to trainer Ash Ketchum!" cried the referee. The crowd erupted in cheers over Ash's third round win.

"We did it! We just won our third round match!" cried Ash.

"Way to go, Ash!" cried Lucy. Ash's friends started celebrating as Ash and Pikachu hugged. So, thanks to some great coaching from Brock and Misty, and a little high voltage help from Pikachu, Ash and Lucy win once again! They're getting better and better! But will they be able to beat the best? We'll have to wait and see.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Kingler

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Onix, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Dragonair, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan, Gengar, Moltres

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair

 

[MarkL1987]

Episode 81: The Fourth Round Rumble

Once again, there's a capacity crowd cheering in anticipation as a fourth round winner of the Pokemon League competition is about to be decided! But this time, our heroes are in the stands as spectators, waiting to see if Gary Oak will emerge victorious.

Both Gary and his opponent were down to their last Pokemon, which were Nidoking and Golem respectively. The two Pokemon were looking worn out, though.

"Now, Gary and Melissa are down to just one Pokemon each!" cried the announcer. "Whoever wins this battle wins the match!"

"Could Gary win?" asked Misty.

"That Melissa's pretty tough." Answered Brock.

"Imagine if Ash or I have to face her." Said Lucy.

"Nidoking, Horn Attack!" cried Gary. Nidoking surged forward, but Golem caught the attack and lifted Nidoking above its head.

"That's a strong Golem!" cried Lucy. "It's lifting up a Pokemon that weighs almost a hundred and thirty-seven pounds without breaking up a sweat! Then again, a Golem does weigh slightly more than six hundred and sixty pounds."

"Golem, Seismic Toss!" cried Mellisa. Golem jumped into the air while still grabbing Nidoking by the horn and allowed gravity to bring both it and Nidoking back down, but Nidoking hit the ground first, and did so with a monstrous thud, which left Gary shocked. Ash and his friends were shocked too. Once the dust cleared, Golem was still holding Nidoking's horn and standing over Nidoking's battered body.

"This battle goes to Melissa!" cried the referee. The crowd cheered and confetti fell.

"She's done it!" cried the announcer. "After a grueling battle, Melissa has won a last minute upset over Gary Oak for her fourth Pokemon League victory!" Gary dropped to his knees in defeat as his cheerleaders mourned the loss.

"Gary lost!" cried a cheerleader. Tears were trickling down her face. Ash and his friends were stunned.

"I can't believe it." Said Ash.

"Poor Gary lost." Said Lucy. "Well it serves him right for all the constant bragging he always does, especially around the two of us."

"The competition here is really though, you two." Said Misty. Outside the stadium, Gary was walking towards his car with his cheerleaders in the back, still weeping.

"Gary!" cried Ash. Gary noticed Ash and Lucy behind him.

"Gary." Said Ash.

"Listen, Gary, we…." Said Lucy.

"That trainer was lucky that I was distracted by all the girls that were cheering for me." Said Gary.

"Don't you start getting cocky now, Gary!" cried Lucy. "That loss was your own fault, so don't be pinning the blame on other people!" Gary stood in silence for a moment.

"They're disappointed, but they'll get over it." Said Gary. "Won't you, girls?" But the girls weren't getting over it quite as easily as Gary had hoped they would.

"So where are you going to go now, Gary?" asked Lucy. "Back home?"

"Yeah, I'm going to head back to Pallet Town so I can watch the rest of the competition play out on TV." Answered Gary. He got into his car.

"Later, guys." He said and drove away.

"Can you believe Gary got knocked out?" said Ash. "I thought for sure he'd make it through at least four rounds."

"Vee." Said Eevee, which meant 'Same here.'

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Ditto for me.'

"I don't know, Ash." Said Lucy. "Do you think we should quit while we're ahead?"

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Not a chance!'

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'No way!' Brock approached both of them.

"Brock!" cried Ash.

"Listen. You and Lucy are both great trainers, and as long as I'm around, neither of you are even going to THINK of quitting!" cried Brock. "Okay?" Ash and Lucy seemed unsure.

"Pikachu, Eevee and I believe in you two." Said Brock. "Don't we, guys?"

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Sure we do, Brock!'

"Okay, I guess you win." Said Lucy.

"You guys better hurry up!" cried Misty. "Ash's match on the grass field is next. And Lucy, your match on the water field is supposed to start any minute!"

"No way!" cried Lucy. "Come on, Ash, let's move!" They both ran off towards their respective matches. As she ran for the water field, Lucy was thinking about who her opponent would be.

"I sure hope it's not Melissa." She said. "After what happened in Gary's match with her, I'm not sure if I'd be able to beat her." Lucy was soon looking outside the water field looking over at who her opponent was.

"Looks like it's someone named Quinn." She said. "Are you ready, Eevee?"

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Ready!' The battle was soon about to begin.

"Quinn Johnson from Vermillion City will now take on Lucy Peters from Pallet Town!" cried the announcer. "Who will emerge victorious?"

"Machoke, I choose you!" cried Lucy. Machoke materialized.

"Alakazam, let's go!" cried Quinn. Alakazam materialized.

"Lucy has chosen a Machoke, and Quinn has picked Alakazam as this fourth round match is about to get underway!" cried the announcer.

"Machoke, use Ice Punch, now!" cried Lucy.

"Use Thunder Punch!" Quinn countered. A collision between both Ice Punch and Thunder Punch ensued, which emitted sparks from side to side and forced both Pokemon back.

"Alakazam, use Psychic!" cried Quinn.

"Dodge it, and use Karate Chop!" cried Lucy. Machoke avoided the attack and closed in with Karate Chop.

"Not so fast!" cried Quinn. "Use Psychic to stop Machoke from getting closer!" Alakazam was able to stop Machoke in its tracks.

"Uh oh, it looks like Machoke was caught up in that Psychic attack!" cried the announcer.

"Machoke!" cried Lucy. She then got an idea in her head.

"Use Karate Chop on yourself!" she cried. Machoke did so and freed itself.

"Incredible! Machoke used Karate Chop on itself and is now freed from Alakazam's Psychic attack!"

"Now, finish it off with a Mega Punch!" cried Lucy. Machoke dashed forward and got ready to attack.

"Psybeam, go!" cried Quinn. Alakazam used Psybeam, which only stopped mega Punch very briefly until Machoke was able to power through it and deliver a huge blow to Alakazam.

"Machoke powers through and Alakazam is hit by a very powerful Mega Punch!" cried the announcer.

"Alakazam!" cried Quinn. The power of the attack knocked Alakazam out cold.

"Alakazam is unable to battle! Machoke is the winner!" cried the referee. Quinn's Alakazam blacked out on the board.

"Incredible!" cried the announcer. "Despite having a type disadvantage, Machoke knocks out Alakazam in a David versus Goliath style matchup!"

"I don't know who David and Goliath are, but I know that Machoke looks like it can keep going." Said Lucy.

"Ninetales, you're up!" cried Quinn. Ninetales materialized.

"Quinn has sent out a Ninetales as his next Pokemon." Said the announcer. "How will miss Peters respond?"

"Ready to go, Machoke?" said Lucy.

"Choke!" cried Machoke, which meant 'Oh yeah!'

"And it looks like Lucy is sticking with Machoke." Said the announcer.

"Ninetales, use Flamethrower!" cried Quinn. Ninetales launched the attack.

"Focus Energy!" cried Lucy. As Machoke focused, the Flamethrower got closer.

"Now use Mega Kick!" cried Lucy. Machoke used the power of the Flamethrower by using a mega Kick attack to power through it, which made a fiery Mega Kick, which nailed Ninetales hard.

"Goodness gracious!" cried the announcer. "Using the power of Ninetales' own attack, Machoke nails Ninetales with a burning Mega Kick. This could be it for Ninetales!" Quinn's Ninetales crashed to the ground. It was knocked out cold.

"Ninetales is unable to battle! Machoke wins!" cried the referee.

"That did it!" cried the announcer. "Just one fiery Mega Kick was all it took to knock Ninetales out of this match!" Ninetales blacked out on the board and was recalled.

"All right, go, Hitmonlee!" cried Quinn. Hitmonlee materialized.

"Quinn's final Pokemon is Hitmonlee, while Lucy will be sticking with Machoke." Said the announcer.

"Use High Jump Kick!" cried Quinn. Hitmonlee jumped and aimed the kick towards Machoke.

"Quick, use Double Team!" cried Lucy. Machoke made multiple copies of itself as Hitmonlee came down and hit one of the copies instead of the target.

"Ouch!" cried the announcer. "Hitmonlee misses the mark and takes damage instead!"

"Give it another Mega Punch!" cried Lucy. Machoke charged and smacked Hitmonlee into a rock with incredible force.

"No! Hitmonlee!" cried Quinn. Once the dust settled, Hitmonlee was rendered unconscious.

"Hitmonlee has been defeated, and so this fourth round victory goes to Lucy!" cried the referee. Hitmonlee blacked out on the board, leaving only Lucy's picture and the word winner next to it.

"Unbelievable!" cried the announcer. "With only one Pokemon, Lucy has taken the fourth round and earned a spot in the Indigo Stadium!"

"Well, looks like Ash isn't the only one that can win a match using a single Pokemon." Said Lucy. "Indigo Stadium, here I come!"

Meanwhile, Team Rocket had set up a souvenir stand near the entrance to the grass field.

"Thank you for shopping with us!" cried Jessie and James.

"Everything is selling out!" cried James.

"Our souvenir stand's a big success!" cried Jessie.

"I hope you two entrepreneurs don't forget that we originally came here to swipe a pack of Pokemon, not to sell a bunch of Poke-junk!" cried Meowth.

"It's not junk!" cried Jessie.

"Just don't turn honest on me." Said Meowth.

"You know, I'm starting to enjoy doing honest, ordinary work like normal people do." Said James. He started watering Victreebell.

"It's satisfying to perform simple tasks….." he said, but Victreebell bit onto James' head before he could continue speaking.

"Very simple." Said Jessie.

"I guess this goes to show that when you ring up a lot of sales, a Victreebell might take its' toll." Said Meowth. A customer soon showed up.

"Don't you have any more of those official Pokemon badges left?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, but we're all sold out." answered Jessie.

"I think we still have one more left in the stock room!" cried Meowth. Jessie and James followed Meowth into the supposed stock room and found out how he was making the badges.

"I can't believe it!" cried Jessie.

"Meowth is making fake badges out of bottle caps!" cried James.

"At least these fakes are authentic." Said Meowht. Jessie just shrugged.

"I guess you can't teach an old cat new tricks." She said.

Meanwhile, Ash's match on the grass field was about to start.

"Our next two trainers are coming onto the grass field for the fourth round!" cried the announcer. Ash rose off the ground in the green trainer box.

"The green trainer, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!" cried the announcer. Ash's picture came up on the board.

"Ash can't lose!" cried Brock.

"I was kind of hoping that he'd let us coach from the sidelines like before." Said Misty.

"I guess Ash wants to prove that he can win this by himself." Said Lucy.

"Well if I were Ash, I'd choose Bulbasaur to battle on a grass field like this." Said Misty.

"Me too." Said Brock.

"So who's Ash up against this time?" asked Lucy.

"The program only says that her name's Jeanette Fisher." Said Brock. "She must be pretty tough to make it this far."

"And now, the red trainer is coming onto the field!" cried the announcer. A red carpet rolled onto the field, which puzzled the group.

"What's with the red carpet treatment?" asked Lucy. "This isn't Hollywood." Through the entryway, Jeanette appeared.

"Jeanette Fisher from Crimson City!" cried the announcer.

"I am honored." Said Jeanette.

"She sure knows how to make an entrance." Said Brock.

"With that kind of entrance, you'd think she's rich or something." Said Lucy. It turned out that Jeanette had a whole cheering squad with her, similar to Gary.

"Jeanette brought a whole cheering section, but Ash just has the three of us up here." Said Misty. She and Lucy both saw Brock blushing.

"Yeah, Jeanette." Said Brock. "She should win." Misty and Lucy were angered by that comment, and Lucy gave Brock a bonk on the head.

"We're supposed to root for Ash, not Jeanette!" cried Lucy. "Whose side are you on?!" Jeanette rose up off the ground in the red trainer box as her face came up on the board.

"It looks like our opponents are ready to face off!" cried the announcer.

"Trainers, go!" cried the referee.

"I choose you, Meowth!" cried Ash. Meowth materialized.

"My Pokemon can create quite a buzz." Said Jeanette. "Beedrill, go!" Beedrill materialized.

"She doesn't look so tough, does she?" said Misty.

"You never know." Replied Brock.

"Beedrill, Tackle attack!" cried Jeanette. Beedrill charged, but Meowth dodged before the attack could land.

"Meowth, use your Scratch attack!" cried Ash.

"Beedrill, counter with your Twineedle attack!" cried Jeanette. Meowth launched its attack, but Beedrill was too fast and started throwing its stingers right at Meowth.

"Good, now use Poison Sting!" cried Jeanette. Beedrill started to throw its back stinger at Meowth.

"I hope Jeanette doesn't have any more Pokemon like that Beedrill." Said Misty.

"I just hope she doesn't have a boyfriend." Replied Brock. Misty and Lucy took offense to that comment.

"Well that boyfriend's not going to be you, mister lover boy, now root for Ash!" cried Lucy.

"Meowth, use a Thunderbolt!" cried Ash. A yellow glow emitted from the top of Meowth's head, and a powerful electric attack zapped right through Beedrill's body.

"No!" cried Jeanette.

"Look, guys!" cried Misty. "Thunderbolt is doing quite the damage to Beedrill!"

"Yeah, I see." Said Brock. Lucy and Misty finally decided enough was enough.

"YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO ROOT FOR ASH, NOT JEANETTE!" they both yelled.

"Misty, get him." Grumbled Lucy. The two girls beat up Brock for his remark.

"That's what you get for taking opposite sides!" cried Lucy.

"Meowth, use your Body Slam!" cried Ash. Meowth jumped onto Beedrill and sent it crashing down defeated in front of the referee.

"Beedrill is out of the match! Meowth is the winner!" cried the referee. Jeanette's first Pokemon went off the board.

"Yes!" cried Ash.

"Way to go, Ash!" cried Misty. "Show her that you're the number one trainer in this whole league!"

"Oh, and I suppose I'm just chopped liver?" cried Lucy. Jeanette's cheering section started rooting for her.

"They're acting like jeanette's the one who's ahead." Said Misty. "Well cheering won't help if she picks the wrong Pokemon."

"Ash will be ready no matter what she picks." Said Brock. Beedrill was recalled.

"This next one won't be so easy." Said Jeanette. "Go, Scyther!" Her Scyther materialized.

"Whoa, a Scyther." Said Ash.

"Do you think Ash is ready for Scyther?" said Misty.

"Maybe." Said Brock.

"This could be a challenge." Added Lucy.

"Let the battle begin!" cried the referee.

"Scyther, Slash attack now!" cried Jeanette. Scyther started slashing at Meowth, but couldn't connect.

"Now, Scyther, Quick Attack!" cried Jeanette. Scyther started launching a fast and furious barrage of attacks, with a couple of them hitting the mark.

"Use your Fury Swipes attack, Meowth!" cried Ash. Meowth tried to swipe at Scyther, but its Quick Attack kept Meowth's claws back, to the shock of Ash, Meowth, Brock, Misty and Lucy.

"Good job, Scyther." Said jeanette. "Now let's really show them how to cut that Fury Swipes down to size." Scyther landed and made replicas of itself.

"You'll lose twice as fast against Scyther's Double Team." Said Jeanette.

"Uh oh." Said Misty. On the field, Meowth couldn't tell which of the Scythers was the real one. Jeanette chuckled at the confusion as her cheering section did their thing.

"Meowth, Slash attack, now!" cried Ash. Meowth attacked but hit the wrong Scyther.

"Try the right one!" cried Ash. Meowth tried again, but hit another fake. Scyther then charged and struck Meowth.

"Meowth just can't cut it against Scyther." Said Jeanette. Meowth skidded along the field but got back up, and Scyther kept trying to strike.

"It looks like Meowth is about to get mowed down by Scyther!" cried the announcer.

"Ash has to do something, and he has to do it quick!" cried Brock.

"I know, but what?" said Misty. Scyther's attack finally connected, but Meowth stood resilient.

"Double Edge, now!" cried Ash. Meowth launched its attack, but Scyther avoided it. Meowth tried again, but with the same result. Scyther then used Double team to confuse Meowth.

"Meowth, look out!" cried Ash. The attack landed, which sent Meowth upwards.

"Meowth!" cried Ash. "Hey, wait a second. Meowth, use Fury Swipes on all three!" Meowth closed in, Meowth struck one, then another, and then on the third, struck Scyther with force after connecting and knocked it out.

"Scyther has been defeated!" cried the referee.

"All right, Meowth!" cried Ash.

"What a comeback!" cried Lucy. The crowd erupted at Ash's second win.

"But how?" wondered Misty.

"Ash figured out that Scyther's Double Team attack left it twice as weak on defense." Answered Brock.

"And he did it all on his own." Said Lucy.

"I guess Ash really can handle a match without our help." Said Brock.

"Now Jeanette has just one Pokemon left, and if Ash wins this next battle, he'll win the match." Said Misty.

"And he and I will BOTH be battling at Indigo Stadium." Said Lucy.

"Go, Ash." Said Brock. Scyther was recalled.

"Two down and one to go." Said Ash.

Meanwhile, up in the sky outside the arena, Team Rocket's balloon had a bunch of Pikachu and Eevee tied underneath, which got the attention of everyone on the ground below.

"The Pikachu and Eevee decoy is working!" cried Jessie. "While they eyeball our balloon, we'll suck up those suckers' Pokemon."

"Our Poke-Vac should do it." Said James.

"Now let's clean 'em out!" cried Meowth. Nearby, two Officer Jennies and a Growlithe spotted the balloon.

"Look! That's Team Rocket's balloon!" cried Jenny number one.

"They must be up to no good." Replied Jenny number two. "Growlithe, Flamethrower!" Growlithe burnt the balloons to a crisp, to the joy of the people, but to the shock of Team Rocket.

"Quick, start the vacuum!" cried Jessie. James pressed the button on the vacuum's hose, but nothing happened.

"It's not working!" he cried.

"Whatever it is, it's getting a ticket." Said Jenny number one. Team Rocket quickly spotted the two Jennies.

"It's the cops!" cried Meowth.

"Stop in the name of the law!" cried both Jennies. Team Rocket quickly ran away.

"After them, Jenny!" yelled the first Jenny.

"Roger, Jenny!" cried the second Jenny. The two officers chased Team Rocket into the arena, but Meowth slipped on a soda can, which caused Jessie and James to trip over him, and the trio went crashing into a concession stand. They came out dressed like vendors, clothing and all.

"Hot dogs! I've got them red hot! Get them while they're red hot!" cried Jessie.

"Ice cream, get it while it's cold!" cried James. Meowth then spotted something on the field.

"The twerp's battling with a Meowth?!" he cried. "When did he get THAT?!"

"That's what I'd like to know." Said Jessie.

"Jeanette is now down to her final Pokemon as she's forced to play catch up with Ketchum!" cried the announcer.

"Come on, Ash!" cried Misty. "Just beat this last Pokemon and you'll win the match!"

"Jeanette will no doubt save her strongest for last, but whatever it is, you can beat her!" cried Lucy.

"Ash sure looks confident that he can beat any Pokemon that Jeanette picks." Said Brock.

"It's victory time." Said Ash.

"I choose you, Bellsprout!" cried Jeanette. Bellsprout materialized, which confused the group.

"Huh?" said Misty.

"Wow." Replied Brock.

"Why would she save a Bellsprout to battle last?" wondered Ash. "Unless she ran out of strong Pokemon and all she has left is a puny little Bellsprout."

"Ash better watch who he calls puny." Said Lucy.

"This looks like a desperation move by the young Fisher." Said the announcer.

"Bellsprout, get ready." Said Jeanette.

"Meowth, get set." Said Ash. Bellsprout and Meowth approached the center of the arena.

"Go!" cried the referee.

"This is going to be the shortest match in Pokemon League history!" cried Ash. "Meowth, use your Take Down attack!" Meowth charged.

"All right!" cried Ash. But Bellsprout nimbly bent back to avoid contact, and then used its leaves to send Meowth flying forward.

"What happened?" asked Misty.

"Bellsprout bent back and sent Meowth for a ride!" cried Lucy. Jeanette's cheering section cheered for her again. Meowth charged again, only for Bellsprout to catch it and send it back the way it came.

"Meowth!" cried Ash. "I can't believe what's happening."

"It looked like this match was over, but Bellsprout sprang into action and now this tiny might has Meowth taking the damage instead!" cried the announcer.

"That Bellsprout just absorbs whatever attack Meowth tries doing to it and sends them right back against it!" cried Brock.

"Make that Meowth sore." Laughed Jeanette. Bellsprout approached Meowth, grabbed its back legs, and started slamming him into the ground left and right, until it got tossed back to Ash's side of the field, hit the trainer box and got knocked out.

"Meowth is out of the match!" cried the referee. The group couldn't believe what had happened.

"Oh no!" cried Ash.

"That's a strong Bellsprout." Remarked Lucy. Meowth blacked out on Ash's half of the board.

"Bellsprout wins and Ketchum is down one Pokemon!" cried the announcer. Jeanette's cheering section did its thing and Ash recalled Meowth.

"Diglett, I choose you!" cried Ash. Diglett materialized.

"But why?" Said Lucy. "Not only has Ash not used Diglett in a match until now, but the fact that it's a ground type means test it's at a disadvantage!" The two Pokemon approached the center of the arena.

"Let the battle begin!" cried the referee.

"Diglett, use your Fissure attack!" cried Diglett. The small ground type launched the attack, but Bellsprout jumped over it easily.

"Razor Leaf, now!" ordered Jeanette. Bellsprout fired off two leaves, but Diglett dug itself under the ground, causing the leaves to hit a couple of rocks on the field and slice the tops off.

"A double-edged Razor Leaf! This is one spectacular sprout!" cried the announcer.

"Diglett, try a Scratch attack!" cried Ash. The attack landed.

"That's it!" cried Ash. But Bellsprout didn't go down.

"How?!" cried Ash.

"If Diglett's attacks are no good, then Ash is in trouble!" cried Misty.

"Ash better think fast!" cried Brock.

"Diglett, hang in there!" cried Ash. Diglett threw out attacks at every direction, only for Bellsprout to dodge them all.

