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Pokémon Pokemon Do-Over

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 113: Psychic Troubles, Pink Pokemon Life and some Ghostly Adventures

Ash and his friends are quite lucky that they arrived on Butwal Island when they did. Not long after landing there, a huge storm hit way out at sea, and as everybody knows, traveling during a storm is quite dangerous. So, it looks like our group of Ash, Misty, Tracey and Lucy will be stuck on this island for a while.

"According to the most recent weather reports, the storm happening out there isn't going to be going away anytime soon." Said Tracey.

"It's not going to come here, is it?" asked Misty.

"Thankfully, Butwal Island, which where we are right now, isn't supposed to be part of the affected area." Replied Tracey.

"That's a good sign." Added Lucy.

"However, we can't ride Lapras or Dewgong in the seas while all of that is going on." Added Tracey.

"What can we do, then?" asked Ash.

"Vee." Answered Eevee, which meant 'I'm sure we'll find something to keep ourselves occupied.

Later on, the group was at the campsite they had set up on the island and playing a game with a deck of cards that Lucy had brought with her. Ash tried to get a good look at Lucy's hand, but she quickly pulled then away from him.

"Don't be trying to cheat, mister!" she cried. Just then, one of Ash's Poke Balls opened and his Drowzee popped out.

"And don't you be acting like Psyduck!" cried Misty.

"Actually, Misty, Drowzee can join our little game if he wants." Said Lucy. She handed some cards to the psychic type, and all was going well originally. But then, Drowzee's eyes glowed, and soon, all of the cards were scattered all over the floor of the tent. Lucy wasn't too pleased at all.

"On second thought, maybe it might be best if he goes back into his Poke Ball." She said.

"Hang on, Lucy. I have a better idea." Said Ash. "Since Drowzee's here, I'm going to take him for some alone time." He and Drowzee left the tent and headed out into a secluded spot to look at some Pokemon shaped clouds.

"I see one that looks like Pikachu." Said Ash.

"Drowzee!" cried Drowzee, which meant 'What does that cloud high up look like?'

"That one looks like the Togepi that Misty and Lucy are raising." Answered Ash. Drowzee smiled when he saw a cloud that looked like himself.

"Zee!" cried Drowzee, which meant 'That's me!'

"It sure is!" cried Ash. They were about to head back to the tent when Drowzee suddenly frowned. It quickly clinged onto Ash with a tight grip.

"What's wrong, Drowzee?" asked Ash. Drowzee, in his own little language, explained that he had been abandoned by its original trainer prior to Butch and Cassidy using it to perform their little scheme back on Mandarin Island and then Ash catching it and becoming its new trainer.

"You're telling me that you think I'm going to abandon you?" asked Ash. "Is that what you're worried about?"

"Drowzee." Answered Drowzee, which meant 'That's exactly the problem. Please don't abandon me, Ash.'

"Don't worry, Drowzee, I'm not like that." Replied Ash. "In fact, I'm going to tell you a little something. Early on in my journey, my friends and I risked our lives by going out into a bad rainstorm to rescue a Charmander that had also been abandoned by its trainer. I ended up taking it in myself, and that little Charmander is now a powerful Charizard. As for who your original trainer was, that's something I don't know since I've never met that person. But I will never abandon you, Drowzee, and that's a promise."

"Drowzee! Zee!" Drowzee happily cried, which meant 'Thanks, Ash!'

"No problem, Drowzee." Said Ash. "You know, since we're out here together, maybe we can do some training. I know you're already quite strong thanks to Butch and Cassidy, but I can make you even stronger. What do you say?"

"Zee!" cried Drowzee, which meant 'Okay, Ash, let's do it!' The first of Drowzee's attacks that they worked on was Mega Punch. Drowzee gave some nearby trees some strong punches, which impressed Ash.

"Hey, that's quite good!" he cried. Then, it practiced its Confusion attack on Ash by raising him into the air and sending hm back, but he made sure to do it gently.

"In a real battle, that Confusion attack can be as strong as the one that Misty's Psyduck has." Said Ash. "What else can you do?" Drowzee ran up to Ash, knocked him down and gently planted himself onto his trainer's body.

"Okay, so that's your Body Slam attack." Said Ash. "I know you can use Metronome, so we don't have to worry about that. Do you know how to use Dream Eater?" Drowzee shook his head. He didn't know what Dream Eater was.

"The Dream Eater attack is another psychic type move, but it only works if your opponent is asleep." Ash explained. He then lay himself down on the grass.

"Let's say that I'm a Pokemon, and you just put me to sleep, like this." He said. He then closed his eyes to prove his point. Drowzee tried to perform the attack, but nothing seemed to be working. Ash opened up his eyes again.

"I should mention that your opponent has to actually be asleep." He said. "Pretending to be asleep won't work, as we just established." The two of them continued to work on Drowzee's attacks, but after an hour had gone by, they heard a Pokemon crying for help.

"I wonder what that noise is, Drowzee." Said Ash.

"Drowzee?" asked Drowzee, which meant 'Should we go check it out?'

"Yes. I think we should." Answered Ash. The two of them rushed over to the scene where the injured Pokemon was. Ash was almost in disbelief when se saw which Pokemon it was.

"It's an Electabuzz!" cried Ash. He felt its arms and legs.

"Drowzee, this Electabuzz is badly hurt!" cried Ash. "If Brock were here with us right now, he'd know what to do."

"Zee?" asked Drowzee, which meant 'Who's this Brock that you speak of?'

"He's a friend of mine that's currently working with Professor Ivy." Ash explained. "He cooks really well, too. I'll have to introduce you to him whenever I see him again. Now the question is, who or what, could possibly have attacked this Electabuzz?" He soon got his answer in the form of a fierce rock type Pokemon with a large circular body.

"Drowzee!" cried Drowzee, which meant 'Ash, look behind you!' Ash turned and saw the Pokemon that was responsible for attacking Electabuzz.

"It's a Golem!" he cried. "I've seen this Pokemon before. That girl Melissa at the Indigo League had one, and one of those guys in the biker gang my friends and I ran into once also had a Golem with him. As for this Electabuzz, we have to help it. Do you know how to use Recover?"

"Zee." answered Drowzee, which meant 'I'm afraid not. Please explain.'

"With Recover, any damage that you take during a battle gets healed and it's almost like you never took the damage at all." Ash explained. "Try it out on the Electabuzz." Drowzee concentrated and tried very hard to perform the move, but nothing happened.

"Don't give up, Drowzee." Said Ash. "Learning new attacks isn't easy at first, but I believe in you. Try it again." Drowzee kept on trying and trying, and after a few attempts, the psychic type was finally able to heal Electabuzz's injuries.

"Buzz! Buzz!" cried Electabuzz, which meant 'Thanks a lot for the help!'

"You're welcome, Electabuzz." Said Ash. "No way I was going to leave you here all on your own." Then, without warning, the Golem started to attack them.

"Hey, Golem, why don't you pick on a Pokemon of your own size, huh?" cried Ash. He stuck his tongue out at the rock type, but the Golem got mad and started charging at them.

"That's Golem's Tackle attack!" cried Ash. "Looks like we have to fight back. Electabuzz, try using a Thunderbolt attack!" Electabuzz launched the move, but Golem wasn't fazed.

"Buzz?!" cried Electabuzz, which meant 'What the?!'

"Oh shoot, I forgot that electricity doesn't work on rock types!" cried Ash. "We'll just have to try some other attacks then. Go for a Leer attack!" Electabuzz's eyes glowed, which blinded Golem a bit.

"You brought Golem's defense down, Electabuzz!" cried Ash. "Nice work! Okay, Drowzee, give it a Mega Punch!" Drowzee attacked, but Golem immediately used Harden to render it worthless.

"No good. It just negated the defense drop that Electabuzz gave it." Said Ash. Golem then scooped up Electabuzz and spun it around like a top before tossing it back to the ground.

"Golem's Seismic Toss attack! And just as powerful as Charizard's!" cried Ash. Electabuzz had suffered some damage from the Seismic Toss, but Ash was quick to know what to do.

"Drowzee, use your new Recover attack to heal Electabuzz!" cried Ash. Drowzee obliged, and in no time flat, the damage that the electric type had suffered from the move was gone.

"Nice job there, Drowzee." Said Ash. "Try your Pound attack!" Drowzee launched the attack, but right before it could land, Golem responded with Counter, which sent the attack back at Drowzee and doing more damage than usual.

"Drowzee, no!" cried Ash. "Use Recover again!" Drowzee instantly healed itself.

"Zee! Drow! Drowzee!" cried Drowzee, which meant 'I could just keep doing this all day, bro!'

"Golem!" cried the rock type, which meant 'Try me!' It then performed an Earthquake move.

"Drowzee, quick! Use your Teleport!" cried Ash. Drowzee moved away from the attack in time and re-appeared behind Golem.

"Drowzee!" cried Drowzee, which meant 'Surprise!'

"Electabuzz, Skull Bash attack!" cried Ash. Electabuzz charged at the still confused Golem and sent it flying.

"Quickly, Drowzee! Put it to sleep with your Hypnosis attack!" cried Ash. Drowzee concentrated hard and used its arms to emit hypnotic waves at Golem. The rock type went down to the ground and fell asleep.

"Poke Ball, go!" cried Ash. Golem was sucked into the ball, and after some wobbles, it pinged.

"I got a Golem!" cried Ash. "That was terrific work, Drowzee! You too, Electabuzz!" The two Pokemon thanked Ash, but then he realized something.

"Misty, Tracey and Lucy are probably all worrying about me." He said. "I better go back." He and Drowzee were about to leave when Electabuzz pointed at Ash.

"Buzz!" cried the Electabuzz, which meant 'You did such a great job helping me that I'd like to accompany you on your journey.'

"The more Pokemon the merrier." Said Ash. He held out another Poke Ball and tossed it at Electabuzz. It went in without any resistance, and then Ash hurried back to his friends. He found Tracey, Misty and Lucy all setting up a table for them to eat at.

"You guys will never believe what happened!" cried Ash. "Drowzee and I were out training when we saw an injured Electabuzz!"

"And why was it hurt?" asked Lucy.

"It had been attacked by a Golem, but Drowzee and I put the Golem in its place." Said Ash. "I ended up capturing it, along with the Electabuzz."

"Sounds like you've been pretty productive." Said Misty.

"Food's ready!" cried Tracey. The four of them digged into a delicious meal.

"I don't know who's cooking is better, Tracey; yours or Brock's." said Misty.

"Uh, let's not compare too much." Said Lucy. "Besides, if Brock were here with us right now, he might get a bit jealous."

"Good point, I guess." Said Ash. Drowzee now has more confidence, and assurance from Ash that he won't be abandoned again. I'd say our young trainer's had himself a pretty good adventure so far on Butwal Island.

Two days later…..

"That storm's even worse now than it was when we first landed on this island." Said Tracey.

"That tells me it's not going to be letting up any time soon." Said Lucy. Yes, Ash and his friends are still stuck on Butwal Island, but fortunately, they're way outside the path of the storm. They still can't sail away yet, though.

The pink Nidoking and pink Rhyhorn that were owned by Ash and Lucy respectively were having a sparring match against each other out in an open field.

"Rhyhorn, be careful where you're aiming that horn of yours!" cried Lucy.

"Nidoking's the one who should be careful." Said Ash. "His horn's a lot bigger than Rhyhorn's." The two of them continued to have at it for a while before a tough looking trainer who was about in the mid teens in age showed up.

"Yo, like, can one of you battle me?" she asked. "I'm trying to get into the Orange League, and I need some practice." Ash and Lucy were about to respond when the trainer noticed the two pink Pokemon that were still having their friendly match.

"Like, where did you get those pink Pokemon of yours?" the trainer asked.

"Well, there's this special…." Ash started to say, but Lucy quickly covered his mouth.

"Don't tell her, Ash!" she cried "We're not supposed to say anything about that! It's not even any of her business, anyway!"

"What's none of my business?" asked the trainer. Lucy took her hand off Ash's mouth.

"Oh, nothing." Said Ash sheepishly.

"Oh, I can make it my business." Said the trainer. "You two are going to tell me where you got those pink Pokemon right now!"

"And I'm telling you that we can't do that!" cried Lucy. "So just mind your own business!"

"Okay, I see how this is." Said the trainer. "You're refusing to tell me, so that leads me to believe only one thing. You two probably stole them." Ash and Lucy were shocked to hear such an accusation.

"How dare you call us thieves!" cried Lucy. "We got these Pokemon fair and square! We just can't tell you how or where we got them! So back off already!"

"Like, you two, don't understand." Said the trainer. She was getting more serious. "You're telling me where you got those right now, or I'm reporting you both for theft!"

"I'm afraid that you're the one who doesn't understand!" cried Ash. "We already said we can't tell you, so we can't!" Misty and Tracey heard the commotion and ran up to them.

"Guys, what's going on?" asked Tracey.

"This jerk thinks that we stole the pink Pokemon that we have!" cried Ash.

"But we're not the kind of trainers who do that!" cried Lucy.

"We know that." Said Tracey. Misty, on the other hand, got red in the face at the trainer.

"All right, you, listen up!" she cried. "I have no clue who you are, but to accuse these two of staling is absolutely ridiculous!"

"And on top of that, she was also trying to force us to give her information that we can't tell her!" cried Lucy.

"She's right about that!" cried Tracey. "They're not allowed to tell you where they got those Pokemon because they'll get in trouble if they do."

"So leave them alone!" cried Misty.

"Okay, okay, I get it!" cried the trainer. "Now, how about that battle?"

"No way!" cried Lucy. "We refuse to battle anyone who accuses of stealing! So make like Oscar the Grouch and get lost!" The trainer just continued to stand there, however.

"If you won't leave on your own, then we'll just have to MAKE you leave!" yelled Ash.

"And, like, how are you going to do that?" asked the trainer.

"Like this!" cried Ash. "Nidoking, Hyper Beam attack!" Nidoking turned and looked at the tough trainer, fired up the attack and then launched it, sending the tough girl blasting off into the air.

"And don't ever come back, you jerk!" Lucy cried out. She and Ash high fived each other, but then Nidoking gave a depressed look.

"Hey, Nidoking, what's wrong?" asked Ash.

"It probably misses its friends from Pinkan Island." Answered Tracey.

"No, Tracey, I don't think that's it at all." Lucy answered. "I think Nidoking is upset because that girl who was here accused us of stealing it, which is completely untrue."

"Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'That girl was so mean!'

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'I didn't like her at all!'

"We don't like her either, Eevee." Said Lucy. "But she's gone now, and hopefully we won't have to see her again." Suddenly, they all heard the sound of running and panting as a familiar figure approached them.

"I'm glad I found you kids." She said. "I need your help again." Ash and Lucy immediately knew who the person was.

"Officer Jenny!" they cried.

"More specifically, the one from Pinkan Island." Said Tracey.

"That's right." Said Jenny.

"How were you able to get here when there's a big storm going on?" asked Misty.

"The storm is only impacting ocean travel, not air travel, so I was able to fly over on a Pidgeot." Jenny answered. "Anyway, the reason I need your help is because two of the pink Pokemon from Pinkan Island have escaped and I have every reason to believe that they're causing trouble here somewhere." The group let out a collective gasp.

"Which Pokemon are those?" asked Tracey.

"One's a Gyrados and the other's a Raichu." Answered Jenny.

"I can understand the Gyrados since they're known to be fierce." Said Lucy. "But how can a Raichu cause trouble?"

"I'll show you." Said Jenny. "You might want to recall your Pokemon first, though."

"Right." Said Lucy. She and Ash recalled Rhyhorn and Nidoking and Jenny took them over to the part of the island where the Gyrados and Raichu had been spotted. Ash and Lucy almost couldn't believe it.

"Look at what they're doing!" cried Lucy. Gyrados was launching Hyper Beams all over the place, and plenty of sparks were flying from Raichu's cheeks, resulting in multiple Thunderbolts.

"Those two are completely out of control!" cried Lucy.

"Why are they even doing this?!" cried Misty.

"Beats me." Said Jenny. "Ash, get your Nidoking back out. Maybe if it tries talking to them, it'll stop their rampaging."

"Okay." Replied Ash. "Nidoking, I choose you!" Nidoking materialized.

"Nido! King! Nidoking!" cried Nidoking, which meant 'Why are you doing this?'

"Rai!" cried Raichu, which meant 'We want you to come back to Pinkan Island with us!'

"Nido!" cried Nidoking, which meant 'Never! I have a trainer now who loves me a lot! So just back off!' But instead of leaving Nidoking alone, the pink Gyrados and pink Raichu kept arguing with him.

"It's not working!' cried Misty.

"Pikachu, give that Gyrados a good Thunderbolt!' cried Ash. Pikachu unleashed the attack, which hit Gyrados.

"That should do it!" cried Ash. However, Gyrados wasn't fazed and went right back to yelling.

"What?! How?!" cried Lucy. "That electric attack should've done a lot of damage to Gyrados since it's a water type!"

"It's still angry!" Jenny cried. "Electric attacks won't work on it right now!" Gyrados launched another Hyper Beam, and Nidoking retaliated by firing some of its own attacks at Gyrados. Raichu kept firing off its own attacks.

"This is terrible!" cried Tracey. And then, out of nowhere, two little pink Nidoran ran up to Nidoking.

"Ran! Nidoran!" cried the female Nidoran, which meant 'Daddy! Daddy!' What's going on?'

"Nido!" cried the male Nidoran, which meant 'Why are those two big, bad Pokemon here?'

"Nido!" cried Nidoking, which meant 'They want me to go home with them, but I refuse!' The two Nidoran stared Gyrados and Raichu right in the face.

"It looks like those two Nidoran want to help." Said Misty.

"But they're so small!" cried Lucy. "If they're not careful, Gyrados is going to have them both for lunch!" The two Nidoran were anything but intimated, however.

"Ran!" cried the female Nidoran, which meant 'Shall we do it, bro?' The male Nidoran nodded.

"Nido!" he cried, which meant 'Let's do it, sis!' The two of them ran up to Raichu and delivered a powerful Take Down attack.

"Woah, these little guys are pretty good!" cried Lucy. Raichu responded by launching a Thunderbolt at the Nidoran, but the two little guys jumped out of the way to avoid being hit. Then, they used their Fury Swipes attack.

"Rai!" cried Raichu.

"You go, Nidoran!" cried Lucy.

"Show that pink Raichu who the boss is!" cried Ash. Even Jenny was impressed.

"Those kids are definitely good trainers." She thought. Raichu tried using a Body Slam attack on the two Nidoran, but the little ones rolled out of the way and dodged the move.

"Nido!" cried the female Nidoran, which meant 'Let's use our Bite attack!' They both bit the Raichu on the leg, which made it cry out in pain. The Gyrados roared and looked angrily at Nidoran.

"Gyrados is really mad now!" cried Tracey.

"That's because the Raichu is practically Gyrados' friend." Said Lucy. Gyrados launched a Hyper Beam at the Nidoran, and the powerful blast sent them flying back.

"Oh no! The Nidoran!" cried Lucy. The little guys were about to take a hard landing before Ash and Lucy jumped into action and caught them in their arms.

"Don't worry, we've got you." Said Ash. The Nidoran smiled at them.

"I think the Nidoran will need some additional help." Said Lucy. "Arcanine, I choose you!" Arcanine materialized.

"Arcanine, use Take Down on the Raichu!" cried Lucy. Arcanine attacked, which knocked Raichu back. It was still standing, however, and tried landing a Mega Punch.

"Use your Agility, Arcanine!" cried Lucy. Arcanine nimbly moved back and fourth, dodging the punches that Raichu tried to throw at it.

"Great work, Arcanine!" cried Lucy. "Use your Fire Spin to trap it!" Arcanine launched the fire wheel attack, preventing Raichu from doing any more damage. The powerful electric type took heavy damage from the flames and fainted.

"That takes care of the Raichu." Said Jenny. "Now we just have to deal with the Gyrados."

"I think I might know how to deal with that." Said Ash. "Snorlax, I choose you!" Snorlax materialized.

"Use your Mega Punch!" cried Ash. Snorlax performed the move, but Gyrados flew up and out of the way. It then used its Dragon Rage attack, which hit Snorlax and made it angry.

"Roar!" cried Gyrados, which meant 'Oh crap!'

"Gyrados just realized that you should never make a Snorlax mad." Said Lucy.

"I think it realized that a little too late." Said Misty.

"Go, Snorlax! Hyper Beam attack!" cried Ash. Snorlax launched the attack, and Gyrados was sent to the ground beside Raichu. They were both knocked out cold.

"Looks like Gyrados and Raichu won't be causing any more trouble." Said Jenny. "Well, kids, that was great battling from the two of you.

"I guess Gyrados and Raichu will think twice now before deciding to cause anymore trouble." Said Tracey. Nidoking rushed up to Ash and hugged him.

"What's this for, Nidoking?" asked Ash.

"You saved him, Ash!" cried Lucy. "If that battle had gone any longer, I think Nidoking would've been Gyrados and Raichu's next targets!"

"Oh, speaking of Gyrados and Raichu….." said Jenny. "You kids better capture them quickly before they have a chance to recover their energy."

"What'll happen if they don't catch them?" asked Misty.

"If they don't capture them, then the Gyrados and Raichu will just go right back to causing trouble, and then we'd have to go through all of this all over again." Jenny answered. She then looked over at the two pink Pokemon again.

"They look like they could wake up any minute now." She said. "Hurry up and catch them."

"Right." Said Lucy. She and Ash both pulled out an empty Poke Ball from their bags.

"Poke Ball, go!" they cried. The Poke Balls hit the two Pokemon, wobbled and pinged.

"I caught myself a Raichu!" cried Ash.

"And I have a new Gyrados!" cried Lucy.

"Nido!" cried the Nidoran, which meant 'Thank you for saving us!'

"It was nothing, guys, really." Said Ash. The Nidoking smiled at Ash.

"Look, Misty. Nidoking's happy again." Said Tracey.

"That's because Ash and Lucy saved the two Nidoran from danger." Replied Misty.

"Your Nidoking has every right to be happy, Ash." Said Jenny. "Those two little Nidoran are actually the children of your Nidoking." Ash was shocked.

"Huh?" Ash cried. He was a bit confused.

"Didn't you hear them calling Nidoking daddy earlier?" asked Lucy. "That's a giveaway right there." The Nidoran looked over at Ash, and then to Nidoking.

"Nido! Ran!" cried the male Nidoran, which meant 'Daddy! Can we go with this nice, young trainer?'

"Ran!" cried the female Nidoran, which meant 'Yeah, can we?' Nidoking smiled at his two kids.

"Nido." He answered, which meant 'Of course you can.' The two Nidoran jumped for Joy and ran up to Ash. They gently nudged him.

"Aw, isn't that cute, Misty?" asked Lucy.

"It sure is, Lucy." Answered Misty. Another adventure in the books, and some new friends made. The Nidoran are forever grateful to Ash, and I'm sure they'll be well taken care of now.

Two more days later….

"Are we ever going to be allowed to get off this island?" complained Lucy.

"Quit your whining!" cried Misty. "I don't like being stranded here any more then you do, but until that storm ends, we can't leave here."

"I know what we can do." Said Tracey. "Let's go for a walk together. Maybe that'll take your mind off of what's happening with the weather." Lucy, Ash and Tracey started to get up.

"Aren't you coming with us, Misty?" asked Ash. Misty shook her head.

"I can't leave Togepi here by itself." She answered.

"Technically, it wouldn't be completely by itself if Pikachu and Eevee stay behind to look after it." Said Lucy.

"I suppose that's true." Replied Misty.

"Pikachu, we're all going for a walk." Said Ash. "You and Eevee stay here and keep an eye on Togepi, okay?"

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'You got it!'

'Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'You can count on us!'

"Just make sure the three of you stay out of trouble." Said Lucy. The four friends left the tent and went out to begin their walk.

"Hey, Tracey, I know who else would enjoy some fresh air." Said Ash.

"You're right, Ash." Said Tracey. "They've been cooped up in their Poke Balls for a while, and could definitely use the exercise."

"Please don't tell me they're sending out….." said Lucy.

"Go, Gastly!" cried Tracey.

"Haunter, I choose you!" cried Ash. Gastly and Haunter both materialized. Lucy shrieked and hid behind Misty.

"Lucy, what's wrong?" asked Misty.

"Those two Pokemon are what's wrong!" cried Lucy.

"Oh, lighten up, Lucy!" cried Ash. "It's only Gastly and Haunter."

"ONLY Gastly and Haunter?" cried Lucy. "Let me remind you that those are both Pokemon of a type that I hate!"

"But Lucy, Gastly and Haunter aren't scary at all." said Tracey. "They're actually very friendly."

"They're still ghost types, though!" cried Lucy. "I just hate ghost Pokemon!" she remained hidden behind Misty's leg.

"She hates ghost types, why?" asked Tracey.

"It's kind of a long story." Answered Ash. Lucy came out of hiding long enough to give a brief explanation.

"Pokemon Tower in Lavender Town when I was seven." She said. "That's really all you need to know, Tracey." The four friends then came up to a fork in the pathway.

"Let's see, which way should we go?" asked Ash.

"Whichever way we go, we all need to stick together." Said Misty. Lucy followed behind from a short distance. She was intentionally trying to stay away from both Haunter and Gastly. But the two ghost types decided to have a little fun with her. First, they used their Lick attack on her.

"Eek!" cried Lucy.

"Uh oh!" cried Ash. He and Tracey ran over to her.

"Lucy, what happened?" asked Tracey. Lucy pointed to Gastly and Haunter.

"Those two are what happened!" cried Lucy. "This is why I hate ghost type Pokemon!"

"You may not like them, but they sure seem to like you." Said Ash.

"Gee, I remember you saying the exact same thing to me a while ago when we were in the Viridian Forest." Said Misty. "Except that time, it was a slimy Caterpie."

"Caterpie is NOT slimy!" cried Ash. "It was only playing around with you! Lucy knows that!"

"Can we not fight, please?" said Lucy. "I don't care what you two do, but keep those things away from me!" Ash and Tracey just shrugged their shoulders.

"She's got to get over her fear of ghost types eventually, Tracey." Said Ash.

"Agreed." Replied Tracey.

Later, the four of them were walking down a path, and as they walked, Gastly and Haunter kept tapping Lucy on the shoulders to try and get her attention. However, she turned away from them each time.

"Keep your gross hands off of me!" she cried.

"Lucy, they're just playing with you!" cried Ash.

"They only want to have some fun." Said Tracey. "The least you could do is try to be nice to them."

"Never!" cried Lucy. "I refuse to play nice with ghost types!" She looked at Gastly and Haunter.

"You two better not ever bother me again!" she cried. Gastly and Haunter were a bit shocked. They then floated off on their own.

"Gastly, wait!" cried Tracey.

"Haunter, come back!" cried Ash. They chased after the ghost Pokemon, but couldn't quite catch up to them.

"Okay, Lucy, whenever we find those two, you owe them an apology!" cried Tracey.

"Like I said to Misty back in Viridian Forest, Pokemon have feelings too!" cried Ash. He and Tracey ran after their ghost types.

"If Ash and Tracey think that I'm apologizing to their ghost Pokemon, they're sorely mistaken!" cried Lucy.

"But if you don't apologize, Ash and Tracey will remain upset with you." Said Misty.

"I suppose you do have a point there, Misty." Said Lucy. She gave a sigh and decided that she should try and find Gastly and Haunter.

Meanwhile…..

"Gastly!" cried Tracey. "Where are you, Gastly?"

"Haunter!" cried Ash. "Haunter, Gastly, please come out!" The two boys looked in every sort of direction for their ghost Pokemon, but couldn't find them.

"Lucy must've scared them off pretty good for them to just run away from us like that." Said Ash.

"I still don't understand what her problem is with ghost types." Said Tracey.

"Girls sure are weird sometimes." Said Ash.

"Maybe Gastly and Haunter decided to go the other way." Said Tracey.

"Let's go check." Said Ash. They went back the other direction and continued to call out for their Pokemon.

Back to Lucy…..

"Gastly, Haunter!" cried Lucy. "If I upset you in any way, I'm very sorry!"

"A lot good that does if you can't even see the Pokemon." Said Misty.

At the campsite.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'They've been gone a long time, Eevee.'

"Vee?" asked Eevee, which meant 'Should we go after them?' Pikachu shook his head.

"Pika Pi Chu. Pikachu. Pika." Answered Pikachu, which meant 'We can't. If we leave Togepi by itself, Team Rocket could come and possibly steal her. We can't have that happen.' Eevee agreed.

"Vee." She sighed, which meant 'I hope Lucy and the others come back soon.'

Out in the woods….

"Gastly! Haunter!" cried Ash and Tracey. During the course of their searching, they ran into Misty and Lucy.

"Did you guys find them?" asked Misty.

"Not yet." Answered Ash.

"Even though I hate ghost types, I think we should help you boys look." Said Lucy.

"Well, four people searching around is better than just two people doing it." Said Misty.

"She's not wrong there." Said Ash. The four of them looked together for Gastly and Haunter, but still couldn't find them. They even circled the entire pathway two times.

"No sign of them." sighed Misty. Ash grabbed Lucy by the collar of her shirt.

"You better not have made them disappear forever!" cried Ash. "If you did, then you only have yourself to blame!"

"You owe them a big apology when we find them!" cried Tracey.

"That's IF we even find them!" cried Ash.

"Okay, okay, whatever, just let go of me!" cried Lucy. They then started going down a pathway they hadn't checked yet, and sure enough, they found Gastly and Haunter, much to the relief of everybody.

"There you guys are!" cried Ash.

"We were so worried about you!" cried Tracey. Ash cleared his throat.

"Go ahead, Lucy." He said. "Apologize to them right now!" Lucy gulped and was about to issue her apology when she noticed something.

"Why are there bite marks on their shoulders?" she asked.

"What bite marks?" asked Ash. He and Tracey quickly checked and gasped.

"Haunter! You and Gastly are both hurt!" Ash cried.

"And it looks like it's pretty bad!" cried Tracey.

"Who could've done something like this to them?" wondered Misty. They quickly got their answer in the form of a Golbat flying down towards them. It had quite the angry look on its face.

"A Golbat!" all four of them cried.

"Haunter and Gastly must've entered its' territory!" cried Tracey.

"Well that would explain why it's so angry." Replied Misty.

"Pikachu, use….." said Ash, but then he remembered something.

"Pikachu's still at the campsite." He said.

"Don't worry, I have a plan myself for how to deal with this." Said Lucy. "Alakazam, I choose you!" Alakazam materialized.

"Use your Psybeam attack!" cried Lucy. Alakazam launched the powerful attack right in Golbat's face and sent it flying away.

"That take care of Golbat for now." Said Lucy. "Great work, Alakazam."

"Ala! Zam!" cried Alakazam, which meant 'Thank you!'

"Gastly and Haunter are even more badly hurt than we thought." Said Tracey. Indeed, the bite marks were much bigger than what they had appeared to be.

"We've got to get them to the Pokemon Center!" cried Ash.

"But we don't even know if this island HAS a Pokemon Center." Said Misty.

"Then we'll just have to heal them ourselves." Said Tracey. He quickly checked through his bag before discovering another problem.

"What's wrong now?" asked Lucy.

"I left the potion bottles at the campsite." Tracey answered.

"NOW what are we going to do?" asked Misty.

"I know exactly what to do." Said Lucy. "Alakazam, use your Recover to get rid of these injuries." Alakazam obliged, and within seconds, the bite marks were nowhere to be seen on either of the ghost types.

"That was quick thinking, Lucy." Said Ash.

"Alakazam's Recover is definitely very useful." Said Tracey.

"You know something, guys, maybe I'm finally starting to get over my fear of ghost Pokemon." Said Lucy.

"I guess we can go back to the campsite now." Said Misty.

"Pikachu, Eevee and Togepi are probably all worried about us." Said Lucy. They started to leave the woods, but before they had a chance to get too far, the Golbat returned.

"Oh no! Golbat's back!" cried Misty. The Golbat hissed at Lucy, and then at the ghost Pokemon.

"Golbat's even angrier now!" cried Lucy. Golbat flew down toward her and was about to lift her up and carry her away when the ghost types intervened.

"Gastly! Gast!" cried Gastly, which meant 'Leave her alone, you big bully!'

"Haunter Haunt!" cried Haunter, which meant 'She hasn't done anything to you!'

"Gast!" cried Gastly, which meant 'She's a nice girl! She just helped us get better after you injured us!' Lucy was amazed that the ghost Pokemon were defending her. Golbat continued to hiss and stare at them for a while.

"Golbat, I know you're angry that we're in your territory, and I'm sorry about that, but Gastly and Haunter aren't just Pokemon! They're our friends too!" cried Lucy. "Friends that I'm really glad to be able to know!"

"But Lucy, what about your fear?" asked Ash.

"Forget about that right now, Ash." Answered Lucy. "Some things are more important." She then looked at the Golbat.

"You better leave Gastly and Haunter alone, or you'll regret it!" Golbat swooped down and tried to use Wing Attack on the ghost types, but Gastly and Haunter disappeared before they could get hit. They then quickly re-appeared behind Golbat. Lucy was getting more furious.

"How are you try and attack them when I literally just helped them!" cried Lucy. "Now I'm going to make sure that you pay!"

"Lucy, you want any help battling this Golbat?" asked Ash.

'Thanks for the offer, Ash, but I'll handle this myself." Answered Lucy. "Go, Alakazam! Use your Psychic attack!" Alakazam attacked, and scored a direct hit on Golbat. The dual poison and flying type tried to respond with a Supersonic attack, but Lucy was ready.

"Use your Teleport!" cried Lucy. Alakazam quickly teleported away and then re-appeared behind Lucy. Golbat spotted this and went in for a Wing Attack, knocking Alakazam back. The Golbat gave a triumphant hiss.

"Use your Recover!" cried Lucy. Alakazam quickly rid itself of the damage that Wing Attack had done. Golbat attempted to use a Bite attack, but Lucy was ready once again.

"Use Disable!" she cried. Alakazam's eyes glowed, and Golbat was frozen in place, unable to move.

"Now, Confusion attack!" cried Lucy. Alakazam sent Golbat flying into a tree with the attack. The Golbat then fell off the tree and to the ground. Lucy smirked and got ready to make the capture.

"Poke Ball, go!" she cried. Golbat was sucked inside, and after some wiggles, Golbat was caught.

"I caught myself a Golbat!" cried Lucy. Ash, Lucy and Tracey gave a congratulatory clap.

"That was amazing, Lucy!" cried Ash.

"You were awesome, Lucy." Said Tracey. Lucy just smiled at them.

Back at the campsite….

"So, Eevee, I think my fear of ghost types has finally evaporated." Said Lucy.

"Does that mean you like ghost types now?" asked Misty. Lucy nodded.

"After what Gastly and Haunter did to defend me, I think ghost types are awesome!" cried Lucy. "If they hadn't done what they did, I never would've ended up with a Golbat." Now that Lucy's fear of ghost types has subsided, our friends can focus on the adventures that lie ahead of them.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Snorlax, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Poliwhirl, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

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, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Golbat

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym)

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 114: Pokemon Food Fight

A storm out to sea has made the ocean too dangerous to travel. So, our heroes have been stranded on Butwal Island for a whole week. But the storm didn't stop our heroes from having their own adventures on the island. First, Ash caught an Electabuzz that had been badly injured, and also caught the Golem that was responsible for Electabuzz's injuries. Next a pink Gyrados and pink Raichu got loose from Pinkan Island and made their way to Butwal Island, where Ash and his friends had to stop their troublemaking. Ash ended up catching the Raichu, and Lucy got a pink Gyrados. Finally, Lucy's fear of ghost types came to a head after she yelled at Gastly and Haunter to disappear, so the group and to find them. When they did, they found that an angry Golbat had injured them. Lucy got furious with the Golbat and battled it with Alakazam before making the catch. So, a lot has happened during the time our group has been here. But the storm hasn't slowed down for even a second, and the waves aren't getting any smaller.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Look at those waves!'

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'I wouldn't want to be out in waves that rough!'

"Will that stupid storm EVER end?" sighed Lucy.

"Maybe we'll all have to stay on this island for the rest of our lives." Said Ash.

"I hope you're wrong, as usual, or else we're going to run out of food." Said Misty. "Not just for ourselves, but for our Pokemon too." Ash's stomach rumbled, as did Lucy's.

"Feeding the Pokemon shouldn't be a problem, Misty." Said Tracey. "According to my Pokemon trainer guide, there are dozens of wild plants on this island that Pokemon love to eat! It says the flowers are delicious….to Pokemon, that is." Ash, Misty and Lucy nodded.

"I wonder if it's delicious for humans too." Said Lucy.

"Let's find out!" answered Tracey. He started pulling at the flowers, but he got an unexpected surprise when he pulled up a boy in addition to the flowers.

"Aah!" cried Tracey.

"Is that kid in the guide?" asked Ash.

"I don't think so, Ash." Answered Lucy.

"So, just because you're bigger than I am, you think you can just come here and pick on me, do you?" the kid asked. "Well you picked on the wrong kid, cause I'm Gulzar, the greatest grass Pokemon trainer of the Orange Islands, so get lost!"

"You know, you're one very rude kid!" cried Lucy.

"And you're rude for calling me rude!" cried Gulzar.

"I'm sorry." Tracey apologized. "I was just looking for some flowers to feed our Pokemon."

"You think that just because I grow flowers in my hair, you could come along and use my head as a snack bar for your hungry Pokemon, do you?!" cried Gulzar. "How'd you like to have a battle?"

"I've always wondered what it would be like to have flowers in my hair." Chuckled Misty.

"Listen, we were only looking for something to eat." Replied Ash.

"Yeah, we'll just go look someplace else." Added Lucy.

"Oh, I see how it is." Said Gulzar. "Now you want to run away because you know you won't be able to beat me!" Ash and Lucy were irate.

"WHAT?!" they cried.

"Then I challenge both of you to a match!" cried Gulzar.

"It'll be our pleasure!" cried Ash.

"That's one determined kid." Said Lucy. The combatants got themselves set and ready to battle each other.

"I'll battle him first, Ash." Said Lucy. "Ladies' first, after all."

"Fine, but I get him after you." Added Ash.

"I choose you, Weepinbell!" cried Gulzar. "Weepinbell materialized.

"Against a grass type, I choose Golbat!" cried Lucy. Golbat materialized.

"Golbat, use your Wing Attack!" cried Lucy. Golbat delivered a devastating attack that sent Weepinbell reeling.

"Weepinbell, use your Stun Spore!" cried Gulzar. Weepinbell sent out gold dust.

"Fly up, Golbat!" cried Lucy. Golbat dodged the paralysis powder in the nick of time.

"Use your Screech attack!" Lucy ordered. Golbat emitted large and loud sound waves, which made everyone cover their ears.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Too loud!' The sound waves stopped.

"Vine Whip, Weepinbell!" cried Gulzar! Weepinbell attacked and the move landed.

"Golbat!" cried Lucy. Golbat quickly shook it off.

"Too bad you didn't know that grass moves have little effect on flying Pokemon!" cried Lucy. "Okay Golbat, now it's time for the Confuse Ray!" Golbat shot a powerful confusion ray down to Weepinbell, which made it attack Gulzar.

"Hey, knock that off!" he cried. "Golbat! Not me!" But Weepinbell continued to hop around and fired off different attacks at Gulzar.

"Weepinbell's totally confused!" cried Gulzar.

"That's exactly how Confuse Ray works, mister!" cried Lucy. "Wing Attack, one more time!" Golbat attacked and sent Weepinbell again. The grass type was knocked out this time.

"You did it, Golbat!" cried Lucy. "That was an incredible first battle you had!" Gulzar recalled Weepinbell and brought out another Poke Ball.

"Your lady friend over there got a lucky break, but that won't be the case with THIS Pokemon!" he cried. "I choose you!" A Gloom materialized from the Poke Ball. Ash fished out his Pokedex.

"Gloom, the Weed Pokemon. Gloom gives off a very unpleasant smell. While strong against Water types, Gloom is weak to both Fire and Flying types."

"What the Pokedex didn't mention with Gloom is that it's also weak to Ice type attacks." Added Lucy.

"Okay then." Said Ash. "Charizard, go!" However, Wartortle materialized instead of Charizard.

"Wartortle!" cried the turtle Pokemon, which meant 'Cowabunga, dude!' Lucy shook her head.

"Ash, seriously?!' she cried.

"Wartortle?!" cried Tracey and Misty.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'What in?!'

"All right, Wartortle, use your Water Gun!" cried Ash. The attack hit, but Gloom appeared to like it.

"You should know better than to weed a weed Pokemon, Ash!" cried Misty. "Use your head!"

"Yeah, well how am I supposed to use my head when my stomach is totally empty?" replied Ash.

"I guess your head takes after your stomach." Said Misty.

"It was just a little Poke Ball mix-up, Misty." Replied Lucy. "Happens to the best of us on occasion. Now leave him alone!"

"Wartortle, return!" cried Ash. Wartortle was recalled.

"I'll show her!" cried Ash. He got out another Poke Ball. "Charizard, go!" However, Ash lost his grip, which caused the Poke Ball to fall out of his hand, hit a rock and crack, resulting in Snorlax materializing instead of Charizard.

"I got the wrong Poke Ball, again." Sighed Ash. He picked up Snorlax's Poke Ball. "Snorlax, return!" But when he tried to recall Snorlax, nothing happened.

"What's wrong now?" cried Ash.

"Your Poke Ball's broken, so I guess you'll just have to battle with Snorlax." Answered Tracey.

"That is, if you can even get it to wake up." added Lucy. That was when Ash noticed that Snorlax was sound asleep.

"Snorlax! We're in a battle!" he cried. "Come on, you've got to wake up!" But Snorlax kept sleeping, which caused Gulzar to become impatient.

"Please, Snorlax, we're going to lose if you don't wake up!" cried Ash.

"That's it!" cried Gulzar. 'If you can't wake that thing up, we'll do it ourselves! Solar Beam, now!" Gloom charged up, which worried the group.

"Uh oh!" cried Lucy.

"This is going to be bad!" cried Ash. The attack hit, and Snorlax was sent rolling into a giant rock.

"Snorlax!" cried Ash. Snorlax finally woke up after hitting the rock. He crawled toward Gloom and tried to eat it.

"Hey, stop that!" cried Gulzar.

"This is bad!" cried Lucy.

"Gloom, return!" cried Gulzar. Gloom was recalled, but Snorlax was still hungry, and he walked toward Gulzar.

"Nice, Snorlax." Said Gulzar.

"Hey, Snorlax!" cried Ash. "You're here for battle, not for breakfast!" Snorlax proceeded to eat Gulzar's entire head of flowers.

"My flowers! My beautiful garden is totally destroyed!" cried Gulzar. Snorlax still wasn't satisfied, and he ate Gulzar's knapsack lunch, which caused the kid to break down into tears.

"That was the lunch my mommy made for me!" he cried. "My lunch is gone, and now I don't even have my head of flowers to munch on!" Now that Snorlax was somewhat full, it went to sleep. Gulzar was both teary-eyed and mad.

"I'm going back home!" he cried.

"But what about the battle?" cried Ash.

"Listen kid, I don't mind being beaten by a Pokemon, but I'm not going to stand around and get eaten by one!" cried Gulzar.

"Snorlax isn't going to eat you." Said Ash. "And I didn't even want to battle you in the first place. But now, my Poke Ball's broken, and I can't get it fixed until we get it to a Pokemon Center."

"Well, you're pretty lucky." Said Gulzar. "There's a Pokemon Center a couple of miles from here. But the only way to get there is over that mountain!" The group was shocked as Gulzar mocked them and ran off. The group was now left wondering how they would get the heavy Snorlax up the mountain.

"What'll we do?" asked Tracey.

"We've got to figure out some way to bring Snorlax over that mountain." Said Ash.

"That's going to be almost impossible, Ash!" cried Misty. "Look at how big Snorlax is, and look at how big that mountain over there is."

"Actually, Misty, there is one way we could get Snorlax up there." Said Lucy. "Here's what we do." She whispered her plan to Misty. Soon, the group had set up some logs along the path up the mountain and some ropes were tied to Snorlax.

"Okay, ready?!" cried Ash. Misty set down a log.

"I'm ready!" she cried.

"Let's go!" cried Ash.

"In that case…." Said Lucy. "Everybody, HEAVE!" The boys, the girls, Pikachu, Eevee and Little Pikachu all tried pulling Snorlax, but it wouldn't budge.

"Harder!" cried Ash. Snorlax soon started moving.

"It's working! It's working!" cried Misty. She kept setting logs that were in the back into the front so that Snorlax could keep moving, but Ash got tired pretty quickly.

"Maybe we better take a break." He said. Misty almost tripped when she heard that.

"We can't rest now!" she cried. "We still have a long way to go!"

"I don't need a rest, Misty, but Pikachu does!" replied Ash. Pikachu was panting heavily.

"And so do Eevee and Little Pikachu." Added Lucy. Eevee and Little Pikachu were also panting heavily.

"I think we're going to need another plan." Said Lucy. Tracey reached into his backpack and pulled out an apple, which caused the group to gather around.

"I figured I'd have one left!" cried Tracey.

"Should we cut it up and all take a piece?" asked Ash.

"No way. This apple's going to get us over that mountain!" cried Tracey. The group was puzzled.

"How is one little apple going to help us?" asked Lucy.

"It's quite simple, Lucy." Answered Tracey. "We'll use the apple as bait. I'll run ahead with it, and Snorlax will be right behind."

"That's a crazy idea, Tracey, but it just might work!" cried Lucy. Snorlax soon began to stir.

"That's it. Wake up." said Tracey. But Snorlax quickly raised its head and ate the apple right off the pole.

"On the other hand, maybe it wasn't such a good idea after all." said Lucy.

"Snorlax wasn't supposed to eat the apple!" cried Tracey.

"I think I have an idea." Said Misty.

"Hopefully it's better than the crazy plan Tracey tried!" exclaimed Lucy.

"What does a fisherman use when he doesn't have any bait but wants to catch some fish?" asked Misty.

"A lure! That's it!" cried Tracey.

"We don't have to have real food because as long as Snorlax thinks it's real, it'll just follow us anyway!" cried Lucy.

"So we need a lure!" replied Ash.

"That's right, Ash." Said Misty. "And since Snorlax belongs to you, maybe…

"Let me do it!" cried Ash.

"Then you'll have to look like something Snorlax likes." Said Misty.

"The only thing Snorlax likes is food." Said Ash.

"Why am I suddenly starting to get flashbacks of when Ash had to disguise himself as a Mr. Mime?" Lucy wondered. Soon, Ash was dressed as an apple. Misty, Tracey and Lucy stifled their giggles at the mere sight of Ash while Pikachu, Eevee and Little Pikachu exploded with laughter.

"Funny! Very funny!" cried Ash.

"Come on, Snorlax, wake up." said Tracey. "We've got a little snack for you."

"Where? What snack?" cried Ash.

"You're the snack." Answered Misty.

"You better start running, Ash." Said Lucy.

"What do you mean I'm the snack?!" cried Ash. "Get me out of this thing!" Snorlax spotted Ash and thought that he was a real apple. Snorlax then prepared to chow down.

"SNORLAX!" cried Snorlax, which meant 'Snack time!'

"Run up the mountain quickly before Snorlax takes a bite out of you!" cried Misty. Ash ran as fast as he could, but Snorlax gave chase.

"This is amazing, Misty!" cried Tracey. "Who would've guessed that something that big can run that fast!"

"Snorlax will do anything for food, but it can't run thirty-two miles an hour like a Tyrannosaurus Rex." Said Lucy.

"That's true, Lucy, but now Ash will have Snorlax over that mountain in no time!" cried Tracey.

"But, Tracey, what if Snorlax catches Ash?" asked Misty.

"If it does, then the costume will be ruined and Ash will become Snorlax's dinner!" cried Lucy. Ash kept running until he tripped over a rock and fell on his face.

"I'm applesauce." Said Ash.

"Snorlax Snor." Said Snorlax, which meant 'Down the hatch.' Snorlax picked Ash up, but upon taking a bite, it realized that what it had caught wasn't anything to eat and promptly dropped Ash before going back to sleep.

"I think I broke my core." Sighed Ash. Misty, Tracey and Lucy soon caught up.

"That was incredible!" cried Tracey.

"You made it all the way to the top!" cried Lucy.

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Good going!'

"I'm an apple for a day, but I need a doctor right away." Sighed Ash. Pikachu helped Ash out of the apple costume.

"Now we have to figure out a way to get Snorlax down the mountain." Said Tracey. Misty soon heard something.

"Listen." She said. They looked to the left and found a river.

"A river!" cried Tracey.

"We can make a raft and float down!" cried Misty.

"Great idea!" cried Tracey. Soon, the group had built a raft.

"Okay, guys, we're ready to shove off!" cried Misty.

"Next stop, the Pokemon center!" cried Ash. "All aboard!" Ash shoved off and they were on their way, but Lucy quickly noticed something.

"Are we in some sort of current, or is this river naturally fast?" she asked. "I bring this up because we're picking up speed."

"Lucy's right. It does feel like we're picking up speed." Said Ash. The group soon found out why.

"We're headed for a waterfall! Fast!" cried Misty.

"Oh no!" cried Lucy. "You're right, Misty! This is a problem because Little Pikachu doesn't know how to swim!"

"It's too late to turn around!" cried Tracey.

"Well, it was nice knowing all of you!" cried Ash. They all headed down the waterfall screaming.

"PIKKKKKKKAAAAAA!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'OH NO!' Pikachu quickly held onto Eevee, who held onto Little Pikachu, and Lucy held onto Ash.

"We're all gonna die!" cried Lucy.

"Please! Somebody save us!" cried Ash.

"Help! We need somebody!" cried Lucy. "Not just anybody! HELP!"

"Here's an idea. Why don't you try standing up?" suggested Gulzar. The group stopped flailing and stood.

"And you'll find the Pokemon Center right over there!" cried Gulzar. He pointed to the center, which the group spotted.

"All right, we made it!" cried Ash.

"Lucy? Did we survive?" asked Tracey.

"Yes, Tracey, we survived." Answered Lucy. "Good thing we landed in shallow water."

"Thank goodness. I thought we were goners." Said Tracey. The group then moved Snorlax toward the Pokemon Center. Outside the center, they saw a long line of people.

"Do you think everybody in this crowd is here to have their Poke Balls fixed like I am?" asked Ash.

"Nah, there's not many people who are as dumb as you are." Answered Lucy.

"Oh yeah?" cried Ash.

"For your information, this island doesn't have an airport or seaport, so supplies get delivered here by plane." Said Gulzar. "But this week's shipment is behind schedule and these people are all out of Pokemon food." The group was shocked when they heard the news.

"Maybe we better look around and find some of those edible plants." Said Misty.

"I bet a Pokemon could eat for a week off your head alone!" cried Tracey.

"Are you gonna pick on me again?!" cried Gulzar.

"Sorry." Said Tracey. A Chansey was soon heard, which meant that Nurse Joy had something to say.

"May I have your attention please?" asked Joy. "I have just been informed that the weekly shipment left Valencia island early this morning and we should be receiving a fresh supply of Pokemon food in just a few minutes." Everyone started to cheer.

"If you look in the sky, you should see the plane flying over the Pokemon center any second now." Said Joy. The crowd of people, as well as our group of heroes, looked up and an airplane was soon heard.

"You hear it?" said Ash.

"It sounds like it's getting close!" cried Misty. Tracey soon spotted it.

"Look! There's the plane!" he cried.

"Yeah, but if there's no airport on this island, then how is the food going to get delivered?" asked Ash.

"Stand back for the cargo drop." Said Joy. The supplies were soon dropped out of the plane and parachuted down.

"Hey, look! It's a parachute!" cried Lucy. However, team Rocket also spotted the supply drop.

"Target sighted." Said Jessie. "Sixty degrees at fifty meters."

"Ooh! It's snack time!" cried James.

"Are you ready, Meowth?" said Jessie. A giant mechanical foot stepped into frame, which revealed a Meowth-esque robot that Meowth himself was piloting.

"I'm so ready I can taste it!" cried Meowth. "Let's grab something to eat, shall we?" A missile fired from one of the ears, and revealed a claw that fired and trapped the supply drop. Jessie summoned her giant Pidgeot to carry the huge box of food into the forest. On the ground, the group and island locals went after it and spotted Team Rocket's robot, as well as the giant Pidgeot.

"Well done, big birdie." Chuckled Jessie. She recalled Pidgeot.

"Hey! Let go of that food!" cried Ash. Meowth was surprised by the group's sudden arrival, but jessie and James quickly broke into their motto.

"Prepare for trouble but not for brunch!"

"We're about to steal this big box lunch!"

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all people 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!"

"And I'm prepare to fight all night!" cried Meowth. "If you twerps want this chow, you're going to have to come through the Mecha Meowth-inator to get it!"

"If we don't figure out a way to get that food away from Team Rocket, all the Pokemon on the island will have to go without anything to eat for another whole week!" cried Misty.

"Yeah, you're right." Said Ash.

"I don't think Eevee and Little Pikachu can last another week without food!" cried Lucy.

"Why don't we make a little deal?" said Jessie. "We'll let all you Poke-twerps have your precious Poke-food back so your Pokemon won't go hungry, and all you have to do is give us your little Pikachu and Eevee."

"That's not fair!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'No way!'

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'No deal!'

"You head them!" cried Lucy. "No deal!"

"Why don't we let everyone decide? That seems fair." Replied James. "Either your Pokemon go without food for a week, or we give you this gigantic cargo box, crammed with delicious delectables for your hungry little Pokemon to feast on."

"And all we get are Pikachu and Eevee." Finished Jessie.

"Forget it!" cried Lucy.

"You'll never get Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Or Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Pika/Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Oh no!' Ash and Lucy looked behind them in shock. The island locals started surrounding the group, and Pikachu and Eevee became scared.

"Pika Pi." Said Pikachu, which meant 'I won't go.'

"Vee." Added Eevee, which meant 'Neither will I.' Ash and Lucy held their respective partners close to them.

"Don't worry, guys." Said Lucy. "I don't care how hungry those Pokemon get, they're NOT taking you away from us!" Then, to the surprise of all, Gulzar got in front of them.

"Back off! You trainers should be ashamed of yourselves for even thinking what you're thinking!" he cried. "I know you're all worried about your hungry Pokemon, but that's no reason to sacrifice somebody else's Pokemon!"

"Gulzar." Said Ash and Lucy.

"Gulzar may have leaves growing out of his head, but he just proved that he has a really good heart." Said Tracey. "Guess you can't judge a book by its' cover." Ash and Lucy nodded.

"And the grass is always greener when it's on somebody else's head." Chuckled Misty.

"So you're all going to cave in and stick together, are you?" said Jessie.

"Team spirit simply disgusts me!" cried James.

"Keeping food from hungry Pokemon is what's really disgusting!" cried Gulzar.

"We want that food!" cried Ash.

"And we want it right now!" cried Lucy.

"Well, why don't you two battle with Meowth." Said Jessie. "If you win, then you and your little friends can have the food back."

"But if I win, you have to hand over Pikachu and Eevee." Added Meowth.

"I don't know about this." Said Ash. "I've never had a battle against a Pokemon in a can before."

"Neither have I." replied Lucy.

"Then perhaps you don't care if those Pokemon eat or not!" cried Meowth.

"You bet we care, Meowth!" cried Ash.

"Let's get started!" cried Lucy. The combatants were soon by the river and ready to fight.

"Are you ready, Pikachu?" cried Ash.

"Are you set, Eevee?" cried Lucy. The two Pokemon nodded. Pikachu jumped high into the air.

"Pikachu, use your Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash. Pikachu launched the attack, but the Meowth-inator simply sucked up the energy.

"That tickles!" cried Meowth.

"Electric attacks aren't going to work!" cried Ash.

"We've short circuited your little strategy." Said Jessie.

"You see, electricity is absorbed by the lightning rod on the Mecha Meowth-inator's head, and released through the ground in its' tail." Added James.

"So whether it's heads or tails, you twerps are going to lose the battle!" cried Meowth.

"We'll see about that, Meowth!" cried Lucy. "Eevee, try your Tackle attack!" Eevee charged and attacked, but it couldn't lay a dent in the armor. The Meowth-inator's leg sent Eevee over to where Pikachu was, and both Pokemon were panting.

"Now I'll show you what this baby can do!" cried Meowth. "Power swipes on!" Meowth turned the claws on, and they came quickly right toward Pikachu and Eevee.

"Guys, look out!" cried Lucy. Pikachu and Eevee jumped out of the way right before the claws could hit and jumped from rock to rock. The mecha Meowth-inator wouldn't give up, and chased Pikachu and Eevee past the trees. Pikachu and Eevee quickly jumped across more rocks and ran back over to their trainers.

"It's not fair!" cried Ash.

"Ash is right!" cried Lucy. "No Pokemon could possibly win against something like that!"

"Well, I suppose that means you're the loser, doesn't it?" said Jessie.

"And we won your Pikachu and Eevee fair and square!" cried James. Ash and Lucy growled angrily. Pikachu, Eevee and Meowth stared intensely at each other, and then a sound was heard.

"Do any of you feel a rumbling?" asked Lucy. Everyone else soon felt the same rumbling, for out of the forest, came Snorlax, which made everyone panic.

"Snorlax woke up!" cried Ash.

"And it doesn't seem too happy." Replied Lucy.

"I've never seen Snorlax look like that before!" cried Misty.

"Neither have I." added Lucy.

"Snorlax must've realized that its friends were in trouble and came to help out!" cried Tracey.

"Oh yeah? Well you're not so tough, big stuff!" cried Jessie.

"Meowth, go!" cried James.

"I'll put my Fury Swipes into overdrive!" cried Meowth. "Power on!" The claws came out once more.

"Snorlax, look out!" cried Ash. Snorlax stepped aside.

"I'll get you this time, Snorlax!" cried Meowth. He attacked over and over, but Snorlax kept dodging until one attack hit a rock.

"My claws! They're stuck!" cried Meowth. He pulled until the claws and hand they were on broke off.

"I guess I gotta hand it to Snorlax." Said Meowth. "All right, tough guy, something new is heading your way! Skull Bash, now!" The top of the robot launched toward Snorlax, but when it hit, Snorlax wasn't even fazed.

"Snorlax didn't feel that at all!" cried Lucy.

"Not even a scratch?!" cried Meowth.

"You've got one weapon left!" cried James. "Use the Turbo Body Slam!"

"Yeah, I almost forgot about that." Said Meowth. "All right, Snorlax, get ready for DESTRUCTION!" Meowth pressed the button to activate the Turbo Body Slam, but instead, Meowth ended up getting launched toward Snorlax.

"HELP! I don't want to get destructed!" cried Meowth. He flew right into Snorlax's stomach.

"Uh oh!" cried Jessie and James. Snorlax turned to them and launched Meowth right at them and sent them into the river.

"That was great!" cried Tracey. "Snorlax won that round with navel power!"

"Better finish them off, Ash." Said Misty.

"Right!" cried Ash.

"Hey, Ash, let's do a combination attack!" cried Lucy.

"Great idea!" cried Ash. "Let's do it, Snorlax!" The two trainers got into position, but before they could say anything, Snorlax charged a new attack.

"Guys, look." Said Ash.

"Wow! Snorlax is using its Hyper Beam attack!" cried Tracey.

"Go, Snorlax! Use that Hyper Beam!" cried Ash.

"Eevee, use your Skull Bash attack!" cried Lucy. The attacks landed, and Team Rocket was sent flying.

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" cried Team Rocket. Ash and Lucy were teary-eyed.

"Snorlax, you saved Pikachu and Eevee!" cried Ash.

"Good job, Eevee." Said Lucy. She knelt down to pet her partner. Snorlax began to run toward Ash.

"Okay, you loveable lug, come and give me a great big hug!" Ash cried. But Snorlax ran past Ash and toward the supply dropped. Snorlax ripped the box open and started munching away until it got full and fell asleep.

"I think Snorlax loves to eat just a teeny bit more than it loves me." Sighed Ash.

Later, at the Pokemon center…..

"We fixed your broken Poke Ball, and it's just as good as new." Said Joy.

"Thanks, Nurse Joy." Replied Ash. "Snorlax, return!" This time, Snorlax was successfully recalled.

"I was wrong about you and Lucy, Ash." Said Gulzar. "You were both really brave to battle that Meowth machine. I'm sorry."

"Aw shucks, Gulzar, it was nothing." Said Lucy.

"I hope I'm lucky enough to battle against you again someday." Said Gulzar. "It'd be a great honor." He extended his hand.

"Yeah." Said Ash. He, Lucy and Gulzar shook on it. What started out as a stormy relationship ended in a new friendship for Ash, Lucy and Gulzar. The storm at sea is finally over too, and so our heroes can now move on to their next Pokemon adventure.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Snorlax, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Poliwhirl, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

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, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Golbat

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym)

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 115: Pokemon Double Trouble

Our heroes have reached Kumquat Island, a well-known luxury resort, that's also the home of the fourth and final member of the Orange Crew, whom Ash and Lucy must defeat, in order to qualify for the Orange League competition.

"One more badge to go, Ash, and then it's off to the Orange League!" cried Lucy.

"Just one badge left, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'We're almost there!'

"We're so close, Eevee!" cried Lucy. "One more badge is all we need!"

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Right! You said it, Lucy!'

"This place is supposed to have great hotels, a beautiful beach, and natural hot springs." Said Tracey.

"So even if they lose and act like a baby…" said Misty.

"At least we'll be in a nice place!" cried Misty and Tracey.

"What do you mean 'if we lose'?! Just once, can't you guys have a little bit of confidence in me like Lucy does?!" cried Ash. Lucy was getting irked.

"Ugh! I'm sick of all this negativity that you always direct toward him!" she cried.

"Uh, sure, guys." Said Tracey.

"In fact, we have as little confidence in you as possible." Said Misty.

"Gee, thanks a lot, Misty." Ash said sarcastically.

"Thanks for nothing, you mean." Lucy said irately. "Ever since we met you, all you've done is put Ash down. Well now I'm putting my foot down! When both of us win that Orange League trophy, you're polishing it as an apology!" She then grabbed Misty by the ear. "Now let me make this clear to you once and for all, Misty! I don't want to hear any negative comments from you that'll upset Ash ever again! You understand?!"

"All right, Lucy, all right! I get it!" cried Misty. "Just let go of my ear!"

"Looks like we'll have to prove to her that we're winners, then. Won't we, Pikachu?" said Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'We sure will!'

"Misty may not have a lot of confidence in you, Ash, but I do." Lucy whispered to Ash.

"Thanks, Lucy." Said Ash. "I know I can always count on you." As the group disembarked, they saw a lot of barkers for the hotels on the island.

"Skip the rest, try the best, the Kumquat Hotel, for the sweetest deal in town!" cried a barker. "Come check it out and you'll check right in! Hurry! Hurry!"

"It's been a long time since I last set foot on this island." Said Lucy. "My dad and I used to come here for a one week vacation every year."

"Vee?" asked Eevee, which meant 'Used to?'

"My dad would take me here mainly during summer vacation." Lucy continued. "We would always stay in one of the big, fancy hotels. Hey, maybe we can stay in one of those while the four of us are here!"

"Good idea, Lucy!" cried Misty. "We better hurry, you guys, or there won't be any rooms left!"

"Hey, we're here for a big match, not a vacation!" added Ash.

"Then you two don't have to take one." Said Tracey. "I bet Misty and I can have enough vacation for all of us!" Ash sulked.

"Tracey…." Said Lucy.

"I was only kidding." Replied Tracey. "Come on, let's go to the beach and get a hot dog. Maybe we can even go for a swim."

"Two thirds of that idea works right now, but you have to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before going swimming." Lucy pointed out. "My dad always told me that when I was younger."

"Luxury at bargain prices!" cried the same barker from before. "Hurry! Huh?" She quickly spotted Ash and Pikachu.

"My boy." She sighed. The moment the group had set foot on the beach, they heard a rumbling sound.

"Pi?" asked Little Pikachu, which meant 'What was that?' They looked back and saw a woman charging toward them.

"Sonny boy!" she cried. "Sonny boy, it's mama-wama!" The group was in stunned silence when they saw the woman coming for them. Lucy immediately sweat dropped because she knew who the woman was.

"Come to mama-wama!" she cried.

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'This lady's out of her mind!' The woman embraced Ash, as she thought that he was her son.

"My son is back with his mama!" she cried. "My son! My pride, my joy, my heart, my soul, my life, my star, my world, my love! You're home!"

"Excuse me, but who are you?" asked Ash.

"Travis! You don't even remember your own mommy-wommy?" cried the woman. "Oh, my little pumpkin. Mama's here now!" Lucy let out a sigh.

"Here we go again, just like what happened back in HopHopHop Town." She said.

"Wait a second!" cried Ash. His voice was muffled due to the woman's arms covering him.

"Ma'am, I think you're mistaking Ash with your own kid." Said Misty. The woman finally let go of her grip on him.

"She's right." Said Ash. "I'm sorry, lady, but my name's Ash, not Travis! And I already have a mother, okay?"

"I'm afraid I don't know who this Travis kid is." Added Lucy.

"Oh my goodness!" the woman cried. "I could've sworn you were my son! Oh, excuse me. It must be what they call wishful thinking." Lucy just blushed with embarrassment.

"Guys, this lady here is….my aunt Luana." She said.

"Lucy? Is that you, dear?" cried Luana.

"It most certainly is, Aunt Luana." Answered Lucy.

"You've grown a bit since I last saw you." Said Luana.

"It's good to see you again, Aunt Luana." Said Lucy.

"Who are these other friends of yours?" asked Luana. "Mind introducing them to your auntie?"

"Well, you've obviously met Ash already." Said Lucy. "He's from Pallet Town just like me, and he's also my best friend. The redhead who's holding Togepi is Misty. She's from Cerulean City. And the tall guy beside her is Tracey Sketchit. He's a Pokemon Watcher."

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Don't forget about me!' She hopped onto Lucy's shoulder.

"Oh, and this is Eevee." Said Lucy. "She's the very first Pokemon that I got when I started my journey. And right beside me is Pikachu's brother, Little Pikachu."

"Those two are so adorable!" cried Luana. "By the way, Lucy, I have a special surprise for you, but I'll give it to you later on."

"Pika Pi!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'What's the surprise?!'

"We'll have to wait and find out." Lucy answered.

"Still, it's very nice to meet you all." said Luana. "Ash, I do apologize again for mistaking you for my son."

"Pika, Pika?" wondered Pikachu, which meant 'They look alike?'

"I guess your son must really look just like Ash." Said Tracey.