"That's not just a nimble plant, but a speedy one too!" cried Lucy. Bellsprout finally knocked Diglett out by crashing one of its legs down onto Diglett's head.

"Well folks, I guess that's what you'd call a garden variety attack!" cried the announcer.

"Diglett is out of the match!" cried the referee. Diglett blacked out on the board.

"And it's official!" cried the announcer. "Diglett is grounded, and this match is tied up!"

"How could Diglett get knocked out like that?!" cried Misty.

"Jeanette sure knows how to pick her Pokemon." Said Brock. "She saved her best for last."

"I'll say." Said Lucy.

"What Pokemon could Ash use now that can possibly out-battle Bellsprout?" asked Misty. A familiar voice was soon heard.

"Sorry we're so late!" The group looked and saw Delia, Zack and Professor Oak next to them.

"Mrs. Ketchum, Dad, Professor, what are you all doing here?" asked Lucy.

"We came to cheer you and Ash on to victory." Oak answered.

"Did you see my match, Daddy?!" cried Lucy.

"I sure did, pumpkin." Zack answered. "You were brilliant. Congratulations on making it to round five!"

"Thanks, Daddy!" cried Lucy.

"Did you know your grandson lost, Professor?" asked Brock.

"Yes, I know." Oak answered. "It'll do Gary some good to learn that every road has a few bumps along the way."

"Good advice, Professor." Said Lucy. Oak, Delia and Zack sat down beside them.

"Win this one for your mother, honey!" cried Delia.

"Now that Gary's out of the tournament, everyone in Pallet Town is rooting for you and Lucy!" cried Oak.

"They're supposed to be cheering Ash and Lucy on, which I get because they're best friends, but all they're doing is putting more pressure on both of them." Said Misty.

"Bellsprout! Just one more win!" cried Jeanette.

"Now we'll see if Ketchum has the Pokemon he needs to pluck away a victory from Jeanette's unbelievable Bellsprout!" cried the announcer. Ash took a deep breath before tossing the Poke Ball.

"I choose you!" he cried. To the shock of Jeanette and the rest of Ash and Lucy's supporters, Muk materialized.

"No way!" cried Lucy. "Is that Ash's Muk?!"

"I didn't know Ash brought his Muk to the competition." Said Misty.

"Ash thought he might need Muk for this match, so he called me yesterday and asked me if I could send it over." Said Oak. "He knew that Muk had an advantage over grass type Pokemon."

"I don't know what's surprising." Said Misty. "The fact that he's using Muk, or the fact that he actually thought ahead."

"Yes, I underestimated that myself." Said Oak.

"That's my Ash!" cried Delia.

"Okay! Ready, Muk?" asked Ash. Muk and Bellsprout approached the center of the arena.

"Begin!" cried the referee.

"All right, Bellsprout, flying Muk Kick!" cried Jeanette. Bellsprout charged, but the attack got caught in Muk's body and had no effect.

"And the tables have been turned on Jeanette's Bellsprout! Now Muk is the one absorbing the energy of the attacks!"

"They say that turnabout is fair play." Said Lucy. Bellsprout attacked repeatedly, but Muk didn't feel it at all.

"Muk's taking a licking, but Bellsprout keeps on ticking!" cried the announcer. Bellsprout even tried to pick Muk up and slam it to the ground, but that didn't work either.

"Keep it up, Muk! You're doing great!" cried Ash.

"Try a Razor Leaf!" ordered Jeanette. Bellsprout did so, but even THAT didn't work.

"Okay, Muk, time for a Body Slam attack!" cried Ash. Muk approached Bellsprout and covered it with its whole body.

"Bellsprout!" cried Jeanette. Bellsprout tried to wiggle itself out of Muk's body, but it was no use. Bellsprout stopped moving, much to Jeanette's shock, and once Muk moved, it was revealed that Bellsprout had been knocked out.

"Bellsprout is out of the match!" cried the referee. "This fourth round win goes to the green trainer, Ash Ketchum!" Jeanette's final Pokemon blacked out on the board.

"Yeah!" cried Ash. The crowd erupted in cheers.

"I'm so proud of him!" cried Delia.

"You're not the only one, Mrs. Ketchum." Said Lucy.

"I can't believe it! Ash won on all four fields!" cried Misty.

"Now BOTH of us get to battle at Indigo Stadium." Said Lucy.

"That was Ash's best match so far." Said Brock. Ash ran onto the field to celebrate with Muk.

"We did it, Muk!" cried Ash.

"Muk!" cried the poison type, which meant 'We sure did, Ash!' Muk tackled his trainer to the ground with a big hug.

"Now I understand how that Bellsprout felt!" cried Ash.

"Let's not forget how Professor Oak feels whenever Muk does that to him." Said Lucy.

"That Muk can really smother you with affection!" cried Oak. Jeanette picked up her fallen Pokemon.

"I'm very proud of the way you battled, Bellsprout." She said. "Let's go home." She carried Bellsprout out of the stadium.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket had sold out of their stock.

"Well, we sold out everything." Said Jessie.

"Face it, Jess, we're much better at selling stuff than we are at stealing stuff." Said James.

"You're right." Replied Jessie. "It's fun, and very profitable too!"

"Ha! Next thing you know, you two will be wanting to open up a fast-food joint!" cried Meowth.

"Not a bad idea." Said Jessie. "We can call it Jessie's!"

"James'." Added James.

"Want a burger and fries without trouble?" asked Jessie.

"If you're really hungry, make it double." Answered James.

"To protect the world from hunger and thirst." Said Jessie.

"Our food isn't bad, at least, not the worst." Said James.

"The Team Rocket Restaurant, blast in for a bite." Said Jessie.

"We stay open all day AND all night." Said both Jessie and James. Team Rocket walked out of the arena.

In the locker room…

"You didn't do too bad out there." Said Misty.

"Uh, thanks." Said Ash.

"But if it wasn't for Muk, you'd have been out of luck." Said Lucy. Muk tried to hug both Misty and Lucy, and naturally, both girls tried to get Muk off of them as everyone else laughed. And so, with a little advanced strategy, Ash got Bellsprout stuck in the Muk, and won his fourth-round match. Now, both his and Lucy's dreams are burning brightly as the flame atop Indigo Stadium. But do either of them have what it takes to become a Pokemon master? Find out as the competition continues.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Kingler

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Onix, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Dragonair, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan, Gengar, Moltres

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair

 

[MarkL1987]

Episode 82: A Friend In Deed

Last time, Lucy and Ash competed in the fourth round of the Pokemon League. While Lucy completely dominated her match, Ash faced off against his toughest opponent yet! Scyther seemed to have the edge with a series of slashing attacks, but Ash proved to be sharper than his opponent. That is, until Meowth was knocked out by Bellsprout. As fans rooted for this unlikely power plant, Ash found himself in a real Poke-predicament! But Ash had a special surprise planned, and with only one battle remaining to decide the outcome, the massive Muk buried Bellsprout, and Ash pulled out a victory that now carries him into the upcoming fifth round.

In the Pokemon Village, the group was heading back to their cabin to celebrate Ash and Lucy winning their fourth round matches.

"Hey, I'm really hungry." Said Misty.

"We should all have a big meal to celebrate Ash and Lucy's big victories!" cried Brock.

"My thoughts exactly, Brock!" cried Lucy.

"And dinner's on me and Lucy because everyone in the Pokemon League eats for free!" cried Ash. Once they got to the cabin Ash's mom, Lucy's dad and Professor Oak were all waiting outside for them.

"Hi, Ash!" cried Delia.

"Hey there, sweet pea." Said Zack.

"Hello!" cried Oak.

"Hi, Mom! Hi, Mr. Peters! Hi, Professor Oak!" cried Ash.

"Hey Professor, Dad, Mrs. Ketchum!" cried Lucy.

"I was quite impressed with how you battled out there, Ash." Said Oak.

"I'm so proud of you." Said Delia.

"We're all proud of him, Mrs. Ketchum." Said Lucy.

"And even though I couldn't be here for my pumpkin's first four matches, I did see them on TV at home. I'm very proud of you, dear." Said Zack.

"Thanks very much, Dad." Said Lucy.

"You and Lucy need to keep your strength up while you both compete, so Zack and I are making your favorite meals for you." Said Delia.

'You are?" cried Ash and Lucy.

"But where are you going to cook around here?" asked Brock. Delia laughed.

"Leave that to me." She said.

Later, on the tenth floor of the tallest building in the Pokemon Village, Delia and Zack were seen cooking up a storm for their kids, leaving the kitchen staff speechless.

"Our customers usually come here to eat, not to cook." Said the chef.

"Well maybe they should try it." Said Zack.

"Ash, Lucy, dinner's almost ready!" cried Delia. Everyone in the group just about sweat dropped.

"Lucy and I can't wait." Said Ash.

"This is either going to be very good or very bad." Said Misty.

"What are you talking about, Misty?" said Lucy. "Mrs. Ketchum's cooking is the best. Although, my dad's a pretty solid cook himself."

"We should let our Pokemon chow down too." Suggested Brock.

"Good idea." Said Ash. They let their Pokemon out so that they could have their special food. The group was soon seated for sinner, and they were amazed at what they saw.

"Well, kids, how does it look?" asked Delia.

"Like something a five star chef would make." Said Lucy. "In other words…"

"It looks great!" everyone cried. Soon, they all digged in.

"These croquettes are excellent!" cried Brock.

"No wonder the chef asked for the recipe!" cried Misty.

"These potatoes are so good!" cried Ash. "Nobody cooks like you do, Mom!"

"Hey, slow down there, buddy!" cried Lucy. "And use a napkin, will ya?"

"You know, Ash, if you and Lucy both win your next battles, you'll be able to use up to six Pokemon per match." Said Professor Oak. "Have either of you decided which Pokemon you'll choose?"

"I think I'd rather wait to see who I'm up against first." Said Ash.

"Same here." Replied Lucy.

"Tomorrow, they decided who everybody that's left will battle against in the round of sixteen." Said Ash.

"Don't forget to let me know if either of you need anymore Pokemon." Said Oak. "You both have plenty of Pokemon back at my lab to choose from, so if you need them, just let me know and I'll transport them over to you right away."

"Thanks, Professor." Said Ash and Lucy.

Later, after dinner was over, the group prepared to head back to the bottom floor of the building.

"If you both remember to just do your best, you'll both come out winners, even if one or both of you lose." Said Oak. "That's the important thing."

"But try to win." Said Delia.

"Right." Said Ash.

"Got it." Added Lucy.

"We'll make sure they do." Said Misty.

"We're quite good at that." Said Brock. As they started to get into the elevator…..

"Hold the door, please! I'm going downstairs too!" cried a young boy.

"Sure." Said Oak. The boy got in and the elevator started going down.

"Thank you very much." Said the boy.

"No problem." Replied Professor Oak. The boy then spotted Pikachu.

"Wow, whose is that?" he asked.

"Mine. Pikachu belongs to me." Said Ash.

"I also have a Pikachu, although he's smaller compared to Ash's." said Lucy. "That's why I call him Little Pikachu."

"Pi." Said Little Pikachu, which meant 'Nice to meet you.' The boy chuckled.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'He's very nice, isn't he?'

"He definitely looks nice so far, Eevee." Said Lucy.

"You're really lucky." The boy said to Ash.

"Yeah, thanks." Said Ash. The boy reached down to pet Pikachu.

"Hey, you better be careful!" cried Ash.

"Pikachu can really shock you if he's handled the wrong way." Added Lucy. But much to the group's surprise, Pikachu didn't shock the boy.

"Looks like you're rubbing Pikachu the right way." Said Misty.

"I can see that you've done a really great job raising your Pikachu." Said the boy.

"Oh, thanks." Said Ash. "It hasn't always been easy." Before anyone could say anything else, the lights all went out and the elevator stopped, which surprised everyone.

"What's going on?" cried Ash.

"The power went out." Said Brock.

"Try using the emergency call button." Said Lucy.

"Right." Replied Brock. He pressed the button. "Hello? Can anyone there hear me?" He tried pressing the button again. "Hello there? Hey, looks like the button's busted too."

"It's probably just a power outage." Said Oak.

"What should we do?" asked Delia.

"I guess we're stuck here until somebody restores the electricity." Answered Oak.

"What? Oh no!" cried Misty.

"Great, trapped in an elevator." Grumbled Lucy. "What next?" Brock noticed the boy fiddling with the cables in the elevator controls.

"Excuse me, but can I borrow your Pikachu for a second?" the boy asked Ash.

Yeah." Said Ash. He picked Pikachu up. "What do you need him for?"

"I want to use Pikachu's Thunder Shock to jump start the elevator." The boy answered.

"Say there. That's an interesting idea." Said Oak. "Let's try it, Ash."

"Okay." Said Ash. "Pikachu, Thunder Shock." Pikachu sent its jolts through the wires and got the elevator lit up and moving again to the relief and amazement of the group.

"We're moving!" cried Ash. Once they were on the ground floor, they disembarked from the elevator.

"We made it!" cried Lucy.

"I'm glad we held the door open for you!" cried Brock.

"We can't thank you enough." Said Delia.

"Don't thank me, thank Pikachu." Said the boy.

"Thank you." Said Ash. "Your name is…"

"Oh yeah. My name's Ritchie." Said the boy.

"My name's Ash." Said Ash. "Nice to meet you."

"I'm Lucy. I'm Ash's best friend." Said Lucy.

"Nice meeting you all, but I gotta run." Said Ritchie. "See ya!" He took off down the hall.

"Bye." Said Ash.

"What a sweetie." Said Delia.

"He's very mature for a boy his age." Said Oak.

"Unlike a certain other boy we know." Said Misty. Lucy eyeballed her.

"I was really impressed with the way he handled Pikachu." Said Brock. A voice was soon heard from outside, one that was all too familiar to the gang.

"Your attention please! May I have your attention please?!" cried the voice.

"This is an emergency announcement for all trainer participating in the Pokemon League competition!" cried another voice. "This is only a test!" Both of the voices were coming from a van outside the building.

"All trainers must bring their Poke Balls to the Pokemon pavilion for official inspection immediately!" cried the first voice.

"I wonder why they want to inspect Poke Balls." Said Misty.

"We better find out." Said Ash.

"It's important that you bring all Poke Balls to the pavilion as quickly as possible." Said Jessie.

"And make it snappy." Said James. He and Jessie put down their speakers.

"This is our schemiest scam yet for getting primo Pokemon!" cried Meowth. Team Rocket chuckled.

Later, the van was parked outside the pavilion, and all of the Pokemon League participants were there, including Ash and Lucy.

"I wonder why we had to come here so quickly." Said Ash.

"Beats me." Said Lucy. The two of them soon spotted Ritchie.

"Hey, Ritchie!" cried Ash.

"Ash! Lucy! How's it going?" cried Ritchie.

"We didn't know you'd be here." Said Ash. "Glad to see you."

"I guess you're in the Pokemon League too." Said Lucy.

"Yeah." Replied Ritchie. Team Rocket soon stepped out.

"We must now collect all your Pokemon in order to perform the required physical examination." Said jessie. "Please deposit all of your Pokemon into the bag held by this official looking man with the mustache."

"Something's kind of weird." Said Ash.

"I feel the same way." Added Lucy.

"Nobody mentioned anything about a Pokemon exam to me." Said Ritchie.

"Any trainer who fails to turn in all their Pokemon will be disqualified from the league." Said Jessie.

"Disqualified?!" cried Ash, Lucy and Ritchie.

"Drop all your Poke Balls in here." Said James.

"Let's hurry, trainers." Said Jessie. All the trainers placed their Poke Balls into the sack.

"Good, just toss them all in." said James.

"All of them. That's the rule." Added Jessie.

"You two, young man." Said James. "Same for you, young lady."

"I'll just take this Pikachu and this Eevee." Said Jessie.

"You better not pick up Pikachu, ma'am." Said Ash.

"Be careful with Eevee." Said Lucy.

"Don't worry, I think we can handle two little rugrats." Said Jessie. But Pikachu shocked Jessie as she put him in the sack.

"That was easy." Said Jessie.

"We finally got Pikachu and Eevee, Jessie!" cried James.

"Did he just say Jessie?!" cried Lucy.

"Hey, she's right." Said Ritchie. "You look a lot like those guys from Team Rocket!"

"You better drop that sack and let Pikachu and Eevee go right now or you'll both be in for DOUBLE THE TROUBLE!" cried Lucy.

"The truth is about to come out." Said Jessie.

"I just hate when that happens." Said James.

"I can't hold it in any longer." Said Jessie. "I just HAVE to say prepare for trouble!"

"Oh, yes, Jess, and while we're at it, let's make it double!" cried James.

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!" Jessie and James removed their disguises.

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!" Meowth popped up in the driver's window.

"Meowth, that's right!"

"Not you guys again!" cried Ash.

"Give us back our Poke Balls!" cried Ritchie.

"We'll give them back." Said Jessie.

"After we remove your Pokemon from them, that is." Added James. He and Jessie laughed.

"Smog them, Weezing!" cried James. Weezing materialized and blinded everyone as Jessie, James, Meowth and Weezing headed into the van.

"Suckers!" cried Jessie and James. They drove away, but Ash and Lucy noticed.

"They're getting away!" cried Ash.

"Hold it!" cried Lucy.

"Stop that van!" cried Ash.

"Somebody call the police, there's been a robbery!" cried Lucy. The van drove off the village premises.

"Come back!" cried Ash. He and Lucy chased after them, and soon, Ritchie joined them.

"Ash! Lucy!" cried Ritchie.

"Ritchie!" cried Ash and Lucy. The three of them soon spotted Team Rocket's van.

"We can't catch them on foot." Said Ash.

"Not unless we cut straight down the side of the mountain." Added Ritchie.

"Okay, let's do it!" cried Ash.

"Are you crazy, Ash?!" cried Lucy. "I know we have to get our Pokemon back, but cutting down the mountain is too dangerous!"

"I won't let them take Eevee, Pikachu, or any of our Pokemon." Said Ash. He and Lucy started running down the mountain.

"Ash! Lucy! Hey, wait!" cried Ritchie.

"Come on!" cried Ash. They picked up speed as they raced down the side of the mountain.

"Ash! Lucy! Slow down!" cried Ritchie.

"We have to cut them off before it's too late!" cried Ash.

"Ash, Lucy, no!" cried Ritchie. He jumped and stopped them both and the three of them came sliding to a stop right before they could go over a cliff, although Ash pushed him off in annoyance.

"If I hadn't stopped you, then you and Lucy would've run right off the edge of the cliff!" cried Ritchie.

"No way!" cried Ash.

"Come on." Said Ritchie. The three of them started climbing down the side of the cliff.

"That kid's definitely a fast thinker." Said Lucy.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was still driving down the road in their van.

"Ah, success at last." Said James.

"If at first you don't succeed, just lie again and again." Said Jessie.

"I think we've got a hundred Poke Balls in there!" cried Meowth.

Meanwhile, our heroes had gotten down the cliff safely while Team Rocket sang about their success until Ash, Lucy and Ritchie stood in their way, which shocked Team Rocket.

"STOP!" cried Lucy, Ritchie and Ash.

"Those twerps and their new friend!" cried Jessie. She went off the road in order to lose them, but they gave chase.

"Hold it!" cried Lucy. The van went down the hill and into a river.

"Good driving." Said Jessie. She and Meowth looked to James and found him unconscious.

"He's out cold!" cried Meowth. Jessie took the wheel and drove down the river as the heroes continued to pursue them.

"Follow the river!" cried Lucy.

Later that night, Ash, Ritchie and Lucy were all walking along the bank of the river.

"Maybe Team Rocket's just around the bend." Said Ash.

"Why don't we quit for the night and get some sleep, Ash." Suggested Ritchie.

"He has a point there, Ash." Said Lucy. "It's too dark now, and if we get lost, we'll never be able to find Team Rocket."

"You're right." Said Ash.

"I have a couple of extra sleeping bags with me." Said Ritchie. "When you travel as much as I do, you always have to carry some extra supplies."

"Smart kid." Thought Lucy.

Later that night, the three of them had set up camp.

"Ritchie, I'm sorry I pushed you earlier." Said Ash. "If it hadn't been for you knocking me and Lucy down, we would've run off the cliff for sure. Anyway, I'm sorry."

"That's okay." Said Ritchie.

"You ought to be more careful next time." Said Lucy. "You did try to stop them by jumping right in front of their van."

"You and I did that too." Added Ritchie.

"When it comes to Pokemon, I can get pretty crazy." Said Ash.

"Kind of the same for me." Said Lucy.

"I'm that way too." Said Ritchie.

"I guess we're just a trio of Poke-Maniacs." Said Ash.

"Guess so." Said Ritchie.

"Poke-Maniacs!" laughed Lucy. "That's a good one!" Ritchie soon got some food out for the three of them.

"Let's eat." He said. "Here, guys."

"Oh, thanks." Said Ash.

"Thank you." Said Lucy. But Ash didn't dig in.

"Ash, you're not touching any of your food." Said Lucy. "Is something wrong?"

"Do you think we'll ever see any of our Pokemon again?" Ash wondered.

"I'm sure we will." Lucy assured him.

"I think so too, Ash." Said Ritchie.

"We'll start looking again first thing in the morning." Said Lucy.

"With us working together, I know we can find them." said Ritchie. The three of them started eating.

"This is nowhere near as good as my mom's cooking." Said Ash.

"Compared to the meals our parents make, this is kind of lackluster." Added Lucy.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was having a fest in honor of their success.

"A toast. To the trio with the brio!" cried Jessie.

"Here, here!" cried James.

"Yeah!" cried Meowth. "Whatever that means."

"Well, fellow rocketeers, we've procured plenty of Pokemon." Said James.

"And we've finally snatched those sniveling twerps' precious Pikachu and Eevee!" cried Jessie.

"Let's Poke-partay!" cried Meowth. Jessie laughed.

"Team Rocket has finally come up with the biggest Poke-haul of all!" she cried.

"Yeah!" cried James and Meowth. The three of them kept celebrating.

Meanwhile, Ash, Ritchie and Lucy had gone to bed, but neither of them were asleep yet. Ritchie was connecting the stars with his finger, which Ash and Lucy noticed.

"What are you doing?" asked Ash.

"Care to explain?" added Lucy.

"Okay. See what Pokemon you can see when you connect up all the stars." Said Ritchie.

"That one looks like an Onix!" cried Ash.

"Yeah." Said Ritchie.

"An Onix constellation! Cool!" cried Lucy.

"Now, connect those two bright ones to the ones down over there." Said Ritchie.

"Wow! It's Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Right." Said Ritchie.

"I guess you think about Pokemon as much as we do." Said Ash. Ritchie nodded.

"Pokemon are amazing." He said. "I think about their different personalities and strengths and weaknesses so much that I even dream about them."

"Yeah?" replied Ash.

"Yeah. And I'm going to be a great trainer." Said Ritchie.

"Well me and Lucy are going to be the best Pokemon trainers on the entire planet!" cried Ash.

"The entire planet?" said Ritchie.

"That's right!" replied Ash.

"It'll never happen." Said Ritchie. "Because I'm going to be the greatest trainer in the entire galaxy!"

"Entire galaxy?!" cried Ash. "Well, me and Lucy are going to be the best in the whole universe!" The two boys laughed.

"I think I sense a strong friendship between those two." Lucy said to herself.

The next day, the three of them continued looking for Team Rocket.

"They should be around here somewhere." Said Lucy.

"We just have to find Team Rocket." said Ash. Ritchie soon spotted something.

"Hey, look!" he cried. Ash and Lucy looked in Ritchie's direction.

"Tire tracks!" cried Ritchie.

"Those tracks lead right into the woods!" cried Ash.

"Let's follow them!" cried Lucy. The three of them followed the tire tracks and found Team Rocket fast asleep at their campsite.

"It's them." said Ritchie.

"But where are all the Pokemon?" asked Lucy.

"Probably still in the van." Answered Ritchie.

"Let's check it out." Said Ash.

"We'll have to be quiet." Said Lucy. "We don't want to wake them up." The three of them carefully tiptoed past Team Rocket and entered the back of the van.

"Hey! Pikachu!" Ash whispered.

"Eevee! Where are you, girl?" whispered Lucy. Pikachu and Eevee were soon heard and seen wiggling around in the sack that they were trapped in.

"Don't worry, we'll get you out." Said Lucy. Once she and Ash opened the sack, Pikachu and Eevee jumped into their respective trainers' arms.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"And the Poke Balls?" said Ritchie.

"Don't worry, they're all here in the bag." Said Ash.

"Let's grab 'em and go!" cried Lucy. But they were soon spotted by Team Rocket.

"Look who decided to creep into our campsite." Laughed Jessie.

"We're taking these Poke Balls, and neither of you are stopping us!" cried Ash.

"The only thing you three are taking is a ride!" cried Meowth.

"Bye-bye!" cried James. Team Rocket locked up the three of them and headed to the front.

"Hold it!" cried Ash. He tried prying the door open, but it was no good.

"We're locked in!" cried Lucy.

"There has to be some way out!" cried Ritchie. The van started moving.

"Once we get rid of the twerp trio, we'll have Pikachu, Eevee, and the other Pokemon all to ourselves." Said Jessie.

"We've got to think of something fast!" cried Ash.

"If only we could stop the van!" cried Ritchie.

"I know! We'll use our Pokemon to help us!" cried Lucy. She started rummaging through the sack, but ran into a huge problem.

"Uh oh!" she cried.

"What's wrong, Lucy?" asked Ritchie.

"I can't tell which Poke Balls are mine or Ash's!" she cried.

"Mine are right here." Said Ritchie.

"Yeah?" said Ash.

"How can you tell?" asked Lucy.

"I put these star stickers on them so that I know they're mine." Answered Ritchie.

"Maybe we should've thought of something like that, Ash." Said Lucy.

"Keep looking around, Lucy. Our Poke Balls have got to be in here somewhere." Said Ash. He picked up a Poke Ball.

"I choose you, Bulbasaur!" he cried. But a Drowsee materialized instead.

"Wrong Pokemon!" cried Lucy.

"Return!" cried Ash. The Drowsee was recalled.

"Maybe these ones?" said Lucy, picking out two more. A Slowbro and Magikarp materialized from them.

"Not even close." Said Ash. The Slowbro and Magikarp were recalled.

"They have to be in there. Keep picking!" cried Lucy. Pikachu and Eevee picked up the scent of Ash and Lucy's Poke balls and easily found them.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Lucy!' She rolled one over to her.

"You think this one's mine?" she asked.

"Vee!" answered Eevee, which meant 'I'm positive it's yours.'

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'I found one of yours, Ash!'

"Thanks, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'You're welcome, pal!'

"Whoever's in here, go!" cried Lucy. Much to her relief, Ivysaur materialized.

"Ivysaur, use your Tackle attack on that wall!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur charged and rammed against the wall, but it was too strong.

"Try your Razor Leaf attack." Said Lucy. Ivysaur launched the attack, but the wall still stood.

"No good!" cried Ash.

"Now what?" asked Lucy.

"Guys, let my Pokemon try!" cried Ritchie. "Zippo, I choose you!"

"Zippo?" wondered Ash. A Charmander materialized.

"Wow, a Charmander!" cried Lucy. "You gave him a nickname?"

"I nickname all my Pokemon." Answered Ritchie. "Zippo, use your Slash attack!" The attack landed and left huge gash marks, which made the wall collapse and reveal Team Rocket in the drivers' seats.

"Hey! This van's a rental!" cried Jessie.

"Sorry Team Rocket, but the ride's over for you!" cried Lucy.

"Correction, twerps it's over for you!" cried Jessie. "Go get them, James!"

"But I'm driving!" cried James. Jessie gave a frustrated growl.

"Arbok, go!" she yelled. Arbok materialized.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash. Pikachu got ready to attack, but James swerved.

"Turn attack!" he cried. An opening had now been provided for Arbok to attack.

"Pikachu, are you okay?!" cried Ash. Pikachu quickly got up.

"Pika pi." Answered Pikachu, which meant 'I'm good!'

"Nice driving!" cried Jessie.

"I should get a license!" cried James.

"Sparky, you're on!" cried Ritchie. A Pikachu materialized from the Poke Ball.

"A Pikachu?" cried Ash.

"No wonder you handled Ash's Pikachu so well yesterday." Said Lucy.

"Pi Pika!" cried Sparky, which meant 'Let's rumble!'

"There's two?!" cried Meowth.

"Technically three if you include Little Pikachu." Said Lucy.

"One Pikachu's tough enough!" cried James.

"It's three times as nice!" Cried Jessie. "Arbok, give them trouble and make it double!" Arbok charged.

"Sparky, confuse Arbok with your Agility!" cried Ritchie. Sparky dashed forward.

"Pikachu, give them Agility, in stereo!" cried Ash.

"Little Pikachu, hit them with your own Agility!" cried Lucy. The two Pikachu brothers started running as fast as Sparky, and together, all three Pikachu caused Team Rocket and Arbok to panic.

"Are there three or twenty?!" cried Jessie. The whole ordeal caused Arbok to get dizzy.

"Yes!" cried Ash.

"Now let's attack them together!" cried Ritchie.

"Okay!" cried Lucy.

"Sparky!" cried Ritchie.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Little Pikachu!" cried Lucy.

"Triple Thunderbolt attack!" the three of them cried. The triple Thunderbolt landed, which shocked Arbok and Team Rocket. The front of the van exploded, which sent the three crooks and Arbok into the air.

"We're blasting off again!" Team Rocket cried.

"We did it!" cried Ash.

"We're not out of the woods yet!" cried Lucy.

"She's right, Ash. Look up ahead!" cried Ritchie. They looked and saw a cliff coming up.

"Oh no!" cried Ash.

"If we go over that cliff, we're doomed!" cried Lucy.

"Pidgeotto!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto materialized.

"Butterfree!" cried Lucy. Her pink Butterfree materialized.

"Happy!" cried Ritchie. His own Butterfree materialized.

"Hey, that's a nice Butterfree." Said Ash.

"Maybe they can be our Pokemon parachutes!" cried Ritchie.

"Clever thinking!" cried Lucy. The truck got closer and closer to the cliff, but luckily, Ash, Lucy and Ritchie were able to jump out in the nick of time.

"We're falling too fast!" cried Ash.

"We'll have to use Whirlwind!" cried Ritchie.

"Huh?" said Ash.

"I get Ritchie's idea!" cried Lucy. "The three of us will need to aim a Whirlwind attack down to the ground."

"Right!" cried Ash. "Pidgeotto!"

"Butterfree!" cried Lucy.

"Happy!" cried Ritchie.

"Whirlwind attack!" the three of them cried. The plan worked, and the three of them landed on the ground safely.

"Is everybody okay?" asked Ash.

"Saur." Answered Ivysaur, which meant 'I'm okay.'

"Pika." Answered Pikachu, which meant 'I'm good.'

"Pi.' Replied Little Pikachu, which meant 'So am I.'

"Vee." Said Eevee, which meant 'I'm all right.'

"We're okay." Said Ritchie.

"Same here." Said Lucy.

"That's the second time you saved me and Lucy." Said Ash.

"You and Lucy are actually the ones who saved me." Said Ritchie.

"If you hadn't thought of the Pokemon parachute, we'd have been history!" cried Ash.

"You're a really fast thinker." Said Lucy.

"Yeah, but you two were…" said Ritchie. Before he could finish, the three of them heard something. They looked and saw Brock, Misty, multiple Officer Jennies and the rest of the Pokemon League participants all in jeeps.

"Hey, Ash! Lucy!" cried Misty.

"Are you guys okay?!" cried Brock.

"Yeah, we're just fine!" cried Lucy.

"And we got back all the trainers' Poke Balls!" cried Ritchie.

"Way to go, you three!" cried Misty.

Later at the Pokemon pavilion, Ash and Lucy were about to find out who their fifth round opponents would be. Lucy looked up at the board, and she was quite shocked when she saw who she was pitted against.

"So, you know how Gary lost to Mellisa in the last round?" asked Lucy.

"Yeah, what about that?" asked Ash.

"Now it's my turn to face her." Answered Lucy. "I was kind of afraid of this, but I think I can beat her."

"Remember, her Golem is very tough." Said Brock. "After all, it did take down Gary's Nidoking."

"I think she's likely going to use Golem for one of her Pokemon, so I'll need to make sure I have at least one water type ready to go." Said Lucy.

"The next trainer to fish will be Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town." Said the receptionist.

"That's me!" cried Ash.

"This is pretty neat." Said Lucy. "Magikarp fishing to find out who Ash faces next."

"Let's see." Said Ash. He soon got a bite.

"A-3." Said the receptionist. "That means your next opponent is going to be…" A picture of Ritchie popped up on the computer screen right next to Ash's picture, leaving the two boys, Brock, Misty, Lucy, Pikachu and Eevee in complete shock.

"No way!" cried Lucy. "The two of them just became friends, and now they're pitted against one another?! What a twist of fate!" You're right about that twist of fate, Lucy. So, Ash's next opponent happens to be the new friend he just made. How will our heroes find the courage to put their skills and friendship to the ultimate test? I don't know, but whatever you do, don't miss round five! This time, there's more at stake than just a match!

Meanwhile, Team Rocket found themselves stuck in a tree.

"I just don't understand it." Groaned Jessie.

"How can we feel so low…." Complained James.

"When we're up so very high?" grumbled Meowth.

"A hundred Pokemon in a bag, a hundred Pokemon…." Groaned Jessie.

"If all those Pokemon go free…" groaned James.

"There ain't no Pokemon for me…" cried Meowth.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Kingler

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Onix, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Dragonair, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan, Gengar, Moltres

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair

 

[MarkL1987]

Episode 83: Friend And Foe Alike

"The next trainer to fish will be Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town." Said the receptionist.

"That's me!" cried Ash.

"This is pretty neat." Said Lucy. "Magikarp fishing to find out who Ash faces next."

"Let's see." Said Ash. He soon got a bite.

A-3." Said the receptionist. "That means your next opponent is going to be…" A picture of Ritchie popped up on the computer screen right next to Ash's picture, which brought a look of shock onto everybody's face, including Ash and Ritchie.

"No way!" cried Lucy. "The two of them just became friends, and now they're pitted against one another?! What a twist of fate! Well, I can say is, may the best trainer win." Ritchie and Ash stared at each other while still in surprise and shock. While thwarting yet another Team Rocket scheme, Ash and Ritchie quickly became friends. But now, a twist of fate pits them against one another in the fifth round of the Pokemon League competition. Both are determined to triumph, but who will emerge victorious? And can their friendship survive the struggle?

That night, Ash and Lucy were preparing for their fifth round battles, but Ash was still in disbelief that the friend he and Lucy had just made was now his next opponent.

"Why does my next match have to be against Ritchie?" he cried. "Everything always happens to me."

"Hey, Ash! Check this out!" cried Misty. Ash turned his attention to the computer that she was using.

"What are you doing?" asked Ash.

"I clicked onto the Pokemon League database, and it has lots of information about all the trainers, including Ritchie." Answered Misty.

"Something about Ritchie?" asked Ash. Ritchie's tournament stats were brought up on the screen, which Lucy had a look at.

"Whoa!" she cried. "Ritchie's won all four rounds without losing a single Pokemon!"

"This kid's amazing!" cried Brock.

"Well Lucy and I won four rounds too, you know." Added Ash.

"Which is really great and all, but Ritchie really knows what he's doing." Said Misty.

"And he's used only three Pokemon in all four of his battles!" cried Lucy. "Happy, Zippo and Sparky."

"A fire type, an electric type and a flying type." Said Brock. "They're almost the same kind of Pokemon that you use a lot of the time, Ash."

"It's almost like Ritchie's an alternate version of Ash, but much better!" cried Lucy.

"That means it's going to come down to which one of you is the better trainer." Said Misty. "You're in trouble."

"I'm just as good of a trainer as Ritchie is!" cried Ash.

"It must be nice to dream about victory when you're wide awake." Added Misty.

"You'll cry from being jealous once I win!" countered Ash.

"Keep in mind that both Ash and I made it here without taking any shortcuts, so back off!" cried Lucy. "Or, maybe you're just jealous that you're not allowed to participate due to your gym leader status." Misty flared up.

"I'M NOT JEALOUS OF EITHER OF YOU!" she roared.

"I don't know, Ash." Said Brock. "Battling against a friend won't be easy."

"Ritchie may be a friend, but he's also a competitor too, and nothing's going to stop me from winning that match tomorrow." Said Ash.

"Same for me!" cried Lucy.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Oh yeah!'

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'We got this!'

The next day at the Pokemon Center…..

"Excuse me, miss." Said Ritchie. "I'd like to pick up the Pokemon I left yesterday, please."

"I have them all right here and ready for you, Ritchie." Said Nurse Joy. "They're all ready for your big battle today."

"Great. Thank you very much." Said Ritchie. Ash and Lucy soon walked in.

"Good luck, Ritchie!" cried Joy.

"Thanks!" answered Ritchie. He was soon spotted by Ash and Lucy.

"Oh, hi, Ash." Said Ritchie.

"Hi, Ritchie." Said Ash.

"Listen, Ash." Said Ritchie. "Because we're friends, we should promise each other to make this the best battle that we've ever had."

"Okay. That's a promise, Ritchie." Said Ash. Lucy cleared her throat.

"Ash, let's not forget about that other promise." Said Lucy.

"What are you talking about, Lucy?" asked Ash. "What other promise?"

"You promised me last night before we went to bed that you and Ritchie were going to watch my match against Melissa." Said Lucy. "And since your match is after mine, we can all head to the stadium together."

"She does have a good point there, Ash." Said Ritchie.

"Ash?" said Joy. "All of your Pokemon are ready for your match too. Same goes for your Pokemon, Lucy."

"Thanks, Nurse Joy." Said Ash.

"Yeah, thanks a lot, Nurse Joy." Said Lucy.

"You're both welcome." Said Joy. "Good luck to all three of you. And Ash, you're very lucky to be battling against a friend. Even if you don't win the match yourself, you can still be happy because your friend won. That makes it nice."

"Yeah." Said Ash.

"And I'm sure you and Ritchie will do your best no matter what." Said Joy.

Later at the cabin, Ash and Lucy were preparing for their matches.

"So Ash, have you thought about which Pokemon you're going to use against Ritchie?" asked Lucy.

"If I'm being honest, deciding that's going to be tough." Said Ash.

"What makes it even tougher is that he doesn't use just one specific type." Said Misty.

"From what we saw, he likes to use some variety, which means it'll be hard to predict what Pokemon he'll use." Said Brock. "Although, if what we saw before is any indication, I think he may end up sticking with his Charmander, Butterfree and Pikachu."

"I guess it's like the old saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Said Lucy.

"That's exactly right, Lucy." Said Brock. Soon, the phone rang, which Misty answered.

"Good morning." she answered.

"Uh, hello?" said Ritchie.

"Oh, hi there, Ritchie." Said Misty. "We were just getting ready to go to Lucy's match."

"Is Ash there?" asked Ritchie.

"Yes, but he's getting ready for the match." Replied Misty. "If this is important, just tell me and I can relay the message to him."

"Just get Ash for me, please." Said Ritchie. Misty growled and handed off the phone.

"Here, Ash, Prince Charming wants to talk to you." She said. Ash took the phone from Misty's hand.

"Hey, Ritchie." Said Ash.

"I just wanted to know if you were ready to head to the stadium yet." Said Ritchie.

"Almost." Said Ash. "Lucy and I are just finishing our pre match prep work. We'll meet you in the lobby in ten minutes."

"Okay, but hurry up." said Ritchie. The call ended before Ash could say anything else.

"So, Brock, what do you think are my chances against Melissa?" asked Lucy.

"Like I said before, Lucy, that Golem of hers is tough." Answered Brock. "But if you can beat it, then you can probably beat just about anybody you face. You've done very well for yourself so far, though. You and Ash do your best out there."

"We will." Said Lucy. A knock was soon heard at the door.

"Who could that be?" Ash wondered. Answered the door to find Delia, Zack and Professor Oak out in the hallway.

"Hey there, kids." Said Delia. "Are you and Lucy ready for your big fifth round battles today?"

"Are you kidding, Mrs. Ketchum?!" cried Lucy. "Ash and I couldn't stop thinking about it all last night."

"Well just don't get too overexcited or else you won't do well." Said Zack. "Just remember that even if you lose, I'm still proud of you."

"Thanks, Daddy." Said Lucy. "I'm quite proud of myself too."

"So, Lucy, I hear you're up against the girl that knocked out my grandson in the last round." Said Oak. "When I mentioned that to Gary last night, he almost couldn't believe it himself."

"I really hope I can beat her." Said Lucy.

"That Golem of hers is tricky, as you saw for yourself when watching Gary's battle with her." Oak continued. "But I know you'll do just fine."

"Let's get moving, guys." Said Ash. "Ritchie's waiting for me in the lobby."

"We better get moving, then, or we're going to be late." Said Brock. As they got into the elevator to head down, Ash started to get nervous again.

"Deep breaths, honey." Said Delia. "Just try and stay calm, and don't get nervous." Once they got out on the ground floor, they found Ritchie and Sparky waiting for them.

"Hey, there you are!" cried Ritchie. "You ready for the match, Ash?"

"Ready as I'll ever be." Ash answered confidently. Since the stadium wasn't too far from the Pokemon pavilion, they all decided to walk there.

"Eevee, do you think we can beat Melissa?" asked Lucy.

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Of course I do!'

"From what I figured, Golem's likely her ace in the hole, which means she'll probably be saving it for last if necessary." Said Lucy. "This is a lot to think about, Eevee. But what if I lose? More importantly, what if Ash loses?"

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Neither of you will lose!'

"How sure are you?" asked Lucy.

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Very sure! You and Ash are both great trainers! You'll both do quite well!'

"Thanks, Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Hard to believe that we've gotten this far, Pikachu." Said Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'I can hardly believe it myself!'

"I still can't believe we have to face Ritchie." Said Ash. "Hey Lucy, you said that Ritchie never lost a single Pokemon in any of his matches, right?"

"I did." Replied Lucy.

"Well once he battles me, I'll be the first one to hand him a loss." Said Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'You sure have a lot of confidence, Ash!'

"I have every right to be confident, Pikachu." Said Ash. "We move on to the quarterfinals if we win."

"Just don't get TOO overconfident, Ash." Said Misty.

"The stats may favor Ritchie, but stats don't always tell the whole truth." Said Brock.

"Like with other sports, anything can happen on any given day." Said Lucy.

"That is very true, Lucy." Said Ash.

"Remember one thing, kids." Said Delia. "No matter what happens, you're both winners in our books."

"They sure are, Delia." Said Zack. "Just look at those smiles on their faces." Ash and Lucy walked side by side with confident smiles.

"That's the look of two trainers who are very confident and very determined." Said Zack.

"But also remember that the further along you two advance, the more pressure gets put on you." Said Oak. "But you've both trained very well leading up to this tournament, and so far, all that training has paid off handsomely."

"I just hope our luck continues." Said Ash. Upon reaching the stadium, Lucy headed right for the locker room due to the fact that her match was scheduled to begin shortly. Ash, Ritchie, Brock, Misty, Delia, Zack and Professor Oak all headed for the spectator area to take their seats.

"I wonder how Lucy's feeling right now." Said Delia.

"Hopefully a bit more relaxed than she was earlier." Said Ritchie.

Over in the locker room…..

"It's almost time, Eevee." Said Lucy. "If we win this, we'll be one step closer to winning the whole tournament.

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'I'm so proud of what you've accomplished so far!'

"As long as I keep doing what I'm doing, I should be fine." Said Lucy. "If I have to face that Golem, though…." She took deep breaths in an effort to make herself less nervous. Five minute later, it was time for the match to begin.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Indigo Stadium for this fifth round match of what has been an exciting Pokemon league competition!" cried the announcer. "The two contestants are now entering the stadium and are ready to lock horns in this three on three match! Coming out first is trainer Lucy Peters from Pallet Town!" Lucy entered the field to a roar of loud cheers from the audience, including her friends.

"Go, Lucy!" cried Ash.

"Knock 'em dead, honey!" cried Zack. Lucy smiled at the fact that she had strong support.

"And coming out next is trainer Melissa!" cried the announcer. Melissa entered the stadium feeling much more confident.

"She looks very determined." Said Lucy. "But this is also the trainer Gary lost to in the last round. Hey, Gary, if you're watching this, I'll try to win it for you!" Back in Pallet Town, Gary was indeed watching.

"I hope she knocks out that Golem if she faces it." He said. In the stadium, Lucy and Melissa shook hands with each other before heading to their respective trainer boxes, green for Lucy and red for Melissa.

"As with the previous rounds, each trainer will only be allowed to use up to three Pokemon." Said the announcer. "But more importantly, both competitors are battling for a spot in the quarterfinals! Now, let's get this battle started!"

"Trainers, ready?!" cried the referee. Lucy and Melissa answered with a nod.