"Yes, he does." Said Luana. "He even had a Pikachu with him when he left on his Pokemon journey. Oh, I miss him so much! I hope he hurries back soon!"

"It sounds to me like the reason your son went away was so he could become a Pokemon trainer." Said Misty.

"Yes, that's exactly right." Replied Luana.

"That's just what Lucy and I did!" cried Ash.

"I thought so." Said Luana.

"Your son must really love Pokemon almost as much as Ash and I do." Said Lucy.

"You know, Ash, I think you and Travis are so much alike that I…." said Luana. However, she was interrupted by the sound of a woman screaming, which caught the attention of the group.

"Pika?" cried Pikachu, which meant 'What in?'

"Pi Pika?" asked Little Pikachu, which meant 'What's happening?'

"What's going on here?!" cried Lucy. A gigantic metal Rhydon emerged from the ocean.

"What's that?" said Ash. A megaphone came out of the monster and the group soon heard who was behind it.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Yes, and 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!" Team Rocket laughed in evil glee as the heroes stared at the robot.

"Team Rocket!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"You know them?" asked Luana.

"Know them?!" cried Lucy. "Auntie, I'll have you know that team Rocket's nothing but a bunch of no good, lousy, dumb stinky-heads who lie, cheat and steal! That, and they're also criminals! They keep trying to take Pikachu and Eevee away from Ash and me!"

"Oh no!" cried Luana.

"Our Robo-Rhydon is extremely dangerous, but it's environmentally safe." Said Jessie.

"It's Pokemon powered." Replied Meowth.

"Robo-Rhydon, power on." Said James. With a simple press of a button, the machine started to come to life. Arbok, Lickitung and Pidgeot provided the power, and the mouth opened to reveal Weezing.

"And what giant rampaging robot would be complete without a devastating Hyper Beam?" cried Jessie. But when Weezing awoke, a Smog attack came out instead.

"Look out!" cried Ash.

"That's Weezing's Smog attack!" cried Tracey.

"What happened?!" cried Jessie. "Where's the Hyper Beam?!"

"I guess James hasn't had a chance to teach it that attack yet." Said Meowth.

"Sorry." Apologized James.

"I should've known!" cried Jessie. "We'll just have to make the best of it. Full Smog ahead!" The Robo-Rhydon went on a Smog spreading rampage right along the beach.

"I just love this!" cried jessie. "The smog is causing an absolute panic!"

"Yes, but didn't we come here to steal Pikachu and Eevee from those two kids?" asked James.

"That's true, James, but I found something I'm actually good at and I'm having a wonderful time." Remarked Jessie.

"I think you could use a hobby." Replied Meowth.

"All hail the conquering Rhydon!" cried Jessie. The robotic Rhydon continued its rampage, but Ash and Lucy stood in its way.

"All right, hold it!" cried Ash.

"That's far enough!" cried Lucy.

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Hit the brakes!' The Robo-Rhydon came to a halt.

"Attacking innocent people like this isn't fair!" cried Ash.

"Well of course it isn't fair." Said Jessie. "If attacking innocent people was fair, it wouldn't be any fun, would it? You're getting in my way! Arbok, use your Poison Sting!" Jessie pressed a button, which swapped out Weezing for Arbok and allowed the Poison Sting to be fired right at Ash and Lucy.

"Quick, guys, look out!" cried Misty.

"Ash, Lucy, get out of the way!" cried Tracey. Lucy closed her eyes as she waited for the Poison Sting attack to hit her, Ash, Pikachu, Eevee and Little Pikachu. She held Little Pikachu tight like a teddy bear.

"Alakazam, Reflect attack now!" cried Luana. From out of nowhere, an Alakazam appeared and created a barrier that protected Ash, Lucy, Pikachu, Eevee and Little Pikachu and sent the attack back where it came from.

"Alakazam, great work." Said Luana.

"Aunt Luana, your Alakazam saved us!" cried Lucy.

"Listen up because I'm only going to say this one time!" cried Luana. "Get out now and never come back, or believe me, you're going to regret it!"

"She's got a…." said Jessie.

"Big mouth." Finished James.

"Ma'am, we know these guys, and they're pretty dangerous." Said Ash.

"I can be pretty dangerous myself." Said Luana.

"Just get out of my way, grandma!" cried Jessie.

"You better watch what you say to my aunt!" cried Lucy.

"Lucy's right!" added Misty. "I wouldn't call her grandma if I were you, you old witch!"

"Did she, call me, old?" said Jessie.

"Don't listen to her, Jessie." Said James. "What does she know about aging, anyway?"

"Yeah, that's right, Jess." Said Meowth. "She ain't an expert like you." Jessie then lost her temper.

"I'M NOT OLD! HOW DARE YOU?!" she roared.

"They're probably planning something really rotten, so we better take care of this." Said Ash.

"That's nice of you to offer, Ash, but I think an Orange Crew gym leader should be able to take care of this herself." Said Luana. "Don't you?" Lucy was the only one in the group that wasn't shocked by the revelation.

"Lucy, your aunt is the gym leader?!" cried Ash. Lucy nodded her head.

"It's true." She said. "My aunt is the gym leader of this island."

"I don't care if you're in the Orange Crew or the Grapefruit League!" cried Jessie. "James, launch an all-out Smog attack, immediately!"

"Roger!" cried James. He pressed a button to switch Arbok with Weezing, but the group avoided it in time.

"Alakazam, use Psychic attack!" cried Luana. "Shut that robot's mouth!" The attack quickly did what Luana had ordered it to do.

"That was totally awesome, aunt Luana!" cried Lucy.

"Thanks, Lucy." Said Luana. "After all, Pokemon training runs in the family." Lucy smiled at her aunt.

"James, what's going on?" cried Jessie.

"The Robo-Rhydon's mouth is shutting!" cried James.

"Uh oh!" cried Meowth. The mouth soon shut and the Smog entered the cockpit.

"I can't breathe!" cried Jessie.

"Meowth, turn on the exhaust fan!" cried James.

"We don't have any!" cried Meowth.

"Why not?" cried James.

"The boss wouldn't cough up the money." Answered Jessie.

"Looks like it's our turn, Ash." Said Lucy. "I choose you, Arcanine!"

"Charizard, I choose you!" cried Ash. Arcanine and Charizard both materialized.

"Take Down attack!" cried Ash and Lucy. The two Pokemon charged at the robot.

"Look, Misty! Charizard's listening to Ash!" cried Tracey. Charizard and Arcanine hit the Robo-Rhydon right on the money. In the cockpit, James pressed a button and the whips that got Arbok, Lickitung and Pidgeot moving attacked them instead, which caused Arbok to launch an Acid attack that melted a hole in the Robo-Rhydon.

"Arbok's Acid just burned our Robo-Rhydon a brand new belly button!" cried Meowth.

"Can't you do anything right, James?!" cried Jessie.

"Apparently not." Answered James sheepishly.

"Okay, Charizard, Flamethrower attack!" cried Ash.

"Arcanine, you use Flamethrower too!" cried Lucy. The Flamethrowers went through the hole and into the robot, which injured Arbok, Lickitung and Pidgeot and short-circuited the controls.

"Meowth, do something!" cried James.

"Get us out of here!" cried Jessie.

"I can't! Our Rhydon's off!" cried Meowth. An explosion ensued, which sent Team Rocket into the air.

"We're blasting off again!" they cried.

"So long, goodbye, and good riddance!" cried Lucy.

"We did it!" cried Ash.

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'What a blast!'

"That's one way of putting it, Pikachu." Said Lucy.

"You both did an excellent job!" cried Luana.

"Thank you, ma'am." Said Ash. "I wonder if I could ask you, or challenge you, to a gym match."

"Same here, Aunt Luana." Added Lucy.

"I'd be very pleased to have a match with you two, but I won't go easy on you." Said Luana. "Especially you, Lucy, but that's only because you're my favorite niece."

"I don't expect you to, Aunt Luana." Said Lucy. "And you've probably forgotten that I'm your only niece. But still, I won't go easy on you either just because we're family." Luana took the group to the gym which doubled as a hotel.

"This is where the gym is?" asked Ash.

"It looks like a hotel to me." Said Misty.

"It is a hotel, Misty." Replied Luana. "And the gym is inside."

"Hey, that sounds like the perfect combination." Said Tracey. "Ash and Lucy can have their matches, and we can have a good time." The group headed inside, where they were greeted by the hotel staff.

"Good afternoon." They said.

"Sheldon, would you kindly prepare a deluxe suite for my guests, please?" Luana requested.

"Right away, ma'am!" cried Sheldon. "We'll make sure that they feel right at home, just like your niece."

"Our own deluxe suite." Said Misty. "Now that's sweet."

"Good one, Misty." Laughed Lucy. The group passed by an aerobics class for Pokemon as they were led to their suite.

"The trainers must come here so that their Pokémon can get into shape." Said Tracey.

"A gym at the gym!" cried Misty. The group soon reached the battlefield.

"And this is where we're going to have our matches." Said Luana.

"All right!" cried Ash.

"This is the nicest gym I've seen!" cried Tracey. "It almost feels like a stadium!"

"Now Ash and Lucy, which one of you wants to go first?" asked Luana.

"I do!" Ash and Lucy cried in unison.

"You go first, Ash." Said Lucy.

"No, you go." Said Ash.

"Are you sure?" asked Lucy.

"She's your aunt, so it's only fair that you battle her first." Said Ash.

"How very generous of you, Ash." Said Lucy. "All right, auntie, how are we battling?"

"How does two on two sound?" asked Luana.

"Fine with me." Replied Lucy. Sheldon stepped into the role of referee.

"This will be a two-on-two battle between Kumquat Island gym leader Luana and challenger Lucy of Pallet Town." He said. "At stake for the challenger is the Jade Star Badge. Trainers, good luck!"

"Victrebell, go!" cried Luana. Victrebell materialized.

"Eevee, I choose you!" cried Lucy. Eevee jumped off her shoulder and onto the battlefield.

"Victrebell, use your Razor Leaf attack!" cried Luana. On command, Victreebell fired off a barrage of leaves.

"Jump and dodge it, Eevee!" cried Lucy. Eevee obeyed and jumped up as high as it could to avoid the leaves.

"Swift attack!" Cried Lucy. Eevee fired the attack, which hit Victreebell's body.

"Victrebell, time to give that Eevee a Vine Whip!" cried Luana. Victrebell prepared to attack.

"Eevee, use your Agility to dodge it!" cried Lucy. Eevee's speed was too much for Victrebell.

"Did you guys see that?" asked Misty.

"Yeah." Said Tracey. "Lucy and Eevee are really in sync with each other."

"I have to admit, you've trained your Eevee very well." Said Luana. "But let's see if it's trained enough to handle a Body Slam!" Victrebell screeched and then got ready to slam itself down onto Eevee.

"Roll out of the way!" cried Lucy. Eevee quickly dodged the Body Slam by doing as Lucy had instructed.

"Tackle attack!" cried Lucy. Eevee charged at Victrebell and delivered the blow.

"Nice work, Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Victrebell, squeeze that little Eevee with your Wrap attack!" cried Luana. Victrebell got ready to pick up Eevee.

"Dodge it!" cried Lucy. Eevee tried to run, but Victrebell scooped up the fox Pokemon and wrapped it tight.

"Vee!" screamed Eevee, which meant 'Ow!'

"Oh no!" cried Lucy.

"Eevee's in trouble!" cried Misty.

"Lucy, you better switch Pokemon!" cried Tracey. "Eevee's so small that Victrebell looks like it could start chomping down on it!" Lucy quickly thought of something.

"Eevee, you can do this!" she cried. "Our friendship is more powerful than any kind of attack that can be unleashed on you! I have faith in you, Eevee!" The small fox Pokemon listened to Lucy's words carefully, and then, it somehow managed to wiggle itself free from the Wrap attack.

"What?!" cried Luana.

"It's a little something called the power of friendship!" cried Lucy. "Eevee, Take Down attack!" Eevee attacked with much more force than usual.

"Now use your Skull Bash attack!" cried Lucy. Eevee delivered another devastating attack to knock Victrebell out.

"Victrebell is unable to continue! The round goes to Lucy and her Eevee!" cried Sheldon.

"That was great, Eevee!" cried Lucy. Victrebell was recalled.

"Well, Lucy, I have to say, you're a very good battler." Said Luana. "But you still have one more Pokemon to get through before I can give you your badge. Machamp, you're on!" Machamp materialized.

"Eevee, return!" cried Lucy. Eevee quickly ran back over to her trainer.

"You did well against Victreebell, but Machamp's a fighting type, which means its attacks would do a lot of damage to you. That's why I'm substituting you for someone else." Said Lucy. She quickly reached for a Poke Ball.

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

"Golbat, start off with a Razor Wind attack!" cried Lucy. Golbat attacked, and landed the hit.

"Machamp, use your Karate Chop!" cried Luana. Machamp attacked, but at Lucy's command, Golbat flew up to dodge the move.

"Use your Mega Drain, Golbat!" cried Lucy. Golbat started sucking up energy from Machamp.

"Don't give up, Machamp!" cried Luana. "Rock Slide, now!" Machamp sent rocks raining down on Golbat!

"Ah! Golbat!" cried Lucy.

"This looks bad." Said Tracey. "Golbat may be strong against fighting type attacks, but it's weak to rock moves."

"You have to keep going, Golbat! Don't flinch!" cried Lucy. "Use your Leech Life!" Golbat began to suck more energy out of Machamp.

"Mega Punch, now!" cried Luana. Machamp gave Golbat a punch to the face, which made the flying type mad.

"Bite attack!" cried Lucy. Golbat sucked its teeth into Machamp's shoulder.

"Finish it with Wing Attack!" cried Lucy. Golbat delivered a devastating attack with its wings, sending Machamp to the floor defeated.

"Machamp is unable to continue!" cried Sheldon. "Golbat is the winner! The overall victory goes to the challenger!"

"You did it, Golbat!" cried Lucy.

"It's all over." Said Luana. "Lucy, as gym leader of Kumquat Island, and a member of the Orange Crew, I present you with a token of your victory….the Jade Star Badge."

"Thank you very much, Aunt Luana." Said Lucy. "I did it! I won the Jade Star Badge!" She struck her victory pose.

"Congratulations, Lucy!" cried Tracey.

"You, Eevee and Golbat were awesome!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'Good show!'

"Now, Ash, let's make our battle together more interesting by making it a double battle." Said Luana.

"A double battle?" said Ash.

"What do you have to do to win a double battle?" asked Misty.

"It's simple." Luana answered. "If a Pokemon trainer's team can't go on battling anymore, the other trainer wins the match."

"Oh, I get it." Said Ash.

"You know, Ash, it seems to me like battling in a double Pokemon match is almost the same as playing a doubles match in tennis." Said Lucy.

"Well, in that case, we'll be able to ace this match, one, two, three!" cried Ash. "I have faith in my Pokemon and myself because we're strong enough and tough enough to win!"

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'And how!'

"Ash, that's exactly the kind of attitude that a Pokemon trainer needs!" cried Luana. "You know, the way you talk about Pokemon is just the way my son Travis does. We'll have our match tomorrow morning. Until then, you can all have free use of the hotel."

"Thanks!" cried the group.

Later, the group was relaxing in the hot tub as Pikachu and Eevee gave Togepi and Little Pikachu a bath.

"I guess I should use Pikachu to start with, but I'm not sure what my other Pokemon should be." Said Ash. "I'll figure that out tomorrow."

"You know what? I bet she'll use Alakazam as one of her Pokemon." Said Tracey.

"And the strongest Pokemon that I could use against a psychic type would be a ghost or a bug type." Replied Ash.

"Probably." Said Tracey.

"Look at it like this, Ash." Said Lucy. "You may know what Pokemon she might potentially have for her first pick, but the second one could be something unexpected that you can exploit to your advantage."

"Lucy may be onto something, but without any of those types on hand, you're in hot water." Said Misty. "Aren't you?" Ash suddenly turned red and sank, which made Misty and Lucy gasp.

"Ash?!" they cried.

"Pika Pi?!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Ash?!' Poor Ash was face down in the water.

"Hey, Ash! Are you okay?" cried Tracey.

"Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Ash!' Lucy quickly fished Ash out of the hot tub and got him sprawled out on the floor as Pikachu tried to cool him off.

"Cool me down." Said Ash weakly.

"Be lucky that Lucy pulled you out when she did." Said Tracey.

"Ash, you stayed in the hot tub too long." Said Misty.

"No kidding." Ash replied weakly.

"The same thing happened to my dad once." Said Lucy.

"At least you won't have to warm up for the match." Said Tracey.

"I'll ask Aunt Luana for some ice." Said Lucy. She rushed off to find her aunt.

"Pika Pi." Said Pikachu, which meant 'I hope Ash will be okay.'

"I'm sure he'll be just fine, Pikachu." Said Misty.

The next day, Ash and Luana were set for their battle.

"This battle pits visiting Pallet Town trainer Ash Ketchum against Kumquat gym leader and Orange Crew member Luana!" cried Sheldon. "The challenger stands to win a Jade Star Badge! The trainers have agreed in advance that this match will be conducted as a double Pokemon battle!"

"Well, Ash, here are the Pokemon that I'll be using!" cried Luana. "Alakazam, and Marowak!" Alakazam and Marowak both materialized.

"I choose Pikachu, and I choose Charizard!" cried Ash. Charizard materialized.

"With Charizard's Flamethrower and Pikachu's electric attacks, we can't lose!" cried Ash.

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Let's do it!'

"Roar!" cried Charizard, which meant 'Right!'

"Good luck, Ash." Said Lucy. "And good luck to you too, Aunt Luana."

"Thank you, Lucy." Said Luana. "Now then, Ash, let's see how well Pikachu and Charizard work together." Pikachu approached the battlefield, but Charizard put its foot down.

"Roar!" cried Charizard, which meant 'I want to fight this battle myself!'

"Pikachu Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'You can't! We have to do this together!' However, Pikachu got a Flamethrower for his troubles. He quickly responded with a Thunderbolt, but Ash intervened.

"What do you two think you're doing?!" he cried. "You're supposed to battle them, not each other!"

"If they don't work together, Ash will never win his fourth badge!" cried Misty.

"Those two better get on the same page, and quickly!" cried Lucy.

"Let the match begin!" cried Sheldon.

"Let's go, Alakazam, Marowak!" cried Luana. Her Pokemon charged.

"Go, Charizard, Pikachu!" cried Ash. Charizard moved in, but Pikachu overtook it and charged into battle. But when Alakazam and Marowak dodged a Flamethrower from Charizard, Pikachu ended up on the receiving end, thus setting Pikachu's tail on fire.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'My tail!' Ash facepalmed.

"Oh, great. Charizard's going to barbecue Pikachu." He sighed. Charizard headed into battle while Pikachu tended to his tail.

"Charizard, Tackle attack, now!" cried Ash. Charizard charged.

"Alakazam, Psychic attack!" cried Luana. "That'll stop Charizard cold!" Alakazam lifted Charizard up into the air and stopped the fire type dead in its tracks.

"Alakazam's using Psychic attack!" cried Tracey.

"The worst part is that it's working." Replied Lucy.

"Pikachu, you have to help Charizard!" cried Ash. "Use your Thunder Shock, now!" The attack fired, but it hit Charizard.

"Pikachu, help Charizard!" cried Ash. But Pikachu just stood there.

"Do something!" yelled Ash.

"You can't win a double battle unless your Pokemon work as a team." Said Luana. "Marowak, use Bonemerang!" The attack hit Charizard once, and then a second time on the rebound, which worried the group on the sidelines.

"Charizard!" cried Ash.

"All right, Alakazam, use your Psychic attack!" cried Luana. Charizard was lifted up to the rafters again.

"Charizard, it's coming right at you! Do something!" cried Ash. But it was no good.

"What's happening?" asked Misty.

"Charizard's going down." Answered Tracey. Charizard went down hard, and then Marowak fired another Bonemerang as Pikachu watched on, quickly realizing that his partner was in trouble.

"It's about time we wrap this up." said Luana. "Finish it!" Alakazam lifted Charizard up once more.

"Pikachu, if Charizard can't battle, we're going to lose this match!" cried Ash.

'Pika." Replied Pikachu, which meant 'I know.

"Then you have to do something to help Charizard!" cried Ash. Pikachu looked at Charizard, and then got an idea. He fired a Thunderbolt that hit Alakazam and caused its psychic grip on Charizard to break. Pikachu and Charizard looked at each other and understood that they had to work as a team.

"All right! You did it, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Uh, uh!" cried Luana. "It's not over till it's over, I always say. Go, Marowak! Give Pikachu a Body Slam!" Marowak charged in.

"Oh no!" cried Misty. Marowak hit Pikachu right on the money.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"That has got to hurt." Said Lucy. Pikachu ended up flying right into Charizard's left wing, which saved the electric type from making impact with a wall.

"Great catch, Charizard!" cried Ash.

"Phew! That was close!" cried Lucy.

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Thanks, Charizard!'

"Pikachu and Charizard are working like a team!" cried Misty.

"Finally." Said Tracey.

"Pikachu, jump onto Charizard's back and let it fly!" cried Ash. Pikachu leapt onto Charizard's back.

"Marowak, Bonemerang, now!" cried Luana. The attack was thrown, but Charizard easily avoided it.

"Give 'em a flying Thunderbolt, Pikachu!" cried Ash. Pikachu charged up, jumped off Charizard and let the Thunderbolt loose. It hit Marowak but didn't fully phase it.

"It didn't work." Said Tracey.

"Probably because Marowak is a ground type." Replied Lucy.

"Oh, it worked all right!" cried Ash. "It stopped that Marowak attack!"

"Go, Alakazam!" cried Luana. "Use Hyper Beam on Charizard!" Alakazam charged the attack as Charizard flew right toward it.

"Charizard, quick, go up!" cried Ash. At the last moment, Charizard pulled up and Marowak's bone hit Alakazam on the rebound, which knocked Alakazam down and sent its Hyper Beam right toward Marowak, which shocked Luana.

"All right!" cried Ash. After the smoke had cleared, both Marowak and Alakazam were laying on the ground, having been knocked out.

"The gym leader's Pokemon of Marowak and Alakazam are unable to continue the battle!" cried Sheldon. "Victory goes to the challenger!" Luana was in shock at first, but then she smiled.

"It's all over." She said.

"Way to go, Ash!" cried Lucy.

"We did it! We won!" cried Ash. "You two are amazing! I knew you'd make a great team!"

"Talk about your shocking victory!" cried Lucy. "I almost forgot that Marowak's Bonemerang had to rebound like a boomerang, but once it went into Alakazam, that sealed the deal!"

"Congratulations, Ash!" cried Misty.

"That was an awesome ending, Ash!" cried Tracey.

"You did a fine job, Ash." Said Luana.

"Yes, ma'am." Replied Ash.

"And now, as Kumquat Island gym leader, and a member of the Orange Crew, I happily present this token of your victory." Said Luana. She handed Ash his final badge.

"Yes! My final badge!" cried Ash. "The Jade Star!"

"Pi Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'That's number four!' Ash pinned the badge into his jacket.

"Wow. A badge from all four members of the Orange Crew." Said Tracey.

"And both of us now have a complete set." Added Lucy.

"That also means you two can now compete with other qualified trainers in the Orange League competition." Said Luana.

"That's to win the Orange League trophy, right?" asked Misty.

"That's right, but to get it, they'll have to beat the leader of the Orange Crew." Said Luana.

"That leader must be pretty good, huh?" said Ash.

"The best. Winning that trophy won't be easy." Said Luana.

"Do you think either of us have a chance, Aunt Luana?" asked Lucy.

"Yes, but only if you and your Pokemon work together." Answered Luana.

"No sweat! We're a team, aren't we?" cried sh.

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

"And Eevee, you and I are a team too." Said Lucy.

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

Later on at the docks, the group was getting ready to set off.

"Please, Ash, if you or Lucy happen to run into my son Travis, will you tell him that I miss him and give him my love?" asked Luana.

"I sure will." Answered Ash.

"Same here!" cried Lucy. She then remembered something. "Aunt Luana, you mentioned yesterday that you had a surprise for me."

"Thanks for reminding me about that, Lucy." Said Luana. She presented Lucy with an incubator.

"Inside this incubator is a Pokemon egg." Said Luana. "I want you to take good care of it."

"I will, Aunt Luana." Said Lucy. "I promise!"

"It was great to meet you!" cried Misty.

"Thanks for everything!" cried Tracey. Lapras and Dewgong both began moving.

"Have a safe trip and battle hard for that Orange League trophy!" cried Luana.

"We hope you all enjoyed your stay here!" cried Sheldon. The group waved Luana and her staff a fond farewell. All of our friends are on their way to their next challenge, the Orange League competition! But I wonder what happened to Team Rocket.

Jessie, James and Meowth were all stranded on a rock.

"A poet once said that no man is an island." Said James.

"Well you're definitely no man, James." Replied Jessie.

"You think the boss will send somebody out to look for us?" cried Meowth. Jessie and James panicked at the thought.

"What's the matter?" Meowth asked.

"If the boss finds out that we wrecked the robot….." said jessie.

"He'll wreck us!" cried James.

"I never thought of that!" cried Meowth worriedly. They then spotted something coming in the ocean.

"Hey, look! A boat!" cried James.

"HELP!" cried Meowth. James quickly shushed him.

"What if it's the boss' boat?" he said.

"Oh, right." Whispered Meowth. "Help."

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Snorlax, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Golbat, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

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, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym)

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 116: The Wacky Watcher

"These are our ticket to the Orange League competition." Said Ash. "You think we'll win, Pikachu?"

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Sure we will!'

"Don't forget, I could always win it too." Said Lucy. "What do you say to that, Eevee?"

"Vee." Answered Eevee, which meant 'That's always possible too.' After their exciting battles at the Kumquat Island gym, Ash and Lucy earned their fourth and final Orange League badges. Now, our friends are making their way to the Orange League competition.

Tracey put the mouth of his bottle down in the ocean to collect some water.

"You're not going to drink salt water, are you?" asked Misty.

"Oh, no." answered Tracey. "This is strictly for Pokemon research purposes."

"Great." Replied Misty. In the water underneath Lapras and Dewgong, something approached, which Pikachu and Eevee sensed.

"You see something, guys?" asked Lucy. The group soon saw something large swimming beneath them.

"What is it?" asked Misty.

"I don't know." Answered Ash. Little Pikachu leaned over to see what was going on.

"Pi?" he asked, which meant 'What could it be?'

"Don't lean over too much, Little Pikachu." Said Lucy.

"Whatever that is under there, it's big." Remarked Tracey. The large object then surfaced.

"It's a….." said Ash.

"Submarine!" cried Tracey.

"Hopefully it's not the one that Team Rocket has." Said Lucy. The hatch opened and the group saw who was piloting the sub. The captain of the sub quickly set up some equipment and took readings until he spotted the group.

"Pi? Pikachu." Said Little Pikachu, which meant 'I wonder who this person is.'

"Ah, company. You're here just in time for the rush hour." Said the sub's captain. The group was puzzled.

"If my observations are correct, we're about to see one of the most astounding scenes ever seen on the seas." He said, and he got out some binoculars. "Now we'll see what we shall see."

"I wonder what this guy's talking about." Said Ash.

"What could happen way out in the middle of the ocean?" asked Misty.

"I don't know, but maybe we should hang around and find out." Answered Tracey. Down in the ocean, the water rushed, and then something raced to the surface. Multiple somethings, in fact, and both the group and the stranger felt the rush of their approach.

"They're here! They're here!" cried the stranger.

"Who's here?" wondered Lucy. Something suddenly rose from the ocean, which turned out to be a whole group of familiar fish Pokemon.

"They're Magikarp!" cried Tracey.

"Pika, Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'There's so many!'

"I agree, Pikachu." Said Lucy. "There ARE quite a lot of them." One of the Magikarp had a colored band around the joint between its body and tail, and Tracey quickly noticed it. He also saw several other Magikarp with the same things in the same place.

"What are those colored bands for?" asked Tracey.

"If my calculations are correct, I know exactly where the Magikarp are heading." Said the stranger. "But with heads like that, I suppose they don't have much of a choice. Oh well, here I go." The man got back into his sub and followed the Magikarp.

"Would somebody please tell me what's going on here?" asked Misty.

"Vee." Said Eevee, which meant 'No clue.'

"I'm not sure, but if my guess is right, those Magikarp are headed for a place called Rind Island." Answered Tracey.

"Rind Island?" asked the rest of the group.

"Pika?" asked Pikachu, which meant 'Rind Island?'

"Pi?" asked Little Pikachu, which meant 'Where is Rind Island?'

"It's supposed to be deserted." Said Tracey.

"Well it won't be once we get there." Replied Ash. "Come on!" So, the group found themselves on Rind Island.

"Lapras, return!" cried Ash.

"Dewgong, return!" cried Lucy. The two Pokemon were recalled.

"Now to find those Magikarp." Said Lucy. They soon found them.

"Hey, look!" cried Ash.

"Pi!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'Look up there!'

"The Magikarp are swimming upstream!" cried Misty.

"I've heard about this, but I never thought I'd actually see it for myself!" cried Tracey.

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Amazing!' The submarine captain from before soon showed up.

"Oh, just what I've been looking for. Non-union labor." He said. "Come on! There's no time to organize now!" He handed the group boxes.

"One for you, one for you, one for you, one for you, and one for chu." He said. "Now, follow me."

"Hey, where are we going?" asked Ash. The group followed the man upstream.

"Excuse me, but who exactly are you?" asked Lucy.

"Why, the last time I looked, I was Quincy T. Quackenpoker." The man answered.

"Quackenpoker." Said Tracey.

"That's kind of an unusual name, isn't it?" asked Misty.

"Everybody in my family is named Quackenpoker, at least on my mother's side." Answered Quackenpoker.

"Then why are you here?" asked Misty.

"I think it's because of the Magikarp migration." Said Lucy.

"Correct." Said Quackenpoker. "I'm a Pokemon Watcher, and I've dedicated my life to the study of Magikarp."

"I knew your name sounded familiar!" cried Tracey. The group stopped.

"If a famous Pokemon Watcher like Doctor Quackenpoker thinks that Magikarp are worth a lifetime of studying, then there must be something that I can learn from them too!" cried Tracey. He went toward the river, put his box down, and started to sketch. A Magikarp then came up and splashed water in Tracey's face, causing him to be knocked down.

"Tracey, are you okay?" asked Lucy.

"The first thing you learn from watching Magikarp is you always use a water proof pad." Said Doctor Quackenpoker.

"Thanks, Doctor." Replied Tracey.

"Come on. You can't lie there like a lax all day. We have observations to make." Said Quackenpoker. The doctor ran ahead, and the group raced after him.

"Hey! Wait up!" cried Tracey. Later, the group finally reached a resting point.

"Would somebody please tell me what's so great about watching Magikarp?" groaned Misty.

"I don't get it either." Said Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Same with me.'

"If you've seen one Magikarp, you've seen them all." said Lucy. "Watching Magikarp swim is like watching paint dry. It's boring." Dr. Quackenpoker set up a tripod and camera-like device to film the Magikarp.

"Okay, we're all set." He said. His machine soon put out an analysis on the Magikarp.

"I see. It's a machine that records the number of Magikarp as they pass by." Said Tracey.

"It does much more than that." Replied Quackenpoker. "It measures and analyses thirty-two factors, including fin length, bone structure, muscle density, not to mention size-weight ratios and oxygen efficiency quotients."

"Were you the one who put those bands on the Magikarps' tails, Dr. Quackenpoker?" asked Tracey.

"Yes, they tell me when the Magikarp left here." Answered Quackenpoker.

"How'd they do that?" asked Ash.

"I put a band on each one." Replied Quackenpoker. "The red ones left one year ago, blue, two years ago, and the Magikarp that have yellow bands left this island three years ago."

"But I wonder why the Magikarp go away." Said Tracey.

"I'm getting there." Replied Quackenpoker. "The Magikarp are born in the waters around this island but swim out to sea as they mature. But once a year, no matter where they are, thousands of Magikarp return here to the place of their birth. And I return so I can study them all. Tracey, I'd imagine a young Pokemon Watcher like yourself must find all of this pretty interesting."

"Yes, but how did you know that I was a Pokemon Watcher?" asked Tracey.

"Well, with that sketch book you always carry around with you, and those binoculars, I just put two and two together." Answered Quackenpoker. "Clever, huh?"

"I'd say that's really clever, Dr. Quackenpoker." Said Ash.

"I've hardly ever seen anything that's clever." Said Misty.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Of course.'

"Well, thank you." Said Quackenpoker. "But it's only logical that a skilled Pokemon Watcher would also be a skilled people watcher. Say! Now that the flood's come to a screeching halt, why don't I take a look at your sketch book?"

"Oh, sure, go ahead." Said Tracey. Dr. Quackenpoker opened up the book and saw a Rhyhorn sketch on the first page.

"Ah. Excellent!" cried Quackenpoker. "I see a great future ahead of you, young man."

"Do you really think so?" said Tracey.

"Well, you certainly don't have a future behind you." Said Quackenpoker. Unknown to the group, Team Rocket was watching them.

"I've never seen the little guy, and I've never seen so many Magikarp!" cried James.

"Yeah. The place is really swimming with them." said Meowth.

"But there's something fishy about them." replied James.

"Well, if you ask me, there ain't nothing magic about a bunch of Magikarp." Said Meowth. "I say we make Pikachu and Eevee the catches of the day." James and Meowth dropped from the tree branch, which drew Jessie's attention.

"Come back here!" cried Jessie.

"What's wrong?" said Meowth.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" asked Jessie. She jumped down from the tree that James and Meowth were in. "Think about it."

"About what?" said Meowth.

"Magikarp." Answered Jessie. "Don't you remember what Magikarp evolve into?"

"Yeah, Gyrados." Answered Meowth.

"Now, listen to my master plan." Said Jessie. "All we have to do is scoop up that school of Magikarp. We'll train them hard, and before long, they'll evolve into Gyrados. And with a gigantic army of Gyrados, we'll be unstoppable! We'll be the Pokemon masters of the world!"

"We'll be masters!" cried James and Meowth.

"And luckily, my plan is so brilliantly simple that even a six year old could follow it." Chuckled Jessie.

"I never even went to kitty-garten." Replied Meowth.

"And we've had absolutely lousy luck with Gyrados." Added James.

"Quiet, you two!" cried Jessie. "Wait and see. Those Magikarp will evolve and we'll be the most powerful trio in Team Rocket history!"

"Maybe she's right!" cried Meowth.

"Well, there's a first time for everything!" cried James.

"Let's get us a mess of Magikarp!" cried Meowth.

"Yay!" cried James. He and Meowth ran off.

"Jessie! Jessie!" cried James.

Meanwhile, the group was still watching the Magikarp proceedings.

"Wow! The Magikarp are swimming UP the waterfall!" cried Misty.

"I can't figure out why they do that." Said Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Me neither!'

"I get it!" cried Tracey. "While these Magikarp are swimming in the ocean all year, they're building their strength so they can get to the top of the falls."

"Yeah." Said Quackenpoker. "Unfortunately, half the Magikarp don't make a very strong showing." The group was confused.

"My studies indicate that fifty percent of the Magikarp are still too weak to swim all the way up the waterfall." Said Quackenpoker.

"What happens to the ones that don't make it?" asked Lucy.

"They do what that one there is doing." Quackenpoker answered. He pointed to one of the Magikarp that didn't make it. "They keep trying." The Magikarp soon fell from the fall and back to the base.

"Everything takes time, Magikarp." Said Quackenpoker. "Took me three years to grow my mustache." The fallen Magikarp tried to go up the falls again.

"Swimming like this is almost like Pokemon training!" cried Tracey.

"Keep going, Magikarp!" cried Ash.

"You're getting near the top!" cried Lucy.

"Vee! Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Just keep swimming!' At the top of the falls, Team Rocket waited with nets in hand.

"Get ready." Instructed Jessie. "And remember, don't swing until you see the scales on their tails!"

"Jess, wouldn't it be easier to catch them all in Poke Balls?" asked James.

"James, Poke Balls cost money, which is something we're out of!" cried Jessie.

"Anger is no excuse for ending a sentence with two prepositions!" cried Meowth. The first few Magikarp soon reached the top.

"Well, now I've got you!" cried James. He swung his net and caught one.

"Look, Jess, I caught me a whopper!" cried James. Jessie and Meowth were surprised.

"That isn't bad, James." Said Jessie.

"It looks easy." Said Meowth.

"Hooray!" cried James. The caught Magikarp managed to wiggle its way out of the net.

"It's flipping out!" cried Meowth.

"Quick! We can't let it get away!" cried Jessie. Team Rocket tried to hold down the escaped Magikarp, but it hopped back into the water and dragged them down with it. Team Rocket then went down the waterfall and past the other Magikarp, with their screams getting our heroes' attention.

"What's the matter, guys?" asked Tracey.

"I thought I just heard some screaming." Said Ash.

"I heard the same thing." Replied Lucy.

"I'm serious, maybe somebody nearby is in trouble." Said Ash.

"You'll be the ones in trouble if I'm too late to see the Magikarp evolve." Said Quackenpoker. There was a small silence until Lucy broke it.

"Did he just say…" she said.

"EVOLVE?!" cried the whole group in unison.

"Pika?/Vee?!" cried Pikachu and Eevee, which meant 'Evolve?!' The group then arrived at a massive lake.

"Aren't the Magikarp ever going to evolve?" asked Ash.

"Patience is a virtue, Ash." Replied Lucy.

"She's right, Ash." Said Quackenpoker. "Patience is very important, especially if you're a doctor. But as a matter of fact, a lot of these Magikarp won't be evolving here today. Some will have to wait until they get stronger, and that could take years."

Later, the group was resting and waiting.

"Say when." Said Misty.

"That's plenty." Said Quackenpoker.

"Pretty good, huh, Pikachu?" said Ash.

"Pika." Answered Pikachu, which meant 'Really.'

"I've never seen a trainer with a more symbiotic relationship with his Pokemon." Said Quackenpoker. Ash was puzzled.

"I mean, you and Pikachu communicate shockingly well." Said Quackenpoker.

"I leave the shocking to Pikachu, doctor." Said Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'It's my specialty.

"Open up, Togepi." Said Lucy. Togepi ate the small piece of bread Lucy gave it when Dr. Quackenpoker stroked one of its points, which caused it to laugh.

"This one's a cutie." Said Quackenpoker.

"I didn't know Togepi was so ticklish." Chuckled Lucy.

"Togepi just like to be petted on their front spike there." Said Quackenpoker.

"Just like this?" asked Misty. She petted the same spot and got the same result.

"Magikarp aren't the only Pokemon you know about, are they Dr. Quackenpoker?" asked Tracey.

"All Pokemon interest me, but Magikarp are my most favorite so far." Answered Quackenpoker.

"Really?" replied Tracey. Quackenpoker nodded.

"Yes." He said. "When I was a boy, I woke up one morning and I saw a Magikarp in my pajamas. How a Magikarp got into my pajamas, I'll never know." A Magikarp then leapt out of the water.

"Talk about a magical moment." Said Lucy.

Later that night, Misty, Ash and Lucy were fast asleep, but Tracey was awake.

"I have my own theory, Dr. Quackenpoker." Said Tracey. He showed the doctor a sketch. "I think the Magikarp jump out of the water and use the position of the sun to find their way back to the island."

"That's a very interesting theory, young man, but I'm afraid there's one small little problem with it." Said Quackenpoker. "Look here." He showed Tracey his own sketch.

"What's that?" asked Tracey.

"This is a Magikarp that can't jump at all." answered Quackenpoker. "But after three years, it still manages to find its way back home."

"Well, I guess that just proves that Magikarp are more mysterious than I thought." Said Tracey. Quackenpoker nodded.

"After fifty years of watching Pokemon, I still find Magikarp hard to understand." He said. "Even harder to understand than my tax return." Some of the Magikarp started jumping, which woke up Ash and the girls.

"What are they doing now, doctor?" asked Misty.

"It looks like they're going crazy." Replied Ash.

"That means the Magikarp can sense that something very exciting is about to happen." Said Quackenpoker.

"I better make a sketch of this!" cried Tracey.

"I've got to see this." Said Ash.

"Maybe they're evolving!" cried Lucy. The water suddenly became more disturbed as the Magikarp looked like they were panicking.

"Hey! What's happening out there?" cried Misty.

"I don't know." Said Quackenpoker. "Something's wrong! The waters are all churned up!"

"What could be big enough to disrupt an entire school of Magikarp?" wondered Lucy. Mechanical arms suddenly came up and grabbed the Magikarp one at a time. The mechanical arms belonged to Team Rocket's sub, and the captured Magikarp were being placed into the submarine's mouth. Jessie laughed in triumph.

"We'll be able to pick a peck of Magikarp in no time!" she cried.

"Catch 'em all! Gotta catch 'em all!" cried Meowth. But as the sub filled with Magikarp, they ended up crowding Team Rocket, which caused their sub to sink.

"What's happening?!" cried Jessie.

"The Magikarp-et ride is over!" cried Meowth.

"The Magikarp are weighing us down!" cried Jessie. "Throw 'em back! Throw 'em back!" James released some of the Magikarp, while the group watched with worry.

"Where'd all the Magikarp go?!" cried Ash. Team Rocket's sub suddenly surfaced right in front of them, which also drenched them.

"Why, that's the most ridiculous Magikarp I've ever seen." Said Quackenpoker. As he spoke, the hatch of the sub opened and Team Rocket climbed out.

"So you think our metal Magikarp submarine is ridiculous, do you?" cried Jessie. "You better prepare for trouble!"

"But Jess, you better calm down on the double." Said 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!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket. Blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth, that's right!" The group had shown signs of boredom while watching Team Rocket go through their motto.

"Team Rocket!" they cried.

"Dr. Quackenpoker, meet Team Rocket." said Lucy. "They're a bunch of dumb idiots who lie, cheat and steal Pokemon."

"We'd love to stay and chat, but we've got Magikarp to train." Said Jessie.

"Release those Magikarp at once, or I'll be forced to sink that submarine!" cried Quackenpoker.

"Mind your own business, you little quack!" cried Jessie.

"Quackenpoker!" cried Misty.

"If you want the so much, you'll have to catch them, just like we did!" cried Jessie. Team Rocket tossed three Magikarp overboard, but the group managed to save them.

"One, two, three!" cried Jessie. He and James tossed two more Magikarp overboard.

"Meowth, it's time." Said Jessie. Meowth got out a device.

"Pikachu and Eevee time!" he cried. In all the confusion, Pikachu and Eevee were captured.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

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

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

"You should mind your peas and ques and your Eevees and Pikachus." Said Meowth.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash.

"You too, Little Pikachu!" cried Lucy.

"Hold it!" cried Quackenpoker. "Any sort of electric attack will give those Magikarp the shock of their lives!"

"Yeah, you're right." Said Ash. He and Lucy both kicked some of their Poke Balls, soccer style, toward Team Rocket.

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

"Ivysaur, go!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur materialized.

"Bulbasaur, use your Vine Whip to grab Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Ivysaur, use your own Vine Whip to grab Eevee!" cried Lucy. The vines reached for Team Rocket, but Jessie ducked and tossed Pikachu and Eevee over to James. The vines turned to James, but he quickly tossed Pikachu and Eevee over to Meowth while the Vine Whips smacked James. Meowth caught Pikachu and Eevee, but the vines approached.

"Here, catch!" cried Meowth. Jessie caught Pikachu and Eevee as Bulbasaur and Ivysaur almost fell into the river.

"Bulbasaur, return!" cried Ash.

"Ivysaur, return!" cried Lucy. Bulbasaur and Ivysaur were recalled just in time before they fell into the water.

"I guess your little Vine Whips got whipped." Said Jessie.

"Heh! This time, we came out on top!" cried Meowth. James got up from the Vine Whip attacks, and then realized that there was a Magikarp on his head. James started to panic, while Jessie and Meowth tried to get the Magikarp off of James' head.

"Stop playing!" cried Jessie. Ash, Misty, Tracey and Lucy laughed at James' predicament.

"Stop! You'll pull his head off that way!" cried Quackenpoker. He rushed toward the sub.

"Doctor, wait!" cried Ash. He and Tracey put the Magikarp they caught in the water as Doctor Quackenpoker climbed the sub while Jessie and Meowth kept pulling.

"One, two….." said Jessie and Meowth.

"Hey! Watch my hair!" cried James.

"That won't work." Said Quackenpoker. "You can't muscle a Magikarp, you have to treat it very gently."

"Gently?" said Jessie and Meowth. Quackenpoker stroked the Magikarp's dorsal fin.

"Nice, Magikarp. Good Magikarp. Relax. Relax." He said. Now relaxed, the Magikarp let go of James' head, and Team Rocket celebrated in tears of joy.

"We did it!" cried Jessie.

"Thanks, Magikarp!" cried Ash and Lucy. Quackenpoker and Team Rocket turned to see Pikachu and Eevee reunited with their trainers.

"Now that you're out of James' hair and we have Pikachu and Eevee back, we'll say goodbye." Said Ash. He, Lucy, Tracey and Dr. Quackenpoker jumped overboard with Pikachu, Eevee and Magikarp in hand.

"You're not getting away that easy!" cried Jessie.

"We want Eevee and Pika….." said James. A glow suddenly interrupted him.

"Here they go!" cried Quackenpoker. He put the Magikarp out in the water and it swam out to the middle of the lake. A much larger glow began and the water started to churn, which meant that more Magikarp were evolving.

"I'm glad you and Eevee are okay, Pikachu." Said Misty.

'Pika Pi." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Thanks, Misty.'

"They're….." said Tracey.

"That's right, my boy, they're evolving." Said Quackenpoker.

"Judging by that glow in the water, I think we're going to have a school of half Magikarp, half Gyrados!" cried Lucy. The glow faded and a whirlpool developed, which transformed into a water cyclone, which sent Team Rocket flying.

"Looks like we're splashing off again!" they cried. One by one, the Magikarp left the cyclone and completely evolved into Gyrados and returned to the lake below.

"Tracey! I need an experienced watcher like you to help me count." Said Quackenpoker. "You count the ones with the red and blue rings, okay?" He tossed Tracey some counters.

"Yeah, sure!" cried Tracey. The Gyrados then swam away.

"Quick! They're swimming upstream!" cried Quackenpoker. "Follow them!"

"Right!" cried Tracey. He and Dr. Quackenpoker pursued the Gyrados.

"Dr. Quackenpoker!" cried Ash.

"Wait for us!" cried Misty and Lucy. The rest of the group followed behind as the Magikarp and Gyrados headed down the waterfall, while Tracey and Dr. Quackenpoker pursued the school to count them.

"Don't lose sigh of a single one!" cried Quackenpoker.

"I won't!" cried Tracey. The group soon reached a cliff overlooking the sea and watched as the Magikarp and Gyrados returned to the sea.

"That was amazing!" cried Misty.

"Yeah." Said Ash.

"Vee." Said Eevee, which meant 'Sure was.'

"Okay, Tracey, give me your totals." Said Quackenpoker.

"Sure, Doctor! Seventy percent of the Magikarp have evolved!" cried Tracey.

"I guess I stand corrected on my statement from before." Said Lucy. "This means thirty percent of the Magikarp didn't evolve."

"Hey! That's the highest percentage ever!" cried Quackenpoker. "Tracey, we've made a momentous observation!"

"We sure have, Dr. Quackenpoker." Said Tracey.

"Thanks to you, I can finally begin to unravel some of the mysteries of Magikarp evolution." Said Quackenpoker.

"And thanks to you, I've had the honor of working with one of the greatest Pokemon Watchers ever." replied Tracey.

"Work hard, and you'll be great too." Said Quackenpoker.

"Thanks." Said Tracey. Out of the blue, one of the Magikarp that hadn't evolved swam back around and jumped up and down happily in front of Tracey.

"What's this Magikarp doing, doctor?" asked Tracey.

"It's thanking you for helping him and his friends with the observations." Answered Quackenpoker. "And to show how much it loves you, it would like to accompany you on your own journey."

"Well then, Magikarp, welcome to the group." Said Tracey. He tapped an empty Poke Ball onto the top of Magikarp's head, and the fish Pokemon was sucked inside immediately.

"I got myself a Magikarp!" cried Tracey. Soon, the sun rose.

"You know, Pikachu, if we work hard, we can win that Orange League competition!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Of course!'

"Eevee, I just know we can win that Orange League competition!" cried Lucy. "We've been working hard, and I know we'll win!"

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'We'll crush it!'

"And we'll be rooting for them all the way." Said Misty. "Right, Togepi?" The small infant happily chirped in agreement. And so, as a new day dawns, our heroes have a new understanding, and a new appreciation, for the many mysteries of Pokemon. In Tracey's case, he also has a brand new Magikarp by his side.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was stranded at sea.

"Why did we have to be so greedy?" cried James.

"An army of Gyrados seemed like a good idea at the time." Answered Meowth.

"Maybe Gyrados are more friendly than they seem." Replied Jessie. A Gyrados glared angrily over them, which caused Team Rocket to panic. They were surrounded by a swarm of Gyrados circling around them.

"Maybe not!" they cried.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Snorlax, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Golbat, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

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, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur, Magikarp

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym)

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 117: The Stun Spore Detour

Our heroes have stopped at a tiny island so that Ash and Lucy can practice and prepare for the long-awaited Orange League competition.

Ash and Pikachu were on a rock looking out to the ocean as a wave crashed before them.

"We're really on a hot streak, Pikachu!" cried Ash. "We're so hot, we're on fire!"

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Burning up!' A giant wave came crashing down on them, which soaked them.

Meanwhile, Tracey was taking a look at a Vileplume.

"I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful Vileplume." Said Tracey. "These petals are humongous!" Ash and Pikachu came walking toward Tracey.

"At least we got cooled off, Pikachu." Said Ash. "Hey, Tracey, do you think you can help me with my training now?! I'm kind of getting off to a rocky start." Ash suddenly tripped and stumbled over a rock. The stumble made him collide with Tracey and the boys fell into the Vileplume's head just as Lucy and Eevee came jogging up. She gasped when she saw what had happened.

"Oh no! Ash! Tracey!" she cried. Eevee ran up to Pikachu.

"Eevee Vee?" asked Eevee, which meant 'Are they okay?' The Vileplume then sprayed Stun Spore right in the boys' faces.

"Pi Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'We need help! Fast!'

"You're right, Pikachu." Replied Lucy. "We better go get Misty! Quick!"

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Come on, Pikachu!'

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Right behind you, Eevee!' Misty was out talking Psyduck and Togepi for a walk when she saw Pikachu, Eevee and Lucy rush in.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'There she is!'

"Oh, hi, Pikachu. Hi, Eevee." Said Misty.

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'We need help!'

"What brings you here, Pikachu?" asked Misty. "I thought you and Ash were going to go down to the beach and do some training."

"Misty! Thank goodness you're here!" cried Lucy.

"What's wrong, Lucy?" asked Misty. "Did something happen to Ash?" Lucy nodded her head.

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

"Pikachu Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Ash tripped and he and Tracey got stuck in a Vileplume's head!' Ash and Tracey soon showed up, but they were completely paralyzed from the Stun Spore.

"It, got us." Said Ash.

"What got you?" said Misty.

"We both fell into a Vileplume's head." Replied Tracey. Misty and Lucy both gasped.

"You breathed in Stun Spore!" cried Lucy.

"Can't move." Groaned Ash.

"Oh no." said Misty.

"Pikachu." Sighed Pikachu, which meant 'The poor guys.' The group was soon at a cabin, where the girls were tending to Ash and Tracey.

"There has to be some sort of cure for Stun Spore inhalation." Said Lucy. "Do you have anything, Misty?"

"I'm sorry, Lucy, but we're fresh out of Stun Spore antidote." Misty answered. "All we have is a bunch of Band-Aids."

"That won't do us much good." Said Lucy. "What do we do?"

"I know!" cried Misty. "We can run and get some medicine at the nearest Pokemon Center!" Lucy had a look at the map that Misty was holding.

"Good thinking, Misty, except that the closest Pokemon Center is thirty miles away from here on a completely different island!" cried Lucy. "That'll take way too long!"

"Pikachu Pi." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Find another way, girls.'

"You're right, Pikachu." Said Misty. "We'll have to find some other way to help Ash and Tracey get better." Pikachu tried charging a Thunderbolt, but Misty and Lucy stopped him.

"I don't think we can shock the Stun Spore away, Pikachu." Said Misty.

"Pika." Sighed Pikachu, which meant 'You're right.'

"When I was little, any time I got sick, my dad would make me a delicious bowl of chicken soup, a cup of herbal tea with some honey, and a dash of lemon." Explained Lucy. "Sometimes he would also include some apple slices and make some toast for me."

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Then let's make them some soup!'

"We don't have any of the necessary ingredients with us." Replied Lucy.

"Misty. Lucy." Ash said weakly.

"We're here." Said Misty.

"Feel his forehead." Lucy instructed. "That's what my dad also did whenever I was unwell, so he could check for any possible fever." Misty felt Ash's forehead first, and then Tracey's.

"They do have a fever!" she cried. "We have to do something to bring their fevers down, and fast!"

"Get some water! Quick!" cried Lucy. Misty got a bucket of water from the nearby river. She put one of the wet rags on Tracey's head, and Lucy put the other one on Ash's head.

"Hey, Misty." Said Tracey.

"Just relax, Tracey." Said Misty.

"Lucy." Said Ash.

"Don't try to talk, Ash." Replied Lucy. "You need to rest and save your strength."

"Go grab a Pokedex." Said Tracey.

"Yeah! That's a great idea!" cried Misty.

"Maybe one can help us out." Added Lucy. She grabbed her own Pokedex.

"Okay." Said Lucy.

"Look up Vileplume." Ash instructed. Lucy did so.

"Antidote info." Said Tracey.

"Right." Said Lucy.

"An effective Stun Spore antidote can be made by boiling the leaves of the Salveyo weed."

"Where would we find that?" asked Lucy.

"Salveyo weed is found on clear lake bottoms wherever Vileplume live. Poliwag are also found in the vicinity of this plant."

"Poliwag?" wondered Misty.

"Find it, girls." Said Tracey. "Go find that Salveyo weed."

"Don't worry, Tracey!" cried Misty. "We'll find it no matter what! Let's go, Togepi!"

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'I'll come too!'

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Me too!'

"Pika!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'Me three!'

"We need you three to stay back and keep an eye on Ash and Tracey while Lucy and I are gone." Said Misty. Lucy pulled her egg out of her bag.

"You guys can also keep an eye on this in case it hatches." Lucy added.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Okay.'

"Come on, Lucy!" cried Misty.

Meanwhile, James and Meowth of Team Rocket were up in a tree, with Meowth perched on James' shoulders.

"Hurry up, Meowth!" cried James. Meowth was trying to reach an apple.

"Higher! A little higher!" cried Meowth. "I've almost got it!" He finally grabbed the apple.

"I got it!" cried Meowth. Right then, the branch James was standing on broke.

"Whoever it was that said apples are healthy must've never picked one." Said Meowth.

Later, James and Meowth returned to their cabin hideout.

"It wasn't easy, but we brought you the apple you wanted, Jess." Said Meowth. Poor Jessie was lying in bed.

"I think my fever's getting worse." Sighed Jessie. "But, it gives my alabaster skin such a lovely crimson hue." She got out a mirror.

"Ah, yes, very beautiful." She said.

"How come you were so particular about having a bright red apple?" asked Meowth.

"It's very simple." Answered Jessie. She took the apple and put it down beside her. "When I awaken from my fever dreams, I want to be able to gaze at something with skin that's even redder than mine." James and Meowth just sweat dropped.

"We almost broke our necks, and you're just going to look at it!?" cried Meowth.

"Meowth, please don't yell at me now. I'm not well." Said Jessie. "But if I had a pint of boysenberry ice cream….."

"Oh no! No way!" cried Meowth.

"Jessie, I think you're blowing this little temperature you're running totally out of proportion." Said James. Jessie broke down in tears and started crying.

"What if there's something terribly, terribly wrong with me?!" she cried. "Beautiful things are very fragile. Soon, I may be gone with the wind. Like that tender, lovely little leaf."

"Jessie, all you did was sniff a little Vileplume Stun Spore." Replied James.

"You just stuck your nose where it didn't belong." Said Meowth.

Flashback

"A fantastic field of fragrant flowers!" cried Jessie. As she came down from her jump, she landed in the head of a Vileplume, thus taking a direct Stun Spore in the face.

End Flashback

"I just remembered that as a tiny tot, I breathed some Stun Spore, and my dear grandpapa made a potion out of boiled Salveyo weed that he got from the lake on his estate!" cried James. "It cured me right away!" Jessie started pounding on James.

"You couldn't have taken your trip down memory lane any sooner?!" Cried Jessie. "I'm on my deathbed here!" James and Meowth were in shock as Jessie beat James around until she returned to her bed.

"I'm so weak." Sighed Jessie.

"I guess we better get Jessie some Salveyo weed." Said Meowth.

Meanwhile, Misty and Lucy were looking in a lake for Salveyo weed.

"Anything yet, Misty?" asked Lucy.

"Nothing yet. And no sign of a Poliwag either." Answered Misty. "Come on, let's try someplace else."

Meanwhile, Pikachu, Eevee and Little Pikachu were trying to keep Ash and Tracey's fevers down.

"Pikachu." Said Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Hurry, girls.'

"Vee." Said Eevee, which meant 'I hope they get back here soon.'

Meanwhile, James and Meowth were also looking for Salveyo weed.

"I don't see why I couldn't wear my Team Rocket uniform." Said James. "I feel like a clown in this get-up."

"We gotta find some of that Salveyo weed to help Jessie get better, don't we?" replied Meowth. "But if anyone saw Team Rocket splashing around in some lagoon, they'd get suspicious. That's why I swiped these disguises from the local costume shop." The disguises in question were farmer costumes for both of them.

"Couldn't you have swiped something a little more flattering?" cried James.

"I'm trying to do the best I can here!" cried Meowth. "I'm a Pokemon, not a fashion consultant!" They soon heard something.

"Hey, what's that?!" cried Meowth. A Poliwag emerged from the water.

"It's a Poliwag!" cried Meowth. The Poliwag jumped onto a rock and showed something on its tail.

"It's all coming back now!" cried James "Grandpapa used a Poliwag to find the Salveyo weed when I was Stun Spored!"

"Don't let it get away!" cried Meowth.

"Victreebell!" cried James. Victrebell materialized and chased James.

"Wait! Stop! Don't go after me!" cried James. "Go after that pretty little Poliwag!" Victrebell changed targets, but Poliwag moved in time and fired a Water Gun at Victrebell. Victrebell blocked it, and threw a Razor Leaf at it, but Poliwag dodged it.

"I'll just have to catch it the old fashioned way!" Cried Meowth. Poliwag ran for it, but Meowth was hot on its tail.

"You're not going to get away from me!" cried Meowth. He jumped and pinned Poliwag with his basket.

"We got you now!" cried Meowth. James ran up.

"Now that we know where to find the Salveyo weed, can we please change out of these costumes?" asked James.

"Quit your yapping and give me a hand with this Poliwag, will ya?" cried Meowth. Poliwag got loose and sent Meowth into James as it escaped.

"We got Poli-whipped!" Cried Meowth.

Meanwhile, Misty and Lucy kept looking.

"We just have to find that Salveyo weed to help Ash and Tracey." Said Misty.

"But we must've searched half of the wet spots on this whole island by now!" cried Lucy. They suddenly came across a Poliwag.

"Look! A Poliwag!" cried Misty. The Poliwag hid behind Misty as Lucy got her Pokedex out.

"Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokemon. It has no arms, but its tail makes it a strong swimmer."

"Poliwag can help us find the Salveyo weed!" cried Lucy.

"Togepi!" chirped Togepi. James and Meowth suddenly showed up in their usual appearance.

"Poli!" cried Poliwag, which meant 'Save me!'

"Heh! Well, look who it is!" cried Meowth.

"Team Rocket!" cried Misty and Lucy.

"All right, ladies, hand over that Poliwag!" cried Meowth.

"Huh?" said Misty.

"Poli!" cried Poliwag, which meant 'No! Don't let them take me!'

"Poliwag doesn't want to go with you two!" cried Lucy.

"Do it or else!" cried James.

"No way!" cried Misty.

"Togepi!" cried Togepi angrily.

"Poli….." Said Poliwag. The little water type was scared of James and Meowth. Both heroes and villains stared each other down, waiting for the other to make the first move.

"I think we can take them in a battle!" cried Meowth. "Don't you?"

"I do." Replied James.

"Give us that Poliwag right now!" cried Meowth.

"You'll have to take it from us!" cried Lucy.

"Victreebell, go!" cried James. Victrebell charged.

"Goldeen, go!" cried Misty. Goldeen materialized.

"Victrebell, Razor Leaf, now!" cried James. The attack was launched, but Goldeen dodged in midair as it dove into the water.

"Dive in after it!" cried James. Victrebell did so.

"Goldeen, stop it with your Horn Attack!" cried Misty. The attack landed right on target, which sent Victrebell up.

"Now try your Fury Attack, Goldeen!" cried Misty. Goldeen used the attack to bounce Victrebell up as it came down over and over.

"Attacking a Goldeen in its natural habitat is a bad idea!" cried Lucy.

"Victrebell, return!" cried James. Victrebell was recalled.

"Great job, Goldeen!" cried Misty. "You just showed Team Rocket why water Pokemon are my favorite!" She and Lucy high fived each other and celebrated Goldeen's win.

"Why can't you train that Victrebell to battle?!" cried Meowth. "It looked like a punching bag out there!"

"It could use some work." Said James. "I choose Weezing next!" Weezing materialized.

"My turn to fight them now, Misty." Said Lucy. "Staryu, I choose you!" Staryu materialized.

"Weezing/Staryu, Tackle attack, now!" cried James and Lucy. Weezing and Staryu both charged and collided but refused to give an inch to each other.

"Smog attack!" cried James. Weezing launched the attack and blinded Staryu.

"Staryu, Double Edge attack!" cried Lucy. The attack sliced away the Smog and smacked Weezing hard enough to almost send it blasting off.

"That's super awesome, Staryu!" cried Lucy.

"Now you'll have to go against me!" cried Meowth.

"Staryu, return!" cried Lucy. Staryu was recalled.

"You finish it up, Misty." Said Lucy.

"With pleasure, Lucy." Said Misty. "Psyduck, go!" Psyduck materialized.

"Try my Scratch attack on for size!" cried Meowth. The attack hit, but Psyduck didn't move. Meowth tried biting Psyduck's head, which only triggered its power.

"Get a headache. Get a big, juicy headache." Said Misty. Psyduck then absolutely UNLEASHED its psychic powers, which froze Meowth.

"Use Confusion, Psyduck!" cried Misty. The attack moved Meowth off of Psyduck's head and sent him flying into James. Both of them then slid into the woods.

"You see what happens when you use your headache?" said Misty.

"Psyduck." Answered Psyduck, which meant 'I guess so.'

"Ow. We usually just get beat by the twerp." Said Meowth.

"Now we're getting beaten by his training partner and one of his friends." Added James.

"What are we going to do now?" cried Meowth. "Those girls have the Poliwag AND the Salveyo weed. If we go back without it, Jessie will be sick, of us."

"You think kids these days would have something on their minds other than Pokemon." Said James.

"You just gave me an idea." Replied Meowth.

Meanwhile, Misty and Lucy tended to Poliwag.

"Luckily, I always bring some Pokemon cream along." Said Misty. "That should take the hurt away." Poliwag nuzzled against Misty's leg, and in the process, tickled Togepi with its tail.

"Toge, Toge, Toge, Toge!" cried Togepi.

"Togepi's tickled to have you with us." Said Lucy.

"Pol?" said Poliwag.

"Poliwag, we've got an important question to ask you." Said Lucy. "Do you know where we can find some Salveyo weed?" Lucy pulled out her Pokedex to show Poliwag what she meant.

"Here, look. It grows on lake bottoms." Said Lucy. Poliwag headed toward the river.

"Poliwag, what are you doing?" cried Lucy. "Don't go!" It was too late, as Poliwag dove into the water. However, it soon resurfaced with some Salveyo weed.

"Is there any more Salveyo weed growing on the bottom of that lake, Poliwag?" asked Misty.

"Poli." Answered Poliwag, which meant 'There is.'

"Let's go, Staryu!" Cried Lucy. Staryu materialized. Misty stayed put with Togepi while Lucy, Poliwag and Staryu dove down and got some Salveyo weed.

"Poli!" cried Poliwag. Soon, Lucy was back on the surface and she and Misty gathered up all the Salveyo weed that Lucy had picked.

"This should be more than enough." Said Misty.

"Toge, Toge, Toge!" cried Togepi.

"Ash and Tracey will certainly be surprised when they see this huge haul!" cried Lucy.

"We have to hurry and boil this up for Ash and Tracey!" cried Misty.

"Thanks again, Poliwag!" cried Lucy. The girls walked away, but Poliwag followed behind Misty.

"That Poliwag really likes you, Misty." Said Lucy.

"We'd like to stay and play with you, but our friends are sick." Said Misty. "This plant will help them get better, and when it does, maybe we can come back and see you again." Poliwag nuzzled Misty's leg.

"That is, unless you'd like to come along with Togepi, me and Lucy and meet the others now." Said Misty.

Meanwhile, Ash and Tracey were still lying flat on their backs. Pikachu and Eevee went to the window to check for them, but there was nothing outside.

"Pika." Thought Pikachu, which meant 'Girls, where are you?'

Meanwhile, the girls and Poliwag were making their way back to the cabin.

"Once Ash and Tracey get better, we'll introduce you to Pikachu and Eevee and Wartortle and Psyduck and Lapras and Dewgong and…." Said Misty. As the girls walked, James and Meowth followed behind.

"Just as I suspected." Said Meowth. "Those kids got the Poliwag and the crop of Salveyo weed."

"But they won't have either when they start to sample the goodies we've got in store for them." Said James.

"They should be making a pit stop any time now." Replied Meowth. The girls soon stopped when they saw a tea set in the middle of the road.

"My, whoever could've possibly left this fancy tea set right in the road?" wondered Misty.

"Seems kind of fishy to me." Added Lucy. They then spotted some makeup right next to the tea set.

"And all this makeup?" cried Misty.

"That's even more fishy than the tea set." Replied Lucy.

"You and I can both agree on that, Lucy." Said Misty. But when she set the tip of her foot on the blanket, she felt the ground underneath it give way a bit, which made her and Lucy catch on to what it really was.

"We have to get back and help the guys!" cried Misty. The girls continued on their way, but they soon found more odd things in the road.