"Go!" cried the referee. The bell rang, and the match was on.

"All right, here we go." Said Lucy. She grabbed a Poke Ball and tossed it high.

"Aerodactyl, go!" she cried. Aerodactyl materialized, much to the shock of the crowd.

"An Aerodactyl?!" cried Ritchie. "I didn't think she had one of those!"

"She revived it from a fossil we found at Grandpa Canyon." Brock explained.

"She even called me last night to see how it was doing, and upon finding out that I had gotten it under control for her, she asked me to send it over to her for her battle." Said Oak.

"What's Melissa going to do to respond?" wondered Ash.

"Let's watch and find out." Answered Misty.

"Slowbro, go!" cried melissa. Slowbro materialized.

"Well, this might be a tough start for Lucy." Said Brock. "Aerodactyl may be a flying Pokemon, but it's also part rock type, which means it'll be weak against any water attack that Slowbro uses."

"This is also the first time that Aerodactyl's battling, so that's a factor too." Said Misty.

"Let the match begin!" cried the referee.

"All right, Aerodactyl, let's start with a Rock Slide!" cried Lucy. Aerodactyl launched his attack towards Slowbro.

"And Aerodactyl leads off this match with Rock Slide!" cried the announcer.

"Slow it down with Psychic!" cried Melissa. Slowbro stopped the Rock Slide with Psychic.

"There's the psychic powers of Slowbro kicking in." said the announcer. "It not only slowed down the Rock Slide attack, but it stopped it dead in its' tracks!"

"Use Hydro Pump!" cried Melissa. Slowbro launched a massive Hydro Pump attack.

"Dodge it, quick!" cried Lucy. Aerodactyl avoided the Hydro Pump, and then…..

"Aerodactyl, return!" cried Lucy. Aerodactyl was recalled to its Poke Ball.

"Lucy makes an early substitution, knowing that rock Pokemon are weak to water attacks." Said the announcer.

"Smart move on Lucy's part." Said Misty.

"Let's see who she sends out next." Said Ash.

"I choose you now, Staryu!" cried Lucy. Staryu materialized.

"And Lucy substitutes Aerodactyl to bring in Staryu." Said the announcer. "With two Pokemon of the same type going at it, it's anybody's guess as who will win this battle!"

"Slowbro, use your Hydro Pump again!" cried Melissa. Slowbro launched the attack.

"That's just what I wanted her to do." Replied Lucy. She had a grin on her face.

"Staryu, take the hit!" she cried. The attack headed right for Staryu

"Is Lucy crazy?!" cried Misty.

"That could spell disaster!" cried Brock.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'This could be bad.' The Hydro Pump hit Staryu, but it had no effect.

"But how?!" cried Melissa.

"Bro?" cried Slowbro, which meant 'My thoughts exactly!'

"Unbelievable!" cried the announcer. "Lucy allowed Staryu to take the hit, only for it to not have any sort of effect!"

"Looks like Staryu simply absorbed the attack like it was nothing." Said Misty.

"Care to elaborate?" asked Ash.

"Any Pokemon that have the ability to absorb water like Staryu can render any water type attack that gets thrown at it completely useless." Said Misty.

"No wonder Lucy just let Staryu take it." Said Ash.

"Slowbro, use your Psychic instead!" cried Melissa. Slowbro started lifting Staryu off the ground.

"And Slowbro lifts Staryu off the ground with its Psychic attack." Said the announcer."

"Hang in there, Staryu!" cried Lucy. "Use your most powerful Water Gun attack!" Staryu didn't flinch from the Psychic attack like everyone thought would happen. Instead, as Staryu launched the Water Gun, the attack got stronger and more powerful.

"Something's happening." Said the announcer. "Staryu's Water Gun is getting stronger and stronger!"

"What's Staryu doing?!" cried Ritchie.

"I think I know what it's doing." Said Misty. "I just hope Lucy knows too."

"That's a Hydro Pump!" cried Lucy. "Okay, Staryu, listen up! Use Hydro Pump!" Staryu let out the strongest Hydro Pump it could hold, which hit Slowbro hard.

"Slowbro!" cried Melissa. The force of the attack stopped Slowbro's Psychic and sent it flying. Staryu also got sent flying, right into a wall. Next thing they new, Slowbro and Staryu were out cold. The referee looked at both of them and called it.

"Slowbro and Staryu are both unable to battle!" he cried.

"Unbelievable!" cried the announcer. "In an attempt to break free from Slowbro's Psychic, the Hydro Pump knocked out both Slowbro AND Staryu and now both trainers have two Pokemon left." Melissa quickly recalled her fainted Slowbro.

"I didn't think that was possible." Said Ash.

"Pika." Replied Pikachu, which meant 'Me either.' Lucy grabbed Staryu's Poke ball.

"Staryu, return." She said. Staryu was recalled.

"You battled well, Staryu. Thank you." Said Lucy. "Okay, Melissa, look out! Aerodactyl, go!" Aerodactyl materialized once more.

"Lucy has brought Aerodactyl back onto the field!" cried the announcer.

"Pinsir, go!" cried Melissa. Pinsir materialized.

"Melissa counters with Pinsir!" cried the announcer.

"Pinsir, Slash attack!" cried Melissa. Pinsir slashed one of Aerodactyl's wings.

"Fight back with a Wing Attack!" cried Lucy. Aerodactyl struck Pinsir with its wings.

"Now use Bite!" cried Lucy. Aerodactyl bit down on the top of Pinsir's head.

"Look at that power and speed!" cried the announcer. "Aerodactyl is using its' Bite attack to crush Pinsir like it's some sort of carnivore!"

"Go for another Wing Attack!" cried Lucy. Aerodactyl charged at Pinsir.

"Guillotine!" cried Melissa. Pinsir charged and used the attack.

"Fly!" cried Lucy. Pinsir grabbed Aerodactyl before it had a chance to get airborne, but Aerodactyl flew upward with Pinsir hanging on.

"Now, Aerodactyl! Do it!" cried Lucy. Aerodactyl slung Pinsir off of it and sent it smashing to the ground. When the dust had settled, Pinsir was knocked out cold.

"Pinsir is out of the match! Aerodactyl is the winner!" cried the referee.

"Amazing! An Aerodactyl air show brings Lucy one step closer to a fifth-round victory!" cried the announcer.

"That was some amazing flying by Aerodactyl!" cried Ash. "I think Lucy's got this."

"Not yet she doesn't." Said Misty.

"Remember that Melissa still has one Pokemon left, and I think we know what it's going to be." Said Brock.

"Go, Golem!" cried Melissa. Golem materialized.

"And Melissa's final Pokemon is Golem!" cried the announcer.

"I figured Golem was coming out next." Said Lucy. "Okay Aerodactyl, use Rock Slide!"

"Rolling Tackle, Golem!" cried Melissa. Aerodactyl launched its attack, but Golem barreled forward and through it.

"Dodge, and use Dragon Rage!" cried Lucy.

"Grab Aerodactyl's wing!" cried Melissa. Golem grabbed Aerodactyl's wing and stopped the Dragon Rage attack.

"Incredible! Golem stops Aerodactyl dead in its tracks!" cried the announcer.

"Now, use Seismic Toss!" cried Melissa. Golem used the attack to spin Aerodactyl around and hurl it into the air.

"Aerodactyl's in trouble!" cried Lucy. Aerodactyl landed on the ground with a huge thud.

"Aerodactyl, no!" cried Lucy. After the dust settled, Aerodactyl was knocked out cold.

"Aerodactyl is unable to battle! The winner is Golem!" cried the referee.

"Now they both only have one left." Said Misty.

"Let's hope Lucy has another trick or two up her sleeve." Said Brock. Lucy recalled Aerodactyl and smiled.

"Thanks, Aerodactyl, you battled great." She said. She grabbed one final Poke Ball.

"It's all up to you now, Machoke! Go!" she cried. Machoke materialized.

"And Lucy has selected a Machoke for her final Pokemon." Said the announcer.

"Golem, Tackle!" cried Melissa. Golem charged. But Lucy was ready.

"Low Kick!" she cried. Golem tripped over after its leg was hit by Low Kick.

"Good grief!" cried the announcer. "Thanks to that Low Kick, Golem looks like it has two left feet!"

"Golem, curl and roll!" cried Melissa. Golem curled up and headed for Machoke.

"Put the brakes on it!" cried Lucy. Machoke stopped Golem's rolling with its bare hands.

"Now to give you a dose of your own medicine." Said Lucy. "Take it up for a Seismic Toss!" Machoke lifted Golem as high as it could and spun it clockwise.

"Do it!" cried Lucy. Machoke slammed Golem down in a cloud of steam.

"Golem, no!" cried Melissa. After the steam disappeared, Golem was out cold.

"Golem is out of the match!" cried the referee. "Round five victory goes to Lucy!"

"An amazing finish to an amazing match!" cried the announcer. "After dethroning one of Pallet's three best trainers, Melissa now finds herself eliminated after losing to another Pallet trainer! Lucy moves on to round six!"

"Lucy did it!" cried Ash.

"I knew she could do it!" cried Misty. Gary had seen the whole thing unfold on TV at home.

"I wasn't expecting that." Said Gary. "I guess Lucy's a much better trainer than I gave her credit for. Now I wonder how Ash will do in his own match."

Back at the stadium, the field had been cleared from Lucy's match, and now Ash and Ritchie were getting ready to begin.

"Just because we're friends, that doesn't mean I can go easy on you." Said Ritchie. "Now, are you ready for your biggest battle ever?!"

"I'm ready when you are, Ritchie!" cried Ash.

"Trainers, go!" cried the referee.

"Go, Happy!" cried Ritchie. Happy materialized.

"Spearow, I choose you!" cried Ash. Spearow materialized.

"And it's two flying types, Ritchie's Butterfree and Ash's Spearow to start off this match!" cried the announcer.

"You know, it's so refreshing to see Ash use some different Pokemon for once instead of relying on Pikachu all the time." Said Misty.

"That's because he has a whole lot of Pokemon in storage back at my lab." Said Oak. "You do make a good point, though, Misty."

"Happy, Tackle attack!" cried Ritchie. Happy charged.

"Spearow, use your Agility!" cried Ash. Spearow flew around at blistering speed, dodging any attack that came near it.

"Try as it might, Butterfree can't seem to connect against Spearow." Said the announcer. "Spearow may be small, but it's moving beautifully out there."

"Razor Wind!" cried Ash. Spearow attacked.

"Fly up and away!" cried Ritchie. Happy got out of the way just in time.

"Gust attack, now!" cried Ritchie.

"Mirror Move!" cried Ash. Happy created a gust of wind, but Spearow copied and both attacks collided in a dead heat.

"Despite the size discrepancy between these two flying types, Spearow has been managing to hold its own against Butterfree!" cried the announcer.

"Just keep it up, Spearow!" cried Ash. "Leer attack!" Spearow's eyes glowed, which spooked Happy. But Ritchie wasn't worried in the slightest.

"Happy, Sleep Powder attack!" he cried. The attack landed and Spearow was sent down to the ground and off to dream land.

"Looks like Butterfree has given Spearow a one way ticket to slumber land!" cried the announcer.

"Come on, Spearow, try to shake it off and wake up!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Come on, buddy!'

"Spearow!" cried Ash. It was no good. Spearow was out like a light, forcing the referee to call the round.

"Spearow is unable to battle, Butterfree is the winner!" he cried. Spearow blacked out on the board.

"Ritchie's battling Butterfree emerges victorious, and that is the thirteenth consecutive round that Ritchie has won in this tournament!" cried the announcer. "Ketchum now has just two Pokemon left, and he has to figure out a way to stop Ritchie's hot streak, or else his run in the competition could be over."

"Spearow, return!" cried Ash. Spearow was recalled.

"You did your best." Said Ash. He reached for another Poke Ball.

"Wait until Richie gets a load of this." He said.

"He's not going to send out Charizard next, is he?" asked Lucy.

"No, I don't think it's the time for that yet." Said Brock.

"Something tells me Ash has something a little different in mind for this next battle." Said Misty. "Let's see if my hunch is right."

"I choose you, Dragonair!" cried Ash. Dragonair materialized, much to the shock and surprise of everybody.

"He's bringing out Dragonair next! That's so awesome!" cried Lucy.

"I didn't know Ash had a Dragonair." Said Delia.

"He caught it as a Dratini in the Safari Zone." Oak explained.

"Ketchum's second Pokemon is a Dragonair!" cried the announcer. "The crowd is in awe over this selection, as they should be as not many trainers can say that they own a dragon type."

"Go, Dragonair! Double Edge attack!" cried Ash. Dragonair charged so fast that Happy couldn't move.

"Dragonair wastes no time!" cried the announcer. "From out of the Poke Ball and right onto the field to deliver a devastating Double Edge attack!"

"Into the sky, Happy!" cried Ritchie.

"Dragonair, follow it!" cried Ash. Happy took to the air, but Dragonair stayed near him and wouldn't let him out of its sight.

"Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash. Yellow light emitted from Dragonair's horn and electrocuted Butterfree mid-air.

"And there it is! A shock-tacular Thunderbolt!" cried the announcer.

"Happy!" cried Ritchie. Dragonair and Butterfree lowered back to the ground, but Butterfree was knocked out.

"Butterfree is out of the match! Dragonair is the winner!" cried the referee.

"All right! They're tied!" cried Lucy.

"Dragonair wins that intense round of Butterfree meltdown and hands Ritchie his first loss of the whole tournament!" cried the announcer. "Now both combatants have two Pokemon remaining!" Ritchie recalled Happy.

"Just two Pokemon left." He said. "Okay, looks like I have to fight fire with fire. Zippo, go!" Zippo materialized, and as he did so, he breathed fire.

"Dragonair, watch out!" cried Ash. Dragonair avoided the Flamethrower attack.

"So far, Dragonair's beating the heat from Charmander's Flamethrower attack." Said the announcer. "This dragon type is keeping its cool."

"Dragonair, use your Slam attack!" cried Ash. Dragonair used its tail to slam Charmander into the ground.

"Zippo!" cried Ritchie. Charmander got back to its feet quickly.

"Use your Slash attack!" cried Ritchie. Charmander slashed at Dragonair with its claws, which made it angry.

"Dragonair looks mad, and this is a Pokemon you don't want to get close to when it's mad." Said the announcer. Exactly how angry was Dragonair? It was so angry about being slashed that it started to glow.

"WHA?!" cried Lucy.

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'I don't believe it!'

"Misty, look!" cried Brock.

"I can't believe it!" cried Misty. "Dragonair's evolving!" When the glow faded, the blue scales had been replaced by an all orange body. The new creature also had wings that looked similar to Charizard's wings. It let out a roar.

"This is incredible, folks!" cried the announcer. "Dragonair has evolved into Dragonite!" Lucy got her Pokedex out.

"Dragonite, the Dragon Pokemon. This extremely rare and highly intelligent dragon type is able to fly faster than any known Pokemon."

"All right, Dragonite! Dragon Rage!" cried Ash.

"Zippo, Flamethrower!" cried Ritchie. The two attacks collided and created an explosion, which sent both Pokemon back. Once the dust had settled, Dragonaite was still standing strong, but Charmander was worn out.

"Finish it off, Dragonite." Said Ash. "Water Gun attack!" A powerful blast of water from Dragonite's mouth knocked Zippo out cold.

"Charmander is unable to battle. Dragonite is the winner!" cried the referee.

"Looks like Dragonite's dragon power was just too much for Charmander to handle." Said the announcer.

"Zippo, return!" cried Ritchie. Charmander was recalled.

"And now Ritchie is just one Pokemon away from defeat!" cried the announcer.

"This may be risky, but it may be only chance to win." Said Ritchie. "It's your turn, Sparky! Go!" Sparky materialized.

"Ritchie is sending in his Pikachu to face Ash's powerful Dragonite!" cried the announcer. "Will this dragon tale have a happy ending for Pikachu, or will it be the end for Ritchie?!"

"Sparky?" said Ash. "Careful, Dragonite! Ritchie's Pikachu won't be as easy as it looks, but do your best!" Dragonite stomped his foot angrily to show Sparky that it meant business.

"Fire Blast it!" cried Ash. Dragonite launched his attack.

"Use your Agility, Sparky!" cried Ritchie. Pikachu used its speed to dodge the fire attack.

"Now charge in for a Quick Attack!" cried Ritchie. Sparky charged in. and as it got close….

"Okay, Dragonite, now!" cried Ash. "Squeeze Sparky with your Wrap attack!" Dragonite squeezed his hands around Sparky's neck and wrapped him tightly.

"Sparky!" cried Ritchie.

"Dragonite's laying the squeeze on poor Pikachu and won't let go!" cried the announcer.

"Try a Thunderbolt!" cried Ritchie. Pikachu attempted to attack, but it couldn't even let out a single spark.

"Poor Pikachu!" cried Misty.

"This doesn't look good for either Ritchie OR Pikachu." Said Lucy. Dragonite continued to squeeze.

"Okay, Dragonite, you can let go." Said Ash. Dragonite did so, much to the relief of Sparky.

"Now for the finishing touch. Hyper Beam!" cried Ash. Dragonite let out a devastating orange beam from its mouth, which blew Sparky all the way to the back wall.

"Sparky, no!" cried Ritchie. Sparky had been knocked out cold.

"Pikachu is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "Dragonite is the winner!" Pikachu blacked out on the board. "The winner of this match is Ash Ketchum!"

"And it's all over, folks! Ketchum is off to the sixth round of the competition after scoring a huge win over Ritchie!" cried the announcer.

"Ash did it!" cried Lucy.

"That's my boy!" cried Delia.

"What a match!" cried Brock.

"What a Dragonite!" cried Misty. Ritchie recalled Sparky and went over to Ash.

"Well, Ash, I guess you won." Said Ritchie. "Congratulations!"

"Thanks, Ritchie!" cried Ash. "I think both of us put up a great fight." Ritchie nodded in agreement. And so, Ash and Lucy both come out as fifth round winners. They're now just two of the eight trainers that remain in the field, but will their run continue? The sixth round is coming up next!

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Dragonite

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Onix, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Kingler, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan, Gengar, Moltres

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair

 

[MarkL1987]

Episode 84: A Sensational Sixth Round

Last time, Ash and Lucy competed in the fifth round of competition at the Pokemon League. First, Lucy had an intense match against Melissa, the very same girl who had eliminated Gary Oak. The battle came down to Melissa's Golem against Lucy's Machoke, but thanks to a powerful Seismic Toss attack from Machoke, Lucy emerged victorious. Next, Ash took his turn at a fifth round battle as he went against his new friend Ritchie. Ash suffered an early defeat, but then surprised everybody by bringing out Dragonair, which evolved into Dragonite after receiving a hard slash to the face from Ritchie's Charmander. And then, after putting the squeeze on Pikachu, Ash emerged victorious and he too moves on to the sixth round of competition.

At the Pokemon Village, Ritchie was lying on top of his bed and let out a sigh.

"I thought we did everything right in the match yesterday, Sparky." He said. "We started off so well, but then that Dragonair had to came up, which I wasn't expecting at all."

"Pika." Sparky assured his trainer, which meant 'You did your best. You should be proud of yourself.'

"You're right, Sparky, I should." Said Ritchie. "But for some reason, I'm not." He soon heard a knock on his door.

"Who is it?" asked Ritchie.

"It's me, Ash." Said Ash. "Can my friends and I come in?" Ritchie sighed again.

"Sure, why not?" he groaned. Ash, Lucy, Brock, Misty, Delia and Zack all entered the room.

"Hey, Ritchie, you feeling all right?" asked Ash.

"I don't know." Answered Ritchie. "I mean, I'm glad that you won, but I still feel like I should've come out on top."

"Making the top sixteen is still a terrific accomplishment." Said Professor Oak.

"The professor's right." Said Lucy. "Even though you lost, your Pokemon still battled very well."

"Pika! Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'You really shouldn't be upset!'

"Pikachu has a good point, Ritchie." Said Brock. "You may not have come up on top this time, but you'll get another chance in other Pokemon League competitions."

"Hey, you want to go for a walk or something?" said Ash. "That might make you feel better." Ritchie smiled.

"You might be onto something there, Ash." He said. As the group walked through the village outside, one very important thing was on the minds of both Ash and Lucy.

"So, you know, guys, you both get to use six Pokemon per match going forward." Said Oak. "Have you two thought about which ones you're going to use?"

"I definitely want to use Pikachu as one of my six." Answered Ash.

"To the surprise of absolutely nobody." Replied Misty.

"I haven't used Eevee in any of my battles here yet, so I think she should finally get a turn." Said Lucy.

"Vee!" cried Eevee happily, which meant 'Finally!'

"For the rest, let's wait and see who we battle against first." Said Ash.

"I wonder who we do battle against in the next round." Said Lucy.

"That's a good question." Said Brock. A short while later….

"Hey, Lucy!" cried a voice. The group turned around to have a look at who had called to them, and Lucy was stunned.

"Leah?!" she cried. "What a surprise! I didn't know you were in the competition!"

"Lucy, is this another one of your friends?" asked Ash. Lucy nodded.

"She and I were in school together before we both became trainers." She answered. "She and I are good friends with each other. Leah, I want you to meet my best friend, Ash Ketchum." Ash shook the new girl's hand.

"It's nice meeting you, Leah." Said Ash. "I guess you love Pokemon as much as Lucy and I do."

"If I didn't, I wouldn't have gone around earning eight badges and made it through five whole rounds of competition." Leah responded. "How have you both done so far?"

"We both won five rounds too." Said Lucy. "And some of those were very thrilling. Although Ash's battles were probably more thrilling than mine, but he's still a really good trainer."

"I'm sure he is." Said Leah. She then noticed Ash's Pikachu.

"Oh, you're so lucky to have one of those!" cried Leah. "I wanted to catch one in the Viridian Forest, but I couldn't find one."

"Pikachu are usually pretty tough to find in that area." Said Ritchie.

"Ash got his Pikachu from me." Explained Oak.

"It's a real cutie, that's for sure." Replied Leah. "So, Lucy, I guess I'll see you soon at the stadium."

"See me soon?" Lucy wondered. "What are you talking about, Leah?"

"Oh, I guess you didn't see the board." Said Leah. "I'm your opponent for the next round." Lucy was stunned.

"SAY WHAT?!" she cried.

"Oh boy, now it's going to be similar to yesterday when you and I battled, Ash." Said Ritchie.

"The difference, though, is that you and I only became friends a couple of days ago." Said Ash. "Those two have known each other for way longer."

"I should probably make my way over to the stadium to get ready." Said Leah. "Oh, and Lucy, try not to get too upset when you lose to me." Leah took off before Lucy could respond.

"Um, that was certainly interesting." Said Misty. Togepi trilled happily.

"I guess Togepi liked her too." Said Brock.

"If she thinks she's going to lose, she has another thing coming!" cried Lucy. "Eevee, let's go!"

Later, at the stadium….

"Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to the sixth round of competition here at the Indigo Stadium!" cried the announcer. "Only the very best trainers have been able to advance this far, and the lucky eight that have been able to make it to this point will now be allowed to use six Pokemon per match!" In the locker room, Lucy was trying to stay relaxed.

"That Leah thinks she's better than me." She said. "Well we're going to show her who's the better trainer between us, won't we, Eevee?"

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'You bet!'

"Then let's get out there and do this!" cried Lucy.

"And now, our trainers for this sixth round match are about to come onto the field!" cried the announcer. "First, on the green side is Lucy Peters from Pallet Town!" Lucy took a deep breath before entering the field.

"Come on, Lucy, you can do it!" cried Misty.

"On the red side is Leah Tucker from Cerulean City!" cried the announcer. Leah entered the field and gave Lucy a slight smirk.

"Good luck, Lucy, not that you'll need it, of course." Said Leah. Lucy started to growl, but Eevee nudged her leg.

"Vee!" she cried, which meant 'Stay focused!'

"Right." Lucy replied.

"Trainers, as you know, you're allowed to use up to six Pokemon." Said the referee. "Pick your best, and good luck to you both." The bell rang to start the match.

"Eevee! I'm going to start this off with you, all right?" cried Lucy.

"Vee!" cried Eevee happily, which meant 'Got it!'

"Okay, go!" cried Lucy. Eevee ran onto the field.

"And Lucy is starting off the battle with an Eevee!" cried the announcer. "How will Leah counter?"

"That's a cute Eevee you've got, but I think you'll find this one just as cute." Said Leah. "Jigglypuff, go!" Jigglypuff materialized.

"Leah sends out her Jigglypuff to go up against Eevee." Said the announcer. "Which one of these two young ladies will strike first?"

"Eevee, use your Tackle attack!" cried Lucy. Eevee charged.

"Jigglypuff, curl up and roll!" cried Leah. Jigglypuff curled into a ball and started rolling towards Eevee.

"A strategic defensive move by Jigglypuff to start is rendering Eevee's attack useless!" cried the announcer.

"Eevee, try using a Swift attack!" cried Lucy. Eevee attacked, but the stars simply bounced off of Jigglypuff.

"You'll have to do better than that to beat this Jigglypuff." Said Leah. "Jigglypuff, enough rolling. Double Slap!" Jigglypuff attacked, sending Eevee into a crying fit.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Jigglypuff's really laying a beating on Eevee!" cried Misty.

"Lucy, quick, switch Pokemon!" Ash cried from the stands. Lucy saw how badly Eevee was getting pounded and made her decision.

"Eevee, return!" she cried. Eevee quickly ran back to Lucy.

"I'll put you back in later, but you need a break right now." Said Lucy. She grabbed a Poke Ball.

"Ivysaur, I choose you!" she cried. Ivysaur materialized.

"A smart move by Lucy as she substitutes Eevee out and Ivysaur is in." Said the announcer.

"Use your Vine Whip!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur's attack struck Jigglypuff in the face.

"Jigglypuff!" cried Lucy.

"Looks like Ivysaur may have figured out the Jigglypuff puzzle." Said the announcer.

"Jigglypuff, Pound attack, now!" cried Leah. Jigglypuff pounded Ivysaur in the face.

"Saur!" Cried Ivysaur.

"Great work, Jigglypuff." Said Leah. "You really made that Ivy sore." She laughed after saying that.

"Oh, so we're pulling out that old joke, are we?" Said Lucy. "Well what we're about to do next is no laughing matter. Ivysaur, Stun Spore, now!" Ivysaur sprayed gold powder on Jigglypuff, freezing it in place.

"Oh no!" cried Leah.

"Who's laughing now, huh?" said Lucy. The referee raised a flag.

"Jigglypuff is unable to battle! Victory goes to Ivysaur!" he cried.

"Well, looks like Jigglypuff isn't so jiggly right now, is it?" said Lucy. Leah just grumbled and recalled Jigglypuff.

"Five Pokemon left. There's still time." Said Leah. "Squirtle, go!" Squirtle materialized next.

"And Leah has sent out a Squirtle for her second Pokemon of the match." Said the announcer.

"A starter against starter battle." Said Misty. "This should be fun to watch."

"Ivysaur, Razor Leaf!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur launched the attack.

"Squirtle, use Withdraw and spin!" cried Leah. Squirtle went into hiding and spun around, making the leaves miss.

"Squirtle must've taken notes or something from Jigglypuff, because nothing is working against this hard turtle shell." Said the announcer.

"Ivysaur, Tackle attack!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur charged, Squirtle kept spinning.

"Now, come on out and deliver a Skull Bash!" cried Leah. Squirtle sped up and delivered a blow to Ivysaur.

"Now use Ice Beam!" cried Leah.

"Ivysaur, dodge it!" cried Lucy. Squirtle launched the beam, but Ivysaur jumped and dodged.

"Solar Beam!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur started soaking in some of the sunlight.

"All right Squirtle, while we're waiting for Solar Beam to power up, give that Ivysaur a Mega Punch!" cried Leah. Squirtle reached back and attacked.

"Ivysaur!" cried Lucy. "Hurry up with that Solar Beam, Ivysaur!"

"Try another Ice Beam, Squirtle!" cried Leah. Squirtle launched another frozen beam right when the Solar Beam finished charging.

"Now, Ivysaur!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur fired and both attacks hit at the same time, which made an explosive cloud and knocked both Pokemon back.

"What a display of power by both Squirtle and Ivysaur!" cried the announcer. "It's impossible to tell what's happened with either of them, but in a second, we'll see who the winner is." It took a bit for the cloud to disappear, but once it did, both Ivysaur and Squirtle had been knocked out.

"Ivysaur and Squirtle are both out of this match!" cried the referee.

"And it's a double knockout!" cried the announcer. "It's good night for both of these starters, and now Leah has four Pokemon remaining while Lucy has five left, and thus, still has the advantage!"

"Squirtle, return!" cried Leah. Squirtle was recalled.

"Good work. Thank you." Said Leah.

"Ivysaur, return!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur was recalled.

"You did well." Said Lucy.

"I wasn't expecting both of them to get eliminated at once." Said Ash.

"That just shows how intense these matches get in the later stages of the tournament." Said Brock.

"Now we wait and see which pair of Pokemon these two young ladies will be sending out next!" cried the announcer.

"Weepinbell, go!" cried Leah. Weepinbell materialized.

"Butterfree, I choose you!" cried Lucy. Butterfree materialized. Its pink coloring got Leah's attention.

"Say, that's a very pretty Butterfree." She said. "I just love that it's pink. That's my favorite color, but I'm sure you knew that already."

"Thanks for the compliment, but it's battling time, not talking time." Said Lucy. "Butterfree, use your Gust attack!" Butterfree flapped its wings and attacked.

"Weepinbell, use your Poison Powder!" cried Leah.

"Butterfree, dodge it!" cried Lucy. Butterfree flew up and dodge the poison dust that Weepinbell tried to spray on it.

"Go for Sleep Powder!" cried Lucy. Butterfree sprayed blue dust on Weepinbell, forcing its eyes closed.

"Oh no!" cried Leah. "Weepinbell, try and get up!" But the referee saw that Weepinbell was out cold and called it.

"Weepinbell is out of the match!" he cried.

"And another Pokemon comes off the board for Leah!" cried the announcer. "She now has three Pokemon remaining while Lucy still has five!" Weepinbell was recalled.

"Okay, Lucy, you've managed to take down half of my team." Said Leah. "Very impressive. But this next one's going to give you quite a scare. Haunter, go!" Haunter materialized, which shocked Ash and made Lucy sweat drop.

"You know, Ritchie, I had a Haunter for a little while." Said Ash.

"And where is it now?" asked Ritchie.

"It's with Sabrina at the Saffron City gym." Ash answered. On the field, Lucy gulped.

"What's the matter, Lucy?" asked Leah. "You scared or something?"

"Well, you see…" Lucy started, but the referee cut her off.

"Begin!" he cried.

"Haunter, use your Night Shade attack!" cried Leah. Haunter launched the attack, which struck Butterfree's wing.

"Don't let that Haunter scare you, Butterfree!" cried Lucy. "tackle attack!" Butterfree attacked, but nothing happened. Misty shook her head.

"Oh no, Lucy!" she cried.

"In the heat of the moment, Lucy seems to have forgotten that normal moves have no effect on ghost type Pokemon!" cried the announcer.

"Seriously? You're in the sixth round and you forget something crucial like that?!" cried Leah.

"I didn't forget!" countered Lucy. "I just…didn't remember."

"Yeah, sure." Said Leah. "Haunter, use your Confuse Ray!" Haunter shot a glowing ray from his eyes.

"Fly away!" cried Lucy. Butterfree flew as fast as it could to get away, but Leah anticipated this.

"Don't let Butterfree out of your sight!" cried Leah. "Keep firing Confuse Ray until you hit it!" No matter which way Butterfree flew, Haunter stayed on the flying type and then finally connected. Butterfree then flew down to Haunter and started doing a dance around it.

"Huh?" cried Lucy.

"Butterfree's confused, and now it think its in love with Haunter." Said Brock.

"Oh no!" cried Misty.

"Butterfree, try to shake off the confusion!" cried Lucy. No matter what she yelled, Butterfree just kept trying to dance around.

"This is ridiculous." Said Leah. "Haunter, use your Lick attack!" Haunter licked Butterfree's face, making the flying type even more dizzy.

"No!" cried Lucy. She wasted no time getting out a Poke Ball.

"Butterfree, return!" cried Lucy. Butterfree was recalled.

"Looks like it's back to the Poke Ball for Butterfree in the hopes of wearing off the confusion." Said the announcer. "What Pokemon will Lucy send out now?"

"I choose you, Alakazam!" she cried. Alakazam materialized.

"Alakazam is coming out next as Butterfree's replacement!" cried the announcer.

"Haunter, use your Hypnosis attack!" cried Leah.

"Alakazam, Teleport!" countered Lucy. Haunter attacked, but Alakazam disappeared, and then reappeared behind Haunter.

"Use your Psybeam attack!" cried Lucy. Alakazam attacked and delivered a strong blow to Haunter.

"Haunter, try and shake that off!" cried Leah. Despite taking heavy damage, Haunter stayed focused.

"Use your Night Shade attack!" cried Leah. Haunter fired the attack.

"Use teleport again!" cried Lucy. However, the Night Shade was coming so quick this time that Alakazam didn't get a chance to teleport. Instead, it took the hit.

"Ala!" cried Alakazam.

"Great job, Haunter!" cried Leah. "Ghost moves are strong on psychic types, so we should have a lock on this."

"Is THAT what you think?" cried Lucy. "Alakazam, use Recover!" Alakazam shook off the damage it had taken.

"No way!" cried Leah.

"I could do this all day regardless of what you try on Alakazam." Said Lucy. "Now, use your Psywave!" Alakazam attacked, and Haunter was hit hard.

"Oh no! Haunter!" Cried Leah. Haunter was knocked out.

"Haunter is unable to battle! Alakazam is the winner!" cried the referee.

"And another one bites the dust for Leah and now she only has two Pokemon remaining!" cried the announcer. Haunter was recalled.

"Growlithe, you're up!" cried Leah. Growlithe materialized.

"Alakazam, return!" cried Lucy. Alakazam was recalled.

"You did very well there against Haunter." Said Lucy. "All right, looks like it's time to fight fire with fire. Ponyta, I choose you!" Ponyta materialized, with sparkles flickering around it to indicate it being shiny.

"And we have an all fire fight for this next round as it's Lucy's Ponyta against Leah's Growlithe!" cried the announcer.

"Growlithe, use your Take Down attack!" cried Leah.

"Ponyta, use your own Take Down!" cried Lucy. The two fire types charged and collided.

"Ponyta, use your Stomp attack!" cried Lucy. Ponyta attacked, making Growlithe wince.

"Growlithe!" cried Leah. Growlithe shook off the hit and stared at Ponyta.

"Use your Flamethrower attack!" cried Leah. Growlithe launched a powerful fire move, which had little effect on Ponyta.

"What?!" cried Leah.

"Ponyta's a fellow fire type just like Growlithe." Said Lucy. "Fire moves will pretty much negate each other. Ponyta, use your Horn Drill!" Ponyta attacked and stuck its horn hard into Growlithe's fur.

"Growl!" cried Growlithe.

"That's got to hurt." Said Ritchie.

"Growlithe, go underground with Dig!" cried Leah. Growlithe obeyed and buried itself.

"Ponyta, be careful!" cried Lucy. "Growlithe could come up from anywhere!" Ponyta scampered the field trying to gauge where Growlithe could be.

"Now!" cried Leah. Growlithe popped up and struck Ponyta from underneath, sending it up and then crashing down to the ground defeated.

"Ponyta is out of the match!" cried the referee.

"A valiant effort from Lucy's Ponyta, but the Dig attack is just too powerful, and now Lucy has four Pokemon left." Said the announcer.

"Ponyta, return." Said Lucy. Ponyta was recalled to its Poke Ball.

"You did well, noble steed." Said Lucy. She quickly reached for another Poke Ball.

"Wartortle, I choose you!" she cried. Wartortle materialized.

"Well we saw Squirtle earlier in this match, and now we get to see its' evolved form!" cried the announcer. "But Growlithe's taken a good bit of damage already, so we'll have to see if Leah makes a change or if she sticks with the little pup."

"Growlithe, are you sure you want to keep going?" asked Leah. Growlithe growled and nodded.

"All right, go!" cried Leah. "Use your Double Team attack!" Growlithe copied itself.

"Water Gun attack, Wartortle!" cried Lucy. Wartortle fired, but hit a copy.

"Try again!" cried Lucy. Wartortle launched another attack, but hit another one of the copies. This went on until all the copies had been eliminated.

"Growlithe, use your Bite attack!" cried Leah. Growlithe charged and got ready to clamp down.

"Use your Withdraw!" cried Lucy. Wartortle quickly hid, which forced Growlithe to just bit the shell.

"Don't let go of that shell!" cried Leah. Growlithe hung onto Wartortle's shell as much as it could by flinging it around repeatedly like a toy, and then Growlithe sent the shell toward a wall. Wartortle skidded to a stop and came out of the shell before it could take damage.

"Skull Bash, now!" cried Lucy. Wartortle charged and struck Growlithe.

"Now, Water Gun one more time!" cried Lucy. One powerful blast of water later and Growlithe was out cold.

"Growlithe cannot continue!" cried the referee.

"And Growlithe is sent back to the doghouse, which now leaves Leah with only one Pokemon left to play with, but Lucy is still in a good position as she still has four left." Leah recalled her Growlithe and then took a deep breath before throwing her last Poke Ball.

"I choose you, Nidorina!" she cried. Nidorina materialized.

"I'm counting on you, Nidorina!" cried Leah. "Let's put together a comeback, starting now! Tackle attack!" Nidorina charged.

"Wartortle, use your own Tackle!" cried Lucy. The two Pokemon crashed into each other on impact.

"Scratch attack, now!" cried Leah. Nidorina started to scratch away.

"Use your Withdraw!" cried Lucy. Wartortle hid, and the scratches simply went on the shell rather than onto Wartortle's face.

"Double Kick!" cried Leah. Nidorina kicked, but Wartortle quickly came out of the shell and was looking angrily at Nidorina.

"Bubble Beam at full power!" cried Lucy. Wartortle fired a stream of bubbles at Nidorina, which slowed down the Tackle attack it was responding with.

"Poison Sting!" cried Leah. Nidorina fired poison needle darts from the horn on its body, which hit Wartortle hard.

"Wartortle!" cried Lucy.

"Now for a Thunderbolt!" cried Leah. "Oh dear!" cried Lucy. Yellow energy came out of Nidorina's horn and zapped Wartortle, knocking it out.

"Wartortle cannot continue!" cried the announcer. Lucy recalled Wartortle.

"In a surprise move, Nidorina stuns Wartortle with an electric attack and now Lucy has three Pokemon left." Said the announcer.

"Alakazam, come back out!" cried Lucy. Alakazam re-emerged.

"And it's a second round for Alakazam against this tough Nidorina." Said the announcer.

"Go for another Tackle attack!" cried Leah. Nidorina charged.

"Alakazam, use your Psychic attack!" cried Lucy. Alakazam lifted Nidorina off the ground and kept it frozen in place for a few seconds before throwing it back to Leah.

"Nidorina!" cried Leah. Nidorina struggled to get up, and while it did so, it then collapsed in defeat shortly afterwards.

"Nidorina is unable to battle! Alakazam is the winner!" cried the referee. "The winner of this match is Lucy Peters!"

"Way to go, Lucy!" cried Ash.

"And it's off to the semi-finals for Lucy after a terrific battle here against Leah!" cried the announcer. Nidorina was recalled and the trainers shook hands.

"That was a great match, Leah." Said Lucy.

"Same with you, Lucy." Said Leah. They hugged each other before leaving the field.

"We did it, Eevee!" cried Lucy. "We're in the final four!"

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Congratulations!' Soon, it was time for Ash to take the field for his sixth round match.

"Another exciting sixth round match is about to get underway here in the stadium!" cried the announcer. "On the green side this time is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town! And on the red side is Ash's opponent, Tim Conway of Vermillion City! Time for this six on six match to begin!" The bell rang to start the match.

"Sandshrew, go!" cried Tim. Sandshrew materialized.

"Bulbasaur, I choose you!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur materialized.

"And it's the grass type Bulbasaur going at it with Tim's Sandshrew to begin the battle!" cried the announcer.

"Sandshrew, use your Slash attack!" cried Tim. Sandshrew attacked, which made Bulbasaur mad.

"Bulbasaur, use your Tackle attack!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur charged, sending Sandshrew upwards.

"Sandshrew!" cried Tim. Sandshrew swiftly landed back on its feet.

"Fury Swipes attack!" cried Tim.

"Yeah, nice try there." Said Ash. "Vine Whip attack!" Bulbasaur got his attack off much quicker than Sandshrew was able to. The vines wrapped around Sandshrew and the small ground type got flung around repeatedly.

"Bulbasaur's got a firm grip on Sandshrew and won't let go!" cried the announcer.

"Sandshrew, try to break free!" Tim cried. Sandshrew tried to wiggle out, but it was no good. Once Bulbasaur stopped flinging the ground type around and unwrapped the vines, Sandshrew was out cold.

"Sandshrew is unable to battle! Bulbasaur is the winner!" cried the referee.

"And an early score for Ketchum as Bulbasaur short circuits Sandshrew!" cried the announcer. Tim recalled Sandshrew and selected another Poke Ball.

"Fearow, go!" he cried Fearow materialized.

"And Tim's second Pokemon is a Fearow!" cried the announcer.

"Bulbasaur, use your Razor Leaf!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur attacked, but the leaves weren't going high enough.

"Fearow's too far up!" cried Ash.

"Use your Peck attack!" cried Tim. Fearow attacked with its sharp beak.

"Bulbasaur!" cried Ash.

"This doesn't look good for Ash right now." Said Lucy. "Flying type Pokemon are strong against grass types.

"Fury Attack!" cried Tim.

"Dodge it!" cried Ash. Fearow attacked, and Bulbasaur swiftly dodged. The harder he ran, the more strain was put on his body, and he soon got worn out.

"Finish it!" cried Tim. Fearow attacked with its wings, knocking Bulbasaur out.

"Bulbasaur is unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"Fearow's air moves were too much for Bulbasaur and the match is now tied!" Cried the announcer.

"Bulbasaur, return!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur was recalled.

"Great work, Bulbasaur. Thank you." Said Ash. He was about to grab another Poke Ball when Pikachu started emitting sparks from his cheeks.

"Pika!" he cried, which meant 'Put me in, Ash!'

"Okay, Pikachu, you're on!" cried Ash. Pikachu ran onto the field.

"Pikachu now springs into action to face the high flying Fearow!" cried the announcer.

"Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" cried Ash. Pikachu launched the attack.

"Use your Agility, Fearow!" cried Tim. Fearow flew high into the air, dodging any electric attack that came at it. Ash gritted his teeth and growled.

"What's the matter, Ketchum? Is my Fearow too fast for ya?!" he cried. Pikachu kept trying, but Fearow kept dodging.

"Wait a second…." Said Ash. He then grinned.

"I know that look." Said Lucy from the stands. "It's the look Ash always gives when he gets an idea."

"Pikachu, light up the whole sky with your Thunderbolt!" cried Ash. Pikachu attacked, and with all of the air space covered, Fearow flew right into the electricity and got zapped.

"Oh no!" cried Tim. Fearow wheezed as it came down defeated.

"Fearow is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "Pikachu is the winner!"

"Pikachu's light show was too bright for Fearow and now Tim has four Pokemon remaining." Said the announcer.

"Raticate, go!" cried Tim. Raticate materialized.

"Pikachu, you good to stay in?" asked Ash. The electric mouse nodded.

"All right, then let's do it!" cried Ash.

"Raticate, High Jump Lick!" cried Tim. Raticate jumped into the air.

"Double Team!" cried Ash. Pikachu copied itself right as Raticate came down, making the big rat miss.

"Not a good kick attempt by Raticate, and now it's in some pain." Said the announcer.

"I didn't think that was possible." Said Ritchie.

"If that kind of attack misses, the user gets hurt instead." Said Oak.

"Quick Attack!" cried Ash. Pikachu charged, and delivered another blow to Raticate.

"I'm not out of this yet." Said Tim. "Super Fang Attack!" cried Tim. Raticate got ready to clamp down.

"Pikachu, roll away!" Cried Ash. Pikachu dodged right in the nick of time.

"Thunder!" cried Ash. Pikachu gave its most powerful electric attack, zapping Raticate and knocking it out.

"Raticate is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "Pikachu wins!"

"Another sensational win by Pikachu brings Tim down to three Pokemon left." Said the announcer. Raticate was recalled.

"Three Pokemon left to go." Said Tim. "Poliwhirl, you're up!" Poliwhirl materialized.

"Pikachu, electric attacks have a big advantage over water types." Said Ash.

"He may be right about that, but he also has to consider Poliwhirl's level." Said Lucy.