"This is the most delicious looking basket of food I've ever seen in my whole life!" cried Lucy.

"But we can't stop to eat any of it because they're waiting for us." Said Misty.

"And I wouldn't want to have a picnic without Ash, anyway." Lucy added.

Next up…..

"What beautiful dresses!" cried Lucy. "Whoever uses this road has very good taste." As they kept walking, Meowth got more and more frustrated each time the girls refused to stop and look at what had been put out.

"What gives?" Cried Meowth. "We put out everything a girl should want, and they didn't fall for any of it!"

"I think it was a mistake to base our selections on what Jessie would've shopped for." Replied James.

"Maybe those kids saw through our little scheme this time, but next time, we'll have to disguise our plan a whole lot better." Said Meowth.

Meanwhile, Misty and Lucy were still listing off their friends' Pokemon.

"And then there's Scyther, and Little Pikachu, and Charizard, and Marill, and Venonat, and Gastly and Haunter and….." Said Misty. They soon stopped when they saw a woman and baby carriage in the road.

"Oh, pardon me, miss." Said the woman.

"Can we help you?" asked Lucy.

"Perhaps." Said the woman. "By any chance, would what you're carrying be something called Salveyo weed?"

"Yes." Answered Misty.

"Why do you ask?" said Lucy.

"It's just. It's just that my baby inhaled Vileplume's Stun Spore!" cried the woman.

"Why that's terrible!" cried Misty.

"My poor, precious honey child hasn't been able to move even one little old bitty muscle for days." The woman went on. "But the worst thing of all is that my sweet pea can't smile. Oh, if I could only find a hunk of that Salveyo weed. I'd boil it up, my precious angel could drink it down, and I could see that smile one more time." She started tearing up, but a familiar voice soon broke the act.

"That's the saddest sob story I ever heard." Said Meowth. "We gotta do something to help that baby." The girls quickly caught on.

"That baby sounds an awful lot like Meowth!" cried Misty.

"It sure does, doesn't it, JAMES?!" cried Lucy. James and Meowth panicked.

"Well at least I fooled you!" cried James.

"Only because you're a fool yourself." Said Misty.

"Well baby or not, prepare for trouble!"

"Lady or not, 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!"

"Meowth!"

"And I'm…. James!"

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

"Surrender that Salveyo weed, girlfriends, or prepare to fight!"

"That's right! We need that Salveyo weed to help our friend Jessie recover from some Stun Spore, and we're going to do whatever it takes to get it!" cried Meowth.

"Weezing, go!" cried James. Weezing materialized. Poliwag soon got in front of Misty.

"Poliwag!" cried Misty. Weezing charged in and nailed Poliwag, only for Poliwag to retaliate with a rapid fire slap from its tail.

"Poliwag's Double Slap attack is amazing!" cried Misty.

"Arcanine, Take Down attack!" cried Lucy. Arcanine materialized and nailed Weezing, sending it crashing into James and Meowth and the three of them ended up in the baby carriage. The carriage itself went down a slope, and upon hitting a rock, James, Meowth and Weezing went tumbling out.

"That was great, Poliwag!" cried Misty.

"You were awesome too, Arcanine!" cried Lucy. Some time later, James and Meowth climbed back up battered and beaten.

"How are we going to help Jessie now?" cried Meowth.

"Beats me." Answered James. Both of them soon saw and crawled over to some Salveyo weed that Misty and Lucy had left them.

"It. It's Salveyo weed!" cried James.

"Those girls must've left it for us!" cried Meowth. Speaking of which, Misty was explaining the reasoning for her actions to Lucy.

"So Misty, remind me again why we helped them?" asked Lucy.

"I know they wanted to trick us, but they were only trying to help Jessie." Misty answered. "So I think they deserve a break for once. Don't you?"

"I guess." Sighed Lucy. As for James and Meowth, they were teary-eyed and surprised at the kindness that had been shown to them.

"And after all we did to them!" cried Meowth.

"I must admit that the little redhead and the twerp's best friend are as good as gold!" cried James.

"Those other twerps are pretty lucky to have such kind hearted, caring, generous twerps like them for friends." Said Meowth.

Meanwhile, Pikachu, Eevee and Little Pikachu were outside anxiously waiting for the girls when they soon spotted them.

"Pikachu!" cried Misty.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

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

"Eevee! Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'You made it!'

"Let's hurry and boil this up!" cried Misty. They hurried inside and got to work, and in no time, the Salveyo weed was boiled and ready.

"Here you go." Said Misty. She handed a cup to Tracey. "Careful, it's hot!"

"I knew I could count on you." Said Tracey. Lucy handed the other cup to Ash.

"Here you are, Ash." She said. "Don't burn yourself."

"Thanks, Lucy." Replied Ash. At team Rocket's cabin, James and Meowth were also boiling the Salveyo weed.

"Isn't it ready yet?" cried Jessie. "Come on! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!"

"We're boiling as fast as we can!" cried Meowth.

"Jessie, the least you could do right now is be a little more appreciative!" cried James.

"Well, I do appreciate what you're doing." Said Jessie. "But do it faster. Now!" Within some time, Jessie had returned to full strength.

"I'm me again!" cried Jessie. James and Meowth sighed with relief.

"You've both wasted valuable time already, but if we move quickly, maybe we can triple team the girls and capture Pikachu and Eevee." Said Jessie.

"But Jessie." Replied James. Jessie got up and stretched.

"I can tell that you two are totally lost without me." She said. "Come on, let's go." She headed for the door.

"I can't believe she wants to attack the kids responsible for helping her get well." Said James.

"That's Jessie for ya. Keeping up the old Team Rocket tradition." Said Meowth.

Meanwhile, Ash and Tracey got their strength back.

"How do you boys feel?" asked Misty.

"Just fine!" cried Ash. Arbok suddenly burst through the wall, but the group ducked in time.

"We're under attack!" cried Lucy. The group rushed outside and saw Jessie.

"So, it's you!" cried Jessie.

"Yes, and I imagine you're too stunned to battle." Smirked Jessie.

"That's what you think!" cried Ash.

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

"Go and get 'em, Arbok!" cried Jessie. Arbok charged.

"Pikachu, go!" cried Ash. Pikachu charged.

"Arbok, Poison Sting attack!" cried Jessie. Arbok launched the attack, but Pikachu was too fast for it to hit.

"Come on, Arbok, what's the matter with you?!" cried Jessie. "We have to beat those kids!" As Jessie ranted, James and Meowth hid behind a nearby rock.

"Want to crawl under this rock?" said James.

"Yeah." Answered Meowth.

"Why aren't you two helping me out here!" cried Jessie.

"We don't want to cramp your style." Said Meowth. James nodded in agreement, but then he spotted something approaching him and Meowth.

"Is that…..?" Meowth wondered. It was indeed the same Vileplume that had started the whole mess. James angrily faced it.

"You!" he cried. "It's your fault that Jessie and two of the twerps got sick! Granted they're better now, as evidenced by the battle they're having, but that's besides the point!" He promptly reached for a Poke Ball and tossed it.

"Poke Ball, go!" he cried. Before Vileplume could get away, it got sucked into the ball and was captured.

"That's what you get for making our friend ill!" cried James.

Back in the battle….

"Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" cried Ash. The attack hit and sent Arbok flying into Jessie, paralyzing her again.

"I wonder if that weed will cure a Thunder Shock." Said Jessie weakly. James and Meowth rushed in.

"I think what you really need, Jessie, is something that'll cure a terminal case of ingratitude!" cried James. He and Meowth picked up Jessie and Arbok and ran away with them.

"Thanks again! I mean, we're blasting off again!" cried Meowth. The group was left in shock.

"They keep getting weirder." Said Ash.

"No kidding." Said Lucy.

"More importantly, it looks like everyone recovered from the Stun Spore." Misty added.

"That Salveyo weed tea really did the trick." Said Tracey.

"And we owe it all to you girls." Said Ash. "Especially you, Misty."

"We owe it all to Poliwag." Said Misty.

"I guess it was a team effort." Replied Ash.

"It sure was, wasn't it?" said Misty.

"You and Poliwag make a great team." Replied Tracey.

"Yeah. And great friends too." Added Misty. Poliwag happily agreed. By defending Poliwag from Team Rocket, Misty has won a new friend, and a new Pokemon. And both her and Lucy's dedication to helping Ash and Tracey has earned their gratitude.

"Thanks, Misty. And thank you too, Lucy." Said Ash. "Thank you both for helping me and being super nice to me when I was sick."

"Don't get used to it!" cried Misty.

"Misty, how many times do I have to tell you to lay off of him?!" cried Lucy. "I was more than happy to help, Ash. I know you'd do the same thing for me in exchange."

Later, the group was out at sea. And so, with renewed strength in body and spirit, Ash and his friends head for the Orange League, and the challenges that await them there.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Snorlax, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Staryu, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur, Magikarp

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 118: Hello, Pummelo!

"Well, there's Pummelo Island." Said Tracey.

"Yeah." Said Ash.

"Pikachu." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Almost there.'

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Ready for action!' After earning four Orange League badges, Ash and his friends are headed for the Orange League, where he and Lucy are confident that either of them, or maybe both of them, will capture the winner's trophy.

"Nothing's going to stop us now, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Pika Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'That's a fact!'

"Eyes on the prize, Eevee, eyes on the prize." Said Lucy. The Pokemon suddenly sensed something, and Ash and Lucy were both sent into the ocean.

"I guess I went a little overboard." Sighed Ash.

"Look at that on the horizon!" cried Lucy. The group looked and saw a figure flying along the water.

"I wonder what that is." Said Ash. Tracey looked through his binoculars to get a better look at the figure started flying upward at incredible speed. The group soon docked at the port and both Ash and Lucy headed to the reception desk to sign in for their respective battles.

"Hi, I'm here to battle for the Orange League trophy." Said Ash.

"Same here!" cried Lucy.

"Two more, eh?" said the receptionist. "Let me just verify your individual badges." All four badges were verified for both of them.

"Well now, it says here that you two came here all the way from Pallet Town, Mr. Ash Ketchum and Ms. Lucy Peters." Said the receptionist.

"Yeah, Pallet is my home town." Said Ash.

"Mine too." Replied Lucy. While she and Ash were at the desk, Misty and Tracey were looking at the statue of a Dragonite as Tracey sketched it.

"This statue sure looks familiar." Said Tracey.

"Okay, Mr. Ketchum and Miss Peters. You both have different dates and times for your battles." Said the receptionist.

"What time will our battles be, sir?" asked Lucy.

"Miss Peters, your battle will take place later today." Answered the receptionist. "And for Mr. Ketchum, your match is set for tomorrow morning at ten o'clock sharp at Pummelo Stadium."

"All right! Let's get going, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Come on, Eevee, let's go get that trophy!" cried Lucy.

"Uh, Ash, I think you and Lucy are forgetting something." Said Misty.

"Oh, yeah?" replied Ash. "Like what?"

"Like, directions to the stadium." Answered Misty. The two of them sweat dropped.

"Pika, Pika." Said Pikachu.

"Vee." Replied Eevee. The receptionist soon led the group to the stadium.

"Well, there it is. Pummelo Stadium." He said. "Where Lucy will have her big battle today, and you, Ash, will have your battle tomorrow."

"Wow, it's huge!" cried Ash.

"It looks like the Roman coliseum!" cried Lucy.

"And this. This is the Palace of Victory." Said the receptionist.

"The Palace of Victory?" said Ash.

"Well, that's the official name." explained the receptionist. "But most folks know it now as the Orange League Hall of Fame." Tracey spotted the Dragonite statue.

"Hey, look. That same statue." He said.

"All these photos and displays and trophies are here to offer every trainer who's been victorious in the Orange League since the establishment of the winner's trophy." The receptionist went on.

"Ohh." Said Ash.

"To get into the hall, a trainer has to defeat the four members of the Orange Crew and the leader of the Pummelo gym in a full Pokemon battle." Said the receptionist.

"Ash, you and I had a full battle against each other at the Pokemon League." Said Lucy. "That's when we battle with six Pokemon each, right?"

"Yes, that's right." The receptionist confirmed.

"Pika?" cried Pikachu, which meant 'All six?!'

"This isn't going to be easy." Said Tracey. "Both of you will have to think hard about the Pokemon that you're going to use."

"And a six on six Pokemon match could last a really long time." Said Misty. "But, either of you would be in the Hall of Fame forever if you win it."

"Just think! Me, honored in the Hall of Fame forever!" cried Ash. "Maybe longer!"

"Hold up there, Ash." Said Lucy. "I might be the one that rests in the Hall of Fame. No female trainer has ever won the Winner's Trophy, so I intend to make history."

"I'm sure you must've noticed that competition in each of the Orange Island gyms is very different." Said the receptionist. "That's because the Orange Crew believes it's important to test both trainers and their Pokemon under lots of different circumstances to prove how well they work together. And if you're able to win in the four Orange gyms, and in the Orange League, you deserve to be in the Hall of Fame."

"And what's that statue doing here?" asked Tracey.

"Oh, that's a Dragonite. The legendary Pokemon that guards this island." Said the receptionist.

"Dragonite." Said Lucy.

"I knew it!" cried Tracey. Ash got out his Pokedex.

"Dragonite, the Dragon Pokemon. This extremely rare and highly intelligent dragon type is able to fly faster than any known Pokemon."

"Even faster than the Mach 2 speed of a Pidgeot." Said Lucy.

"Hey, I wonder if that huge flying thing we saw…" said Tracey.

"Oh, that must've been the gym leader's Dragonite getting some exercise." Replied the receptionist. The group was in shock.

"He has a Dragonite?!" cried Lucy.

"No way!" cried Misty.

"Dragonite is the reason that nobody's ever beaten Drake." Said the receptionist. "Well, good luck you two. Good luck."

In the stadium, the Orange League leader, Drake, stood alone while looking at a statue of his Dragonite.

"I wonder if there'll ever be a challenger strong enough to triumph over us." Said Drake. Dragonite soon came in for a landing, and afterwards, Team Rocket made themselves known.

"Nice Dragonite!" cried Jessie.

"Very nice!" cried James.

"Is there something I can….." said Drake.

"We want you to prepare for trouble!" cried Jessie.

"And I suggest you 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!"

"James!"

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

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth, that's right!"

"If you've come to battle me, you'll have to apply…" said Drake. Jessie laughed.

"We wouldn't dream of battling the champion." She said.

"Who cares about a trophy? We want your Dragonite!" cried James.

"You can't be serious." Replied Drake.

"Deadly serious." Said Jessie.

"Seriously deadly." Said James. They both got out some Poke Balls.

"Either way!" cried Meowth.

"Dragonite, use your Hyper Beam." Drake instructed calmly. Dragonite's eyes glowed, which caught Team Rocket off guard. The attack was launched and Team Rocket got sent flying.

"We're blasting off again!" they cried.

Meanwhile, at the Pokemon Center, Ash and Lucy brought out all their Pokemon.

"I choose everybody!" cried Ash.

"Come on out, guys!" cried Lucy. All of her Pokemon materialized, along with all of Ash's Pokemon. Soon, Lucy's Pokemon and Ash's Pokemon were firing off attacks, save for Snorlax, as the group was trying to get Snorlax to wake up.

"Nothing works." Said Ash.

"Snorlax would be really strong in your match." Replied Misty.

"Yeah, but it can't win a battle in its sleep." Said Tracey.

"Maybe you should've tried waking up Snorlax before we got to the Pokemon Center." Said Misty.

"She's right, Ash." Said Lucy.

"Thanks for your advice, but when I need it, I'll ask for it." Said Ash. "Besides, I want to make sure all of my Pokemon are okay." Nurse Joy soon came up.

"Excuse me, but what's going on over here?" she asked.

"Nurse Joy, I have a match tomorrow, but I can't wake up my Snorlax!" cried Ash.

"Well, when was the last time your Snorlax ate?" asked Joy.

"I guess about an hour ago." Answered Tracey.

"That's why it won't wake up." answered Joy.

"But I'm in a six on six battle, and I need all my Pokemon!" cried Ash. "I've got to get Snorlax to wake up!"

"Snorlax won't be battling tomorrow." Said Joy.

"Why not?" asked Ash.

"Unless it senses danger, it won't wake up until it's hungry again. And that could take days." Said Joy.

"Or weeks, or even months. Who knows, honestly?" added Lucy. Ash was shocked at the revelation Joy had made.

"What a nightmare." Sighed Ash. He soon told Professor Oak about the problem.

"Well, it looks like you have a big decision to make." Said Oak.

"I know." Replied Ash. "I'm not sure which Pokemon I want to switch for Snorlax."

"More importantly, how do we figure out what Pokemon to pick when we don't even know which ones the gym leader is going to use?" said Lucy.

"Yes, what should you do?" said Oak. "You could always pick Kingler. Its huge, crushing claws won an important match for you at the Pokemon League. Then there's Muk, the amazing bulk that wilted Bellsprout if I recall correctly. Or you might choose Tauros, the snorting, stomping, stampeding wild bull type. Not to mention the plethora of other Pokemon you have here. So, what's it going to be?"

"I'm going to go with Tauros!" cried Ash. Misty and Lucy were surprised and shocked at Ash's choice.

"Well, Tauros seems happy with your decision." Said Oak. "Put the Poke Ball with Snorlax in the transporter and I'll get Tauros ready to make the switch." Ash put Snorlax's Poke Ball in place.

"But you've never used Tauros in a match." Said Misty.

"Yeah, I know." Replied Ash. "But when I used Krabby for the first time at the Pokemon League, I won. I know Tauros will try really hard, and maybe I'll win again."

"The beginner's luck factor might work." Said Tracey.

"The element of surprise is a powerful weapon." Said Lucy. "I bet Tauros is one surprise that the gym leader won't see coming."

"Yeah, that's what I'm hoping for." Said Ash. "Okay Professor, we're ready here!"

"I'll begin the transport now!" cried Oak. Snorlax was soon transported.

"Have a nice sleep, Snorlax." Said Ash. Tauros soon arrived.

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

"Professor, I'd like to make an exchange too if that's okay." Said Lucy.

"Certainly, Lucy." Said Oak. "Which Pokemon of yours that's here would you like me to send over?"

"I'd like Wartortle if you please." Lucy answered. "I'll send you Staryu in exchange." Oak grabbed the Poke Ball containing Lucy's Wartortle and placed it on the transporter. Lucy did the same with Staryu's Poke Ball, and the exchange was then completed.

"Staryu got here safely." Said Oak.

"And Wartortle's here." Said Lucy. "Thanks, Professor."

"Thank you for all the help, Professor." Said Ash.

"Ash, I wish you and Lucy the best of luck." Said Oak.

"Thanks." Said Ash. The call then ended.

"Well, Tauros, I'm glad to have you on the team." Said Ash. Tauros mooed happily. Just then, there was a glow coming from Lucy's backpack.

"Oh my gosh!" cried Lucy. "Guys, I think it's time!" She grabbed her egg out of her bag and placed it on the floor and the group gathered around the egg. It soon started to hatch.

"I wonder what Pokemon's going to come out of that egg." Said Tracey.

"We'll know for sure in a moment." Said Misty. The egg soon finished hatching, and the Pokemon that came out was one that was very familiar to Ash. The flame on its tail glowed brightly, and the Pokemon gave a yawn before looking at its surroundings.

"Char?" it asked, which meant 'Where am I?'

"It's a Charmander!" cried Ash.

"And a very cute one too." Said Lucy. "Charmander, you're in the Pokemon Center at Pummelo Island. My name's Lucy, Charmander, and I'm your new trainer."

"Charmander?" the newborn cried, which meant 'Mommy?' Lucy giggled.

"Aw, isn't that cute?" she said. "This little one thinks I'm its' mother."

"Well, you were the first thing it saw when it hatched." Said Misty. Togepi, Pikachu and Eevee greeted the newborn warmly.

"Toge!" cried Togepi, which meant 'Hi there, little guy. I'm Togepi.'

"Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'My name's Pikachu!'

"Vee!" squealed Eevee, which meant 'I'm Eevee, Charmander.' The newborn Charmander smiled at them.

"Charmander's making friends already!" cried Lucy. "That's totally cool!" She smiled happily at her newborn.

Later, the group was at Pummelo Stadium watching Lucy battle against Drake.

"Wartortle, use your Hydro Pump attack!" cried Lucy. Wartortle spun around and fired multiple blasts of water at Onix. The rock Pokemon roared loudly before fainting.

"Onix is unable to battle! Wartortle is the winner!" cried the referee.

"Well, fans, both trainers are now down to their final Pokemon!" cried the announcer. "Which Pokemon will Drake send out to into battle now?"

"Wartortle, whatever his last Pokemon is, be ready." Said Lucy. Wartortle nodded.

"So, Lucy, answer this question for me." Said Drake. "Do you like dragons at all?"

"I've always loved them." said Lucy. "Especially Dragonite. Dragon Pokemon are one of my favorite types."

"Well then, this last Pokemon should provide a fun little dragon tale!" cried Drake. He tossed the Poke Ball and Dragonite materialized.

"Drake has chosen Dragonite for his final Pokemon!" cried the announcer.

"Let's go, Wartortle!" cried Lucy. "Water Gun attack!" Wartortle fired the move.

"Fly up!" cried Drake. Dragonite did so, and dodged the Water Gun attack.

"Now go for a Body Slam!" cried Drake. Dragonite flew in towards Wartortle, which made Lucy gasp.

"Withdraw!" she cried. Wartortle quickly hid, which softened Dragonite's attack.

"Dragonite, slap Wartortle with your tail!" cried Drake. Dragonite's big tail slammed Wartortle's shell backwards towards the wall.

"Oh no!" cried Lucy. Wartortle landed before making impact and got back to its feet.

"Okay, Wartortle, show Dragonite your Skull Bash attack!" cried Lucy. Wartortle charged, but Dragonite's huge body made the attack simply bounce off of it.

"Dragon Rage!" cried Drake. Dragonite attacked, but at Lucy's command, Wartortle used Withdraw once again to soften the blow.

"Bubble Beam attack!" cried Lucy. Wartortle emerged again and fired a barrage of bubbles at Dragonite. The dragon Pokemon felt it.

"A few little bubbles won't stop us!" cried Drake. "Thunderbolt attack, now!" Dragonite unleashed the powerful electric move.

"Wartortle!" cried Lucy. From the sidelines, Ash, Misty and Tracey grew worried.

"Dragonite's got a powerful Thunderbolt." Ash observed.

"But Wartortle's weak against electric attacks!" cried Misty. "Lucy's going to lose if Dragonite keeps this up!"

"Wartortle, hang in there!" cried Lucy. "Withdraw yourself again!" Wartortle went into the shell, which weakened the power of the attack before it stopped. When Wartortle came out, it had some zap marks but it was still fighting strong.

"Okay, Wartortle, use a Bite attack!" cried Lucy. Wartortle bit Dragonite on the leg.

"Dragonite, shake Wartortle off of you!" cried Drake. Dragonite shook and shook until it was able to get Wartortle off its' leg.

"Now for the finisher." Said Drake. "Hyper Beam attack!" Dragonite opened its mouth and prepared to fire.

"Wartortle, get ready." Said Lucy.

"Now!" commanded Drake. The attack quickly shot out of Dragonite, but….

"Wartortle, use Counter!" cried Lucy. Wartortle obliged and countered the Hyper Beam, sending it right back at Dragonite at even more power until it hit the powerful Dragon type.

"Dragonite!" cried Drake. Dragonite still stood, but it was panting heavily.

"Since it can't move right after a Hyper Beam….." said Lucy. "Water Gun attack!" Wartortle fired the attack, which landed easily due to Dragonite being unable to move.

"That Wartortle may be tough, but we're tougher!" cried Drake. "Thunder attack!" Dragonite unleashed the powerful Thunder at Wartortle, which landed. Lucy, Ash, Tracey and Misty gasped.

"Wartortle! Try to hang on!" cried Lucy. Wartortle was still feeling the Thunder.

"Wartortle, you're doing your best, but maybe you're just not strong enough!" cried Lucy. "I know you can do it! We've been together pretty much since I first got you as a Squirtle. I believe in you!" Wartortle thought of all the battles it had fought together with Lucy in the past, and then it shook off the Thunder attack.

"That's it, Wartortle!" cried Lucy. Then, a glow began to form.

"No way!" cried Lucy.

"Is Wartortle….?" Asked Misty.

"It's evolving!" cried Tracey. Wartortle grew bigger and bigger until its body became very big and two cannons appeared on its back. The glow then stopped, and a different, but much stronger stood in Wartortle's place.

"Wartortle just….." said Ash.

"Evolved into Blastoise!" cried Lucy. "Okay, Blastoise, Ice Beam attack!" Blastoise opened wide and fired the attack, striking Dragonite and sending it to the ground.

"Dragonite is unable to battle! Blastoise wins!" cried the referee. "This match goes to Lucy Peters!"

"Folks, history has just been made!" cried the announcer. "Challenger Lucy has become the first ever female trainer to win the Orange Leage Winner's Trophy!"

"We really did it, Blastoise!" cried Lucy. Drake congratulated her, and a photo of Lucy and her team was taken and placed into the Hall of Fame.

"I almost can't believe it." Said Lucy. "My dad's going to be so proud of me when he finds out about this!"

"Congratulations again on your win, Lucy." Said Ash.

"Thanks, Ash!" Lucy cried. "I can't wait to see how you do in your match tomorrow."

Later that evening, Team Rocket was walking along the beach after their embarrassing defeat.

"That was embarrassing." Said James.

"There has to be a way to capture that Dragonite." Replied Jessie. They soon heard a road barker advertising Ash's match for the next day.

"Bring your family, bring your friends to Pummelo Stadium tomorrow at 10:00 AM!" cried the barker. "Admission is free! Don't miss this exciting event as the second of our new challengers faces Drake for the Orange League grand trophy!"

"Hey, maybe that challenger can win." Said a passerby.

"I just want to see Dragonite!" cried a kid. Meowth then got an idea.

"I just got a great idea!" he cried.

"Let's hear it." Said Jessie.

"That Dragonite's too tough for us to capture, but not if we let the second challenger soften it up." said Meowth.

"Tell us more!" cried James.

"How are we going to do it?" asked Jessie. Meowth whispered his plan to his teammates.

"Works for me." Said Jessie and James. Team Rocket chuckled with glee. The next day, the crowd was cheering excitedly as Ash's battle was about to start.

"Welcome, Pokemon fans!" cried the announcer. "Pummelo Stadium is pulsing with excitement as we get set for the second leg of the first Orange League competition of the season! Entering the arena is Drake, leader of the Orange Crew and Pummelo Island gym leader! Opposing him from Pallet Town is Ash Ketchum, who hopes to earn the coveted winner's trophy for himself, as well as a permanent place in the Orange League Hall Of Fame!" Drake and Ash approached each other.

"I sure have heard a lot about you." Said Ash. "I also saw you in action yesterday against my friend." The trainers shook hands.

"The trainers begin with the traditional handshake." Said the announcer.

"Welcome to Pummelo gym, Ash, and the Orange league winner's trophy match." Said Drake.

"I'm really happy to be here, Drake." Said Ash.

"You must be an excellent trainer to make it here, Ash." Said Drake. "Are you ready to battle?

"Yeah!" cried Ash. Both trainers got set and ready as the referee explained the rules.

"This is a full six on six battle. When three of one trainer's Pokemon are unable to battle, there will be a field change." Said the referee.

"What's a field change?" asked Ash. He got his answer as the battlefield transformed.

"As you saw in the battle from yesterday, a field change is a transformation of the battle area." Said the referee. "The gym leader is forbidden to switch Pokemon during battle, but the challenger may switch Pokemon at any time." The battlefield became a rocky terrain with a pool in the middle.

"The battle will begin on a rock and water field!" cried the announcer.

"This winner's trophy match is about to begin." Said the referee. "So choose your Pokemon and good luck to you both." People that couldn't make it to the stadium were watching the match on television screens around the island. Team Rocket was also watching, and they were in shock when they saw who the second challenger was.

"And now, we'll see which Pokemon the trainers choose." Said the announcer. "An important decision which could give us an idea of the strategies these opponents are planning!"

"I can't believe this!" cried James.

"The second challenger is the twerp!" cried Jessie.

"This makes things more interesting." Said Meowth. "I heard the twerp's training partner actually took out the champ yesterday." Both trainers were soon on the battlefield, the bell rang, and the match began.

"I hope this one leaves a good impression!" cried Drake. A Ditto materialized from the Poke Ball.

"It's a Ditto!" cried Ash.

"Orange Crew leader Drake has made Ditto his first choice!" cried the announcer. "Transform is Ditto's one and only technique, but this Pokemon turns opponent's strengths into its own, which can be devastating!"

"Ditto will just imitate any Pokemon Ash uses." Said Misty.

"Precisely, since it can only use Transform." Said Lucy. "When transformed, though, a Ditto has the same abilities as the Pokemon it changes into."

"Ditto's tricky. This isn't going to be an easy one." Said Tracey.

"Now, let's see which of his six Pokemon the challenger will choose." Said the announcer.

"Pikachu, I'm going to start off with you, okay?" said Ash.

'Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Let's do it!'

"All right, let's win that trophy!" cried Ash. Pikachu dashed onto the field.

"The challenger has chosen Pikachu, an electric Pokemon who looks charged up and ready for battle!" cried the announcer.

"You can do it, Pikachu!" cried Misty.

"Ditto, Transform!" cried Drake. Ditto glowed and turned into Pikachu.

"Ditto has Transformed into a Pikachu!" cried the announcer.

"Let's go, Pikachu! Use your Thunder!" cried Ash. The attack landed, but Ditto took it.

"And it's a high flying, high voltage attack from Pikachu, but Ditto's taking every jolt and every volt! Despite the super shock, Ditto's still standing strong!"

"Ditto, Thunder attack back!" cried Drake. Ditto launched a Thunder of its own.

"Now Ditto's Thundering Pikachu, but Pikachu proves it can take the heat!" cried the announcer.

"Pikachu, Thunder Shock attack!" cried Ash.

"Ditto, use your Thunder Shock attack, now!" cried Drake. The attacks launched and collided in a struggle.

"This pumped pair of Pokemon is pouring on the power!" cried the announcer. "Something's got to give!" The rock Pikachu was standing on gave way.

"Pikachu, look out!" cried Ash. The rock Ditto was on also gave way.

"We got him now, Ditto! You know what to do!" cried Drake.

"The battleground's crumbling beneath them!" cried the announcer. "Ditto's navigating the rocks and debris with ease, but it seems Ketchum's Pikachu just doesn't have the knack for playing the field." Pikachu struggled to get back up.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Well fans, it seems the Orange Crew leader may have already won this round!" cried the announcer. "Choosing Ditto is a strategy we've seen Drake win with before! Some challengers never get past this terrific transformer!"

"Pikachu, are you okay?" said Ash. Pikachu got up.

"There's got to be some way to beat that Ditto!" cried Ash.

"Ash, quick! You better switch to another Pokemon!" cried Misty.

"What good will that do?" cried Ash. "Ditto will just transform and copy everything we do!"

"After facing Ditto, previous challengers have lost their cool seeing all their own Pokemon's hard earned attacks and abilities thrown right back at them!" cried the announcer. "Many trainers have panicked and made major errors against Ditto, errors that ultimately cost them the Winner's Trophy!"

"Ash, you've got to stay focused!" cried Tracey.

"Ditto may be frustrating to deal with, but you can't let that get to you!" cried Lucy.

"Well, I know one thing." Said Ash. "They can copy Pikachu, but there's nothing like the real thing!"

"Ditto, use Agility, now!" cried Drake. Ditto dashed forward.

"Pikachu, use your Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash. The attack launched.

"The challenger's trying a different attack!" cried the announcer. The attack proved useless as Ditto dodged each bolt, which shocked Pikachu and Ash.

"Ditto dodges Pikachu's Thunderbolts and keeps on coming!" cried the announcer.

"Ditto, Thunder attack, now!" cried Drake. The attack fired.

"Pikachu, look out!" cried Ash. Pikachu dropped to his stomach and let the attack hit its' tail, which carried it to the ground and didn't harm Pikachu at all.

"Pikachu's hanging on despite Ditto's Thunder!" cried the announcer.

"Pikachu, use your Quick Attack!" cried Ash. Pikachu rushed in.

"Ditto, use your Quick Attack too!" cried Drake. The two Pokemon collided with electrical force.

"Those two are really turning up the juice!" cried the announcer. The two Pokemon went down to the ground, and Pikachu got up first.

"Okay, Pikachu, give it everything you've got!" cried Ash. Pikachu let his electrical power surge through his tail.

"Pikachu's electricity is devastating Ditto!" cried the announcer. Pikachu smacked Ditto with an electrical slap of its tail, which knocked Ditto down and made it morph back to its regular form.

"Pikachu's Shocking Tale may have stopped the Ditto Show!" cried the announcer.

"Ditto is unable to battle! Pikachu is the winner!" cried the referee.

"The first victory goes to challenger Ash Ketchum and Pikachu!" cried the announcer.

"I knew it!" cried Ash. "I knew Pikachu could hang in there and beat that Ditto!"

"Way to improvise, Pikachu!" cried Lucy.

"Way to go!" cried Misty.

"Oh, I get it!" said Tracey. "Ditto may be able to imitate attacks, but it can't control or change its basic physical condition! Ditto got worn out because Pikachu's in better shape!"

"Ditto, return!" cried Drake. Ditto was recalled.

"You did a great job. And so did you, Ash!" cried Drake. "But this next one's going to rock you!" An Onix materialized from the Poke Ball.

"For his second Pokemon, Drake has chosen Onix, a rock type that's strong against electric attacks." Said the announcer. "Let's see how Ketchum responds.

"You've battled enough for today, Pikachu!" cried Ash. Pikachu ran back to Ash.

"The challenger is recalling Pikachu for a well deserved rest." Said the announcer.

"Against a rock type, I choose you!" cried Ash. Wartortle materialized.

"Pika, Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Get 'em, Wartortle!'

"Wartortle!" cried Wartortle, which meant 'No prob!'

"An easy choice for Ash as he selects Wartortle to go up against Drake's Onix." Said the announcer.

"That's just what I thought he'd do." Said Drake.

"I don't know, you guys, this one could go either way." Said Tracey.

"Come on, Wartortle! Win this one for all the water Pokemon!" cried Misty.

"Judging by type, Wartortle has the advantage, but Onix is a rock solid battler!" cried the announcer.

"Wartortle, use your Water Gun attack!" cried Ash.

"Onix, you know what to do!" cried Drake. Onix tunneled underground as Wartortle launched the Water Gun.

"Where'd it go?!" cried Ash.

"Onix just used its Dig attack!" cried Lucy.

"In a lightning show of speed, Onix has slithered away from Wartortle's Water Gun and burrowed itself beneath the battlefield!"

"Watch out! Onix is going to try and attack Wartortle from underground!" cried Tracey.

"What do they do now?" asked Misty.

"Now Onix has the advantage as Wartortle waits for it to re-appear." Said the announcer. The battlefield soon rumbled, which indicated that Onix was coming to the surface.

"Quick, Wartortle, go dive into the water!" cried Ash. "Onix won't be able to find you there!" Wartortle made a dash for the water in the middle of the battlefield.

"Wartortle is attempting to avoid Onix by heading for the water!" cried the announcer.

"Onix, now!" cried Drake. Onix surfaced as Wartortle got close to the water, which sent it flying.

"There it is!" cried the announcer. "Onix has smashed through, stunning Wartortle and sending it flying!"

"Wartortle, get to the pool before Onix attacks!" cried Ash.

"Onix, Bind Wartortle, now!" cried Drake. Wartortle tried to run down Onix's back to get to the pool, but Onix caught it in Bind.

"Water Gun, now!" cried Ash.

"Onix is putting the squeeze on Wartortle!" cried the announcer. "Wartortle's squirming, but it can't seem to use its' Water Gun attack!"

"Protect yourself! Withdraw!" cried Ash. Wartortle went back into its shell.

"Wartortle has shrunk back into its' shell!" cried the announcer.

"This round goes to me." Said Drake.

"This round isn't up yet!" cried Ash. "No matter how fast Onix is, Wartortle has the advantage! Hydro Pump, now!" The attack fired and hit Onix in the face.

"Wartortle is battling back by a shocked and surprised Onix with its' Hydro Pump!" cried the announcer.

"Onix, dive underground again and get away from that attack!" cried Drake. Onix couldn't escape, however, as Wartortle began to spin around while using Hydro Pump, thus breaking itself free from Bind.

"This is amazing!" cried the announcer. "Wartortle's Hydro Pump has broke the hold on him by Onix! The stone snake is stopped in its tracks!"

"Onix, look out!" cried Drake.

"Okay, Wartortle, use your Skull Bash attack!" cried Ash. The attack landed right behind Onix's head.

"A knockout move!" cried the announcer. "That Skull Bash move just turned out the lights and it's good night for Onix!"

"Onix is unable to battle! Wartortle is the winner!" cried the referee.

"Wartortle, you did it!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Nice work, pal!'

"Yay!" cried Misty.

"Two down, four to go!" cried Lucy. "Ash is almost at the halfway point!"

"This is the second consecutive defeat for Drake!" cried the announcer.

"I thought for sure Bind attack would stop Wartortle." Said Drake. "Onix, return!" Onix was recalled.

"Drake lost again." Said someone in the audience.

"That Ash kid isn't bad." Said another audience member. "Just like the girl from yesterday."

"Well Ash, so far you've beaten two of my Pokemon." Said Drake. "But this time, you don't stand a ghost of a chance!" A Gengar materialized from the Poke Ball.

"Gengar?!" cried Ash.

"Drake has chosen the ghost Pokemon, Gengar!" cried the announcer.

"Gengar's going to be tough." Said Misty.

"I may be over my fear of ghost types, but that Gengar is still a little intimidating." Said Lucy. "Ash better be careful."

"Wartortle's worn, Ash! You better rest it!" cried Tracey.

"Wartortle, return!" cried Ash. Wartortle was recalled.

"You were great." Said Ash.

"Watch out! There aren't many Pokemon that are really strong against a ghost type like Gengar!"

"That's right!" cried Ash. "Well, I suppose now's a good time for some beginner's luck."

"More like the element of surprise to me." Added Lucy.

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

"I knew he'd slip up eventually." Said Drake.

"An unusual choice, but Ketchum may have a secret strategy. The young challenger is already two for two!" cried the announcer.

"Let's make it three for three!" cried Ash. "Fissure attack!" Tauros stomped the ground with its' hooves, which made the battlefield shake.

"This is unbelievable!" cried the announcer. "Tauros is really shaking things up out there and Gengar's getting rattled!" Tauros put down one of its hooves, and a stream of energy traveled through the ground.

"Here it comes! That Fissure's headed straight for Gengar!" cried the announcer.

"All right, Gengar, jump, now!" cried Drake. Gengar jumped in time to save itself.

"Gengar springs to safety and escapes the Fissure attack!" cried the announcer. "Now that Gengar's taken to the sky, ground attacks are useless and Tauros is in trouble!"

"Gengar, use your Confuse Ray!" cried Drake. Gengar's eyes began to glow, which made Tauros confused.

"Oh no!" said Lucy. "Tauros is going to be rampaging mad now!" The effects of the attack caused the bull Pokemon to attack the rocks on the field.

"The confusion ray's working and Tauros is running wild!" cried the announcer.

"Tauros, return!" cried Ash. Tauros was recalled before it could really damage itself.

"The challenger has no choice but to recall Tauros and pick another Pokemon!" cried the announcer.

"There has to be some way to stop that Gengar." Said Ash. "I know! Maybe Ice beam would work! Lapras, I choose you!" Lapras materialized and entered the water.

"Ah. Good move, Ash." Said Drake.

"Ketchum is going with Lapras!" cried the announcer.

"Gengar, use your Hypnosis!" cried Drake. Gengar started the Hypnosis session.

"Lapras, get away!" cried Ash. Lapras dove under water.

"It looks like Lapras escapes Hypnosis by diving under the water." Said the announcer. Gengar landed on a rock as Lapras surfaced.

"Lapras, Water Gun attack!" cried Ash. The attack hit Gengar square in the face.

"Lapras hits its mark and that Water Gun is getting to Gengar!" cried the announcer. Gengar jumped out of the way.

"Gengar, Night Shade attack!" cried Drake.

"Lapras, Ice Beam attack, fast!" cried Ash. The attacks fired and collided.

"The power from these two super attacks is building up!" cried the announcer. The arena filled with a bright flash of light from the attacks.

"Lapras, no!" cried Ash. Drake and the rest of Ash's friends were left in shock.

"That flash of light is making those attacks look like the fourth of July!" cried Lucy. The Pokemon's powerful, dramatic attacks have collided head on, with explosive results! Which Pokemon will be left standing when the smoke clears, Gengar or Lapras? Find out in our next exciting episode!

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Snorlax, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur, Magikarp

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 119: Enter The Dragonite

Last time, our heroes Ash and Lucy finally arrived at Pummelo Stadium to challenge the reigning Orange League champion and battle for the coveted Winner's Trophy. Drake, the Pummelo gym leader and Orange Crew leader, proved to be a formidable opponent when Lucy faced him, but she was able to take out the very powerful Dragonite and win the trophy. Later, in Ash's battle, he managed to win the first two rounds of his full six on six battle. But when Gengar launched a Night Shade attack, and Lapras quickly countered with an Ice Beam, the results were explosive! Now, the anxious spectators are waiting to see which Pokemon has survived the blast!

"Folks, the smoke still hasn't cleared with those two tremendous attacks, but in a moment, we'll know who the winner is!" cried the announcer. Once the smoke finally cleared, both Lapras and Gengar were knocked out.

"Lapras! Gengar! Both are unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"What a shocker! Lapras and Gengar are both out of this competition!" cried the announcer.

"Lapras, return!" cried Ash. Lapras was recalled.

"Lapras, you did great." Said Ash.

"Gengar, return." Said Drake. Gengar was recalled.

"Good work. You've earned a good rest." Said Drake.

"Well, Ash may not have won that round, but this is the first time a challenger has knocked out three of the gym leader's Pokemon in a row." Said the announcer.

"There will be a time out for the field change!" cried the referee.

"In the Winner's Trophy competition, whenever three of either trainer's Pokemon are defeated, the field is changed." Explained the announcer. "Now, both of these trainers will have to adjust and come up with new battle strategies." Ash sat down on the bench in his corner. He was clearly in need of a break. Drake eyed his necklace, and the Poke Ball that was at the end of it.

"You're the only strategy I need to win." Said Drake. As he looked at the Dragonite statue at the top of the stadium, and while Ash stretched out his legs, Team Rocket watched from the bleachers.

"The twerp's doing pretty well for himself." Said James.

"He's no so great." Jessie muttered.

"Well if he's not so great, how come we never manage to beat him?" asked James. Jessie lost her patience.

"I've had just about enough of you two!" she snapped. "You insult us while Meowth's giving himself a manicure!" Meowth laughed.

"For James, it'd be a manicure, but for me, it's a Meowth-icure." He said.

"Well, great or not, that kid will never beat Dragonite." Chuckled James.

"Uh, Jimmy, his training partner beat Dragonite yesterday." Meowth reminded him. "Luckily, we don't need him to beat Dragonite, we just need him to battle it for a while and tire it out for us."

"Yeah, and then, while its' defenses are down, we can capture it and bring it back to the boss!" cried James.

"And that'll make us the real winners." Said Meowth. Team Rocket chuckled with glee.

Down on the battlefield, Ash got ready for the next round as the battlefield changed.

"The new field is moving into place, and the trainers are set for action!" cried the announcer. "This time, the opponents will be dueling on a sandy, desert-like battleground." The trainers approached and the bell rang.

"There's the bell to start the second half of this full six on six Winner's trophy battle!" cried the announcer. "Drake has only three Pokemon left, while Ash has five Pokemon remaining!"

"I choose you, Venusaur!" cried Drake. Venusaur materialized.

"Drake has picked Venusaur, who has won many battles here in the past." Said the announcer.

"Venusaur's too strong for Bulbasaur, and Lapras needs a good rest." Said Ash. "I choose you, Tauros!" Tauros materialized once again.

"And Tauros gets a second chance from the challenger." Said the announcer. "The wild bull Pokemon looks rested and ready to rumble!"

"Let's shake 'em up!" cried Ash. "Fissure!" Tauros stomped the ground with its hooves.

"Once again, Tauros leads off with a frightening Fissure attack!" cried the announcer. Ash, however, noticed something that threw off his plan.

"But this time, the Fissure is fizzled out!" cried the announcer. "The sandy surface soaked up the shock and Ketchum's got himself one stunned steer!"

"Tauros' hooves got stuck in the sand!" cried Lucy. "He's going to be a sitting duck!"

"Venusaur, Solar Beam, now!" cried Drake. Venusaur charged the attack.

"Hey, Ash! Maybe you can stop Venusaur while it's still absorbing energy!" cried Tracey.

"Not a bad idea, Tracey!" responded Lucy.

"Tauros, Take Down attack!" cried Ash. Tauros charged.

"Now the whole stadium's shaking as Tauros heads right for Venusaur!" cried the announcer. Tauros hit the target dead center, but the sandy terrain prevented it from gaining any further traction.

"Tauros' hooves won't hold as the sand's got it stuck in its tracks!" cried the announcer.

"Solar Beam, now!" cried Drake.

"Tauros, send Venusaur soaring, now!" cried Ash. Tauros used all the strength it had to send Venusaur into the air, only for the Solar Beam to fire as Venusaur went up.

"Tauros, please be okay!" cried Ash. Once the dust settled, Tauros was unscathed.

"Tauros is up!" cried the announcer. "It looks like that Solar Beam got it unstuck from the sand!"

"Yeah! All right!" cried Ash.

"Way to use that head of yours, Ash!" cried Lucy. "Yours too, Tauros!"

"This isn't over yet." Said Drake. Venusaur launched a Vine Whip at Tauros, but Tauros managed to run right through the attack until it struck and knocked Tauros down.

"Tauros! You gotta try and get up!" cried Ash. Tauros got back up.

"Now, use Take Down attack!" Tauros charged as Venusaur's Vine Whip closed in.

"Tauros is tearing right through Venusaur's Vine Whip!" cried the announcer. The attack landed, which sent Venusaur reeling.

"The Take Down attack hits home and Venusaur goes flying!" cried the announcer. Venusaur landed, but it was beaten up badly.

"Venusaur is unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"You heard it, fans! The challenger has now taken out four of the gym leader's six Pokemon!" cried the announcer. Venusaur was recalled.

"You put up a fine battle, Venusaur." Said Drake. "Now, I choose Electabuzz!" Electabuzz materialized.

"The atmosphere is charged as Electabuzz, Drake's fifth Pokemon, prepares to take on Tauros!" cried the announcer. "The question is, will Ash stick with the beefy battler, or is Tauros too tuckered out to unplug Electabuzz?"

"It looks like Tauros is worn out." Said Tracey.

"I see that too." Replied Lucy. "Ash better use another Pokemon."

"Thanks, Tauros. Return." Said Ash. Tauros was recalled.

"The challenger is changing Pokemon." Said the announcer.

"I have to go with somebody fresh." Said Ash. "Bulbasaur, I choose you!" Bulbasaur materialized.

"Bulbasaur, grass types can mow down electric types in competition!" cried Ash. "We should have a lock on this one!"

"I don't know, Ash. Remember, you have to take level into account too, not just type." Said Tracey.

"Bulbasaur can handle it." Said Ash.

"Use Thunder Shock, now!" cried Drake. The attack landed, but Bulbasaur shook it off.

"Bulbasaur shakes off the shock!" cried the announcer. "Ash's strategy is working perfectly!"

"The sand is acting as a ground for Electabuzz's electricity!" cried Lucy. "That's brilliant!"

"Razor Leaf, now!" cried Ash. The attack landed.

"Thunderbolt attack!" cried Drake. The bolt fired.

"Tackle attack!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur charged.

"Electabuzz, Thunder Punch!" cried Drake. The Tackle landed as Electabuzz charged up a Thunder Punch and let Bulbasaur have it. The grass type was sent reeling and knocked out of the match.

"Bulbasaur is unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"Electabuzz short circuits the bulb!" cried the announcer. "This high level electric type's defeat of a grass type has this crowd buzzing!"

"Bulbasaur, return!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur was recalled.

"Good job, Bulbasaur." Said Ash.

"Now the heat is on for challenger Ash Ketchum!" cried the announcer. That gave Lucy an idea.

"Hey, Ash, you heard what the announcer just said, right?!" she cried. "If the heat's on, then crank it up!"

"Great idea, Lucy!" cried Ash. "I choose you!" Charizard materialized.

"A wise move as Ash follows his training partner's advice and chooses Charizard!" cried the announcer.

"I just hope that Charizard's at a high enough level to beat Electabuzz." Said Ash. "Flamethrower!" Charizard charged.

"Electabuzz, go!" cried Drake. Electabuzz jumped as the Flamethrower was fired.

"Thunder Punch, now!" cried Drake. Electabuzz came down with a shocking Thunder Punch.

"Electabuzz connects first with a devastating Thunder Punch!" cried the announcer. "Charizard is cooling off quick as the gym leader gains an early advantage!"

"Hang in there, Charizard!" cried Ash.

"Thunder attack, now!" cried Drake. The attack landed.

"Ketchum better come up with something fast, or I hope he likes his Charizard extra crispy!" cried the announcer.

"Charizard, Ember attack!" cried Ash. The attack fired and broke the other attack.

"A scorching response from Charizard who grounds Electabuzz with a searing counterattack!" cried the announcer.

"This one's level is higher than I expected." Thought Drake.

"Now, Charizard, Fly!" cried Ash. Charizard went airborne.

"Use your Seismic Toss!" cried Ash.

"Quick! Thunderbolt attack!" cried Drake. Charizard grabbed Electabuzz as it prepared to attack and took it up above the stadium, stopping the electric attack entirely.

"Charizard stops the Thunderbolt attack before it gets started!" cried the announcer. "Now Charizard's got Electabuzz in a clinch, winding up for a super Seismic Toss!" Charizard spun Electabuzz around in a loop-de-loop and dropped it down hard. When the dust settled, Electabuzz was out cold as Charizard landed and breathed a flame of victory.

"Electabuzz is unable to battle!" cried the referee. Ash and the group smiled with pride as Charizard roared.

"A shocking turnaround as Charizard combines offensive and defensive skills to toss Drake's Electabuzz right out of this match!" cried the announcer. Electabuzz as recalled.

"Good work, Electabuzz." Said Drake.

"Now challenger Ash Ketchum is one victory away from earning that coveted Winner's Trophy!" cried the announcer. "But as we've seen him do before, Drake has saved the best for last!" Drake removed the Poke Ball that was hanging from his necklace, and the group knew what was coming.

"I had a feeling it'd come down to this." Said Lucy. "I faced that powerhouse yesterday." The group and Team Rocket watched with bated breath and waited in anticipation to see 'it' come forward.

"My last hope." Said Drake. "I choose you!" Dragonite materialized.

"I was afraid of this." Said Ash.

"Drake's final Pokemon is the legendary Dragonite!" cried the announcer. "If Dragonite goes down, this battle is over!"

"You may be my last hope, Dragonite, but with you, this battle's just beginning." Said Drake. Dragonite got its game face on, which surprised the group on the sidelines.

"Dragonite's going to be the toughest one yet!" cried Tracey.

'No kidding." Added Lucy. "That thing is definitely no pushover."

"Let's bring it to 'em, Charizard!" cried Ash. "Flamethrower!" The attack fired.

"Dragonite, Water Gun!" cried Drake. Dragonite launched its own attack, which canceled out the Flamethrower and slitted it before it hit Charizard.

"Dragonite not only douses Charizard, but it may be dampening Ketchum's hopes of taking home the Winner's Trophy!" cried the announcer.

"Quick, Charizard, time to Fly!" cried Ash.

"Dragonite, use Ice Beam!" Dragonite fired, but missed as Charizard took to the air.

"Charizard dodges Dragonite's Ice Beam with an impressive show of air force!" cried the announcer.

"After it, Dragonite!" cried Drake. Dragonite swiftly took to the sky, which shocked the group.

"Look at it go!" cried Tracey.

"Dragonite moves like a jet!" cried Misty.

"It's going way faster than a jet, Misty." Replied Lucy. "A jet can only go five knots, but Dragonite has to be going at least DOUBLE that!" Dragonite neared Charizard and fired a close range Ice Beam. Charizard dodged and retaliated with a Flamethrower. Dragonite dodged as well, and fired an Ice Beam that made Charizard dive into a downward corkscrew.

"Charizard's gone into a dizzying dive to avoid Dragonite's relentless attack!" cried the announcer. Dragonite flew up alongside Charizard.

"Charizard, look out!" cried Ash. Charizard spotted Dragonite and charged towards it.

"Okay, now give it your best Seismic Toss!" cried Ash. Charizard closed in.

"Charizard's moving in on Dragonite!" cried the announcer. But Dragonite countered and grabbed Charizard's neck.

"Dragonite, use your Slam attack, now!" cried Drake. Dragonite flew down swiftly and slammed Charizard down hard.

"And Dragonite delivers a ground shaking grand slam!" cried the announcer.

"Charizard, no!" cried Ash. The rest of the group was shocked, but Charizard got right back up.

"Fans, this is incredible!" cried the announcer. "Charizard is back on its feet despite the fact that it's been on the receiving end of Dragonite's damaging attacks. This Pokemon simply refuses to give up!"

"We've got to do something to end this fast!" cried Ash. "Finish it off with Dragon Rage!" Charizard's tail flame grew much larger as it charged the attack.

"Fight fire with fire, Dragonite!" cried Drake. Dragonite charged the same attack, and both Pokemon fired, resulting in an explosion that sent both Pokemon flying back.

"Both Dragon Rage attacks hit home and the two Pokemon appear to be shaken!" cried the announcer. "This match could be over at any moment!" Dragonite and Charizard were both exhausted, but Charizard fell first.

"Charizard is unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"Charizard is down and out!" cried the announcer. "That Dragon Rage drained both Pokemon but Dragonite manages to hold on!"

"All right! Dragonite looks like it's dragging!" cried James. "Let's go and capture it!" Jessie grabbed James' arm.

"Sit down!" she cried.

"Yeah, I'm enjoying this." Said Meowth.

"Charizard, return!" cried Ash. Charizard was recalled.

"Thank you, Charizard." Said Ash. "You did your job! You wore it down just like I wanted you too! Now we're all going to have to work together as a team to win this one. I choose you!" Wartortle materialized.

"Hydro Pump attack!" cried Ash. Wartortle ducked into its shell, spun around and fired the attack.

"Dragonite, use your Water Gun attack!" cried Drake. The attack landed and stopped the Hydro Pump attack. At the same time, Wartortle was sent flying.

"Dragonite tags Wartortle with a bullseye blast!" Cried the announcer. "Maybe Wartortle's earlier encounter with Onix weakened the water Pokemon."

"Use your Thunderbolt, now!" cried Drake. The attack fired from Dragonite's antennas as Wartortle ducked into its shell for cover.

"This could be sayonara for Wartortle as Dragonite's electric attack sets its shell sizzling!" cried the announcer.

"This can't be." Said Ash. Wartortle emerged and stood, though it was weakened.

"Wartortle's still game, and folks, this is one tough turtle type!" cried the announcer.

"Way to go, Wartortle!" cried Ash. "Show 'em you can take whatever they dish out!"

"Your Wartortle's very gutsy, but guts won't win this battle!" cried Drake. "Go, Dragonite! Finish Wartortle off with a Body Slam!" Dragonite took flight.

"Wartortle, Bubble attack, now!" cried Ash. Wartortle launched a barrage of bubbles at Dragonite as it came down, which caused it to fall from the sky, but it landed on the front end of its foot and smacked Wartortle with its tail, sending the turtle Pokemon flying.

"Wartortle, hang on!" cried Ash.

"Once again, Dragonite proves what a brawny battler it is." Said the announcer. "Despite Wartortle's Bubble attack, it digs in and strikes back." Wartortle struggled to get up, but couldn't.

"Wartortle is unable to battle!" cried the referee. Dragonite was beginning to show further signs of fatigue.

"Dragonite's exhausted!" cried Jessie. "Let's go!" She started to run off.

"This ought to be a cinch!" cried Meowth.

"Jess, bring me back some of those nachos." Said James. Jessie quickly grabbed her teammate's arm.

"Come on, James!" she cried, and dragged him away. Ash eyed Wartortle's Poke Ball.

"Thanks, Wartortle." He said.

"Now the challenger has only two Pokemon remaining and this should be…. Hey, wait! What's that up there?!" he cried. Team Rocket's balloon floated above the stadium and dropped a net down onto Dragonite, which prompted the trio to laugh with glee and begin their motto.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"Team Rocket!" cried Ash.

"Not them! Not now!" cried Lucy.

"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!" Drake was irate at the Team Rocket trio.

"How dare you interrupt this competition!" he yelled.

"We're not finished yet!" cried Jessie. "Ahem, thanks for the help, twerp!"

"What help? What are you talking about?" cried Ash.

"You're the reason we're here!" cried Jessie. "You didn't know you were playing for our side this time, did you?"

"That's a lie and you know it, you old witch!" cried Lucy.

"Quiet, little girl!" Jessie snapped. "And by the way, don't EVER call me old again or you'll regret it!"

"Anyway, if you ever get tired of being a twerp, maybe we'll make you a permanent part of the team." Added Meowth.

"Just go away, you big dummies!" yelled Lucy. "You're interrupting a very important match here! And furthermore, that Dragonite doesn't belong to you, so you have no right to just waltz in here and take it!"

"Dragonite, you know what to do, don't you?" said Drake. Dragonite nodded. He extended his wings to break the net and flew towards Team Rocket's balloon at incredible speed, bursting right through it to send them flying.

"We needed that one like a hole in the head!" cried Jessie.

"We blew it!" cried Meowth.

"Now I'll never get those nachos!" cried James.

"We're blasting off again!" they cried.

"Good riddance to bad garbage!" cried Lucy.

"I almost feel sorry for them." said Tracey.

"Yeah, almost, but not quite." Added Misty.

"Sorry about that interruption, folks." Said the announcer. "Now let's get back to the battle."

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

"Ash chooses Tauros, but we'll have to wait and see if it's recovered from that brutal battle with Venusaur!" cried the announcer.

"I know you're tired, Tauros, but I really need you now!" cried Ash. "Use Take Down!" Tauros charged.

"Now, Fly! And use your Body Slam!" cried Drake. Dragonite took to the air.

"Drake orders an air attack!" cried the announcer.

"Tauros, just stand there!" cried Ash. Tauros stopped as Dragonite closed in.

"He should know that Tauros doesn't stand a chance." Thought Drake. Dragonite hit the target.

"Tauros takes a direct hit, and I don't see how it can survive this one, folks!" cried the announcer. The dust cleared and Tauros was still standing and holding Dragonite back, which shocked Drake.

"I figured that sand would act like a cushion and help Tauros absorb that Body Slam!" cried Ash.

"Wow! Ash really knows what he's doing out there!" cried Tracey.

"Yeah. He's using his head." Said Misty.

"The challenger's strategy works and now Dragonite is hooked on those horns!" cried the announcer.

"Tauros, send it sailing!" cried Ash. Tauros threw Dragonite off its head and to the ground.

"Dragonite's down, but far from out!" cried the announcer.

"Dragonite, Thunder attack, now!" cried Drake. The attack landed.

"Tauros is stopped in its tracks by a full throttle Thunder attack!" cried the announcer. Tauros fell.

"Tauros is unable to battle!" cried the referee.

"Tauros was primed for the victory, but even its stubborn brand of battling couldn't make the grade." Said the announcer. "Dragonite's now taken down three of Ketchum's Pokemon in a row and both trainers are now down to their final Pokemon!" Tauros was recalled.

"I'm proud of you, Tauros. You did great." Said Ash. He looked over to Pikachu, who was primed and ready to go, as indicated by the sparks that were flying from his cheeks.

"I guess it's up to you and me now, Pikachu." Said Ash.

"I hope Ash knows what he's doing." Said Misty.

"He doesn't have a choice." Replied Lucy. "Pikachu's the last Pokemon he has left."

"The challenger's final Pokemon is Pikachu!" cried the announcer. "Has it recharged its batteries after its battle with Ditto, or is it too low on power to defeat Dragonite?"

"Let's win it, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Get him, Ash!" cried Lucy. Eevee was waving little flags around, as was Little Pikachu.

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Go get 'em, Pikachu!'

"Pika Pi!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'Knock 'em dead, big brother!' Pikachu gave Eevee and Little Pikachu a thumbs up before charging onto the field.

"Dragonite, let's go!" cried Drake. Dragonite charged.

"Pikachu, use your Agility!" cried Ash. Pikachu began to pick up speed.

"Dragonite, stop that Pikachu!" cried Drake. With a smack of its tail, Dragonite sent Pikachu flying.

"Whoa! Just a flick of its snailing tail and Dragonite sends Pikachu skyward!" cried the announcer. Pikachu landed hard.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Pikachu Pika!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'Come on, big brother, get up!'

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Pikachu, get up!' Pikachu got up, but was a little worse for wear.

"Pikachu, I know you can do it!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Come on, Pikachu!'

"Come on, Ash, please win this!" cried Lucy.

"Hyper Beam!" cried Drake. Pikachu came to his senses as soon as Drake ordered the attack.

"Drake has called for Dragonite's most powerful attack!" cried the announcer. The attack launched.

"Does Pikachu have the energy to escape the Hyper Beam?" cried the announcer.

"Pikachu Chu!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'You can win this, big brother!' Pikachu leaned back on his tail and used it as a spring right as the Hyper Beam closed in and landed.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash. Lucy spotted something above the battlefield.

"Look up there!" she cried. Misty and Tracey looked up and saw Pikachu high above Dragonite.

"Oh no!" cried Drake.

"Oh yes!" cried Ash.

"Pikachu used its tail as a springboard to dodge the attack!" cried Lucy.

"Unbelievable!" cried the announcer. "Pikachu used its tail as a springboard to escape the Hyper Beam! Pikachu bounces back, but Dragonite doesn't look very bouncy!" Pikachu came down and landed on Dragonite's head. It tried to shake Pikachu off, but he hung on by Dragonite's antennas.

"Try as it may, the exhausted Dragonite can't shake Pikachu!" cried the announcer. "Pikachu is hanging in there for all its worth!"

"Pikachu can't hold on much longer!" cried Misty.

"Ash has to act fast!" cried Tracey.

"Hang in there, Pikachu!" cried Lucy.

"Pikachu, Thunder attack!" cried Ash. The attack hit and the stadium got lit up.

"Pikachu lights into Dragonite with a tremendous Thunder attack!" cried the announcer.

"That's a big hit." Said Lucy. Dragonite shook off Pikachu, but it was severely weakened as Pikachu got up. The two Pokemon stared each other, not wanting to be the one to fall. However, Dragonite finally collapsed, which brought shock to Drake, Ash and his friends, and all the spectators.

"Dragonite is unable to battle!" cried the referee. "The winner of this competition is Ash Ketchum!"

"Pi. Pikachu." Sighed Pikachu, which meant 'We. We did it.' The screen blacked out and showed Ash and his Pokemon as the winners and the crowd roared.

"The challenger wins the match! The challenger wins the match! The challenger wins the match!" cried the announcer.

"He did it!" cried Misty.

"They all did it!" cried Tracey.

"ATTABOY, ASH!" cried Lucy. She swiftly turned to face Misty. "And as for you, Misty, you'll now have to eat a lot of those negative comments you kept giving him! Maybe I should call you Mrs. Doubting Mustafa from now on. Oh, and you better get a rag ready because you're going to have a LOT of polishing to do." Pikachu collapsed as Ash approached him and picked him up.

"Pikachu, you're the best!" cried Ash.

"Pikachu." Said Pikachu, which meant 'So are you, Ash.' Both trainer and Pokemon shared a hug.

"Dragonite, return." Said Drake. Dragonite was recalled.

"I'm very proud of you." Said Drake. Eevee and Little Pikachu ran up to Pikachu to congratulate their friend.

"Pika Pi!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'Congratulations, big brother!'

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Way to go, Pikachu!'

"Pika." Pikachu replied, which meant 'Thanks, guys.'

"Ash Ketchum has beaten the Orange Crew leader, earning himself a place of honor in the Orange League Hall of Fame, and the coveted Winner's Trophy!" cried the announcer. Ash and all his Pokemon stood before Drake as he handed Ash the trophy.

"You really deserve that trophy, Ash." Said Drake. "You're a great Pokemon trainer."

"Cause I have great Pokemon." Ash replied. Tauros, Bulbasaur, Lapras, Wartortle, Charizard and Pikachu all agreed. Lucy then approached him.

"I'm so proud of you, Ash." She said. "With my victory at the Indigo league, and both of our wins here, we've definitely made Pallet Town a town of champions."

"We sure have, Lucy." Agreed Ash. And so, with the help of their Pokemon friends, Ash and Lucy both won their matches, the Winner's Trophy, and their rightful places in the Orange League Hall of Fame. Not bad for a couple of kids from Pallet Town, wouldn't you say?

"Just wait until Brock finds out about this!" cried Ash.

"He'll definitely be surprised!" cried Lucy.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Tauros, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur, Magikarp

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 120: Viva Las Lapras

It's not surprising that even after defeating the Orange Crew leader, receiving the Winner's Trophy and being honored in the Orange League Hall Of Fame alongside each other, Ash and Lucy still can't believe their good fortune.

"Are you guys just going to stare at your trophies all day long?" asked Misty.

"No, I think we'll just stare at them all night, too!" cried Ash. "Right, Pikachu?"

"Pika." Answered Pikachu, which meant 'We just might.'

"Give credit where credit's due, Misty." Added Lucy. "You had literally ZERO confidence in him in that last gym battle before he won that trophy. And to top it all off, he and I are BOTH in the Hall of Fame together, just like best friends should be." She got out a rag and handed it, and the trophies, to Misty.

"Looks like you have polishing to do as payback for constantly putting Ash down." Said Lucy. Misty groaned.

"Okay, fine." She sighed. She polished the trophies for a while before handing them back to their respective owners.

"There. Both of the trophies are polished." Said Misty. "Happy now?"

"Indubitably." Answered Lucy. "Thank you very much."

"Great. Must be nice to be happy." Muttered Misty. Lapras suddenly squealed and jerked Ash, Misty and Tracey around violently, which concerned Lucy, who was riding nearby on Dewgong. Lapras then dashed off in a completely different direction.