"Pikachu, use your Thunderbolt!" cried Ash. Pikachu gave Poliwhirl a good jolt, but nothing happened.

"No way!" cried Lucy. "That attack should've done a lot of damage!"

"Look carefully at the swirl on its body." Said Brock. "It's basically acting like a lightning rod and absorbing any electric attack!"

"That means Ash will either need to change Pokemon or change strategy." Said Misty.

"Try something else, Pikachu!" cried Ash. Pikachu charged in for a Quick Attack.

"Poliwhirl, get ready to Body Slam it!" cried Tim. Once Pikachu got close, Poliwhirl slammed its body onto the electric type. After getting off, Pikachu was knocked out.

"Pikachu is unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"And in a stunning turn, an electric type has lost to a water type!" cried the announcer. "Four Pokemon remain at Ketchum's disposal." Ash scooped up Pikachu and brought him to the sideline.

"You battled well, buddy." He said. Ash then reached for another Poke Ball.

"Gengar, I choose you!" cried Ash. Gengar materialized.

"Poliwhirl, use your Water Gun!" cried Tim. Poliwhirl launched the attack.

"Gengar, use your Psychic attack to stop that Water Gun!" cried Ash. Gengar's eyes glowed blue, and the Water Gun was sent back to Poliwhirl at double the power.

"Poliwhirl!" cried Tim. The powerful blast knocked Poliwhirl out.

"Poliwhirl has been eliminated!" cried the referee.

"What a display of psychic power from Gengar!" cried the announcer. "Now Tim has just two Pokemon remaining!"

"Venomoth, go!" cried Tim. Venomoth materialized.

"Venomoth is coming out next as Tim's fifth Pokemon." Said the announcer. "Does Gengar have enough ghost power to take down this bug type?"

"Venomoth, Stun Spore!" cried Tim.

"Gengar, dodge!" cried Ash. Venomoth unleashed its gold dust, but it hit empty space. Gengar then re-appeared.

"Hypnosis attack, Gengar!" cried Ash. Gengar focused, clapped his hands, and Venomoth fell into a deep sleep.

"Dream Eater!" cried Ash. Gengar launched the powerful ghost move.

"Good thing Ash knew that Dream Eater only works when the opponent is asleep." Said Lucy. While Gengar was soaking up Venomoth's dreams, the referee made the call.

"Venomoth is unable to battle!" he cried.

"And Gengar has sent Venomoth off to the world of dreams." Said the announcer. "Only one Pokemon remains for young Conway, which means one final chance to try and start a comeback."

"Arbok, go!" cried Tim. Arbok materialized.

"Arbok?!" cried Lucy.

"Why does that name sound familiar?" asked Ritchie.

"Probably because Jessie from Team Rocket owns an Arbok." Brock answered.

"Gengar, return!" cried Ash. Gengar was recalled.

"And Ketchum is making a change by taking out Gengar." Said the announcer. "Who will he bring out now?"

"Charizard, I choose you!" cried Ash. Charizard materialized.

"And now it's Charizard time as Ketchum brings out the powerful fire type to face Arbok!" cried the announcer.

"But will it listen?" asked Lucy.

"For Ash's sake, I hope so." Said Misty.

"Arbok, use your Poison Sting attack!" cried Tim. Arbok attacked.

"Fly, Charizard!" cried Ash. Charizard got itself airborne a split second before the poison needles could hit.

"Charizard's listening!" cried Lucy.

"Guess that talk Ash gave it back my lab a while back worked." Said Oak.

"Flamethrower attack!" cried Ash. Charizard attacked.

"Arbok!" cried Tim. Arbok shook off the hit.

"Screech attack!" cried Tim. Arbok gave a loud noise, which annoyed everyone in the crowd.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Make that stop!'

"Dragon Rage!" cried Ash. Charizard's attack burned Arbok more.

"Now, Fire Spin!" cried Ash. Charizard engulfed Arbok in a circle of fire to trap it.

"A powerful Fire Spin attack from Charizard leaves Arbok with nowhere to go!" cried the announcer.

"This can't be!" cried Tim.

"One more Flamethrower!" cried Ash. Charizard attacked again, and with a more powerful blast this time, which knocked out Arbok. The referee wasted no time calling it.

"Arbok is unable to battle!" he cried. "The winner of this match is Ash Ketchum!"

"It's all over!" cried the announcer. "That's now two dominant matches in a row from Ketchum and he moves on to the semi-finals!"

"We did it, Charizard!" cried Ash. "We won!"

"Ash did it!" Cried Ritchie.

"I'm so proud of him!" cried Delia. Ash and Charizard hugged each other in celebration of their win.

"I'm so happy you're finally listening to me!" cried Ash. He gave a laugh as he continued celebrating on the field. Ash and Lucy now both have a sixth-round win under their belts, putting them even closer to the championship. Can they go even further? Find out in our next episode.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Dragonite

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Onix, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Kingler, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan, Gengar, Moltres

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair

 

[MarkL1987]

Episode 85: Seventh Round Spectacular

In our last episode, Ash and Lucy had their sixth-round matches. The battles were intense, and things got close at times, but both Pallet trainers pulled out the win. Now they're ever closer to taking home the title, so let's see what happens as our two young trainers get ready for what's sure to be an explosive seventh round!

The day of the semi-finals had arrived, and both Ash and Lucy were still riding a high wave following their wins in the sixth round.

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'You feeling nervous yet?'

"Maybe a little bit." Answered Lucy. Eevee gave a more serious look, which made Lucy pivot.

"Okay, maybe I'm a lot more nervous than I say I am." Lucy added.

"Eevee?" asked Eevee, which meant 'Why's that?'

"Ash and I found out last night who we're facing in round seven." Answered Lucy. "Remember when we met AJ early in our journey?"

"I've heard of him." Said Ritchie. "He's the one with a totally invincible Sandshrew, right?"

"That's right." Said Ash. "Although Lucy's not the only one who's battling someone familiar."

"Before the tournament started, we met a girl named Katrina during a movie shoot." Said Misty. "She's the one that Ash is facing."

"These match ups do present one interesting possibility." Put in Brock. "If Ash can beat Katrina, and Lucy somehow defeats AJ, then they'll end up facing each other in the finals."

"That would be something, wouldn't it, Pikachu?" asked Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'For sure!' As they started heading to the stadium, As and Lucy thought about their strategies as well as which teams of six they were going to use.

"I know Katrina had that Raichu when we saw her last, so that'll probably be one of her Pokemon." Said Ash.

"I already know that AJ is likely to use Sandshrew." Said Lucy. "But I also know that the type of attacks we tried using on it last time weren't exactly effective." She thought for a good little while, and then a lightbulb went off.

"Yes, I think I know now exactly which six I'm going to use against AJ." Said Lucy.

"Which ones?" asked Ritchie.

"You'll have to wait and see when the match starts." Said Lucy. Upon arriving at the stadium, some of the crowd was already pouring in.

"Looks like the semi-finals are going to be starting any minute, Ash." Said Lucy. "We better get moving into the locker room."

"But we don't know which one of us is battling first." Said Ash.

"Oh yeah." Said Lucy sheepishly. Brock had a look at the board.

"According to this, Ash is up first against Katrina." He said. "You, Ritchie and the others head for the stands."

"Right." Said Ritchie. Brock and Misty followed Ash into the locker room.

"This is a big match for you, Ash." Said Misty. "Even bigger than your match that you had against Ritchie."

"If you win this one, you'll make the finals, and in only your first Pokemon League too." Said Brock. "Just remember what Misty, myself, Professor Oak and your mom have always been telling you. Do your best."

"But also try to win." Said Misty. Soon, it was time for the first match to start.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have two exciting semi-final matches for you today, and the winners of these matches will earn the right to face each other for the Indigo League title!" cried the announcer. "First up, in the green corner, we have Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!" Ash came out to a tremendous roar from the crowd, with brock and Misty accompanying him.

"Joining Ketchum are his two coaches, who will be rooting him on from the sidelines!" cried the announcer. "And in the red corner is Katrina Watson!" Katrina waved to the crowd and smiled at Ash.

"So, we meet again." She said. "I hope you're ready to lose."

"You're the one who's going to be doing the losing!" cried Ash.

"Trainers, go!" cried the referee.

"Go, Gloom!" cried Katrina. Gloom materialized.

"Katrina has selected a Gloom to start off the battle." Said the announcer. "Flying and fire are the two strongest types for battling a grass Pokemon, but will Ketchum send any of those out?"

"I choose you, Pidgeotto!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto materialized.

"Ketchum has selected a Pidgeotto to begin the match!" cried the announcer.

"Okay, Pidgeotto, start off with a Gust attack!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto attacked, creating a wind tornado.

"Gloom, jump!" cried Katrina. Gloom jumped and dodged before the attack could hit.

"Now use Petal Dance!" cried Katrina. Gloom spun and launched its petals.

"Pidgeotto, use your wings to deflect the petals!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto nodded and swatted the petals away.

"Time for a Wing Attack!" cried Aash. Pidgeotto flew down and struck Gloom with its spread out wings, knocking Gloom to the ground.

"Gloom, get up!" cried Katrina. Gloom quickly got back to its feet.

"Slow Pidgeotto down with your Stun Spore!" cried Katrina. Gloom unleashed the spores.

"Pidgeotto, use your Whirlwind attack to blow those spores away!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto performed the attack, which sent the spores back to Gloom and spread them all over the grass type, resulting in it being paralyzed and unable to move.

"Oh no! Gloom!" cried Katrina. The referee called the round.

"Gloom is unable to battle! Pidgeotto is the winner!" he cried.

"Gloom got a taste of its own medicine and Ash is on the board first in this semi-final!" cried the announcer.

"Nice move with Pidgeotto, Ash!" cried Misty. Gloom was recalled back to the Poke Ball.

"Good effort, Gloom." Said Katrina. She tossed another Poke Ball.

"Ninetales, go!" she cried. Ninetales materialized.

"Ninetales is out next as Katrina's second Pokemon!" cried the announcer.

"Pidgeotto, go for a Quick Attack!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto charged in, but Ninetales dodged.

"That Ninetales of hers is fast." Said Lucy.

"Ninetales, Fire Spun attack, now!" cried Katrina. Ninetales attacked, surrounding Pidgeotto in a pool of fire and engulfing it.

"Pidgeotto!" cried Ash. After the fire cyclone disappeared, Pidgeotto crashed to the ground defeated.

"Pidgeotto is out of the match!" cried the referee.

"A powerful Fire Spin from Ninetales evens up the score!" cried the announcer.

"Pidgeotto, return!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto went back into its' Poke Ball.

"You did a great job, Pidgeotto." Said Ash. He reached for another Poke Ball.

"Wartortle, I choose you!" cried Ash. Wartortle materialized.

"Ketchum selects Wartortle to go up against Katrina's Ninetales for this next round!" cried the announcer.

"Ninetales, Quick Attack!" cried Katrina. Ninetales charged.

"Dodge it!" cried Ash. Wartortle jumped out of the way.

"Now use your Water Gun!" cried Ash. Wartortle attacked with a powerful stream of water.

"Flamethrower!" cried Katrina. Ninetales attacked.

"Wartortle, Water Gun at full power!" cried Ash. Wartortle launched a more powerful version of Water Gun. The two attacks collided, but Water Gun had more power, and Ninetales was knocked out.

"Ninetales is unable to battle! The winner is Wartortle!" cried the referee.

"A super victory by a super water type and Katrina now has four Pokemon remaining!" cried the announcer. Ninetales was recalled.

"You battled well, Ninetales." Said Katrina. She grabbed another Poke Ball.

"Golem, you're up!" she cried. Golem materialized.

"Wartortle shouldn't have too much trouble with this." Said Lucy. "Water attacks are strong against rock types."

"By type alone, yes." Said Oak. "But let's remember that even if a Pokemon has a disadvantage, it can still win."

"Katrina's third Pokemon is a Golem!" cried the announcer. "Katrina's banking on some sort of rock concert from her Golem, but it'll have to try and withstand some water attacks first."

"Golem, Rock Throw, now!" cried Katrina. Golem scooped up some rocks and threw them at Wartortle.

"Quick, use your Withdraw!" cried Ash. Wartortle cleverly hid into his shell to deflect the rocks.

"Use your Bite attack!" cried Ash. Squirtle bit into one of the rocks on Golem's shell, only to cry out in pain.

"Wartortle!" it screamed.

"Bite attacks like that don't have much effect on a rock Pokemon, Ash!" cried brock. "Come on, you should know this by now!"

"Golem, use Earthquake!" cried Katrina. Golem stomped its feet and made the ground shake. Wartortle was sent spinning into the air.

"Well, that might be it for Wartortle." Said the announcer. "Golem's Earthquake can be very devastating if not prepared for properly!"

Wartortle, aim a Water Gun towards the ground!" cried Ash. Wartortle obeyed, and the attack held him float back down to the ground safely.

"Bubble Beam!" cried Ash. Wartortle fired a powerful jet stream of bubbles, which Golem couldn't take. He fell over in defeat.

"Golem is unable to battle! Wartortle wins!" cried the referee.

"And just as we expected, Golem is out of this match!" cried the announcer. "That's now three Pokemon of Katrina's that Ash has beaten!" Golem was recalled.

"You put in some good work, Golem." Said Katrina. "Electabuzz, go!" Electabuzz materialized.

"Ash better be careful." Said Misty. "Water Pokemon aren't too good against electric attacks."

"I just hope he realizes this." Said Brock.

"Wartortle, return!" cried Ash. Wartortle was recalled.

"Thanks, Wartortle." Said Ash. He reached for another Poke Ball.

"I choose you, Onix!" he cried. Onix materialized.

"And it's another rock type coming out, but this time, it's on Ketchum's side as he selects Onix!" cried the announcer.

"Electabuzz, use your Thunder Punch!" cried Katrina. Electabuzz attacked, but it had no effect.

"And just as we expected, Electabuzz's electricity is completely useless against Onix!" cried the announcer.

"Tackle attack, Onix!" cried Ash. Onix attacked and launched Electabuzz backwards.

"Hang in there, Electabuzz!" cried Katrina. "Try a Quick Attack!" Electabuzz charged.

"Onix, use your Dig attack!" cried Ash. Onix buried itself underground, making Electabuzz miss its attack.

"Careful, Electabuzz!" cried Katrina. "Start looking around for Onix!" Electabuzz looked all over the field for possible spots Onix could be at.

"Okay, now!" cried Ash. Onix jolted up right when Electabuzz least expected it and the electric type was knocked out.

"Electabuzz is out of the battle!" cried the referee.

"And just like that, Electabuzz is down and out!" cried the announcer. "Katrina now has two Pokemon remaining, while Ketchum still has five left."

"Electabuzz, return!" cried Katrina. Electabuzz was recalled.

"You gave it a good try, Electabuzz." Said Katrina. "Parasect, I choose you!" Parasect materialized.

"Katrina has chosen a Parasect next!" cried the announcer. Misty was slightly creeped out due to the fact that Parasect was part bug.

"Onix, return!" cried Ash. Onix was recalled.

"You did great." Said Ash. "Charizard, I choose you!" Charizard materialized.

"Charizard is up next for Ketchum as the powerful fire type replaces Onix." Said the announcer.

"Charizard, use your Flamethrower!" cried Ash. Charizard attacked, with the top of Parasect's mushroom getting scorched.

"Use your Spore attack." Said Katrina. Parasect sprayed the mushroom spore, but Charizard flew up quickly to dodge the move.

"Slash attack!" cried Ash. Charizard attacked, but Parasect responded with its own Slash attack.

"Dragon Rage!" cried Ash. Charizard sent a powerful flame ball Parasect's way, doing more damage.

"Stun Spore!" cried Katrina. Parasect sprayed gold dust on Charizard, leaving it frozen stiff in mid air.

"Charizard is unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"In a shocking twist, Charizard is out and Parasect has given Katrina her second win of the match." Said the announcer. Charizard was recalled.

"That was definitely a surprise." Said Misty.

"What's Ash going to do now?" wondered Brock. Ash reached for another Poke Ball and tossed it.

"Dragonite, I choose you!" he cried. Dragonite materialized.

"The legendary Dragonite has come into the match, and this is one dragon that's not to be messed with!" cried the announcer.

"Dragon Rage!" cried Ash. Dragonite attacked, scorching Parasect more.

"Leech Life." Said Katrina. Parasect tried to get some energy back.

"Ice Beam, Dragonite!" cried Ash. Dragonite attacked with a full force Ice Beam, which froze Parasect in place.

"Parasect is unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"Down goes Katrina's Parasect, and only one Pokemon remains for Katrina!" cried the announcer.

"Raichu, I need you now!" cried Katrina. Raichu materialized.

"And Katrina's final Pokemon is a Raichu!" cried the announcer.

"Thunderbolt, Raichu!" cried Katrina. Raichu attacked, but the Thunderbolt had little effect.

"Body Slam it!" cried Ash. Dragonite closed in and gave Raichu a hard slam.

"Try a Quick Attack!" cried Katrina. Raichu charged, but Dragonite was ready.

"Hyper Beam, now!" cried Ash. Dragonite unleashed the move with a powerful force, which knocked Raichu out.

"Raichu is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "The winner of the match is Ash Ketchum!"

"Holy toledo!" cried Lucy. "Ash did it again!"

"Ketchum's impressive run here at the Pokemon League will continue as he now moves into the final match!" cried the announcer. "He'll find out his opponent in a little while, so stay right where you are as the second semi-final will be starting shortly!" Ash was pumped when he got back into the locker room.

"That was amazing, Ash!" cried Misty.

"You really have come a long way since that clueless rookie that tried to battle me with Pikachu in my gym several months ago." Said Brock. "Now you're one win away from the title."

"The question is, will I be facing AJ or Lucy?" asked Ash.

"That's something we'll have to find out together." Said Misty. A little while later, the three of them were in the seats and Lucy was on the field getting ready to battle AJ.

"And now we have one more semi-final left!" cried the announcer. "Whoever wins this matchup will face Ash Ketchum in the finals! In the green corner is AJ from vermillion City! In the red corner is Lucy Peters from Pallet Town! Trainers, best of luck to you both!" The bell rang to begin the match.

"I don't know how you managed to get this far, but you ain't making it any further!" cried AJ.

"We'll just see about that!" cried Lucy.

"Raticate, you're up first!" cried AJ. Raticate materialized.

"AJ's first Pokemon is a Raticate!" cried the announcer.

"He's not using his Sandshrew first?" said Misty.

"AJ's probably waiting for the right time." Said Brock. "I mean, Sandshrew is his strongest Pokemon."

"Eevee, I choose you!" cried Lucy. Eevee ran onto the field.

"Raticate, use Quick Attack!" cried AJ. Raticate charged.

"Eevee, use your own Quick Attack!" cried Lucy. Eevee charged. They both sped at one another and kept dodging the other's attacks.

"Raticate, Take Down attack, now!" cried AJ. Raticate performed the attack, which Eevee dodged.

"Use your Swift attack, Eevee!" cried Lucy. Eevee jumped into the air and launched the attack, Raticate tried to run away from it, but the blow of the attack caused it to hit the ground.

"Raticate took a hard low from that Swift attack, but it's still standing and continues to look strong!" cried the announcer.

"Hyper Fang attack!" cried AJ. Raticate attacked with dull force, making Eevee land on the ground.

"And Eevee takes a powerful blow herself from that Hyper Fang attack!" cried the announcer.

"Are you all right, Eevee?!" cried Lucy. Eevee got back up and shook off the hit.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'I'm fine!'

"All right, then use Take Down!" cried Lucy. Eevee ran and charged right into Raticate full force.

"Eevee strikes back well after that Hyper Fang!" cried the announcer.

"Use a Bite attack!" cried AJ. Raticate charged and attacked.

"Dodge, and use Headbutt!" cried Lucy. Eevee dodged the bite and performed a powerful Headbutt, knocking Raticate down and out.

"Raticate is unable to battle! First win goes to Eevee!" cried the ref.

"And in a battle of rat against fox, it's Eevee that powers through to give Lucy her first point of the match." Said the announcer.

"Return, Raticate." Said AJ. Raticate was recalled to its Poke Ball.

"That Eevee's strong, but this one's go just as much strength." Said AJ. "Golbat, go!" Golbat materialized.

"Eevee, think you can keep going?" cried Lucy. Eevee nodded.

"Lucy is sticking with Eevee, while AJ has brought out Golbat." Said the announcer.

"Begin!" cried the referee.

"Eevee, use your Quick Attack!" cried Lucy. Eevee began the attack and charged at Golbat.

"Golbat, Razor Wind attack!" cried AJ. Golbat used the attack and caught Eevee in a standstill.

"Stay strong, Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy, which meant 'Got it!'

All right, Golbat, Supersonic!" cried AJ. Golbat performed the move, which made Lucy cover her ears.

"I almost forgot how loud Golbat's Supersonic attack is! Ouch!" she cried.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'It's even worse!' In the stands, Brock, Misty, Ash, Ritchie, Delia, Zack and Professor Oak had covered their ears to block the noise.

"This is even worse than when we were at the Fuchsia gym!" cried Misty.

"You're absolutely right, Misty!" cried Brock.

"My ears are killing me!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'I don't like this noise!'

"Pi Chu!" cried Sparky, which meant 'It's terrible!'

"This seems more powerful compared to a normal Supersonic!" cried Oak. "If Gary was here right now, he'd agree with me!"

"Okay Golbat, Wing Attack!" cried AJ. Golbat began to use the attack and dove towards Eevee, whose ears were still covered from the Supersonic. By the time she unplugged them, she couldn't avoid the attack. She was struck with full force and knocked to the ground. Lucy finally uncovered her own ears.

"Eevee!" she cried. The ref looked at Eevee and made the call.

"Eevee is unable to battle! Golbat is the winner!" he cried.

"And we now have a tie match!" cried the announcer. Lucy just smiled calmly and went to pick up Eevee.

"Are you okay, Eevee?" asked Lucy.

"Eevee." Answered Eevee, which meant 'I'm fine. I'm sorry I lost.'

"You have no need to be sorry." Said Lucy. "You battled well, but that Supersonic was too much. I'm very proud of you, though. Now you can take a rest." Lucy returned to her side of the field and placed Eevee down gently.

"Aw, poor Eevee." Said Misty.

"She did her best, though." Said Brock.

"Lucy certainly cares about her Pokemon, doesn't she?" asked Ritchie.

"For sure she does." Answered Zack. Lucy looked at Little Pikachu and smiled.