"After her, Dewgong!" cried Lucy. Dewgong raced to catch up with Lapras.

"What's the matter? What's wrong, Lapras?" asked Ash. Lapras squealed. The group looked and saw more Lapras on the horizon.

"Hey guys, look." Said Ash. "It's a whole school of Lapras."

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Golly.' Tracey sketched the school as it went by.

"This is amazing!" he cried. "I've never seen so many Lapras together."

"Me neither, Tracey." Replied Lucy.

"I wonder if any of these Lapras know your Lapras, Ash." Said Misty.

"Maybe." Replied Ash.

"Hey Tracey, I think this might be the school that Ash's Lapras got separated from." Said Lucy.

"You know, Lucy, you're right!" cried Tracey. "This could be the school that Lapras was separated from before we found it."

"Well, looks like these might be friends of yours." Said Ash.

"Or even family." Said Lucy.

"Remember that day when we first met Lapras?" asked Misty. Ash nodded.

"It wanted nothing to do with us at first." He said. "But after it started to trust me, we became great friends."

"Not just you, Ash." Added Lucy. "All of us have gotten to know Lapras very well. It even made friends with my Dewgong." The two water types smiled at each other.

"I guess we're finally going to meet your old friends, Lapras." Said Ash. Lapras called out to the school and approached it, but they just swam ahead after looking at it.

"Hey!" Ash called. Lapras followed the school and desperately called out to it. A light colored Lapras responded, but another Lapras nudged it away.

"What's wrong?" asked Misty.

"I don't know." Said Ash. "Why would you turn your backs on a friend like that?!" One of the Lapras fired a Water Gun at the group.

"Why are they attacking us?" cried Tracey. "Lapras are supposed to be friendly, and they hate to battle!"

"I just don't understand what's going on." Said Lucy. Some mist soon came out of the mouth of the Lapras that had attacked.

"It's a Mist attack!" cried Tracey. The light blue Lapras had tears in its eyes, which Lucy saw, and the rest of the school swam away.

"They're gone." Sighed Misty.

"I don't get it." Replied Ash. Lapras let out a sad cry as tears swelled up in its eyes.

Later, at the Pokemon Center on another island, the group was explaining to Professor Oak what had happened.

"Yes. That behaviour is quite unusual." Said Oak. "But I suspect that those Lapras were reacting that way because they're afraid of humans."

"But what would make them so afraid of people?" asked Misty.

"It could be that some humans have been attacking them, or even…." Said Oak. Ash and Lucy immediately snapped.

"WHAT KIND OF SICK PERSON WOULD ATTACK THOSE LAPRAS?!" cried Lucy.

"It's probably because of those Pokemon poaching pirates." Officer Jenny answered.

"Officer Jenny!" cried Ash. "Did you say pirates?" Jenny nodded. Lucy was now angry AND shocked.

"No way! Pirates attacking Lapras?!" she cried. "That's awful! Lapras has been one of my favorite Pokemon ever since I was just a little girl!"

"This island is supposed to be a Pokemon no-capture zone, but we've had reports that poachers have been poaching wild Pokemon just offshore." Explained Jenny.

"Pirates like Captain Hook?" asked Ash.

"Yes, but we call the lead pirate Captain Crook." Answered Jenny.

"This is terrible!" cried Misty.

"This is awful!" cried Lucy.

"Yeah, and I bet I know who's behind it all." said Ash.

"You mean there are others involved?" replied Jenny.

"This is exactly the kind of dirty, rotten scheme that Team Rocket would come up with!" cried Ash.

"So, tell me what you know about this Team Rocket trio." Said Jenny.

"Well, officer, all you need to know is that they're three of the sneakiest, snakiest, lyingest, and smelliest losers you'll ever meet!" cried Lucy. Familiar voices were soon heard behind the treatment door.

"Who are you calling losers?!"

"But they've got the rest right!"

"They're here?" said Ash.

"Prepare for trouble, assault and battery."

"Make it double, but thanks for the flattery." Team Rocket had been banged up due to a previous encounter.

"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, you little twerps, or prepare to-aaahhh!" The pain Jessie and James were feeling from their earlier encounter hadn't quite disappeared.

"That's right!"

"I knew you were the real poachers!" cried Ash.

"So did I." added Lucy.

"You're both wrong, kids. We haven't poached a thing." Said Jessie.

"I don't even like poached eggs." Replied James.

"Yeah, right. Give us a break!" cried Ash.

"Sorry, we can't spare any!" cried Meowth. He felt more pain in his foot.

"If you really are telling us the truth, that'd be a first." Said Misty.

"There's a first time for everything, and this time, we're the victims." Said Jessie.

"Those briny braggarts bombed our boat!" cried James. "Those seafaring scallywags smashed up our submarine!"

"It's flashback time." Said Meowth.

Flashback

A ship was firing cannons, and one of the cannonballs sank down in front of Team Rocket's sub, which blew the whole thing skyward and into some rocks.

"We're blasting off again!" cried Team Rocket.

End Flashback

"We're sorry you're hurt, but you can't say you didn't deserve it." Said Lucy.

"You're right, we had it coming." Replied Jessie.

"Guess we're pretty crumby, aren't we?" said Meowth. Jessie whacked James and Meowth with a crutch.

"This is no joke! We're victims!" cried Jessie.

"In that case, you should come down to the stationhouse and give me all the details." Said Jenny. "And while we're at it, I'll check your file." Team Rocket suddenly began to act more chipper.

"All of a sudden, I feel much better." Said Jessie.

"We'll be on our way, officer." Said James.

"Buh-bye." Added Jessie. Team Rocket raced through the open window, to the shock of the group.

"Good luck catching those Pokemon pirates!" cried James.

"Say hello to the Jolly Roger for us!" cried Meowth.

"Come back here!" cried Jenny. She pursued them as the group stood there. They were baffled and bewildered.

"I hope they just keep going." Said Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Me too.'

Meanwhile, off the coast of the island, the light blue Lapras tried to approach but the same Lapras from before nudged it and told it not to go near it before it told the school that it was time to continue on. They did, but on the sea, a pirate ship was spotted, and its captain and crew spotted the island the group was on as well as the school of Lapras swimming away from it.

"Lapras off the starboard bow!" cried a pirate. "Looks like a school! They should be a nice catch, captain!" The captain at the wheel was Captain Crook.

"All right, get the Poke Balls ready to fire!" cried Crook. "We'll launch our secret weapons and do us a little Pokemon poaching!"

"Yes, sir!" cried the pirate.

Meanwhile, the group was sailing on the sea.

"If the currents go our way, we can catch up with those other Lapras!" cried Ash.

"Eeeeeee!" cried Lapras, which meant 'Let's go!'

"Yeah, but even if we do, how are we going to convince them that we're their friends and not their enemies?' asked Tracey.

"Good question, Tracey." Replied Lucy.

"That's easy." Said Ash. He gave a smile. "Like this."

"Is there something wrong with your face?" asked Misty.

"No, this is my happy human face." Ash explained. "As soon as those Lapras see me smiling like this, they'll know instinctively that we're their friends!"

"I don't think that's going to work." Said Lucy.

"Maybe we can just tell them we're friendly." Suggested Misty.

"Yeah, Lapras are supposed to be really good at understanding human speech." Added Tracey.

"A smile is understood in any language." Ash pointed out.

"Whatever. Just stop with that smiling face, please." Said Lucy. "It's creeping me out."

"Come on, Lapras, let's hurry!" cried Misty. Lapras agreed, but meanwhile, Captain Crook's ship approached the school of Lapras with the cannons primed and ready.

"Fire the Poke Balls when ready, matey!" cried Crook.

"Yes, sir!" cried the first mate. The cannons fired the Poke Balls and a Tentacruel materialized from one of them. All of the Poke Balls that were fired contained Tentacruel and they surrounded the school.

"Now attack those Lapras with your Poison Sting, you no-good, jelly-livered jellyfish!" cried Crook. The Tentacruel launched their attacks, but a Lapras shot them all down with Water Gun, with allowed the rest of the school to escape.

"Don't let them get away!" cried Crook.

"Yes, sir!" cried the first mate. More Poke Balls fired from the cannons, and more Tentacruel materialized as the school changed directions to escape. The group soon spotted the school.

"Pika? Pika, Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Huh? Look over there!"

"Eevee Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'They're coming our way!'

"Look, the Lapras are straight ahead!" cried Ash. The group soon spotted Captain Crook's ship firing on the Lapras.

"What's going on?" cried Ash.

"It's those pirates that Officer Jenny told us about!" cried Lucy. Tracey looked through his binoculars.

"But those aren't cannonballs, those are Tentacruel!" he cried.

"Those Tentacruel are being forced to bully the Lapras!" cried Misty.

"That's so mean!" cried Lucy. Tracey got a Poke Ball out.

"I think I better get Officer Jenny out here." He said before tossing the Poke Ball. "Go!" Marill materialized in the water, and Tracey dove in afterwards.

"Marill, Marill!" squealed Marill, which meant 'Ready for action, Tracey!'

"Misty, Lucy and I will figure out a way to protect the Lapras while you're getting Officer Jenny!" cried Ash.

"Be careful." Said Misty. "And hurry back, okay?"

"Kay." Said Tracey. "Let's go, Marill!"

"Good luck, Tracey!" cried Lucy. Marill pulled Tracey to the island to get Officer Jenny.

"All right, Lapras, let's go!" cried Ash.

"Full speed ahead, Dewgong!" cried Lucy. Lapras and Dewgong dashed forward. Unknown to the group, Team Rocket was following behind in their sub.

"Keep pedaling!" cried Jessie. "We've got to catch up with the twerps so we can have a ringside seat when those pirates wipe the docks with them!"

"I think you mean swab the deck." Replied Meowth. Jessie smacked Meowth with her hair, but James ducked to get out of the way.

"I'd just like to see them get stung by Tentacruel like we were and see how they like it!" cried Jessie.

"They'd be paralyzed and powerless." Replied James.

"Then we could just sail away with Pikachu and Eevee." Said Jessie.

"Jessie, that's an absolutely fabulous idea!" cried James.

"Too bad she didn't have it." Said Meowth.

"What?!" cried Jessie. James ducked as jessie smacked Meowth with her hair again. Up on the surface, the Tentacruel had the Lapras school surrounded as Captain Crook sailed in.

"Now we've got 'em outnumbered!" cried Crook. "Poor devils. All right, Poison Sting!" The Tentacruel stood and got ready to fire, but the group arrived to even the odds.

"Pikachu, you better use your Thunder Shock and stop those Tentacruel before they start an attack!" cried Ash.

"You too, Little Pikachu!" cried Lucy. The two Pikachu leaped and attacked the Tentacruel; however, they inadvertently shocked Lapras, Dewgong and the group.

"Guys, quit it!" cried Misty. The two Pikachu stopped and saw what they had done.

"I'd rather take my chances with the Tentacruel." Said Misty.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Sorry, our bad.'

"I forgot that water and electricity don't mix." Sighed Ash. Lucy shook the shock off and the group moved toward the stern of Captain Crook's ship. As they did so, the Tentacruel charged forward. Down below, Team Rocket watched.

"They drove the Tentacruel away!" cried Jessie. "Now those twerps can sneak behind the ship!"

"Hooray for the twerps!" cried James.

"It's twerps one, pirates nothing!" cried Meowth. Jessie smacked both James and Meowth.

"Root for us, not them!" she cried.

"Sorry, won't happen again." Promised James. Captain Crook sailed up next to the group.

"How dare you attack my Tentacruel!" he cried.

"We had to do something to protect those Lapras!" cried Ash.

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

"Just you wait until Officer Jenny gets here so she can arrest you!" cried Misty. Lucy gave a look of extreme anger.

"HOW DARE YOU TREAT THOSE LAPRAS SO SHAMEFULLY!" she roared furiously. "WHAT DID THESE LAPRAS EVER DO TO YOU?!"

"You little pipsqueaks aren't getting around me poaching!" cried Crook. "Light the cannons and fire when ready!"

"Yes, sir! We'll send 'em to Davey Jones' locker room!" The cannons fired cannonballs.

"Dodge 'em, Lapras!" cried Ash. Lapras did so, as did Dewgong.

"If they keep firing these cannons at us, we're in trouble." Said Ash.

"They're not the only ones with big guns!" cried Misty. Ash realized what she meant.

"Yeah." He replied.

"Goldeen, Poliwag, Staryu, Vaporeon, I choose you!" she cried. All four Pokemon materialized.

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

"Wartortle, do whatever Misty tells you!" cried Ash. Misty and the team of five water Pokemon swam toward Captain Crook's ship.

"All of you, use your Water Gun attacks!" cried Misty. The attacks took down the cannons and the mast and put more holes in the ship's hull.

"Hey! Don't you be attacking my ship!" cried Captain Crook. The five Pokemon blasted Crook with a combined Water Gun attack, which knocked the captain across the deck of his ship.

"Quick! Return their fire!" cried Crook.

"We're fresh out of cannonballs." Replied the first mate.

"Then we'll use a scuzzball!" cried Crook. He stuffed his first mate into the cannon.

"Fire!" yelled the captain. He kicked the cannon, and as soon as he did so, the first mate went blasting into the water. But Poliwag lifted him up and juggled him on a Water Gun while Ash, Lucy, Pikachu and Eevee distracted the Tentacruel, but the lead one turned away.

"Lapras, Water Gun the leader!" cried Ash. The attack fired and got the lead Tentacruel's attention, which prompted it to charge.

"Now that we've got their attention, let's get out of here!" cried Ash.

"I'm right behind you!" cried Lucy. Ash, Pikachu, Lucy, Eevee, Lapras and Dewgong retreated and led the Tentacruel away from the Lapras school.

"We'll keep the Tentacruel busy so that you Lapras can make your getaway!" cried Ash. While the Lapras discussed what had happened, the light blue Lapras watched Ash's Lapras and Lucy's Dewgong sail onward. The Tentacruel started catching up to them.

"Faster, Lapras, they're gaining on us!" cried Ash.

"Let's try and speed up, Dewgong!" cried Lucy. On the deck of the ship, things were starting to intensify as the whole crew was called into battle at the request of Captain Crook. Underneath Lapras and Dewgong, Team Rocket followed.

"Those Tentacruel are going to catch up with them any second now." Said Jessie.

"But Jess." Replied James.

"What is it?" cried Jessie. "Can't you see I'm gloating?!"

"But…," Said James.

"Just spit it out already!" cried Jessie.

"If the Tentacruel are catching up with the kids, and we're behind them, won't they get to us first?" said James.

"You may actually have a point there." Replied Jessie. She turned the periscope around and saw a Tentacruel swimming right for them. The moment it hit, it sent Team Rocket and their sub flying.

"We're blasting off again!" they cried. Soon, the Tentacruel had just about surrounded Ash, Lucy, Dewgong and Lapras.

"Oh no!" cried Ash.

Meanwhile, on the ship's deck, Misty had tied up Captain Crook and his crew.

"You should all be ashamed of yourselves!" she cried. Wartortle and Staryu soon spotted something off the starboard side of the ship. It was Ash, Lucy, Lapras and Dewgong almost surrounded.

"If you know what's good for you, call off your Tentacruel right now!" cried Misty.

"Try and make me!" cried Captain Crook.

"Oh we'll make you, all right!" cried Misty. "Poliwag, spray him with Water Gun!" Poliwag did so. Out on the water, the Tentacruel had surrounded Ash, Lapras, Pikachu, Lucy, Eevee and Dewgong. The six of them stood their ground as the Tentacruel prepared to fire.

"Lapras, Water Gun attack!" cried Ash.

"Dewgong, you use your Water Gun attack too!" cried Lucy. The attacks landed.

"Tentacruel, use Supersonic atta…...," Said Crook.

"That's it!" cried Misty. She covered Captain Crook's lips as he was about to order the attack.

"You're not giving orders anymore!" cried Misty.

"Covering his mouth won't do much good now, Misty!" cried Lucy. "Look!" One of the Tentacruel started using Supersonic, but Ash and Lucy stood firm and tried to withstand it as more Tentacruel joined in with their Supersonic attacks. With the combined barrage of Supersonic giving Ash, Misty and Lucy migraines, the lead Tentacruel charged with its pointy end in the attack position. But at the last moment, an Ice Beam struck from out of nowhere, quickly followed by more, which hit the other Tentacruel. The group realized that it had come from the school of Lapras that they were trying to save. The light blue Lapras swam over to Ash's Lapras along with the rest of the school.

"You came." Said Ash. His Lapras and the light blue one started to nuzzle, which made Ash realize that the light blue Lapras was the mother of his own Lapras.

"You sure do have a nice mom." Said Ash. Lapras let out a cry of joy. It was happy to finally be reunited with its friends and family.

Later that evening, the police arrived to take the pirates away. Team Rocket was also aboard and tied up. Tracey and Marill were on the police boat.

"Untie us right now!" demanded Jessie. "How can you lump us in with these scummy, scurvy scavengers?!"

"And to think that we actually rooted for you twerps for once!" Cried Meowth.

"That was very nice of you, Meowth." Lucy said gently before changing her tone. "Now shut up!"

"I can testify to the fact that we were both rooting for you twerps!" cried James.

"I'll testify too!" cried Meowth.

"Save it for the judge!" cried Tracey.

"He's right. There are outstanding charges against you all." Said Jenny.

"And she's not talking about your credit card." Said Misty.

"Get away from me!" cried Jessie.

"Zip it, Jessie!" cried Lucy. "Don't make this any worse!" Misty approached the Tentacruel.

"Now you're all free to go whenever and wherever you want." She said. The Tentacruel gave Ash, Misty and Lucy a good look and nodded together.

"The Tentacruel seem to want to go with us." Said Ash.

"If it means they won't be roped into doing any more dirty work for another boatload of bandits, then the more the merrier." Replied Lucy.

"And I have always wanted a Tentacruel." Added Misty. The three of them nodded.

"Poke Ball, go!" they cried in unison. The Tentacruel were caught instantly without any struggle. Ash then talked to Lapras.

"Be happy, Lapras." He said. "You won't have me on your back anymore." Lapras gave a low squeal, but then the school looked at Ash's Lapras. The light blue Lapras said something to Ash's Lapras, and the two of them nodded in agreement.

"What are they saying, Tracey?" asked Ash.

"Call me crazy, but I think they said that they're going to let your Lapras stay with you." Said Tracey.

"That's awesome, Lapras!" Said Ash. "Now you don't have to leave me!" The Lapras quickly said something else before turning to Ash's group.

"They're going to let it stay with you on one condition." Said Lucy. "Some of them get to join us too."

"Of course they can join us!" cried Misty.

"I call the light blue one!" cried Lucy.

"A Lapras would help me out with my Pokemon research." Said Tracey.

"Lapras is so pretty." Said Misty. "I'd love to have one!"

"Now you don't have to be alone either, Lapras." Said Ash. The group bid the rest of the Lapras school a fond farewell as they swam into the sunset. As their voyages in the Orange Islands draw to a close, Ash's friends leave with some new Pokemon, and some new friends. As for the rest of the Lapras school, smooth sailing!

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Tauros, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur, Magikarp, Lapras

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 121: The Underground Round Up

After saving a school of Lapras from some evil pirates, our heroes are at Hamlin Island. And as luck would have it, just across the bridge, there's a ferry line that runs to Ash and Lucy's hometown of Pallet.

"I don't know about you, guys, but I can't wait to get back home for one of my mom's special deep dish chili dog and pizza pot pies." Said Ash.

"Pika." Replied Pikachu, which meant 'Me neither.'

"I can't wait to get over to Pallet Town either, Ash, to meet Professor Oak!" cried Tracey.

"And I bet Professor Oak can't wait until we finally bring him that GS Ball." Said Misty. But when the group reached the bridge, they found it unexpectedly closed off.

"Hey, what's this?" said Ash. "Due to extremely dangerous conditions, people are forbidden to cross this bridge?"

"I wonder what's so dangerous." Replied Tracey.

"So do I." said Lucy. They looked at the town across the way.

"If we don't get to that little island, we'll never get to the Pallet Town ferry." Said Misty.

"It looks pretty safe to me." Replied Ash.

"Looks can be deceiving, Ash." Replied Lucy.

"Maybe we should take a chance and just cross it anyway." Said Tracey. An explosion was suddenly heard and seen on the far side of the bridge, which left the group in shock as the smoke cleared to show that part of the bridge had been destroyed.

"Maybe not!" All four of them cried. The group decided to take a rowboat and Dewgong across the water.

"That's weird." Said Tracey. "From what I can see, there are no people over there." The group reached land and found that the town was a ghost town.

"That's funny. The place looks deserted." Said Ash.

"This place is completely EMPTY!" cried Lucy. The last word of her sentence echoed all around the town.

"Hello out there!" cried Tracey. "Hello?!"

"Can anybody hear us?" cried Lucy. But there was no response.

"I don't get it." Said Tracey.

"Me neither, Tracey." Replied Lucy.

"There's got to be somebody somewhere." Said Ash. Little did the group know that in the alley they were passing by, they were being watched. Togepi, however, sensed something as the group looked through the windows. The group entered a building.

"Anybody here? Hello?!" cried Ash. "Come out, come out, wherever you are!"

"Is anybody at home?" cried Lucy. There was no answer. "What I said was, is anybody at home?!" Togepi jumped out of Misty's arms and sat on a table while everyone searched.

"Guys, look!" cried Tracey. The group looked out the window.

"There's the ferry!" cried Lucy. Ash tried to open the door, but it wouldn't budge.

"No good, it's locked." He said. "If we can't get to that ferry, how are we going to get to Pallet Town?"

Meanwhile, Togepi wandered out of the building and walked the streets of the empty town until it came across a Voltorb, which acted really friendly toward the youngster. It rolled away and Togepi followed it. At the same time, Misty and Lucy found out that Togepi had disappeared.

"Togepi!" cried Misty.

"Where are you, Togepi?!" cried Lucy.

"What's wrong?" asked Tracey.

"Togepi's missing!" cried Misty and Lucy.

"Missing?!" cried Ash and Tracey. The group rushed outside to look for Togepi.

"Togepi! Togepi!" cried Misty.

"Togepi!" cried Ash.

"Togepi!" cried Tracey. Little did the group know that down the same alley they had run past, Togepi was rolling along on its new Voltorb friend. Lucy quickly spotted it.

"I found Togepi!" she cried. "And it's not alone!" The rest of the group came and saw Togepi rolling on Voltorb.

"That's not what I think it is, is it?" wondered Tracey.

"It has to be." Answered Lucy. She got out her Pokedex.

"Voltorb. This mysterious Pokemon uses strong electric attacks and is often found near power plants. Use extreme caution, as Voltorb may explode without warning." The group was in shock over what they had heard Dexter say.

"Did he say explode?" cried Misty.

"I think so." Replied Tracey.

"Togepi, get down from that Voltorb before you get hurt." Said Lucy. She and Misty tried to pull Togepi away, but it held onto the Voltorb, much to the girls' worry.

"It won't let go." Said Lucy.

"Girls, be careful!" cried Ash. "I have a feeling we're not alone."

"I've got a feeling you're right, Ash." Said Tracey. The group looked down the alley and saw large, round objects with eyes lining the wall. They stared at the four heroes.

"There must be….." said Misty.

"At least twenty. Or thirty." Said Tracey. "And they look badder than Voltorb."

"Wait, don't Voltorb evolve into Electrode?" asked Ash.

"Yes, they do." Answered Lucy. She got her Pokedex back out.

"Electrode, the evolved form of Voltorb. Highly concentrated electric energy causes this Pokemon to explode unpredictably. Also known as the Bomb Ball."

"The Bomb Ball?!" cried Ash. "They're even scarier than the Voltorb are!"

"Vee!" cried Eevee. She hid behind Lucy's leg.

"Eevee's scared of the Electrode." Said Lucy. "Aren't you, girl?" Eevee nodded her head. The Electrode soon rolled out of the sides of the alley.

"Don't worry, Misty." Said Ash. "Just don't sneeze, or move around, or even breathe."

"Don't breathe?!" cried Misty. "But if I don't breathe, I'll croak."

"I think we had better get away from these Electrode before they blow!" cried Tracey.

"Tracey has a good idea." Said Lucy. "You do NOT want to be near an Electrode when they go kaboom!"

"Hey, why don't we all go back to the ferry terminal?" suggested Misty. "There are plenty of places to play there. Come on." The group slowly moved through the crowd of Electrode. Suddenly, the wind knocked a sign down, which irritated the Electrode.

"That's a bad sign!" cried Ash.

"Let's get out of here!" cried Tracey.

"RUN!" cried Lucy. The group screamed and fled for their lives as the Electrode exploded one by one. Soon, however, the group found themselves surrounded by the Electrode.

"We'll never get out of this." Said Ash.

"They look really mad." Replied Lucy.

"Hold it! Don't move!" cried a voice. The group looked up and saw a man with a cowboy hat on a rooftop.

"Okay, go!" he cried. Multiple Diglett materialized out of the Poke Balls that were thrown.

"They're Diglett!" cried Tracey. Lucy got out her Pokedex for a third time.

"Diglett, the Mole Pokemon. Diglett love to create underground tunnel systems."

"Diglett, take those Electrode underground!" cried the voice. The Diglett dug tunnels underneath the Electrode, which caused them to fall into the holes and explode harmlessly.

"That was a close one." Said Ash. The stranger jumped down to the street.

"It's not safe. Follow me." He said. The group followed him to the ferry docks.

"Good thing for us you showed up when you did." Said Misty.

"Yeah, you sure did save the day." Said Tracey.

"Sir, maybe you can tell us where everybody disappeared to." Said Ash.

"How come this island has so many Electrode and so few people?" asked Lucy.

"This island used to be filled with visitors and tourists from all over the world." The stranger answered. "But a few years ago, an inventor started raising Voltorb as part of an experiment to get Pokemon to generate power. One day, the Voltorb got loose from the lab and they've been multiplying ever since. Conditions must've been just about perfect for them, because most of the Voltorb evolved into Electrode. Meanwhile, they kept right on multiplying, until they pretty much took over the entire island. There were more and more Electrode, and less and less space. So they started getting pretty ornery and irritated. They got so stressed out that they started blowing up! And that's when everybody cleared off the island.

"What about the ferry to Pallet Town?" asked Ash.

"It's our only way home." Lucy added.

"I'm afraid it's not running." The stranger replied. "The island's too dangerous."

"That's just great! Now we're stuck here!" cried Lucy.

"But if this island's as dangerous as you say it is, how come you're on it, sir?" asked Tracey.

"The mayor here hired me." Said the stranger. "Poncho's the name. I'm a Diglett rancher." A Diglett popped out of Poncho's hat.

"Diglett rancher?" the group asked.

"Over on the big island, there's some prairie land set off by itself that's wide open." Said Poncho. "So, I trained my Diglett to dig underneath the Electrode, guide them through the underground tunnels they make all the way to that prairie. The Electrode roam around free, not jammed together like they are here. They're relaxed, they're happy, and they stop blowing up. Some folks think that the only way to deal with Electrode is to explode them, but I like my way better."

"I bet the Electrode like your way better too." Said Ash.

"Well son, they like it fine so far." Replied Poncho.

"And once they're out on the prairie, all the islanders can come back home." Added Tracey.

"They must be glad you're here." Said Misty.

"The truth is, many of the islanders complain that my way takes too long and costs too much." Said Poncho. The telephone suddenly rang.

"I've got it." Said Misty, and she picked up the phone. "Hello? Mr. Poncho, it's for you. Somebody from the mayor's office needs you."

"Here we go again." Said Poncho as he took the phone. "I just brought the second bunch of Electrode over. I should have the third bunch over by…What?! But I just…. That's your choice. Goodbye."

"Is there some kind of problem?" asked Lucy.

"A big one." Said Poncho. "They said that they want the Electrode gone today, and I'm officially off the job." The group was puzzled.

"All I needed was a few more days, and the Electrode would've been safe and sound." Said Poncho.

"Maybe we can help you, Poncho!" cried Ash.

"They've already hired someone else." Replied Poncho.

"But who?" said Misty. "Who could possibly get rid of all the Electrode in just one day?"

Meanwhile, in the water outside, some sort of machine approached the island.

"Probably hired whoever promised a faster solution." Poncho answered. "They'll just round up the Electrode so they'll blow themselves up at once."

"That's wrong!" cried Misty. "They shouldn't hurt all those Electrode just because they think they're in the way! That isn't fair!"

"I agree with you, Misty." Said Poncho. "But there's nothing I can do about it now." The machine soon made landfall and the group and Poncho felt the rumbling.

"What's that rumbling?" asked Tracey.

"Sounds to me like the beginning of the end." Replied Poncho. The group headed outside and saw the machine close up as it stopped right in front of them.

"What's this thing?" asked Tracey.

"My guess is that it's trouble." Replied Lucy. Familiar voices were soon heard.

"How's my hair?" asked Jessie.

"Good. How's mine?" replied James.

"Good!" cried Meowth. "How's mine?"

"Smelly." Replied Jessie and James.

"Is that who I think it is?" said Lucy. Team Rocket rose up into view.

"Time again to prepare for trouble!"

"Just like always, 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 you three dumb idiots again!" cried Lucy.

"Make way for the environmentally unfriendly Electrode Eliminator!" cried Meowth.

"We convinced the mayor that it's the quickest way to take out the Electrode trash." Said Jessie.

"It seems that the citizens are tired of waiting while pokey old Poncho cobbles all the crackly little critters!" cried James.

"Now we got the contract to corral them, so it's time for Mr. Molasses to hit the trail!" cried Meowth.

"We don't trust a thing you say!" cried Ash.

"This has to be some kind of trick!" cried Lucy.

"It's no trick." Said Poncho. "That work order they've got has the mayor's seal on it."

"I can't believe it." Said Misty. "Why would Team Rocket want to help out and move the Electrode?"

"For purely selfish reasons, of course." Answered Jessie.

"Not only do we get paid handsomely for our efforts, but we're going to keep all the Electrode we clear out!" cried James.

"And they used to say that crime doesn't pay." Said Meowth. Jessie and James chuckled as they lowered back down into the Electrode Eliminator and drove toward a group of Electrode.

"Initiate the Electrode Elimination System!" cried Meowth.

"Roiger!" cried James. "Armored arms, go!" The arms extended.

"Now let's get them popping mad!" cried Jessie. She brought out her Pidgeot to control the arms of the machine. The arms touched two Electrode and made them go boom.

"That ought to do it." Said Meowth. "Won't be long now!" The group watched helplessly as Team Rocket made the Electrode go boom.

"Oh no! Team Rocket's going to make all the Electrode explode!" cried Tracey.

"But I don't see what good it does anybody if they blow up all the Electrode." Replied Misty.

"It's good for those three." Said Poncho. "Exploding tires them out, lowers the Electrode's energy to the bare minimum so they can't help but get captured." The arms then grabbed the two Electrode that went boom and placed them in a containment area.

"See hoe easy they're all getting scooped up?" said Poncho. "Now they can't explode and defend themselves, at least not until their power gets regenerated.

"I wish we could do something to help." Said Misty.

"You and me both, Misty." Added Lucy.

"So do I, girls, just as much as you do." Said Poncho. "But Team Rocket are the ones that the mayor hired to do the job."

"Which means if we try to stop them, we'll get in trouble with the mayor." Said Lucy.

"Right on, little lady." Said Poncho.

"All they care about is getting those Electrode!" cried Ash.

"But with that official order, we can't do anything to stop them, just like Lucy said!" cried Tracey. The group looked on as more and more Electrode were blown up, while more Electrode from other parts of the island raced to rescue their comrades. They soon had Team Rocket surrounded.

"What's going on out there?" asked Jessie worriedly.

"I'm not sure, but I think we're surrounded!" cried James.

"This is going to make things a whole lot easier." Said Meowth. "Now we've got them all exactly where we want them!"

"Oh no! Look at all those Electrode!" cried Ash.

"They look mad, and you know what happens when that happens." Said Misty.

"They go kaboom." Added Lucy.

"This is bad." Said Poncho. "Those Electrode are hotter than a Charizard's breath in July. And it looks to me like they're ready to blow up really good this time!"

"You're right. And if they do, the whole island may be destroyed." Said Tracey. The wild Voltorb suddenly hopped forward.

"Wait, Voltorb! What are you doing?" cried Misty.

"I think it's going to defend its' fellow Pokemon!" cried Lucy. Voltorb stood between Team Rocket and the Electrode.

"Hey! Look at that little shrimp!" cried Meowth.

"Get it out of our way, we have much bigger fish to fry." Said Jessie.

"Oh, let's catch it." Said James.

"Yeah, I just love seafood." Said Meowth.

"Arms away." Replied James. Togepi started waving its arms back and fourth, but Lucy spotted that and noticed that it could only mean one thing.

"Togepi, I get that you want to defend your new friend, but if you use Metronome, the whole town could blow up!" she cried. "Though, that might end up not being the case at all since anything can happen from a Metronome attack." Togepi's arms glowed, then stopped, and then it started jumping up and down.

"Togepi's acting a little jumpy, huh?" said Ash.

"Maybe so, but from the way it's moving, it could be that Togepi's trying an attack!" cried Misty.

"Togepi might be a little young for that, Misty." Said Tracey. The Electrode Eliminator's arms reached toward Voltorb, but Voltorb moved out of the way.

"Come on, James! Pidgeot! This isn't a video game!" cried Jessie.

"Quit playing around!" cried Meowth.

"We'll get it this time!" cried James. Pidgeot and James tried over and over, but Voltorb managed to evade all the strikes from the arms.

"This thing is more slippery than a greased Gengar!" cried James. Togepi watched its new friend dodge as much as it could, but it soon headed forward to the shock of the group.

"Togepi!" cried Misty.

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

"Watch out!" cried Lucy. Togepi raced toward Voltorb and stood by it as Pikachu and Eevee dashed in and stood between them and Team Rocket.

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Keep away!'

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Don't you dare hurt our friends!'

"Pikachu, try your Thunderbolt!" cried Ash. The attack landed, but it was ineffective. Meowth chuckled.

"You'd think that after all this time, the twerps would know us better." He said. "We knew we'd be collecting Electrode with this thing, so we made it shock proof! Let 'em attack and explode! They can't hurt us in this baby!"

"This time we're shockproof, and our plan's foolproof." Said Jessie.

"I think we've done enough gabbing, now let's do some Electrode grabbing!" cried James. Team Rocket charged forward with a laugh.

"If we don't stop them, team Rocket's going to roll over Togepi!" cried Misty.

"And Pikachu, Eevee and Voltorb too!" cried Lucy.

"Those three are a disgrace to the whole Electrode wrangling profession!" cried Poncho. He took out a Poke Ball from under his hat. "Go, Dugtrio!" A Dugtrio materialized.

"It's Dugtrio!" cried Tracey. Dugtrio burrowed underneath the Electrode Eliminator, which weakened the ground beneath it. The machine soon sunk into the tunnel.

"What's that?" asked Meowth.

"It feels like we're headed for….." said Jessie.

"A fall!" cried James. The ground gave way, which formed a hole, and the machine fell through it as Dugtrio resurfaced.

"That was great!" cried Misty. "Dugtrio saved the island from Team Rocket!"

"That's right, but we've still got work to do." Said Poncho. "Go, Diglett! Let's finish the job!" All of Poncho's Diglett materialized and burrowed underground.

"Diglett, dig around the Electrode and move 'em on out of here!" cried Poncho. The Diglett did so, and the Electrode disappeared right into the tunnel system leading to the prairie.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was out of the Electrode Eliminator, and they were quite discouraged.

"Well, we finally hit bottom." Said Jessie.

"We've sunk pretty low, but never this far." Said James.

"Yeah, this is different." Said Meowth. "We usually dig a hole for ourselves." They soon felt a rumbling, and they spotted the Electrode that were stampeding their way.

"Electrode!" screamed Team Rocket. The Electrode herded Team Rocket through the tunnel with them as the Diglett helped them along the path.

"I'm kind of enjoying this." Said Meowth.

"But with all these Electrode….." said Jessie.

"We might be blasting off again!" cried James. Poncho's Dugtrio made an opening for the Electrode to exit out of and onto the prairie. Right at that moment, the group arrived in Poncho's hot air balloon.

"Well, as you can see, the Electrode are a lot happier out here." Said Poncho. "They're not cooped up, so they hardly ever blow up."

"This place is the perfect home for them." said Misty.

"You said it, Misty." Replied Lucy. "Clean air, wide open spaces, it's an Electrode haven."

"Sure is." Said Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'I agree.' Ash then had an idea.

"If your idea's the same as mine, then yes, we'll be taking some new friends home." Said Lucy. She got out a Great Ball and Ash took out an Ultra Ball.

"Go!" they cried in unison. The balls sucked the Electrode inside and pinged. The balloon then landed and Voltorb disembarked, which made Togepi sad.

"I think this Voltorb wants to stay with its old friends, Togepi." Said Tracey. Togepi explained to Voltorb that it didn't want to part ways.

"I know how much you love this Voltorb, Togepi." Said Misty. "But maybe you two don't have to part after all."

"Toge?" asked Togepi, which meant 'You mean?' Misty nodded and brought out a Poke Ball.

"Voltorb, Togepi really likes you, and frankly, so do I." she said. "Both of us would really like it if you came back home with us. That way you and Togepi can play together whenever you want. What do you say?" Voltorb nodded and rolled itself toward the Poke Ball. It then sucked itself inside, making Togepi very happy.

The next day, the islanders returned and the group was at the ferry.

"Well, the bridge is fixed, and the island is back to normal." Said Tracey. "Thanks to you, Poncho."

"Thank you. But the Diglett and Dugtrio sure helped out." Said Poncho. "And the mayor was so grateful, she gave me a bonus and the key to the city. We sure showed that Team Rocket, didn't we?"

"Those three are a disgrace!" cried Misty.

"That's something a movie hero would say." Replied Lucy.

"A movie hero? I'm definitely no movie hero, girls." Chuckled Poncho.

"Well, you're our hero, Poncho." Said Ash.

"Thanks, Ash. That means a lot to me." Said Poncho. He then got out a Poke Ball.

"I have a spare Dugtrio that I'd like you to take home with you." said Poncho.

"Thanks a lot, Poncho." Said Ash. "Hey, why don't you come to Pallet Town with us?"

"I'm much obliged for the invite, Ash, but I have a home where the Electrode roam." Poncho replied. "It sure was nice meeting you all, though."

"Maybe we'll meet again someday." Said Lucy.

"Maybe so." Said Poncho. "Oh, Lucy?"

"Yes, Poncho?" replied Lucy.

"I'd like you to take one of my Diglett with you." Said Poncho. "Same goes for you, Tracey." He handed off a Poke Ball to Lucy and one to Tracey.

"Promise me that you'll take good care of these Diglett." Said Poncho.

"We will." Said Lucy and Tracey. Soon, the group was aboard the ferry as it departed while Poncho waved goodbye. Ash, Misty, Tracey and Lucy are finally headed to Pallet Town, but brand new adventures await them, just beyond the horizon.

"Home, here we come!" cried Lucy.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Tauros, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur, Magikarp, Lapras, Diglett

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Voltorb

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 122: A Tent Situation

With their adventures in the Orange Islands now behind them, Ash and Lucy are returning to the place where their Pokemon journey began.

The group saw Pallet Town up ahead.

"There's Pallet Town, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"We finally made it home, Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Home sweet home!'

"Eevee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'It's great to be back!'

"You remember Pallet Town, don't you, Togepi?" said Misty.

"Togepiiiiii!" cried Togepi, which meant 'Yes, I sure do!'

"Just being here is like a dream come true for me!" cried Tracey. "I can't wait to see the famous Professor Oak!"

"Uh, Tracey, you already saw him on Shamouti Island." Lucy pointed out.

"Maybe you can show him your sketches." Suggested Ash. The group suddenly saw all of Tracey's sketchbooks all over the place.

"I wonder which ones Professor Oak would like to see first." Said Tracey. "Maybe I better go through all my sketchbooks and pick out the best ones."

"Tracey, why don't we do this at my house?" Ash offered.

"Yeah, we can have lunch while you decide what to show Professor Oak." Added Lucy.

"Okay, Lucy, good idea." Said Tracey.

"Let's go!" cried Ash.

"Pika, Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Right beside you!' The group ran off, except for Misty, who stayed behind for a moment.

"I'm not the only one who wants lunch, right, Togepi?" she said. Misty ran to catch up with the others, but unknown to her, Jigglypuff was right behind. The group soon reached Ash's house.

"I can't wait to see the look on my mom's face!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Same here!'

"She'll be so happy to see us!" cried Lucy. She and Ash ran ahead and rushed to the door.

"Surprise!" they cried. But instead of Delia's voice, they heard a more familiar one.

"Is that you, guys?" cried Brock. The group was puzzled.

"Is that who I think it is?" asked Lucy.

"I think so." Said Misty. Ash and Lucy rushed into the kitchen and saw Brock.

"He's back?!" cried Ash. He slid onto the floor and hit the cabinets.

"Ow!" he cried.

"Who's he?" wondered Tracey.

"He's, Brock!" cried Misty.

"Hey, how are you doing, Misty?" said Brock cheerfully. "Hi there, Togepi. Looking good."

"What do you mean 'how am I doing'? What are you doing here?!" cried Misty.

"Yeah, Brock, last I checked, you were on Valencia Island!" cried Lucy.

"You must be Tracey." Brock replied.

"Uh, yes. That's me." Said Tracey.

"Well, how about a nice cup of tea?" Brock offered. "I just made a fresh pot of Indigo Oolong which has a delightful peachy flavor. It has a floral fragrance, and I think you'll find it very refreshing. I like my tea straight, but for you, I'll add a dash of milk and two heaping teaspoons of sugar. Now, watch out, it's hot. Here you go, Tracey. And one for Lucy."

"Brock, it's nice to see you again, but what are you doing here in Pallet Town?" asked Misty.

"The more important question is, what are you doing in Ash's house?" asked Lucy.

"Yeah, Brock. You love Valencia Island." Replied Ash. "It seemed like you were going to stay there forever."

"Yeah, I thought you were going to learn more about Pokemon." Said Misty.

"And help take care of those kids." Added Ash.

"How come you didn't stay with Professor Ivy?" asked Misty. Brock suddenly froze upon hearing that.

"That name." said Brock. He suddenly collapsed and shuddered.

"Hey, Brock. What's wrong?" asked Ash.

"I don't want to talk about it." Brock answered flatly.

"What's going on, Brock?" asked Lucy. "Did Professor Ivy do….." Brock moaned at the mere mention of the name.

"She only said…." Replied Ash, but he was cut off by another loud groan from Brock.

"What happened?!" cried Lucy.

"I don't want to talk about it!" exclaimed Brock.

"She must've dumped him." Misty theorized.

"Most likely." Agreed Lucy.

"This always happens." Sighed Misty.

"Are you okay, Brock?" asked Ash.

"No." Brock answered. Delia was soon heard.

"You two are finally home!" cried Delia.

"Mom!" cried Ash.

"Mrs. Ketchum!" cried Lucy.

"What a surprise!" cried Delia. Ash and Lucy went running toward Ash's mom, but they stumbled in disbelief after it turned out that she was talking to Pikachu and Eevee.

"I'm so glad you and Eevee are here, Pikachu!" cried Delia.

"And me?" said Ash.

"Oh, hi, sweetie." Said Delia.

"Same old mom." Replied Ash.

"She definitely hasn't changed at all." Said Lucy.

"So, girls. How's everything going with you and Togepi?" asked Delia.

"Great." Misty and Lucy answered.

"And Tracey, it's nice to see you again." Said Delia.

"Nice o see you too." Replied Tracey.

"Mrs. Ketchum, how long has Brock been here?" Lucy whispered.

"Well, let's see." Delia answered. She thought back to when Brock first showed up.

"It was a hot muggy evening about a week ago." Delia continued.

Flashback

Delia and Mimey were walking down the path.

"It's a good thing we got to the market before it closed, wasn't it?" said Delia.

"Mime Mr. Mime!" cried Mimey, which meant 'It sure was!' Suddenly, Mimey stepped on someone, which turned out to be Brock. He made a groaning sound.

"Mimey, did you just hear something?" asked Delia.

"Mime." Said Mimey, which meant 'Yeah.'

"So did I." replied Delia. "Let's go back and see what it is."

"Mime!" cried Mimey, which meant 'Right!' They both stepped on Brock again, resulting in another groan.

"I just heard it again, Mimey!" cried Delia. "It sounds like it's coming from behind us!" Mimey and Delia walked in circles on Brock.

"I don't understand, Mimey." Said Delia. "I hear it, but I don't see it." The camera panned up to show a star in the sky, while Delia and Mimey looked down and found Brock. Delia let out a scream.

"Oh, I'm so sorry for stepping all over you, sir!" she cried. "I hope I didn't hurt you!" The hat came off to reveal Brock's face, and both Delia and Mimey took him to the house for a meal.

"I tried to get him to tell me what happened, but every time I mentioned Professor Ivy, he always said the same thing." Said Delia in voice over.

"Don't mention that name." instructed Brock.

"So I stopped asking." Said Delia in voice over. "He's been a big help around the house. He does the dishes, sweeps the floors. He's a much better seamstress than I'll ever be."

End Flashback

"Well, it sounds like he's a good house guest." Said Misty. Brock soon ran outside and tried to take the broom from Mimey.

"Come on, Mr. Mime! I want to sweep today!" cried Brock.

"Except for when he wants to do all of Mimey's chores." Said Delia.

"I guess we'll never know what happened." Said Ash.

"It's probably for the best, Ash." Said Lucy. "After all, some stories are best left untold. But I still don't understand what happened."

"I know exactly what happened!" cried Misty. "Brock liked Professor Ivy."

"Lucy and I liked her too." Replied Ash.

"Sometimes you two are just as immature as Gary." Said Misty. Ash soon acted like Brock upon hearing Gary's name, as did Lucy.

"Don't mention that name." they both said. Pikachu and Eevee comforted their respective trainers.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'It's okay, pal.'

"Eevee." Said Eevee, which meant 'Don't mind her.'

"Come on, guys! Quit acting like Brock!" cried Misty.

"I know what'll cheer you two up." said Delia. "I'll cook up something special. Maybe I'll make my deep dish chili dog pizza pot pie."

"I'm sure whatever you decide to make will be delicious, Mrs. Ketchum." Said Misty.

"I vote for the pot pies!" cried Ash.

"Guys." Said Tracey.

"Ash talked about them all the way here." Said Lucy.

"Pot pies it is." Said Delia.

"Oh yeah." Said Ash.

"Guys, it's getting late." Said Tracey.

"Ash, I think Tracey's talking to us." Said Lucy.

"With extra pepperoni?" said Ash.

"Yes. Yes." Delia replied cheerfully.

"And that pudding for desert?" added Ash.

"Choco-palooza?" said Delia.

"Guys, answer me!" cried Tracey. The group stopped and looked at Tracey in surprise.

"Is there a question you'd like to ask us, Tracey?" said Delia.

"I'm sorry." Apologized Tracey. "I didn't mean to yell, Mrs. Ketchum, but I just want to know when we're going to go see Professor Oak!"

"I forgot!" cried Ash. He quickly reached into his backpack. "We have to get the GS Ball to him right away!" Ash pulled out the GS Ball and his trophy, and Lucy pulled her own trophy out of her bag.

"Ta da!" cried Ash.

"Look at this, Mrs. Ketchum!" cried Lucy. "This is the trophy they gave us for winning our Orange League championship matches!"

"Oh, that makes me so happy!" cried Delia. "If I work out with those, I won't need another dumbbell." The group fell over in disbelief as Delia started working out with both trophies.

"And one, and two, and one, and two, and one, and two, and one, and two." Said Delia. The group just facepalmed.

"Can we please go to the lab now?!" cried Tracey.

"All right already, Tracey!" cried Lucy. "Sheesh!" The group soon headed to the lab.

"What's the big rush anyway, Tracey?" asked Lucy. "Why do you want to go to Professor Oak's laboratory so badly, anyway?"

"Because I want to show him my sketches, Lucy." Tracey answered. He showed her some of the sketches he was talking about.

"Are those the sketches you want him to see?" asked Misty.

"Yup. I hope we get there before I change my mind." Said Tracey.

"I want to get there so I can see all the Pokemon that the professor's been keeping for me." Said Ash.

"I'm sure they'll all be very happy to see you again, Ash!" cried Misty.

"Brock, I guess you must've been excited the first time you met the professor." Said Tracey. Brock curled up on the side of the road.

"That, name." he groaned.

"He meant Professor Oak!" cried Lucy. Brock chuckled sheepishly.

"Oh!" he cried. "Yeah, Professor Oak's one of the most respected Pokemon researchers in the whole world, and he's got one of the best Pokemon labs anywhere!"

"It's where Ash and I got our first Pokemon from." Said Lucy. "His lab is one of the best that I've ever been to."

"Cool, let's hurry!" cried Tracey. The group ran ahead, but unknown to them, Team Rocket spotted them.

"Just as I thought." Chuckled Meowth. "They're headed straight for the old geezer's Pokemon paradise."

"Before we go after them, I think we should take a moment to call the boss and let him know that we're still on the twerps' trail." Said James.

"Oh yeah?!" cried Meowth. "Do YOU want to be the one to tell him that we still ain't got our paws on Pikachu and Eevee?!" Jessie and James both shook their heads no.

"Hey, boss. How you doing there? No, we didn't catch a single Pokemon." Said Meowth.

"Not me." Replied Jessie and James.

"We're three total losers." Said Meowth.

"That's right!" cried Jessie and James. Meowth smacked his teammates with a paper fan.

"Are you two out of your minds?!" cried Meowth. "We can't call up the boss and tell him we still ain't got Pikachu or Eevee or any other Pokemon for him! We can't call the boss until we swipe some Pokemon!"

"You're right. And there's going to be plenty to steal over at Oak's laboratory." Said Jessie.

"Hey, look." Said James. "That older twerp who used to hang out with the younger twerps is back again!"

Meanwhile, as Team Rocket watched, the group reached the lab.

"There it is!" cried Tracey.

"Yep, that's Professor Oak's place." Said Misty.

"Well Tracey, what do you think?" asked Brock.

"It's just like I imagined." Answered Tracey. The group headed across the bridge. Delia, meanwhile, was polishing the trophy Ash had brought home. At the lab, the group rang the doorbell.

"Professor Oak?" called Ash. "Professor?" There was no answer.

"He must be here somewhere." Said Lucy. "The door wasn't locked."

"Maybe we shouldn't interrupt him." Said Tracey. "He could be doing important research." Eevee and Pikachu sniffed something.

"Vee?!" she cried, which meant 'What's that smell?!' Muk slid into the room and dogpiled Ash, while Lucy stifled a laugh.

"Ash!" cried Misty.

"Muk's certainly happy to see you." Chuckled Lucy. Ash soon came up for air, followed by Professor Oak.

"Professor." Said Ash.

"Ash. Good to see you here." Said Oak. "I was just feeding your Muk." Tracey's eyes lit up upon seeing the professor.

"He's really real!" he cried.

"You already met him on Shamouti Island, remember?" Lucy reminded him. Muk then smothered Ash again.

"Are you okay?" Misty asked. Ash gave a nod, and then Muk smothered the professor.

"Oh, Muk! Will you get off me?!" cried Oak. Eevee and Lucy laughed.

"It certainly is an honor to see you again, professor." Said Tracey. "As I'm sure you remember, I'm a Pokemon Watcher, so I observe Pokemon behaviour like you do. I hope you don't mind if I sketch this.

"Tracey, we do mind!" cried Ash.

"I'm getting old." Said Oak. "Pikachu. Eevee. Togepi. How are you all doing today?"

"Pika, Pika." Answered Pikachu, which meant 'We're just fine.'

Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Very good!'

"By the way, brock, Professor Ivy sends her best regards." Replied Oak. Brock sulked once again.

"What's wrong?" Oak asked.

"That's best left unanswered." Replied Lucy.

"She's right. You really don't want to go there." Added Misty.

"Ash, aren't you going to give him the ball?" said Tracey.

"Oh, right." Answered Ash. He got out the GS Ball and handed it to Oak.

"Sorry it took so long." Added Ash.

"Ah. The mysterious GS Ball." Said Oak.

"Lucy and I got a little sidetracked by the Orange League." Said Ash.

"Well I'm sure you both gained valuable experience." Said Oak.

"We did more than just gain experience, professor." Said Lucy. "We both won the Winner's Trophy and a spot next to each other in the Orange League Hall of Fame."

"That certainly is just as good as experience." Said Oak. "I'll begin my examination of the GS Ball a little later tonight." He placed the GS Ball with the other Poke Balls.

"You sure have a lot of Poke Balls here, Professor." Said Tracey.

"Most of these were sent to me by traveling trainers who started out here in Pallet." Oak replied. "Maybe you'd like to take a little tour."

"Sounds great." Said Tracey. Ash looked out the window and saw Snorlax eating some apples.

"Hey, there's Snorlax!" he cried.

"Snorlax is doing very well here." Said Oak. "As are all the other Pokemon from trainers who got their Pokedex from me." The group rushed outside to see Snorlax.

"Hey, Snorlax!" cried Ash. But Snorlax fell asleep as Ash called to it.

"Same old Snorlax." Chuckled Ash.

"When it's sleeping, it's happy." Said Tracey. He looked and saw more Pokemon in the distance, which included Kangaskhan, Aerodactyl, Rapidash, Dragonite and more, which left Tracey stunned.

"Ash, where did you get all of these?" He asked.

"A lot of them were obtained as gifts." Said Ash. "My cousin Lara let me have Rapidash after I raced on it in the Pokemon Challenge in Fuchsia City."

"That's pretty cool." Replied Tracey. In one of the lakes, he saw two Dratini enjoying some time together.

"So, what's with the Dratini?" he asked.

"Safari Zone. Can't say anything else than that." Said Ash. One of the Dratini suddenly glowed, which stunned the group.

"Oh wow!" cried Lucy. When the glow faded, a Dragonair floated in place of one of the Dratini.

"This one's done a lot of training here while you've been gone." Said Oak.

"That must be why it just evolved." Said Brock.

"I still can't believe you've been able to get so many different Pokemon." Said Tracey.

"Ash, between you and me, I think he's a little bit jealous." Said Lucy.

"Yeah, I think so too." Ash replied back.

"This isn't jealousy guys." Said Misty.

"She's right." Said Tracey. "Impressed would be more like it." Ash then introduced Tracey to the rest of his Pokemon. Some of them got Tracey curious. (Quick Author's Note: Having Ash introduce Tracey to all his different Pokemon individually would take a while due to the high number of Pokemon that he has obtained throughout the Kanto/Orange Islands portion of the story, hence my decision to summarize that portion. Now, back to the episode)

"A few of your Pokemon look a bit different, Ash." He said. He pointed out the clone Pokemon specifically.

"How and where did you get those ones?" Tracey asked.

"I'm sorry, Tracey, but that's kind of a secret." Ash answered.

"We made a promise that we wouldn't tell anybody, so we have to keep it." Added Lucy.

"Gotcha." Replied Tracey. Ash's Kingler soon came in.

"Kingler! How's it going, old buddy?" cried Ash. Kingler hopped into a nearby lake.

"They all look like they're healthy and happy, don't they?" said Misty.

"Sure do." Ash answered.

"Well, don't forget, they're staying with the world's most famous Pokemon expert, as are Lucy's Pokemon." Said Oak. Tracey looked and saw Lucy's Beedrill hovering around and working on its Twineedle attack. Alakazam was concentrating on working psychic moves.

"You have a lot of impressive Pokemon too, Lucy." Said Tracey.

"Thanks, Tracey." Said Lucy. Slowking then teleported its way to Ash.

"Welcome back to Pallet Town, Ash." Said Slowking.

"Thanks, Slowking." Said Ash. "It's good to be back." Brock was stunned.

"Okay, what sort of wacky adventure did you guys have in the Orange Islands without me?!" he cried.

"Long story, Brock." Replied Lucy. Charmander than noticed its trainer.

"Char!" he cried, which meant 'Mommy!' He ran up to Lucy, who scooped him up.

"Hi there, little guy!" she cried. "Have you been a good boy for Professor Oak?" Charmander nodded.

"This one hatched out of an egg when we got to Pummelo Island." Ash told Brock.

"Charmander's a good Pokemon to raise." Brock said to Lucy.

Meanwhile, Oak noticed Tracey sketching something and approached him.

"Your drawings look interesting." Said Oak.

"You really think so?" said Tracy. "Actually, I picked out some of my best sketches, and even though they may not be that good, I was wondering if you could take a look at some of them."

"I'd be happy to look at whatever you brought." Said Oak. The group headed inside where the professor had a look at the sketches. Tracey, however, seemed nervous.

"It's a good thing I'm not nervous." Said Tracey.

"You look plenty nervous to me." Replied Lucy. Suddenly, Tracey's shaking made Ash, Misty and Lucy unable to drink their tea.

"Hey! Tracey, take it easy!" cried Ash.

"Your sketches are fine, now just stop worrying and relax, will you?!" cried Misty.

"You're jittering faster than a jitterbug." Replied Lucy.

"What do you think of them so far, Professor?" Brock whispered to Oak.

"Well, I haven't reviewed his whole portfolio yet, but….." Oak whispered back to Brock. Tracey heard a snippet of what was said.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket prepared to strike.

"Showtime!" cried Meowth. He pressed a button, and rumbling was felt.

"What was that?!" cried Ash.

"Something's surrounding the whole place!" cried Brock. A giant tent had enveloped the whole building.

"Heh! Those kids ain't gonna be happy campers when they see that tent!" cried Meowth.

"Pikachu and Eevee won't get away now that we have the whole place covered." Said Jessie.

"Nor will those other Pokemon." Replied James. Team Rocket laughed in triumph. Jigglypuff approached the tent, but found that it couldn't get in, which made it frustrated.

"What's this thing supposed to be/" asked Ash.

"It looks like a circus." Answered Oak. Familiar sounding laughter was soon heard.

"What's happening?" asked Lucy.

"Prepare for trouble and the greatest act yet!"

"Make it double, because we don't use a net!"

"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!" Ash, Lucy and Oak slightly applauded.

"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of lightning!" Team Rocket was now dressed in clown suits, much to Lucy's horror.

"Surrender now, because these clown suits are frightening!"

"Meowth, that's right!" Lucy screamed and ran in fear.

"I hate clowns!" she cried. Team Rocket was puzzled.

"Huh?" said Jessie and James.

"What's that little twerpette's problem?" cried Meowth.

"Playing on Lucy's fear of clowns, are you?!" cried Misty. "How pathetic."

"What are you doing here?" asked Ash.

"We thought Pallet Town could use a little excitement." Answered Jessie.

"And what's more exciting than a circus?" said James.

"Wow. I wonder if they'll have an old fashioned side show." Said Brock.

"No. Just three freaks." Ash replied flatly. Lucy had climbed up a tree, and was trembling in fear over the clown suits Team Rocket was dressed in.

"The circus Ash and I went to when we were younger definitely wasn't run by three idiotic, dumb and smelly criminals!" she cried.

"Not that I actually care, but why is the big twerp back in town?" asked Jessie.

"I thought you were staying back on Valencia Island with that nice Professor Ivy lady." Added Meowth. Misty and Lucy gasped in shock as Brock sulked on the tightrope.

"Don't mention that name!" he cried.

"Eee! He took my parasol!" cried James.

"But aren't parasols supposed to be for female tightrope walkers?" asked Lucy.

"Usually, but I guess James doesn't really care about that." Replied Misty.

"Now we're going to take every Pokemon in this place!" cried Meowth.

"Why not make this easy and just hand them over?" said Jessie.

"No way!" cried Ash. "I choose you, Bulba….." But Muk stopped Ash in mid sentence.

"What is it, Muk?" asked Ash. Lucy jumped down from the tree she had been in.

"I think Muk wants to battle, Ash!" she cried.

"Okay, go!" cried Ash. Muk slid forward and leaped toward Team Rocket.

"I choose Pidgeot!" cried Jessie. Pidgeot materialized, but Muk zoomed right past the flying type and right toward Jessie.

"What are you doing?! Ow! Get off me!" cried Jessie. "I'm not a Pokemon! Go battle Pidgeot!"

"That Muk loves humans, and it's not too particular which kind." Said Oak. Lucy laughed hysterically.

"Slobbering all over Jessie. It's just revolting." Said Meowth.

"For which one?" said James. "Victreebell, go!" Victreebell materialized, but it munched on James instead.

"Don't attack me, you ding-dong! Let me go!" James cried. Lucy laughed even more. Meowth let out a sigh.

"He's in way over his head." He remarked. Muk soon dogpiled James, Meowth and Victreebell.

"Victreebell, Razor Leaf attack!" cried James. Victreebell landed the attack, but Muk simply brushed it off.

"Razor Leaf just didn't cut it!" cried James. "Victreebell, get in there and get stuck on that Muk!" Victreebel landed on Muk, mouth first.

"Good. Now use your Poison Powder!" cried James.

"Poison Gas!" cried Ash. Victreebell felt the effects of Muk's attack, which allowed Muk to free itself.

"Lucky Muky!" cried James.

"Lickitung, slobber it so we can clobber it!" cried Jessie. Lickitung materialized and licked Muk, but Muk barely felt it.

"Oh no! Muk likes it!" cried Jessie and James.

"Team Rocket's going to have to be a lot grosser than that!" cried Ash.

"It looks like Muk's got them licked!" laughed Oak.

"You're a great trainer too, Professor Oak." Said Tracey. Outside the tent, a cloaked figure approached Jigglypuff from behind. Back in the tent…

"Go, Vileplume! Sleep Powder attack, now!" cried James. Vileplume materialized and landed the attack, which made Muk fall asleep.

"It's working!" cried Ash.

"Quick, Ash! Switch to another Pokemon!" cried Misty.

"Right!" cried Ash. "Bulbasaur! Wartortle! I choose you!" Lucy's Charmander approached.

"Do you want to battle too, Charmander?" she asked. Charmander nodded.

"Okay then, go!" cried Lucy.

"This isn't over yet, twerps!" cried Meowth. "We've still got a secret weapon! This is more than a three ringed circus!" Jessie and James tossed rings at the group.

"Step right up!" cried James.

"Try your luck!" cried Jessie. The rings landed and binded our heroes, including Pikachu and Eevee, whose own rings formed knots to prevent them from escaping.

"Let us go!" cried Lucy.

"Char?" asked Charmander worriedly, which meant 'Is Mommy okay?'

"Perfect!" cried Meowth. "We won a nice little game of ring toss and now we get to pick every top shelf Pokemon we want as the prize!"

"I bet you'd like to release some more Pokemon right about now, wouldn't you?" said jessie.

"Unfortunately, you all seem to be tied up at the moment." Replied James.

"So we'll just help ourselves!" cried Meowth. A giant hose came down from the top of the tent.

"With my super suction vacuum, we'll clean you right out." Said Jessie.

"Oh, no! We're trapped!" cried Lucy.

"But first, time to clean the place out." Jessie continued. She activated the vacuum and it started sucking up anything in its path. The force of the suction pulled the windows off the professor's lab, burst open the doors of the Poke Ball chamber, and pulled out all the Poke Balls within.

"They're taking all the Poke Balls!" cried Misty.

"I've heard of spring cleaning, but this is going overboard!" cried Lucy.

"Finally, we can call the boss and tell him we've got plenty of Pokemon!" cried James.

"The twerps' Pokemon loss is great news for the boss!" added Jessie. She and James laughed in triumph as Tracey's sketchbook got sucked into the vacuum.

"There go my sketches!" he cried.

"Time to let the cat out of the bag, kid!" Meowth yelled at Brock. "How come you came back?"

"I'll never tell!" cried Brock.

"Maybe you did something really embarrassing in front of that Professor Ivy." Added Meowth. Brock went back up the tightrope and sulked again, which made Ash and Lucy sweat drop.

"Brock!" they cried.

"That name!" Brock responded. The GS Ball soon got pulled out of the lab.

"They've got the GS Ball!" cried Ash.

"We can't lose that!" cried Misty.

"SOMEBODY HELP, PLEASE!" cried Lucy. The tent then teared open. A part of the torn tent sent Jigglypuff flying, and as the tent blew away, the balloon began to weigh down from the Poke Balls it had collected until it came crashing to the ground, which released all the captured Poke Balls. Ash and Lucy looked to their right and saw the cloaked figure with a Nidoqueen at his side. The cloaked figure removed his disguise.

"Go, Nidoqueen!" he shouted. Ash and Lucy couldn't believe their eyes when they saw who the figure was.

"Gary?!" they cried. Nidoqueen charged.

"Lickitung!" cried Jessie. Lickitung charged in and attempted to lick Nidoqueen.

"Nidoqueen, grab that tongue!" cried Gary. Nidoqueen did so with ease and swung Lickitung right into Jessie and James.

"Nidoqueen, use your Mega Punch!" cried Gary. Nidoqueen nailed Victrebell with the attack and sent it flying into Jessie, James, Lickitung, Vileplume and Pidgeot.

"You're making our big top a big flop!" cried Meowth. Jessie grabbed Meowth.

"Get in there!" she cried. Meowth was thrown onto the battlefield and right into Nidoqueen.

"I'll take care of this with my Scratch attack!" cried Meowth. He scratched with all his strength, but he broke his claws on Nidoqueen's tough hide.

"I guess I'm not as sharp as I used to be." Sighed Meowth.

"Nidoqueen, Strength attack, now!" ordered Gary. Nidoqueen charged in and sent Team Rocket flying.

"We almost won that time." Said Jessie.

"We got close." Added Meowth.

"A near victory." Finished James. Victrebell munched on its trainer's head.

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" the three of them cried.

"Nidoqueen." Said Gary. Nidoqueen freed those that were still in binds.

"How are you doing, Grandpa?" asked Gary. "Are you okay?"

"Just fine, thanks to you." The professor answered.

"They didn't get my sketches after all!" cried Tracey.

"The GS Ball's here too!" added Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'So am I, pal.'

"Muk, Muk." Added Muk, which meant 'Me too.'

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Me three!'

"Char!" cried Charmander, which meant 'Don't forget about me!'

"So you're Gary Oak, huh?" Said Tracey.

"That's right." Answered Gary.

"Luckily, Gary got here in the nick of time." Said Oak. "You did a fine job."

"Thanks, Grandpa, but Nidoqueen deserves most of the credit." Replied Gary.

"Gary did a great job training it." Said Misty.

"He sure has turned himself into a really strong trainer." Added Brock.

"And getting stronger all the time thanks to his tough training schedule." Said Oak. "You should see how much better he's gotten with Pokemon."

"Better, but not good enough." Replied Gary.

"Lucy and I beat the leader of the Orange Crew while we were traveling through the Orange Islands!" cried Ash.

"We even got the Winner's Trophy to prove it!" added Lucy.

"Congratulations, you two!" cried Gary. "But that trophy didn't really help much against Team Rocket."

"Yeah, well we did better than you at the Pokemon League too!" cried Ash.

"Remember that?!" cried Lucy.

"That was a while ago, guys." Replied Gary. "I'm a much stronger trainer now than I was back then."

"Oh yeah?" Said Ash. "I'd like to see how much stronger you are in a Pokemon battle."

"With us!" cried Lucy and Ash. The group was in shock when they heard the two best friends challenge Gary.

"A battle?!" cried Misty. Gary stepped forward.

"You won't win." He said. Ash and Lucy stepped forward.

"We'll see about that!" they cried. The trainers stared each other down while everyone else looked on in surprise.

"You think either of them can win?" asked Misty.

"Maybe. Maybe not." Answered Brock.

"Pikachu." Said Pikachu, which meant 'This is tense.'

"Vee." Added Eevee, which meant 'Very tense.'

"I agree, guys." Said Misty. "This IS tense." Well, this is quite the surprise! On their first day back in Pallet, Ash and Lucy find themselves on the verge of a Pokemon battle with their archrival Gary. And it seems that Gary is stronger than he's ever been! Will Ash and Lucy have the hometown advantage? Or are they about to become the local losers?

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Tauros, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur, Magikarp, Lapras, Diglett

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant)

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 123: The Rivalry Revival

Last time, our heroes returned to Pallet Town, where they found some shocking surprises waiting for them. One of those surprises was a reunion with their old buddy Brock. Say, brock, why aren't you still on Valencia Island with Professor Ivy?

"I don't want to talk about it!" Brock answered. Sheesh, sorry I asked. Next, our heroes brought the mysterious GS Ball to Professor Oak, only to suffer new shocks as a surprise attack from Team Rocket rendered them helpless! Until who else but Ash and Lucy's rival, Gary Oak, came to their rescue! Now, the foes are about to face off in an intense Pokemon battle!

Ash, Gary and Lucy stood off, ready to battle. Gary got out a Poke Ball.

"Maybe the best way for us to do this is by having you two tag team against me." Said Gary. "You both pick one Pokemon, and I'll choose a Pokemon, and we'll have a sudden death battle to the finish."

"That's fine with us." Replied Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Ready.'

"You're going to go down, Gary!" cried Lucy.

"We'll just see about that." Said Gary.

"I'm going to battle with Pikachu!" cried Ash. Pikachu took to the field.

"And for me, I choose…." Said Lucy. She was about to call on Eevee when her Charmander ran up to her.

"Charm! Charmander!" he cried, which meant 'Mommy! Let me battle, please!'

"I don't know, Charmander." Said Lucy. "You only just hatched not too long ago, so you haven't been in a battle yet.

"Char!" cried Charmander, which meant 'I know I can do it!' Lucy giggled at her little one.

"You sure sound confident." She said. "Okay then, Charmander. Go!" Charmander charged onto the field beside Pikachu.

"I figured you'd use Pikachu, Ash." Said Gary. "A surprising choice on your part, Lucy, but an interesting one nonetheless." He tossed his Poke Ball. "I choose YOU!" An Eevee materialized from the Poke Ball.

"Eevee." Said Ash.

"Vee!" cried Lucy's Eevee from the sidelines, which meant 'That one's cute!'

"You're right, Eevee, it is pretty cute." Said Lucy. "I think it looks just as cute as you do."

"Looks can be deceiving." Said Brock. "You see that shiny coat and those bright eyes on Gary's Eevee? That tells me he's raised it very well."

"Yeah, Brock's right." Said Tracey. "I bet it's ready to evolve into a Flareon, a Jolteon, or a Vaporeon."

"All right! I think we should get this match started!" cried Brock. "This battle pits tag team of Ash and Lucy against their rival Gary Oak. Ash has chosen Pikachu, Lucy has chosen Charmander, and Gary has chosen Eevee! No time limit! Begin the battle now!"

"Pay attention and maybe you'll learn something, like how to be winner and runner up of the Pokemon League and win the Orange League!" cried Ash.

"I'm here to battle, not to talk." Said Gary smugly. "What about you?"

"We're here to beat you, Gary!" cried Ash. "Pikachu, Quick Attack!"

"Charmander, Tackle attack!" cried Lucy. Pikachu and Charmander charged forward.

"Eevee, Reflect attack, now!" cried Gary. Pikachu and Charmander hit the Reflect barrier that Eevee had made, which knocked Eevee back as a result, but all three Pokemon landed on their feet.

"I've seen a lot of Reflect attacks, but never one like that." Said Tracey. "Does it look to you like Eevee felt even half of those attacks? Not to me. It's more like it didn't feel them at all."

"I guess that means Gary's Eevee is at a really high level." Said Misty.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash.

"Charmander, Ember attack!" cried Lucy.

"Eevee, Double Team, now!" cried Gary. Eevee started creating clones of itself as Pikachu and Charmander's attacks fired and hit multiple copies.

"Stop, Pikachu, it's no use!" cried Ash. "Don't waste your electricity!"

"Charmander, hold on your fire!" cried Lucy. Pikachu and Charmander stopped their attacks.

"Eevee, Take Down attack!" cried Gary. The real Eevee dashed forward.

"Quick, Pikachu!" cried Ash. "Agility, now!"

"Charmander, Leer!" cried Lucy. Pikachu disappeared and reappeared and blinding speed, while Charmander's eyes glowed in an attempt to lower Eevee's defenses.

"Now use Thunder attack!" cried Ash.

"Charmander, Skull Bash!" cried Lucy.

"Eevee, use your own Skull Bash attack!" cried Gary. Eevee and Charmander collided into each other with their attacks as Pikachu was about to launch its own attack.

"Eevee's a lot stronger than it looks!" cried Tracey.

"I think Pikachu and Charmander are in real trouble!" cried Misty. Pikachu was launched into the air as he unleashed his Thunder attack and then came down battered and beaten. He tried to get up, but was unsuccessful.

"Pika!" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'Big Brother!' Charmander, on the other hand got back up.

"It's up to you to win it for us, Charmander." Said Lucy. "Flamethrower attack!" Charmander opened its mouth to fire, but it too went down and collapsed.

"This match is over!" cried Brock. "Eevee is the winner!" Ash rushed to Pikachu's side and picked him up.

"That was a tough battle, Pikachu." Said Ash. "You were great."

"Pikachu Pika?" cried Little Pikachu, which meant 'Big brother, are you okay?' Pikachu slowly nodded.

"Char." Sighed Charmander, which meant 'I'm sorry, Mommy.'

"It's okay, sweetie." Said Lucy. "For your first battle, you did a really good job."

"Char!" cried Charmander, which meant 'Thanks, Mommy!'

"Eevee." Said Gary.

"Ee?" replied Eevee, which meant 'Yes?' Eevee returned to Gary as he knelt down to pet it.

"That was good work, Eevee." Said Gary. "We're a tough team."

"Well, Gary, it looks like all that training you've been doing has really paid off and I must say, I'm very impressed with your progress." Said Professor Oak.

"Thanks, but I still have a lot of work ahead of me." Said Gary. He spun his Poke Ball around as he looked at Ash and Lucy.

"You did a great job, Ash." Said Gary. "And so did you, Lucy. Eevee, return." Eevee was recalled.

"Goodbye, Grandpa." Said Gary. He started to walk away.

"Hey, Gary! Next time it's going to be different!" cried Ash. Gary kept walking, but he waved to Ash and Lucy as he left.

Later, Ash, Pikachu, Lucy and Eevee were relaxing together on a rock when Misty popped in.

"Want to know where Gary is?" she asked.

"Why should we care?" asked Ash grumpily.

"Oh, Ash, don't act that way just because we lost that battle with him." Said Lucy. "Where is he, Misty?"

"He's out on a new journey already." Misty answered. This caught Ash's attention.

"He is?!" Ash cried.

"To where?!" replied Lucy.

Meanwhile, inside Professor Oak's lab, the professor was examining the GS Ball.

"Are your scanners coming up with any information about the GS Ball, Professor?" asked Tracey.

"I'm afraid not." Oak answered. "I have to admit, I didn't expect this to be quite so difficult." Ash and Lucy soon entered.

"Professor Oak." Said Ash.

"Yes, what is it?" replied Oak.

"Misty says that your grandson is out on a new journey." Said Lucy.

"That's right." Said Oak. "That's why he's been training so hard lately." Misty then entered.

"Have you been able to figure out anything about the GS Ball yet?" she asked.

"Nothing so far, other than the fact that it's made of gold and silver." Answered Tracey.

"Other than that, I'm totally stumped." Replied Oak.

"Well, if you couldn't solve the mystery…" said Misty.

"And if Professor Ivy couldn't solve it, then…." Said Lucy. Tracey tapped her shoulder and they both looked behind them. Lucy gasped upon realizing the mistake she had made.

"That….name!" groaned Brock.

"Oops!" cried Lucy.

"Lucy, I may be a Pokemon Watcher, but my advice is to watch what you say around Brock." Said Tracey. "Especially when it concerns you know who."

"You mean Professor Ivy, right?" said Lucy. Brock immediately sulked again.

"Stop saying that name!" he cried.

"See what I mean?" Tracey replied.

"I just can't figure out who made this GS Ball, or why it's so hard to open." Said Oak.

"Where'd Gary go?" asked Ash.

"Yeah, I'd like to know the same thing." Said Lucy.

"Oh, Ash, Lucy, I thought you two would know all about it." Said Oak. He picked up the GS Ball. "It seems that my grandson has decided to head out west to enter the Johto League."

"Johto?" said Ash.

"What's that?" wondered Lucy. Despite her impressive Pokemon knowledge, she had no idea what the Johto region was. Neither did Ash for that matter.

"It's a very challenging league. Oak began to explain. "Just like here, trainers have to compete to win badges and battles at a number of gyms in the Western territories that we call the Johto region to qualify for the championship tournament. Gary's planning to battle as many other trainers as he possibly can. He hopes that with all the experience he gets, he'll become an even stronger trainer."

"Lucy and I have to do that too." Said Ash. Lucy almost couldn't believe her ears.

"Ash, are you saying what I think you're saying?" she asked him.

"If we're going to become Pokemon masters, then we have to battle for the best." Ash answered. "That's why I want us to try for this Johto League."

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'You and me both, Ash!'

"I know we can make it, Pikachu." Said Ash. "And we will become Pokemon masters. We just have to start training as hard as we can."

"That's right, Ash." Said Misty. "Ever since the Orange League, you and Lucy have been getting a little lazy."

"We have NOT been getting lazy!" Ash cried.

"Well, if we haven't been lazy, how come we lost that battle with Gary?" replied Lucy.

"Hey!" cried Ash.

"Come on, you guys, let's not fight." Said Tracey.

"I should've known you guys wouldn't get along without me." Said Brock.

"What are you talking about, Brock?" asked Ash, Misty and Lucy.

"With me around, you'll start training right, eating right, and fighting right. Just like you used to." Said Brock.

"You mean you're….." replied Ash.

"Yes! Brock's back!" cried Brock. "We're heading for new adventures! New challenges! New achievements! My friends, we're heading west!"

"Yay!" cried Lucy. "We really missed your cooking, Brock."

"I guess you want to compete in the Johto League too, Lucy?" said Tracey.

"You bet I do!" cried Lucy. "If there's a league out west, I want to compete in it! Eevee, get ready because we're heading west!"

"That sounds fine, guys, but west is this way." Said Misty. She turned and pointed in the opposite direction that brock and Lucy were facing.

"But whatever direction we take, we're heading for action!" cried Brock.

"I'll bring my own map." Said Misty.

"Good idea." Replied Lucy. Oak handed the GS Ball back to Ash.

"I'm giving this back to you, Ash." Said the professor. "I need you and Lucy to help me find out more about it."

"What do you want us to do, professor?" asked Ash. Oak pulled up a picture of an old man on his computer screen.

"Who's that?" asked Lucy.

"That man there is Kurt, the famous Poke Ball designer." Oak answered. "If anyone can figure out the origin and mystery of the GS Ball, he can. I want you both to go to Azalea Town and take the ball to him."

"But, Professor, if we go to Azalea Town, Ash and Lucy will miss the Johto league." Said Lucy.

"No they won't." replied Oak. "It won't take you guys out of your way, and I'm sure Ash and Lucy would meeting him."

"We sure would, Professor!" cried Lucy. "Kurt's like a big celebrity.

"Then this will work out perfectly." Said Oak. "Take the GS Ball and head straight west for New Bark Town, where great things await both you and Ash. That's why they call it the town where winds of new beginnings blow." The wind blew the windows open.

"What do you mean new beginnings?" asked Ash.

"New beginnings in the Johto League, of course." Answered Oak. "As luck would have it, New Bark Town is the place where all trainers have to sign up to participate in the Johto League."

"Great!" cried Ash. "We'll go there first, and then take the GS Ball to Kurt in Azalea Town."

"Don't forget, I'm counting on both of you." Said Oak.

"Just leave it to us, Professor." Said Lucy.

"And don't you worry, Professor. I'll be there to keep an eye on them the whole time." Added Brock.

"You mean you'll keep an eye on us any time there's not a pretty girl in sight." Said Lucy. Brock sweat dropped.

"Maybe I am more interested in girls than I am in geography." He said.

"Maybe just a little." Replied Misty.

"More like a lot." Added Lucy. Everyone laughed as Tracey looked on.

That evening, Delia and Zack were packing Ash and Lucy's backpacks with some help from Mimey until the group arrived.

"Hey, Mom!" cried Ash.

"Hi again, Mrs. Ketchum!" cried Lucy. "Hi there, Dad!"

"Hello, sweet pea." Said Zack.

"It's us!" cried Brock.

"Hello!" cried Misty.

"Hi!" cried Tracey.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Hey there, Mimey!'

"Well, we heard everything went well." Said Delia.

"Dad, Mrs. Ketchum, what are you doing with our backpacks?" asked Lucy.

"We're putting in some fresh you-know-what." Answered Delia. "Your father and I were just on the phone with Professor Oak, so we're packing things up for you." She handed the backpacks to their respective owners. "Here.

"So, you both know we're leaving?" said Ash.

"It'll be great." Said Misty. "In the Johto League, there's going to be new trainers and new Pokemon and new everything."

"Don't worry!" cried Brock. He lept toward Delia. "I know you're disappointed that I'm leaving, but Mr. Mime will be able to fill in for me!"

"Well, I better get to work and cook up a bon voyage dinner in honor of this joyous occasion." Said Delia.

"You don't have to be THAT happy." Replied Ash.

"Of course she does, Ash." Said Lucy. "Just like with your mom, my dad knows I'll make it big in another league."

"Even so." Replied Ash.

"Oh come on, Ash." Said Tracey.

"Yeah, I think a big going away dinner sounds like fun." Added Misty.

"And delicious!" replied Lucy.

"And, of course, I'll invite Professor Oak too." Said Delia. "Brock, would you mind running to the market for a few things?"

"Mrs. Ketchum, your wish is my command." Answered Brock. "Just say the word, and I'm at your service." He then noticed Mimey heading for the door in an attempt to beat Brock to the punch. That caused Brock to rush for the door first so he could get going before Mimey.

"Let me do it!" Brock cried. "After tomorrow, she's all yours!" The two of them struggled out the door and dashed to the market.

"That's scary." Said Ash.

"I'll say." Added Lucy.

"The worst part is, they forgot my shopping list." Said Delia. She then handed a copy of the list to Ash and Lucy.

"Hurry back." Said Delia.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was struggling to walk down the road following their recent blast off.

"I'd sell my soul to rest my soles." Groaned James.

"Let's take a pause so I can rest my paws." Sighed Meowth. Jessie spotted a sign up ahead.

"Let's see what that sign says." She said.

"Pallet Town, one mile." Said James. "That way."

"Hey, you two, look sharp!" cried Meowth.

"Sure does." Said James. Meowth scratched James' face.

"That's not what I meant!" Meowth cried. "Look there!" Jessie and James looked and saw Gary coming their way.

"That kid again!" cried James.

"What should we do?" asked Jessie.

"I say we stick it to that stuck up Gary." Answered Meowth.

"Good idea." Said Jessie.

"If we get him, Pikachu and Eevee, we'll have a brat and two rats." Replied James. As Gary walked along the road, Team Rocket came up through a stage.

"We're up on stage, so prepare for trouble."

"It's curtains for you, so make it double." Gary kept walking.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all peoples within our nation." Gary still wasn't paying attention to Team Rocket and continued walking.

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James." Gary just kept on going.

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

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth, that's right!" They quickly noticed that Gary had completely ignored them.

"That kid just walked away and made a fool of me!" cried Jessie.

"I feel so inadequate." Sighed James.

"I guess our show just closed on the road." Sighed Meowth. Team Rocket sighed in dejection.

"Let's go." Said jessie.

"Right." Replied James. However, the two of them left Meowth behind.

"Hey! Get back here and spring me from this spring!" cried Meowth.

That night, the group of heroes was having dinner at Ash's house.

"And so, with all of that said, this toast is given to you and Lucy, Ash." Said Zack.

"Here's to you, honey." Replied Delia. Ash sipped his drink.

"I bet we won't get another dinner like this until we get back from the Johto League." He said.

"Well, dig in, everybody." Said Delia. Ash and Lucy both took a bite.

"Great!" they cried.

"Good. I wanted everything to be just perfect for you and your friends." Said Delia.

"Well, here goes." Said Misty. She took a bite of some fruit. "This is so delicious, Mrs. Ketchum."

"Ash, Lucy, you both have to try some of this." Said Tracey.

"Okay." Said Ash. He and Lucy both tried a bite. "Hey! That's great too, Mom."

"You did a great job putting this meal together, Mrs. Ketchum." Added Lucy.

"I wish I could take all the credit, but Brock made dinner." Said Delia.

"With some help from me, of course." Added Zack.

"I guess he must've found some really great cookbook during his time working on Valencia island with Professor Ivy." Said Misty. She then realized her error. "Oops!" Brock started sulking.

"Hey brock, what's the matter?" asked Ash.

"I don't want to talk about it." Brock answered.

"Talk about what?" said Lucy.

"She mentioned that name." replied Brock.

"Uh, your dinner's getting cold." Said Misty.

"So, Ash, you and Lucy will be encountering lots of Pokemon that you've never seen before out west." Said Oak.

"And I bet you'll even get the chance to capture some of them." replied Tracey.

"It'll be great!" cried Ash. "I can't wait to get started."

"Neither can I, bestie." Said Lucy.

"Ash, I have a little something for you and Lucy." Said Oak. He pulled out two devices. "I think these will really come in handy."

"All right! A brand new Pokedex!" cried Ash.

"These new models are filled with anything and everything you two will need to know about the abilities, temperaments, and habitats of the new Pokemon that you'll both encounter." Said Oak. He handed Ash his and Lucy hers.

"Thanks." Said Ash. He took the Pokedex and activated it.

"This unit belongs to Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town." Lucy then activated her own device.

"This unit belongs to Lucy Peters of Pallet Town."

"It'll be so great to see all the new Pokemon you two will be sending back to the professor and me." Said Tracey.

"What do you mean back to the professor and me?" asked Ash.

"What are you talking about, Tracey?" asked Lucy.

"Well, the professor's going to let me be his assistant here at the lab." Said Tracey.

"That's great!" cried Misty.

"I wish you were coming with us, though." Said Lucy.

"As soon as I met Tracey earlier today, I knew he wanted to be my assistant." Said Oak. "But it took him a while to get up the nerve to ask."

"Ash and Lucy taught me to always go for what you really want." Tracey replied.

"That's right, Tracey, and right now, what I really want is seconds!" cried Ash. Lucy chuckled.

"Here's to all your new beginnings!" cried Delia. She and Mimey set off some confetti, but two extra confetti cans went off as the diners spotted two news people in the doorway. Unknown to all of them it was actually Team Rocket in disguise.

"Hello!" cried Jessie.

"We're here to cover this very special occasion…." Said James.

"Live!" cried Jessie and James.

"Here's our little stars." Said Jessie.

"Come again?" said Lucy. She was clearly confused.

"Let's get a close up of the food." Said Jessie.

"Got it." Said James. The camera panned across the table.

"Oh, would you just look at the selection of incredible edibles?" cried Jessie. She tried something from the table as Eevee snarled angrily at her.

"This is the best news I've covered in a long time." Jessie said despite her mouth being full of food. She then had a look at the gang.

"What a young, attractive, vibrant group. Mostly." She said. Professor Oak grumbled angrily.

"With such a fine group of friends behind them, it's no wonder that these twer…I mean, these terrific young lads are…" said Jessie.

"Just who ARE you people?!" Zack demanded.

"Dad, those guys are…." Lucy started answering, but Ash quickly covered her mouth to prevent her from blowing Team Rocket's cover.

"This is a heartwarming story of a mother and father's abiding love and their kids' insatiable hunger for adventure." Jessie went on. She and James ate more.

"They may be starved for affection, but they crave the open road." Jessie continued. She and James took the fruit arrangement. "And now those close to them celebrate their departure, even though these young ones may never return to mommy and daddy. This reporter would like to apologize for that momentary lapse in professionalism." She ate a piece of pineapple.

"You look familiar." Said Brock.

"I want to remind you viewers that we're coming to you live." Said Jessie. "L-I-V-E. Live." She almost ate the whole dinner.

"I hope we provided all of you watching out there with some food for thought." She said. The camera then zoomed across the screen until it spotted Pikachu and Eevee, who turned around and noticed right away.

"Vee?" said Eevee, which meant 'Pardon?'

"Ah, now we'll capture these charming Pokemon for our camera." Said Jessie. "Camera man, move in close for a shot and grab them."

"Say cheese." Said James.

"Pika/Vee!" cried Pikachu and Eevee, which meant 'Cheese!' James chuckled as he pressed a button on the camera, which suddenly activated a rubber hand that came out, grabbed Pikachu and Eevee, and pulled them in.

"Hey, you two!" cried Ash.

"They're not reporters!" cried Lucy. Jessie and James broke through the window and ripped off their disguises.

"We're a breaking story!" cried Jessie.

"But we won't cover it!" cried James. They ran away just before Ash, Lucy, Little Pikachu and Mr. Mime jumped out the window to follow them.

"Wait!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"Mimey, don't let them trample my garden!" cried Delia.

"Mime!" cried Mimey, which meant 'Right!' He used Light Screen to set up a wall, which Jessie and James crashed into.

"Now what?! What's this window?!" cried Jessie.

"Mr. Mime's Light Screen!" cried James.

"Mime!" cried Mimey, which meant 'Right!' He used Light Screen again. As Mimey launched the attack, Jessie and James ran away. They soon reached a tree as Meowth came out from behind it.

"It's about time you two showed up!" cried Meowth.

"Smile for the camera, Meowth." Said James. He chuckled while Pikachu and Eevee were trapped inside the camera.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Not cool.'

"Vee." Cried Eevee, which meant 'I hate this.'

"Heh! That was a snap!" cried Meowth.

"Pikachu/Eevee!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"Huh?" said Meowth.

"Pikachu, use your Thunder Shock and blow that thing to pieces!" cried Ash.

"Pikachu!" cried Pikachu. He launched the attack, but nothing happened.

"Shock all you want, but you'll never blast your way out of this rubber reinforced camera case." Said James.

"Then I'll use…" said Ash. Something quickly dashed past him and Lucy, which turned out to be Tracey's Scyther.

"Huh?" cried Team Rocket.

"Scyther really moves." Said Lucy.

"All right, Scyther, use your Slash attack!" cried Tracey. Scyther jumped and came down with a powerful Slash, which broke the case.

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

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

"Pikachu, show them your Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash.

"You too, Little Pikachu!" cried Lucy.

"No, not that!" cried Team Rocket. They tried to run away, but the attacks landed.

"Yeah!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"Marill, go!" cried Tracey. Marill materialized.

"Marill, Water Gun attack, now!" cried Tracey. The attack landed and Team Rocket went flying.

"This concludes our live coverage!" cried Jessie.

"Tune in next time!" cried James.

"If there even is a next time!" cried Meowth.

"Team Rocket's signing off again!" cried Team Rocket.

"Wow! It's great to see them go away again." Said Brock.

"Tracey, thanks a lot." Said Ash.

"That goes double for me." Said Lucy.

"Don't thank us, guys." Said Tracey. "Thank the Pokemon. They're the ones who deserve the credit."

"Scyther, you beat them." said Ash.

"Don't forget about Marill's Water Gun attack." Lucy added.

"And let's not forget who protected my garden from that awful team Rocket." said Delia.

"Mr. Mime did a great job of garden it for you." Said Professor Oak. "Gard? Get it?"

"Good one, professor." Said Lucy. The gang all laughed.

Later that night, Ash and Lucy were lying wide awake in Ash's room.

"Well, Pikachu, we leave for the Johto League first thing tomorrow morning." Said Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'I know.'

"It would've been niece to take a bit of a break and spend a few weeks here, Eevee." Said Lucy. "But when you're a Pokemon trainer, you have to keep moving."

"Vee." Said Eevee, which meant 'Absolutely.'

"I'm really going to miss Tracey not being with all of us when we head out west." Said Ash.

"So am I, Ash, but I'm glad that Brock's coming with us." Replied Lucy.

"Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Me too, guys.'

"I think we can win that Johto League, Lucy." Said Ash. "How about you?" Lucy nodded in agreement.

"If we work hard and train hard, then I know we can do it." She replied.

"Vee." Agreed Eevee, which meant 'I can't wait to see all the new Pokemon.'

"Neither can I, Eevee." Said Lucy.

The next day, the group prepared to head out.

"Visit our parents so that they don't get lonely." Said Ash.

"Don't worry, I will." Said Tracey.

"Give my regards to Kurt when you give him the GS Ball." Said Oak.

"We certainly will, Professor." Said Lucy.

"I promise I won't let them forget." Said Misty.

"And I promise to remind her." Replied Brock.

"Pika/Vee!" cried Pikachu and Eevee, which meant 'Same for us!'

"Don't you guys trust us either?" Ash asked Pikachu and Eevee. "I guess I do forget sometimes." Oak nodded.

"Don't forget to help each other out when the going gets tough, and always do your best." He said.

"Right." Said the group simultaneously.

"Remember to change what we talked about changing every day." Said Delia.

"Don't worry, we will." Said Lucy.

"I'm going to miss you guys." Said Delia.

"You and me both, Delia." Replied Zack.

"Goodbye for now, Pallet Town!" cried Brock.

"But we'll be back again!" cried Misty.

"We'll bring home another trophy!" cried Ash.

"You two just bring yourselves back in one piece!" cried Delia. "That's the only prize Zack and I care about!"

"It must be hard to seem them go." Said Oak.

"But they'll be back again." Said Delia. Zack and Professor Oak nodded in agreement. And so, our heroes are leaving Pallet Town once again. This time, they're headed out west. And it seems certain that the road ahead leads to new adventures, new friends, new rivals, and new Pokemon. Lucy quickly turned to the camera and waved to the viewing audience.

"See you all in Johto!" she cried.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Tauros, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Dewgong

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Tracey's Pokemon: Venonat, Marill, Gastly, Scyther, Magnemite, Giant Bulbasaur, Magikarp, Lapras, Diglett

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant)

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 124: Don't Touch That Dile

Once again, our heroes have left the comforts of Pallet Town behind them. Their sights are set on a new goal. Now, Ash, Lucy and their friends Misty and Brock are heading for New Bark Town, and the Johto League. Well, maybe.

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

"Vee!" cried Eevee, which meant 'Lucy!' Ash and Lucy stopped.

"Pika, Pika." Said Pikachu, which meant 'Look up ahead.'

"What, guys?" asked Ash. He and Lucy looked up and saw a branch above them.

"Yeah, that branch looks familiar." Said Ash.

"Guys! You mean…" said Misty.

"Pika/Vee." Said Pikachu and Eevee, which meant 'We're lost.' Misty collapsed.

"No! We've been walking around in circles all day!" she cried. "Ash, you said you knew where we were going, and now we're totally lost! Where do we go?!"

"Well if you're so smart, why don't you be the one to decide?!" cried Ash.

"That's a good idea." Said Misty. "I'll find a way out of here."

"Come on, Misty, let's go." Said Ash.

"We're waiting for your directions." Added Lucy.

"Don't rush me, you two!" cried Misty. "I just have to think!"

"Well, Misty, this is going to be a brand new experience for you." Said Lucy.

"We're not lost because of me!" snapped Misty.

"Hey! Yelling never solves anything, so calm down!" cried Brock. "The three of you have to be more mature, like me."

"And yet you weren't mature enough to stay with Professor Ivy." Lucy pointed out. Eevee nudged her leg, which made Lucy turn around.

"Oh no!" she cried. Brock was sulking again.

"That name again!" he cried.

"Sorry, Brock, it slipped out! Honest!" cried Lucy. Brock got up and looked at Lucy angrily.

"Don't EVER mention that name around me again!" he cried. "And that goes for the rest of you, too! Am I clear on that?!" Lucy, Misty and Ash nodded. A strange creature soon caught Togepi's senses, which made it jump out of Misty's arms. Pikachu, Eevee and Little Pikachu followed behind.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy. She and Ash followed them into the woods and saw the glowing blue figure of a creature. Misty and Brock then approached.

"A Pokemon!" cried Brock.

"It's beautiful." Said Misty. The Pokemon looked at the group.

"It sure is." Said Ash.

"That's one of the most beautiful Pokemon I've ever seen." Replied Lucy. The Pokemon ran off, but Ash and Lucy ran after it.

"Wait! Come back!" cried Ash. He and Lucy slid down the edge, followed by Pikachu, Eevee, Togepi and Little Pikachu.

"Ash! Lucy!" cried Brock and Misty. They followed behind, but also slid down. Jigglypuff noticed and slid down too.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was lost and wandering around.

"We'll never find our way in this." Sighed Jessie.

"This fog's as thick as pea soup." Said James.

"Without the little hunks of ham." Added Meowth. The fog soon cleared.

"It looks like it's finally lifted." Said Jessie.

"Hot diggity dog!" cried James.

"Let's go get lunch!" cried Meowth. Team Rocket dashed ahead, but quickly ran out of breath.

"What's that?" asked Meowth. Jessie and James looked and saw a building in front of them.

"It looks like a university." Answered James.

"Or maybe some kind of school." Said Meowth.

"Oh, if it is, it must have some kind of cafeteria!" cried Jessie. Some Fearow soon flew out of the trees, which started them enough to run into the building.

"This is for the birds." Said Team Rocket.

"Is that you, Nurse Joy?" asked a male voice. Team Rocket cautiously looked around and saw someone in a lab coat.

"Thanks for coming over on such short notice." The man continued. "I guess I should've called weeks ago, but I got caught up in my research project. You'll find the Pokemon we talked about running around the lab somewhere."

"Pokemon?" James said quietly.

"Is there a problem, Nurse Joy?" the man asked. Jessie quickly imitated Nurse Joy.

"Not a problem in the world!" she chirped.

"Jessie!" cried James. Jessie grabbed a hold of James and put him in a headlock.

"Just be quiet! I'll handle this!" she cried before imitating Nurse Joy again. "Well, now that Nurse Joy is here, what is it you'd like me to do for you?"

"What we talked about on the phone." The man answered. "A complete checkup for the Totodile."

"Totodile?" said Jessie and James. Meowth yelped in pain, but Jessie and James stifled him. They soon saw the aforementioned Totodile latched onto Meowth's tail. The Totodile let go and sprayed a Water Gun attack in James' face.

"Oh, silly me! How could I have forgotten that?" chirped Jessie in Joy's voice. She grabbed James, Meowth and Totodile and headed for the door.

"I'll just take it right over to the Pokemon Center. Bye-bye." She said.

"See you, Nurse Joy." Said the man.

Meanwhile, the group was exhausted after their tumble.

"I do think I can go much further." Groaned Misty.

"Me either!" cried Brock.

"When I was little, my dad and I would go for picnics at the top of a high hill, and I was so tired from walking so much that my dad had to carry me on his back during the trip back home." Said Lucy. They soon stopped at a road sign.

"Hey! Look at what that sign says!" cried Ash.

"New bark Town!" cried Misty.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'At last!'

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

"Hey, Ash, maybe we'll see another one of those Pokemon like we saw in the woods." Replied Lucy.

"Hey, yeah." Said Ash.

"New Bark Town. This way to the town where winds of new beginnings blow." Brock read from the sign. "Yes! Our next adventure starts right here!"

"Where winds of new beginnings blow." Said Ash. "Lucy and I can almost hear the crowd at our first Johto League match. Yeah! We're ready!"

"What do you think they're ready for, Brock?" asked Misty.

"They're ready to overcome every obstacle to achieve their ultimate destiny." Answered Brock.

"Oh, that." Replied Misty.

"The journey starts right now, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"A new start for us begins here, Eevee!" cried Lucy. Ash and Lucy then nodded at each other.

"Look out, Johto League, we're on our way!" they both cried. Brock and Misty grabbed their respective shirt collars.

"Guys, you can't go to the Johto league until you get registered!" cried Brock.

"Oh yeah, that's right." Said Ash. "Look out, Johto League, we're going to register! Hey Brock, do you or Misty have any cash on you in case they charge a fee?" Brock and Misty stumbled in disbelief, while Lucy simply facepalmed.

"There's no fee! You just sign up at the Pokemon Center!" cried Brock.

"Cut him some slack, Brock." Said Lucy. "He and I are both coming off big Orange League wins."

"Fine. Come on." Muttered Brock.

"I bet there's a Nurse Joy in charge of this Pokemon Center too." Said Misty.

"Oh, great." Sighed Lucy.

"Vee." Replied Eevee, which meant 'Some things just never change, do they?' The group soon arrived at the Pokemon Center, and when they did, Brock immediately raced to the front desk.

"Oh, Nurse Joy!" he cried. But instead of Nurse Joy, a Chansey popped up.

"Chansey, you're not Nurse Joy." Said Brock. Chansey activated a button and a monitor with Nurse Joy on it came down and turned on.

"Welcome, all trainers. I'm Nurse Joy." Greeted Joy.

"There she is." Said brock.

"That's funny." Replied Misty.

"But why is she on TV?" asked Ash.

"I'm over at the Elm laboratory right now, and I'm sorry I'm not here to help you, but I'll be back at the Pokemon Center no later than Two 'o'clock this afternoon." Said Joy.

"I guess we'll just have to wait." Said Ash.

"Ash, didn't she say two?" replied Lucy. The group looked at the clock and saw that it was well past the time Joy had indicated.

"It's already three thirty!" cried Ash.

"We may as well sit down." Said Misty.

"Maybe she's running late." Said Lucy.

"We can't just hang around here and hope that everything's okay!" cried Brock. "Don't you understand?! Nurse Joy might be in some kind of terrible danger! Let's go find her!"

"Whatever you say, Brock." Said Ash.

"I just don't understand him sometimes." Lucy whispered to Ash. The group soon arrived at the Elm lab, only to find police on the scene.

"I wonder what's going on here." Said Misty.

"Hey, Nurse Joy's not the only familiar face in town." Replied Ash. Brock turned and saw who it was.

"I can't believe it!" he cried and rushed over. "Hello, Officer Jenny! I'm Brock, and I'd like to present you with a small token of my admiration. Perhaps you'd like to get together this evening for a nice quiet…." Before he could finish, Misty and Lucy pulled him away.

"We better haul you off before she does." Said Misty.

"Excuse me, Officer Jenny, but could you please tell us where we can find the lab of Professor Elm?" asked Ash.

"We happen to be standing right in front of it." Jenny answered.

"Looks like trouble!" cried Brock. "Don't worry, Officer Jenny, just leave this to me!" He quickly dashed in.

"Brock, wait a second!" cried Ash.

"Hey!" cried Misty and Lucy.

"You can't go in there!" Jenny cried. Inside the lab, Nurse Joy and Professor Elm himself were seen, and Elm was feeling guilty over what had happened.

"It's all my fault! I should've been paying attention!" he cried.

"Perhaps if you got out of this lab every once in a while, you'd actually notice what's going on around you." Said Nurse Joy. "Now what are you going to tell that new trainer when she comes to pick up her Totodile tomorrow?"

"I'm so sorry, but I was observing a very unusual cell division." Elm replied.

"Stop making excuses for yourself, professor!" cried Joy. Brock soon rushed in.

"Have no fear, Brock is here!" he cried. "And may I say, you're looking lovely." Lucy growled and pushed Brock away from Nurse Joy.

"ENOUGH, YOU LOVESICK BUFFOON!" she cried.

"I was only trying to be helpful." Replied Brock. Lucy facepalmed and sighed in frustration.

"Brock, if you want to help, then just do Ash, Misty and I a favor by turning down your romance habits a few notches once in a while." She said calmly. "That's starting to become annoying if I'm being perfectly honest.

"That, Lucy, is one thing I can agree with you on." Said Misty. Her attention then shifted to Brock. "So save it, Mr. Romeo! We don't have time for any of that mushy stuff right now!"

"Sorry about that, Nurse Joy." Said Lucy.

"Oh, it's quite all right." Joy replied. "But could one of you please tell me what's going on here?"

"Sure, Nurse. You see….." Ash started, but Officer Jenny quickly interrupted him.

"You kids can't just come barging in here in the middle of a police investigation!" cried Jenny.

"Investigation?" said Ash.

"Someone has stolen a Pokemon." Joy explained.

"Stolen a Pokemon?!" cried Ash, Lucy, Misty and Brock.

"A new trainer's very first Pokemon is gone." Said Jenny. "That poor girl. That poor Totodile."

"Totodile?" repeated Ash, Lucy, Misty and Brock.

"Pika/Vee?" replied Pikachu and Eevee, which meant 'Totodile?'

"You see, I was supposed to give this Totodile and this Cyndaquil to two new Pokemon trainers tomorrow." Said Elm.

"Hey, look at that!" cried Ash.

"It's a Cyndaquil!" cried Brock.

"It's so cute!" cried Misty.

"I'm with Misty on that one." Said Lucy. She turned her attention to the Cyndaquil. "You are one cute little Pokemon. Yes, you are." Cyndaquil suddenly shot fire out its back in excitement.

"Don't be alarmed. This is normal behaviour." Elm explained. "Perhaps I should explain things more fully. New Bark trainers get to choose from one of three." He pulled out a photo of another Pokemon. "This one is Chikorita. A new trainer just picked it up the other day. It's a grass type. Or they can pick Cyndaquil, which is a fire type. Or they can have Totodile, which is a water type."

"A water type! I'd pick that one!" cried Misty.

"Of course you would, Misty." Replied Lucy.

"New Pokemon trainers back home get to pick a Charmander, or a Squirtle, or even a Bulbasaur." Ash replied. "But I got Pikachu, and Lucy got Eevee."

"If those were the Pokemon you had to pick from, I'd say the two of you must come from Pallet Town." Said Elm.

"That's right." Said Ash. "Lucy and I are here to register for the Johto League."

"So I suppose you know Professor Samuel Oak." Replied Elm.

"Professor Oak was the one who gave me Pikachu, and Lucy her Eevee." Ash went on. "He's a good friend of ours, and he was even at my house for dinner the other night."

"Yeah, he sure is a great person." Said Brock. "Have you ever met him yourself, Professor Elm?"

"Of course I know Professor Oak!" exclaimed Elm. "I was his top student. I remember the first paper that I submitted to him at the university. A brilliant analysis of the hyperdized communicative facilities of Pokemon! A truly groundbreaking work!" Joy took the Cyndaquil out of the professor's hands while he went on talking.

"Professor Oak only gave me an A minus because he failed to recognize the genius of my thesis." Elm went on. Misty and Lucy were hanging around with the Cyndaquil. The girls gave it some friendly tickles.

"That tickles, doesn't it?" said Misty.

"You really are cute, Cyndaquil." Said Lucy.

"Cynda?" Replied Cyndaquil, which meant 'I am?'

"I know that sometimes Professor Elm may sound like a hot head, but he's really very sweet and raises wonderful Pokemon." Said Joy.

"And even though I admire and respect Professor Oak's scientific achievements, I am forced to consider him my personal enemy!" Elm cried.

"Wow, Professor Elm sure can talk." Said Misty.

"He could be a university teacher." Added Lucy.

"As you can see from my published works, I focus my studies on unusual Pokemon abilities, which I find infinitely more interesting than Professor Oak's research, which concentrates on Pokemon and their human relationships, because I….." Elm continued.

"Sometimes I wish Professor Elm would be a little more like Professor Oak and do some research in the area of human relationships too." Said Joy.

"Nurse Joy, the reason we came looking for you is because Lucy and I want to sign up for the Johto League." Said Ash.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" cried Joy. "I was supposed to be back at the Pokemon Center by two, but when I got to the lab, I lost track of time."

"When Lucy and I were starting out as new trainers, we were both so excited that we couldn't sleep the night before!" cried Ash.

"So you both slept until noon the next day." Added Misty. Her ear was immediately pulled on by Lucy.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow!" cried Misty.

"Correction, Misty, he woke us both up by throwing his alarm clock against the wall." Replied Lucy. "At least, that's what I've heard from his mom. And what have I told you about antagonizing him?! Stop it!"

"Ow! Ow! Okay, sorry! I was just kidding! Honest!" cried Misty.

"Sure you were." Lucy replied sarcastically before letting go of Misty's ear.

"Ouch." She whispered as she rubbed her ear.

"Anyway, I'm just saying that I know what it's like to look forward to the day when you finally get your first Pokemon." Said Ash. "That's why Lucy and I will do whatever we can to help you track down the Pokemon thief and bring back that Totodile safely."

"We'll all help find it, Nurse Joy!" cried Misty. A police officer soon called for Jenny.

"Officer Jenny!" he cried as he ran up to her. "We didn't find any fingerprints, but we made a plaster cast of some suspicious footprints that we found out behind the lab." He showed the footprint claster.

"I definitely recognize those footprints." Said Lucy. "It could only be the work of three certain dumb and smelly criminals that my friends and I despise!"

"You may be right, but the only way to know for sure is to track them down." Replied Jenny.

Meanwhile…..

"Help! Let go! Get out of my hair, you filthy little jinx!" cried Jessie. "Meowth, get this disgusting thing off me! Hurry!"

"That Totodile's really attached to you, Jess!" cried Meowth.

"Just make sure it doesn't go to your head!" Cried James. Meowth laughed.

"Good one there, Jimmy!" he cried.

"Thanks!" cried James.

Poke Quiz Question

"All right, trainers. Listen up because Lucy and I have a little Pokemon quiz for you." Said Ash.

"Trainers, what is the only attack that Ditto can use?" asked Lucy. "Ash and I will have the answer a little later, but for now, back to the show!"

Back To Episode

The group was following Pikachu, Eevee and Officer Jenny's Growlithe.

"Where is Growlithe taking us?" asked Ash.

"To the Pokemon thieves, I hope." Answered Jenny. "Growlithe's following the scent it picked up from those footprints to find that stolen Totodile."

Meanwhile, Team Rocket had stopped to take a break.

"This thing's becoming a big headache!" cried Jessie.

"Jessie, just think of it as a Pokemon hair extension." Said James. Jessie stomped her foot several times.

"I DON'T FIND THIS FUNNY!" she yelled. "My hair is going to come out of the roots if this thing doesn't let go of me!" As Jessie attempted to swing the Totodile off her hair, Meowth started approaching the phone booth.

"I'm calling the boss to tell him we got a hold of a new Pokemon, or rather, it git a hold of you." He said. The door suddenly closed in Meowth's face, which knocked him back.

"What was that for?!" he cried.

"I know how you operate, Meowth." Replied Jessie. "If you make that call, you're going to take all the credit!"

"I don't think I like the implication of your accusation!" cried Meowth. "Is it too much to ask after enough humiliation to last nine lives for me to call the boss and bear him these good tidings? I may be a Pokemon, but for your information, I have feelings too, and I want to make that call!"

"Let me remind you that I took all the risk in stealing this thing, so I should get the reward!" Cried Jessie. "Now, I'm telling you to get out of my hair and let me make that phone call!" While she and Meowth argued, James went into the phone booth to get ready to make the call himself.

"I am NOT in your hair!" cried Meowth. "That's the Totodile, and it's obviously putting a big strain on your brain!"

"At least I have a brain, unlike you, you dumb halfwit!" Cried Jessie.

"Half a wit is better than none!" cried Meowth.

"How dare you!" cried Jessie. She started beating up on Meowth, but James quickly realized something, which made Jessie and Meowth notice him.

"By any chance, do either of you remember the boss's area code?" asked James. Jessie and Meowth stumbled in disbelief and then started beating up on James because of him almost calling Giovanni and taking all the credit. They soon stopped when they heard Growlithe barking at them.

"It's Team Rocket!" cried Ash.

"The twerps again!" cried Meowth, Jessie and James.

"I knew it was you three all along!" cried Lucy. Jenny got out some handcuffs.

"I'm placing all three of you under arrest for stealing that Totodile from Professor Elm's lab!" She cried.

"Prepare for trouble, you can't take us in!" cried Jessie.

"Make it double, we'll fight and we'll win!" 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!"

"James!"

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

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth, that's right!" Jenny was baffled.

"Could you repeat all of that?" she said. Team Rocket stumbled in disbelief.

"Listen, you!" cried Jessie. She kept trying to swing the Totodile off her hair, but with no luck.

"It just so happens that this Totodile and I are inseparable!" cried Jessie.

"That Totodile is supposed to be the first Pokemon a new trainer thinks she's coming to pick up tomorrow! It belongs to her!" cried Ash.

"Doesn't your conscience bother you, even a little bit?" added Lucy.

"My conscience does bother me a bit." Replied James.

"Not me! I'm unconscious!" cried Meowth.

"I suppose my conscience would bother me a bit if Team Rocket didn't go by a somewhat different ethical standard." Replied Jessie.

"Finders keepers, losers weepers!" cried Meowth. Team Rocket made a dash for it.

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

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

"Ivysaur, use your Vine Whip, now!" cried Lucy. With a single vine, Ivysaur tripped up Meowth, which caused Jessie and James to stumble and fall behind him as another vine headed their way.

"Okay, Weezing, I choose you!" cried James. Weezing materialized.

"Smokescreen attack!" cried James. The attack blinded Ivysaur.

"I choose you, Charizard!" cried Ash. "Blow away that Smokescreen!" Charizard materialized and blew the smoke away in four flaps of its wings, which allowed Ivysaur to grab onto Totodile with its vine. As it pulled, Jessie screamed in pain until Totodile finally let go of Jessie's hair and landed in Ash's arms.

"Don't worry, Totodile, I've got you." Said Ash.

"Oh, just look at these horrible split ends." Sighed Jessie. Meowth scratched Jessie.

"If we lose that Totodile, the boss will have us scalped!" he cried. Jessie grabbed Meowth.

"Get off of me, you fur ball!" she cried.

"All right, Growlithe, get in there and apprehend those three Pokemon thieves!" cried Jenny. Jessie and Meowth stopped their bickering when they saw and heard Growlithe charging at them.

"Weezing, Sludge attack!" cried James. The attack hit Growlithe square in the face.

"Growlithe!" cried Jenny.

"Quick, James, while we have the advantage!" cried Jessie.

"This calls for a Victrebell Vine Whip attack!" cried James. Victrebell materialized, but it munched on James instead.

"Hey! Let me go!" cried James. Jessie just shrugged.

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

"Quick, Wartortle, use your Water Gun attack!" cried Ash. Wartortle materialized and fired the attack, which knocked Lickitung back.

"Thanks, Ash!" cried Lucy. "Arcanine can take them now! Go!" Arcanine materialized.

"Take Down!" cried Lucy. The attack landed and Weezing was forced back.

"Attack them!" cried Jessie. All three Pokemon charged and attacked as Arbok, Pidgeot and Vileplume materialized themselves and joined in.

"Okay, everybody, let them have it!" cried Ash. Pikachu and Little Pikachu both launched a Thunderbolt, Charizard and Arcanine launched a Flamethrower, Ivysaur fired a Razor Leaf, and Wartortle fired a Water Gun.

"Cyndaquil, get in there and use your Ember attack!" cried Lucy. Her new Cyndaquil fired Ember, and when it combined with the other attacks, Team Rocket's Pokemon were sent blasting off.

"Bye-bye!" cried Lucy. Team Rocket was petrified when they saw what was in front of them.

"I think we're about to have a blast." Said Jessie. Totodile walked up to Team Rocket and sent them blasting off with a Water Gun attack.

"What do we tell the boss now?!" Cried Meowth.

"You can make the call this time, Meowth, and you can give him the same message that we always have to give him!" cried Jessie.

"Team Rocket's messed things up again!" cried Team Rocket. Ash picked up Totodile.

"That was great work, Totodile." Said Ash.

"Well, no arrest." Sighed Jenny.

"You can take me into custody." Said Brock. Lucy and Misty pulled him away.

"Come on, lover boy! What you need is solitary confinement!" cried Misty.

"And a tug on the ear for good measure!" Cried Lucy. Ash handed the Totodile to Jenny.

"We were glad to help, Officer." Said Ash.

"Thanks to you and Lucy, a new Pokemon trainer is going to be very happy." Replied Jenny.

"And now me and Lucy can finally get ourselves registered for the Johto League." Said Ash.

Poke Quiz Answer

"Okay, trainers, earlier in the show, Lucy asked the following question." Said Ash. "What is the only attack that Ditto can use?"

"If you said Transform, you're correct!" cried Lucy. "You definitely have what it takes to be a Pokemon master! Ash and I will have a new question next time!"

Back To Episode

Later, at Professor Oak's lab, the professor received a call.

"Someone always calls me during my soap operas!" He grumbled. The screen came up and the group was seen.

"Hello there, Professor Oak." Said Ash. "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing just fine." Oak answered.

"We finally made it to New Bark Town." Added Ash.

"That's excellent news." Said Oak. "Are you and Lucy registered yet?"

"Not yet, but we did run into an old student of yours." Said Lucy. Professor Elm came in.

"Remember me, Professor?" asked Elm.

"Yes, Professor Elm." Answered Oak.

"I want you to know that Ash and Lucy were a tremendous help to me and everyone at my lab today." Said Elm. "They've certainly done an outstanding job of training their Pokémon. Of course, I expect great skill from people trained by superb teachers like yourself."

"Ash and Lucy certainly deserve your praise, but I'm afraid you flatter me." Replied Oak.

"Now that I'm responsible for sending new trainers out just like you are, Professor, I'm going to make it my goal to do a better job than you do." Said Elm. "I mean, just as good a job as you do." As Elm talked, the group took a seat and sighed.

"They could be on for hours." Groaned Misty.

"Next time, I'll remember to reverse the charges." Replied Ash.

"I was able to answer some of the questions that seemed to stump you when you spike at the last meeting of the Pokemon Symposium." Said Elm. Totodile headed to the door, which the group noticed, but Joy stopped in front of Totodile and picked it up.

"Hey, Nurse Joy." Said Brock.

"Where did Professor Elm go?" asked Joy.

"I think he got a little distracted again." Answered Lucy.

"Before I explain my theory, Professor, I think I should take just a moment to give you a bit of background first." Said Elm.

"He'll be a while." Replied Joy. "In the meantime, let's do what you two came here to do and get you both registered and approved for the Johto League."

"Great!" cried Ash.

"Awesome!" replied Lucy. Both trainers handed their Pokedexes to Joy so they could get registered.

"Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town." Said the computer. "Welcome to the Johto League."

"Now for Lucy." Said Joy. She placed Lucy's Pokedex into another machine.

"Lucy Peters of Pallet Town." Said the computer. "Welcome to the Johto League."

"Congratulations, you two. You're both now fully qualified and approved to become official participants in the Johto League." Said Joy. She gave back their Pokedexes.

"Awesome." Said Lucy.

"You'll both need a copy of the Johto League guidebook, so make sure you don't lose them." Added Joy. She gave a book to both of them, but Brock snatched one up.

"I'll hold it close to my heart, which is just where I hold you." He Said.

"How many badges do Ash and Lucy need to win in this league?" asked Misty.

"Once they earn eight badges, they'll be qualified to enter and participate in the Johto championship." Joy answered. "I'd say that the best place to start is the Violet gym in Violet City."

"Then that's where we'll go." Said Ash.

"It sounds like a really colorful place." Said Lucy.

"Yeah, you can both battle for your first Johto badge there and start to catch up to Gary Oak." Said Brock.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu, which meant 'Bring it on!'

"Watch out, Gary Oak, because Ash Ketchum and Lucy Peters are right behind you!" cried Ash.

Later, the group left Professor Elm's lab.

"Good luck in the Johto League!" cried Jenny.

"Remember, you can always stop in at a Pokemon Center if you run into any trouble!" cried Joy.

"Ash, Lucy, thanks again for rescuing Totodile!" cried Elm. He then turned to the water type. "Tomorrow morning, you'll get to meet your new trainer, Totodile. And I have a feeling that you two will be best friends, just like Pikachu and Ash are. Same goes for Eevee and Lucy." He then called after her. "Take good care of that Cyndaquil, Lucy!"

"I will!" cried Lucy.

"Cynda!" cried Cyndaquil, which meant 'You can count on it!' As they head to Violet City to continue their Pokémon journey, Ash, Lucy and their friends are happy in the knowledge that a new trainer will soon begin a Pokemon journey of her own, along with Lucy's new partner Cyndaquil. And with the winds of new beginnings at their backs, they look forward to the Johto League. Of course, they better look behind them too in case Jigglypuff shows up unexpectedly!

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Tauros, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Cyndaquil

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode, Dewgong

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant)

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 125: The Double Trouble Header

After meeting some new Pokemon, and in Lucy's case getting a new Pokemon, in New Bark Town, Ash and his friends are on the road to Violet City so that Ash and Lucy can compete for their first Johto League badges.

"I sure am glad we got to see a real live Totodile." Said Ash.

"Yeah, and Lucy's Cyndaquil is one of the cutest Pokemon I've ever seen." replied Misty.

"Too bad we didn't get to see a Chikorita." Added Brock.

"Hey, guys! Look at that on the side of the road!" cried Lucy. What she had spotted was a Pokemon.

"Who is that Pokemon?" asked Lucy. "I've never seen it before." She got out her Pokedex.

"Sentret, the Scout Pokemon. Sentret are very cautious. It uses its tail to raise itself up and get a better view of its surroundings." The Sentret looked like it wanted to battle Lucy.

"So it's a fight you want, huh, little guy?" she asked it. "Cyndaquil, I choose you!" Cyndaquil materialized.

"Cyndaquil, Tackle attack it!" cried Lucy. Cyndaquil hit the Sentret with Tackle, but then Sentret retaliated with one of its own attacks.

"That's Sentret's Fury Swipes!" cried Brock.

"Dodge it, Cyndaquil!" cried Lucy. Cyndaquil evaded the attack just in the nick of time.

"Now use Ember!" cried Lucy. Cyndaquil fired off an Ember, which was enough to knock out the Sentret.

"Poke Ball, go!" cried Lucy. The ball hit Sentret, wobbled and pinged to indicate Sentret's capture.

"I caught a Sentret!" cried Lucy. "My very first wild Pokemon catch in the Johto region!"

"Cyndaquil!" cried Cyndaquil. (All right!)

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Well done!) Pikachu and Eevee then spotted something.

"What's the matter, guys?" asked Ash. The group looked ahead and saw a girl in a yellow jacket with black stripes.

"We're going to train hard, hit hard, and knock everyone out of the box!" the girl cried. "We're in the big leagues, and we're playing hard ball!"

"What's that girl doing?" asked Misty.

"One, two, three strikes and they're out!" cried the girl. The camera panned down to show a Chikorita swinging its leaf around her feet.

"The side is retired and Chikorita wins the ball game!" the girl yelled. "Chikorita, the Pokemon champion pulls out another amazing ninth inning victory and the fans go wild!"

"Hey! A Chikorita!" cried Misty.

"Looks like you get to see one after all, Brock." Said Lucy.

"Cool." Brock replied.

"Let's check out what the Pokedex says." Said Ash. He got his Pokedex out.

"Chikorita, the Leaf Pokemon. Chikorita releases a sweet, relaxing fragrance from the leaf on its head."

"That little headband it's wearing makes Chikorita really sporty, doesn't it?" said Misty.

"I bet that girl's just starting out as a Pokemon trainer, and she got that Chikorita from Professor Elm." Replied Lucy.

"Let's see what kind of attacks it uses." Added Ash. A Rattata came out from the bushes in front of Chikorita.

"Taking the field for the visitors is Rattata!" the girl cried out. "And on the mound for the home team is the vegetation sensation, the grass type that'll mow the competition down, the one, the only, Chikorita! It's game time!" Chikorita turned to its trainer and nodded.

"Play ball! Tackle attack, now!" cried the girl. Chikorita charged, but Rattata moved out of the way in time.

"And the first one's slow and in the dirt, but Chikorita's just warming up." said the girl. "The next one's coming straight down the plate! Go!" Chikorita charged again, and this time, it hit the target, knocking it out.

"Perfect strike!" the girl cried. "Chikorita's smoking Tackle attack knocked Rattata right out of the box! This game is over!" She tossed an empty Poke Ball at the Rattata baseball style and hit it easily. The ball wobbled a bit, but soon pinged, indicating Rattata's capture.

"Another Team Casey win!" cried the girl. Casey and Chikorita high fived in celebration.

"Will the fans please rise and salute Casey and Chikorita by singing their victory song?" Casey cried. She started to sing. "We all love Electabuzz, no other team's the same. The players charge the field and electrify the game. The pitch and catch and run so quick, their baseball bats are thunder sticks, their power hitters do the trick, Electabuzz, our favorite pick. We love their yellow colors and their black stripes are the best. Electabuzz, they're better than the rest." The group watched with baffled looks on their faces.

"Yay!" cried Casey. "Chikorita, return!" Chikorita was recalled. Casey then noticed Ash and his friends and charged right for the group with a bit of an angry look on her face.

"Hey, no! Stop!" cried Ash. Casey suddenly came to a halt.

"I don't believe it! An honest to goodness Pikachu!" she cried. "Yay! Yay!" Casey picked Pikachu up.

"I just love those powerful pinstripes and that shocking yellow coat! Your Pikachu's a grand slam!" cried Casey. She then noticed Lucy's own Pikachu.

"That one's a mere single." She added. Little Pikachu snarled at her, so Lucy had to restrain him.

"It's okay, she probably doesn't mean that." She said.

"Hey, take it easy there." Said Ash. "That's a high voltage Pikachu you're holding."

"You think it would really shock me?" cried Casey. "What a blast! I've always wondered what that's like. Come on, Pikachu! Turn on the juice! Give me a taste!" Pikachu was about to do so, but Ash tried to intervene.

"No, Pikachu! She doesn't know what she's saying!" he cried.

"Come on, you little rat! Give me a jolt!" Casey yelled.

"Pikachu, don't do it!" cried Ash, but he was too late as Pikachu shocked them both.

"Bad idea." Said Casey.

"I tried to tell you." Replied Ash.

"Thanks a lot." Said Casey.

"Don't mention it." Said Ash before collapsing.

"I think he's grounded." Said Misty.

"Correction, they both got short-circuited." Replied Lucy.

Later, the group got themselves acquainted with Casey.

"My name's Casey." She said. "I'm a huge baseball fan, and I just became a Pokemon trainer."

"We really like your Chikorita." Said Brock.

"Did you get it from Professor Elm?" asked Lucy.

"I sure did." Answered Casey.

"See, I was right." Said Lucy.

"Lucy and I come from Pallet Town, and my name's Ash." Said Ash.

"Peters is my last name, but I'd prefer you to call me Lucy." Replied Lucy.

"And my name's Brock." Added Brock.

"Everybody calls me Misty." Said Misty. Casey took off her hat.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance." She said.

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Hello, Casey!)

"Pika!" cried Pikachu (Pleased to meet you!)

"I'm just crazy about yellow Pokemon, especially with stripes, which is why I think your Pikachu is adorable." Said Casey. "But the Pokemon I want more than anything in the world is Electabuzz. Someday, I might even have a whole team of beautiful yellow Pokemon. All of them with stripes."

"How come you like yellow and striped Pokemon so much, Casey?" asked Ash.

"Because my family's been rooting for the Electabuzz for three generations." Answered Casey.

"You're talking about the Electabuzz baseball team, right?" asked Lucy.

"That's right." Replied Casey.

"An Electabuzz fan, huh?" said brock. "No wonder you're so full of energy."

"But don't the Electabuzz always finish in last place?" Ash put in.

"This year is going to be different!" cried Casey. "This season, they're going to win the series!"

"No way!" cried Ash. "The Electabuzz will get creamed by the other teams, like the Magikarp and the Starmie."

"You quit saying bad thing about the Electabuzz!" cried Casey. "They're going to beat everybody!"

"The Electabuzz couldn't beat an egg." Ash replied flatly.

"Oh yeah? And what about the great hitters that are on the Electabuzz?" Casey countered.

"Those guys aren't hitters." Said Ash. "I've seen better swings on a playground." Added Lucy. Casey gasped, and then she snapped.

"That's the last straw!" she roared. "We're going to settle this argument with a Pokemon battle! Nobody insults my favorite team and gets away with it!"

"Casey, are you sure that's a good idea?" asked Lucy.

"Yeah, you don't stand a chance against me. I'm an experienced trainer." Said Ash.

"I don't care HOW much experience you have!" cried Casey. "Nobody makes fun of the team my family roots for, especially two little wimps who know zero about baseball and even less about Pokemon!"

"All right, you're on!" cried Ash.

"We finally found somebody who's as stubborn and hot headed as Ash." Sighed Misty.

"I'll say." Added Lucy.

"Vee." Replied Eevee (And how.)

"Let's have a three on three battle!" cried Casey.

"I won't need to use all of my three!" cried Ash.

"She's new at this, Ash, so don't be too tough on her!" cried Brock.

"But hurry up! We've got to get to Violet City!" cried Misty.

"She may just be a beginner, but a trainer's still a trainer regardless of how much experience they have." Said Lucy.

"Don't worry, guys, it won't take me very long to win this one." Said Ash. "Choose your first, Pokemon, Casey."

"My first one's the last one I'm going to need!" cried Casey. "Casey's ready to deliver a pitch!" She tossed a Poke Ball. "I choose you!" A Pidgey materialized.

"A Pidgey. Boy, that takes me back." Said Ash. "I remember when Lucy and I first started training and…"

"Come on, quit babbling and start battling, will ya?!" cried Casey.

"Okay, but just remember, you're the one who asked for it!" cried Ash. "Charizard, I choose you!" Charizard materialized.

"Ash is going to battle her with Charizard?!" cried Lucy.

"I think this game's going to be a shutout." Said Misty.

"That sagging dragon doesn't scare us, Ash Ketchum!" cried Casey. "Pidgey, Quick Attack, now!" The attack landed, but had no effect on Charizard, which frustrated Pidgey. With one snort, Charizard sent Pidgey to the ground and knocked it out, which shocked Casey.

"Pidgey, return!" she cried. Pidgey was recalled.

"Yeah, this battle's going to be over in to time." Said Lucy. Casey got out another Poke Ball.

"I'll use my pinch hitter. I choose Rattata!" cried Casey. Rattata materialized.

"All right, Rattata, keep your eye on the Charizard and knock it out with a Tackle attack!" Rattata charged, but Charizard puffed its chest to block it. Rattata bounced off Charizard's stomach and got knocked out, which shocked Casey again.

"Rattata struck out!" she cried.

"That's two down and one to go." Said Ash.

"When Ash told her he was experienced, he really meant it." Said Lucy.

"Rattata, return!" cried Casey. Rattata was recalled.

"Casey, maybe you better quit." Said Ash.

"My grandpa says it's not over until it's over, and this match is a long way from over!" cried Casey. She pulled out her final Poke Ball.

"And now, stepping up to the plate, here's Chikorita!" cried Casey. Chikorita materialized.

"Come on, Chikorita, it's the bottom of the ninth!" cried Casey. "It's Vine Whip time!" Chikorita wrapped its vines around Charizard's neck.

"Don't choke!" cried Casey.

"Charizard, use your Flamethrower, but try to go easy on it." Said Ash. Charizard launched a fireball, but even though Chikorita ducked, the top of its leaf caught fire, which made it let go of Charizard and run around in panic. That caused Chikorita to tire out and knock itself out.

"Chikorita!" cried Casey.

"Chikorita is unable to battle! Ash wins the match!" cried Brock. Casey dropped to her knees.

"I can't believe it was a total shutout." She sighed. He started to tear up. "Chikorita, return." Chikorita was recalled.

"Cheer up. You gave it your best shot, Casey." Said Brock.

"Yeah, you played a great game, especially for a rookie." Replied Misty.

"Misty's right." Added Ash. He extended his hand. "Now that it's over, let's shake and be friends. What do you say, Casey?" Casey got up and ran off in defeat and sadness.

"Just leave me alone!" she sobbed.

"Casey, wait!" cried Lucy, but Casey kept running.

"Must be hard for a tough kid like that to lose." Said Brock.

"It's hard for anybody." Said Misty.

"But that is what happens when you challenge a great trainer." Said Ash smugly.

"Yeah, you should know about that. Am I right?" replied Misty. Ash chuckled sheepishly.

"And who was it that Ash beat three times?" Lucy pointed out. Misty sweat dropped, and Lucy turned to Ash.

"As for you, Ash, I'm surprised AND angry at you!" she cried. Her arms were folded, and she was quite mad.

"What are you talking about?" Ash replied.

"You hurt Casey's feelings!" Lucy cried. "She's only a rookie trainer! There was no reason for you to be so hard on her!"

"Pika!" cried Pikachu (Bad boy, Ash!)

Meanwhile, Casey was running through the woods. She was still upset over her loss.

"After everything my family told me." She said. "How can I ever face them again?" She tripped over something.

"Daddy. Grandpa. Your girl's a loser." She cried. She thought back to when she was starting out as a trainer and about to leave home.

Flashback

"For generations, this family's had a proud tradition of only rooting for our heroes on the Electabuzz, but now, Casey, we have a new hero to root for, and that hero is you." Said Casey's dad.

"We're mighty proud of you, Casey." Said Casey's grandfather. "You're the first member of this family ever to try and become a Pokemon trainer. So take a lesson from the Electabuzz. They never give up, and neither should you."

"Keep trying your best, and we'll never give up on you, either." Said Casey's dad.

"We'll be rooting for the Electabuzz, and for you, too." Said Casey's grandfather.