"Okay, buddy, it's your turn now." She said. "Go!"

"Pika!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'Right!' Little Pikachu ran onto the field.

"And Lucy is sending out a Pikachu, but it's certainly smaller in size compared to most Pikachu." Said the announcer.

"Golbat, use Confuse Ray!" called AJ. Golbat performed the attack and headed for Little Pikachu.

"Dodge it, and use Thunder Shock!" cried Lucy. Little Pikachu quickly dodged Golbat's attack on his tail and then launched a Thunder Shock. Golbat quickly dodged, but the attack hit a part of Golbat's wing.

"Golbat, Wing Attack again!" cried AJ. Golbat dove towards Little Pikachu.

"Duck for cover!" cried Lucy. Little Pikachu ducked his head, just barely avoiding the attack.

"Now, use your Thunderbolt at full force!" cried Lucy. Little Pikachu unleashed a full force Thunderbolt attack on Golbat, which made the flying type fall to the ground. It was now knocked out.

"Golbat is defeated! Pikachu is the winner!" cried the referee.

"Simply spectacular!" cried the announcer. "Although Lucy's Pikachu may be small, it delivers a big knockout to Golbat and now AJ has four Pokemon left to play with!" AJ quickly recalled Golbat.

"Only four left." He said. "If they think I'm saving my star for last, then they're mistaken. Sandshrew, go!" Sandshrew materialized.

"Brock, why is Sandshrew out now if he's supposed to be AJ's ace?" wondered Misty.

"AJ's obviously trying something a bit different, but now Lucy will probably need to switch Pokemon because electric attacks don't work on ground types." Answered Brock. He then noticed the fierce look in Sandshrew's eyes.

"In addition to all of that, it looks like AJ's Sandshrew has gotten stronger since the last time we saw it." Brock added.

"Little Pikachu, return!" cried Lucy. Little Pikachu quickly ran back to Lucy.

"You did well against that Golbat, but your attacks won't do anything against Sandshrew." Said Lucy. She reached for a Poke Ball.

"Ivysaur, I choose you!" she cried. Ivysaur materialized.

"And it's the grass type Ivysaur coming out to face AJ's Sandshrew!" cried the announcer.

"Good change on Lucy's part." Said Brock.

"Go, Sandshrew! Agility attack!" cried AJ. Sandshrew ran at Ivysaur.

"Tackle attack, now!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur charged at Sandshrew.

"Curl and spin!" Cried AJ. Sandshrew rolled into a ball and spun.

"Dodge, and use Razor Leaf!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur jumped out of the way and fired off its leaves, but they simply bounced off the still rolling Sandshrew.

"It didn't work!" cried Lucy. "Okay, Ivysaur, keep dodging!" Sandshrew kept rolling, but Ivysaur kept moving.

"Sandshrew is showing exactly why it's AJ's star player!" cried the announcer.

"Keep spinning, Sandshrew!" cried AJ. Sandshrew kept up its spinning.

"Try a Vine Whip attack!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur connected, but it still didn't work.

"Sandshrew and I have worked hard to get here." Said AJ.

"I can tell." Said Lucy. "Ivysaur, try a Stun Spore attack! That should slow Sandshrew down." Ivysaur spread a circle of gold dust, but Sandshrew spun and rolled underneath it.

"It'll take a lot more than that to stop Sandshrew." Said AJ. "Fury Swipes attack!" Sandshrew stopped spinning and got ready to attack, but Ivysaur bit into Sandshrew.

"What a counter move by Ivysaur!" cried the announcer. "It's got Sandshrew by the teeth and won't let go!"

"Sandshrew, try to shake yourself free!" cried AJ. Sandshrew tried hard, and was able to get out of Ivysaur's grasp.

"Skull Bash!" cried AJ.

"Take Down!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur and Sandshrew both charged at each other. They both crashed hard and knocked each other down. Ivysaur and Sandshrew both lay unconscious.

"Sandshrew and Ivysaur are both unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"And it's a double knockout!" cried the announcer. "While Lucy may not have won that round, this is the first time in this whole tournament that Sandshrew has been defeated."

"I guess Sandshrew isn't so invincible after all." Said Ritchie.

"Sandshrew, return!" cried AJ. Sandshrew was recalled.

"Great battle, Sandshrew, thank you." Said AJ.

"Ivysaur, return!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur was also recalled.

"You put up a great fight." Said Lucy.

"Well, miss, you've come a long way ever since you first challenged my Sandshrew." Said AJ. "Color me impressed."

"Which two Pokemon will these impressive trainers choose next?!" cried the announcer.

"Persian, let's go!" cried AJ. Persian materialized.

"Wartortle, I choose you!" cried Lucy. Wartortle materialized.

"Water Gun attack!" cried Lucy. Wartortle attacked, but Persian jumped out of the way.

"That Persian's fast!" Cried Ritchie.

"Fury Swipes!" Cried AJ. Persian started the attack, but Wartortle repelled it with its shell.

"Great defense, Wartortle!" cried Lucy. "Now use your Skull Bash attack!" Wartortle charged at Persian, but the large cat Pokemon swatted Wartortle away with its tail.

"Take Down attack!" cried AJ. Persian made a charge at Wartortle, which made Lucy panic.

"Wartortle, look out!" cried Lucy. Wartortle gasped, but before he could run, he got struck by Persian's attack.

"Slash attack!" cried AJ. Persian mowed and then slashed Wartortle hard.

"Oh no you don't, AJ!" cried Lucy. "Wartortle, Bite attack now!" Wartortle bit Persian on the tail, making him yelp.

"Yes!" cried Lucy.

"Oh yeah?!" Cried AJ. "Persian, Fury Swipes with everything you've got!" Persian struck Wartortle at full force, sending him to the ground.

"Wartortle is unable to battle!" cried the announcer.

"In a cat versus turtle match-up, the cat wins and both trainers now have three Pokemon left." Said the announcer.

"Wartortle, return!" cried Lucy. Wartortle was recalled.

"You did well, Wartortle." Said Lucy. "Okay, Little Pikachu, get back out there!" Little Pikachu ran back onto the field.

"Lucy's Pikachu is back in the action after a quick battery refresh." Said the announcer.

"Take Down attack!" cried AJ. Persian charged.

"Pikachu, dodge with your Agility!" cried Lucy. Little Pikachu got out of the path of the attack and ran right around Persian.

"Now give it a taste of your Quick Attack!" Pikachu sped right into Persian, delivering a huge blow.

"Persian!" cried AJ. Persian got back up.

"Use your Bite attack!" cried AJ. Persian clamped onto one of Little Pikachu's ears.

"Pika!" screamed Little Pikachu, which meant 'Ouch!'

"Are you all right?" asked Lucy.

"Pika pi." Answered Little Pikachu, which meant 'I'm fine, but that hurt a little.'

"Thunderbolt attack!" cried Lucy. Little Pikachu let loose a powerful Thunderbolt, shocking Persian and knocking it out.

"Persian is unable to battle. Pikachu is the winner!" cried the referee.

"And the small Pikachu gives Lucy another big win, and AJ now has two Pokemon left." Said the announcer.

"Persian, return." Said AJ. Persian was recalled.

"You did well there, Persian." Said AJ. "Hitmonchan, go!" Hitmonchan materialized.

"I can't believe how well Lucy is doing against AJ." Said Misty.

"He was certainly a favorite to win this tournament, but now he's in a tough spot." Said Brock. "But if Lucy can win two more times, she goes to the finals."

"Go, Lucy!" cried Ash.

"Hitmonchan, start punching away!" cried AJ.

"Agility attack!" cried Lucy. Hitmonchan tried to punch, but Little Pikachu kept nimbly dodging. This went on for a good little while until Little Pikachu started to run out of energy.

"Little Pikachu can't keep this up!" cried Brock.

"Hitmonchan doesn't look like it's tired at all!" Cried Misty.

"Mega Punch!" cried AJ. One quick punch from Hitmonchan sent Little Pikachu upwards a few feet off the ground before it landed beside Lucy and collapsed.

"Pikachu is out of the match!" cried the referee.

"Look like Pikachu's batteries have run out, and Lucy now has two Pokemon remaining!" cried the announcer.

"You battled well, Little Pikachu." Said Lucy. "Now you can rest up beside Eevee." Lucy reached for another Poke Ball.

"Butterfree, I choose you!" she cried. Butterfree materialized.

"Lucy's fifth Pokemon is a Butterfree." Said the announcer.

"Hitmonchan, aim your punches into the air!" cried AJ.

"Dodge!" cried Lucy. Hitmonchan started to punch again, only for Butterfree to avoid them.

"Use your Gust attack!" cried Lucy. Butterfree attacked, which struck Hitmonchan and sent him back.

"Fire Punch!" cried AJ. Hitmonchan attacked and clipped Butterfree on one of its wings. Somehow, Butterfree avoided getting burned.

"Tackle attack!" cried Lucy. Butterfree charged and struck Hitmonchan.

"Sleep Powder!" cried Lucy. Butterfree sprayed blue dust on Hitmonchan to put it to sleep and force the referee to rule.

"Hitmonchan is unable to battle!" he cried. "Butterfree is the winner!"

"Some spectacular air maneuvers from Butterfree have put Lucy one win away from the other spot in the finals!" cried the announcer.

"Hitmonchan, return!" cried AJ. Hitmonchan was recalled to its ball.

"You battled hard, Hitmonchan. I'm proud of you." Said AJ.

"Now Lucy needs one more win." Said Ash. "Do you think she can do it?"

"Yes, but it all depends on what AJ's final Pokemon is." Said Brock.

"Tentacruel, assume position!" Cried AJ. Tentacruel materialized.

"AJ's hopes now ride on Tentacruel, who will have to defeat two Pokemon in a row in order to walk away with the win." Said the announcer.

"Let's do this, Butterfree!" cried Lucy. "Tackle attack!" Butterfree charged, but Tentacruel was ready.

"Squeeze Butterfree with your Wrap attack!" cried AJ. Tentacruel stuck out a tentacle and wrapped it hard around Butterfree.

"Looks like Butterfree might not be so free now!" cried the announcer. "Tentacruel has a good clamp on it."

"Butterfree, try a Stun Spore!" Cried Lucy. Butterfree tried to attack, but it was being squeezed tightly and couldn't do anything.

"Water Gun at full blast!" cried AJ. Tentacruel attacked and let go of Butterfree. The force of the water sent it down and out.

"Butterfree is unable to battle! Tentacruel is the winner!" cried the referee.

"Butterfree's attack is grounded and both trainers now have just one Pokemon left!" cried the announcer.

"Butterfree, return!" cried Lucy. Butterfree was recalled.

"You were great out there." Said Lucy. She reached for one final Poke Ball.

"I refuse to lose, so Dragonair, I choose you!" Dragonair materialized.

"Lucy's final Pokemon is a Dragonair!" cried the announcer.

"Let's win this, Dragonair!" cried Lucy. "Water Gun!" Dragonair attacked.

"Tentacruel, use your own Water Gun!" cried AJ. The attacks collided with each other.

"Double Edge attack!" cried Lucy. Dragonair attacked with full force.

"Tentacruel!" cried AJ. Luckily for him, Tentacruel was okay.

"Poison Sting attack!" cried AJ. Tentacruel fired off the poison needles.

"Dodge it!" cried Lucy. Dragonair quickly flew out of the way.

"Now, give it a hard Slam attack!" cried Lucy. Dragonair slammed itself onto the top of Tentacruel.

"Nice work, Dragonair !" cried Lucy.

"I hate to rain on your championship dreams, but this dragon tale is over." Said AJ. "Tentacruel, use your Hyper Beam attack!"

"Dragon Rage!" cried Lucy. Both attacks fired off and hit at the same time, which created an explosion.

"I can't see!" cried Lucy. "Dragonair better be okay!" When the dust finally settled, Dragonair still had some energy left, but Tentacruel had taken a lot of damage.

"Sorry AJ, but your time's up!" cried Lucy. "Everyone knows that you can't move again right away after a Hyper Beam. Dragonair, Thunderbolt attack!" Dragonair attacked with a full force Thunderbolt, sending Tentacruel to defeat.

"Tentacruel is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "The winner of the match is Lucy Peters!"

"And this one is over!" cried the announcer. "A hard fought battle results in a well earned win for Lucy to take the other spot in the finals!"

"Lucy did it!" cried Misty.

"And she also knocked out AJ, which has to do wonders for her confidence." Said Brock.

"I'm glad she won, but now this means she has to face me!" cried Ash. And so, it all comes down to one final showdown. Two best friends, but only one can win. Who will it be? Find out in our next exciting episode!

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Dragonite

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Onix, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Kingler, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan, Gengar, Moltres

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair

 

[MarkL1987]

Episode 86: Friends To The End

The day of the Pokemon League finals had arrived. The crowd at Indigo Stadium was buzzing, not just for Ash, but also for Lucy. The two best friends have both won their semi-final matches and were about to face each other for the championship. The two of them were both on the field and getting ready for the most important match of their young careers.

"I hope you're ready for a big battle, Ash." Said Lucy. "We're going to both remember this day for a long time."

"I don't even remember when we first became friends." Said Ash.

"Probably because it's been a long time." Said Lucy. "I still remember that day very vividly, though."

Flashback

A very young four year old Ash Ketchum and his mom were out for a stroll in the Viridian Forest.

"Look at all these cute Caterpie!" cried Ash. Delia bent down to take a close look.

"They're certainly very adorable, aren't they?" she asked. Ash happily nodded his head.

"Could I take one home with me?" he asked.

"Now, son, you know you shouldn't just pick these up and take them away from their home without asking." Delia answered. "They might get scared."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Replied Ash. A little further down the pathway, Ash spotted something that really caught his attention.

"It's a Pikachu, Mommy!" cried Ash. "Just look at these cheeks!" He tried to pet the Pikachu, but it ran away.

"Pikachu, wait! Come back here!" Ash cried.

"Son, you shouldn't go wandering off like that!" cried Delia, but Ash had already taken off.

"I just can never get him to sit still." She said. Ash kept running after the Pikachu.

"I just want to be friends!" he cried. But because he was running so fast, he wasn't paying attention to where he was going and tripped over a rock. He fell face first into the dirt.

"Next time, I should slow down a bit." He sighed.

"Yeah, that would probably be a good idea." Said a female voice. Ash looked up and saw that the voice wasn't coming from his mom, but rather, a girl he had never seen before.

"Are you all right, kid?" she asked.

"I think so." Answered Ash. He slowly got up and saw that the only injury was a small bruise on his arm.

"You're lucky, kid." Said the girl. "Next time, it could be a whole lot worse."

"I was only chasing after a Pikachu that got away from me." Said Ash.

"And why was it running from you in the first place?" the girl asked.

"Probably because I tried to pet it." Ash replied. The girl shook her head.

"That was your first mistake." She said. "You should never try to engage in contact with a Pokemon when they don't know you."

"Oh, and how would you know that?" asked Ash.

"My dad told me the exact same thing when we walked through here yesterday." The girl replied. "I practically know a lot of things about Pokemon."

"How?" asked Ash. "I read about them in books and watch nature shows all about them." the girl answered. "That's how I know. You can learn a lot from me, kid. My name's Lucy."

"I'm Ash Ketchum." Ash replied.

"I could tell from how you were running that you really like Pokemon a lot, don't you, Ash?" Lucy asked.

"I sure do." Answered Ash.

"Well then, you and I have something in common with each other already." Said Lucy. Delia came up to the spot where Ash had fallen.

"There you are, dear." She said. "Who's this girl?"

"This is my new friend Lucy." Ash answered.

"It's so nice to see my son making new friends." Said Delia. "I hope he's not too much trouble for you."

"Oh, not at all." said Lucy. "Ash, let's promise each other something right now."

"What's that?" asked Ash.

"To always stand by each other, no matter what." Lucy answered. "That means we're more than just friends now. We're best friends, and those kind of people always stick together."

"You mean like peanut butter and jelly?" asked Ash.

"Exactly." Answered Lucy. "You know something, Ash, when we both get old enough to be trainers, I hope we both end up battling each other in the finals of the Pokemon League tournament."

"You never know, Lucy." Said Ash. "It could happen."

"I need to go now. It was nice meeting you both." Said Lucy. She happily skipped away down the path.

"She's such a sweet girl, isn't she?" asked Ash.

"I'll say." Replied Delia.

End Flashback

"We've been best friends ever since that day back in the Viridian Forest." Said Lucy. "And now here we are about to battle for the Pokemon League tournament."

"Who would've thought we'd both be in this spot?" said Ash.

"But just remember, Ash, we're friends to the end no matter what happens in this battle." Said Lucy.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the final match of this year's Pokemon League tournament is about to begin!" cried the announcer. "Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town going against Lucy Peters, also from Pallet Town! Whoever wins this six on six battle will be this year's Pokemon League champion!"

"Trainers, good luck to both of you." Said the referee. He then raised both flags.

"Begin!" he cried.

"Wartortle, I choose you!" cried Ash. Wartortle materialized.

"Butterfree, go!" cried Lucy. Butterfree materialized.

"And it's Butterfree up first for miss Peters to counter Ketchum's Wartortle!" cried the announcer.

"Wartortle, Water Gun!" cried Ash. Wartortle attacked.

"Dodge it!" cried Lucy. Butterfree moved out of the way of the water move. Wartortle kept trying over and over again, but Butterfree kept dodging.

"Try as it might, Wartortle can't seem to land a hit against Lucy's speedy Butterfree." Said the announcer.

"Go in for a Tackle attack!" cried Lucy. Butterfree charged.

"Skull Bash, now!" cried Ash. Wartortle charged at Butterfree, and both attacks collided. They kept going at it for a good little while, with both of them dodging the other.

"Butterfree, Sleep Powder attack!" cried Lucy. Butterfree spread out its wings and hit Wartortle with the blue dust. The turtle Pokemon tried to keep his eyes open, but ended up hitting the ground and falling asleep.

"Wartortle, try to shake that off and wake up!" cried Ash. "Come on, Wartortle, get up!" The referee raised a flag.

"Wartortle is unable to battle! Butterfree is the winner!" he cried.

"It's lights out for the brave Wartortle, and Lucy has struck first in this final match!" cried the announcer.

"Wartortle, return!" cried Ash. Wartortle was recalled.

"Pikachu, you're up next!" cried Ash. "Go!"

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'On it!'

"Go, Ash!" cried Ritchie from the stands.

"Pika Pi!" cried Sparky, which meant 'You can do it, Pikachu!'

"Pikachu, use your Agility!" cried Ash. Pikachu ran with all its might, which forced Butterfree to hopelessly fly around.

"Butterfree, try to locate Pikachu!" cried Lucy. Butterfree flew around and then saw Pikachu in its' sights.

"Psybeam attack, now!" cried Lucy. Butterfree attacked.

"If that hits Pikachu, Ash will really be in trouble!" cried Misty. Pikachu saw the attack heading towards him and then jumped right before it could land.

"What?!" cried Lucy.

"Great job, Pikachu!" cried Ash. "Get on top of Butterfree and launch a full power Thunderbolt!" Pikachu landed on Butterfree's back and attacked, sending shock waves through Butterfree's body. The flying type crashed to the ground with swirly eyes.

"Butterfree is out of the match!" cried the referee. "Pikachu is the winner!"

"Looks like Pikachu must've paid a visit to the electric company before this match because we're now tied up!" cried the announcer.

"Butterfree, return!" cried Lucy. Butterfree was recalled.

"Great battling, Butterfree. Thanks." Said Lucy. She immediately reached for another Poke Ball.

"Alakazam, I choose you!" cried Lucy. Alakazam materialized.

"The strong psychic type Alakazam is out next to face off against Ketchum's Pikachu!" cried the announcer.

"Pikachu, Quick Attack!" cried Ash. Pikachu charged in towards Alakazam.

"Quick, use Teleport!" cried Lucy. Alakazam disappeared before Pikachu could strike and then re-appeared in a corner.

"Pikachu, try charging at Alakazam again!" cried Ash. Pikachu charged again, but….

"Keep teleporting!" cried Lucy. Alakazam continued to disappear and re-appear before Pikachu could get a good gauge on where the psychic type was.

"Pikachu, use your Thunder Shock!" cried Ash. Pikachu attacked.

"Confusion!" cried Lucy. Alakazam stopped the attack and sent it right back, hitting Pikachu hard.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"What a hit that Pikachu took!" cried the announcer. Pikachu was determined not to give up, and got back to his feet.

"How is Lucy doing this to Pikachu?" wondered Ritchie.

"Sabrina did this exact thing with Ash at the Saffron City gym." Said Brock. "Lucy must've taken notes from that battle."

"Try another Quick Attack!" cried Ash. Pikachu started running again.

"Psybeam!" cried Lucy. Alakazam launched the beam.

"Agility!" cried Ash. Pikachu started picking up speed again and avoided a lot of the attacks.

"Thunderbolt!" cried Ash. Pikachu unleashed a full blast Thunderbolt, which finally landed on Alakazam.

"About time!" cried Ash.

"Use Recover!" cried Lucy. Alakazam shook off the Thunderbolt like it was nothing.

"Just when Pikachu finally strikes, Alakazam erases that progress!" cried the announcer.

"Try a Thunder attack, Pikachu!" cried Ash. Pikachu launched the attack.

"Psychic attack!" cried Lucy. Alakazam used Psychic to stop the Thunder in its tracks and slam it into Pikachu.

"No!" cried Ash. This time, Pikachu didn't get back up.

"Pikachu is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "Alakazam is the winner!"

"An incredible fight from Pikachu, but Alakazam's psychic abilities were too powerful for it and now Ketchum has four Pokemon left." Said the announcer. Ash scooped up Pikachu.

"You battled really well, buddy." He said before placing Pikachu down on the sideline. He then went back into position and reached for another Poke Ball.

"Against a Psychic type, I choose Gengar!" cried Ash. Gengar materialized, which made Lucy gasp.

"Gengar is out next as Ash's third Pokemon, but miss Peters seems to be afraid for some reason." Said the announcer.

"Ash, you KNOW that I hate ghost Pokemon!" cried Lucy. "Why did you bring Gengar out?"

"Hey, fellow competitors aren't supposed to criticize each other during a match!" cried Ash. "Let's just battle. Gengar, use your Night Shade attack!" Gengar launched the attack.

"Psybeam attack!" countered Lucy. Both attacks collided with each other, but Night Shade powered through and struck Alakazam.

"Nice work, Gengar!" cried Ash.

"Recover." Said Lucy dryly. Alakazam healed itself.