"I'll make you all proud of me. No matter what happens, I'll never quit!" cried Casey.

End Flashback

Casey got up with a new look of determination on her face.

"Well, win or lose, I am going to make them proud of me!" she cried. "The Electabuzz never give up, and I'm not going to give up either! I'll keep trying just as hard as the Electabuzz do and nothing's going to stop me! I made a promise, and I'm going to keep it!" She soon heard applause coming from behind her.

"Spoken like a true Electabuzz fan!" cried Jessie.

"With guts like that, you're bound to beat that twerp next time!" cried James.

"Electabuzz! Electabuzz!" cried Team Rocket.

"They play the game like nobody does!" cried Jessie and James. "Everybody's cheering, and it's because….."

"Swing it!" cried Meowth.

"Everybody loves Electabuzz!" cried Jessie and James. Meowth laughed.

Poke Quiz Question.

"All right, trainers. Listen up because Lucy and I have a little Pokemon quiz for you." Said Ash.

"Trainers, what special item does Pikachu need in order to evolve?" asked Lucy. "Ash and I will have the answer a little later, but for now, back to the show!"

Back To Episode

"Are you ball players?" asked Casey.

"No, we're not players, we're just rabid Electabuzz fans." Answered jessie.

"Electabuzz fans?" cried Casey. "I'm the biggest Electabuzz fan of all!"

"We saw you battling against that Little League Pokemon trainer." Said Jessie.

"We all thought you should've won." Replied Meowth.

"Yeah." Said Casey sadly.

"Cheer up." said James. "He's beaten us a million times, but we're not licked!" Jessie elbowed James due to him almost blowing their cover.

"My friend here means that you never stood a chance against that no good, conceiving sneak of a trainer." Said Jessie.

"You mean, Ash is a cheater?" cried Casey.

"A big one." Replied Jessie.

"But not as big as we are." Said James. Jessie stepped on James' foot.

"Just between you and me, that twerp's got a reputation for violating a little known Pokemon rule that forbids using a high level Charizard against new trainers and then laughing about ti behind their backs." Said Jessie.

"And he's probably telling his pals what a chump that Electabuzz fan is." Added Meowth.

"I have to get even with him." Replied Casey.

"Why not battle him again? And this time, you'll be ready for all his dirty tricks." Said Jessie.

"Yes! I'll show Ash that he can't cheat an honest fan!" cried Casey.

"Do it for the sake of all the trainers he's cheated." Said Jessie.

"Do it for the honor of the Electabuzz!" cried James.

"JUST DO IT!" cried Meowth.

"Yeah! Let's go beat that cheater!" cried Casey.

Later, the group met up with Casey at a baseball field.

"This time, things are going to be different, Ash!" cried Casey.

"The only thing that's going to be different is that this time, you're going to be oh for two!" cried Ash.

"You're not going to beat me!" cried Casey. "Let me tell you something, mister all-star trainer! Don't think you're a hall of famer just because you beat me exactly one time!"

"Yeah! That's the spirit, Casey!" cried Brock.

"Uh, Brock, aren't we supposed to be on Ash's side?" asked Misty.

"I usually root for the underdog, because the underdog is usually Ash. Lucy too, sometimes." Said Brock.

"I didn't think of that." Said Misty. "Destroy him, Casey!"

"Go, Casey!" cried Brock.

"Guys, you're supposed to be rooting for Ash, not bringing his reputation down!" cried Lucy. "You're totally unreliable sometimes. And that hurts me a lot to say that because I love him!"

"Some friends they are." Said Ash.

"At least you have me on your side, Ash." Said Lucy.

"Thanks, Lucy." Replied Ash.

"Now, a Pokemon rematch, and this time, it's a whole new ball game, fans!" Casey cried. "Casey goes into her windup, the kick, and she delivers!" Chikorita materialized.

"Here we go again." Replied Ash. "Looks like we're going to sweep the doubleheader, Pikachu. Your turn to step up to the plate."

"I may be a rookie, but you're not going to fool me with your dirty tricks like you did in our first match!" cried Casey.

"Ash NEVER plays dirty!" Lucy yelled from the sidelines.

"I'll prove you wrong!" cried Casey. "Chikorita, use your Sweet Scent attack, now!" The attack was launched and both Pikachu and Ash were relaxed by it.

"Chikorita, Tackle attack, now!" cried Casey. The attack landed, and as it did, Jessie and James' voices were heard from the scoreboard.

"Welcome, sports fans, to today's Pokemon double trouble header!" cried Jessie. "This ball game's already underway, and Chikorita's in the lead, so James, tell the fans about our nasty plans."

"Well, Jess, after those two short stops get through battling and wearing out their roster, Team Rocket will take the field and their Pokemon." Said James. He chuckled wickedly.

"This scheme ought to get us into the hall of shame." Said Meowth.

"Yes, well, just make sure you don't commit any errors, Meowth." Said Jessie.

"Don't worry about that, coach." Replied Meowth. "Meowth's on the ball, and so is our rooting section." With the press of a button, robotic baseball players that were designed to look like Electabuzz players came up out of the grandstands just above the pennant box and played a charge on the trumpet, which got the group's attention.

"What's that?" asked Casey. The robotic Electabuzz players sent balloons once the trumpets stopped, and they started saying 'Gotta catch 'em all' over and over again, which impressed James.

"Say, that's pretty cool, Meowth." He said.

"That's because they're electric fans." Replied Meowth.

"Thanks, fans! I'll do my best!" cried Casey. "And now, I'm going to even up the score!"

"Not if I can help it!" cried Ash. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" The attack was launched, but Chikorita reflected it with the leaf on its head.

"Pika?" cried Pikachu. (What's this?)

"Pikachu's attacks aren't working!" cried Misty.

"Ash, Chikorita's a grass type! They're strong against electric attacks!" cried Lucy.

"Go, Chikorita, hit up the middle with a Tackle attack!" cried Casey. The attack landed right on point.

"That's a line drive!" cried Ash.

"Nice hit!" cried Casey.

"Now the next batter steps up, and it's the real hitting machine and a Team Rocket lineup!" cried Meowth. Team Rocket's newest machine, a tank with a bat in its hands, rose out of the ground.

"Uh oh! What's that thing for?" cried Ash.

"Don't act like you don't know!" cried Casey. "They said you were a cheater, and this proves it! I'm ready for your tricks this time, buddy!"

"What are you talking about?!" cried Ash.

"Ash doesn't need to cheat to win!" cried Lucy.

"That's right! You're the cheater!" cried Ash.

"I'm an Electabuzz fan! I always play by the rules!" cried Casey. The machine started to move.

"That thing's headed right for the Pokemon!" cried Misty.

"Look out!" cried Brock. Chikorita panicked, but Pikachu and Eevee stepped in to defend it, much to the surprise and shock of Casey and her Pokemon, but the machine hit them right out of the park.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Chikorita!" cried Casey.

"They're hit to deep straightaway center field!" cried Jessie.

"They could be out of here!" cried Meowth.

"A home run!" cried Jessie. "Now we'll run home with our three new Pokemon!"

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Chikorita!" cried Casey. Team Rocket was soon heard laughing.

"Attention, twerps, it's prepare for trouble day!" cried Jessie.

"But all three of you are out, which makes it a triple play!" cried James.

"To protect our team from devastation!"

"To excite our side with a big ovation!"

"To strike out the evils or truth and love!"

"To extend our reach with a baseball glove!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket throws their fastballs at the speed of light!"

"Strike three!" cried Meowth.

"We won, Jessie!"

"James!" They both embraced each other and got teary eyed.

"Jessie!" Meowth got teary eyed himself.

"That's right." He said.

"That, Casey, is Team Rocket." said Ash.

"They're a group of dumb and smelly Pokemon thieves!" cried Lucy.

"It is? They are?" cried Casey.

"Your Pokemon will make us rich, girly!" cried Jessie.

"We're tired of being poor sports!" cried Meowth.

"How could I let myself get fooled by no-good thieves like you?!" cried Casey.

"Just lucky." Answered James. "Sorry to hit and run, but our work here is done."

"You three lied to Casey!" cried Lucy.

"You're not going anywhere until you give us back our Pokemon!" cried Ash.

"That's what you think, hero!" cried Meowth. "I'll throw you a curve, and some sinkers and sliders too. I'm going to have a ball with this." Three pitching machines soon appeared from out of the ground.

"Aim and fire!" cried Meowth. The pitching machines began to launch baseballs, which made Casey panic while Ash and Lucy stood firm.

"Ow! I give up! I give up!" cried Casey.

"We can't just quit and let Team Rocket beat us!" cried Ash.

"What would the Electabuzz say if they heard their biggest fan just giving up?" said Lucy. Casey realized that they were right.

"A Pokemon match is just like baseball!" cried Ash. "You got to take whatever the other team throws at you! And hang in there until the last out!" Some baseballs soon headed right for Ash.

"And maybe you'll get that big hit!" he cried. He soon got hit by the oncoming baseballs.

"What he didn't mention is that there's one big difference between a Pokemon match and baseball." Said Lucy.

"What's that?" asked Casey.

"A Poke Ball's not a bean ball." Answered Ash. Casey picked up a bat.

"Well, this match isn't over until it's over!" she cried. "It's my turn at bat!" The pitching machines started throwing more baseballs.

"And this time, I'm not striking out!" cried Casey. She managed to hit every baseball the machines threw at her.

"That's it! Keep swinging!" cried Ash. Casey kept swinging and hitting.

"Now Casey's batting a thousand!" cried Brock.

"She's hitting everything they throw at her!" cried Misty.

"All of a sudden, that little worm's a big league slugger!" cried Jessie.

"Meowth, you said you'd have things under control!" cried James.

"Yeah, but in the late innings, I always lose control." Replied Meowth.

"Don't look now, but even our automated bat squad's turning against us!" cried James. The robotic spectators cheered for Casey by yelling gotta hit 'em all.

"Now for some ace relief from the Poke bullpen!" cried Ash.

"Let's put this game away!" cried Casey.

"Wartortle, Bulbasaur, I choose you!" cried Ash.

"Pidgey, Rattata, I choose you!" cried Casey. All four Pokemon materialized and started to catch and hit baseball after baseball. Several of them were aimed at Team Rocket, with one of them hitting Meowth in the face.

"Ratata, line drive!" cried Casey. Rattata charged and hit James in the stomach.

"Hurry up, Pidgey! Tag 'em out!" cried Casey. Pidgey swooped in and nailed James, which forced him to release Pikachu, Chikorita and Eevee.

"Glad to have you back on the team, Pikachu." Said Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu. (Me too.)

"Our Poke all stars aren't complete without you, Eevee." Said Lucy.

"Vee." Said Eevee. (Good to be back.)

"Chikorita! Are you ready to send them to the showers?" cried Casey. She, Ash and Lucy turned their attention to Team Rocket.

"Well, looks like we're heading into extra innings." Said Lucy.

"But I have a feeling that this game may be called on account of pain." Added Casey. Team Rocket panicked.

"Chikorita, Razor Leaf!" cried Casey. The attack landed right on target, which left Jessie and James' uniforms with small tears and left Meowth with multiple scars.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash. The attack landed, also on target.

"Now!" cried Ash, Casey and Lucy.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Chikorita!" cried Casey.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Triple Tackle attack!" the three of them cried. All three Pokemon hit their targets and sent Team Rocket out of the park.

"Looks like Team Rocket's striking out again!" cried Team Rocket.

"They're going! They're going! They're going!" cried Lucy. "And they are…OUTTA HERE!"

"Goodbye!" cried Ash, Lucy and Casey in unison.

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Now that's a home run!)

"You're right, Eevee, that IS a home run." Said Lucy.

"Whoa! Team Rocket's out of the park!" cried Misty.

"Who would've guessed that those three flops would become such a big hit?" cried Brock. Ash, Casey and Lucy gave each other a high five, along with their Pokemon. Lucy then cleared her throat and turned to face Brock and Misty.

"Now, about you two turning against Ash during that rematch with Casey…" she said. She glared at them angrily.

"Oh…. about that…..well…it was just a little joke!" cried Brock. He chuckled nervously. "Right, Misty? We were just kidding with Ash about that!"

"Uh, yeah! A little joke! A small prank just to tease him!" cried Misty. Ash wasn't satisfied with that at all.

"Really, guys? A joke?" he said.

"Here's a word of advice, and you two are going to remember this for quite a long time." Said Lucy. "DON'T YOU EVER DO ANYTHING STUPID LIKE THAT TO MY BEST FRIEND EVER AGAIN!"

"Okay! Okay! We're sorry! We won't do it again!" cried Brock and Misty. "We promise to behave! Honest!" Ash, Casey and their Pokemon shared a laugh. In their opinion, it was nothing more than a silly argument between friends.

Poke Quiz Answer

"Okay, trainers, earlier in the show, Lucy asked the following question." Said Ash. "What special item does Pikachu need in order to evolve?"

"If you said a Thunder Stone, you're correct!" cried Lucy. "You definitely have what it takes to become a Pokemon master! Ash and I will have a new question next time!"

Back To Episode

Later, the group and Casey were at a crossroad.

"Thanks again for accepting my apology, Ash." Said Casey. "I never should've let those three crooks trick me into thinking that you were a cheater."

"That's okay." Said Ash. "They used to trick Lucy and I when we were rookies too."

"But that was a long time ago." Said Misty. "Right, guys?"

"Yeah." Said Lucy.

"If I keep trying like the Electabuzz do, then maybe I'll become a great trainer myself, just like you and Lucy are, Ash." Said Casey.

"Which means we'll have to start training harder because she'll be tough to beat." Said Lucy.

"Maybe we'll even battle each other in the Johto League." Said Casey. "Pikachu, if I ever get my own team of yellow Pokemon, I hope they're all as brave and beautiful as you are."

"Pikachu." Replied Pikachu. (Thanks, Casey.)

"You know, Casey, if you want, why not travel along with us for a little while?" offered Lucy. "With Ash and I by your side, you'll develop into an all star player in no time flat."

"Well, traveling with newly made friends would be better than traveling alone." Said Casey. "Okay, it's a deal!" She, Ash and Lucy shook hands and then the now group of five walked down the road together.

"Casey, you are one interesting young lady." Said Brock. "I wonder if you have a sister." Misty simply sweat dropped at the idea.

"Casey being with us is going to be a lot of fun, Pikachu." Said Ash. "Pretty soon, she won't be a rookie anymore. She'll be a real pro." Ash and Lucy may have a new teammate, but the three of them still share the same goal: becoming the best Pokemon trainers they can be. With patience, practice and determination, they may just get there!

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Tauros, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Cyndaquil

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode, Dewgong, Sentret

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant)

Casey's Pokemon: Pidgey, Rattata, Chikorita

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 125: The Double Trouble Header

After meeting some new Pokemon, and in Lucy's case getting a new Pokemon, in New Bark Town, Ash and his friends are on the road to Violet City so that Ash and Lucy can compete for their first Johto League badges.

"I sure am glad we got to see a real live Totodile." Said Ash.

"Yeah, and Lucy's Cyndaquil is one of the cutest Pokemon I've ever seen." replied Misty.

"Too bad we didn't get to see a Chikorita." Added Brock.

"Hey, guys! Look at that on the side of the road!" cried Lucy. What she had spotted was a Pokemon.

"Who is that Pokemon?" asked Lucy. "I've never seen it before." She got out her Pokedex.

"Sentret, the Scout Pokemon. Sentret are very cautious. It uses its tail to raise itself up and get a better view of its surroundings." The Sentret looked like it wanted to battle Lucy.

"So it's a fight you want, huh, little guy?" she asked it. "Cyndaquil, I choose you!" Cyndaquil materialized.

"Cyndaquil, Tackle attack it!" cried Lucy. Cyndaquil hit the Sentret with Tackle, but then Sentret retaliated with one of its own attacks.

"That's Sentret's Fury Swipes!" cried Brock.

"Dodge it, Cyndaquil!" cried Lucy. Cyndaquil evaded the attack just in the nick of time.

"Now use Ember!" cried Lucy. Cyndaquil fired off an Ember, which was enough to knock out the Sentret.

"Poke Ball, go!" cried Lucy. The ball hit Sentret, wobbled and pinged to indicate Sentret's capture.

"I caught a Sentret!" cried Lucy. "My very first wild Pokemon catch in the Johto region!"

"Cyndaquil!" cried Cyndaquil. (All right!)

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Well done!) Pikachu and Eevee then spotted something.

"What's the matter, guys?" asked Ash. The group looked ahead and saw a girl in a yellow jacket with black stripes.

"We're going to train hard, hit hard, and knock everyone out of the box!" the girl cried. "We're in the big leagues, and we're playing hard ball!"

"What's that girl doing?" asked Misty.

"One, two, three strikes and they're out!" cried the girl. The camera panned down to show a Chikorita swinging its leaf around her feet.

"The side is retired and Chikorita wins the ball game!" the girl yelled. "Chikorita, the Pokemon champion pulls out another amazing ninth inning victory and the fans go wild!"

"Hey! A Chikorita!" cried Misty.

"Looks like you get to see one after all, Brock." Said Lucy.

"Cool." Brock replied.

"Let's check out what the Pokedex says." Said Ash. He got his Pokedex out.

"Chikorita, the Leaf Pokemon. Chikorita releases a sweet, relaxing fragrance from the leaf on its head."

"That little headband it's wearing makes Chikorita really sporty, doesn't it?" said Misty.

"I bet that girl's just starting out as a Pokemon trainer, and she got that Chikorita from Professor Elm." Replied Lucy.

"Let's see what kind of attacks it uses." Added Ash. A Rattata came out from the bushes in front of Chikorita.

"Taking the field for the visitors is Rattata!" the girl cried out. "And on the mound for the home team is the vegetation sensation, the grass type that'll mow the competition down, the one, the only, Chikorita! It's game time!" Chikorita turned to its trainer and nodded.

"Play ball! Tackle attack, now!" cried the girl. Chikorita charged, but Rattata moved out of the way in time.

"And the first one's slow and in the dirt, but Chikorita's just warming up." said the girl. "The next one's coming straight down the plate! Go!" Chikorita charged again, and this time, it hit the target, knocking it out.

"Perfect strike!" the girl cried. "Chikorita's smoking Tackle attack knocked Rattata right out of the box! This game is over!" She tossed an empty Poke Ball at the Rattata baseball style and hit it easily. The ball wobbled a bit, but soon pinged, indicating Rattata's capture.

"Another Team Casey win!" cried the girl. Casey and Chikorita high fived in celebration.

"Will the fans please rise and salute Casey and Chikorita by singing their victory song?" Casey cried. She started to sing. "We all love Electabuzz, no other team's the same. The players charge the field and electrify the game. The pitch and catch and run so quick, their baseball bats are thunder sticks, their power hitters do the trick, Electabuzz, our favorite pick. We love their yellow colors and their black stripes are the best. Electabuzz, they're better than the rest." The group watched with baffled looks on their faces.

"Yay!" cried Casey. "Chikorita, return!" Chikorita was recalled. Casey then noticed Ash and his friends and charged right for the group with a bit of an angry look on her face.

"Hey, no! Stop!" cried Ash. Casey suddenly came to a halt.

"I don't believe it! An honest to goodness Pikachu!" she cried. "Yay! Yay!" Casey picked Pikachu up.

"I just love those powerful pinstripes and that shocking yellow coat! Your Pikachu's a grand slam!" cried Casey. She then noticed Lucy's own Pikachu.

"That one's a mere single." She added. Little Pikachu snarled at her, so Lucy had to restrain him.

"It's okay, she probably doesn't mean that." She said.

"Hey, take it easy there." Said Ash. "That's a high voltage Pikachu you're holding."

"You think it would really shock me?" cried Casey. "What a blast! I've always wondered what that's like. Come on, Pikachu! Turn on the juice! Give me a taste!" Pikachu was about to do so, but Ash tried to intervene.

"No, Pikachu! She doesn't know what she's saying!" he cried.

"Come on, you little rat! Give me a jolt!" Casey yelled.

"Pikachu, don't do it!" cried Ash, but he was too late as Pikachu shocked them both.

"Bad idea." Said Casey.

"I tried to tell you." Replied Ash.

"Thanks a lot." Said Casey.

"Don't mention it." Said Ash before collapsing.

"I think he's grounded." Said Misty.

"Correction, they both got short-circuited." Replied Lucy.

Later, the group got themselves acquainted with Casey.

"My name's Casey." She said. "I'm a huge baseball fan, and I just became a Pokemon trainer."

"We really like your Chikorita." Said Brock.

"Did you get it from Professor Elm?" asked Lucy.

"I sure did." Answered Casey.

"See, I was right." Said Lucy.

"Lucy and I come from Pallet Town, and my name's Ash." Said Ash.

"Peters is my last name, but I'd prefer you to call me Lucy." Replied Lucy.

"And my name's Brock." Added Brock.

"Everybody calls me Misty." Said Misty. Casey took off her hat.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance." She said.

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Hello, Casey!)

"Pika!" cried Pikachu (Pleased to meet you!)

"I'm just crazy about yellow Pokemon, especially with stripes, which is why I think your Pikachu is adorable." Said Casey. "But the Pokemon I want more than anything in the world is Electabuzz. Someday, I might even have a whole team of beautiful yellow Pokemon. All of them with stripes."

"How come you like yellow and striped Pokemon so much, Casey?" asked Ash.

"Because my family's been rooting for the Electabuzz for three generations." Answered Casey.

"You're talking about the Electabuzz baseball team, right?" asked Lucy.

"That's right." Replied Casey.

"An Electabuzz fan, huh?" said brock. "No wonder you're so full of energy."

"But don't the Electabuzz always finish in last place?" Ash put in.

"This year is going to be different!" cried Casey. "This season, they're going to win the series!"

"No way!" cried Ash. "The Electabuzz will get creamed by the other teams, like the Magikarp and the Starmie."

"You quit saying bad thing about the Electabuzz!" cried Casey. "They're going to beat everybody!"

"The Electabuzz couldn't beat an egg." Ash replied flatly.

"Oh yeah? And what about the great hitters that are on the Electabuzz?" Casey countered.

"Those guys aren't hitters." Said Ash. "I've seen better swings on a playground." Added Lucy. Casey gasped, and then she snapped.

"That's the last straw!" she roared. "We're going to settle this argument with a Pokemon battle! Nobody insults my favorite team and gets away with it!"

"Casey, are you sure that's a good idea?" asked Lucy.

"Yeah, you don't stand a chance against me. I'm an experienced trainer." Said Ash.

"I don't care HOW much experience you have!" cried Casey. "Nobody makes fun of the team my family roots for, especially two little wimps who know zero about baseball and even less about Pokemon!"

"All right, you're on!" cried Ash.

"We finally found somebody who's as stubborn and hot headed as Ash." Sighed Misty.

"I'll say." Added Lucy.

"Vee." Replied Eevee (And how.)

"Let's have a three on three battle!" cried Casey.

"I won't need to use all of my three!" cried Ash.

"She's new at this, Ash, so don't be too tough on her!" cried Brock.

"But hurry up! We've got to get to Violet City!" cried Misty.

"She may just be a beginner, but a trainer's still a trainer regardless of how much experience they have." Said Lucy.

"Don't worry, guys, it won't take me very long to win this one." Said Ash. "Choose your first, Pokemon, Casey."

"My first one's the last one I'm going to need!" cried Casey. "Casey's ready to deliver a pitch!" She tossed a Poke Ball. "I choose you!" A Pidgey materialized.

"A Pidgey. Boy, that takes me back." Said Ash. "I remember when Lucy and I first started training and…"

"Come on, quit babbling and start battling, will ya?!" cried Casey.

"Okay, but just remember, you're the one who asked for it!" cried Ash. "Charizard, I choose you!" Charizard materialized.

"Ash is going to battle her with Charizard?!" cried Lucy.

"I think this game's going to be a shutout." Said Misty.

"That sagging dragon doesn't scare us, Ash Ketchum!" cried Casey. "Pidgey, Quick Attack, now!" The attack landed, but had no effect on Charizard, which frustrated Pidgey. With one snort, Charizard sent Pidgey to the ground and knocked it out, which shocked Casey.

"Pidgey, return!" she cried. Pidgey was recalled.

"Yeah, this battle's going to be over in to time." Said Lucy. Casey got out another Poke Ball.

"I'll use my pinch hitter. I choose Rattata!" cried Casey. Rattata materialized.

"All right, Rattata, keep your eye on the Charizard and knock it out with a Tackle attack!" Rattata charged, but Charizard puffed its chest to block it. Rattata bounced off Charizard's stomach and got knocked out, which shocked Casey again.

"Rattata struck out!" she cried.

"That's two down and one to go." Said Ash.

"When Ash told her he was experienced, he really meant it." Said Lucy.

"Rattata, return!" cried Casey. Rattata was recalled.

"Casey, maybe you better quit." Said Ash.

"My grandpa says it's not over until it's over, and this match is a long way from over!" cried Casey. She pulled out her final Poke Ball.

"And now, stepping up to the plate, here's Chikorita!" cried Casey. Chikorita materialized.

"Come on, Chikorita, it's the bottom of the ninth!" cried Casey. "It's Vine Whip time!" Chikorita wrapped its vines around Charizard's neck.

"Don't choke!" cried Casey.

"Charizard, use your Flamethrower, but try to go easy on it." Said Ash. Charizard launched a fireball, but even though Chikorita ducked, the top of its leaf caught fire, which made it let go of Charizard and run around in panic. That caused Chikorita to tire out and knock itself out.

"Chikorita!" cried Casey.

"Chikorita is unable to battle! Ash wins the match!" cried Brock. Casey dropped to her knees.

"I can't believe it was a total shutout." She sighed. He started to tear up. "Chikorita, return." Chikorita was recalled.

"Cheer up. You gave it your best shot, Casey." Said Brock.

"Yeah, you played a great game, especially for a rookie." Replied Misty.

"Misty's right." Added Ash. He extended his hand. "Now that it's over, let's shake and be friends. What do you say, Casey?" Casey got up and ran off in defeat and sadness.

"Just leave me alone!" she sobbed.

"Casey, wait!" cried Lucy, but Casey kept running.

"Must be hard for a tough kid like that to lose." Said Brock.

"It's hard for anybody." Said Misty.

"But that is what happens when you challenge a great trainer." Said Ash smugly.

"Yeah, you should know about that. Am I right?" replied Misty. Ash chuckled sheepishly.

"And who was it that Ash beat three times?" Lucy pointed out. Misty sweat dropped, and Lucy turned to Ash.

"As for you, Ash, I'm surprised AND angry at you!" she cried. Her arms were folded, and she was quite mad.

"What are you talking about?" Ash replied.

"You hurt Casey's feelings!" Lucy cried. "She's only a rookie trainer! There was no reason for you to be so hard on her!"

"Pika!" cried Pikachu (Bad boy, Ash!)

Meanwhile, Casey was running through the woods. She was still upset over her loss.

"After everything my family told me." She said. "How can I ever face them again?" She tripped over something.

"Daddy. Grandpa. Your girl's a loser." She cried. She thought back to when she was starting out as a trainer and about to leave home.

Flashback

"For generations, this family's had a proud tradition of only rooting for our heroes on the Electabuzz, but now, Casey, we have a new hero to root for, and that hero is you." Said Casey's dad.

"We're mighty proud of you, Casey." Said Casey's grandfather. "You're the first member of this family ever to try and become a Pokemon trainer. So take a lesson from the Electabuzz. They never give up, and neither should you."

"Keep trying your best, and we'll never give up on you, either." Said Casey's dad.

"We'll be rooting for the Electabuzz, and for you, too." Said Casey's grandfather.

"I'll make you all proud of me. No matter what happens, I'll never quit!" cried Casey.

End Flashback

Casey got up with a new look of determination on her face.

"Well, win or lose, I am going to make them proud of me!" she cried. "The Electabuzz never give up, and I'm not going to give up either! I'll keep trying just as hard as the Electabuzz do and nothing's going to stop me! I made a promise, and I'm going to keep it!" She soon heard applause coming from behind her.

"Spoken like a true Electabuzz fan!" cried Jessie.

"With guts like that, you're bound to beat that twerp next time!" cried James.

"Electabuzz! Electabuzz!" cried Team Rocket.

"They play the game like nobody does!" cried Jessie and James. "Everybody's cheering, and it's because….."

"Swing it!" cried Meowth.

"Everybody loves Electabuzz!" cried Jessie and James. Meowth laughed.

Poke Quiz Question.

"All right, trainers. Listen up because Lucy and I have a little Pokemon quiz for you." Said Ash.

"Trainers, what special item does Pikachu need in order to evolve?" asked Lucy. "Ash and I will have the answer a little later, but for now, back to the show!"

Back To Episode

"Are you ball players?" asked Casey.

"No, we're not players, we're just rabid Electabuzz fans." Answered jessie.

"Electabuzz fans?" cried Casey. "I'm the biggest Electabuzz fan of all!"

"We saw you battling against that Little League Pokemon trainer." Said Jessie.

"We all thought you should've won." Replied Meowth.

"Yeah." Said Casey sadly.

"Cheer up." said James. "He's beaten us a million times, but we're not licked!" Jessie elbowed James due to him almost blowing their cover.

"My friend here means that you never stood a chance against that no good, conceiving sneak of a trainer." Said Jessie.

"You mean, Ash is a cheater?" cried Casey.

"A big one." Replied Jessie.

"But not as big as we are." Said James. Jessie stepped on James' foot.

"Just between you and me, that twerp's got a reputation for violating a little known Pokemon rule that forbids using a high level Charizard against new trainers and then laughing about ti behind their backs." Said Jessie.

"And he's probably telling his pals what a chump that Electabuzz fan is." Added Meowth.

"I have to get even with him." Replied Casey.

"Why not battle him again? And this time, you'll be ready for all his dirty tricks." Said Jessie.

"Yes! I'll show Ash that he can't cheat an honest fan!" cried Casey.

"Do it for the sake of all the trainers he's cheated." Said Jessie.

"Do it for the honor of the Electabuzz!" cried James.

"JUST DO IT!" cried Meowth.

"Yeah! Let's go beat that cheater!" cried Casey.

Later, the group met up with Casey at a baseball field.

"This time, things are going to be different, Ash!" cried Casey.

"The only thing that's going to be different is that this time, you're going to be oh for two!" cried Ash.

"You're not going to beat me!" cried Casey. "Let me tell you something, mister all-star trainer! Don't think you're a hall of famer just because you beat me exactly one time!"

"Yeah! That's the spirit, Casey!" cried Brock.

"Uh, Brock, aren't we supposed to be on Ash's side?" asked Misty.

"I usually root for the underdog, because the underdog is usually Ash. Lucy too, sometimes." Said Brock.

"I didn't think of that." Said Misty. "Destroy him, Casey!"

"Go, Casey!" cried Brock.

"Guys, you're supposed to be rooting for Ash, not bringing his reputation down!" cried Lucy. "You're totally unreliable sometimes. And that hurts me a lot to say that because I love him!"

"Some friends they are." Said Ash.

"At least you have me on your side, Ash." Said Lucy.

"Thanks, Lucy." Replied Ash.

"Now, a Pokemon rematch, and this time, it's a whole new ball game, fans!" Casey cried. "Casey goes into her windup, the kick, and she delivers!" Chikorita materialized.

"Here we go again." Replied Ash. "Looks like we're going to sweep the doubleheader, Pikachu. Your turn to step up to the plate."

"I may be a rookie, but you're not going to fool me with your dirty tricks like you did in our first match!" cried Casey.

"Ash NEVER plays dirty!" Lucy yelled from the sidelines.

"I'll prove you wrong!" cried Casey. "Chikorita, use your Sweet Scent attack, now!" The attack was launched and both Pikachu and Ash were relaxed by it.

"Chikorita, Tackle attack, now!" cried Casey. The attack landed, and as it did, Jessie and James' voices were heard from the scoreboard.

"Welcome, sports fans, to today's Pokemon double trouble header!" cried Jessie. "This ball game's already underway, and Chikorita's in the lead, so James, tell the fans about our nasty plans."

"Well, Jess, after those two short stops get through battling and wearing out their roster, Team Rocket will take the field and their Pokemon." Said James. He chuckled wickedly.

"This scheme ought to get us into the hall of shame." Said Meowth.

"Yes, well, just make sure you don't commit any errors, Meowth." Said Jessie.

"Don't worry about that, coach." Replied Meowth. "Meowth's on the ball, and so is our rooting section." With the press of a button, robotic baseball players that were designed to look like Electabuzz players came up out of the grandstands just above the pennant box and played a charge on the trumpet, which got the group's attention.

"What's that?" asked Casey. The robotic Electabuzz players sent balloons once the trumpets stopped, and they started saying 'Gotta catch 'em all' over and over again, which impressed James.

"Say, that's pretty cool, Meowth." He said.

"That's because they're electric fans." Replied Meowth.

"Thanks, fans! I'll do my best!" cried Casey. "And now, I'm going to even up the score!"

"Not if I can help it!" cried Ash. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" The attack was launched, but Chikorita reflected it with the leaf on its head.

"Pika?" cried Pikachu. (What's this?)

"Pikachu's attacks aren't working!" cried Misty.

"Ash, Chikorita's a grass type! They're strong against electric attacks!" cried Lucy.

"Go, Chikorita, hit up the middle with a Tackle attack!" cried Casey. The attack landed right on point.

"That's a line drive!" cried Ash.

"Nice hit!" cried Casey.

"Now the next batter steps up, and it's the real hitting machine and a Team Rocket lineup!" cried Meowth. Team Rocket's newest machine, a tank with a bat in its hands, rose out of the ground.

"Uh oh! What's that thing for?" cried Ash.

"Don't act like you don't know!" cried Casey. "They said you were a cheater, and this proves it! I'm ready for your tricks this time, buddy!"

"What are you talking about?!" cried Ash.

"Ash doesn't need to cheat to win!" cried Lucy.

"That's right! You're the cheater!" cried Ash.

"I'm an Electabuzz fan! I always play by the rules!" cried Casey. The machine started to move.

"That thing's headed right for the Pokemon!" cried Misty.

"Look out!" cried Brock. Chikorita panicked, but Pikachu and Eevee stepped in to defend it, much to the surprise and shock of Casey and her Pokemon, but the machine hit them right out of the park.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Chikorita!" cried Casey.

"They're hit to deep straightaway center field!" cried Jessie.

"They could be out of here!" cried Meowth.

"A home run!" cried Jessie. "Now we'll run home with our three new Pokemon!"

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Chikorita!" cried Casey. Team Rocket was soon heard laughing.

"Attention, twerps, it's prepare for trouble day!" cried Jessie.

"But all three of you are out, which makes it a triple play!" cried James.

"To protect our team from devastation!"

"To excite our side with a big ovation!"

"To strike out the evils or truth and love!"

"To extend our reach with a baseball glove!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket throws their fastballs at the speed of light!"

"Strike three!" cried Meowth.

"We won, Jessie!"

"James!" They both embraced each other and got teary eyed.

"Jessie!" Meowth got teary eyed himself.

"That's right." He said.

"That, Casey, is Team Rocket." said Ash.

"They're a group of dumb and smelly Pokemon thieves!" cried Lucy.

"It is? They are?" cried Casey.

"Your Pokemon will make us rich, girly!" cried Jessie.

"We're tired of being poor sports!" cried Meowth.

"How could I let myself get fooled by no-good thieves like you?!" cried Casey.

"Just lucky." Answered James. "Sorry to hit and run, but our work here is done."

"You three lied to Casey!" cried Lucy.

"You're not going anywhere until you give us back our Pokemon!" cried Ash.

"That's what you think, hero!" cried Meowth. "I'll throw you a curve, and some sinkers and sliders too. I'm going to have a ball with this." Three pitching machines soon appeared from out of the ground.

"Aim and fire!" cried Meowth. The pitching machines began to launch baseballs, which made Casey panic while Ash and Lucy stood firm.

"Ow! I give up! I give up!" cried Casey.

"We can't just quit and let Team Rocket beat us!" cried Ash.

"What would the Electabuzz say if they heard their biggest fan just giving up?" said Lucy. Casey realized that they were right.

"A Pokemon match is just like baseball!" cried Ash. "You got to take whatever the other team throws at you! And hang in there until the last out!" Some baseballs soon headed right for Ash.

"And maybe you'll get that big hit!" he cried. He soon got hit by the oncoming baseballs.

"What he didn't mention is that there's one big difference between a Pokemon match and baseball." Said Lucy.

"What's that?" asked Casey.

"A Poke Ball's not a bean ball." Answered Ash. Casey picked up a bat.

"Well, this match isn't over until it's over!" she cried. "It's my turn at bat!" The pitching machines started throwing more baseballs.

"And this time, I'm not striking out!" cried Casey. She managed to hit every baseball the machines threw at her.

"That's it! Keep swinging!" cried Ash. Casey kept swinging and hitting.

"Now Casey's batting a thousand!" cried Brock.

"She's hitting everything they throw at her!" cried Misty.

"All of a sudden, that little worm's a big league slugger!" cried Jessie.

"Meowth, you said you'd have things under control!" cried James.

"Yeah, but in the late innings, I always lose control." Replied Meowth.

"Don't look now, but even our automated bat squad's turning against us!" cried James. The robotic spectators cheered for Casey by yelling gotta hit 'em all.

"Now for some ace relief from the Poke bullpen!" cried Ash.

"Let's put this game away!" cried Casey.

"Wartortle, Bulbasaur, I choose you!" cried Ash.

"Pidgey, Rattata, I choose you!" cried Casey. All four Pokemon materialized and started to catch and hit baseball after baseball. Several of them were aimed at Team Rocket, with one of them hitting Meowth in the face.

"Ratata, line drive!" cried Casey. Rattata charged and hit James in the stomach.

"Hurry up, Pidgey! Tag 'em out!" cried Casey. Pidgey swooped in and nailed James, which forced him to release Pikachu, Chikorita and Eevee.

"Glad to have you back on the team, Pikachu." Said Ash.

"Pika." Said Pikachu. (Me too.)

"Our Poke all stars aren't complete without you, Eevee." Said Lucy.

"Vee." Said Eevee. (Good to be back.)

"Chikorita! Are you ready to send them to the showers?" cried Casey. She, Ash and Lucy turned their attention to Team Rocket.

"Well, looks like we're heading into extra innings." Said Lucy.

"But I have a feeling that this game may be called on account of pain." Added Casey. Team Rocket panicked.

"Chikorita, Razor Leaf!" cried Casey. The attack landed right on target, which left Jessie and James' uniforms with small tears and left Meowth with multiple scars.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash. The attack landed, also on target.

"Now!" cried Ash, Casey and Lucy.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Chikorita!" cried Casey.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Triple Tackle attack!" the three of them cried. All three Pokemon hit their targets and sent Team Rocket out of the park.

"Looks like Team Rocket's striking out again!" cried Team Rocket.

"They're going! They're going! They're going!" cried Lucy. "And they are…OUTTA HERE!"

"Goodbye!" cried Ash, Lucy and Casey in unison.

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Now that's a home run!)

"You're right, Eevee, that IS a home run." Said Lucy.

"Whoa! Team Rocket's out of the park!" cried Misty.

"Who would've guessed that those three flops would become such a big hit?" cried Brock. Ash, Casey and Lucy gave each other a high five, along with their Pokemon. Lucy then cleared her throat and turned to face Brock and Misty.

"Now, about you two turning against Ash during that rematch with Casey…" she said. She glared at them angrily.

"Oh…. about that…..well…it was just a little joke!" cried Brock. He chuckled nervously. "Right, Misty? We were just kidding with Ash about that!"

"Uh, yeah! A little joke! A small prank just to tease him!" cried Misty. Ash wasn't satisfied with that at all.

"Really, guys? A joke?" he said.

"Here's a word of advice, and you two are going to remember this for quite a long time." Said Lucy. "DON'T YOU EVER DO ANYTHING STUPID LIKE THAT TO MY BEST FRIEND EVER AGAIN!"

"Okay! Okay! We're sorry! We won't do it again!" cried Brock and Misty. "We promise to behave! Honest!" Ash, Casey and their Pokemon shared a laugh. In their opinion, it was nothing more than a silly argument between friends.

Poke Quiz Answer

"Okay, trainers, earlier in the show, Lucy asked the following question." Said Ash. "What special item does Pikachu need in order to evolve?"

"If you said a Thunder Stone, you're correct!" cried Lucy. "You definitely have what it takes to become a Pokemon master! Ash and I will have a new question next time!"

Back To Episode

Later, the group and Casey were at a crossroad.

"Thanks again for accepting my apology, Ash." Said Casey. "I never should've let those three crooks trick me into thinking that you were a cheater."

"That's okay." Said Ash. "They used to trick Lucy and I when we were rookies too."

"But that was a long time ago." Said Misty. "Right, guys?"

"Yeah." Said Lucy.

"If I keep trying like the Electabuzz do, then maybe I'll become a great trainer myself, just like you and Lucy are, Ash." Said Casey.

"Which means we'll have to start training harder because she'll be tough to beat." Said Lucy.

"Maybe we'll even battle each other in the Johto League." Said Casey. "Pikachu, if I ever get my own team of yellow Pokemon, I hope they're all as brave and beautiful as you are."

"Pikachu." Replied Pikachu. (Thanks, Casey.)

"You know, Casey, if you want, why not travel along with us for a little while?" offered Lucy. "With Ash and I by your side, you'll develop into an all star player in no time flat."

"Well, traveling with newly made friends would be better than traveling alone." Said Casey. "Okay, it's a deal!" She, Ash and Lucy shook hands and then the now group of five walked down the road together.

"Casey, you are one interesting young lady." Said Brock. "I wonder if you have a sister." Misty simply sweat dropped at the idea.

"Casey being with us is going to be a lot of fun, Pikachu." Said Ash. "Pretty soon, she won't be a rookie anymore. She'll be a real pro." Ash and Lucy may have a new teammate, but the three of them still share the same goal: becoming the best Pokemon trainers they can be. With patience, practice and determination, they may just get there!

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Tauros, Lapras

Egg: Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Ivysaur, Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Cyndaquil

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode, Dewgong, Sentret

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Wartortle

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant)

Casey's Pokemon: Pidgey, Rattata, Chikorita

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 126: A Sappy Ending

Today, our heroes are headed for the Violet City gym where Ash and Lucy hope to compete for their first Johto League badge. They're strolling through a beautiful leafy forest, but the scene isn't as serene as it seems.

"Hey, that's weird." Said Ash.

"I agree, Ash." Replied Lucy.

"What happened to those trees up there?" asked Casey. "It's the start of fall. They should be lush and green."

"The whole forest is green, except for those trees there." Replied Ash.

"Yeah. They don't have a single leaf left on their branches." Added Misty.

"The trees don't look burned, and it's not fully fall yet, so it's too early for the leaves to drop off." Brock observed.

"Pikachu." Said Pikachu. (That's strange.)

"Vee." Said Eevee. (Very strange)

"I agree, guys." Said Lucy. "It is certainly very strange."

"Maybe some really hungry Caterpie came by and ate them." Casey suggested. Pikachu and Eevee soon sensed something.

"Pika/Vee!" the two of them cried.

"What's out there, guys?" said Ash.

"Look over there!" cried Brock.

"What are they?" cried Misty. The group looked and saw a tree covered with what looked to be giant stag beetles.

"They're feeding on the sap of that tree!" cried Lucy.

"They're so creepy." Said Misty.

"Ash, what's with her?" asked Casey.

"She's afraid of bug Pokemon, Casey." Ash answered. Lucy got out her Pokedex to find out about the Pokemon they had encountered.

"Heracross, the Single Horn Pokemon. Though gentle and docile, Heracross possesses great strength and power. Their favorite food is the fresh sap of leafy trees."

"I'm going to try and catch all those Heracross!" Ash declared.

"You're not the only one with that idea, Ash." Replied Lucy. They both got out a Poke Ball. "We can save the tree, and get a pretty neat Pokemon at the same time."

"Hold it, you two." Said a male voice. The group turned around and saw someone behind them.

"You can catch the Heracross if you want, but if you do, you might be responsible for causing more harm to this forest than you know." Said the man.

"Who are you?" asked Casey.

"My name's Woodruff." The man answered. "I'm a ranger for the Forest and Wildlife Bureau."

"My name's Ash." Said Ash.

"Mine's Brock." Said Brock.

"I'm Misty." Said Misty.

"I'm Lucy." Replied Lucy.

"And I'm their new friend Casey." Finished Casey.

"Well, I imagine that all of you are experienced trainers." Said Woodruff.

"Not quite all of us." Said Casey. "I'm still a beginner."

"The rest of us are experienced, though." Replied Lucy.

"I'm sure you're eager to catch as many Heracross as you can, but you might cause a great deal of damage to this forest if you do." Said Woodruff.

"Really?" cried Ash.

"What kind of damage?" asked Lucy.

"It's important to understand how delicate the balance of nature can be." Explained Woodruff.

"What do you mean?" asked Casey.

"To survive in this forest, Butterfree need Heracross to live with them side by side." Answered Woodruff.

"How does that help the Butterfree?" asked Ash.

"I think we're about to find out!" cried Lucy. The group turned and saw some Butterfree flocking to the tree that the Heracross were feeding on.

"I see what you mean!" cried Ash. "The Butterfree are too weak to dig into the trees."

"They need the Heracross to break through the bark of the tree and start the sap flowing." Replied Lucy.

"The Heracross eat their fill, and the Butterfree lick the leftovers." Said Ash. "Everybody eats, everybody's happy."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Said Misty.

"She's right, Ash." Said Lucy. "The Butterfree and Heracross may be helping each other with their symbiotic relationship, but they're hurting the forest."

"The nature must be out of balance." Said Ash.

"I'm afraid that balance has been destroyed by a dangerous band of invaders." Said Woodruff. The group was in shock.

"What kind of invaders are they?" asked Brock. Pikachu and Eevee soon sensed something else.

"Pika/Vee!" they cried. (Over there!) The group looked to where Pikachu and Eevee were pointing and saw a swarm of Pinsir approaching.

"Oh no!" cried Brock.

"Here they come!" cried Misty.

"Are those Pinsir?" asked Casey.

"Yes. Those Pinsir are the invaders." Said Woodruff. "If they're not stopped, they'll suck the whole forest bone dry!" The group was shocked.

"That's terrible!" cried Ash.

"This is really bad!" cried Lucy. The Pinsir soon climbed up the tree that the Butterfree and Heracross were feeding from and scared the Butterfree away.

"Hey, you big dummies! That's not yours!" cried Lucy. "Go eat someplace else!"

"Leave those Heracross alone!" cried Casey.

"Come on, Heracross!" cried Misty. "Those Pinsir will take your tree if you don't do something!"

"That's a surprise to hear that from someone who doesn't like bug types." Said Lucy. The Heracross soon spread their wings and went on the offensive.

"That's what I call team spirit!" cried Casey.

"Chase those Pinsir out of there!" cried Ash. But the Pinsir started to show off their claws, which forced the Heracross to retreat. Ash, Misty, Lucy and Casey were left dumbfounded.

"So much for defending what's rightfully yours." Said Lucy.

"What happened?" asked Misty. "Why did all the Heracross bug out and fly away?"

"Heracross could chase off those Pinsir, but they're just too peaceful and friendly." Answered Woodruff. "The Heracross would rather take flight than stay around and fight."

"Sometimes, that's a pretty smart philosophy." Replied Ash.

"But if the Heracross don't fight off the Pinsir, all of the trees that the Butterfree feed on will be destroyed." Added Brock. Ash soon spotted a Butterfree alone in the tree.

"Looks like trouble!" cried Ash.

"That Butterfree is outnumbered a jillion to one!" cried Lucy. A Heracross popped up to defend the lone Butterfree, which surprised the group.

"A Heracross!" cried Ash.

"Looks like not all of them bugged out!" cried Casey.

"It's trying to protect the Butterfree that got left behind!" cried Brock. The Pinsir went on the attack and outnumbered the Heracross.

"They're ganging up on the Heracross!" cried Ash. "I've got to help it!"

"Count me in, Ash!" cried Lucy.

"I should help too!" cried Casey.

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

"Ivysaur, let's go!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur materialized.

"Chikorita, time to step up to the plate!" cried Casey.

"Bulbasaur, use your Vine Whip attack!" cried Ash.

"Bulba!" cried Bulbasaur. (On it!)

"You too, Ivysaur!" cried Lucy.

"Ivy!" cried Ivysaur. (Gotcha!)

"Chikorita, we need your Vine Whip too!" cried Casey.

"Chika!" cried Chikorita. (Let's rumble!) The attacks knocked Pinsir out of the tree, which allowed the Butterfree to fly away, but Heracross didn't follow.

"Now that Heracross is too exhausted to fly away!" cried Brock.

"Quick, guys! Heracross doesn't stand a chance against that army!" cried Misty. The Pinsir started to climb back up the tree.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash. The attack landed and knocked several Pinsir off the body of the tree.

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Let me help!) Lucy smiled.

"You're not the only one who's going to help." She said. "Cyndaquil, I choose you!" Cyndaquil materialized.

"Eevee, use your Take Down attack! Cyndauil, use your Ember attack!" Lucy commanded. The two Pokemon launched their attacks and knocked more Pinsir off the other sides of the tree.

"Nice work!" cried Ash. The Pinsir got back up, however, but their attention was turned toward Pikachu as they charged at him. Pikachu dodged in time and jumped over them.

"Pikachu, use your Thunder!" cried Ash. The attack landed as the Heracross looked on in surprise. He and Casey both got out a Poke Ball.

"Poke Ball, go!" they cried. They threw their Poke Balls toward the Pinsir swarm and they tapped on a couple of them, which were successfully caught.

"I just caught a Pinsir!" cried Ash and Casey. The Pinsir soon retreated.

"You can come down now, Heracross!" cried Ash.

"The Pinsir are gone!" cried Lucy. Heracross flew down.

"Heracross wants to thank Bulbasaur, Chikorita and Pikachu." Said Ash. Suddenly, Heracross began to drink the nectar out of Bulbasaur's bulb.

"Guess again!" cried Brock.

"Bulba…..Bulbasaur!" cried Bulbasaur. (Please…. get off me!)

"Looks like Heracross learned the hard way that there's no such thing as a free lunch." Said Brock.

"I think we all got suckered in." replied Misty. Heracross tried to drink nectar out of Ivysaur's flower, but Ivysaur swatted it away with Vine Whip.

"Heracross wasn't trying to protect Butterfree at all." said Lucy. "It was just hungry for more tree sap."

"Maybe." Said Brock.

"Okay, so who cares if Heracross is trying to protect its own food?" replied Ash. "We helped it scare off the Pinsir, and now everything's back to normal, right?"

"I don't think so, Ash." Said Lucy.

"Don't start celebrating a win just yet." Added Casey.

"Your friends are right." Said Woodruff. "I'm afraid it won't be too long before the Pinsir come right back."

"What?" cried Brock.

"Why are they coming here?" added Misty.

"The Pinsir and Heracross have always lived together in peace because they each had their own forest." Woodruff explained. "But recently, something's been driving the Pinsir across the river from their forest and into Heracross territory. I'm afraid I don't know why they're coming here yet, Misty, but if I can find out, then maybe I can stop it."

"It's a real bad situation!" cried Brock.

"Yeah." Said Ash.

"If someone invaded my home turf, especially during a game of baseball, I wouldn't like that either." Added Casey.

"Oh well, time to go!" cried Misty.

"We can't leave here now!" cried Ash.

"If we don't do something to help, the whole forest could be destroyed!" cried Brock.

"And that could leave dozens of Pokemon homeless." Added Lucy.

"We'll do everything we can to save the forest if you let us." Said Ash.

"Great. Let's head for the Pinsir forest." Said Woodruff. The group soon headed toward the forest of the Pinsir.

"It'll be slow going, the underbrush here is pretty thick." Said Woodruff.

"We can fix that." Said Ash. "Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf through!"

"Bulbasaur!" cried Bulbasaur (You got it!)

"You too, Ivysaur!" cried Lucy.

"Ivy." Replied Ivysaur. (No problem)

"Chikorita, help them out!" cried Casey.

"Chika!" cried Chikorita. (On it, coach!) All three Pokemon started to cut through the thick foliage.

"See, Woodruff? We're helping already!" cried Ash. "Huh?" The group looked back and saw the Heracross from earlier behind them.

"Don't look now, but we've got company." Said Brock.

"I bet Heracross wants me to be its protector." Said Ash.

"And I bet Heracross wants to be a nectar protector." Replied Misty.

"Bulba? Saur? Bulba, Bulbasaur! Bulbasaur!" exclaimed Bulbasaur. (They what? Nectar? Hey, keep away! No free lunch for you!) Bulbasaur launched a couple of Razor Leaf attacks at Heracross, which allowed the group to proceed onward.

"The path should be clear now, Ash." Said Woodruff. "We're through the biggest part of the woods."

"Great. Take a rest now, Bulbasaur." Said Ash.

"You too, Ivysaur." Added Lucy.

"Chikorita, return!" cried Casey. All three Pokemon were recalled, and the group continued on.

"Whoa!" they cried.

"Look at how deep that canyon is!" cried Misty.

"If we fall from here, then our ball game's over." Said Casey.

"It's quite a drop." Said Woodruff. "The Pinsir forest is on the other side of the river."

"Do we have to climb down and all the way back up to get there?" asked Ash.

"No." answered Woodruff. "Lucky for us, there's an old rope bridge a little further upriver." But when they reached the bridge, they found that it was practically shattered.

"Oh no!" cried Woodruff. "I was just here a week ago, and the bridge was fine!"

"Maybe it wore out and the ropes finally broke!" cried Ash.

"How are we going to get to the Pinsir forest now?" asked Casey.

"Look over there!" cried Misty. "The Pinsir have their own way across!" The group looked down and saw the Pinsir hopping across tree branches along the opposite walls of the canyon in order to cross.

"The Pinsir probably sliced up the ropes just to prove how nasty they are." Said Ash.

"I don't know. Why would they take the time to do something like that?" wondered Brock.

"I doubt the Pinsir did this." Said Lucy.

"Lucy's right, it wasn't the Pinsir. Pinsir don't cut things like this." Said Woodruff. "These ropes were sawed up by a human being."

"Who'd want to go and do that?" asked Misty.

"I figure whoever did this likely doesn't want anyone snooping around the Pinsir's forest." Said Brock.

"They're not going to stop us!" cried Ash. "We're going to that Pinsir forest no matter what!"

"But how do we get there?" asked Brock.

"Yeah, how?" added Misty. "It's a long way down."

"There has to be a way across." Said Ash. The group soon heard a nearby sound. They turned and saw Heracross pushing on a tree.

"Look at that." Sighed Misty.

"We're trying to save the forest here, and all you seem to care about is sucking sap!" cried Lucy.

"Maybe we were wrong, guys." Said Brock.

"Huh?" asked Ash and Misty.

"Maybe it's trying to help." Said Brock. "Maybe it has a plan." Heracross soon pushed the tree down to make a bridge for the group.

"You see? Heracross built us a bridge, and now we can walk right across!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu. (Not bad!) Some of the group soon started walking across.

"You're all nuts!" cried Misty. "No way I'm crossing that thing!"

"What's wrong, Misty? You chicken?!" cried Ash. He flapped his arms and started clucking. Lucy responded by whacking him on the head with her mallet.

"Ow! Why always me?" cried Ash. Togepi soon jumped out of Misty's arms.

"Togepi!" she cried.

"Togepi, get back here!" cried Lucy. Togepi soon slipped, but Lucy managed to catch it in the nick of time.

"Well, now that we're out here, we may as well cross." Said Misty.

"Hey, Heracross, aren't you coming?" said Ash. But Heracross was busy sucking up more tree sap from the makeshift bridge.

"I think Heracross knocked down that tree so it could knock down some sap." Said Lucy.

Poke Quiz Question

"All right, trainers. Listen up because Lucy and I have a little Pokemon quiz for you." Said Ash.

"Trainers, what Pokemon always carries its own microphone and loves to sing?" asked Lucy. "Ash and I will have the answer a little later, but for now, back to the show!"

Back To Episode

The group continued on, with the Heracross still following them.

"Heracross is still following us." Said Ash.

"It probably thinks all of us are saps." Said Misty.

"Get ready." Said Woodruff. "We have to stay alert, we're almost at the Pinsirs' forest now."

"Oh, great." Sighed Ash.

"Great, lots more bug Pokemon." Groaned Misty.

"You just have to overcome your fear of bugs, Misty, just like how I overcame my fear of ghosts in the Orange Islands." Replied Lucy. Woodruff soon came to a stop.

"Up there. The tallest tree." He said. "That's where the Pinsir live."

"Pika." Said Pikachu. (It's huge.) The group soon neared the tree while hiding in the bushes to avoid being seen.

"Look! Up near the top!" cried Ash. "It's a giant Pinsir!"

"Wow! I didn't know Pinsir got that big." Cried Misty.

"They don't, but that's not a Pinsir!" cried Woodruff. "It's some kind of robot that looks like one! And it looks like it was built out of steel."

"It's a monster!" cried Ash.

"Yes, and a greedy one at that!" replied Casey.

"Who would build something that creepy?" added Misty.

"I think three certain people we know very well would come to mind." Replied Lucy. Familiar evil laughs were soon heard.

"Prepare for trouble while we're in the woods!"

"Make it double, we're up to no good!"

"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!"

"Well, there's the answer to your question, Misty!" cried Ash.

"I knew it was those three smelly losers all along!" cried Lucy.

"So you're the ones responsible for that mechanical Pinsir!" cried Woodruff.

"That's right, we found an ad in the back of Popular Pokemon and sent away for the plans." Said Meowth.

"Tell them the story." Instructed Jessie.

"We were hungry." Replied Meowth. "It seemed like yesterday, but it was really two days ago."

Flashback

"Oooooooh!"

"Aaaaaaah!"

"I thought…..this hike would be…..a piece of cake!" cried James.

"This is a fine kettle of fish for Team Rocket, isn't it?" said Meowth.

"We're in a jam." Said James.

"Stop!" cried Jessie. The trip collapsed to the ground.

"I'm too starved to eat." Groaned Meowth. A heavenly aroma suddenly twitched at Meowth's nostrils and he perked back up.

"Hey! That smell!" he cried. "This could be our breakfast!"

"French toast?!" cried Jessie.

"Or Belgium waffles?!" cried James.

"Follow me!" cried Meowth. They eagerly charged toward the smell before coming to a stop.

"It's coming from there!" cried Meowth. They realized that they were coming up short when they found themselves at the massive tree of the Pinsirs', as noted by the sap running out of the tree.

"That gloopy goop looks disgusting!" cried Jessie. "Are you going to try it, James?"

"I'm not going to try it. Let Meowth do it." Said James. Meowth started to lick at the sap.

"Hey! I like it! Meowthy likes it!" he cried. He continued to lick away at the sap.

"If I weren't so famished, I wouldn't even consider touching this sappy stuff, but…." Said Jessie. She touched some sap with her finger and lightly placed it into her mouth. She gasped in delight.

"It's tasty!" she cried. James was in ecstasy and eagerly stuck the sticky fluid into his own mouth.

"It's sweet, it's yummy, and it tastes like honey!" he cried. "It's delicious, it's nutritious, and it's free!"

"This junk tastes better than maple syrup if you ask me!" cried Meowth.

"You've just given me a million dollar idea, Meowth." Said Jessie.

"I could use the million bucks." Replied Meowth. "Can I have it back?"

"No, it belongs to me." Jessie replied. "I'll open an exclusive pancake house and instead of using maple syrup, I'll slap on the sap! Then I'll ad in my own blend of limburger cheese and Cajun curry powder! And I'll call the place the International House Of Jessie!" James and Meowth weren't too amused at that prospect.

"It sounds like a recipe for disaster." Said James.

"A million dollar disaster." Agreed Meowth.

End Flashback

"Ewwwwwwww!..." cried Ash, Brock, Misty, Lucy, Casey and Woodruff.

"That's just gross." Said Lucy.

"We decided the pancake house idea was a little too flippy to fly, so we came up with a better idea, and built our own mechanical Pinsir to suck up all the sap in the forest." Meowth laughed.

"We'll use the sap to create a new taste sensation, Rocket Sauce!" cried Jessie.

"Then, when we put the stuff in bottles and sell it at all night convenience stores…" said Meowth.

"We'll be dripping in money!" cried James. The three of them started laughing.

"Now I get it!" cried Brock. "The Pinsir invaded Heracross territory to look for food because Team Rocket's been draining all of theirs away."

"If they steal the sap, the whole forest could be destroyed!" cried Misty.

"Not to mention that all those Pinsir, Heracross and Butterfree will starve to death!" cried Casey.

"What you're doing is both selfish and greedy!" cried Lucy.

"This is exactly what happens when humans use nature selfishly without thinking about the consequences first!" cried Woodruff.

"The Pinsir and Heracross were getting along just fine until the three of you showed up here!" cried Ash. "You wanted to get rich so you brought in your sucking machine and threw off the whole balance of nature!"

"How low can you clowns go?!" cried Lucy.

"Who cares about that?!" cried Jessie. "The only balance that we care about is the balance of our checking account!"

"This situation is about to get sticky!" cried James.

"Lickitung, I choose you!" cried Jessie. Lickitung materialized.

"Victreebel, I choose you!" cried James. Victreebell materialized and James started running into some bushes. He then realized that something was amiss.

"That's funny. I wonder why Victreebell's not attacking me like it usually does." He said. He then saw that Victreebell was eating the sap. "Hey, you're eating up our profit, you yellow-bellied sapsucker!" Victreebell retaliated by munching on James.

"Sorry! I didn't mean it!" he cried. "Let me go! Please!" Lucy and Casey laughed at James' predicament as jessie spotted Lickitung licking sap form the tree.

"What are you doing?!" cried Jessie. "You're supposed to lick the twerps, not the sap!"

"The real Pokemon are out to lunch." Said Meowth. "This looks like a job for Super Pinsir!" The robotic Pinsir stopped sucking the sap and jumped down to face Ash, Misty, Brock, Lucy, Casey and Woodruff.

"This little suck bucket was made for collecting sap, but it's a pretty mean crusher in a pinch!" cried Meowth.

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

"Ivysaur, we need you!" cried Lucy. Ivysaur materialized.

"Chikorita, you're up to bat again!" cried Casey. Chikorita materialized.

"Go, Bulbasaur! Razor Leaf attack!" cried Ash.

"You too, Ivysaur!" cried Lucy.

"Send a Razor Leaf down the middle of the plate, Chikorita!" cried Casey. All three Razor Leaf attacks simply bounced off the Robo Pinsir's steel skin.

"Bulbasaur, Ivysaur and Chikorita thought they could stop our Pinsir by putting their petals to the metal." Said Meowth. James laughed.

"That was a good one!" cried Jessie.

"Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur used the attack to spin the robo Pinsir around and somehow make the metallic, unliving hunk of metal dizzy.

"Pikachu, finish things up with your Thunder Shock attack!" cried Ash. The attack landed but it caused a meter on Meowth's control box to move towards the full mark.

"That's right, fill 'er up, Pikachu." Said Meowth. "This thing absorbs electric attacks, and when it gets enough stuff, it can shock you right back!" The robotic menace soon absorbed the last of Pikachu's attack.

"Let the bug juice flow!" cried Meowth. The robotic Pinsir launched a Thunderbolt right at the group.

"That cut those saplings down to size!" cried Jessie.

"Zap 'em again! Harder! Harder!" cried James. Meowth laughed.

"Now we'll show those so-called heroes what it's like to have a real power failure!" cried Meowth. The robotic Pokemon walked towards them.

"It's coming this way!" cried Misty. "What do we do?" The group braced for the final blow, but it didn't come. Ash lifted his head to see Heracross grappling with the robotic Pinsir with all his might.

"It's Heracross!" cried Ash.

"Come on! Our mechanical Pinsir should be able to crush that Pinsir like a bug!" cried Meowth. The mechanical Pinsir started to push back.

"Hang in there, Heracross!" cried Ash. Heracross soon started pushing the Pinsir robot back.

"Keep pushing! You're doing great!" cried Brock.

"You're our new hero, Heracross!" cried Misty.

"I thought you hated bug type Pokemon, Misty." Said Casey.

"Heracross isn't creepy at all. It's pretty cool." Replied Misty. "You go!"

"Come on, guys!" cried Ash. "If we hurry, we can take the Robo Pinsir's sap tank away!" The group rushed to the back of the robot and started to try and remove the tank.

"We've got to stop them, Meowth!" cried Jessie.

"Do something quick, Meowth, before they get away with all our hard earned sap!" cried James.

"I'm trying to, but this stupid stick is stuck!" cried Meowth.

"Give me that thing!" cried Jessie. She took the remote.

"Let me handle this, Jessie!" cried James. He started fighting with Jessie over the remote.

"Hey! Paws off!" cried Meowth. "I want to run it! Give it back!"

"Casey, those three are distracted!" cried Ash. "Now's the opening we need!"

"Right!" cried Casey. "Pidgey, smash that remote!" Pidgey materialized, and with one fell swoop, the remote control was smashed.

"THAT PIDGEY BROKE MY TOY!" cried Meowth.

"We'll get you a new one!" cried Jessie. While the three were fighting, the tanks were successfully removed.

"Okay, we got all the sap back, Heracross, and we're ready to go!" cried Ash.

"Let's go, Arcanine!" cried Lucy. Arcanine materialized.

"Use your Bite attack on that robot's arms!" cried Lucy. Arcanine charged in and clamped down on the robot's right arm.

"Okay, Heracross, time to send that phony Pinsir flying!" cried Ash. Heracross lifted the robot with all its strength and tossed it upwards as Arcanine let go in time.

"All right!" cried Ash. The mecha Pinsir exploded on impact and Team Rocket was sent flying.

"Looks like Team Rocket's bugging out again!" cried Team Rocket.

"Heracross wins the match!" cried Ash.

"You're our hero!" cried Misty.

"Arcanine, you did a great job, boy!" cried Lucy. Arcanine gave a happy howl for a job well done before being recalled to its Poke Ball. The group suddenly heard something, with that something being Pinsir.

"The Pinsir!" cried Ash.

"Now that Team Rocket's gone, the Pinsir are coming back." Said Brock.

"You know what they say, there's no place like home." Said Misty.

"That's right, Misty." Said Woodruff. "These Pinsir won't need to leave their habitat, and the Pokemon can live in harmony." The Pinsir soon started to feed on their own tree's sap again as well as on the saps in the tanks left by the group. They soon reached the Heracross territory and saw that the Heracross and Butterfree were feeding again.

"Now the Butterfree and Heracross can live in peace again in their own forest." Said Ash.

"That's right, Ash." Said Woodruff. "The trees are safe, the balance of nature has been restored, and things are back to how they should be."

Poke Quiz Answer

"Okay, trainers, earlier in the show, Lucy asked the following question." Said Ash. "What Pokemon always carries its own microphone and loves to sing?"

"If you said Jigglypuff, you're correct!" cried Lucy. "You definitely have what it takes to become a Pokemon master! Ash and I will have a new question next time!"

Back To Episode

The Heracross that had been following the group approached them.

"You were awesome, Heracross!" cried Ash.

"You stood up to Team Rocket and their robo Pinsir, and everything worked out perfectly." Added Lucy.

"You were really brave, Heracross." Said Casey.

"I take back the creepy things I said about bug Pokemon." Said Misty.

"You're a great Pokemon, and we'll really miss you." Said Ash. The group walked away as Woodruff bid them farewell.

"Thank you all you're your help! And good luck on your Pokemon journey!" he cried.

"Thanks, Woodruff!" cried Ash. The group soon walked out of sight of both Woodruff and Heracross.

"I think this is where I'm going to separate from you guys and travel on my own." Said Casey.

"It was great to see you, Casey." Said Lucy.

"Don't worry, we'll met again." Said Casey. She walked off on her own. Ash, Lucy, Misty and brock continued onward, but later down the road, Pikachu and Eevee sensed something behind them.

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

"Pika!" cried Pikachu (Look who's coming!) The group looked and saw Heracross following them. A female Heracross stood beside him.

"What's Heracross doing all the way out here?" said Ash.

"Where are you going, Heracross?" asked Misty. "Don't you want to stay here with your friends?" The Heracross shook their heads.

"What do they want?" asked Misty.

"I'm not sure, but I think they may want to come along with us." Said Brock.

"Is that what you want, you two?" said Ash. "Do you want to be with Lucy and I?" The two Heracross nodded.

"All right!" cried Ash and Lucy. They both threw a Poke Ball, and without much resistance, the Poke Balls returned to their hands.

"Heracross chose us!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (A brand new friend!) Lucy showed Eevee the newly caught Heracross, which was the female. Eevee extended its paw to welcome Heracross, and Heracross shook back.

"I think you two will get along just fine with each other." Said Lucy. Ash, Lucy and their friends now continue their journey, with some new additions to their circle of very special friends.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Heracross (male), Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Heracross (female), Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Cyndaquil

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode, Tauros, Lapras

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode, Dewgong, Sentret, Ivysaur

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Blastoise

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant)

Casey's Pokemon: Pidgey, Rattata, Chikorita, Pinsir

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 127: Roll On, Pokemon

When we last left our heroes, Ash, Lucy, Brock and Misty were still bound for Violet City, but the road ahead is bound to have some ups and downs.

"Oh, wow!" cried Ash.

"Look at that!" cried Misty.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" said Lucy. The group had stopped just before a large valley that had a beautiful view.

"What a great view." Said Misty.

"It's going to be a nice hike through this valley." Said Brock.

"Come on!" cried Ash. "The sooner we get started, the sooner we get to Violet City."

"And the sooner we get to our first Johto League gym battle." Said Lucy. She soon heard something.

"Hey, did you guys hear that?" she asked. What Lucy had heard was the cry of a Pokemon.

"We have to check it out!" she cried. The group checked a nearby tree and saw what the cry was. A pink Pokemon with two leaves on its head was crying for help.

"Aw, you poor little thing." Said Lucy. "What's wrong?"

"It probably hasn't had a lot of water." Brock answered.

"I think we can fix that just as soon as I find out who you are." Replied Lucy. She got her Pokedex out.

"Hoppip, the Cottonweed Pokemon. This Pokemon drifts and floats with the wind. If it senses the approach of strong winds, Hoppip links its leaves with other Hoppip to prepare against being blown away."

"Its' leaves look all wilted." Said Lucy. "Ash, get your Wartortle out. Its Water Gun attack can revive her leaf."

"Good idea." Said Ash. "Wartortle, I choose you!" Wartortle materialized.

"Wartortle, use your Water Gun on Hoppip's wilted leaf." Ash instructed. Wartortle nodded and sprayed water on the leaf, which instantly revitalized it.

"There, Hoppip. How do you feel now?" asked Lucy.

"Hop pip!" cried Hoppip. (A lot better! Thank you!)

"You're welcome." Lucy replied. "I wish we could stay and play with you a little bit, but my friends and I have to get to Violet City. Maybe I'll see you around again." But the Hoppip continued to hover around Lucy's head and wouldn't let them leave. It then said something to Lucy.

"Hoppip Pip Hop Hoppip." Said Hoppip. (As thanks for helping me out, I'd like to come along with you.)

"You're saying that you'd like to travel with me?" asked Lucy.

"Hoppip Hop." Answered Hoppip. (That's what I'm saying)

"I know you and I will be great friends, Hoppip." Said Lucy. She hurled an empty Poke Ball into the air, and Hoppip jumped high and touched the button with her paw.

"I just caught…. a Hoppip!" she cried.

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Another friend!)

"That's right, Eevee." Said Lucy. "Now that I've caught Hoppip, we can get going toward Violet City." But just then, a large rumbling was felt.

"Everybody hit the deck! It's a rock slide!" cried Lucy. The group cleared out in time, but the rock slide stopped just as quickly as it had started, much to the group's relief.

"Great, more adventure." Sighed Misty.

"I guess we're getting off to a rocky start, huh?" said Ash.

"Actually, it was a much better start a minute ago when I got that Hoppip." Said Lucy. "So in this case, it's a rocky continuation."

"In any case, let's get going before it happens again." Said Brock.

Meanwhile, on one of the surrounding mountains, Team Rocket had managed to avoid the rock slide.

"The rolling stones missed us." Said Jessie.

"I hate rocks that roll." Replied James.

"I wouldn't mind if it was soft rock." Added Meowth. The mountain soon began to shake again, and the path they had been sitting on broke from beneath them, which sent them flying down the mountain and into the trees below them, but some of the vines managed to break their fall.

"It's nice hanging out together." Said a dazed Meowth.

"Maybe Meowth's plan isn't such a good idea after all." said James.

"A little falling rock can't stop us!" cried Jessie. A giant rock soon fell down toward them, which made them panic.

"Looks like…." Said Team Rocket. But the crashing rock landed on them before they could finish. The group soon found a Pokemon that they had never seen before.

"Guys, it's a Pokemon." Said Misty.

"Let's see what kind." Said Ash. He got Dexter out.

"Donphan, the Armor Pokemon. With its strong tusks and tough skin, Donphan is known for its powerful Tackle attack. The length of Donphan's tusks indicate its level."

"Looks like this one isn't that powerful yet because its' tusks aren't that long." Said Lucy. "But just the same, a Donphan going at full speed could knock down a house."

"Sounds good to me." Replied Ash. "Now, I just gotta catch it!" Brock put a hand on Ash's shoulder.

"Just a second, Ash. I think it's better if I capture this one." Said Brock.

"What makes you say that?" asked Ash.

"Just look at those tusks that Lucy pointed out." Said Brock. "See how short they are compared to the ones in the Pokedex?"

"Yes. So?" replied Ash.

"It's young, and it needs a good breeder to help it grow." Said Brock. "And that should obviously be me."

"I'll help it grow." Replied Ash.

"Don't be selfish, Ash." Said Brock. "Think of what's best for that Donphan."

"A strong trainer should raise a Pokemon like that." Said Ash. "So I say I'm what's best for that Donphan."

"Well I saw I…." replied Brock, but Misty and Lucy quickly got in between the boys.

"Now come on, guys. There's really nothing to fight over." Said Misty.

"What makes you say that?" replied Ash.

"For one thing, the Donphan's leaving." Answered Lucy. Sure enough, the Donphan began to walk away.

"Wait!" cried Brock.

"Where are you going?" cried Ash.

"We can't let that Donphan get away!" cried Brock. "Onix, go!" Onix materialized.

"Onix, use your Tackle attack!" cried Brock. The attack landed, but Donphan recovered by curling up into a ball and rolling at Onix, which hit and defeated it.

"Onix!" cried Brock.

"That was fast." Replied Misty.

"That was a Rollout attack!" cried Lucy.

"You tried your best, Onix." Said Brock. Onix was recalled.

"Better take your best shot." Added Brock.

"Okay. I'll try something new." Said Ash. "Heracross, I choose you!" Heracross materialized.

"Heracross, try a Tackle attack, now!" cried Ash. The attack landed, but Donphan charged forward with another Rollout attack.

"Quick, stop that Donphan with a Horn Attack!" cried Ash. With one well placed and well timed Horn Attack, the Donphan was sent into a tree.

"Great job! It's getting tired, Heracross." Said Ash. "One more attack and that should do it."

"Uh, Ash?" said Lucy.

"Not now, Lucy." Said Ash.

"But, Ash, there's someone standing in front of you." Lucy replied.

"What do you mean?" asked Ash. Lucy pointed and Ash saw a young girl looking at her. She wasn't too impressed with what was going on.

"That's enough!" cried the girl. She knelt beside the Donphan to check if it was okay.

"Who is she?" asked Lucy.

"Beats me." Replied Misty. The girl was chewing Ash out.

"So, you thought you could steal my Donphan." She said. "I should turn you in to Officer Jenny!"

"You mean this Donphan is yours?!" cried Lucy.

"Please, miss. We didn't know it belonged to you." Ash begged. "My friend and I thought it was wild. Isn't that right, Brock?" But Brock wasn't with the rest of the group.

"Brock?" cried Ash.

"Where'd he go?" wondered Lucy. She, Ash and Misty looked over and saw that Brock was trying to win over the young girl.

"I tired. I tried to tell him that your Donphan must belong to someone of rare talent!" he cried.

"Excuse me?!" cried Lucy. "That's NOT what you said at all!"

"I can see that I was right." Brock went on. "Now, what did you say your name was?"

"I didn't, but it's Rochelle." The girl answered.

"I won't keep you in suspense." Said brock. "My name's Brock-my, what a beautiful necklace!"

"Thank you, it's amberite." Said Rochelle.

"Amberite, huh? Very appropriate." Brock replied.

"Brock, what's amberite?" asked Misty.

"It's a gemstone." answered Brock. "Amberite is so precious that it used to be worn by royalty, just like gold or diamonds."

"Cool." Said Lucy.

"Miss Rochelle, these young ones here are my friends Ash Ketchum and Lucy Peters." Said Brock.

"Hi, nice to meet you." Said Ash and Lucy.

"Nice to meet you all." said Rochelle. "I should go, but please, don't try to catch any more Donphan here, because they belong to me."

"Okay, I won't." Ash promised.

"That goes double for me." Said Lucy.

"But since you're a trainer, how about you and I have a battle instead?" Ash offered.

"Thanks, Ash, but I think this little one's had enough battling for today." Said Rochelle. "Come on, Donphan, let's go home."

"Hey, Rochelle, what about tomorrow?" Ash called, but Rochelle walked into the trees and disappeared.

"Oh well, it was worth a try." Said Ash. "You were great, Heracross. Return!" Heracross was recalled.

"Don't you worry, Heracross, we'll win a real battle soon." Said Ash.

"What a gem. So absolutely priceless." Said Brock. "I never imagined there'd be such a treasure hidden in this valley. Never imagined anything so precious and beautiful."

"It's just a rock." Said Ash.

"I don't think he was referring to the amberite." Replied Lucy.

"She's right. I think he means Rochelle." Replied Misty. Elsewhere, Team Rocket was dressed in orange ranger outfits.

"I've got things covered down here, Jessie!" cried James.

"I'm on patrol up here!" cried Jessie. She and James looked in both directions.

"A-Okay!" they cried.

"Pipe down, will ya?!" cried Meowth. "You'll ruin everything!"

"What's wrong, Meowth?" asked Jessie.

"Whoever said that humans were the most intelligent creatures never met these two." Answered Meowth. "We're wearing these forest ranger getups so we can dig around in the valley here and not attract attention. We can look for that amberite and nobody'll get suspicious. And if we find enough of it, we'll all be zillionaires!"

"It's so valuable!" cried James.

"And it's so beautiful!" cried Jessie. "A gemstone so dazzlingly exquisite. It's fit for a queen!"

"Sounds good to me." Said James.

"That is, if we get enough of the stuff." Said Meowth.

"All right! Let's find the amberite and get rich quick!" cried Jessie.

"Where do we start digging, Meowth?" asked James.

"We're in luck, because I found out that there's one guaranteed way to find amberite." Meowth answered. "I overheard two guys talking about the secret." He started remembering what he had overheard. "It was back at that rest stop on the mountain while the two of you were taking a snooze."

Flashback

"Hey! That looks like amberite!"

"That's what it is. I got all these samples from a Donphan trainer who lives down in the valley. The only way to find top quality amberite is to have a Donphan sniff it out."

"Wish I had one."

"Having a Donphan is like having a gold mine."

End Flashback

"All we have to do is snoop around this valley until we find one of those Donphan." Said Meowth.

"And then what?" said Jessie and James.

"Then it leads us to the amberite and we'll land on easy street." Meowth replied.

"Easy street, here we come!" cried Jessie and James.

Meanwhile, Rochelle and her Donphan were near the waterfall.

"Ready to try, Donphan?" asked Rochelle. Donphan nodded.

"Okay, this is amberite." Said Rochelle. "Give it a good sniff." But as Donphan tried to get a sniff of the amberite, fireworks went off, which got Rochelle's attention. She looked up and spotted Team Rocket, which confirmed that they had set off the fireworks.

"We just found ourselves a Donphan!" cried Meowth. "I think this is a cause for celebration!"

"Let's celebrate with some fireworks!" cried James. He proceeded to set off more fireworks.

"Let's see if this fire works." Added Jessie. She fired her bazooka, which launched a rocket that shot out a net. The net captured Rochelle's Donphan, which Team Rocket then reeled in.

"Donphan!" cried Rochelle. Team Rocket laughed as they flew away in their balloon with their catch.

"We'll take really good care of it!" cried Meowth.

"Donphan!" yelled Rochelle.

Later, after Team Rocket had landed, they tried getting the Donphan to sniff out some amberite.

"It feels good to finally do something totally one hundred percent perfect, doesn't it, guys?" said Meowth.

"And we owe the success to the plan of our favorite Pokemon, Meowth." Said Jessie. "You're a genius, Meowth."

"What's with the fan?" asked James.

"It's for all this hot air." Answered Jessie.

"Hello, little Donphan. Let's get this show on the road." Said Meowth. "Start digging for that amberite!" Donphan told Meowth it couldn't.

"You find those stones right now, or I'll pack you up in the trunk, you punk!" cried Jessie.

"Easy, Jess. It's not going to help if you scream at it." Said James. "Maybe if we koddle it with kindness, it'll lead us to the amberite." He put down a bunch of grass in front of the Donphan.

"A smart little Pokemon like you deserves a little snack. Enjoy it, Donphany." Said James.

Meanwhile, Rochelle was still searching for her kidnapped Donphan.

"Hello?! Sweetie?!" she cried. "Can you hear me! Please come back!" The group soon heard Rochelle's cries.

"Rochelle?" said Misty and Lucy.

"Misty. Lucy." Said Rochelle.

"What's wrong, Rochelle?" asked Lucy.

"It's obvious she can't bear to be separated from me." Put in Brock. "I heard you calling, but I'm here now. But don't you worry, Rochelle. I'll never leave your side again." Misty pulled Brock away by the ear.

"Get real, Romeo!" she cried.

"Gotcha! Oh! Ow! Ow! Easy! Easy! I'm real! I'm real!" cried Brock.

"Now, what were you saying?" asked Lucy.

"Tell me, did any of you happen to see anybody dressed in orange jumpsuits?" asked Rochelle.

"No, we haven't." Ash answered.

"If you do, please tell me because three people wearing orange jumpsuits took my Donphan!" cried Rochelle.

"Where did you last see it?" asked Lucy.

"I was teaching it how to sniff out amberite near a waterfall when it happened." Explained Rochelle. "They fired off some fireworks before they stole Donphan."

"Did you get a good look at them?" asked Ash.

"Ash is right. A good description will help us find out who did it." Replied Lucy. "You said there were three?"

"Yes." Said Rochelle. "There was one guy, one girl, and a talking Meowth."

"That's the only description we need." Said Lucy.

"It's Team Rocket!" cried the group.

Poke Quiz Question

"All right, trainers, listen up because Lucy and I have a little Pokemon quiz for you." Said Ash.

"Trainers, which Pokemon always carries a leek stalk around with it?" said Lucy. "Ash and I will have the answer a little later, but for now, back to the show!"

Back To Episode

Donphan was feeding on the food James had gotten it.

"Isn't that cute, Jessie?" said James. "Donphan's really enjoying its shrub grub."

"Maybe you'd like a little amberite for desert." Said Jessie. But Donphan kept eating.

"Quit pigging out and find that amberite!" cried Jessie.

"Now, now. Donphan's almost finished, Jessie." Replied James. "Then I'm sure our little friend will be full and ready to find some, won't you, Donphan?" Suddenly, Donphan picked up a scent. Team Rocket followed Donphan with digging tools in hand as the Donphan followed the scent.

"Get ready, guys." Said Meowth. "Wherever it stops, we dig."

"We may get a little dirty digging, Jessie…" said James.

"But we'll all be filthy rich!" cried Jessie. Donphan soon stopped.

"This must be the spot!" cried Jessie.

"The faster we dig in, the sooner we clean up!" cried Meowth.

"It won't be long now!" cried James.

"Until we hit pay dirt!" cried Jessie.

Meanwhile, the group made a plan.

"Come on out, Zubat!" cried Brock. Zubat materialized.

"I know which Pokemon can help us out." Added Lucy.

"Really, Lucy? Which one?" asked Rochelle.

"One that I actually happened to catch earlier." Answered Lucy. "Hoppip, I choose you!" Hoppip materialized.

"Hoppip Pip Hop!" cried Hoppip. (Ready for action!)

"Hoppip, can you go search in the sky for Donphan?" asked Lucy.

"Hopp Pip!" cried Hoppip. (Right away!)

"All right, air team, let's go! Search that sky!" cried Lucy. They flew up, but after a little bit, Zubat couldn't hear anything.

"It's no use, guys. It's not working." Said Brock. Zubat landed.

"Zubat's Supersonic isn't working out here." Said Brock. "There are too many trees, and the sound gets all deflected."

"There has to be a way for the Pokemon to find Donphan." Said Misty. Rochelle got out a whistle and blew on it. Rumbling was soon heard.

"What's that?" asked Ash.

"Vee?" asked Eevee. (Anyone know that?) A whole herd of Donphan soon charged toward the group.

"I think that's the rest of Rochelle's Donphan herd!" cried Lucy.

"Her herd heard!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu (They sure did!) The herd soon came to a stop.

"Good job. You got here fast." Said Rochelle.

"Rochelle, those Donphan don't all belong to you, do they?" asked Misty.

"They do. And I train all of them to answer to this whistle." Rochelle answered.

"That's really impressive." Replied Brock.

"It's like a zookeeper training a bunch of animals." Added Lucy.

"Unfortunately, Team Rocket took my youngest Donphan." Said Rochelle. "I haven't had a chance to train it yet. Okay now, go out there and find our friend." The Donphan herd agreed.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was exhausted after all their digging.

"I think we may have dug ourselves into another hole." Said James. "And there's no amberite anywhere in it."

"Maybe there's something wrong with Donphan's sniffer." Replied Meowth.

"Please find us some amberite." Said James. "I know your nose knows where it is." Donphan soon caught another scent.

"Look! It's caught a whiff of something!" cried James. The rest of the Donphan herd suddenly charged in and surprised Team Rocket.

"More Donphan." Replied Jessie.

"Oh no. They must be this one's buddies." Said Meowth.

"Well, what are we going to do now?" asked James. But before Jessie or Meowth could answer….

"There they are!" cried Ash.

"Why is it that every time something rotten happens, you three are always behind it?!" cried Lucy.

"When Team Rocket's around, prepare for trouble."

"Multiply by two and 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!"

"Great. Now why don't you make things easy and give us back the Donphan and we can be on our way." Said Misty.

"We ain't handing Donphan over to anybody." Replied Meowth. "Not until it finds us some amberite."

"They must've taken my Donphan because they heard it can be trained to find amberite." Said Rochelle.

"I say we get rid of these pests and find that amberite!" cried Meowth.

"Right. Let's do it, Victreebell!" cried James.

"Get in there and battle, Arbok!" cried Jessie. The two Pokemon materialized and Victrebell started to munch on James' head.

"How many times do I have to tell you?! You're on my side!" Cried James.

"Don't worry, Rochelle! I'll protect you from these three!" cried Brock. "Onix, go!" Onix materialized.

"Victrebell, Wrap attack!" cried James.

"Onix, Bind attack!" cried Brock. Onix ensnared Victrebell.

"Victrebell, use your Sleep Powder attack!" cried James. Victrebell released the Sleep Powder and Onix quickly fell under its power.

"Onix, no!" cried Brock. Onix fell with a thud.

"Now it's our turn!" cried Ash.

"We'll stop 'em!" cried Misty.

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

"Poliwag, I choose you!" cried Misty. Poliwag materialized.

"Hoppip, help us out!" cried Lucy. Hoppip materialized.

"They don't stand a chance against us." Said Jessie.

"We're gonna squash that squirt and mug that bug." Added James.

"We'll just see about that." Said Misty. "Poliwag, use your Double Slap attack!" Poliwag's attack landed and left a red mark on Victrebell.

"Now Switch to Bubble attack!" cried Misty. The attack landed and hurt Victrebell even more, which sent it flying into James mouth first and caused James to land on Meowth's back.

"Hey! Let go!" cried James. "You're squishing me!"

"You're crushing Meowth!" cried Meowth.

"Quick, Heracross, use Tackle attack!" cried Ash. Heracross smacked Arbok with its elbow and sent it flying into Jessie.

"Not again!" cried Jessie.

"Great job, Heracross! Now use Horn Attack!" cried Ash. Heracross sent Team Rocket flying into their balloon basket.

"Okay, Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack, now!" cried Ash.

"Hoppip, help Pikachu out by using Bullet Seed!" cried Lucy. With a single jolt from Pikachu, and one Bullet Seed from Hoppip, Team Rocket was electrocuted and seeded. The balloon ripped, and the leak sent them flying.

"I can't believe this is happening!" cried Jessie.

"I don't know why." Replied Meowth.

"Just like every other day, we're getting blown away!" cried James.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" cried Team Rocket. Rochelle was soon reunited with her youngest Donphan.

"I was so worried about you." Said Rochelle. "But I'm glad we're back together."

"I guess you must be pretty impressed by us." Said Brock.

"Oh, I am, Brock. You were all amazing." Said Rochelle. "But the one I fell in love with, was Pikachu, naturally." Brock couldn't believe his ears and fell over in disbelief.

"I wonder why Team Rocket couldn't make your Donphan find any amberite." Said Lucy.

"I know why." Rochelle replied. "Donphan have to be trained to find it. I just started teaching this one, but it hasn't had enough practice to find amberite on its own yet."

"Well, as usual, Team Rocket got exactly what they deserved." Said Ash.

"Absolutely nothing." Replied Misty.

"Maybe you'd like to see a demonstration of how the Donphan find amberite." Said Rochelle.

"Yeah. That'd be cool!" cried Lucy. Even the Pokemon agreed.

Poke Quiz Answer

"Okay trainers, earlier in the show, Lucy asked the following question." Said Ash. "Which Pokemon always carries a leek stalk around with it?"

"If you said Farfetch'd, you're correct!" cried Lucy. "You definitely have what it takes to be a Pokemon master! Ash and I will have a new question next time!"

Back To Episode

They soon came to another part of the rocky area they were in.

"I'll use the Donphan I've had the longest since it has the most experience." Said Rochelle. "Okay, Donphan, time to find some amberite for us." Donphan started sniffing Rochelle's necklace.

"That's right. You remember this, don't you?" said Rochelle. "Okay, go find it." Donphan raised its trunk to find the smell of the amberite.

"I wonder where it'll sniff it out." Said Lucy. Donphan soon caught the smell of amberite and ran towards it.

"It must've picked up the scent." Said Ash. The Donphan soon rammed its head into the rock wall.

"That's got to hurt!" cried Lucy. Donphan rammed into the wall again and again.

"The rock slide we were in earlier must've come from a Donphan looking for amberite!" cried Misty. A piece of the wall soon broke off and landed on the ground. It shattered and revealed a piece of amberite that Rochelle picked up.

"Well, here's what amberite looks like." She said.

"It's so shiny and beautiful." Misty commented.

"What do you do with the Amberite after you find it, Rochelle?" asked Brock.

"Lots of artists and crafts people live nearby." Answered Rochelle. "They make their living carving statues and jewelry from amberite. So they count on me to supply it, and luckily, my Donphan are strong enough to find it."

"They sure are." Said Ash.

"Ash, is there anything I can do for you or Lucy for helping me get my Donphan back?" Rochelle asked.

"I know." Ash answered. "It'd really help us get ready for the Johto League if you battled us with your Donphan."

"I'd love to." Said Rochelle.

"Let me battle her first, Ash." Said Lucy. "I haven't had any battles with anyone in Johto yet, so if you don't mind…"

"I don't mind at all, Lucy." Said Ash. Soon, out on a path, the trainers prepared for battle.

"I'll use the one that's standing in the middle of the line." Said Rochelle. The Donphan in question stepped forward.

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

"Tackle attack!" cried Rochelle. Donphan charged.

"Hoppip, Tackle attack right back!" cried Lucy. The attacks collided with each other.

"Time for a Rollout attack!" cried Rochelle. Donphan curled up and rolled toward Hoppip.

"Try to dodge!" cried Lucy. But the Rollout came at Hoppip so quick that it didn't have time to move.

"Hoppip!" cried Lucy. The small grass type went flying backwards and almost landed in Lucy's arms before shaking itself off.

"Great job! Now use Bullet Seed!" cried Lucy. Hoppip launched the attack.

"Donphan, use Protect!" cried Rochelle. Donphan put up a shield to deflect the attack and prevent it from hitting.

"Try a Solar Beam attack!" cried Lucy. Hoppip started charging up for the attack.

"Use Rollout again!" cried Rochelle. Donphan rolled again.

"Hoppip, hurry up with the Solar Beam!" cried Lucy. It was almost done charging when it got struck by Rollout once again. This forced the finally charged up Solar Beam to hit the ground in front of Hoppip, and then it got pushed into the beam. When the smoke cleared from the attack, Hoppip had been knocked out. Lucy quickly scooped it up.

"Are you all right, Hoppip?" she asked. Hoppip gave a small nod.

"Don't sweat it, you did great." Said Lucy. "Return." Hoppip was recalled.

"Now I'm up for my turn to battle Donphan." Said Ash. "You mind using the one with the big tusks?"

"You got it." Said Rochelle.

"Come on, Ash, you can win this one!" cried Misty. Ash got out a Poke Ball.

"I choose you, Heracross!" he cried. Heracross materialized.

"Go, Donphan! Tackle attack!" cried Rochelle. Donphan charged, but Heracross stopped it.

"Heracross, use your Endure!" cried Ash. Heracross put all his weight against Donphan and came to a stop.

"Now give it a toss!" cried Ash. Heracross tossed Donphan across the field, but Donphan landed on its feet.

"Nice recovery, Donphan! Now show 'em your Rollout attack!" cried Rochelle. Donphan rolled itself into a ball and started charging toward Heracross, but Heracross dodged. Heracross then changed direction and went back towards Donphan.

"Heracross, look our behind you!" cried Ash. Donphan ran right into Heracross and sent it flying into a tree.

"Heracross!" cried Ash. He then noticed Heracross sucking sap from the tree it had hit.

"Let's go! This is no time for a snack!" he cried.

"He's never said that before." Said Misty.

"That's because none of his Pokemon have ever stopped battling to eat during a match." Replied Lucy. Heracross flew back onto the battlefield as Donphan charged.

"Donphan, finish it off with your Tackle attack!" cried Rochelle.

"Heracross, use your head!" cried Ash. The two Pokemon collided head first.

"Heracross, throw it with your horn!" Cried Ash. Heracross tossed Donphan up and behind him.

"Perfect!" cried Ash.

"Quick, Donphan, turn it into a Rollout!" cried Rochelle. Donphan recovered while in mid-air, rolled into a ball and charged at Heracross.

"Put everything you've got into that Rollout!" cried Rochelle. Donphan ran right into Heracross, which sent it flying until it landed on the ground with a thud and skidded to a stop.

"Heracross, no!" cried Ash. He ran up to his Pokemon.

"You sure put up a good battle." Said Ash.

"Heracro." Said Heracross. (Thank you, Ash)

"Especially against an experienced Donphan like mine." Replied Rochelle.

"That's true. We just need a little more training." Said Ash.

"That's what you have me for, Ash." Replied Lucy.

"But even so, Lucy, you and I almost beat 'em." Said Ash.

"You did." Rochelle agreed. "You're both terrific battlers. Heracross and Hoppip are both pretty strong."

"They're only going to get stronger, just you wait and see." Said Brock.

"It takes time for a Pokemon to get to know its trainer and become the best that it can be." Replied Rochelle.

"Don't you worry, Heracross." Said Ash. "Pretty soon, you'll be unbeatable."

"Same goes for Hoppip." Said Lucy.

"Speaking of a Pokemon becoming the best it can be, I'd like for you to take my youngest Donphan with you, Brock." Said Rochelle. "Under your tutelage, it can become a strong partner."

"And maybe strong enough to find amberite too." Said Brock.

"That'll come in due time." Replied Rochelle. The youngest Donphan happily ran up to Brock and nudged him.

"You and I are going to get along just fine, Donphan." Said Brock.

Later, as the sun began to set, the group bid Rochelle farewell.

"Bye, guys. Thanks again for your help!" Rochelle cried.

"Goodbye, Rochelle, and thank you too." Said Ash.

"Hope we see you again." Said Misty. The group soon departed. A grateful Rochelle bids our friends a fond farewell as they head once again for Violet City. And though Ash and his Heracross and Lucy and her Hoppip may have lost this time, they both gained valuable experience. That experience will help them prepare for the challenges that lay ahead, in their journey to the Johto League.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Heracross (male), Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Hoppip, Pikachu, Blastoise, Arcanine, Cyndaquil

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode, Tauros, Lapras

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode, Dewgong, Sentret, Ivysaur, Heracross (female)

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Blastoise

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Donphan

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 128: Illusion Confusion

Last time, Ash, Lucy, Misty and Brock were well on their way to the Violet City gym. Say! This doesn't look like…uh oh!

"Don't tell me." Said Misty.

"Okay, we won't tell you." Said Lucy.

"We're lost again, aren't we?" Cried Misty.

"You just said not to tell you." Replied Lucy.

"We're not 'lost' exactly." Replied Ash.

"Oh no, we're not lost." Said Brock. "It's just that we don't know where we are."

"This always happens whenever Ash is in charge." Sighed Misty.

"Oh yeah, like your geography skills are any better!" cried Ash. Lucy sighed, but then noticed that Brock was looking a little nervous.

"It's almost sundown, and we're going to be stuck in some spooky forest all night!" he cried.

"Did you say 'spooky' forest?" cried Lucy.

"Don't worry, guys!" cried Ash. "Come on! Let's go!" He ran off.

"Go where?!" cried Misty.

"Anywhere but here, that's for sure!" cried Lucy. She followed behind Ash.

"Just trust me! You'll see! Our troubles will be over in no time!" cried Ash.

"That means our troubles are just beginning." Sighed Misty.

"Pika Pi." Said Pikachu. (Here we go, just typical Ash.)

Later, night fell.

"Ash! Where are we now?!" cried Misty.

"Now we're, lost." Answered Ash.

"And in the middle of nowhere!" cried Lucy.

"Everywhere is somewhere." Replied Ash.

"Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu. (Ash!)

"I don't like this place." Said Misty. "It's spooky."

"My thoughts exactly." Lucy agreed. The moon soon disappeared behind some clouds and the wind started to blow. Suddenly, they heard a noise.

"Cut it out, Brock!" cried Misty and Lucy. "Making those sounds isn't funny!"

"That wasn't me, girls!" cried Brock.

"Vee." Said Eevee. (It definitely wasn't me, either)

"Who's there?! Come on out!" cried Ash. The same noise was soon heard again. Then, with a sudden glow of blue light, frightening faces appeared on the trees, which made the group run in terror. But no matter where they ran, a scary tree appeared before them.

"Now I know how Snow White felt when she was running through the forest in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!" cried Lucy.

"Less talking, more running!" cried Misty. Suddenly, an owl with big eyes shone a bright red light from them, which blinded the group, but the red light also caused the trees to return to normal.

"What WAS that?!" cried Lucy.

"That was nothing." Answered a familiar voice. The group turned and saw Gary Oak standing behind them.

"Gary!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"Everything that you saw and heard was an illusion." Gary explained. The group looked down and saw the same owl by Gary's side.

"Good job, Hoothoot." Said Gary.

"What's a Hoothoot?" asked Ash. He got out Dexter.

"Hoothoot, the Owl Pokemon. Hoothoot stands on one leg, but uses both of its powerful eyes to see clearly, even through the darkest night."

"Unprepared as usual." Said Gary. "Don't you know that you have to use a Hoothoot to get through this forest?"

"What do you mean?" replied Ash.

"What'll happen to us if we don't?" asked Lucy.

"You'll get lost here…..forever." Gary answered.

"Forever?!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"Pika/Vee?!" cried Pikachu and Eevee. (Forever?!)

"But you have a Hoothoot, and you're still here in the forest." Said Misty.

"If you're not lost, how come we caught up with you?" added Lucy.

"Oh, that's easy. I've been busy." Said Gary. "I've caught so many Pokemon that I must've lost track of time. You see, that's what makes me a great Pokemon trainer. As soon as I got to this forest, I sized up the situation and took action. I realized I need a Hoothoot and I got one. Come on, Hoothoot, we better get going." Gary and Hoothoot departed.

"So it was just Gary's Hoothoot that we heard making those noises earlier." Said Lucy.

"That Gary. Someday, we'll show him." Said Ash.

"Guys, if we want to get through this forest, I think we better do what Gary did and get a Hoothoot to help us out." Said Brock.

"I'm with you, Brock." Said Misty.

"Okay! I say it's time we got us a Hoothoot!" cried Ash. Soon, the group was searching for a Hoothoot, but they didn't find one right away.

"I think looking for a Hoothoot is only getting us more lost." Said Misty.

"Hoothoot?!" cried Ash.

"Hoothoot, come on out!" cried Lucy.

"We're never going to find one." Said Ash.

"Don't say never, Ash." Replied Lucy. The suddenly heard a hoot, and right at Misty's feet was a Hoothoot.

"See? What'd I tell you?" said Lucy. The group then realized something.

"Hoothoot?!" they cried. Misty tried to back away from the Hoothoot, but it hopped toward her and nuzzled her leg.

"It's following me!" she cried.

"Don't worry, Misty, it's just saying hello." Said Ash.

"Yeah. After all, it looks cute." Replied Lucy. Hoothoot suddenly started pecking Ash's head before it ran off.

"Hey, wait!" cried Ash.

"I guess that Hoothoot didn't take too kindly to you, Ash." Said Lucy. "But we need it in order to get out of this forest."

"Come back!" the group cried. The four of them proceeded to chase after the Hoothoot.

"Where are you going?" asked Misty.

"Slow down!" cried Ash.

"Wait for us!" cried Brock. The Hoothoot led the group toward what looked like a shrine gate made of stone.

"What's this weird stone thing doing here?" asked Misty.

"Maybe it isn't here at all." replied Brock.

"You mean it could just be another illusion?" said Lucy. The wild Hoothoot proceeded further into the distance.

"Illusion or no, we need to follow that Hoothoot." Said Lucy.

"Lucy's right." Replied Ash. "Come on! Let's follow it." The group pursued the Hoothoot.

"If that Hoothoot doesn't slow down soon, we'll never catch it!" cried Ash. He soon started running out of breath.

"I can't keep up." said Ash. Pikachu, stop Hoothoot with your Thunder Shock!" But as Pikachu stopped to charge up, the Hoothoot stopped and turned toward Pikachu with a glare and a gleam in its eye. It then flew back toward the group and started pecking Ash's head again, which caused Ash to run around in pain while the Hoothoot kept pecking.

"That Hoothoot REALLY doesn't like Ash." Lucy observed. The Hoothoot suddenly stopped and hopped towards a short stranger and nuzzled the person's leg as if it knew them.

"Looks like we've got some company." Said Ash.

"But is that person real, or another illusion?" asked Lucy.

"Lucy's right. This could be a trick." Said Misty.

"Yeah, it's probably another illusion." Said Brock.

"You think so?" replied Ash.

"Of course." Brock answered. "Ever seen anything this scary, even in your dreams?"

"Guess not." Said Ash.

"IS THAT SO?!" cried the strange voice. "WELL WAKE UP, YOU DOLTS, BECAUSE I'M THE BEST LOOKING THING AROUND HERE!"

"Maybe it's real after all." said Brock.

"Are you a real person?" asked Lucy.

"Last time I looked, I was." answered the woman. "And I understand where you're coming from. The name's Hagatha, and you're going to need me to help you get out of this forest. Now, come." The group followed Hagatha and Hoothoot back to her home.

"Your own business?" asked Misty.

"That's right." Answered Hagatha. "I have a business renting Hoothoot to travelers passing through the forest like you all are. Hoothoot come in handy. They help you pass the mischievous Pokemon and those ghostly things they make you see."

"You mean Pokemon made us see those things?" cried Brock.

"That's right." Replied Hagatha. "But Hoothoot have the power to see through illusions."

"So that's how Gary got his Hoothoot." Said Lucy. "He stopped here and rented it just like everybody else who passes through does."

"Hagatha, can we rent a Hoothoot too?" asked Ash.

"Well, all right." Answered Hagatha.

"Okay!" cried Ash.

"We'll be out of here in no time!" cried Lucy.

"But there is one little problem." Said Hagatha.

"What sort of problem?" asked Lucy.

"That Hoothoot is the only one I have left." Answered Hagatha.

"It looks perfectly fine to me." Said Brock. "Why can't we take that one?"

"Believe me, sonny, you don't want that Hoothoot." Answered Hagatha.

"What's the matter with it?" asked Misty.

"I don't know exactly, but it's never guided a single traveler safely through these woods." Replied Hagatha. The group was shocked at that revelation.

"I did my best to warn that poor young fella, but he insisted on taking that Hoothoot anyway." Hagatha continued.

"What happened to him?" asked Brock.

"He finally made it back here after three days of wandering the woods, half starved and full out of his head." Hagatha answered. "Since then, I just keep this one here with me."

"But what are we going to do without a Hoothoot?" asked Misty.

"We'll just end up getting the bejeebles scared out of us all night." Lucy replied.

"The others will be back tomorrow. Just wait until then." Said Hagatha. "Trust me. You'll be much better off."

"We can't wait!" Ash cried. "If me and Lucy do, Gary will just keep getting further and further ahead of us and we'll never catch up! I bet all this Hoothoot needs is a good trainer, like me!" He approached the Hoothoot. "Right? What do you say, Hoothoot?"

"Training that Hoothoot in particular, Ash? Despite the fact that it's attacked you twice?" said Lucy.

"I'm with Lucy. Be careful, Ash." Said Misty. Ash picked the Hoothoot up.

"There's nothing to worry about, Misty." He said. "The two of us are going to get along just fine. See?" Hoothoot jumped out of Ash's hands and pecked him before it hopped to the ground off of Ash's hat and into Misty's lap.

"Oh, I forgot to mention, since I'm the one who raised it, this Hoothoot only get along with pretty girls." Said Hagatha.

"Oh, is that right, Hoothoot?" asked Misty. "Do you like pretty girls?"

"Sounds like a Pokemon version of Brock to me." Replied Lucy.

"Too bad there aren't any pretty girls here." Said Ash. Hagatha, Misty and Lucy angrily glared at Ash.

"What did you say, Ash Ketchum?!" cried Misty and Lucy angrily.

"Nothing." Ash quickly replied.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was trying to find their way through the woods.

"We've been hanging around in these woods for so long that I feel like a pinecone." Groaned Meowth.

"James, have you found a way out of this forest yet?" asked Jessie.

"Not yet, Jess." James answered. "But I think I may have discovered a good way to get in."

"Maybe we should try taking that route and just walk backwards." Said Meowth. He suddenly overheard the group talking and spotted them to his right.

"I think Hoothoot does like girls better than boys, judging by the way it pecked Ash." Said Lucy. "Don't you, Hoothoot?" Hoothoot agreed with her.

"Whatever." Ash grumbled. Jessie soon spotted them too.

"Look, James! The twerps." Cried Jessie.

"Even if we're lost, we always find Pikachu and Eevee." Replied James.

"It's too bad." Said Meowth. "The only successful thing we seem to do is nothing at all."

Poke Quiz Question

"All right, trainers, listen up because Lucy and I have a little Pokemon quiz for you." Said Ash.

"Trainers, which Pokemon needs a Poke Flute to wake up from a long slumber?" asked Lucy. "Ash and I will have the answer a little later, but for now, back to the show!"

Back To Episode

"This looks like the place we saw those illusions before." Said Ash. Hoothoot suddenly started shivering.

"Something's got Hoothoot pretty scared." Said Ash.

"I think we're in big trouble." Replied Lucy. Hoothoot suddenly turned around and saw something that startled it.

"Is something wrong, Hoothoot?" asked Misty. Some small flames suddenly appeared around the group, which frightened Hoothoot.

"Don't you…." Said Ash, but before he could finish, the flames appeared around him as well. Team Rocket then snuck up behind a tree and spotted them freaking out, but they didn't see the flames, which pointed out that they were just illusions.

"What's wrong with them?" said Meowth. Team Rocket looked on while the group panicked.

"We've got to get rid of these things!" cried Brock.

"Hoothoot, do something!" cried Ash. But Hoothoot simply turned away.

"Hoothoot?" said Ash.

"Please, Hoothoot? Do it for me?" Misty begged.

"For all of us." Added Lucy. "Please?" Hoothoot kindly obliged, much to Ash's chagrin.

"Thanks a lot." He sighed. Hoothoot's eyes soon started glowing red, which caused the flames to back off a bit, but they moved back up when Hoothoot's eyes stopped glowing, and then Hoothoot's mood became much sadder.

"Hey! Don't give up now!" cried Ash.

"Pika, Pika." Said Pikachu. (Get back in there)

"Please don't give up, Hoothoot." Said Misty. Hoothoot gladly got back into the fight, more determined than ever, which made Ash and Brock fall over in disbelief.

"It worked!" cried Ash. Hoothoot charged in as the flames came together to make an even bigger flame, which suddenly formed a face, which frightened Hoothoot so bad that it ran away.

"Come back!" cried Ash.

"Hoothoot, wait! Don't leave us here!" cried Lucy. The ghost charged for them.

"Yikes! Everyone AMSCRAY!" cried Lucy. The group ran off after Hoothoot in terror, while Team Rocket continued to watch and wonder what they had been scared by.

"I think they've all lost their minds." Said Jessie.

"But if those kids are spooked, they're going to lose their Pikachu and Eevee too." Replied Meowth. Team Rocket chuckled with wicked glee.

Meanwhile, the group had caught up with Hoothoot to try and catch their breath.

"Hoothoot just ran away and left us there." Said Ash.

"Talk about a cowardly bird." Said Lucy.

"Don't blame Hoothoot." Said Misty. "Hagatha warned us, didn't she? Right, Hoothoot?" Hoothoot hopped toward Misty and she soon petted it. But Ash decided enough was enough and picked up the Hoothoot.

"You've played around enough. Now you're going to get serious." He scolded. He proceeded to walk away with the Hoothoot, much to the shock of Brock, Misty and Lucy.

"Where are you going?" asked Misty.

"You're not thinking of doing what I think you're going to do, are you?" asked Lucy.

"It's doing the best it can!" cried brock. But Ash disagreed.

"No, it's not!" he replied. "We need to get out of this forest, and Hoothoot needs to start acting like a real Pokemon!"

"Ash, maybe…." Said Misty.

"Maybe nothing!" cried Ash.

"Let's just….." said Lucy.

"Let's just nothing!" cried Ash. "Hoothoot's a Pokemon. It can learn how to help us. All it has to do is try." Hoothoot jumped out of Ash's hands and landed near and nuzzled Misty's leg.

"Poor Hoothoot." Said Misty.

"Please, Hoothoot." Begged Lucy. Hoothoot looked at her.

"If you help us out, you'll also be helping yourself." Said Lucy. "In order to guide my friends and me through the forest, you'll have to use your special powers. And if you do, you'll be a much stronger Pokemon. Wouldn't you like that?" Hoothoot concurred.

"Hoothoot says okay!" cried Lucy. Ash fell over in disbelief.

"That's just great!" he grumbled.

"We know you can do it, Hoothoot." Said Misty. Ropes suddenly wrapped around Pikachu and Eevee and pulled them away.

"Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee!" cried Lucy. They both jumped into the air and grabbed their Pokemon. But they also heard Team Rocket's voices.

"Look what we hooked." Said Team Rocket. They laughed.

"Oh no." said Ash.

"Guess who?" sighed Lucy. Light came on to reveal jessie and James with fishing poles.

"Prepare for trouble, now we win!"

"Make it double, We'll reel you in!"

"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 will make an excellent impression!"

"Now that your Pikachu and Eevee are in our possession!"

"Meowth, that's right! Put the Pika and Eevee in the box and we'll shut it up tight." Pikachu and Eevee were tossed into the box and locked up.

"You think maybe this is another illusion?" asked Brock.

"Sorry Brock, but this time it's the real deal." Said Misty.

"Okay, give me back my Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Give Eevee back this minute!" cried Lucy.

"Sorry, twerps, but we can't give them back." Said Jessie. "If we did, we wouldn't be doing our jobs."

"And our job's to rob." Added Meowth. Team Rocket hopped into a boat suspended to a zipline and made their getaway.

"We got our Pikachu and our Eevee!" cried Meowth. "Now it's smooth sailing ahead, team!"

"We finally got our lucky break!" cried Jessie. "And all it took to get it was 128 episodes and two movies!" The rope suddenly broke.

"Uh oh!" cried Team Rocket. The boat suddenly dropped to the forest floor, which sent the box containing Pikachu and Eevee flying and into Ash's arms. Lucy opened the box.

"Pikachu?" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu (All right!)

"Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Lucy!)

"I knew I shouldn't have bought that salesman's cheap line." Said James.

"Why did you?!" cried Jessie. "Why did you get lassoed by some twiner merchant?!"

"He got roped in." answered Meowth. Hoothoot looked at how happy Pikachu and Eevee were with their trainers as Team Rocket got up.

"We want both Pikachu and Eevee!" cried Jessie.

"And that Hoothoot to boot." Added Meowth.

"Let's have a battle and Team Rocket will show you what we can really do!" cried James.

"Ready when you are!" cried Ash.

"Bring it!" cried Lucy.

"Get in there, Arbok!" cried Jessie. Arbo materialized.

"Go ahead and get 'em, Victreebell!" cried James. Victreebell materialized but chomped on James.

"I said go ahead, not get a head!" cried James. Lucy and Eevee burst out laughing.

"I choose you, Bulbasaur!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur materialized, but soon afterward, Hoothoot started to hoot and hop around.

"Hoothoot?" cried Ash.

"What's wrong?" asked Misty.

"Do you sense something out of the ordinary?" asked Lucy. A slight glow came and faded just as quickly, and even Team Rocket noticed it.

"Hey." Said James. Jessie looked behind her and was shocked by what she saw.

"Look there!" she cried. James and Meowth looked back and saw a Dragonite standing before them.

"We're in luck! It's a Dragonite!" cried Meowth.

"What would a rare Pokemon like that be doing out in the middle of the forest?" wondered James.

"Who cares? Let's get it!" cried Meowth.

"Quick, Arbok! Attack!" cried Jessie.

"Go get it, Victreebell!" cried James. Victreebell spat James out and both it and Arbok charged at the Dragonite, but it easily dodged them and glided backwards toward the deeper part of the woods as Team Rocket pursued.

"Wait! Come back!" cried Jessie.

"Don't go!" cried Meowth.

"Please!" cried Jessie.

"We want to be friends!" cried James.

"Stay!" cried Jessie.

"Stay with us! We need you!" cried James. The group looked at Team Rocket, but they couldn't see the Dragonite, with proved that it was another illusion.

"Come on! We want you to meet our boss!" cried Jessie.

"What's the big rush, buddy?" cried Meowth. Team Rocket pursued their illusion deeper into the forest.

"What's up with them?" wondered Ash.

"Maybe they're seeing things like we were." Answered Brock.

"My guess, they saw an illusion of a rare Pokemon that they want to capture." Replied Lucy.

"Maybe." Said Ash. Multiple copies of Ash and Lucy suddenly appeared and frightened everyone.

"Another illusion!" cried Misty.

"But which ones are the real Ash and the real Lucy?" asked Brock. All the Ash and Lucy clones tried to say that they were the real deal, which left both Pikachu and Little Pikachu confused. They were so confused that they started to spark. Brock and Misty got out of the way in time while the two Pikachu hit all the clones with Thunderbolt, causing the clones to disappear and only leave the real Ash and the real Lucy.

"You finally got us, Pikachu." Ash said weakly. Misty's screams were suddenly heard.

"Misty!" cried Ash and Lucy. Misty was soon seen surrounded by bug type Pokemon that included Caterpie, Metapod, Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill and Venomoth while Hoothoot tried to protect her.

"Take it easy, Misty." Said Lucy. "Those bug type Pokemon aren't real!"

"She's right. It's just another illusion!" cried Brock.

"It feels real to me!" cried Misty. The bugs charged as Misty screamed in terrified fears of fright, and Hoothoot also hopped away in fear.

"Hoothoot!" cried Ash. Hoothoot stopped upon hearing Ash call its name.

"So you're just going to run away? You should be ashamed of yourself!" cried Ash.

"Ash is right." Said Lucy. "We need you. Hoothoot. You're the only one that can help Misty. She believes in you, and frankly, so do I." Hoothoot's eyes began to glow red and the light rushed towards and over Misty, which caused the illusions of bugs to disappear.

"Hoothoot saw right through them!" cried Brock.

"That Foresight attack came in handy there." Said Lucy.

"It sure did!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu. (All right!) Hoothoot's Foresight soon revealed that Haunter and Gengar were the ones responsible for the illusions.

"Look! It's Haunter! And Gengar!" cried Ash.

"We're surrounded!" cried Brock.

"This whole forest is haunted!" cried Lucy. The eyes of the Haunter and Gengar started to glow, which brought the slight blue mist back again.

"Haunter and Gengar must've been the ones creating those illusions!" cried Brock.

"At least we know what we're up against now." Replied Lucy.

"Hoothoot! Help us!" cried Misty.

"Give those ghosts another blast of foresight!" cried Lucy. Hoothoot did so and blinded the ghost Pokemon.

"Bulbasaur, Vine Whip, now!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur's attack landed and sent the Pokemon reeling.

"All right, Pikachu, Thunderbolt them!" cried Ash. With a single strike, the Haunter and Gengar retreated, but as they did, Lucy quickly spotted and captured a Misdreavus.

"Bye-bye!" cried Brock.

"Ghosts be gone!" cried Lucy.

"You see, Misty? I finally trained Hoothoot to fight with courage." Said Ash. "Now I'm sure it'll listen to me!"

"Yeah!" Misty cried. Ash picked Hoothoot up.

"Way to go, Hoothoot." He said. "I'm sorry if I was so rough on you." But Hoothoot pecked Ash's head again and hopped over to Misty.

"Hoothoot may have gotten courage from Ash, but I think it was doing it because it likes me and Lucy." Said Misty. "Right, Hoothoot?" Ash fell over in disbelief.

Poke Quiz Answer

"Trainers, earlier in the show, Lucy asked the following question." Said Ash. "Which Pokemon needs a Poke Flute to wake up from a long slumber?"

"If you said Snorlax, you're correct!" cried Lucy. "You definitely have what it takes to become a Pokemon master Ash and I will have a new question next time!"

Back To Episode

Soon, the sun rose, but the group was baffled that they returned to the same stone gate from before.

"We're back." Said Ash.

"Maybe it's another illusion." Replied Misty.

"I don't think so." Replied Lucy. "Those illusionists that Pikachu scared off only come out at night. They don't do daytime work." The group soon saw someone coming up the road.

"Look!" cried Brock.

"That's no illusion! That's Hagatha!" cried Lucy.

"I'M NOT HAGATHA!" cried the woman. "I'M NAGATHA, HER TWIN SISTER!"

"You're her twin?" said Brock.

"Yes, but people don't believe it because I'm much more beautiful." Replied Nagatha.

Later, Hagatha called at a video phone inside Nagatha's place.

"Well, I see you made it out of the woods." Said Hagatha.

"Yes, ma'am." Said Ash.

"It was tough, but we're all okay." Added Lucy.

"I helped, but just a little." Said Misty.

"Hoothoot is the one who really deserves all the credit since he did reveal those tricksters out in the trees." Said Lucy. "Right, Hoothoot?" Hoothoot agreed.

"Lucy, since that Hoothoot seems to take a liking to you, how about taking it with you on your Pokemon journey?" offered Hagatha.

"You really want me to, Hagatha?" asked Lucy.

"Of course, darling." Answered Hagatha. "It likes you, and you like it. The two of you are a perfect match in my eyes." Lucy grabbed an empty Poke Ball.

"Here you go, Hoothoot." She said. Hoothoot pecked at the ball with its beak and jumped inside it.

Later, the group bid Nagatha farewell. Luckily for our heroes, Hoothoot was able to see through the illusions and guide them through the forest safely. And now, as they head for the Johto league, they have no illusions about the challenges that lay ahead.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was relaxing on a beach.

"Isn't this great?" said Jessie. "It's just like a dream."

"It's almost unreal." Replied James.

"And the bets part of all is that we're out of that forest." Said Meowth. Team Rocket chuckled, but it turned out that the Haunter and Gengar had conjured up another illusion for them, which the Team Rocket trio were unaware of.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Heracross (male), Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Hoothoot, Pikachu, Blastoise, Misdreavus, Cyndaquil

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode, Tauros, Lapras

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode, Dewgong, Sentret, Ivysaur, Heracross (female), Hoppip, Arcanine

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Blastoise

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Tentacruel, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Donphan

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 129: Flower Power

When we last saw our heroes, they were lost in the woods on the way to Violet City. But now they're finally out of the woods, and Lucy even has a new friend.

The group stopped at a railing and looked over the horizon to spot something.

"Hey! A real city!" cried Ash.

"Finally! We're out of the woods and back to civilization!" cried Lucy.

"Yep. That's Florando." Brock explained.

"Maybe we can relax and do some sightseeing while we're here!" cried Misty.

"Misty, I can't relax in a city full of girls who need to be protected!" cried Brock. Misty sweat dropped.

"Protected from you." She corrected.

"What are we waiting for?" cried Ash.

"Let's see the sights!" cried Lucy.

"Pika/Vee." Said Pikachu and Eevee. (Good idea) The group soon entered Florando.

"Wow. There's so much to see." Said Ash.

"Pika." Replied Pikachu. (I'll say)

"What do you guys think we should do first?" asked Misty. A young girl soon ran up to them.

"Check out the Pokemon Exhibition!" she cried. She handed Ash and Lucy a flyer for the event.

"What's a Pokemon Exhibition?" asked Ash.

"A Pokemon Exhibition is a giant outdoor Pokemon entertainment festival." The girl answered. "Every year, trainers and Pokemon from around the world come here to put on Pokemon shows. It's what Florando's famous for."

"We heard about the Florando Pokemon Exhibition in the last issue of Pokemon Trainer Monthly!" cried Brock.

"Hey, do you think Lucy and I could a show with all of our Pokemon?" asked Ash.

"Sure." Answered Brock.

"Sounds like a good idea to me." Agreed Lucy.

"A live stage show?" wondered Misty.

"No, I mean a television show." Answered Ash. The group stumbled in disbelief.

"Now who'd want to watch something like that?" cried Misty. Lucy quickly turned to face the audience.

"She should know by now that we're already on TV." She whispered.

Later, Brock dragged Ash through the town park.

"Come on, guys, let's go see some real entertainment." Said Brock.

"But is dragging my best friend like that really necessary?" replied Lucy.

Later, the group heard cheering coming from near and around a large stage, and soon, they saw why. Trainers were having their Pokemon do tricks, such as a Flareon jumping through a ring of fire and an Oddish balancing on top of an Electrode. Some Mankey were dancing with their trainer, an Alakazam was bending a large spoon, and some water Pokemon created a fountain for the crowd to marvel at, which impressed the group.

"Wow. That's cool." Said Ash. He and Lucy soon turned their heads and heard more cheers. This time, the cheers were for some small Pokemon that were jumping and dancing.

"Hey, what are those?" asked Ash. Lucy got out her Pokedex.

"Bellossom, the Flower Pokemon. When these Pokemon move, their delicate petals rub together to create a pleasant sound. They are also known for their unique, acrobatic dancing abilities."

"They sound pretty neat." Said Lucy.

"Want to get a closer look?" asked Misty. Ash and Lucy nodded, and the group did get a closer look and saw the Bellossoms' trainer, who was keeping the tempo as the Bellossom performed.

"They're just like gymnasts." Said Misty.

"That girl's done a really good job of training them, hasn't she?" replied Brock.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, our gravity defying grand finale!" Cried the girl. The Bellossom got into position.

"Now just stay relaxed and we'll get it this time." The girl encouraged. The Bellossom agreed.

"Go!" she cried. One Bellossom ran toward the other, and the second one gave the first one a boost.

"Bell-oop-de-loop!" the girl cried. But something went wrong and the Bellossom landed in Ash's arms, which prompted the girl and her other Bellossom to run over.

"I'm so sorry!" the girl cried. "Are you all right?"

"I'm just fine." Ash answered. "I made a lucky catch." He handed the Bellossom to the girl.

"You were in the right place at the right time for us." Said the girl. She extended her hand to help Ash up, but Brock stepped in.

"My name's Brock, and as far as I'm concerned, any place you are and any time you're there is the right place and the right time for me!" The girl looked at him all confused as Lucy and Misty dragged him away.

"There's a time and a place for everything…" Said Misty.

"But for you, it's not here and it's not now." Added Lucy. The group soon had a seat with the girl while they had something hot to drink.

"Here's a toast to you and your friends for saving my Bellossom." Said the girl.

"Thank you for that great show." Said Ash.

"Yeah! Here's to you!" cried Brock, Misty and Lucy. The group had a drink.

"I don't think we've introduced ourselves." Said the girl. "My name is Bailey, and these very talented Bellossom are my two star performers, Belle and Bella."

"My name's Ash, and this is my Pikachu." Said Ash.

"Pikachu." Replied Pikachu. (Salutations)

"I'm Lucy, and right over here is my Eevee." Said Lucy.

"Vee." Cried Eevee. (Greetings)

"I'm Misty, and this is my Togepi." Said Misty.

"Who cares about their Pokémon?" said Brock. "My name's Brock. Why don't you and I…." Before he could finish, Misty and Lucy dragged him away again and they were both fuming.

"What do you mean who cares about Pokemon?!" Cried Misty.

"Particularly OUR Pokemon?!" added Lucy.

"Are you and your Bellossom going to try that trick again at the Pokemon Exhibition tomorrow?" asked Ash.

"Well, that was the original plan." Replied Bailey.

Belle doesn't sound too happy." Said Misty.

"I'm afraid our Bell-oop-de-loop just hasn't been working out lately." Sighed Bailey.

"I kind of noticed that." Replied Ash.

"Has this happened with previous shoes?" asked Lucy.

"No. Belle used to do it perfectly, but ever since we got here, we've been having problems with it." Answered Bailey. Belle turned away sadly.

"Belle's in a slump." Said Brock.

"Yes, but we'll just keep doing the best we can." Replied Bailey. "Isn't that right, Belle?" Belle nodded.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket stumbled upon the performing area.

"There's something very festive in the air, wouldn't you say, James?" asked Jessie.

"I thought it was Meowth." Answered James.

"Looks to me like the whole town's getting ready for some kind of street performance." Replied Meowth.

"That sounds like it's right up our alley!" cried James.

"Wouldn't it be exciting if James and I could demonstrate our talents here?" cried Jessie.

"It'd be exciting if any of you had any talents to demonstrate." Replied Meowth. Jessie soon came in with a flamenco dancing dress.

"It is in my blood! The flamenco!" cried Jessie.

"You better get a blood test, Jessie!" cried Meowth. James then came in dancing ballet.

"We're going to get rich." Said Jessie.

"Yes, and you're going to help us do it." Replied James.

"I don't have to dance or nothing, do I?" wondered Meowth.

"Oh no, we'll do all the dancing." Answered Jessie and James.

"Then what do I have to do?" asked Meowth.

"Just be yourself!" cried Jessie and James. Team Rocket soon had a stage set up.

"Hurry! Hurry! Step right up! It's the one of a kind attraction guaranteed to shock and amaze you!" cried Jessie. "Gather round and feast your eyes and ears on the world's only walking, talking, squawking Meowth anywhere!" Meowth was shocked.

"What am I going to say?" he cried. Some people walking by stopped to look.

"Gather round, folks!" cried James. More and more people gathered as Jessie put Meowth center stage.

"Here's our star!" cried Jessie and James. But due to stage fright, Meowth didn't say a word, which made the audience jeer and prompted Team Rocket to pick up the stage frightened Meowth.

"There will now be a short intermission." Said James. He and Jessie exited stage left and headed backstage.

"What's the matter with you, Meowth? Why didn't you say something?" cried Jessie.

"Because I get very inhibited when I get exhibited." Meowth answered.

"But the crowd won't give us any money if you don't talk." Replied James.

"I can't think of nothing to say to all those people." Meowth replied.

"Who cares? Just say any old thing!" cried Jessie.

"I will not insult my public with an unscripted performance." Said Meowth.

"And I thought I was supposed to be the Team Rocket prima donna!" cried Jessie. She scribbled something down. "Here, go out there and read these jokes."

"I don't know." Said James. "Comedy's tricky."

"It's all in the delivery." Replied Meowth. Team Rocket headed back out on stage.

"Sorry for the interruption." Said Jessie.

"Now, to delight and amuse you, we present the amazing Meowth!" cried James. Jessie also said Meowth's name at the same time James did and they both vacated the stage.

"Hi, folks!" cried Meowth. "I got some great jokes for ya! What does a Pokemon with an allergy say? Pik-achoo! When should a trainer make an appointment to see the doctor? When his Bulb-is-sore." Jessie and James laughed and started collecting money from the customers, who were growing rather tired of Meowth's bad jokes.

"That was one of my best ones!" cried Jessie.

"We ought to clean up with material like that." Replied James. They both soon realized that people were leaving without giving any money.

"Hey, you! The show's not free!" cried Jessie.

"Meowth's just getting warmed up!" cried James. "The funny stuff is on the way!" He ran to the stage and whispered another joke to Meowth.

"They'll love this one!" cried Meowth. "Hey, did you hear about the low-fat Pokemon? Caterpie!" But nobody understood it, which made James furious due to Meowth having gotten the punchline wrong.

"Butter-free! Not Caterpie!" cried James.

"Butter-free, Caterpie, what's the difference?!" cried Meowth. They both soon realized that the audience had disappeared.

"Where is everybody?" cried James and Meowth.

"Well, at least you two managed to stop the show." Said Jessie.

"Well don't blame me!" cried Meowth.

"If your delivery had been better, we would've been a hit!" cried James.

"You want to see a hit!?" cried Meowth. "I'll show you a hit! Believe me!"

"We need you to warm up the crowd, not cool them off." Said Jessie.

"Now they'll never get to see Jessie and me dance." Groaned James.

"And you think that's a bad thing?" cried Meowth.

"We would've put on a sensational show, James." Said Jessie.

"The best!" cried James.

"My flamenco would've been the rage!" cried Jessie.

"And I would've done a leap right off the stage!" cried James. "They would've gone mad for my grand pile!"

"And I'd drive them wild with my grand castanets!" cried Jessie. "James, maybe there's still a chance for our dancing dreams to come true."

"I agree, so what do we do?" asked James.

"Luckily, I have a brilliant idea!" cried Jessie.

"That worries me." Replied Meowth.

Later, Team Rocket drove a bulldozer into the performing area, which caught the group's attention.

"I know those voices!" cried Ash.

"So do I!" cried Lucy. She and Ash ran out in front of them.

"Hey! You can't just bulldoze your way in here, Team Rocket!" cried Lucy.

"Ash, Lucy, what's going on?" asked Bailey. "Who are these three?"

"Those three are big fat dummies who keep trying to steal Pikachu and Eevee from us!" Lucy answered.

"Prepare for trouble and a dance." Said Jessie while clacking a castanet.

"I'm wearing tights instead of pants." Replied 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!"

"James!"

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

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

"Ta da!"

"Come on, Pikachu, we know how to get rid of these three, don't we?" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu. (Sure do!)

"Let's clear these losers out of here, Eevee!" cried Lucy.

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (They're going down!)

"Wait, you two!" cried Bailey. "This place is reserved for the trainers and Pokemon who perform in the exhibition, and we'll be the ones to defend it!"

"Well, if it's a battle you want….." said Jessie.

"Then a battle you shall have!" cried James.

"Let's give them a performance!" cried Jessie. "Arbok!"

"Victreebell, go!" cried James. The two Pokemon materialized, but Victreebell quickly chomped onto James' head, which caused him to hop up and down.

"Come on, I have my public to think about!" he cried. Eevee started laughing, as did Lucy.

"Come on, team! They can't scare us!" cried Bailey. Belle and Bella charged.

"Arbok, get them with your Poison Sting!" cried Jessie. The attack fired, but Belle and Bella dodged with ease.

"Victreebell, Swords Dance attack!" cried James. Victreebell finally let go.

"Use the back-step we rehearsed!" cried Bailey. Belle and Bella effortlessly dodged Victreebell's attack.

"They're cool!" cried Misty.

"Nice moves!" cried Brock.

"Keep it up, guys!" cried Ash.

"You're doing great!" cried Lucy.

"Come on, team!" cried Meowth. "Quit dancing around an attack back, will you?!"

"Pidgeot, get in there and use your Peck attack!" cried Jessie.

"Vileplume, use your Double Edge attack!" cried James. Pidgeot and Vileplume materialized and charged to try and ensnare the two Bellossom.

"I wonder where jessie and James got that Pidgeot and Vileplume from." Said Brock.

"We'll tell you later." Said Lucy.

"Belle, Bella, do the dunk turn!" cried Bailey. Belle and Bella dodged with ease and bounced on their opponents like trampolines.

"Now, use Sleep Powder!" cried Bailey. Belle and Bella made their flowers spin in order to put their opponents to sleep.

"My poor babies!" cried Jessie and James. They picked up their knocked out Pokemon.

"I think we've been upstaged!" cried Jessie.

"Let's make a grand exit!" cried James. Team Rocket retreated.

"We'll be back for an encore!" cried Meowth.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, we hope you enjoyed the show." Said Bailey. She bowed and all the spectators began to applaud. Even the group applauded.

"That seemed more like a battle than a performance, didn't it, guys?" said Misty.

"As long as they beat Team Rocket, who cares?" said Brock.

"I don't know how they did it, but they sure deserve a big hand." Said Ash.

"They sure do!" cried Lucy.

Poke Quiz Question

"All right, trainers, listen up because Lucy and I have a little Pokemon quiz for you." Said Ash.

"Trainers, which Pokemon spins a web to catch its' prey?" asked Lucy. "Ash and I will have the answer a little later, but for now, back to the show!"

Back To Episode

Team Rocket was in an alley having lunch. James and Meowth had a fight over the last meatball, but Jessie snatched it up.

"The last one's always the best." She said.

"How in the world am I supposed to survive if I keep getting deprived?!" cried Meowth.

"I guess renting that bulldozer didn't exactly help with our financial situation." Sighed James. A poster soon flew into Jessie's face.

"Come and enjoy the annual Florando Pokemon Talent Exhibition." Read Jessie.

"It's tomorrow." Said James.

"And I bet there'll be tons of talented Pokemon for us to swipe!" cried Meowth.

"We'll go there!" cried Jessie.

"And we'll grab every Pokemon at the exhibition!" cried James.

"And while we're at it, we can grab a slice of pizza!" cried Meowth. Jessie then felt something nudging at her leg. Curious, she picked it up to see what it was.

"Hello there, little sweetie." She said. "Is there something I can do for you?" The little yellow Pokemon used its Sweet Kiss attack to show its affection.

"What exactly is that thing you're holding, Jessie?" asked James.

"It looks like Pikachu, but it's much smaller." Replied Meowth.

"I think I know what you are." Said Jessie. "You're a Pichu! It's nice meeting you, but my teammates and I are rather busy right now." She put the Pichu down, but it kept nuzzling her.

"I think it likes you, Jess." Said Meowth.

"If it likes you, and you like ti back, the two of you can form a strong bond of friendship." James pointed out.

"Then it'll evolve into a Pikachu." Said Meowth. "Just think, Jess. Once it becomes Pikachu, we may not need to go after the one that belongs to the twerp."

"I didn't even think of that." Said Jessie. She held out an empty Poke Ball, which Pichu sniffed. It then tapped the button and sucked itself inside. The ball immediately pinged.

"If only capturing Pokemon was this easy." She said.

"A lot easier without a quartet of twerps in the way, that's for sure." Replied Meowth.

Later that night, the group was parked under a bridge for dinner while Pikachu, Eevee, Togepi, Little Pikachu, Belle and Bella rehearsed.

"Did you always train your Pokemon to dance instead of battle?" asked Ash.

"No." answered Bailey. "At first, we practiced dancing as a way of cross training for battle. But when I saw how happy Belle and Bella were whenever they danced together, the look on their faces convinced me to concentrate on dancing instead of battling. We've been communicating much better since we focused on dancing, and now it's become our goal to become the greatest Pokemon dance troupe anywhere."

"They really love dancing, don't they?" asked Misty.

"They sure do." Answered Brock.

"That's why we all want to do the very best we can at the exhibition tomorrow." Replied Bailey. "Now that you all know about us, we want to know about you."

"Well, I want to know everything there is about water Pokemon." Replied Misty.

"Since I was a kid, all I ever wanted was to become a Pokemon breeder." Said Brock.

"And all me and Lucy want to do is become the world's greatest Pokemon masters." Added Ash. Bailey chuckled.

"Well, it sounds like we're all big Pokemon fans." She said.

"Bailey, Ash and I were wondering something." Said Lucy. "How'd your Bellossom beat Team Rocket just by dancing around?"

"Because dancing and battling aren't so different." Replied Bailey.

"They're not?" said Ash.

"To better explain it, dance step can be just like a fighter's footwork." Answered Bailey. "And rhythm is just as important in battle as it is in dancing."

"You really think so?" asked Misty.

"Come to our workout tomorrow and we'll show you." Said Bailey.

"That'd be great." Replied Ash.

The next morning, the group watched as Bailey led Belle and Bella through their workout. Even Pikachu and Eevee were in on the act.

"One, two! One, two!" cried Bailey. "Try to step in time with the beat, you two."

"You're doing great, Eevee, keep it up!" cried Lucy.

"That's right! That's good! Now try the backflip!" cried Bailey. The Pokemon successfully did so.

"Sidestep, sidestep, double twirl and pose!" cried Bailey. The Pokemon pulled it off without a hitch.

"That was great, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"You're a natural, Eevee!" cried Lucy. Even Belle and Bella were applauding Pikachu and Eevee's performances.

"Now don't forget those steps you two just learned, and next time you're in a battle, you can use them to get away from your opponent's attacks." Said Bailey.

A little later, the group was continuing the workout session.

"All set, Bailey! Ready when you are!" cried Ash.

"Same on this end!" cried Lucy.

"If everyone's in position, let's practice the Bell-oop-de-loop!" cried Bailey. Belle and Bella confirmed that they were ready.

"All right, Belle, picture in your mind how it's supposed to be done and try to relax, okay.

"Bell." Said Belle. (Right)

"And Bella, you need to have split second timing when you give Belle the boost." Said Bailey.

"Bello." Said Bella. (Gotcha)

"Go!" cried Bailey. Belle ran forward, and Bella gave her the boost that she needed, but she got scared right in the middle and fell to the ground, only for Ash to catch her.

Belle!" cried Bailey. "It looks like we still need some practice." Belle lowered her head.

"Please don't feel badly, Belle. I know you did your best." Said Bailey. "We can just leave the Bell-oop-de-loop out of our routine."

Later, at the stage, people had gathered from all over Florando to watch the exhibition, including the group. All the performing trainers came out with their Pokemon.

"Come on, Bailey!" cried Brock.

"Good luck, you guys!" cried Ash.

"You can do it, Bailey!" cried Misty.

"Knock 'em dead, Bailey!" cried Lucy.

"With that kind of welcome, we'll have to drag them off the stage!" cried James.

"Take it away!" cried Jessie. As the audience applauded, Meowth made his move.

"I may not know how to dance the flamenco, but I'm great when it comes to casting nets!" cried Meowth. He tossed a net down on the Pokemon as the balloon took off.

"Oh no!" cried Ash.

"Not again!" cried Brock.

"A second attack?! They must be crazy!" cried Lucy. Meowth took off his mask.

"Up, up and away!" he cried. The balloon hoisted the trapped Pokemon upward.

"What are you doing!?" cried Bailey. "Those are my Bellossom! They look awfully familiar!"

"That's because they are." Replied Lucy. Jessie removed her mask.

"We're also pretty awful too." She said.

"Ta, ta, twerps!" James cried as he removed his mask. Team Rocket laughed in triumph as the group took the stage.

"We've got to do something fast!" cried Brock.

"But they're already too high up!" cried Misty. Ash realized something.

"Hey, wait." He said. "Heracross, I choose you!" Heracross materialized.

"Quick, Heracross, if you use your horn to throw Pikachu and Eevee high enough, maybe we can stop Team Rocket!" cried Ash. He put the two Pokemon on Heracross' horn.

"Ready to go, guys?" asked Ash.

"Vee." Said Eevee. (Ready)

"Okay, Heracross! Fire away!" cried Ash. Heracross catapulted Pikachu and Eevee skyward.

"Oh my!" cried Bailey. Pikachu and Eevee zoomed past Team Rocket and landed on their balloon.

"Use your Thunderbolt on that balloon!" cried Ash.

"Eevee, use your Bite attack!" cried Lucy. Pikachu and Eevee used their attacks and sprung a leak in Team Rocket's balloon, which forced them to crash land in the nearby park where the group rushed to the scene.

"Pikachu, are you and Eevee all right?!" cried Ash.

"Pika Pi!" cried Pikachu. (Ash!)

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Lucy!) Pikachu and Eevee ran to their trainers, and they embraced.

"You again!" cried Jessie and James.

"You're grounded!" cried Ash.

"Give those Pokemon back!" cried Lucy.

"Not without a battle first!" cried Jessie. "Arbok, I choose you!" Arbok materialized.

"Victreebell!" cried James. Victreebell materialized, but it chomped down on James' head.

"This is so embarrassing!" cried James.

"Go get 'em, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"Eevee, join Pikachu!" cried Lucy. Pikachu and Eevee jumped into battle.

"Arbok, Poison Sting attack, now!" cried Jessie. The attack fired.

"Dance around 'em, Pikachu!" cried Ash.

"You dance too, Eevee!" cried Lucy. Pikachu and Eevee's fancy footwork allowed them to avoid the attack. Victreebell then charged.

"Victreebell, use your Take Down attack!" cried James.

"Do like the Bellossom do!" cried Ash and Lucy. Pikachu and Eevee also managed to avoid Victreebell's attack.

"Don't let Pikachu and Eevee get away from you!" cried Jessie. "Use Tackle attack together!" Arbok and Victreebell charged in.

"Take a big leap, Pikachu!" cried Ash. Pikachu did so, and motioned for Eevee to follow his lead. Team Rocket's Pokemon smacked into each other head first.

"Don't just lay there!" cried James. "Use your Wrap attack, now!" cried James. One of Victreebell's vines caught Pikachu's foot, while another caught Eevee's foot. They were both pulled down.

"Okay now, Arbok, surprise them with your Bite attack!" cried Jessie. While Arbok closed in, Lucy got the net open, which allowed the Pokemon to escape.

"Are you all right?" Bailey said to Belle and Bella. The two Bellossom confirmed that they were.

"Then you two have to hurry and help Pikachu and Eevee!" cried Lucy. Arbok got in closer to both Eevee and Pikachu, but Belle and Bella attempted to do the Bell-oop-de-loop.

"They're going for it!" cried Lucy.

"You can do it!" cried Bailey!

"All right!" cried Ash. Right before Arbok could bite down on Pikachu or Eevee's head, Belle pulled off her end of the Bell-oop-de-loop and kicked Arbok away.

"The Bell-oop-de-loop! That was perfect!" cried Bailey.

"Spot on, you two!" cried Lucy.

"Arbok, return!" cried Jessie. Arbok was recalled.

"Pikachu, use your Thunderbolt attack!" cried Ash. The Thunderbolt traveled down Victreebell's vine and shocked it.

"Belle and Bella, blow them away with a Tornado Twister!" cried Bailey. Belle and Bella started to spin really fast and created a tornado that got larger until it got big enough to blow Team Rocket away.

"I feel like I'm dancing on air!" cried Jessie.

"Those Bellossom turned things around!" cried James.

"This is a real twist ending." Replied Meowth.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" cried Team Rocket.

"You did it!" cried Ash.

"Great going, you two!" cried Lucy.

"You know, Ash, I think you and Lucy would make pretty good dance trainers." Said Bailey.

"Thanks, Bailey." Replied Ash. Bailey turned to Belle and Bella.

"Do you two think you can put on another performance just like that at the Exhibition?" she asked. Belle and Bella confirmed.

Poke Quiz Answer

"Trainers, earlier in the show, Lucy asked the following question." Said Ash. "Which Pokemon spins a web to catch its' prey?"

"If you said Spinarak, you're correct!" cried Lucy. "You definitely have what it takes to become a Pokemon master! Ash and I will have a new question next time!"

Back To Episode

Later, Belle and Bella performed their routine for the cheering crowd.

"All right, Bailey!" cheered Misty.

"Bailey!" cried Brock.

"Go for it!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"Belle, Bella, are you ready?" said Bailey.

"Bell." Replied Belle and Bella. (Ready)

"Bell-oop-de-loop, go!" cried Bailey. Belle charged, Bella gave her a boost, and right in the middle, Belle released a flurry of flower pedals as she twirled upside down before landing to the roar of the crowd.

"All right!" cried Ash and brock.

"Perfect!" cried Misty.

"Pika/Vee!" cried Pikachu and Eevee. (Awesome!)

"Bravo!" cried Lucy. The Bellossom finally mastered their moves, and gave the performance of a lifetime. But long after the applause has ended, Ash and Lucy will remember the lesson they learned, that battling isn't the only way for Pokemon and their trainers to achieve success.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket had landed and were still twirling down the streets of Florando.

"Let's take one last spin around town." Sighed Jessie.

"Aren't we taking an awfully roundabout route?" replied James.

"Is this what they mean by a whirlwind tour?" cried Meowth.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Heracross (male), Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Hoothoot, Pikachu, Blastoise, Misdreavus, Cyndaquil

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode, Tauros, Lapras

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode, Dewgong, Sentret, Ivysaur, Heracross (female), Hoppip, Arcanine

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Blastoise

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Tentacruel, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Donphan

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 130: Spinarak Attack

Today, our heroes are passing through Catallia City, famous for its magnificent buildings and the fascinating exploits of a legendary thief.

Sirens went off as a police car went down the street.

"There must be trouble." Said Misty.

"Gee, Misty, what was your first clue about that?" asked Lucy sarcastically. "The siren, or the flashing lights on top of that police car?"

"Come on!" cried Brock. He rushed up ahead.

"Wait up!" cried Ash.

"Hold your Ponyta, Brock! Slow down!" cried Lucy.

"I bet that's Officer Jenny in that patrol car!" cried Brock. He suddenly tripped.

"That was a pretty short trip." Remarked Ash.

"And an even shorter fall." Replied Lucy. Togepi then sensed something.

"Togepi? What's the matter?" cried Misty. A spider suddenly came down in front of Misty, though judging by the smile on its abdomen, she didn't know at first that it was actually a Pokemon, and of a certain type that she despised.

"Oh, that's so cute." Remarked Misty. The face on the spider's abdomen quickly changed to one of anger, and once the six legs were revealed, Misty let out a horrifying scream.

Meanwhile, at a mansion, some familiar characters were sneaking around until they came to a locked storage shed.

"Do your thing, Meowth." Said Jessie. Meowth tried to pick the lock, but he broke his claw in the process. He almost screamed in pain, only to be stifled by Jessie.

"Be quiet!" she yelled.

"They'll hear us!" exclaimed James.

"You're pathetic." Sighed Jessie. "The Black Arachnid's Meowth opened thousands of locked doors, yet you can't even open a single one."

"He probably has thousands of keys." Replied Meowth.

"We're trying to follow in the footsteps of the famous Black Arachnid, the greatest cat burglar in the history of crime!" cried Jessie. "But you…. you have to go and break a claw."

"Those are the breaks." Sighed Meowth. James finally picked the lock.

"It worked! I'm a burglar!" he cried.

"Ooh. Nice work, James." Said Jessie.

"Thank you. I agree." Replied James. They soon opened the doors and found what they were after, a special handmade bowl.

"Look, Jessie. This is the kind of pottery that you only find in art museums and collections." Said James. "One little bowl like this is worth an absolute mint."

"James, you could use a breath mint." Replied Jessie. They were suddenly spotted by somebody.

"Hey! What are you three doing here?!"

"We was just leaving." Replied Meowth.

"We are the Black Arachnid 2!" cried Jessie. James sweat dropped.

"Come on, Jessie! I've got it." He cried. "Now let's make our getaway!"

"All right. Do it, team!" cried Jessie.

"Right. Pay Day." Replied Meowth.

"Roger!" cried James. He threw bottle caps at the person who had found them and Team Rocket quickly made their escape.

A little later, the police had the mansion roped off as a crime scene.

"Looks like Pay Day." Remarked Officer Jenny. Two officers approached her.

"It's the third house this week, Jenny." Said the first officer.

"Somebody is definitely imitating the crimes of the Black Arachnid, but we don't know who." Added the second officer.

"Then we'll just have to catch them." said Jenny.

"Yes, ma'am." Replied the second officer.

"I consider this an insult to the police force." Said Jenny. "Have the Spinarak reinforce the webs. The Black Arachnid is our top priority." Another officer soon came up.

"I think we got him!" he cried. But what they had caught turned out to be Ash and his friends, who were all stuck in a ball of webbing.

"We found them caught in a Spinarak web about half a mile down the road." Said the third officer.

"They don't look like criminals to me!" cried Jenny.

"She's right, we're not!" cried Brock.

"What did I do now?" sighed Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu.

"This webbing is so sticky!" cried Lucy.

"Vee!" screamed Eevee.

"Help us, Officer Jenny!" cried Misty.

"Togepi!" cried Togepi.

A little later, the group had been freed from the huge web ball.

"I apologize." Said Jenny. "We hung those webs to catch whoever's been imitating the Black Arachnid."

"The Black A-What-nid?" said Ash. Misty knelt down.

"Well, look at what was left behind." She said. "Maybe it's a clue about the thief. I wonder what it could mean."

"Wait a minute. Pikachu? Eevee? Togepi?" she cried. "I don't suppose you kids are those professional Pokemon crime fighters I've heard about, are you?"

"What makes you say that, Officer Jenny?" asked Lucy.

"You see, I just got a letter from my sister in New Bark Town." Jenny answered. "She told me all about how a group of trainers like you helped her crack a Pokemon burglary case."

"Oh, she means when we rescued the Totodile." Replied Ash.

"That's us!" cried Brock, giving a salute. "We're professional Pokemon burglary investigators at your service."

"What does that mean?" inquired Misty.

"It means he'll say anything to impress Officer jenny." Answered Lucy.

"Yeah, no kidding." Replied Misty. The same spider from before suddenly dropped down in front of her, which frightened her.

"A bug!" cried Misty.

"It's just a Spinarak." Said Jenny. The Spinarak crawled onto her shoulder.

"This one's the cutest one on the force." Replied Jenny.

"You did say Spinarak, right?" said Lucy. She got out her Pokedex.

"Spinarak, the String Spit Pokemon. Spinarak can climb any surface easily and shoot a strong web from both the front and back of its body. Its prey is caught and held tight in its webs."

"So, I have a question." Said Ash. "How come you use Spinarak for police work and not Growlithe?"

"It's a long standing tradition in Catallia City to use Spinarak on the force instead." Answered Jenny. "As a matter of fact, it all started with the original Black Arachnid." She told the story as she and the group headed to the police station.

"The Black Arachnid was a criminal mastermind who was as famous for his stealthiness as he was for his stealing. His quick, sneaky movements made it hard to tell him from the Meowth that was his partner in crime and earned him the nickname The Cat Burglar. Whenever it looked like they were close to being captured, Meowth would use Pay Day and scare the police off. Then one day, they met their match. The city's original Officer Jenny. My ancestor from eight generations ago and her loyal Spinarak. They waited patiently until the thieves tried to flee the scene of their latest crime, and then, using Spinarak's beautiful webs, stopped them in their tracks. That wrapped up the case once and for all." The story ended as the group entered the police station.

"You know, this Spinarak is a descendant from the same one that helped my ancestor all those years ago." Said Jenny.

"Spinarak." Replied Spinarak. (Guilty as charged)

"That's really cool." Said Ash.

"Guess it runs in the family." Replied Brock. They entered a room that was full of both officer and Spinarak, which caused Misty to give a loud shriek. But Ash didn't seem to mind, and neither did Lucy.

"Look at all the Spinarak!" cried Ash.

"They're so cool!" cried Lucy.

"Cool?! This place is crawling with them!" shrieked Misty.

"I guess Growlithe was no match for the Black Arachnid, huh?" asked Lucy.

"Until she caught the Black Arachnid, my ancestor was the only one using a Spinarak." Answered Jenny. "But ever since then, all the Jennies have built such close relationships with their Spinarak that they're our most valued partners."

"I wish I was a Spinarak." Said Brock. Misty grabbed a hold of Brock's ear.

"If you were, you'd have six left feet!" she cried.

"I'd like to help you catch the thief, Officer Jenny." Said Ash.

"I'm in too." Replied Lucy.

"You really are Pokemon crime fighters then, aren't you?" asked Jenny.

"Well, that's what I'd like to think." Replied Ash.

"And where was all that supposed thinking during our Kanto trek, hmm?" replied Lucy. Ash sweat dropped, as he knew exactly what she meant.

"Yeah, Lucy's right. You never liked to think before." Misty added.

"Don't worry, Officer Jenny!" cried Brock. "Just leave this to me. I'll catch the thief."

"Uh, thanks." Said a baffled Jenny. This time, it was Lucy's turn to drag Brock away by the ear.

"Leave this to the ones who are more professional, a description that you clearly don't fit!" she cried.

"We can do it, Pikachu." Said Ash. "We're going to get rid of that Arachnid once and for all."

"Are you with me, Eevee?" asked Lucy. "Ready to catch some bad guys?"

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Ready!)

Meanwhile, near the top of a clock tower, Team Rocket looked out over the city.

"My plan is working beautifully." Said Jessie. "But if we want to be celebrated criminals, we'll have to make a bold move. These small heists might be nice, but they won't elevate us to legendary status." Meowth was eating something from the bowl they had stolen.

"Just one question. Will they at least elevate us to the top of this tower next time?" cried Meowth. "If you make me climb all those stairs again, I'm going to keel over." James looked at some bottle caps in his hand in despair.

"Just look at this. My poor bottle cap collection is dwindling down to nothing." He cried. "Jessie, do we have to use these?"

"Unless Meowth learns how to use the real Pay Day, then yes, we do!" exclaimed Jessie.

"Can't we just use one or two?" suggested James.

"Are you a cat burglar or a baby?!" snapped Jessie.

"I guess I'm sort of a baby burglar. It took me so long to collect these." Replied James. He then spotted Meowth eating from the bowl they had stolen. "Meowth! Why are you eating out of that priceless piece of pottery?!"

"It makes the chow taste better." Meowth answered.

"What made you think you could eat your lunch out of a priceless masterpiece like that?!" bellowed James. Jessie put her foot on top of Meowth's head.

"Instead of stuffing yourself, you could be learning Pay Day." She said. Meowth jumped and scratched Jessie's face.

"That's it! I quit!" he cried. "I'll catch Pikachu and Eevee myself!" Jessie grabbed Meowth.

"Forget about Pikachu and Eevee right now!" she cried. "We're on to bigger and better things! We're following in the footsteps of the Black Arachnid, Meowth, and we need your help!"

"Okay. I knew you'd come crawling back." Said Meowth. Jessie sighed and sweat dropped.

"Another robbery or two, and my collection will be gone completely!" cried James.

"Stop your whining James, or pretty soon, you'll be gone completely too!" cried Jessie. James gave a nervous chuckle.

"I've got it!" cried Jessie. "We'll announce our next crime in a letter to the victim!"

"What do you mean?" said James.

"The Black Arachnid was known for taunting his victims the exact same way." Answered Jessie. "If we tell them what we're going to steal, they'll be waiting for us with the police, then we'll slip out with it from right under their noses!"

"This sounds so exciting!" cried James. "It might even make us famous."

"You bet it will." Said Jessie. "Once we fake out their stakeout." She and James chuckled.

"Did someone say steak?" put in Meowth.

Meanwhile, at the police station, the group was making a plan to catch the Black Arachnid.

"Attention, the Crime Fighters Committee will now come to order!" cried Brock. "How did you like that, Officer Jenny?

"If we're going to come to order, then I'll go first!" cried Ash. "I'll have a burger with large fries!"

"Make that TWO burgers and TWO orders of large fries!" cried Lucy.

"Pika/Vee!" cried Pikachu and Eevee. (And some sausage rolls for us, please!) brock was not amused.

"Ash! Lucy! True professionals don't act silly or get distracted while discussing a serious case!" he cried. "You'll have to excuse them, officer, they're just kids."

"That's quite all right." Said Jenny.

"Speak for yourself, Brock." Replied Misty.

"Yeah, speak for yourself." Added Lucy. She wasn't impressed with the tomfoolery Brock was pulling. An officer then came in.

"Excuse me, I have terrible news!" he cried. "The Black Arachnid is planning another robbery!" The group gasped.

"Where did you get this information?" Jenny cried.

At another mansion, the group arrived and got the news from the soon to be victim.

"It's dreadful! He's bragging about it already!" cried the targeted victim. "He's after my trophy! The letter he sent says he'll strike at midnight!"

"I should've expected this." Said Jenny. "The original Black Arachnid sent letters too."

"He's awfully sure of himself, isn't he?" asked Brock.

"We're not going to let him get away with this, Officer Jenny." Said Ash.

"Agreed. Anyone who steals from the rich and doesn't give to the poor never wins." Replied Lucy.

"Right." Agreed Jenny.

"Who are these people?" asked the soon to be victim.

"They're all professional investigators." Jenny answered.

"Great! Then they can help." Replied the man. "Friends, you must teach this copycat a lesson."

"Like how you should never pretend to be someone you're not?" said a nervous Misty.

Poke Quiz Question

"All right, trainers, listen up because Lucy and I have a little Pokemon quiz for you!" cried Ash.

"According to the Pokedex, which Pokemon is known as the Wild Bull Pokemon?" asked Lucy. "Ash and I will have the answer a little later, but for now, back to the show!"

Back To Episode

Later, the group was still searching around as the clock struck five in the afternoon.

"I'm begging you. Please save my trophy." Cried the man.

"We shall do our best to protect your trophy, sir." Said Lucy.

"She's right. Nothing can go wrong when we've got Pokemon covering our backs." Added Jenny.

"Besides, we're professionals! We've never lost a single case!" cried Ash.

"Well…" said the mayor.

"You're in good hands with a record like that, mister mayor." Jenny promised. "Just leave it to us."

"All right, I'll take your word for it, Officer." Said the mayor. The group headed outside.

"Okay, let's go, everybody!" cried Ash. All of his Pokemon materialized.

"On the double, gang!" cried Lucy. All of her own Pokemon materialized.

"Wow! Just look at all these different types of Pokemon!" cried Jenny. "I guess I should've expected it, seeing how you're all professionals."

"Right." Chuckled Ash. Heracross suddenly started drinking the nectar from Bulbasaur's bulb.

"Hey, you two! Quit it!" cried Ash. "Now, just calm down! Give it a rest! Come on!"

"Hoothoot, I know I just recently caught you, but are you with me?" asked Lucy.

"Hoot!" cried Hoothoot. (Yeah!)

"Ash, we should get our Pokemon into places where the thief would never think to look." Lucy suggested.

"Into the pool, Wartortle!" cried Ash. Wartortle dove in.

"Bulbasaur, into the flower patch!" cried Ash.

"Hoothoot, follow them!" cried Lucy. Bulbasaur jumped into the patch and hid, while Hoothoot perched itself onto some leaves.

"Climb up that tree, Heracross!" cried Ash. Heracross climbed into the tree.

"Charizard, you go…..wherever you want." Said Ash. Charizard headed over to the Blastoise fountain and stood still like a statue.

"Can you stay like that?" asked Ash. Charizard nodded.

"Eevee, you and Pikachu be our eyes and ears over in the trees." Said Lucy.

"Vee." Said Eevee. (Come on, Pik.) They headed into the bushes and trees to wait for the thief.

"Spinarak, you'll be on standby too." Said Jenny. Spinarak nodded and shot a web to the branch of a tree and traveled along the web to it.

"It's quick, isn't it?" said Misty. Spinarak proceeded to make a giant web to catch the thief, which amazed the group.

"I can't believe all that thread came from a single Spinarak!" cried Ash.

"And now that we've got the whole mansion surrounded, we'll be sure to catch the Black Arachnid no matter which way he goes." Said Jenny. "That web is so strong, he'll never be able to get out of it. He'll learn a lesson, all right."

"Which is that crime never pays." Added Lucy.

"Precisely." Said Jenny. "Are all the Pokemon in place, Spinarak? We'll be in the mansion waiting for midnight."

Later that night, the group waited inside for the Black Arachnid to make his move, all the while, getting sleepy. Outside, the Pokemon all kept a close watch. Ash and Lucy both let out a yawn.

"Come on, you two! This is no time to sleep!" cried Misty. "He's going to be here any minute!"

"It's almost midnight." Said Ash.

"This thief isn't a polite person at all if he's keeping us up past our bedtime." Said Lucy. "Right, Brock?"

"I don't have a bedtime!" Brock answered flatly.

"We haven't caught a thing in any of the webs." Said Jenny.

"Come on, Black Arachnid! We're waiting!" cried Ash. The clock soon struck midnight. The group waited and waited, but nothing happened.

"I guess the Arachnid's a no show." Said Lucy.

"Can we go to bed now?" replied Ash.

"Hold on, maybe it's a trick." Said Misty.

"Misty might be right." Said Lucy. "Criminals don't always arrive exactly at the time that they specify." Brock was trying his hardest to stay awake.

"I'm awake! I'm awake! I'm awake!" he cried. "That's right! I'm getting up!" He suddenly fell over due to stiffness that had occurred from sitting for so long.

"But my legs are asleep!" cried Brock. The mayor soon came in.

"Oh! My trophy's safe!" he cried. "And there's no sign of the thief anywhere."

"Didn't I tell you that everything would be all right?" said Jenny.

"I am most grateful to you." Said the mayor. "Please accept this meal as a small token of my appreciation and esteem. Chef!" At the clapping of his hands, the mayor's chef and cook came out with a meal for the group.

"My favorite!" cried Ash.

"Yummy!" exclaimed Lucy.

"That's very nice." Replied Brock. "The cart is on my hand!"

Later, the group had finished the meal.

"Lucy and I will take burgers over burglars any day!" cried Ash.

"I don't think I even remember the last time I ate so much." Groaned Misty.

"I guess that means you won't have room for desert." Said the mayor.

"No, sir." Said Ash and Lucy.

"They mean yes." Replied Misty. The lights suddenly went out.

"Who turned out the lights?" cried Ash. Several spotlights in different colors soon appeared, along with a familiar voice being heard.

"Pay Day! Pay Day!" cried Meowth.

"Who's there?" cried Ash.

"Show yourselves!" cried Lucy. Team Rocket soon slid down on ropes through the ceiling.

"Cat burglars!" cried the mayor.

"Police! You're under arrest!" yelled Jenny.

"How did they even get in?!" cried Ash.

"Probably through the roof." Answered Lucy.

"Check your eyes and prepare for trouble!" cried Jessie.

"We've got the prize, so make it double!" cried James.

"Team Rocket!" yelled the group.

"To protect the world from its own greed."

"To steal all the treasure that they don't need."

"To work every heist like there are none other."

"And split the spoils with one another." Jessie and James removed their masks.

"Jessie."

"James."

"Thieves return under cover of night."

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight."

"Meowth! That's right!" He looked at the empty food tray and screamed.

"This isn't a stakeout, it's a pig out!" he cried.

"Where are your manners?!" cried Jessie. "Aren't you going to offer us anything?!"

"Talk about rude!" cried James.

"There's no way!" cried Ash.

"How'd you three get in here!" Cried Lucy.

"If you must know, we've been hiding in the attic all day." Answered James. "Well, at least since we left the letter.

"In other words, we outwitted you again." Replied Jessie.

"I didn't think you'd be able to get through our webs and Pokemon." Said Jenny.

"Why didn't you just come at midnight like the letter said?" questioned Ash.

"We fell asleep." Answered Meowth. The group stumbled in disbelief.

"Typical." Replied Lucy.

"Listen, copy cat burglars need to take cat naps too!" cried Meowth. "Now, enough chat. Pay Day!"

"Please don't make me throw them." Groaned James.

"Do it or else!" snapped Jessie.

"She wouldn't be saying that if they were hers!" cried James. He threw the bottle caps, which distracted the group long enough to allow Team Rocket to make their getaway.

"Wait up!" cried Ash. Lucy then realized something.

"These aren't coins!" she cried. "They're just bottlecaps."

"What do you mean 'just' bottlecaps?" cried James. The group pursued Team Rocket as they broke through the roof with their balloon with their prize.

"They've got my precious trophy!" cried the mayor.

"Don't worry, we'll get it." Assured Ash.

"So long, twerps!" cried Jessie.

"I think we really made out like bandits that time!" cried James.

"It was the purr-fect crime!" cried Meowth. The balloon suddenly stopped in mid-air.

"Why aren't we going anywhere?" cried Jessie.

"What's the hold up with this holdup?" cried Meowth.

"This is a drag!" cried James. "We're stuck in a net!" The net in question turned out to be a Spinarak web.

"It's a drag net!" cried Meowth.

"All right! Spinarak caught Team Rocket in its web!" cried Ash.

"History's repeating itself." Said Jenny. "Anyone using the Black Arachnid name in this town is destined to get caught by a Spinarak."

"Now we're never going to get famous!" cried Jessie.

"I know, but we still have fans." Replied James. Team Rocket brought out their literal fans and tried to fan their way forward.

"Ash, Lucy, do something!" cried Misty.

"All together, now! Here we go!" cried Ash. "Wartortle, Water Gun attack!" Wartortle fired.

"Bulbasaur, use your Razor leaf!" cried Ash. Bulbasaur sent the leaves directly at Team Rocket's balloon, which cut it.

"Hoothoot, Peck attack!" cried Lucy. Hoothoot started pecking Team Rocket.

"Your turn, Charizard! Go!" cried Ash. Charizard fired a Flamethrower, which burned the net and sent Team Rocket's balloon out of control.

"Oh no! My prized possession!" cried the mayor.

"What happened?" said Ash.

"Charizard's flames are burning up the net!" cried Lucy.

"Spinarak, help us." Said Jenny. Spinarak agreed and launched a strand of web that stopped the balloon in time.

"Perfectly done, Spinarak." Jenny complimented. The balloon swayed back and fourth as more air leaked out until there wasn't any air left.

"Crash landing! Brace yourself!" cried Team Rocket.

"Now, Charizard!" cried Ash. "Tackle 'em and send them flying!" Charizard did so and made all the stolen loot fall out of the basket while Team Rocket blasted off.

"Oh no! Our treasure!" cried Jessie. James dropped his remaining bottlecaps.

"There goes the rest of my collection!" he cried.

"Our horde's overboard!" cried Meowth. He sheepishly chuckled.

"Don't laugh!" cried Jessie and James. "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

"Now to deal with the loot!" cried Lucy. "Everyone, get ready to play a little catch!" Everybody, human and Pokemon, managed to grab most of the loot, but the trophy was still falling.

"Look out! Don't let it hit the ground!" cried the mayor.

"Don't worry! I got it!" cried Ash.

"Spinarak." Said Jenny. Spinarak shot a strand of web at the back of the Blastoise fountain, which allowed the trophy to land on and bounce off it before Ash could grab it. Spinarak then shot another to reel the trophy to its owner's hands.

"My trophy is safe!" cried the mayor.

"Thanks to you, Spinarak." Said Jenny.

"Pikachu." Said Pikachu. (What a night.)

"Eevee." Replied Eevee. (Agreed.)

"That was a really close call, Ash." Said Misty.

"Guess you can't always catch 'em all." replied Brock.

"I was just backing Spinarak up." said Ash.

"Good job." Complimented Jenny. "We're so lucky you professionals happened to be in town."

Poke Quiz Answer

"Okay trainers, earlier in the show, Lucy asked you the following question." Said Ash. "According to the Pokedex, what Pokemon is known as the Wild Bull Pokemon?"

"If you said Tauros, you're correct!" cried Lucy. "You definitely have what it takes to become a Pokemon master! Ash and I will have a new question next time!"

Back To Episode

The next day, at the police station…

"Everything that was stolen is back in the hands of its rightful owners." Said Jenny. "I can't thank you enough."

"We're so glad we could be of service to you, Officer Jenny." Said Brock. "If you ever need professional help in the future, we hope that you'll think of us. In fact, you should give me your phone number." Misty and Lucy immediately grabbed Brock's ears. Misty held one and Lucy held the other.

"All right, Brock, I think that's enough of your nonsense for today." Said Lucy.

"You got that right, Lucy." Replied Misty. "Believe us, Brock, she's got your number."

"Absolutely." Added Lucy.

"I know one thing for sure, you won't be forgotten for what you did in Catallia City." Said Jenny.

"Yeah. Maybe someday, we'll be legends ourselves." Said Ash.

"Pikachu." Said Pikachu. (I sure hope so)

"Ash, Lucy, to thank you both for your hard work, I want you both to have your very own Spinarak." Said Jenny. She handed a couple of Poke Balls over. The Spinarak Lucy got was a normal Spinarak, but Ash was in for a surprise.

"This Spinarak's blue all over!" he cried. "Is it sick or something?

"No, you fool! That's a shiny Spinarak that she gave you!" cried Lucy. Pikachu and Eevee let out a sigh.

"Pika/Vee." They both greed. (Same old Ash)

"I wish you all the best on the rest of your journey." Said Jenny. "Good luck."

"Thanks." Said Ash.

"Take care now!" cried Jenny. The group bid Officer Jenny and her Spinarak a fond farewell as they departed. Luckily, our professionals got the job done. Good thing they were up against such amateurs. Ash and Lucy's crime fighting careers took them on a bit of a detour, but now they're back on the road to being Pokemon masters.

Meanwhile, out in the woods, Team Rocket was weeping over their now lost loot.

"Our treasure!" cried Jessie.

"My collection!" cried James.

"It's all your fault! I mean it!" cried Jessie. "If you two hadn't fumbled that burglary, we'd be rich and famous by now! I'll make you pay for this!"

"Why should we?" replied James.

"We're broke." Added Meowth.

"You knuckleheads give an entire new meaning to that old expression thick as thieves." Said Jessie.

"You better watch who you're calling thick!" cried Meowth.

"You know I'm watching my weight!" cried James.

"Pipe down, I was talking about the size of your heads, not the size of your waists." Said jessie. The three of them started brawling and pummeling each other.

TO BE CONTNUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Heracross (male), Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Hoothoot, Pikachu, Blastoise, Misdreavus, Cyndaquil

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode, Tauros, Lapras, Spinarak (shiny)

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode, Dewgong, Sentret, Ivysaur, Heracross (female), Hoppip, Arcanine, Spinarak

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Blastoise

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Tentacruel, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Donphan

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot, Pichu

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 

MarkL1987

Pokémon Trainer
Pronouns
He/him
Episode 131: Snubbull Snobbery

On their journey to Violet City and Johto League glory, our heroes find themselves in the majestic town of Palm Hills.

"Look at all those humongous houses!" cried Ash.

"Those aren't houses, they're mansions!" cried Misty.

"It says here that Palm Hills is famous for sprawling estates and sweeping lawns." Said Brock.

"I'll say." Replied Ash.

"Look at the size of that one over there!" cried Lucy. The group ran up to the gates.

"It's huge!" cried Ash.

"It's even bigger than our own houses back home!" cried Lucy.

"Sweeping lawns, huh?" said Ash. "I wouldn't even want to mow it."

"Wouldn't it be fun to play Hide and Seek in a mansion with that many rooms?" said Misty.

"Togepi!" cried Togepi. (Sure would!)

"Hey, do you think maybe they'd let us camp out in their garden?" asked Brock.

"Somehow, I don't think so, Brock." Answered Lucy. "We'd probably ruin the flowers if we did that." As the group prepared to leave, they heard some gentlemen searching for something.

"Have you searched everywhere?"

"Uh huh."

"All the usual places."

"You keep looking, and I'll keep madame from getting frantic."

"Right!" The three gentlemen split up to continue their search, which left the group confused.

"What are they looking for?" asked Ash.

"I have no idea." Replied Lucy.

Later, the group was in town.

"Hey, look what Togepi and I found!" cried Misty.

"What is it?" asked Ash.

"It's a map that'll show us where all the of the stars are." Answered Misty.

"I know where the stars are, Misty." Replied Ash.

"That's not what she means, Ash." Said Lucy. "She's talking about movie stars. Her map shows where the houses of the movie stars are. I'm personally hoping I can meet one of the voice actors for Pokemaniacs." (Author's Note: Pokemaniacs would basically be the Pokemon version of the 90s cartoon Animaniacs)

"Who wants to waste time looking at houses?" said Ash.

"Sounds boring to me." Replied Brock.

"Vee." Agreed Eevee. (Yeah, boring.)

"Oh really, Brock?" replied Misty. "It just so happens that lots of your favorite actresses live in those boring houses."

"Aah! So what are we waiting for?" cried Brock. "Come on!"

"Wait up!" cried Ash. A Growlithe suddenly came charging toward the group.

"Hey, a Growlithe!" cried Ash.

"Something's making that Growlithe really upset." Said Lucy.

"Pika." Said Pikachu. (Indeed)

"You have to settle down, Growlithe, otherwise we can't try to help you." Said Ash. "Huh?" He looked and saw something flailing around with Growlithe's tail.

"I wonder what's wrong." Said Brock.

"I think something's been chasing it, Brock!" cried Misty.

"And that something caught it!" cried Lucy. Growlithe shook a pink bulldog-like Pokemon off its tail and ran off.

"Wow, is that a Pokemon?" cried Misty.

"Ash, look!" cried Lucy.

"Hey! It's a Snubbull!" cried Brock. "I've never seen one of these before."

"Cool! Let's see what the Pokedex says!" cried Ash. He pulled out Dexter.

"Snubbull, the Fairy Pokemon. While it may appear gruff and grumpy, deep down, Snubbull is a kind and caring Pokemon."

"It must be kind and caring way deep down." Said Misty sarcastically.

"Snub." Said Snubbull. (I am)

"You'd better let an expert handle this." Said Brock.

"Snubbull?" asked Snubbull. (Expert?)

"You won't snub me, will you, Snubbull?" asked Brock.

"Hey, look! Pink ribbons!" cried Misty.

"I guess that makes this Snubbull a girl." Said Lucy.

"Snubbull." Replied Snubbull. (I sure am.)

"I guess you are, huh?" said Ash. "A grumpy girl who's not afraid to chase Pokemon kind of reminds me of Misty and Lucy in a sort of way." Misty, Lucy and Snubbull stared angrily at Ash.

"In a good way." Ash corrected nervously. Lucy just rolled her eyes at him. The gentlemen from earlier soon showed up.

"There you are! Madame, your Snubbull has been found and she's perfectly all right!" The Snubbull's trainer soon came up.

"Hello, Snubbull! Here I am, thank goodness." She said. "Are these the children responsible for saving my precious Snubbull?"

"They are."

"I simply cannot thank all of you enough." Said the lady. "Snubbull disappeared last night, and ever since, I've been in a terrible state of panic imagining the whole thing lost. Come here, precious. There, there. Isn't that better now?"

"Snubbull, Snubbull!" (No, it isn't!)

"Snubbull, I know you've had a scare, but there's no need to be upset." Said the lady. "After all, you're going home now. Please join us for lunch."

"Uh…. okay." said Ash.

"And just who might you be, miss?" asked Lucy.

Later, the group headed to the woman's mansion, which was quite large in comparison to some of the other residences.

"I don't know what it is, but all of a sudden, I feel like I'm at the airport." Said Ash.

"And the driveway's as long as a runway." Replied Misty.

"Moving driveways, now I've seen everything." Added Lucy. Brock looked at the woman's Snubbull struggling in her arms. He was under the impression that something could be wrong.

"What's the matter, Brock?" asked Misty.

"I don't know, but if you ask me, Snubbull doesn't seem to be too happy to be going home." Answered Brock.

"I think Brock might be right." Added Lucy. The group soon entered the mansion.

"It's like a palace." Said Misty.

"Or a castle." Added Ash.

"Wouldn't you like to live in a castle, Eevee?" asked Lucy.

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (I sure would!)

"It's filthy outside, so we have to remember to wipe our feet." Said the woman. The group did so.

"I bet there's at least fifty rooms in this house, huh?" said Misty.

"Jeeves would know the answer to that." The woman replied. "How many rooms do we have, Jeeves?"

"Eighty-six at last count, Madame Muchmoney." Answered Jeeves.

"Right. We're planning an addition to the west wing." Said Muchmoney. The group was baffled.

"There's no time for the grand tour, but perhaps you'd like to see Snubbull's wing." Said Madame Muchmoney.

"Uh, sure." Said the group. Madame Muchmoney gave the group a tour of Snubbull's own personal wing of the mansion.

"This is Snubbull's bedroom on Saturdays. She watches all her favorite cartoons here every weekend." Said Muchmoney. She led them into the closet.

"This is Snubbull's walk-in closet." Said Muchmoney.

"It's so big, it ought to be called a drive-in closet, not a walk-in closet." Said Misty.

"It has to be roomy because I couldn't bare for Snubbull to have to wear the same thing twice." Replied Muchmoney. She led the group to a gym.

"We all know how important exercise is, so I had this workout room built to keep Snubbull in tip-top shape." Said Muchmoney.

"Seems nice, but if I were Snubbull, I think I'd rather be running around in that gigantic yard down there." Replied Ash.

"Snubbull's really lucky to have someone who takes such good care of it." Observed Misty.

"Thank you, dear." Replied Muchmoney. "I spared no expense to make sure that my Snubbull is perfectly happy."

"Perfectly happy, huh? I'm not so sure about that." Remarked Brock. The clock suddenly struck twelve.

"Oh my. It's time for Snubbull's lunch." Said Muchmoney. "I certainly hope you'd still like to join us."

"Would we ever." Said Misty.

"We're starved!" cried Ash. The group was soon in the dining room.

"Wow! I've never seen a dining room this size before!" cried Misty.

"That's because this isn't the dining room, dear." Replied Muchmoney. "It's only our humble little breakfast nook."

"This is just the breakfast nook?" cried Lucy. Lunch was soon served.

"This looks great!" cried Misty.

"Even the food's rich!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu and Little Pikachu. (Delicious!)

"Vee!" cried Eevee. (Yummy!)

"Please, everybody, help yourselves." Said Muchmoney.

"Thank you. We will." Replied the group. They all dug in.

"Not bad, huh, Pikachu?" said Ash.

"It's delicious, isn't it, Togepi?" said Misty.

"This food's great, isn't it, Eevee?" said Lucy.

"Vee!" chirped Eevee. (The best!) But Snubbull wasn't eating anything, which Brock noticed.

"Don't you like it, Snubbully-Wubbully?" said Muchmoney. "I'm sorry, Jacques, but you'll have to clear the table and make something that Snubbull will eat."

"But Madame, I've tried every single thing that I know." Replied Jacques. "But still, Mademoiselle Snubbull never eats anything. Perhaps she isn't hungry."

"That just can't be." Said Muchmoney. "There has to be something special you can make for her."

"I know!" cried Brock. "I always carry a little something in my bag to snack on. They've got to be in here somewhere." He searched through his bag until he found what he was looking for.

"Here you go, Snubbull. Rice balls." Said Brock. He pulled out some rice balls and placed them on the table.

"But Brock, there's no way Snubbull's actually going to want to eat those." Said Ash.

"Even I think they taste bad." Added Lucy. But much to the group's surprise, Snubbull appeared to like the rice balls.

"Well, if that isn't the most adorable thing I've ever seen!" cried Muchmoney. "I'll see to it that from now on, we have an endless supply of the finest rice balls that money can buy."

"So, you like rice balls, Snubbull?" said Lucy.

"That was easy." Replied Misty.

"I have a feeling that Snubbull's been looking forward to a taste of reality for a long time." Said Brock.

"Maybe the luxury life isn't always the best life for someone." Replied Lucy.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket snuck into the backyard.

"Get a load of these digs!" cried Meowth. "Anybody who lives in a joint this swanky must have more dough than a pizza parlor!"

"They probably have the pizza parlour, too." Said Jessie. "That's how it is for the upper crust."

"James would know because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth." Said Meowth.

"Yes, it's true." Replied James. "But we had to get rid of it right away to make room for my foot."

"That's not fair." Said Jessie. "Why is it always the rich who get to have all they money?"

"All I know is that the only pool we had when I was growing up was a cesspool." Put in Meowth.

"For your information, growing up with everything can be terribly hard on a child." Said James. "As a boy, I used to get so bored that the servants would have to take me fishing in our pool, which was so devastating as you can probably imagine because I never caught a thing."

"You've got some nerve fishing for sympathy!" cried Jessie.

"We'll smash you until every bone in your body knows what it's like to be broke!" cried Meowth.

"Come on, you two." Said Jessie. "This mansion is full of treasures that are ours for the taking if we just sneak in quietly enough."

"They're never going to hear us, Jessie." Said Meowth. "They've got money coming out of their ears." Meowth suddenly came face to face with Madame Muchmoney's Snubbull, who proceeded to lick him.

"What's that?" asked Meowth.

"I don't know." Answered Jessie.

"I think that Pokemon is called a Snubbull." Said James. Alarm bells suddenly went off.

"The jig is up!" cried Meowth. Muchmoney's assistants soon ran toward Team Rocket.

"Hey, you! Hold it right there!" cried Jeeves.

"What do you think you're doing with that Snubbull?!" Team Rocket began to retreat.

"Getting away from it as fast as we can!" cried Jessie. Snubbull suddenly bit Meowth's tail.

"What are you waiting for, Meowth?" cried James.

"I'm running as fast as I can, but I've got a Snubbull on my tail!" cried Meowth. The group soon appeared right in front of Jessie.

"Going somewhere?" said Lucy.

"Fancy meeting you here!" cried Jessie.

"Well, there goes the neighborhood." Said Ash.

"And who let you losers in?" cried Jessie.

"Out of the way, twerps!" cried James.

"For your information, we just happen to be very special guests here." Said Misty.

"She's right. Madame Muchmoney invited us personally." Added Lucy.

"Hey, first thing's first!" cried Meowth. "Forget about them for a second and get this thing off of my tail!"

"Can't you do anything yourself?!" cried Jessie. She started swinging Meowth around violently in the hopes of shaking Snubbull loose, but she nearly hit some of the group in the process. Snubbull finally let go and landed in madame Muchmoney's arms.

"Little precious. Mommy is happy to have Snubbull home too." Said Muchmoney. Jeeves and the other butler chased after Team Rocket.

"Go, Weezing! Smokescreen attack!" cried James. Weezing materialized and blinded the group long enough for Team Rocket to escape. All the while, Snubbull tried to get loose so it could pursue Meowth's tail.

"I can see how terrified you are, but I promise I'll never let you out of my sight again." Said Muchmoney.

"I can't believe Team Rocket showed up here of all places." Said Misty.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we haven't seen the last of them." said Ash. Brock noticed Snubbull still trying to squirm itself loose from Muchmoney's arms.

Poke Quiz Question

"All right, trainers, listen up, because Lucy and I have a little Pokemon quiz for you." Said Ash.

"What Pokemon was made completely from programming code?" asked Lucy. "Ash and I will have the answer a little later, but for now, back to the show!"

Back To Episode

The group was back inside the Muchmoney mansion.

"Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't help noticing that Snubbull looks a little unhappy." Said Brock.

"She's not unhappy, dear." Said Muchmoney. "She's just nervous like most brides on their wedding day."

"Wedding day?!" cried Misty.

"As in, your Snubbull is supposed to get married?!" cried Lucy.

"Yes." Said Muchmoney. "She gets so grumpy, I decided she was lonely and needed a companion." She showed a picture of the groom-to-be."

"Let's see." Said Misty.

"Here comes the groom." Said Ash. The group was baffled by the look of the groom.

"His name is Winthrop Snubbullfellow." Muchmoney explained. "A real dream boat, don't you think?"

"We're not Snubbull, so we can't really answer that question." Said Lucy.

"Well I think they're going to make such a lovely couple." Said Muchmoney.

"Maybe Snubbull isn't really getting lost after all." Misty whispered.

"Maybe she's just plain running away." Lucy whispered.

"Yeah." Whispered Ash.

"Maybe she doesn't want to get married to Winthrop and she's just trying to escape from the ceremony." Whispered Misty.

"I really don't think that Snubbull likes all that smothering and pampering either." Whispered Brock.

"She doesn't exactly have a lot of freedom, does she?" whispered Ash.

"Well, we certainly don't want to be late to meet Snubbull's new husband." Said Muchmoney. "We'd both love it if you'd come to the wedding later." The group sheepishly agreed.

"Oh, that sounds really great." Said Brock. Madame Muchmoney soon exited the room.

"What do you think we should do?" asked Ash.

"I don't know for sure, but we've got to try and help Snubbull." Replied Brock.

Meanwhile, a ways across town, James was bandaging up Meowth's tail.

"Let's go before this tail gets any more pathetic." Said Meowth.

"Meowth, you're not the only one who deserves to have a happy ending." Said Jessie.

"I agree. And the only way we're going to get it is if we activate our Snubbull stealing plan." Said James.

"Good idea, James. And I think I know just what to use for bait." Replied Jessie.

"Sounds kind of fishy to me." Said Meowth.

"Oh don't worry, Meowth, you're not the bait this time." Said Jessie. "Oh Pichu, darling!" Pichu materialized from its Poke Ball and Jessie whispered the plan to her baby Pokemon.

Meanwhile, inside an outdoor dining area….

"I'm sure you can tell by Snubbull's behaviour that we're just delighted to meet you." Said Muchmoney.

"I assure you that young Winthrop and I are equally delighted to meet you and your Snubbull."

"I must admit that I've never seen such a distinguished and well-groomed groom." Said Muchmoney.

"You've obviously raised your Snubbull to be quite the charming young lady." What Muchmoney and Winthrop's owner didn't know was that Ash's group was listening in.

"They're absolutely perfect for each other." Said Muchmoney.

"I'm sure they're going to get along just beautifully."

"Does your Winthrop have any interesting hobbies?" asked Muchmoney.

"Winthrop loves nothing more than staying inside and sampling his store of gourmet bones. Isn't that right, Winthrop?"

"I'm so pleased to hear that since my Snubbull is so fond of fine food and indoor activities herself." Said Muchmoney. "Aren't you, darling?" Brock looked on curiously. He was certain of what he, Misty, Lucy and Ash believed.

"They're going to be so happy together."

"I couldn't agree more." Said Muchmoney. But right then, Brock blew the group's cover.

"Enough is enough!" cried Brock.

"Oh. Hello there." Said Muchmoney calmly. "Did you come to bring Snubbull her wedding gifts?"

"We were supposed to bring gifts?" cried Lucy.

"Maybe you should start thinking about your Snubbull once in a while." Said Brock.

"But I am, dear." Said Muchmoney. "That's why I asked about her presents."

"If you really were thinking about her, you'd know that she doesn't want any wedding presents, especially because she doesn't want a wedding!" cried Misty.

"I think someone's being a tad overprotective." Added Lucy.

"She just wants room to be herself, but she doesn't get it with you smothering her all the time." Said Brock.

"But keeping her close and giving her everything is the best way to show her that I care." Replied Muchmoney.

"No, it isn't!" cried Ash. Team Rocket's laughter was suddenly heard.

"Ta-da!" cried Jessie.

"Well, Ash, you were right about what you said earlier." Said Lucy.

"Prepare for Snubbull trouble!"

"Make it double trouble Snubbull!"

"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!"

"Ugh! Not you idiots again!" cried Lucy. Meowth was soon lowered to the ground, along with Pichu, which caused Madame Muchmoney's Snubbull to struggle to get loose more.

"What's the matter, Snubbull?" asked Muchmoney. Snubbull got loose and bit Pichu's tail.

"Pi!" cried Pichu. (Ouch!) But Jessie was delighted.

"Why, Pichu, you caught a Snubbull!" she cried.

"Pi! Pichu!" cried Pichu. (Get it off!) Since Pichu was so small, Jessie was able to get it away from Snubbull.

"Oh, your poor tail." She said. "We'll have to get that looked at." James started reeling Meowth and Pichu back up.

"Snubbull! Come back, darling!" cried Muchmoney.

"We finally caught one!" cried Jessie. "That Snubbull's a real beaut!"

"We better do something quick, guys!" cried Misty.

"Don't worry, Lucy and I will handle this." Said Ash. But as he and Lucy reached for a Poke Ball, Jessie threw something down at the group.

"Oh no you don't!" she cried. The objects turned out to be hooks that clamped onto the group's ankles.

"We figured you could always use another pair of cufflinks." Said James. The chandelier began to rise.

"Sorry to break up the party!" cried Jessie.

"And the marriage!" cried Jessie.

"Pi! Pichu!" cried Pichu. (I'm in extreme pain here!)

"Come back!" cried Ash and Lucy.

"Snubbull!" cried Muchmoney. The police were soon searching the entire grounds of the mansion for Team Rocket, which resulted in them having to hide in a shed.

"I can't believe we're trapped in this crummy shed." Sighed Jessie, who was tending to Pichu's injured tail. "I hope you're happy, James. We're stuck at an estate surrounded by servants and enemies."

"Actually, I am happy because it reminds me of my youth." Answered Jessie.

"This is no time for nostalgia!" cried Jessie. "Meowth, where'd you park our getaway balloon?"

"Most of these rich people are so full of hot air, I thought this would be a good place to have the balloon refilled." Replied Meowth. "I'll see if it's ready." He got out a remote to bring the balloon out.

"The balloon wasn't empty, but your head obviously was!" cried James.

"I've had just about enough of your air-brained schemes!" exclaimed Jessie.

"Not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, are you, Meowth?!" cried James. Snubbull ten got between Meowth and his teammates.

"Snubbull doesn't like it when you threaten me, see?" replied Meowth.

"I hate to say it, but I think Snubbull might really like Meowth." Said Jessie.

"What's not to like?" replied Meowth. Snubbull then bit onto Meowth's tail.

"Then again, actions speak louder than words." Sighed jessie. By this time, Pichu's tail had been bandaged up.

"In that case, Snubbull just said a Meowthful." Said James.

"Even if they're not the best of friends, they're still inseparable!" cried Jessie and James.

"Quit yapping and get it off of me!" cried Meowth.

"There's no way they could've gotten away because we've got the whole place surrounded." Said Ash. "We just have to keep looking."

"They're probably hiding somewhere." Replied Misty. Meowth's cries of pain were soon heard.

"I can't take it anymore!" he cried, and he burst out of the shed.

"There she is!" cried Misty.

"And she's clamped onto Meowth's tail!" cried Lucy.

"My Snubbull!" cried Muchmoney.

"Meowth!" cried Jessie.

"Get back in here!" cried James.

"Aha!" cried Ash.

"There they are! Over here!"

"Let's get out of here!" cried Jessie and James. They tried to retreat, until Jessie decided to fight.

"Come on out, Arbok! Go!" she cried. Arbok materialized and used its tail to whip the guards to hold them back.

"Go, Weezing!" cried James. Weezing materialized and spread some of its Smokescreen so that the crooks could make a getaway.

"Heracross, go!" cried Ash. Heracross materialized, but it headed toward the flowers to drink the nectar rather than fight Team Rocket. Ash fell over in disbelief.

"Heracross, stop snacking and start attacking!" he cried. Heracross got into the fight and rammed right into Weezing.

"Heracross, use your Horn Attack, now!" cried Ash. Heracross rammed into Arbok.

"Get this thing off of me!" cried Meowth. Arbok landed on top of Meowth, but Snubbull bit onto its tail, which caused Arbok to get back up despite it being in a lot of pain. It slithered all over the place.

"Stop behaving that way, Snubbull! You're going to get hurt!" cried Muchmoney. "Stop it right now!"

"Good job, Snubbull! Keep it up!" cried Brock.

"How could you?" cried Muchmoney.

"Brock's just encouraging Snubbull to defend itself." Said Lucy. "You must not know what its attacks are." She got out her Pokedex.

"Snubbull's attacks include Tackle, Scary Face, Bite and Tail Whip."

"You try it. Just tell Snubbull to use its Tackle attack." Said Brock.

"Unless, of course, you want those thieves to steal it away from you." Added Lucy. Arbok managed to shake Snubbull off, but Snubbull got back up and was raring to fight.

"Tackle attack!" ordered Muchmoney. Snubbull charged and nailed Arbok right on the money.

"That's the way!" cried Lucy.

"Now we're getting somewhere!" cried Brock.

"All right!" cried Ash.

"Okay, Arbok, show them how to Tackle when you Tackle it back!" cried Jessie. The poison snake retaliated with a Tackle of its own, but Snubbull got right back up and changed her expression to something that was more frightening.

"There's her Scary Face attack!" cried Brock. The move frightened Team Rocket.

"I'd hate to have to face that." Said Misty. Snubbull started biting on Arbok's tail again.

"Snubbull's got a great Bite attack!" cried Ash.

"Pika!" cried Pikachu. (All right!) Meowth just watched as Arbok slithered and withered in pain.

"I guess that was what you call a bite to the bitter end." He said.

"I'll take over from here!" cried James. "Go, Victreebell!" But as Victreebell materialized, it bit onto James' head again.

"How many times have we been through this?!" cried James. Snubbull charged forward on all fours and tackled Victreebell twice before bouncing on it.

"Snubbull, I never knew you had such extra energy." Said Muchmoney. As Snubbull kept attacking, the guest didn't seem to enjoy what was going on.

"That wasn't very dignified, was it?" he asked.

"This is just letting a Pokemon be a Pokemon, not some pampered pet who isn't allowed to be its true self!" cried Lucy. Snubbull swung Victreebell around and threw both it and James right into Jessie and Meowth, which allowed the police to enter the fray.

"Don't look now! They're after us!" cried James. The Team Rocket balloon lowered.

"Just in time!" cried Jessie. "Run for it!" They all packed themselves into the balloon, but not before Ash attacked again. Lucy joined in this time.

"Heracross, stop 'em with your Horn Attack, now!" cried Ash.

"Little Pikachu, use your Thunder attack!" cried Lucy. Heracross' horn rammed the bottom of the basket and Little Pikachu's Thunder attack sent Team Rocket blasting off.

"Looks like Team Rocket's slipping out again!" cried Team Rocket. The group all ran up to Snubbull.

"Great job!" cried Ash.

"You were a natural out there!" cried Lucy.

"You really showed 'em!" cried Brock. "Way to go, Snubbull!"

"I'm so proud of my brave Snubbull." Said Muchmoney.

"We all are." Said Lucy.

Poke Quiz Answer

"Trainers, earlier in the show, Lucy asked the following question." Said Ash. "Which Pokemon was made completely from programming code?"

"If you said Porygon, you're correct!" cried Lucy. "You definitely have what it takes to become a Pokemon master! Ash and I will have a new question next time!"

Back To Episode

Later, as the group was getting ready to take their leave…

"I hope Snubbull won't be lonely now." Said Muchmoney. "I'd certainly hate to see her turn grumpy again when she realizes that Winthrop is gone."

"Something tells me that she'd be more grumpier if he stayed." Said Misty.

"Winthrop seemed more interested in chewing on his gourmet bone, anyway." Replied Lucy.

"She'll be okay by herself." Added Ash.

"I have a feeling that Snubbull was never all that lonely in the first place." Said Brock.

"You're right." Said Muchmoney. "Now that I've seen her battle, I know she can be independent. From now on, I'll be less overprotective and let her live a normal life."

"Then I'm sure she'll be happy." Said Brock. He gave Snubbull a pet. "Take care of yourself, Snubbull."

"Snubbull Snub." Said Snubbull. (Sure, and thank you.) But before the group left, they had a look at the new addition to Muchmoney's estate.

"The new exercise yard is ready, madame." Said Jeeves. "We've brought in the finest materials to recreate a look of nature, just for Snubbull."

"You see?" said Muchmoney. "Enjoy yourself. I'll be right here whenever you're ready to come back." She let Snubbull go off and run around.

"I've got plenty of rice balls if you get hungry!" she cried.

"I guess it's time we're out of here." Said Brock.

"Goodbye now, Snubbull!" cried Ash. The group turned to walk away.

"Good luck on the rest of your journey!" cried Muchmoney.

"Thanks!" the group replied.

"Thank you so much for everything you've taught me about Snubbull!" cried Muchmoney. With the help of our heroes, Snubbull's trainer is learning that her Pokemon's affection has to be earned by simply paying attention, not money. And so our heroes are on their way again, but they may not be the only ones.

Snubbull bumped into a vine that resembled Meowth's tail, and then she overheard her trainer talking about something.

"Maybe we should've made it bigger, Jeeves." Said Muchmoney. "Let's draw up some plans for an expansion. We could even put in a waterfall." Snubbull overheard that and thought it was a bad idea. She ran right through the hedge wall and off towards the wild woods to find Team Rocket and Meowth.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ash's Current Party: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Heracross (male), Eevee (shiny)

Lucy's Current Party: Eevee, Hoothoot, Pikachu, Blastoise, Misdreavus, Cyndaquil

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, Dragonair 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, Fearow, Hypno, Chansey, Jolteon, Vileplume (Orange Island variant), Drowzee, Pink Nidoking, Dragonite, Haunter, Shellder, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Beedrill, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Magneton, Giant Rhydon, Persian, Slowking, Electabuzz, Pink Raichu, Pink Nidoran Male, Pink Nidoran Female, Golem, Snorlax, Tentacruel, Dugtrio, Electrode, Tauros, Lapras, Spinarak (shiny)

In Rotation: Scyther, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Haunter, Dragonite, Nidoking

Lucy's Spare Pokemon at Oak's Lab: Beedrill, Cubone, Hitmonlee, Golbat, Dugtrio, Voltorb, Ponyta (shiny), Kangaskhan, Chansey, Tauros, Dragonair, Clefairy, Exeggcute, Jigglypuff, Kabuto, Aerodactyl, Machoke, Tangela, Gloom, Sandslash, Alakazam, Butterfree (Pink), Slowpoke, Wartortle, Crystal Onix, Pink Rhyhorn, Scyther, Pinsir, Farfetch'd, Magnemite, Grimer, Lugia, Pink Gyrados, Poliwhirl, Staryu, Charmander, Lapras, Tentacruel, Diglett, Electrode, Dewgong, Sentret, Ivysaur, Heracross (female), Hoppip, Arcanine, Spinarak

In Rotation: Aerodactyl, Jigglypuff, Staryu, Dragonair, Pinsir, Blastoise

Misty's Pokemon: Oddish, Goldeen, Staryu, Vaporeon, Omanyte, Psyduck, Golduck, Togepi (joint ownership with Lucy), Horsea (at Cerulean gym), Starmie (at Cerulean gym), Poliwag, Lapras, Tentacruel, Voltorb

Brock's Pokemon: Geodude, Onix, Zubat, Vulpix, Aerodactyl, Butterfree (Orange Island variant), Donphan

Jessie's Pokemon: Arbok, Lickitung, Giant Pidgeot, Pichu

James' Pokemon: Weezing, Victreebell, Vileplume
 
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