"No! Not again!" cried Ash. He growled in frustration. "Try a Psywave attack!"

"Alakazam, you try a Psywave too!" cried Lucy. Both attacks hit each other and canceled each other out.

"Night Shade again!" cried Ash.

"Psybeam!" cried Lucy. Both attacks hit each other again and created an explosive ball of steam.

"There's some sort of smoke out on the field, and I can't tell what's happened to either Gengar or Alakazam!" cried the announcer. After the smoke cleared, both Gengar and Alakazam had been knocked out.

"Gengar and Alakazam are out of the competition!" cried the referee.

"Whoa! Two very powerful Pokemon are out of here!" cried the announcer. "Lucy still has the advantage, however, as she has four Pokemon left while Ash has three remaining."

"Alakazam, return!" cried Lucy. Alakazam was recalled.

"You did very well." Said Lucy.

"Gengar, return!" cried Ash. Gengar was recalled.

"Great battling. Thank you." Said Ash.

"I hope you don't have any more ghost Pokemon with you, Ash." Said Lucy.

"I technically still have Haunter, but he's with Sabrina in Saffron City." Said Ash.

"Thank goodness." Said Lucy. "Okay, Ivysaur, you're up!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur materialized.

"Pidgeotto, I choose you!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto materialized.

"Gust attack!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto attacked, which blew Ivysaur away a few feet.

"Vine Whip!" cried Lucy.

"Fly, Pidgeotto!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto dodged the Vine Whip by flying up high.

"Wing Attack!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto attacked and struck Ivysaur with its wings.

"Ivysaur!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur hung tough and got back up.

"Great job, now use Poison Powder!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur spewed poison from the bulb.

"Razor Wind!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto attacked, and while it did connect, the poison also hit Pidgeotto at the same time.

"Oh no!" cried Ash.

"And Pidgeotto is in some pain after being poisoned by Ivysaur." Said the announcer. "How much longer can this bird last?"

"Hopefully long enough to defeat Ivysaur." Said Ash. "Sand Attack!" Pidgeotto blew some sand in Ivysaur's face, blinding it.

"Whirlwind!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto blew Ivysaur all the way up and then forced it back down, which knocked it out.

"Ivysaur is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "Pidgeotto is the winner!"

"And now both combatants are down to three Pokemon each, although I don't think Pidgeotto can hang on much longer." Said the announcer.

"Ivysaur, return!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur was recalled.

"You did a great job." She told it. "Okay, Arcanine, let's go!" Arcanine materialized.

"Arcanine is Lucy's next Pokemon!" cried the announcer.

"Let's go, Pidgeotto! Quick Attack!" cried Ash. Pidgeotto charged, but the attack wasn't as quick as it should've been because of the poison.

"Arcanine, use your Take Down attack!" cried Lucy. Arcanine charged at Pidgeotto and connected. The additional poison damage knocked it out.

"Pidgeotto is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "Arcanine is the winner!"

"The poison ended up taking its toll on poor Pidgeotto, and now Ketchum has just two Pokemon left!" cried the announcer. Ash recalled Pidgeotto and praised it for a good battle.

"I only have two Pokemon left." He thought. "I can't send out Bulbasaur to face Arcanine. It would get roasted." He grabbed a hold of a Poke Ball.

"I didn't want to have to do this just yet, but my hand's been forced, so Charizard, I choose you!" cried Ash. Charizard materialized.

"Charizard is out next for Ketchum, and we're in for a great fire fight between these two!" cried the announcer.

"Charizard, use your Flamethrower!" cried Ash.

"Arcanine, counter Charizard's Flamethrower with your own!" cried Lucy. The two Flamethrowers hit each other to create a dead heat.

"Take Down attack!" cried Lucy. Arcanine charged.

"Dragon Rage!" cried Ash. Charizard launched a full power Dragon Rage attack right as he got hit by Take Down, which made Charizard miss.

"Come on, Charizard!" cried Ash. Charizard stared down angrily at Arcanine.

"Uh oh. I think I might've made Charizard mad." Said Lucy.

"Mega Punch, Charizard!" cried Ash. Charizard's attack connected.

"Earthquake!" cried Ash. Charizard flapped its wings furiously to make a huge earthquake, which struck Arcanine and sent it falling.

"No, Arcanine!" cried Lucy.

"Arcanine is out of this match!" cried the referee.

"A furious ground attack from Charizard has tied this match up and now Lucy has only two Pokemon left!" cried the announcer.

"Arcanine, return!" cried Lucy. Arcanine was recalled.

"You did well, boy. Now you can have a rest." Said Lucy. "Wartortle, I choose you!" Her Wartortle materialized.

"Now it's Lucy's own Wartortle that takes the field to take on Charizard." Said the announcer.

"Let's do this, Wartortle!" cried Lucy. Water Gun!" Wartortle attacked.

"Fly up!" cried Ash. Charizard dodged the attack.

"Now use Dragon Rage!" cried Ash. Charizard launched the attack.

"Use Withdraw!" cried Lucy. Wartortle got into the shell to minimize the Dragon Rage damage.

"Bubble Beam at full blast!" cried Lucy. Wartortle fired a barrage of bubbles. None of them hit Charizard's tail, but a lot of them hit his body, which made him cry in pain.

"Charizard, hang in there!" cried Ash. "Go for the Seismic Toss!" Charizard flew in full speed, and before Wartortle could do anything, Charizard scooped up the turtle Pokemon and spun around several times with a tight grasp. He then slammed Wartortle down to the ground.

"And that looks like it could be the end for Wartortle!" cried the announcer. The referee looked over at Wartortle and raised a flag.

"Wartortle is unable to…" he said, but before he could finish, the water type got back to its feet, which made the referee's flag lower.

"Resume the battle!" he cried.

"Water Gun!" cried Lucy. Another blast of water from Wartortle struck Charizard in the face.

"Oh no, Charizard!" cried Ash.

"Charizard's in trouble!" cried Misty. Despite taking the damage, Charizard still had fight in him.

"Yes! Now go for a Flamethrower!" cried Ash. Charizard attacked, but the damage was minimal.

"Skull Bash!" cried Lucy. Wartortle charged and struck Charizard hard.

"Water Gun!" cried Lucy. Wartortle attacked with another blast of water, which finally knocked Charizard out.

"Charizard is unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"Down goes Charizard and now Ketchum only has one Pokemon left at his disposal." Said the announcer.

"Charizard, return!" cried Ash. Charizard was recalled.

"You put up a great fight." Said Ash. "Bulbasaur, I choose you!" Bulbasaur materialized.

"Ash's final Pokemon is Bulbasaur." Said the announcer. "This brave soldier has won some tough battles for Ketchum before, but now he'll need two wins in a row!"

"Go, Bulbasaur! Tackle attack!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur charged and landed a hit.

"Bite attack!" cried Lucy. Wartortle tried to land a Bite, but Bulbasaur jumped out of the way.

"Vine Whip!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur attacked and smacked Wartortle around with the vines.

"Sleep Powder!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur spread sleep dust on Wartortle and the water type began to snore.

"Wartortle, no!" cried Lucy. The referee called it.

"Wartortle is unable to battle! Bulbasaur is the winner!" he cried.

"And now both trainers are down to their final Pokemon!" cried the announcer.

"Wartortle, return!" cried Lucy. Wartortle was recalled, and Lucy turned to Eevee.

"Well, Eevee, it's all up to you now." She said. "Go!" Eevee ran onto the field.

"Eevee is Lucy's final Pokemon of this match!" cried the announcer.

"Bulbasaur, Take Down attack!" cried Ash.

"Eevee, counter with your own Take Down!" cried Lucy. Bulbasaur and Eevee charged at each other.

"Vine Whip attack!" cried Ash.

"Use your Agility!" cried Lucy. Eevee ran at fast speed to dodge all the vines.

"Vine Whip isn't working!" cried Ash.

"Skull Bash!" cried Lucy. Eevee ran faster and hit Bulbasaur on the head, sending it to the ground.

"Bulbasaur!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur struggled to get back to its feet.

"You can do it!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur tried his best, with everyone in the stands looking on. It took a bit, but Bulbasaur got back up.

"All right, go!" cried Ash. "Razor Leaf!" Bulbasaur attacked, and the leaves hit Eevee hard.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy. Eevee shook off the hit and got ready to attack again.

"Swift attack!" cried Lucy. Eevee attacked and although Bulbasaur tried to run, the attack still connected.

"Now then, get ready…" said Lucy.

"Bulbasaur, get set….." said Ash.

"Take Down attack, now!" they both cried. Bulbasaur and Eevee charged at each other and connected hard. The two Pokemon were left panting and struggling to stand. Then, Bulbasaur collapsed onto the ground, much to the shock of Brock, Misty and everyone else.

"Bulbasaur is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "Eevee is the winner! This match, and the championship, go to Lucy Peters!" Ash dropped to one knee in disbelief.

"We did it, Eevee! We really won the whole thing!" cried Lucy. She ran onto the field and hugged her partner.

"Bulbasaur, return." Said Ash. Bulbasaur was recalled, and Ash went to shake Lucy's hand.

"I guess you won." Said Ash.

"Yeah, I guess I did." Said Lucy.

"Congratulations, Lucy." Said Ash.

"Thanks, Ash." Said Lucy. "That was a great battle."

"Looks like Ash is taking this loss well." Said Misty.

"I think he's happy for Lucy." Said Brock.

"I guess one of them had to lose out there." Said Misty.

"From my point of view, they both look like winners to me." Said Brock.

"Ash should be very proud of himself." Said Professor Oak.

"I know he's disappointed that he lost this time, but I'm still very proud of him." Said Delia.

Later on, Ash, Lucy and Ritchie were at the lake outside the stadium. Ritchie was holding Sparky, Ash was holding his Pikachu and Lucy was holding Eevee.

"Well, Ash, now you and I have one more thing in common." Said Ritchie.

"Oh yeah?" asked Ash. They both let their Pikachu play with each other, and Lucy allowed Eevee to join them.

"We can learn a lot from losing." Said Ritchie.

"He's right, Ash." Said Lucy. "You can both learn more from losing than you can from winning."

Meanwhile, Team Rocket watched them from the grass.

"It's upset time." Said Jessie.

"We've struck out so far, but now's our chance to score a touchdown!" cried Meowth.

"That's right, with those three Pikachu and that Eevee." Said James. "The final score will be Team Rocket four, twerps nothing!"

"This time, they're playing for keeps." Said Meowth. Jessie and James chuckled and got to work.

"I was so sure I could win." Said Ritchie. "A little too sure, I guess. But losing isn't really so bad. Now I know what mistakes not to make next time. And I'm a better trainer because of that. Hey, Ash. Let's promise each other to become Pokemon masters no matter what."

"Okay!" cried Ash. The three of them got up.

"Pokemon masters no matter what!" Ash cried over the lake.

"Uh, I don't think anyone can hear you." Said Lucy. Eevee and all three Pikachu stopped playing and fell into a hole, which caught the attention of Ritchie, Lucy and Ash.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Sparky!" cried Ritchie.

"Eevee! Little Pikachu!" cried Lucy. "What happened?"

"Let's find out." Said Ash. But as they ran over to the first hole, they fell into another one.

"That didn't tickle at all." said Ash.

"Are you two okay?" asked Lucy.

"We're fine." Answered Ash. "But I bet I know who dug these holes!" Team Rocket's laughter was soon heard.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth, that's right!"

"Not them again!" cried Ash, Ritchie and Lucy.

"The three twerps fell for it." Said Lucy.

"We've tried a lot of tricky traps, but this one's a HOLE lot better." Said Meowth.

"The pit is it." Said James. "Those crazy contraptions can't create the classic catastrophe one can cause by cleverly concealing a calamitous crater!"

"And it's such a good feeling to have those pitiful Pokemon pipsqueaks look up to us." Said Jessie.

"You won't get away with this!" cried Ash. He and Lucy tried running up the side of the hole but couldn't make it all the way and landed on the bottom.

"Are you both okay?" asked Ritchie. Before either Ash or Lucy could answer, all three of them fell deeper into the hole while Team Rocket laughed at them.

"And just when you twerps thought you couldn't get any lower." Said Jessie.

"We thought you might try to climb out so we decided to design a split level pit." Said James. Team Rocket turned their attention to the hole that Eevee and all three Pikachu were in.

"Now let's grab these Pokemon." Said Meowth.

"Aye!" cried Jessie and James. A cage on a fishing line was lowered by James down into the hole, which snagged the four Pokemon. The three Pikachu tried to shock their way out, but to no avail.

"Aha!" cried Jessie. "Your attacks won't work this time because we made sure this cage was one hundred percent Pika proof!"

"It's made of a material that absorbs and conserves electricity." Added James.

"Yeah, we decided to be friendly, but only to the environment." Said Meowth.

"Shock troops, forward march!" cried Jessie.

"Aye, ma'am!" cried Meowth and James. But as Team Rocket started to march away…

"Company HALT!" cried Lucy. She, Ash and Richie rose out of the hole, with Ash holding onto a now fully recovered Pidgeotto, Ritchie holding onto Happy, and Alakazam levitating Lucy out via Psychic. Team Rocket fell back in surprise, and Ash let go of Pidgeotto.

"Bulbasaur, I choose you!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur materialized and Ash landed.

"Bulbasaur, use your Vine Whip to grab that cage!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur attacked, but before it could grab the cage…..

"Nice try, but I'm too cagey!" cried James. He yanked the cage away.

"Weezing, Smog attack!" yelled James. Weezing materialized and spread the attack, but Ash dove out of the way.

"Pidgeotto, Gust attack!" cried Ash. The attack blew the smog back to Team Rocket, which blinded them.

"Time for an explosive finale!" cried Lucy.

"Better use Zippo." Suggested Ash.

"Right!" cried Ritchie. "Okay, Zippo, we need you!" Zippo materialized.

"Ivysaur, help us out too!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur materialized.

"Razor Leaf attack!" she cried. The attack struck the line holding the cage, which freed Eevee, Pikachu, Sparky and Little Pikachu.

"Okay, Zippo, Flamethrower!" cried Ritchie. The attack struck, which ignited the gas and set Team Rocket ablaze. The three of them ran around in pain.

"Pikachu, Sparky, Little Pikachu, all of you recharge the cage with your Thunder Shock!" cried Ash. All three Pikachu recharged the cage.

"Wartortle, Water Gun attack!" cried Ash. Wartortle materialized and fired its attack, which drenched Team Rocket.

"Well, that's a relief." Sighed Jessie. James looked at the pole.

"The cage is gone!" he cried.

"Here, guys!" cried Ash.

"Looking for this?!" cried Lucy. Team Rocket looked to Ash, Ritchie and Lucy.

"You can have it!" cried Ash. The three Pikachu tossed the cage to Team Rocket, only to get shocked by the stored electricity and get sent upwards into the air.

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" cried Jessie, James and Meowth.

"We did it!" cried Ash.

"Great job, everybody!" cried Lucy.

As the sun set later on…

"You and Lucy really saved the day, Ash." Said Ritchie.

"No, Ritchie, we all did it together." Said Ash. Misty and Brock soon showed up.

"Hey, Ash! Lucy!" cried Misty.

"Hey there, guys!" cried Lucy.

"We're going to have a huge dinner and then head over to the closing ceremonies." Said Brock.

"Oh yeah." Said Ash. "The trainers get to march into the stadium and they give you a really cool badge."

"And since I won the whole thing, I get a special winner's badge." Said Lucy.

"We'd love it if you joined us, Ritchie." Said Misty.

"Great, let's go!" cried Ritchie.

"Race ya, Ash!" cried Lucy.

"I bet I'll be you this time, Lucy!" cried Ash.

"We'll just see about that." Said Lucy. She and Ash started running off toward the stadium, with Ritchie, Brock, Misty and all the Pokemon in tow trying to catch up.

Later, after dinner had finished, the closing ceremonies were underway.

"The Pokemon League now bids farewell to all the trainers and Pokemon who participated in this year's competition." Said the announcer. "Let's show the participants just how much we appreciate their accomplishments as they enter the stadium one final time!" The crowd cheered as the participating trainers walked into the stadium. Ash, Ritchie and Lucy were seen in the crowd and waved to their friends in the stands. Zack and Delia cried tears of joy at their kids' accomplishments.

"League President Charles Goodshow will now present each trainer with a special commemorative badge." Said the announcer. "Wear it with pride, trainers, as a symbol of excellence and achievement." Goodshow gave Ash, Lucy and Ritchie their badges, and for Lucy, she got an extra badge for winning the entire tournament.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was at it again outside the stadium. This time, they were digging their way under the stadium.

"Dig quicker! The ceremony's almost over!" cried Meowth.

"We'll tunnel under the field underneath all those trainers!" cried Jessie.

"This will be a groundbreaking new way to steal Pokemon!" cried James. Team Rocket dug faster.

Inside the stadium…..

"And now, here are the top ranking trainers from this year's competition!" cried the announcer. "Among them are our new Indigo League champion, Lucy Peters! Please join us in saluting them along with their Pokemon for their skill and dedication to the ideals of the Pokemon League! And here to present the trophy is our special guest, a former Pokemon League champion himself, Red!" Professor Oak almost couldn't believe it.

"They got the legendary Red to present the trophy?!" he cried. Red came out onto the field.

"It is my great honor and privilege to present this trophy to the winner of this year's Pokemon League competition, Lucy Peters!" he cried. "Congratulations, Lucy, you have earned this trophy."

"Thanks, Red!" cried Lucy.

"As the winner of this year's event, you and the winning team that was used in the championship match will be forever immortalized in the Indigo League Hall Of Fame!" cried Red. Lucy smiled for the photo, which included her, Eevee, Butterfree, Alakazam, Ivysaur, Arcanine and Wartortle.

Underground, Team Rocket was still digging.

"Dig faster!" cried Meowth. Team Rocket picked up the pace.

"Now, as this year's Pokemon League tournament draws to a close, please direct your attention to our very special celebration in the sky!" cried the announcer. The arena lights went out, and fireworks went off. Down below the surface, Team Rocket got ready to make their move.

"Sounds like we're right under them! Dig up!" cried Meowth. Jessie and James started digging up with their shovels.

"Dig, dig, dig! We'll hit it big!" cried Meowth. Soon, what appeared to be a bomb dropped down in front of them.

"What's that?" asked Jessie.

"A Poke Ball?" said James. The fuse burned down, which made Team Rocket panic.

"Run for it!" cried Meowth. It was too late. Team Rocket went up with the fireworks within the bombs.

"Oh well! We're blasting off with a beautiful bang!" they cried. The group watched the fireworks show with smiles on their faces, wonder in their eyes and pride in their hearts.

Later, after the crowd had dispersed and the central flame in the arena had gone out, Ash, Lucy and Ritchie were sitting in the stands together.

"Well Ash, maybe Lucy won and you and I didn't, but we sure had fun." Said Ritchie. "Didn't we, guys?"

"We sure did." Answered Ash.

"I'm so proud of how well we all did." Said Lucy. All three Pikachu joined them.

"Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Ash!'

"Pi!" cried Sparky, which meant 'Ritchie!'

"Pika!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'Lucy!' Ritchie got up.

"You guys train hard." He said.

"We will." Said Ash.

"Happy trails, Ritchie." Said Lucy.

"Later, guys." Said Ritchie. He headed for the exit.

"Hey, Ritchie!" Ash called. Ritchie stopped and turned around to look at Ash.

"Don't forget! We promised!" cried Ash. Ritchie gave Ash a thumbs up, and both Pikachu and Little Pikachu waved goodbye to Sparky, as did Eevee.

(Cue theme song, which plays over a montage of highlights from Ash and Lucy's matches in the tournament)

I wanna be the very best

Like no one ever was

To catch them is my real test

To train them is my cause

I will travel across the land

Searching far and wide

Teach Pokémon to understand

The power that's inside

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me

I know it's my destiny

(Pokémon!)

Oh, you're my best friend

In a world we must defend

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true

Our courage will pull us through

You teach me, and I'll teach you

Po-ké-mon!

(Gotta catch 'em all!)

Gotta catch 'em all!

Yeah...

Every challenge along the way

With courage I will face

I will battle every day

To claim my rightful place

Come with me, the time is right

There's no better team,

Arm in arm, we'll win the fight

It's always been our dream

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me

I know it's my destiny

(Pokémon!)

Oh, you're my best friend

In a world we must defend

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true

Our courage will pull us through

You teach me, and I'll teach you

Po-ké-mon!

(Gotta catch 'em all!)

Gotta catch 'em all!

Gotta catch 'em all!

Gotta catch 'em all!

Gotta catch 'em all!

Yeah!

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me

I know it's my destiny

(Pokémon!)

Oh, you're my best friend

In a world we must defend

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true

Our courage will pull us through

You teach me, and I'll teach you

Po-ké-mon!

(Gotta catch 'em all!)

Gotta catch 'em all!

Pokémon!

Ash and Lucy were then seen in the middle of the stadium.

"Pikachu, Lucy, ready to train even harder?" asked Ash.

"I'm always ready!" cried Lucy.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'I'm ready any time, any place!'

"Guys!" cried Misty. Ash and Lucy saw their friends, Delia, Zack and Professor Oak standing nearby.

"All right. Time to head home to Pallet Town, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"We're going home, Eevee!" cried Lucy. Ash and Lucy rushed to their friends and parents, with Pikachu and Eevee right behind them. Both Ash and Lucy fought bravely in their first Pokemon League competition, with Lucy coming out on top. Although Ash lost the big final, he and Lucy both gained a lifelong friend. Now Ash and Lucy are more determined than ever to accomplish their dreams of being Pokemon masters. But to do that, they'll have to face new adventures and new challenges together. Those new adventures and challenges will be waiting for both of them in the next season of Pokemon Do-Over!

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Dragonite

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Wartortle, Arcanine, Butterfree (Pink)

Egg: Togepi (Joint ownership with Misty)

Ash's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Spearow, Clefairy, Onix, Butterfree, Primeape, Muk, Scyther, Diglett, Voltorb, Rapidash, Kangaskhan, Tauros, Rhyhorn, Nidorino, Dratini (two), Gyrados, Exeggutor, Kabuto, Kabutops, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Growlithe, Arbok, Weezing, Meowth, Magmar, Blastoise, Squirtle, Kingler, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Dodrio, Mr. Mime, Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo, Venusaurtwo, Charizardtwo, Blastoisetwo, Vulpixtwo, Ninetalestwo, Hitmonleetwo, Hitmonchan, Gengar, Moltres

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Staryu, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair