[Pokémon] Pokemon Moonlight Silver (COMPLETE!!!)

Episode 53: A Goldenrod Opportunity (part 2)

"Al right, we've jammed, we've eaten..." Misty mused as the group walked down another street. "Met a few new friends, Ash won a Machop in a radio contest..."

"Any ideas as to what you want to name your new Machop yet?" Brock asked.

Ash was about to answer when he felt a bump against his leg. When he knelt down to see what it was, he found a Clefairy rubbing its head. [Ow...that hurt...]

"It's okay...we didn't mean to get in your way." Ash assured the Clefairy.

As Ash assessed Tintri and the Clefairy, a pink haired girl approached them. "Oh, there you are, Navi!" she smiled before noticing the Clefairy rubbing its head. "Oh, you must've crashed into someone! Does anything hurt?"

[Nah..it's just throbbing right now.] the Clefairy assured the girl.

"What about you? Is your Pikachu okay?" the girl asked as she looked Tintri over for injuries.

[Just a scrape where your Clefairy bumped me...] Tintri replied, showing the girl a small bump on his head.

"Here, let me kiss it and make it better, okay?" With that, the girl gently kissed Tintri on the head.

A guitar chord got the girl's and Ash's attention. Always friends, you and me, Brock sang to Whitney as he played.
Together for--!

"Together for just a few minutes!" Misty sighed as she dragged Brock away, guitar and all.

The girl, however, stifled an embarrassed giggle. "That's the first time I've ever been sung to before..."

"Don't mind Brock, miss...he just has to sing to every pretty girl he can find, whether they want to hear him or not." Ash explained. "But put him on a stage, and he'll sing and tell stories for hours!"

"Better on a stage than to a girl he hardly knows..." Misty grumbled.

"Actually, I wouldn't mind hearing your guitar player friend sing." the girl confessed.

It dawned on the girl she had not introduced herself. "The name's Whitney, and this is Navi." she smiled, gesturing to her Clefairy."

"Nice to meet you..." Ash replied. "I'm Ash, and my companions Misty..." Misty waved hello. "and our resident balladeer and storyteller, Brock." Brock looked up from retuning a flat A string to wave hello.

"Nice to meet you all...got the chance to do any shopping yet?" Whitney asked.

"Would I ever!" Now Misty was excited, forgetting all about Brock's attempted performance as she pictured SALE signs, shoes, purses, and bath supplies.

"Sure!" Ash was equally excited, but his shopping daydreams were populated by video games, DVDs, comic books, action figures, and RC cars.

"All right--the Galeria d'Oro is this way, so come with me!" Whitney motioned for the group to follow her down the crowded street.

About then, Brock had finished retuning. "What kind of a song would you like to hear, Miss Whitney?" he asked, believing Whitney to still be present.

He noticed Whitney, Ash, and Misty about to round a corner. "Hey, wait for me!" he called as he quickly put away his instrument and raced to catch up.

---------

"Okay, gang...the Galaria is far easier to get to if you take an underground path." Whitney explained as the group followed her into a tunnel that led beneath the city. "In fact, the tunnels often double as a mall itself!"

"If you don't mind my asking, how did you discover this?" Misty asked as she admired the tunnel's checkered tile floor.

"I discovered the route by myself." Whitney replied. "It was a total accident!"

"We were really lucky to find Whitney as a guide..." Misty smiled.

"If Whitney's that great a guide, then why has she led us down the same path four times in a row?" Brock asked as the group found their way back to the tunnel entrance for the fifth time.

"Um, my fault!" Whitney blushed. "I forgot you make a left down the end of the hallway, not right!"

"If strategy guides exist in real life, we may need one to make it through here..." Ash muttered as they followed Whitney down the tunnel, passing by many doors in the walls on the way.

"That's why I picked up a map of the tunnel on the way in." Misty assured Ash, showing him a folded up map of the city's massive tunnel complex. "To cross reference Whitney's directions, and gently correct her if she gets it wrong."

"Okay...this should be the right way into the Galeria...we should come out in the food court." Whitney explained.

"Great--after we get some food, I wanna see if GameWorld has any copies of Zelda left!" Ash smiled.

He explained to Brock and Misty "Mom surprised me with a Nintendo 64 as a reward for winning the Orange Conference, and I told her I'd come back with a copy of Zelda!"

"I've heard from some reliable sources that Ocarina of Time has earned perfect tens from some reputable magazines and gaming sites--so you owe it to yourself to find a copy." Brock grinned.

But the group balked when they saw they had walked into a beauty salon, with both people and Pokemon getting cuts, trims, styles, and perms. "Hello! How can we assist you today!" a young boy asked as he prepped a chair for the next customer.

"Fancy letting us work some magic on your Pikachu and your Clefairy?" an elder boy smiled.

Tintri pictured himself with permed fur and shuddered. Navi was equally embarrassed as she imagined herself with wavy fur. "Um, that's okay, we're not interested at the moment--thanks!" Ash stammered as the group dashed back out to the tunnel, Tintri and Navi in tow.

---------

"If we don't get to the mall, and fast, we're gonna starve." Ash grumbled as the group trudged through the tunnel.

"Either that, or we'll find the right entrance ourselves." Misty was equally annoyed as she heard Ash's stomach growl.

"Okay...third time's the charm!" Whitney smiled as she opened a third door...which led into a hallway leading to the Galeria food court!

She made a grand gesture to some doors at the end of the hallway. "I'll lead the way in--these are automatic!"

A "UWAAA!!!" and the squeak of Whitney sliding off the door got Brock's attention. "You okay?" he asked as Whitney popped back into 3D on the floor.

"Yeah--forgot it's the main entrance that's automatic." Whitney weakly replied as she rubbed her head. "But nothing serious--it's not the first door I've crashed into!"

Brock opened the door. "Ladies first." he smiled, allowing Whitney and Misty inside before he and Ash followed them.

"FINALLY!" Ash heaved a huge sigh of relief at the utopia of fast food and neon lights before him, never mind Whitney's mishap with the doors earlier.

"It doesn't look too terribly busy, so go get something, and I'll stake out a table for you." Whitney assured the group as they went their separate ways to partake in the many options the food court and the mall itself had to offer.

---------

"So did GameWorld have any copies of Zelda left?" Brock asked as the group reunited at a table near a fountain with their food and a few purchases.

"Yeah--I got one of the last few sparkly boxes with the gold cartridge!" Ash smiled showing his friends the sparkling gold box before returning it to the festively colored GameWorld bag he carried.

"You may want to hang onto that--the gold cartridges are something very special." Whitney smiled as she petted her Clefairy in between bites of Combusken lo mein.

After a while, as the group finished up their food, Ash asked Whitney "So, Whitney...can you ask the Gym Leader if I can battle him tomorrow?"

"No need to ask the Gym Leader--you're looking at her!" Whitney grinned, much to Ash's surprise!

To Be Continued...
 
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Episode 54: A Goldenrod Opportunity (part 3)

Previously, on Pokemon Moonlight Silver...

After a while, as the group finished up their food, Ash asked Whitney "So, Whitney...can you ask the Gym Leader if I can battle him tomorrow?"

"No need to ask the Gym Leader--you're looking at her!" Whitney grinned, much to Ash's surprise!

"Representing the Gold side, our leader, Whitney!" a dark brown haired referee announced, to Misty and Brock's applause as Whitney waved to the audience of two. "And representing the Silver side, the challenger Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town!"

"Bring it on!" Ash challenged.

"Thank you, Brittany." Whitney smiled at the referee before explaining the rules. "Okay, here's how this is gonna work... we will battle in a three-on-three match, with a Plain Badge as your prize if you beat me, okay?"

"Got it!" Ash replied.

"Is everyone ready?" Brittany asked. Both Whitney and Ash cheered in reply. "All right...three...two...one..."

As soon as the whistle echoed through the Gym, Whitney summoned a tiny pink and yellow cat Pokemon with a large tail. "Tsuki, here we go!"

"Cyndy, I choose you!" Ash commanded. Once Cyndy was before him, he read up on his opponent:

"Skitty, the kitten Pokemon. An exotic Pokemon from the Houen region, it is said to be difficult to earn its trust. However, it is extremely popular for its cute looks and behavior.

"Heh...it is kinda cute." Ash smiled as the small Pokemon licked itself for a moment.

"Tsuki, Tackle!" Whitney's command snapped him back to reality.

"Cyndy, have that Skitty run into a wall of fire!" he commanded. He smirked confidently as the tiny cat Pokemon charged into the stream of fire, only to faint when the flames cleared some moments later.

"Wow! That was almost a little TOO quick!" Even Brock was impressed.

Whitney was shocked that her Skitty had been defeated. "Wow...you're the first one that defeated Tsuki from the get go..."

She looked over at her Clefairy. "Navi, your turn!"

[All right!] Navi replied as she hurried into the arena and started swaying her fingers in time to a beat only she seemed to hear.

Ash froze in fear when he saw the Clefairy's fingers. Metronome can call upon any attack, including attacks the user doesn't know!

"Cyndy, be prepared for anything!" he called, hoping to Arceus that Navi didn't get a chance to use a powerful move like Mystical Fire or Meteor Mash.

He braced himself for a powerful attack, but Misty and Brock laughing from the stands clued him in that Navi was using Splash.

[Here you were getting all panicked over nothing!] Cyndy sighed. [Now, let's finish the job!]

"Okay! Cyndy, use Flamethrower again!" Ash commanded.

"Navi!" Whitney gasped as she saw the oncoming wave of flames headed at Navi. "Navi, come back!"

"Gold withdraws Navi from battle." Brittany announced as Cyndy's Flamethrower attack impacted on the Gold safety barrier, where Navi had been minutes before. "Gold now has one Pokemon remaining."

A huge smile formed on Ash's face. I literally cannot believe this good luck I'm having...I've got the Plain Badge in the bag now!

Whitney noticed Ash's confident smile. "I wouldn't get too comfy, because I have one Pokémon left--and it's also my strongest."

With that, she heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Daisy, showtime!"

Never seen this one before... Ash mused as he read up on the large pink cow Pokemon before him:

"Miltank, the milk cow Pokemon. Its milk is packed with nutrition, making it the ultimate drink for the sick or weary.

"Doesn't look like the type to battle...." Ash mused as he put Dexter away.

"Ah, but if those she loves are threatened, Daisy will hit and hit hard!" Whitney warned as she watched her Miltank power towards the Silver side of the arena, rolling so quick, she seemed to be a literal ball of energy.

"Cyndy--!" Ash called, but all he could do was watch as Daisy slammed straight into Cyndy, sending her flying into the Silver safety barrier and landing at his feet. "You okay, Cyndy?"

[I think so...] Cyndy groaned as she eased herself to her feet. [That's gonna hurt tomorrow...]

"Got enough in you for a counterattack?" Ash asked.

[I can try...] Cyndy groaned.

"If you can, try and Tackle that Miltank!" Ash commanded.

[HAH!!!] Cyndy barreled at the rolling Miltank, but the Tackle and the Rollout collided at the same time. While the force of the impact merely made Daisy slide back a few inches, Cyndy went flying into the safety barrier a second time.

In the stands, Brock noticed Daisy had used the momentum from the collision to turn around. "Ash! Cyndy can't take any more! You need to switch out, and fast!"

Both Misty and Brock winced at the THWACK! of the Miltank impacting something and the KA-WANG! of Cyndy hitting the Silver safety barrier again. "Too late..." Misty noted as the dust cleared to reveal Cyndy with swirly eyes at Ash's feet.

Ash fought back tears as he examined his fainted Cyndaquil. "You gave your all, Cyndy...return."

Focus, Ash. he reminded himself before taking his second Poke Ball. "River, i need your help!"

"Daisy, use Rollout again!" Whitney called.

Ash braced himself for the Miltank speeding towards his Marill. "River, try Water Gun!"

Whitney giggled at Ash's panicked face as the Water Gun splattered against Daisy. "This is why I love Rollout--the longer it goes, the stronger it gets!"

River's a sitting Psyduck! Ash panicked. "River, look out!"

He winced as River also went flying at the safety barrier, only to land swirly eyed at his feet. She never had a chance! There HAS to be a way to stop this Miltank...but how?

A whistle got his attention, where he saw Brock drawing a jagged outline in the air with his finger, as if mimicking a lightning strike. Of course...River did manage to get Daisy wet, so I'll give that a shot.

He looked over at Tintri. "How bout it? Think you can paralyze it with a Thunderbolt?"

[I'll give it my best shot!] Tintri replied as he bounded off Ash's shoulder and fired the largest Thunderbolt he could muster at the spinning Miltank, but the Miltank didn't even bet an eye.

"I will give you credit for a smart idea, but Daisy is spinning so fast, she's already dry." Whitney smiled.

"Okay, Tintri, new plan--use Agility to try to outrun Daisy!" Ash commanded.

But all he could do was watch as Daisy slammed into Tintri with a direct hit. Tintri then flying into the Silver safety barrier himself. But could hardly attempt to get up before Daisy hit him again, leaving Tintri battled and beaten at Ash's feet. [Ash...I'm...sorry...] he wheezed.

"Tintri!" Ash screamed.

"Silver is unable to battle--Gold wins the match!" Brittany announced.

"Daisy, return." Whitney commanded, recalling the Miltank. "Well fought, Ash--I have to commend your heroic effort."

She motioned for Navi to follow her as she started towards the Gym entrance. "If you ever want a rematch, I'll be more than happy to give you one!"

Hot tears welled up in Ash's eyes as Whitney and Navi departed. A rematch would be pointless. he thought as he studied the heavily battered Pikachu in his arms.

He unleashed a loud growl of frustration. "Arceus in heaven, hear my prayer!" he pleaded to no one in particular as Misty and Brock joined him on the arena floor. "Whitney and her Miltank are far too powerful, and I don't have a clue how I'm going to defeat them! Grant me some advice, or a clue!"

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 55: A Dairy Tale Ending

"Okay...when you reach the room at the end you need to be careful--if you stand too long in one spot, a Wallmaster will descend from above and take you back to the very beginning of the dungeon." Misty read from a strategy guide as the Link Ash was controlling arrived in a new room in a temple. "Simply jump across and use your final key to unlock this door."

"Got it!" Ash replied before following Misty's instructions.

"Venting your frustration on some bosses?" Brock smiled as he arrived in the Pokemon Center's game room, where Ash had commandeered one of the Nintendo 64's to finally play his gold copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

"Yeah...I've cleared the child Link part of the story, and am working my way through the Forest Temple now." Ash replied as he guided his Link down a stairwell. "Misty's acting as my navigator."

"Oh, nice, you have a gold copy!" a familiar voice smiled.

Ash paused the game to see Whitney approaching him. "Whitney...what are you doing here?"

"After our match yesterday, I felt horrible giving you such a beatdown." Whitney explained as Nurse Joy arrived with Ash's Pokemon. "So I wanted to something nice for you--how would you guys like to spend the day at my uncle's farm?"

"Sure!" Ash replied as he saved his game, the scene of Link and Epona jumping the ranch's fence still fresh in his memory.

A thought occurred to him as he turned the console off and ejected his gold cartridge. I could also maybe learn how Daisy got so strong!

---------

Meanwhile, Team Rocket watched from a bush as Whitney and the group arrived at the farm. "Aw, da family reunion..." Meowth sighed as Whitney ran to hug an older man in rancher's garb. "Maybe while dey're busy with da 'hi, how are ya''s, we can raid da storehouse and help ourselves ta all da ice cream we want!"

"Good thing I made a note of the storehouse's location on the way in." James smiled as he motioned for Jessie and Meowth to follow him to a large building by the main barn.

Jessie balked in awe at the sheer amount of milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream inside the storehouse. "Oh my...where do we begin sampling all of this, much less stealing it?"

"Lessee here...sundae cones, Ice cream sandwiches, Popsicles, Fudgesicles...." Meowth reported as he rummaged through the ice cream. "Birthday cake, Kalosian vanilla, Nanab split, butta pecan, cappuccino chocolate chunk--ooh, dat sounds yummy! Cookie dough, chocolate, mint chip, fudge ripple..."

"Hey! Did I say you guys could have any ice cream?" Whitney asked as she stormed into the storehouse, with the group not far behind.

Jessie just smirked. "You're all gonna scream for more than ice cream momentarily!" With that, they hurried towards one of the the pastures with their pilfered ice cream.

"Follow those Rockets!" Ash and the others were not far behind.

[How's this for a new flavor? Lemon Shock!] Tintri smiled as he fired a Thunderbolt at the fleeing Rockets, making them drop all the ice cream on the ground.

"Good thing none of the tubs popped open..." Brock reported as he and Misty started cleaning up the scattered ice cream tubs that where strewn across the dirt road.

"If they did pop open, we'd have even more of a mess on our hands!" the man agreed as he made sure all the stolen tubs were accounted for.

A "CHAAA!" and "Weezing!" alerted Whitney that Jessie and James had summoned Arbok and Weezing in an attempt to throw the group off their trail. "Daisy, get these crooks away from here!" she called as she summoned her Miltank.

[For the pride of Goldenrod Farm! Take this!] Daisy growled before rolling into a ball and charging at the Arbok, the Weezing, Jessie, James, and Meowth.

"Go get'em, Daisy! Give those troublemakers what for!" the man grinned as Daisy's Rollout connected, sending the Rockets flying off with a ping.

"Good riddance..." Misty smiled.

"Daisy saves the day again!" Whitney announced, prompting Daisy to take a bow for the applauding group.

"It's about time for her to be milked, Whitney, so I'll take her into the barn with the rest of the herd." the man explained.

"Okay, Uncle Milton--while Daisy's getting milked, I'll give my friends some Ponyta riding time." Whitney replied before addressing the group. "If you want to see the Ponytas, they have their own pasture."

"Fun fact--the Epona in Zelda is named for the Epona in myth and folklore." Brock explained as the group entered the Ponyta pastures. "Unlike your virtual steed, the Epona in folklore is said to be a Shiny Ponyta, with divine speed and speaking ability at the very least, but depending on the story and possibly the teller, she may have more powers than those."

Ash, meanwhile, made a beeline towards a normal Ponyta near one of the fences. "What's this one's name?"

"That's Miracle--or Mira for short." Whitney replied as she brought over a saddle and bridle. "So named because she very nearly didn't survive her traumatic birth; but she did. She's actually a very gentle mount, so we let first time riders and those that haven't ridden in some time ride her."

"I have a little Ponyta riding experience under my belt, but it's been a while." Ash confessed as Milton arrived with riding garb.

Once Miracle had been saddled and bridled and Ash had suited up, Whitney led them both on a leisurely walk around the pasture. "Any memories of the Laramie Ranch coming back to you at all?" Misty smiled as she and Brock watched from the fence.

"Yeah--funnily enough, the Ponyta I rode in that race was named Epona, which is why I was surprised when it popped up in Zelda last night." Ash replied.

"It is a fairly common female Ponyta name because of the mythological connection already..." Brock mused as Whitney led Ash and Miracle back to their starting point.

Just then, Whitney heard Milton calling her. "Just stay put while I go help Uncle Milton put fresh hay down for the Miltanks." she told Ash as she disconnected the lead rope.

"Okay." Ash replied.

As soon as Whitney was out of view, a fence dividing the Ponyta pasture in half gave Ash an idea. Maybe if I urged Miracle hard enough, I could jump into the other pasture like Link and Epona!

Inspired, he flicked the reins. "Heya!" he called, in his best mimic of Link; prompting Miracle to run towards the fence.

"Ash, what are you--!" Misty started before she and Brock watched Ash and Miracle sail gracefully over the fence into the other pasture...only for Ash to nearly tumble to the ground from the force of the landing.

Laughter got his attention. "I think you need a little more practice on jumping, Mr. Hero." Whitney smiled.

"Ya got the jumpin' part right, but ya need to practice landin' too." Milton agreed.

---------

Later, Ash watched from the fence as in the main Miltank pasture, Whitney and Daisy practiced Rollout. That move is powerful...maybe even too powerful if it took down three of my best Pokemon. So how do I even begin to defend against it?

He was snapped from his thoughts by a strange sight. Huh? Why is a barrel rolling into the pasture?

"Odd...what's a barrel doing here..." Whitney wondered as she watched the odd barrel roll into the pasture.

"SURPRIIIIIIIIISE!!!" the Rockets cried as they emerged from the barrel, to Whitney's and the group's horror.

"To protect the world from devastation..." Jessie began.

"And unite all peoples within our nation..." James smiled, twirling a rose in his hand. Ash just rolled his eyes at the now familiar motto he, Misty, and Brock had heard a million times before:

"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! Dat's right!"

"DAISY!!!!" Whitney cried as the odd mecha snatched both Daisy and Pikachu, then started to roll away, very similar to a Pokemon using Rollout.

Ash climbed into the pen in an attempt to stop the barrel, summoning Cyndy. "Cyndy, ignite one of Brock's arrows to set that barrel on fire!"

Cyndy waited until Brock had aimed at the wildly rolling barrel, then heaved an Ember at it, setting the arrow ablaze.

Whitney watched in awe as the flaming arrow landed in the barrel, setting it ablaze and slowing the barrel down. "What a great idea!"

"River, use your Water Gun to impede the barrel more!" Ash heaved another Poke Ball skyward.

"It's working!" Misty noted as she watched the barrel mecha bounce and shake along the makeshift canyon River had created, eventually dropping Daisy and Tintri on the grass.

[Rough landing...] Tintri mused before charging a Thunderbolt. [But not as rough as yours will be!] he screeched as he launched his attack, making the barrel explode sending Team Rocket flying.

Whitney looked up from tending Daisy to see Ash approaching. "Thank you...I don't know what I would do if Daisy were Poke-napped by those hoodlums..."

"If you want to...I want a rematch of our battle from yesterday--Daisy vs. Tintri." Ash offered. "I know Cyndy and River have no chance against Rollout, but Tintri came the closest..."

"All right, that's fair." Whitney replied. "Meet me in the main Miltank pasture, and we'll battle."

---------

"Okay, Tintri, use Agility!" Ash called. The canyons River made before are still there, so maybe I can use that to my advantage!

He watched as Tintri sped past the rolling Daisy, causing her to hit some of the trenches. As Daisy came around for another attack, Tintri curled into a ball in the bottom of one of the trenches. Tintri? What're you doing?" Ash wondered.

[Relax, I've got this.] Tintri assured his master. [I have an idea...]

Just as Daisy rolled over the top of the trench, Tintri unrolled himself, which launched Daisy into the air! [Hi-YAAAAA!!!!] Tintri screamed as he unleashed a Thundershock, causing the now fainted Daisy to land on the grass with a thud.

"Gold is unable to battle--Silver is the winner!" Uncle Milton announced.

Ash balked as Whitney held out a simply designed diamond shaped badge. "What? Why am I getting a Plain Badge here? We weren't even in the Gym!"

"Who said we had to be in the gym for a Gym match?" Whitney grinned.

"Besides, if you can rescue and then defeat a Gym Leader's top Pok?mon fair and square, you've earned yourself a badge several times over!" Uncle Milton smiled.

"Okay..." Ash smiled as he accepted the badge from Whitney as Misty and Brock applauded his victory...

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 56: Air Time!

"Whitney sure was a sweetheart..." Misty smiled in between bites of lettuce. It had been a few days since they had spent the day at Whitney's uncle's farm, chasing away Team Rocket and Ash earning his third badge along the way.

"Yeah...she wasn't as tough as I thought." Ash smiled as he admired the Plain Badge that was now pinned to his vest along with his other badges.

He noticed the taco salad Misty was eating. "That looks great..."

"I couldn't decide whether to eat healthily or indulge, so this looked like the best solution." Misty explained. "Pretty tasty too...what'd you get?"

"Just your standard cheeseburger--hold the onions." Ash smiled as he offered Tintri one of the pickles still on his plate.

Brock chuckled as Tintri made a disgusted face. "A little too sour?" he grinned before taking a bite of the patty melt he had ordered.

The three friends giggling caught the attention of a young deep brown haired man. "Hi there...can I ask you three a question?"

"Sure...what about?" Ash asked as the waiter arrived with the bill and three complimentary mini sundaes, then cleared the boy's plates.

"My name's Seth Petersen--I'm the producer of 'Pokemon Profiles' on WJTO." the man began. "The guest we had lined up for this week had an emergency and couldn't come--so would any of you three like to come on the show and share your talents with the world?"

"I would be honored." Brock replied as he set down his share of the bill and the tip. "I'm competing in the Pokemon Lore Stage, so it would be a dream come true to share my stories with a wider audience."

"And Misty and I will help with any music or character voices you might need." Ash smiled as he offered Tintri what was left of the ketchup he had used for his fries.

"All right--here's my card." Seth gave Brock a business card. "Just show that to the receptionist and tell her you and your friends are here for 'Pokemon Profiles', and she'll lead you to the studio."

---------

"Formerly a Gym Leader, now a performer; he's quickly become a rising star on Kanto's storytelling scene, and now seeks to make his mark on the Pokemon Lore Stage...come get to know this true renaissance man, today on 'Pokemon Profiles'. a female DJ announced before the show's theme song started.

"Good luck, Brock..." Misty whispered as she put on her own headphones.

"Welcome to 'Pokemon Profiles'...I'm your host, Mary Austin." the female DJ began as the theme song ended. "This week, we cross over to Kanto to get to know a former Gym Leader whose true passion lies in sharing the world's lore though music, mimicry, props, and even stage archery. So please give a warm welcome to rising Lore Stage star Brock Harrison."

"Thank you." Brock acknowledged the applause of a few interns from his half of the studio. "It's an honor to be here."

"Tell me...what spurred you to begin storytelling, an art many think is relegated to summer campfires and rainy days at Grandma's?" Mary asked.

"Well, coming from a large family, reading a book often proved to be an exercise in futility." Brock explained with a chuckle. "They would always find some way to interrupt with questions or taking the story off on a tangent. By telling my siblings a bedtime story every night, I could include them in the performance, so they wouldn't interrupt me. Then I started including songs and mimicry in my performances, to the point where they were guessing what kinds of songs I would sing and voices I would do for their story that night."

He went on "My big break came when I was effectively volunteered to perform for the school book week with only a day to get ready. But my hastily thrown together show went over very well, and before long, I was being asked to tell for other schools, community events, and even festivals. I hope to one day make a career out of it--this world is filled with all kinds of lore, and stories just waiting to be told."

"I see...would you be willing to share one of your stories with us?" Mary asked.

"Sure...this is a version of the Moltres story common to Pewter and the surrounding areas." Brock explained. "It's called 'The Quest for Moltres'...

With that, he began "It happened once that a king of a far away land, who had a great kingdom and three sons, was blinded due to a mysterious disease, and no healing skill or art could restore to him his sight. After a very long time, a traveling priestess came to the palace, and told him that there was only one thing that could restore his sight, and that was to find Moltres, the Herald of Fire; her song would open the king's eyes.

When the eldest son--his name is not important to us--heard this, he offered to go in search of Moltres, the Herald of Fire, which was kept in a gilded cage by a neighboring king, and carefully guarded as his greatest treasure. The blind king greatly rejoiced at his son's resolve, decked him out in the best way he could, and let him go...."

---------

"Hearing you sing the Swanna Song never gets old..." Misty smiled when the show ended some time later. "Nor does hearing you tell--you did great in there!"

"You guys did great filling in the voices of Prince Brian and Princess Sophia." Brock replied.

"That was actually kinda fun..." Ash confessed as he returned his headphones to a tech. "I hope no one noticed I was a little nervous..."

An intern entering the room got his attention. "Boss! Mary! This week's show tapes were damaged during the storm that came through last night. Now we can't air this week's edition of the Goldenrod Radio Theater!"

"It's okay..this week's episode can still be done live." Mary assured the intern as she, and the group followed the intern down the hall to the large and roomy studio where the famous radio drama was recorded each week, where the station's resident actors were preparing to record. "Guys, you don't mind if these three join in this week's show, do you?"

"Not at all!" a blonde haired actor smiled.

"We like performing with guests." a dull green haired girl asked as she received her script.

Mary gave Ash, Misty, and Brock a script. "All right, here the scripts for your roles..."

Ash gasped when he saw the script's title. "No way--we're doing a dramatization of one of my all time favorite video games...'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past'!"

"All you have to do is all those 'Hut's, 'Ha's, and 'Seit!'s Link does...think you can do that?" Mary asked Ash.

"Sure!" Ash replied as he accepted a headset mic from a tech, grabbed an unsharpened pencil, and stabbed at the air, channeling his best mimic of the Ocarina of Time Link. "Hut! Ha! Heya!"

"Very good!" Mary applauded. "Are we ready to get started?"

"We're on in three...two...one..." the director counted down.

---------

The familiar attract screen music started playing in all its sixteen bit glory as Brock read the iconic attract text as the opening narration. "Long ago, in the beautiful kingdom of Hyrule surrounded by mountains and forests, legends told of an omnipotent and omniscient Golden Power that resided in a hidden land. Many people aggressively sought to enter the hidden Golden Land, But no one ever returned. One day, evil power began to flow from the Golden Land, so the King commanded seven wise men to seal the gate to the Land of the Golden Power."

As the game music faded out, the director motioned for the blonde haired actor to say his first line. "Um...do we really have to act out the cut scene?" he asked. "We haven't had time to rehearse!"

"I know, but everything we recorded for this week was damaged, so we have to record this live--we can always edit out mistakes before it goes to air." Mary assured the actor. "Start from the end of the first bit of the attract music ending."

"It would be a whole lot better if Brock just read the entire attract text..." another actor added.

"If Mary wants to have the gate sealing part and Agahnim's arrival acted out, I have no problem with it." a navy haired female actor assured her costar.

"I just don't think it's right to add dialogue where there wasn't any to start with." the blonde actor protested.

'If it's in the script, that's what the director wants!" the navy haired actor protested.

"There is such a thing as artistic license..." the blonde actor retorted.

Mary winced as the actors argued. "Let's just continue reading the attract text, okay?" she told Brock before clapping to get the actors' attention, bringing the argument to a screeching halt. "Okay, focus, everyone!"

"Now, where was I?" Brock asked as he looked for the rest of the attract text in the script.

"That seal should have remained..." Ash prompted Brock.

Brock found the point Ash had mentioned, and continued reading as the sixteen bit music started again. "That seal should have remained for all time...but, when these events were obscured by the mists of time and became legend, a mysterious wizard known as Agahnim came to Hyrule to undo the seal. He eliminated the good King of Hyrule, and through his evil magic, he began to make descendants of the seven wise men vanish, one by one. Now, the time of destiny for Princess Zelda is drawing near....and it is here our story begins..."

"Okay, cut!" Mary called as the propmasters prepared the recording area to capture sounds of footsteps on various surfaces.

"Mary, Zelda's a fairly long game, and our time slot won't be enough to perform the whole game in one sitting." the dull green haired girl interjected. "What should we do?"

"We have enough time to perform up to the Sanctuary this week--we'll have our guest actors record any other dialogue we may need when our time here is done, so we can air the rest over several weeks." Mary replied before addressing Misty. "Ready for your first lines?"

"As I'll ever be..." Misty replied as the sound tech cued a sound of rain on a roof.

"Okay, action!" Mary called.

"Help me...please help me..." Misty pleaded in character as Zelda, her voice receiving an echo effect to signal the voice was in someone's head. "I am a prisoner in the dungeon of the castle. My name is Zelda. The wizard, Agahnim, has done...something to the other missing girls. Now only I remain...Agahnim has seized control of the castle and is now trying to open the seven wise men's seal...I am in the dungeon of the castle. Please help me..."

The sound of a door opening snapped Ash to attention. "Link, I'm going out for a while. I'll be back by morning. Don't leave the house." a plum haired male actor read as the uncle before walking on some wood planks to simulate someone walking out a house into the simulated "storm"

Ash carefully got up from his chair and landed on the wood planks with a THUNK. "No, that sounded too heavy for someone jumping out of bed." Mary suggested.

"Here's a tip--take off your shoes and slap them on something to get a more realistic walking sound." the navy haired girl suggested.

"Okay..." After removing his shoes, Ash tried lightly slapping them on the wood planks. "That's better." Mary replied.

Misty sighed as the memorable video game scene took shape in fits and starts. "We're gonna be here a while..."

"Focus!" Mary's call snapped her back to reality. She flipped a few pages to the next point where Zelda had lines, then watched as the plum haired boy read his next scene as the uncle, now wounded. "Unnh... Link, I didn't want you involved in this...I told you not to leave the house. Take my sword and shield and listen. You can focus power in the blade, then release it using the secret technique handed down by our people."

After some techs rattled some metal items to simulate Link picking up something metallic, the actor continued. "Link, you can do it! Save the princess!"

"Hm!" Ash replied affirmatively as Link.

"He's really getting into this..." Brock smiled as he watched Ash manipulate his shoes to mimic walking, and then a flurry of war-cries at Mary's battle cue, waving an unsharpened pencil in time with Mary's directions and the sound effects to simulate a fight.

"Would you be willing to read the role of the loyal sage too?" the dull green haired actress asked as she tried oh-so-hard not to laugh at Ash waving around a pencil and mimicking Link's war cries.

"Sure." Brock replied, turning to the appropriate point in his script.

---------

As the iconic Sanctuary music started, Brock started reading the role of the loyal sage. "Princess Zelda, you are safe! Is this your doing, Link?" he asked Ash in a gentle older man voice.

"Hm." Ash replied affirmatively.

"Yes, it was Link who helped me escape from the dungeon!" Misty replied in character as Zelda. "While I was captive, the wizard said..."

She next decided to do her best mimic of someone evil. "Once I have finished with you, the final one, the seal of the wise men will open."

Brock tried oh-so-hard not to laugh and break character at Misty's attempt at a villainous voice. "Link, you must not let the land of Hyrule fall into the wizard's clutches." Misty pleaded as Zelda again. "If he releases the seal of the seven wise men, evil power will overwhelm this land. Before that happens...before it's too late... destroy the wizard before he destroys all of Hyrule! You can do it!"

"I sense that a mighty evil force guides the wizard's actions and augments his magical power." Brock reads as the loyal sage. "The only weapon potent enough to defeat the wizard is the legendary Master Sword. It is said that the village elder is a descendant of one of the seven wise men. Maybe he can tell you more..."

After lightly pressing a stamp on some paper, Brock went on in character "I will mark his house on your map. But watch your every move! I am certain that the castle soldiers will be looking for you now!"

He noticed Ash's in character fearful look. "I will hide Princess Zelda here. Do not worry! Seek the elder!"

---------

"Well done, all three of you." Seth smiled when the marathon recording session finally ended some hours later. "You make a wonderful Link, Ash."

"Aw, it was nothing." Ash smiled. "I'd be happy to perform on the radio again, either as a guest actor or to play more music."

"It was a bit weird acting with no costumes or sets, but we had fun too." Misty smiled.

"Yeah--doing a radio play was an interesting experience." Brock agreed.

"You're always welcome to do Link the next time we do an adaptation of a Zelda game." Mary smiled as she met the group. "You at least have the war-cries down...will you do one more for me?"

Ash nodded, grabbed an unsharpened pencil, and stabbed at the air. "Hut!"

To Be Continued...
 
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Episode 57: The Bug Stops Here (part 1)

"That radio play was fun!" Misty smiled as the group left Goldenrod City the next morning. "You do a very convincing Link, by the way." she smiled at Ash.

"Hut!" Ash proceeded to stab at the air with an imagined sword, to the bemusement of the others.

Even Brock was laughing as he consulted the map. "Okay...the National Park should be just ahead..."

"How fun!" Misty smiled as the group rounded the corner, where they saw a huge crowd lining up by a Beautifly fountain in the main hub. "Or, maybe not so fun if all these crowds are here..."

"Good morning! Are you guys here for the Bug Catching Contest?" a ranger asked as she approached the group.

Misty froze at the mention of bugs. Why didn't they tell me this place was full of bugs?

A majestic Poke Ball shaped building with banners decorating the top looming in the distance got her attention. That must be the Pokethlon Dome! Now I can get my own challenge started!

A sign near a path got her attention: POKETHLON DOME--THIS WAY. "You guys can go play with the bugs--I'm gonna attempt my first Pokethlon!" she told the boys before hugging Brock and tearing off down the path to the majestic dome, excited to finally begin her challenge.

"I figured Misty's bug-phobia would rear its head sooner or later..." Brock mused, wincing from Misty's surprisingly hard grip.

"What are the rules for the Bug Catching Contest?" Ash asked the ranger.

"Each participant is given a set of 30 Park Balls, which look like this." the ranger replied, showing the boys a dull green Poke Ball. "You are to enter the forest, and using only one Pokémon, catch the strongest Bug-type Pokémon you can find. Whoever gets the strongest one in 20 minutes wins the competition and, in addition to the option of keeping the Pokémon you catch, you also win a Sun Stone."

"Nice...sign me up!" Ash smiled, accepting the entry form from the ranger as he giddily chuckled.

Brock, meanwhile, was declaring his archery gear. "These arrows are only props, and have been dulled for target shooting and use on stage. Most damage they can do is popping balloons or puncturing other materials."

"All right...any location marked with a target sign, you can shoot from." the ranger replied. "Just be aware of your surroundings, and be respectful of other park guests. If you'd like to use the park's archery range, that's nearby the north observation deck."

"Thanks." Brock replied before telling Ash where he would be. "While you're busy catching bugs, I'm gonna try out the archery range. Once I get done there, I'll be watching from the north observation deck."

"Got it!" Ash replied before hurrying off to join the other contest participants.

---------

"Specialization...water." Misty mused as she continued filling out a Pokethlon registration form in the Pokethlon Dome's main lobby. "Skill level...beginner..."

"Misty!" a familiar voice called, snapping Misty to attention. When she looked up to see who had called, she smiled when she saw Casey--now in a green jersey with the number 64 on it--and Wrigley approaching her. "Remember me at all?"

"Casey...long time no see!" Misty smiled as she and Casey hugged. "This place is amazing!"

"Yeah, but it's only one of several Domes just like it just in this region alone." Casey explained. "What track are you on?"

"Water...since water Pokemon are my specialty." Misty replied.

"Okay...consider me your friendly rival, even though I'm competing on land." Casey grinned. "So even though I'm gonna do my best to beat you, I can answer any questions you might have that the Dome staff don't know the answer to."

"Bring it on!" Misty challenged as she went to turn in her registration form at the front desk.

"Okay, Misty Williams...here's your official Pokethlon jersey for the water track..." The receptionist smiled, draping a royal blue jersey on Misty's back. "and here is the box to keep any medals you win."

"Thanks." Misty replied as she accepted the large cube shaped box. "Where's the dressing room to change into this?"

"Dressing rooms are down that hall--once you're changed, head on into the briefing room. The beginners' water Pokethlon will be starting shortly."

Misty acknowledged the receptionist with a nod and smile, then hurried off down a hallway to change.

"Nice, number seven." Casey noted when Misty emerged in her jersey some minutes later. "I've got a few minutes before the land Pokethlon starts, so I can answer some questions before you go in the briefing room. You only have to get the briefing before your very first Pokethlon, which basically explains what to expect."

"Do you have to win a gold medal to count towards the end goal, whatever that is?" Misty asked.

"Nope--either a gold, silver, or bronze medal will do." Casey replied. "If you do earn eight medals, you go on to the Grand Pokethlon, which takes place during the Pokemon League."

"Okay...and how many Pokemon can I use?" Misty asked.

"Up to three--they'll tell you what kind you're competing in during the briefing, so pick the three that are the most versatile for any competition." Casey explained.

"All right..." Misty reached for three of her five Poke Balls. "Michelle, Pearl, Ami...you guys will compete in my first competition!"

---------

[Some competition this is...] Tintri sighed as he and Ash trudged through the brush. [We haven't found even so much as a Caterpie yet!]

"We haven't even looked in the whole forest yet, so we can't give up now!" Ash assured Tintri as they checked the clearing near the north observation deck.

A mimic of a Fletchling whistle got his attention, spurring Ash to look up to find Brock waving at him from above. Must've finished shooting at the archery range... he thought before waving back to his friend.

[That was actually a pretty good mimic of a Fletchling song!] Tintri was impressed. [But this is Brock we're talking about, here...he probably knows how to mimic a million voices!]

Just then, a dull yellow worm Pokemon with a spike on its head and a large red nose crawled out from the bush. [A Weedle...want me to attack it?] he asked Ash.

"Sure!" Ash replied, excited to finally spot a Pokemon. "Use--!"

"Use Razor Leaf!" he heard a female voice say, very nearly getting sliced by the two spiked leaves as he and Tintri dashed back into the brush to watch a dull green haired girl and her Chikorita engage the Weedle.

He watched as the attack slashed the Weedle, allowing the girl to catch it. "Good work, Peach..." the girl smiled as she petted the Chikorita, than started back down the path back to the park entrance.

"But I found that Weedle first..." Ash sulked, miffed that another trainer had stolen his catch.

[Cheer up, Ash...there's plenty more bugs in the forest to find!] Tintri assured his master.

Ash nodded. "You're right, bud...we could find something rarer than a Weedle, and beat everyone else."

He motioned for Tintri to follow him. "Let's go."

---------

"...Today's Pokethlon will focus on speed, so it will be a big help if you chose your fastest Pokemon...good luck to all of you." a coach concluded before the crowd of beginner Pokethletes, Misty included, went their separate ways to prepare for their respective competitions.

Okay...after comparing everyone's stats using that stat guide Casey gave me, I'm gonna use Pearl for the first event. Misty thought as she made her way to the tunnel leading to the main pool for water events.

She hurled a Poke Ball skyward. "Pearl, competition time!"

[Competition?] the Starmie asked. [That would explain your clothes...]

"This is no different from racing Lilly, Violet, and Daisy at home...but this time, we have people watching us--think you can stay focused?" Misty asked.

Pearl's core turned blue--her excited color. [If I can battle before an audience, I can race against other Pokemon! Let's do this!]

"That's the spirit!" Misty smiled as she emerged inside the large indoor pool, where a large crowd and three other blue clad Pokethletes were waiting.

"Welcome, one and all, to our first Poke Ball rank Water Pokethlon of the season!" am emcee called, to thunderous cheers. "Our first event today is the Hurdle Dive--our four competing Pokéathletes are pitted against one another in a race down a lane of the pool, with hurdles every so often for the Pokémon to jump over or dive under. The first Pokethlete and Pokemon to make it to the other end of the pool in sixty seconds, wins!"

Pearl's core turned green--her nervous color--as an Empoleon, a Greninja, and a Gorebyss took their places in the first three lanes. [You sure we can outswim those?]

"I would've never signed up for this if I didn't believe you could do it." Misty assured her faithful Starmie as she settled into the water.

[All right...climb aboard, Ms. Tsunami--hang on to my top spires, and don't let go!] Pearl instructed as she folded down some spires to create a place for a human to mount her.

Once all four Pokethletes had mounted their Pokemon and were in the water, the referee announced "On your mark...get set...GO!!!"

Cheers filled the air as the Greninja charged to the front, creating a massive wave as he leaped over the first hurdle. But Misty and Pearl were not far behind, expertly weaving past the large Empoleon and diving under the first hurdle, overtaking the Gorebyss on the way. "Full throttle, Pearl!" she whispered.

[You got it!] With that, Pearl picked up her speed and leaped from the water, barely overtaking the Greninja as she and Misty sailed over the second hurdle. Once the two of them splashed down, Pearl kicked up a huge wave of her own as she powered ahead to dive under the third hurdle, reaching the other end of the pool with five seconds to spare!

In first place, number 7, Misty Williams. the announcer reported as Misty and Pearl waved to the crowd, both excited and exhausted. Ash, Brock...I wish you guys were here to watch me take the gold!

To Be Continued...
 
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Episode 58: The Bug Stops Here (part 2)


The grass rustled as Ash and Tintri stepped into another clearing, where a red haired boy and a pink fluffy sheep-like Pokemon were challenging a Scyther. While the green mantis Pokemon was familiar to Ash, he did want to read up on the sheep Pokemon:

"Flaaffy, the wool Pokemon. The evolution of Mareep, its fleece quality changes to generate strong static electricity with a small amount of wool. The bare, slick parts of its hide are shielded against electricity."

"Ah, so that's what Luce will become..." Ash smiled as he watched the Flaaffy battle.

[I'm not sure if the Flaaffy's gonna last very much longer...] Tintri mused as the Flaaffy tried to charge a Thunderbolt, but fell to the ground in exhaustion.

"Come on, Cloud, just a little more!" the boy urged, unaware of his Flaaffy heaving with exhaustion. "Try to use a Thunderbolt!"

Ash gasped in horror as the Scyther raised a bladed arm to slash the exhausted Flaaffy. "We have to do something, or that Flaaffy's roast mutton! Come on!"

[Take this!] Tintri screeched before firing a Thunderbolt of his own, making the Scyther stumble backwards as paralysis took hold.

"Th-thanks...how can I ever repay you and your Pikachu for saving Cloud?" the boy stammered, amazed and grateful someone had come to his rescue."

"Aw, it was nothin'!" Ash grinned. "Trainers help each other out in times of need."

He paused to get an extra blanket from his bag--one of many spare blankets he carried to give fellow trainers--and draped it over the Flaaffy, "But for now, just let Cloud rest--I think you may have pushed him past his limit."

"We were exploring the forest when that Scyther appeared..." the boy explained. "I wanted to catch it for the contest, but it turned out to be too strong for Cloud."

"It's perfectly okay to run from a battle--sometimes the better part of valor is discretion." Ash explained.

"Thanks...that makes me feel a little better." the boy weakly smiled. "I'll admit I pushed Cloud too hard without meaning to, but what if that Scyther tries to attack someone else that may not be so lucky to have someone intervene?"

"I'll go try and find it so it can't hurt any more Pokemon--for now, stay with your Flaaffy, and let him rest." Ash told the boy before motioning for Tintri to follow him. "Come on, bud."

"Bye, and thanks!" the boy called as Ash and Tintri charged through the brush.

---------

"Our second event in the beginners' water Pokethlon is Capture the Flag." the referee announced to the spectators, to cheers as Misty and her competition, now wearing swim goggles, arrived on the deck of a massive pool.

"This shouldn't be too hard...remember seeing Casey do this and having to defend Ash's honor?" Misty asked as she, Michelle, Ami, and Pearl made their way to the fourth starter deck.

[I still wanna give Kamon a piece of my mind for saying Ash was cheating!] Ami grumbled as she looked out on the large pool.

[Casey's obviously done this for a while, but finding flags is harder in water, because some of them could be beneath the surface.] Michelle cautioned. [So keep that in mind when picking which of us will compete.]

[Yeah, remember that you'll probably have to come up and breathe too.] Ami agreed.

"Well, this event tests skill as well as speed..." Misty mused as she checked the stat guide Casey had given her. "I'll stick with Pearl, since you guys are even in skill, but Pearl has the fastest speed."

[That's fair...climb aboard.] Pearl flew in the water and folded down some of her spires to create a place for Misty to sit. [We need some kind of signal to let me know when you need to come up and breathe....]

"I'll point upward." Misty replied before climbing on her faithful Starmie.

[Good luck, Pearl!] Ami called as Misty and Pearl paddled to the start line.

"Hidden in this pool are flags of many colors--some of them are on the surface, and some of them are underwater." the referee explained. "Whoever can find seven flags in the order of the rainbow the fastest, wins."

Once sure all the Pokethletes had their goggles on, he called "Ready? Set? GO!"

Cheers filled the air as Misty found a red flag hanging on a buoy, then held her breath as Pearl dove beneath the surface, intent on picking up an orange flag hiding on the bottom. But before she could reach out to grab it, the Greninja grabbed it away. Nuts... she grumbled as she motioned for Pearl to surface.

She found another orange flag around a prop coral, and eagerly grabbed it away from the Empoleon before motioning to Pearl to surface again. This is apparently harder than I thought... she thought as she surfaced, then held her breath again to go for a yellow flag hidden in a mermaid statue.

After surfacing yet again, she raced the Greninja to a treasure chest to claim a green flag, retrieved a blue flag twined around an anchor, beat the Greninja to an indigo flag hanging from an inner tube, and easily found the purple flag in a ship sail before the Greninja narrowly beat her across the line.

In third place, number 7, Misty Williams. the announcer reported as both the exhausted girl and the exhausted Starmie paddled back to the pool deck. That's okay, there's still only one more event to go--I can still finish strong. Misty told herself as she and her three Pokemon made their way down another tunnel.

---------

[No sign of that Scyther anywhere...] Tintri reported. [Imagine what a catch that would be for the contest!]

"It would be a nice catch, but first we have to--!" Ash replied before a crunch got his attention. When he looked down to see he had accidentally stepped on an abandoned Beedrill hive, he froze as he heard the hum of the Beedrill swarm approaching. "Uh oh..."

Suddenly, an idea came to him. Forget the Scyther, let's try catching one of these!

He called "Tintri, use Thunderbolt!" as the swarm drew closer. I'm not running from you guys today! You're gonna be my key to winning this contest!

[HI-YAAAAAA!!!] Tintri cried as he fired a Thunderbolt into the swarm, making many of the Beedrills drop to the ground paralyzed. [Okay...they're not gonna get up or attack for a while, so pick the Beedrill you like best.]

"All right..." Ash replied as he took a Park Ball, and heaved it at the one closest to the hive...

---------

"Our final event in today's beginner water Pokethlon is the Relay Run!" the referee announced. "Each of our Pokethletes will race each other around this circular pool, trying to complete as many laps as they can in two minutes. Whoever completes the most laps, wins."

[Misty...I think I can help you get a good finish to make up for the Capture the Flag disaster.] Michelle offered. {That is, if Pearl's okay with it.]

[That's fine.] Pearl replied. [Whichever one of us Misty feels can lead her to victory.]

"Okay, Michelle...you can try this event." Misty replied.

[Climb on my back, then.] Michelle replied before climbing in the pool and lying down on her stomach long enough for Misty to climb on. [Not the heaviest thing I've carried, but you're pretty light for a human.] she noted as she ran to the start.

"Pokethletes! Take your mark!" the referee called. "Ready? Set...GO!"

Michelle and Misty charged out in front, even outswimming the Grenenja and the Gorebyss as he field jockeyed for position. "Swim like your life depended on it." Misty whispered to the Golduck, who nodded and powered ahead through the backstretch to complete a lap first.

As the two minute timer ticked away, the Empoleon had long since given up, as had the Gorebyss, but the Greninja and Michelle were neck and neck. Mr. Frog-fu's on his last legs, and I'm still raring to go! Michelle thought as she watched the Greninja finally stop in exhaustion with ten seconds to go, leaving him with 11 laps just as Michelle completed her twelfth lap moments before time expired.

The winner and second place overall--number 7, Misty Williams! the announcer reported as Misty waved to the cheering crowd. The scoreboard displayed her and Michelle's picture as well as a replay of their last lap--while twelve laps was nowhere near the record of twenty, it was still very respectable for a first time competitor.

---------

"Those Beedrills never had a chance!" Ash bragged as he and Tintri made their way down the path, past the north observation deck. "And our competition won't have a ch-!"

This was as far as he got in his boast before the dirt gave way, sending him falling into what looked to him like a fish tank. "Who does Team Rocket think we are? Magikarps?" he defiantly yelled as he and Tintri banged at the insulated glass.

A whir snapped Tintri to attention. [We're moving...]

A grimace formed on Ash's face as he and Pikachu emerged from the pit and into the sun, where he could vaguely make out Jessie and James' faces. He could see them saying something, but the insulated glass made it hard to see. Their tones of voices sounded like the familiar motto, so Ash concluded that they were saying their spiel for the ten millionth time. I could practically say it along with them if I wanted... he grumbled.

Tintri noted a glass shard near where Ash was sitting. [Hey, Ash--think you could use this shard to make a flash? That way Brock would know we need help.]

"Sure..." Ash replied. He waited until he felt the thud of their prison being placed in something, then picked up the shard and focused it into the sun, making a flash that could be easily seen from the north observation deck.

Inside the deck, Brock panicked when he saw the familiar Meowth balloon start to rise above the trees--and he spotted a familiar flash coming from in the basket. Those lowlifes have not just Tintri, but Ash too!

He hurried outside and up the hill to the closest target sign he could find, where he had a clear line of sight to the balloon. Hang on, guys...I'm gonna shoot your captors down!

With that, he took an arrow, carefully aimed at the Meowth balloon as it rose past the hill he was on, and fired; a POW! and a CRASH! confirming he had both punctured the Meowth balloon yet again, and broken the insulated glass cage.

Ash climbed from the balloon's wreckage some moments later. "Nice shot." he smiled as he embraced his friend. "But how are we going to get Tintri out of there without the Rockets knowing?

"One step ahead of you..." With that, Brock set his bow and quiver aside, took Argent's Poke Ball, and heaved it skyward, at the same time singing Imultaos, ame no hao bakezo...

The Rockets jumped as they saw the green flash of Brock's Mega Ring, and screamed as a Mega Steelix loomed over them. "Take anything you want, just don't crush us into Rocket-cakes!" Jessie pleaded

[I only want this, thank you.] Argent replied as he carefully picked up Tintri, then slithered back down to where the boys were waiting.

[Whee!] Tintri smiled as he slid down Argent's coils and into Ash's arms.

Brock grinned as he retrieved his archery gear. "And now, for the coup de grace--the Electric Arrow Blast-off!"

[Payback time!] Tintri agreed before firing a Thunderbolt. Brock fired a second arrow that got electrified at the same time, sending the Rockets flying in an electric explosion...

---------

"...and in first place, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, who caught a Beedrill!" the ranger announced as Ash came up to accept a gold medallion and a Sun Stone. "Well done!"

"Thanks." Ash replied as the crowd cheered.

Just then, Misty and Casey arrived just as the crowd turned to leave. "Oh nice! You got a silver medal!" Ash smiled when he saw Misty wearing a silver medal.

"Had a little trouble in the water version of Capture the Flag, but we did pretty well." Misty replied.

"My training with you guys paid off--we took gold in the land competition." Casey smiled, showing off her gold medal.

"Would you want this Beedrill I got?" Ash asked Casey. "I already have a full team, so you can think of him as a congratulatory gift on your gold medal, and your obsession with black and yellow-striped things."

"Aw, you'd really give away a Pokemon you caught?" Casey smiled, tears of joy shining in her eyes. "Thank you! Thank you!" she giggled as the Beedrill flew towards her direction.

She paused to think of a suitable name for her new Beedrill. "I'll call you...Dodger!"

[After the baseball team?] the Beedrill buzzed. [I'd be honored to score you a home run!]

Casey, meanwhile, turned to Misty. "Let's meet again in another Pokethlon! Even though we're not on the same track..."

"I promise." Misty replied as she linked pinkies with Casey. "Good luck on your own challenge!"

After waving goodbye to Casey, Ash took a moment to admire Misty's silver medallion. "Wow...I'm impressed Misty got a medal her first time out..."

"As skilled as Misty is, her competition will only get harder from here." Brock cautioned.

"I know that, and I will rise to meet the challenge every time!" Misty smiled before leading her friends into the sunset...

To Be Continued...
 
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Episode 59: Type Casting (part 1)

"Well done on getting a medal your first time in a Pokethlon." Ash smiled as he admired the silver medal glinting in Misty's medal box.

"Likewise, even though I don't like bugs that bite or sting, that was a very nice thing you did for Casey, giving away that Beedrill." Misty replied as she admired the medal, then put her medal box away.

She was about to say more when she noticed a wide river snaking across the path. "Uh oh...how are we gonna get across? It looks too big and too deep to swim across..."

"The map says there's supposed to be a bridge, but all I can see is construction crews." Brock reported as the group approached where one crew was working, near where Brock's map said the bridge would be."

"Excuse me, sir, but where can we find a bridge to cross the river?" Ash asked the foreman as the group approached the construction site.

"Well, if you're looking for the old bridge, a huge storm washed it away last year." the foreman explained as he studied his blueprint. "If everything goes according to schedule, the new bridge will be open for travelers in about...six months."

"WHAAAAAAAATTT???" the group gasped as they walked away.

"We can't afford to wait that long!" Ash gasped as he motioned fr the group to follow him into a small clearing by the roadside. "Let's huddle and try to think of a way to cross the river."

"I will reiterate that swimming is too dangerous..." Misty cautioned.

"Not to mention none of us have the building expertise to build one ourselves..." Brock agreed. "Unless you count building bridges out of toothpicks for science class..."

"I could have Aina cut a tree down!" Ash offered.

"But where would we find a tree long enough to span the river?" Misty wondered.

Just then, she spotted a fisherman arriving on the shore in a row boat. "Hey, look! We could ask that guy to row us across--if his boat's big enough to fit the three of us and him..."

"Worth a shot." Brock smiled as he motioned for Ash to follow Misty down to the shore, where the fisherman had just cast his line.

"Forgive us for interrupting your fishing, sir, but would you be so kind to take us across the river?" Misty asked as she approached the man.

"Sure--I'll take you three across in exchange for a captured Sudowoodo, a species of Pokemon which supposedly lives on a mountain not far from here." the fisherman replied. "There haven't been very many bites lately since all those crews started working on a new bridge."

"Thanks!" Misty replied as she climbed in the boat.

---------

"Thanks again for the ride!" Ash smiled as the group disembarked some time later.

"We'll leave no stone unturned in looking for your Sudowoodo." Misty agreed, waving goodbye as the fisherman started back towards the shore they had come from.

She heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Michelle, come help us look for something!"

[What is it you need to find?] Michelle asked as she materialized on the grass.

"One of these." Ash replied, showing Michelle his Pokedex:

"Sudowoodo, the imitation Pokemon. Although it always pretends to be a tree, its composition appears to be closer to a rock than a plant."

[Okay, I'll keep an eye out.] Michelle assured Ash.

She then spotted what she thought was a tree swaying in the breeze, but looking closer revealed that the "tree" had legs and spindly arms. That's odd-what tree has arms and legs?

[Misty, I think I found your Sudowoodo!] she called.

"Where?" Misty asked. She looked in the direction Michelle was pointing, but only saw trees and bushes. "I don't see any Sudowoodo..."

She gasped when she saw something tree-like running through the brush. "There it is!"

"Follow that 'woodo!" Brock called as he led the others into the forest.

---------

"I think we lost it..." Ash reported as the group arrived in a clearing some time later.

"And it'll take us forever to find it again..." Misty muttered, not pleased at the process of searching the entire forest for a Pokemon skilled at camouflage.

Some voices in the distance snapped her to attention. "Someone's here..."

Brock peeked through the brush to find a man and a woman in lab coats standing on tree stumps and arguing. After listening to the back and forth for a while, he decided to try and mediate the argument. "What seems to be the trouble here?" he asked, motioning for Ash and Misty to come out from the brush.

"First, allow us to introduce ourselves, traveler--I'm Pierre, and this is my partner Marie." the man began, spurring the woman to wave hello.

"We're up here in the mountains to work on a paper about the local habitat and the Sudowoodo." Marie explained. "But our big sticking point is Sudowoodo's type..."

"Our problem is this: I agree with the general scientific consensus that Sudowoodo is a Rock type." Pierre explained. "My colleague and partner Marie doubts that assertion, citing its Grass-type appearance and reports of the Pokémon using Fire-type attacks."

"Very intriguing, indeed..." Brock mused. "How did you both find the means to support your claims?"

"I looked through the known scientific literature, while Marie prefers going out in the field." Pierre explained.

Ash reached for the Poke Ball holding his Pidgeot. "I have an idea: I can send out my Pidgeot Mina to search for the elusive Pokémon--maybe another pair of eyes can see something human eyes can't!"

---------

"Okay, Mina--good luck!" Ash smiled as the Pidgeot prepared to take off.

[I'll be back soon!] Mina replied before flying off from the cliff overlooking the researcher's cabin.

"So, what have you two found on Sudowoodo so far?" Misty wondered as she watched Mina soar above the trees.

"Well, we've learned that Sudowoodo can appear similar to many types of trees, even to the extent of changing colors with the seasons." Marie began as Pierre met the group back at the cabin.

"I doubt that Sudowoodo is a Grass-type...." Pierre interjected. "According to 'Pokemon and Their Behavior', Sudowoodo gather branches to look like trees."

Just then, Ash heard a familiar squawk, and hurried to meet Mina. "Find anything?"

[I've found a Sudowoodo not far from here--hurry before it runs!] Mina explained before taking off to the west. Ash nodded, and motioned for the others to follow him down a path, where the Sudowoodo was contemplating how to cross a pond.

Ash gasped as he saw the Sudowoodo fleeing into the brush, and heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Luce, follow that Sudowoodo!"

Brock gasped in awe as the tiny Mareep ran after the Sudowoodo, going so quickly that it glowed white, revealing a familiar pink sheep Pokemon. "I don't believe it...Luce was so determined to catch our Sudowoodo, she's become a Flaaffy!"

Just then, the desperate Sudowoodo turned around and used what looked to the group like Vine Whip. Luce easily deflected the vine with a Headbutt, sending Sudowoodo's "Vine Whip" into the hands of Marie. "This wasn't a Vine Whip attack at all--our Sudowoodo was simply holding a vine." she sighed, showing the group the vine.

"Luce, try and use Power Gem on Sudowoodo!" Ash commanded.

The Sudowoodo then appeared to use Razor Leaf, but the leaves were all dried up. "I don't think that even looked like an attack..." Brock noted.

Just then, the group gasped as teh Sudowoodo suddenly lashd out with a very real-looking Vine Whip, sending Luce flying. "Try a different Pokemon, and see if it uses the same attacks!" Marie called to Ash.

Ash nodded, and heaved a second Poke Ball skyward. "Let's go, River!"

The Sudowoodo did a taunting dance, but River copied the dance step for step for a moment, as if challenging the Sudowoodo.

Her master's voice snapped River to reality. "River, Tackle that Sudowoodo!"

[HAAAAHHH!!!] River screeched as she barreled towards the tree-like Pokemon, but the Sudowoodo narrowly stepped out of the way. Next, River attempted Water Gun, but the Sudowoodo jumped to avoid every spray.

Misty seemed to notice the Sudowoodo's desperate efforts to avoid the Marill's attacks. "Sudowoodo seems to hate water..."

"That would make it consistent with the Rock-type." Brock agreed.

"Okay, River! You have permission to Play Rough with Sudowoodo!" Ash called to the angry Marill.

As River barreled towards the Sudowoodo, it ran through the brush until it suddenly disappeared into the ground. "Did it just use Dig?" Ash wondered.

"If that was the case, that would make Sudowoodo a Ground type..." Marie replied.

The group sweatdropped as the Sudowoodo came back up - in a net. "Surprise!" Ash and the others balked when they found Team Rocket staring back at them in very convincing tree costumes, complete with Jessie hanging the net from her fake foliage.

"Not so surprised anymore..." Ash growled. "I've heard your stupid motto a zillion times by now..."

"All right, since you've heard it, we'll spare you the trouble!" Jessie smirked.

"But in return, watch as we make you twerps see double!" James agreed.

"What do you mean by that?" Ash demanded.

James just grinned, making a tooth sparkle. "Weezing, use Smokescreen!"

Weezing nodded, and unleashed a massive cloud of smoke at the group, leading to the group, Marie, and Pierre coughing uncontrollably. "They're gone..." Misty sputtered before coughing some more.

"And they took the Sudowoodo with them." Brock managed to whisper before coughing again.

Ash coughed up the last of the smoke, then groaned. "Maybe that was what they meant by seeing double..." he mused as he wiped his watering eyes...

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 60: Type Casting (part 2)

Meanwhile, in Team Rocket's hollow tree hideout, not even the three hoodlums could agree on what type their captive was. "I have to agree with the scientist we swiped the Sudowoodo from--it has to be a Rock type!" James vowed.

"But then why does it resemble a tree?" Jessie countered. "That makes it a grass type!"

"HEY!!!" Meowth screeched, quieting the argument. "Look, I've been listenin' ta you guys squabble ova our captives type for hours now, and I've got an idear: Why don't we ask da Sudowoodo ourselves what type it is?"

With that, he climbed down an ivy ladder, where the Sudowoodo was slumped against the tree trunk. "Look, we just wanna know what type ya are, 'kay? So will ya tell us?"

[Why don't we get something to eat?] the Sudowoodo groaned.

"Okay, will ya tell us if we give ya food?" Meowth asked.

The Sudowoodo heard its stomach growl, then sighed [I'm the type that wants to eat.]

"Ooh..." Jessie stormed down the ivy rope to confront the Sudowoodo. "I know what type you are! You're the type that drives people crazy!"

Just then, she spotted the fisherman from before from a hole in the hollow tree. "Hey, look! There's a fisherman out on the water! Maybe if we asked very nicely, we could ask for a ride across the river."

"Good idea!" James agreed as he led the way out with the Sudowoodo, with Meowth bringing up the rear.

---------

"How do I know you guys aren't trying to pull a fast one on me?" the fisherman asked some time later, suspicious of the Rockets and the Sudowoodo. "Besides, that Sudowoodo doesn't even look healthy!"

"Never fear!" james assured the fisherman as he triumphantly produced a watering can that resembled a Squirtle. "Sudowoodo has to be a Grass type, so a little water should perk it right up!"

He did not however, expect the Sudowoodo to unleash an earth-shattering scream and attempt to run away. While Jessie and Meowth made a heroic effort to hold onto the rope around the Sudowoodo; James slowly, agonizingly poured some water, but he gasped in horror as the rope broke at the last second, prompting the Sudowoodo to dash off into the forest.

AS the Rockets gave chase, they did not expect the old fisherman to follow them. "Don't let that Sudowoodo get away! I'm gonna see if I can get it myself!"

---------

"It's no use...Ash sighed as he slumped against a tree. "We're never gonna find the Sudowoodo at this rate..."

[Well, if we're never gonna find it at this rate, then what's that brown thing on the rock?] Tintri asked, pointing out the Sudowoodo standing on a rock holding tree branches.

Piqued, Ash started toward the nervous Sudowoodo, only to gasp as it dashed away, leaving the tree branches behind. "Uh oh!"

"I've got this!" With that, Brock hurried off after the Sudowoodo, making sure to keep it in his line of sight as the Sudowoodo zig-zagged through brush, around lakes, and over mushrooms and tree roots, finally managing to corner it in a grassy clearing, making a flying leap to hold it down moments before Ash and Misty arrived.

"Did you get it?" Ash asked before wincing at the odd sight he saw--Brock licking the Sudowoodo as if it was an oversized candy bar. "Ooookay....why is Brock licking the Sudowoodo like a Growlithe?"

Misty sighed. "It's official...Brock's gone off the deep end. Audience? You think Brock's gone off the deep end? Cast your votes now."

[What audience?] Tintri asked as Brock forgot about licking the Sudowoodo and climbed off of it.

"I had to do SOMETHING to calm it down...since Growlithe licking is supposed to calm people, why not try it on a Pokemon?" Brock explained.

"The things we do as trainers..." Ash was unimpressed.

Brock then remembered his stash of Pokechow in his bag, and eagerly dug out a few pieces. "Hungry, big guy?"

He smiled as the Sudowoodo eagerly scarfed down the small meaty ball. "Good 'woodo! Who's a good 'woodo?" he cooed as he left a trail of the Pokechow leading to Pierre and Marie's lab.

"It's working!" Misty smiled, pleased the Sudowoodo was willingly following them.

---------

"All right, Sudowoodo...will you use Vine Whip for me?" Marie asked as she prepared to take notes.

"I'll give you more yummy food if you do!" Brock offered, holding out three more Pokechow balls. However, the Sudowoodo vigorously shook its head no.

"That's weird...it wanted to follow us before..." Misty mused.

"Ash...try using one of your Pokémon to get Sudowoodo to use Vine Whip." Marie suggested.

Ash nodded. "Okay, Tintri...use Thundershock!"

[HAAAH!!!!] Tintri screeched as he fired an electric jolt at the odd tree Pokemon. He did not however, expect the Sudowoodo to absorb the electricity and turn it back at him! [Gah!]

Pierre arrived in the room, holding a book. "Here we are...it says here that one of Sudowoodo's attacks is Mimic, an attack that imitates other attacks."

Something then dawned on Marie. "So that's how Sudowoodo can use unusual attacks...it mimicked the local Grass Pokemon's Vine Whip and Tintri's Thundershock."

"To prove that Sudowoodo is indeed a Rock-type, watch what happens when I try to spray it with water."

Both scientists watched as the Sudowoodo jumped to avoid the water spray, sending it flying out the window. Moments later, it found itself surrounded by Ash and friends, Team Rocket, and the old fisherman.

Marie smiled when she saw the old fisherman. "Grandad! Fancy seeing you here!"

"Grandad?" Ash was intrigued.

"Marie is in fact my dear granddaughter." the fisherman explained. "I was looking for a Sudowoodo because Marie had wanted to find one for her research--and I was prepared to go to the ends of the world to find one, too."

"Aw, how sweet..." Jessie sarcastically cooed before heaving a Poke Ball. "You want the Sudowoodo so bad? Let's battle for it!" she challenged as Arbok materialized on the grass.

"Cyndy, let's go!" Ash heaved a Poke Ball skyward.

Both sides watched as Arbok lunged to Tackle Cyndy, only for Sudowoodo to grab Arbok in mid strike and slam it into the ground.

When Arbok recovered some moments later, he saw Sudowoodo pointing to the right. Eager to defeat the odd tree Pokemon, Arbok lunged at the Sudowoodo, only to be the recipient of a Faint Attack, followed by a Low Kick. The Low Kick was enough to send Arbok flying to the ground, swirly eyed.

"Hm...Sudowoodo's sly style would fit perfectly with Team Rocket, actually." Jessie mused as she recalled the fainted Arbok.

She looked over at Sahana the Wobbufett. "You try making a move on this 'woodo!"

"Cyndy, use Flamethrower on the Wobbuffet!" Ash called, seconds before Sahana could try Countering the Sudowoodo.

He balked when he saw Sudowoodo, stand in front of the Flamethrower and send it right back at Cyndy! "Look out, Cyndy!"

Cyndy veered out of the way of the stream of fire, then circled around in an attempt to Tackle Sahana, but she did not expect Sahana to use Counter [WAAAAAAAAAA!!!] she screeched as she went flying onto the ground by Ash's feet.

Inspired, Misty heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Pearl, I need you!"

"Good news is, Cyndy's surprisingly none the worse for wear after that huge attack." Ash reported as he massaged Cyndy a little.

"That's great--have Cyndy distract Sahana--I have an idea..." Misty suggested.

"Okay...Cyndy, try Flamethrower again!" Ash called.

He watched Sahana prepare to Counter Cyndy's Flamethrower, but smiled when Pearl sprayed him with a Water Gun. I see...since Wobbufett can only Counter one move at a time, Misty wanted him to counter something else, leaving him vulnerable to another attack!

[And now for the Cheri Berry on top of this victory...] Pearl smiled before unleashing a powerful spray, sending Team Rocket flying off into the sky with a ping.

Brock sighed as he saw the Sudowoodo dash away. "And there it goes again..."

"Let it go." Marie assured him. "Our problem's solved--Sudowoodo is definitely a Rock-type."

Pierre smiled. "I'm glad you questioned the known literature, Marie--since how are we to learn and grow as a society if we don't challenge the status quo?"

"I wholeheartedly agree!" Ash smiled.

"Besides, if you didn't question the literature, we never would have learned so much about the mysterious Pokémon Sudowoodo. Can you find it in your heart to forgive your colleague?"

"Of course." Marie replied as she embraced her partner. "And I want to thank you three for your help, as well--name what you want, and it's yours."

"Well, all we really want is to cross the river so we can get to Ecruteak City." Ash explained.

Marie nodded. "I'll tell Grandad to have his best boat ready for you three."

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 61: Fossil Fools

"So this is the Ruins of Alph Ethan and Lyra were telling us about..." Misty mused as the group arrived in a site full of caves and rock formations.

"Mm-hm...it says here that many fossils of ancient Pokémon, including Omanyte and Omastar have been discovered here." Brock explained, showing Misty a picture of an Omanyte in the guidebook.

Ash gasped when he saw an outline of a familiar winged dinosaur Pokemon in a rock. "Is that...an Aerodactyl?"

"You'd be correct, Ash." a voice replied. "The easiest way to recognize a fossilized Aerodactyl is by its arrow-shaped tail."

Ash whirled around to see Prof. Oak approaching them. "Professor...what are you doing here?"

"One of my colleagues has made a mysterious discovery, so I came to help out." Prof. Oak explained before motioning to a black haired young man in researcher's garb. "This is Foster, a young scientist who is one of my top students."

"Nice to meet you three." Foster replied before motioning for Prof. Oak to come closer. "Mr. Oak, this is a very important matter, and it would be dangerous if any information were leaked..."

"You have nothing to worry about, Foster--Ash, Misty and Brock are serious Pokémon trainers, and won't tell anyone unless you give your express permission to do so." Prof Oak replied.

"Yeah! We won't tell a soul or post a word of it to Pokebook!" Ash agreed.

"Trainer's honor!" Misty grinned, making the three fingered scout sign.

"My lips are sealed, and throw away the key." Brock agreed, pantomiming drawing a zipper across his lips, and throwing something away to prove his point.

Foster chuckled. "All right, I will hold you to your promise, then."

As the group made their way through the site, Ash noticed a man gently washing a bone. "What's that guy doing?"

"He's removing the dirt from a fossil we just found this morning by using a special device which uses a water jet in order to not damage the fragment." Foster explained. "It came from the east end of the ruins, actually."

Just then, the water from the device slowed to a trickle. "Foster, the pump is being stubborn again..." the man called.

Foster sighed. "We've been having water flow problems lately." he explained as he gently stretched the pump's hose, allowing the water to flow again.

"Where does the water come from?" Prof. Oak wondered.

"it's a natural crystal clear water reservoir deep in the woods." Foster replied as the group arrived at a small cabin overlooking the site, which served as Foster's lab.

"Wow..." the group gasped as they gawked at all the fossils and other artifacts lining the walls. "It's like someone moved the Pewter Museum in here..." Ash mused.

"Or at least a tiny fraction of the collection." Brock explained. "The museum has millions of items on display, and they are continually rotated out, so what you see and interact with constantly changes. A place like this would be equal to maybe a single room, if that."

"You have quite the modest collection here..." Prof. Oak agreed as he admired a rock with cave paintings on it in one display case.

"Our studies have found that the first Pokémon appeared 2,000,000 years ago, and all Pokémon have their origins in the ancient seas." Foster explained. "However, this is only one possible theory of how Pokemon came to be."

Foster's observation got Misty excited. "If that's actually true, I can only imagine what the ancient Water Pokemon looked like!" she gasped, her eyes turning to stars as she imagined a prehistoric landscape populated with what she imagined the fossils in the display cases looked like as living creatures.

A guitar playing an A major chord snapped her back to reality. "Am I gonna have to sing?" Brock threatened.

"Okay! I'll keep my praise of Water Pokemon to myself!" Misty pleaded. "Save the folktale ballads for the campfire!"

Prof. Oak chuckled. "Oh, come now, Brock...I'm sure you sound lovely."

Even Foster was smiling. "If you need new inspiration for a song about the prehistoric Pokemon, come with me."

---------

Some moments later, the group arrived at a metal door that read AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEES ONLY. "What you are about to see is a place 2,000,000 years in the Poké-past." Foster explained as he swiped a key card, then opened the door.

"Whoa..." the group gasped as the looked out upon the recreation of an ancient forest, complete with all manner of animatronic Pokemon, including an animatronic Aerodactyl that seemed to glance at Ash as it flew past.

"What is this place?" Misty gasped.

"I would like to welcome you three to the Ancient Pokémon Study Park." Foster explained as he made a grand gesture to the ancient forest. "This is a special interactive and unique environment which recreates the ancient Pokémon world. If all goes according to plan, it will open for the public next week."

"Amazing--I would be first in line!" Ash smiled, giggling at Tintri gawking at an animatronic pale blue dinosaur Pokemon with colorful wings on its head.

Then he remembered what Prof. Oak had said before. "So, what was your mysterious discovery?" he asked as the group arrived at a lake, where a huge animatronic Kabutops was preying on a fish.

Prof. Oak was about to answer when some digging got his attention, and an Omastar and two Omanyte came out of the water. "More animatronics?" Misty asked.

"Actually, these are real." Foster replied.

A smile formed on Prof. Oak's face as the two Omanytes and the Omastar burrowed in the sand. "You know...Omanyte was what inspired me to become a professor--many, many years ago, of course!"

"Really?" Ash was impressed, and at the same time amazed at the smaller octopus-like Pokemon and its larger brethren.

Prof. Oak nodded. "When I was just a lad, my first grade class visited the Pewter Museum--back when it was a little smaller than it is today. As we toured the fossil room, I saw an Omanyte shell, and I promised myself I would learn all I could about Pokemon--a task I still continue to enjoy today."

"I believe that the two Omanytes and the Omastar's natural habitat was disturbed, so they came here." Foster explained. "It's still a theory, however."

---------

"Come on, we don't have all day to pump all the water out of here!" Jessie warned as Meowth finished yet another bottle of water, annoyed at why James was taking so long to fix the pump.

"I'm working as fast as I can..." James assured his companion before discovering an Omanyte stuck in the pump. "Huh...no wonder the pump was jammed." he mused as he carefully pulled the Omanyte out.

"Who knows--where dere's one Omanyte, dere has ta be more!" Meowth smiled. "Not ta mention more watta for us ta drain!"

"Uh huh..." the three Rockets sneered.

---------

"There's another one!" Misty pointed out another Omanyte on a surveillance camera.

"Well, after asking around the site, the ones you guys saw before appeared the same day we had water problems." Foster explained as Misty allowed Ash to have a look at the camera.

Just then, the door opened. "Boss! The water has stopped flowing completely." the female scientist reported. "Now we can't wash any more of our finds from the dig site."

"Something must be going on at the reservoir." Foster mused.

"We'll go with you to check it out!" Ash offered as the group made their way outside. "And deal with any intruders."

Once outside, Ash heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Mina, help us out!"

[You called?] Mina asked as she materialized on the ground.

"Fly on ahead of us to the reservoir, and see what could be down there." Ash explained as he climbed into the back seat of an SUV, next to Misty.

"She'll need to fly west of here." Foster explained as he waited for the Trio to buckle up.

Mina nodded. [I'll be back soon with any news.] With that, she flew off as Ash buckled up.

---------

...70 bottles of juice on the wall, 70 bottles of juice on the wall, if one of those bottles should happen to fall, 69 bottles of juice on the wall... the Trio enthusiastically sang. Even Misty was enjoying singing the annoying car song. 69 bottles of juice on the wall, 69 bottles of juice on the wall, if one of those bottles should happen to fall, 68 bottles of juice on the wall.

68 bottles of juice on the wall, 68 bottles of juice on the wall, if one of those bottles should happen to fall, 67 bottles of juice on the wall.

67 bottles of juice on the wall, 67 bottles of juice on the wall, if one of those bottles should happen to fall, 66 bottles of juice on the wall...

Just then, Mina flew down from the sky, and glided down to Ash's eye level, interrupting the Trio's song. [Okay...there is something at the reservoir, and you're not going to like it.] she reported as the SUV pulled into a parking lot overlooking the reservoir

Brock noticed Team Rocket loading their balloon with hundreds of Omanytes and Omastars in the distance. "Can I shoot down the balloon again?" he asked Ash as he unbuckled his seat belt.

"Get your gear, but let's see if the balloon is going to take off first." Ash replied. Brock nodded, and walked back around to the trunk to retrieve his archery gear.

After the group made their way up the hill, Meowth spotted them. "Hey! If ya want dese Pokemon, too bad! We found them foist!"

Just then, Prof. Oak arrived, where he saw the group and Team Rocket staring each other down. "It makes sense now! The Omanyte and Omastar from the Park came when Team Rocket started pumping the water!"

"Please, these Pokemon are important to our research!" Foster pleaded. "Please, give them back!"

Jessie just sneered at the young scientist. "You want them?" she challenged as she summoned Arbok.

"Come and get'em!" James agreed as he summoned Weezing.

Ash looked at Tintri as both Arbok and Weezing. "Showtime, bud."

[Yeah!] Tintri bounded off Ash's shoulder, nimbly leaping over Arbok's Poison Sting and Weezing's Sludge before unleashing a Thunderbolt, followed by a Tackle which sent both Pokemon flying into their masters.

Jessie seemed unusually calm as Tintri's Thunderbolt made the pump explode. "Why must you twerps make everything so difficult?" she grumbled as she recalled her swirly-eyed Arbok.

"The balloon's taking off!" Misty cried as the Meowth balloon--with the Omanytes and Omastars inside, began to rise in the sky. "What do we do now?"

"They won't get very far with how much they're carrying..." Prof. Oak assured Misty. "Their cargo creates too much drag, making it difficult to fly at best."

A smile formed on Ash's face as the balloon came to a stop due to the overload of Pokémon. "Now you're clear to shoot." he grinned at Brock.

"Got it!" Brock jogged further up the hill, nocked an arrow, and fired, bringing Team Rocket down to earth with a POW!.

[And now for the finishing touch!] Tintri called to the freed Omanytes and Omastars.

As if on cue, the Omanytes and Omastars blasted a huge water spray along with Tintri's Thunderbolt, sending the Rockets flying off with a ping.

---------

"Where are we going?" Ash wondered as he watched the Omastar and Omanyte dig a hole in the depths of the water.

Once the tunnel was done, an Omastar motioned for the group to follow it underground.

The tunnel eventually came out by a waterfall connected to a cave full of Omanyte and Omastar. "There's your ancient water Pokemon wonderland." Brock grinned at Misty, who was admiring the beautiful cave and its glittering crystals in awe.

"I can't even begin to thank you three for saving my research from those hoodlums." Foster smiled.

"Ash saves the day yet again!" Prof. Oak smiled. "Now you know why I speak very highly of him and his companions."

"Wherever your journeys take you three, the professor and I will be cheering you on." Foster went on before hugging Ash. "I hope you guys have an enjoyable and safe journey."

"Aw, it was nothing!" Ash smiled as he invited Tintri aboard his shoulder again. "All in a day's work!"

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 62: Hassle in the Castle


Thunder rolled overhead as the three companions raced down the road to escape the oncoming storm. "We have to find shelter, and quickly!" Misty called.

"This way!" Ash pointed out a majestic castle looming over the roadside. "I'd be willing to brave ghosts if it meant we stayed dry!"

"Ghosts?" Misty shuddered as the group raced inside the castle's front gate...only to find a line of people under a covered walkway leading inside the castle. "Maybe there's not any ghosts here..."

Sure enough, a sign reading "LORE STAGE HERE TODAY" got her attention. "I'd much rather hear stories about ghosts than seeing real ones."

"I was wondering when we'd find another Lore Stage...I'm so ready to try for another stripe!" Brock was equally excited as he dashed off to the check in booth, Ash and Misty not far behind him.

"Well, fancy seeing you guys again!" a familiar female voice called as Brock started filling out his check-in sheet.

Misty whirled around to see Alex and Keely arriving. "Alex, Keely, hi!"

Ash noticed that Keely also had a red stripe of a rainbow on her jacket. "Oh, you're competing in the Lore Stage too?"

"Sure am! I've only been performing for a short time, so I thought it'd be fun to see how my skills measure up against other storytellers around the world." Keely explained as Brock finished checking in. "So you can consider me a friendly rival, if you'd like."

"I don't think the Lore Stage was meant to have rivalries, but okay." Brock grinned. "I'm just doing this for the experience myself--winning it all would just be the Cheri Berry on top."

"Some tellers do take the Lore Stage as serious as the Pokemon League or a contest, but the main goal of the Lore Stage is to trade tales from around the world." Alex explained "The theme for this Lore Stage, appropriately enough, is scary stories, so come with your best campfire tales."

"I've got a scary tale in mind, but with a bit of an adventurous slant to it." Brock explained as he watched Keely check in. "So a scary tale need not be all those ghost stories you heard at summer camp as a kid."

"Really?" Keely was intrigued. "I can't wait to hear it!"

---------

A pop of a Poke Ball got Misty's attention as a tiny bat Pokemon materialized near her. "Oh, it's just you, Hitomi..." she giggled at the Zubat as the performer onstage concluded his tale, to some applause.

[You forget I'm a fan of my master too...] the Zubat squeaked. [When's Brock gonna be on?]

"Well, Keely's on next, then a few other people, and then it will be Brock's turn." Misty explained as the stage was cleared off.

"J-832716, performing 'The Haunted Shrine'" an announcer told the large crowd in the castle's cavernous ballroom, where Keely was just arriving on the stage to perform.

Once all is quiet, Keely begins "Long ago in a far away land, a certain lord lived in an enormous castle on top of a hill. One day, he woke up with the desire for a new suit to wear to public ceremonies and balls."

She then intones "But there was another reason for the new suit."

Giggles of anticipation fill the air. "So he sent for his tailor, but his tailor refused to do his master's bidding this day." Keely continues.

"Why?" a child asks. "Aren't you supposed to do as you're told?"

"You see, the master wished not only for a suit, but he wished his tailor to sew that suit in the shrine above his castle." Keely explains to her audience. "Everyone knew that shrine was haunted, and who knew what horrible things happened at night in those hallowed halls?"

The audience shudders at the question, mostly out of excitement. "The lord thought he could end the curse by having his suit made in the shrine." Keely goes on. "And so he sought a brave tailor. 'There'll be a fine reward,' he promised, and many a tailor applied for the job. But when they heard about the haunted shrine, they changed their minds."

"I would too if I had to make a suit in a haunted shrine." Brock muses.

"At long last, a brave young man appeared." Keely continues, ignoring Brock's comment. "Like the others, the boy--who we'll call Thomas--had heard tales of the hauntings and horrors, but he didn't mind. He loved a good challenge of bravery. He longed for the reward. It helped that he was proud of his sewing talents."

"I accept!" she calls in the role of Thomas.

As herself, she continues. "...he told the lord, and he was hired that afternoon. That evening, just before sunset, Thomas arrived in the glen above the castle and into the big stone shrine. It was dark inside as he sat down in a pew, so Thomas lit a candle. Then he took his sewing kit from his bag and set to work."

Misty grins as Keely pantomimes sewing for effect. "Thomas was skilled with needle and thread, and he had a plan in mind for the design. But most importantly, Thomas loved his work." Keely explains. "Time passed swiftly, and the suit started to take shape."

Brock smiles as Keely decides to softly scat "The Hearthome Pilgrim" as she works on the pantomime suit. "Nice touch."

"The hours passed, and Thomas hummed and worked." Keely narrates. "But just after midnight, he felt the floor beneath him shake like an earthquake. He looked around. But even as he looked, his fingers continued to sew."

Ash swallows hard at this. "Suddenly, a human head began to rise up through the stone floor beneath Thomas' feet. Thomas didn't mind. He wasn't afraid of ghosts -- or so he said. He simply sewed on, and when that frightful head was fully visible, Thomas heard a deep, groaning voice ask..." Keely then addresses Ash in a deeper version of herself. "You there! Don't you see my head?"

"I see it, but I am sewing this," Ash replies as Thomas, to giggles from the audience at the impromptu participation.

"...and he continued to stitch away, pleased to see how the suit was coming along." Keely assures the crowd as herself. "The head rose higher and higher until a thick, strong neck appeared -- a neck so strong, the veins throbbed and pulsed as if the ghostly being were alive. The voice came again, this time louder and deeper..."

She then asks Ash in her ghostly persona "Don't you see this great neck of mine?"

"I see it, but I am sewing this," Ash replies as Thomas.

"The head rose higher and higher until broad shoulders and a mighty chest appeared. Now the voice roared..." Keely then addresses Ash a third time as her persona. "Do you see this great chest of mine?"

"I see it, but I am sewing this." Ash replies as Thomas.

Some of the children in the audience are visibly shaking in fear as Keely continues describing the monster. "That head and neck and shoulders and chest rose still higher until two muscular, strong arms began to wave, and the voice boomed...

"Do you see these great arms of mine that could squeeze you to bits?" she asks as her persona.

"I see those, but I am sewing this," Ash replies as Thomas, to some nervous giggles.

"Time was passing, and Thomas knew he had to finish the suit, and soon." Keely narrates as herself, pantomiming sewing faster as she continues "He sewed more quickly still, as the creature rose higher and higher. Soon a long, strong leg and enormous foot appeared and pounded the stone floor. The voice cried..."

"Do you see this massive leg of mine?" she asks as her persona.

"I see it, but I am sewing this," Ash replies as Thomas, but even Misty can hear a note of fear in his voice.

"He took such long stitches that the suit was almost complete when a second leg appeared -- this one longer still, and stronger, too." Keely goes on. "Then, just before the monster ghost could stand, Thomas finished his work." She finishes the pantomime suit at this point. "He blew out the candle, rose from the pew, and clutching that suit to his chest, he raced out of the shrine."

"D-d-did Thomas get away from the monster?" Misty stammers.

"As he ran, the monster ghost roared and stamped and began to chase after him." Keely intones. "Thomas raced through the glen as fast as lightning, with the monster ghost not far behind. It roared..."

"Stop right where you are, or you'll be sorry!" she demands in her ghostly persona, making some of the kids in the crowd scream with fear and delight.

As herself, she goes on "...but Thomas only clutched the suit more tightly and picked up speed.

"I won't listen to the monster ghost," Ash interjects as Thomas, to more giggles from the crowd.

"...and soon he reached the castle, dashed through the gate and slammed it closed behind him." Keely narrates. "The monster ghost, stopped by the great iron gate, pounded on the walls of the castle. His fists left marks in those walls that are still visible to this day."

"Must've been some strong ghost..." Brock muses.

"But the creature could not breach the enormous walls of the castle, and so Thomas earned his reward." Keely calms the jittery audience down. "Naturally, everyone lived happily ever after -- but they say after that day, the shrine was no longer haunted."

Relieved applause goes up at this. "Wow, you even had me and Pikachu scared, Keely." Ash smiled as Keely returned to the holding area, near where Ash and Misty were sitting.

"Yeah, that even gave ME the willies, and this is coming from someone who's sat through hundreds of scary movies for a sibling's sake." Brock agreed.

He was about to say more when his competitor ID was announced. "Number K-93098, performing the tale 'The Three Valleys'."

"Good luck!" Ash whispered as Brock make his way to the stage to perform.

Once sure his guitar and his needed props were in order and the audience was quiet, Brock begins his performance over a tense melody. "Long ago, there lived a count, who had many castles and estates, and a beautiful daughter. But no one liked him, for it was rumored he was in cahoots with Darkrai, the Nightmare Pokemon. At some time or another, his servants would all vanish without a trace."

Everyone shudders in anticipation. "The last who disappeared was the shepherd. When he did not return to the castle, the whole town turned out to look for him, to no avail." Brock continues. "After this, no one would enter the Count's service, but eventually, a bold, handsome young man--we'll call him Dolan--presented himself. He had traveled far as a soldier, and blew off evil spirits as fairy tales. The count immediately hired him, and said he could take the Mareep out wherever he liked, but never go into the three valleys to the east of the castle."

Keely swallows hard as she pictures what horrors await in the three valleys. "For a time all went well--Dolan drove the Mareep into the rich meadows around the castle as his master had ordered, and led a very comfortable life." Brock continues. "But he was always thinking of the three valleys, and being a brave young man who did not fear evil spirits, he one day took the bow and arrows he had used on the battlefield, restrung his bow, and said, as he struck his rusty sword against the ground...."

"I will see who dares to harm me in the three valleys! They'd better not mess with me!" he proclaims in a mimic of Ash for Dolan, to the real Ash's bemusement.

As himself, Brock continues "So going towards the east, he soon arrived with his Mareep in the first valley, where he found beautiful meadows where he could safely leave his flock. He looked carefully, but, except for the Beautiflies fluttering to and fro..." He weaves the notes that match "Ai-yai-yai, I'm your little Beautifly!" into the uneasy melody he is playing, to giggles from the crowd. "...and the humming of the Combees, there was neither sound nor movement."

Brock pauses to look at Ash as he continues "Then he sat down beneath a tree and began to play his flute to pass the time."

Just then, someone grabs a drum and proceeds to provide a beat, over which Ash, from his post in the audience, plays a set of two tunes. But the guitar playing an ominous chord quiets the applause. "Suddenly, there arose a crashing and cracking as if some mighty Pokemon were breaking through the bushes." Brock intones. "Before our hero could nock an arrow, a powerful giant stood before him and cried..."

In a low deep voice for the giant, he intones "What are you doing here with your grass-eaters, destroying my meadows, you insolent fellow? You will pay for this!"

Misty yelps in fear, but the grin on Brock's face assures her all is well. "He did not wait for an answer, but heaved his spear with all his might at Dolan, who dove behind the oak, and the spear sank so deep that the point stuck out the other side."

Brock pauses to set his guitar aside and retrieve his archery gear, nocking a shot of his own as he goes on "Then, nocking an arrow to his bow, he took aim, and struck the giant so hard of the forehead that he fell with a deep groan to the ground."

The crowd watches as Brock fires, only to applaud when they see he hit the bullseye of a target on the castle's right wall. "Before he had time to get up, Dolan bounded forward and ran his sword through his adversary's neck, killing him."

Cheers go up at the giant's demise. "Dolan took the giant's sword and armor, and was about to return home, when he spotted a stately castle in a clearing." Brock continues. "The doors were wide open, so he went inside. In the spacious hall stood a stone table, and on the table stood a cup covered with a silver plate with this message:

Who drinks of this cup
Shall overcome the nightmare."

"Did he drink the potion?" Alex asks.

"Well, Dolan had no confidence in the words or the drink, and left the cup untouched." Brock replies as he trades his archery gear for a prop sword. "He laid the dead giant's armor in the hall; then, taking the key with him, he returned home with his flock, and went to bed without mentioning his adventure to anyone."

Over a calm interlude, he continues "The next day he tended his Mareep on the mountain slopes surrounding the castle, but the second day he wondered what else was out there; so, girding on the sword he had taken from the dead giant, he started with his flock for the second valley, in hopes of fresh adventure. Here also were beautiful pastures, if possible richer and more luxuriant than in the first valley; the flowers breathed forth their fragrance, the birds sang sweetly, and through the meadows meandered a stream clear as crystal, by whose bank Dolan lay down to rest. He was just thinking that all adventure and danger were past when an enormous block of rock fell on the ground near him, and a voice rough and wild, like that of a bear, said..."

"What are you doing here with your grass-eaters, you insolent fellow?" he demands in character as a giant, making Keely jump.

As himself, he continues "And from behind a wall of rock stepped a mighty giant, brandishing a massive stone club. He aimed a blow at Dolan, who ducked behind the rock which the giant had thrown as his first greeting, and the club descending on the stone, which shattered in a million pieces from the force of the blow."

Brock draws his prop blade for effect. "Quick as lightning Dolan drew his sword, and with one stroke cut through the sinews in the bend of the giant's knee, who fell to the ground with a loud roar." he narrates as he pantomimes fighting an imagined opponent. "He lashed out wildly with his fists, but a well-directed thrust through the heart soon quieted him."

He continues as he sheathes his prop weapon "Dolan left him lying there, and turned towards the wall of rock. Here he found a massive door concealed among the thicket. Through this he passed, and entered a hall-like cavern, in which, at a stone manger, stood a shining snow-white Ponyta with blue fire for its mane, saddled for battle, and over the manger was engraved the following: 'Who rides aboard on this legendary steed, Epona, will overcome the nightmare.'"

"I am strong enough to take care of myself, and I do not want to overcome the Nightmare Pokemon, he has always left me in peace; but I will remember that here stands a fine Ponyta on which I can ride forth into the wide world." he muses as Dolan.

"He threw fresh oats into the manger, shut the door, and returned home." Brock continues as himself over a tense melody. "The next few days he remained very quiet, lest his movements might have been observed; then, as no one questioned him, he drove his Mareep into the third valley. Beautiful meadows glittered in the sunshine; from a hill of rock a waterfall splashed down, forming a small sea in which many fish Pokemon of all kinds frolicked. Dolan looked around, searched under every bush, but found nothing. No sound was heard save the continued splish, splash of the cool water. The day was very hot, and Dolan was just preparing for a swim in the fresh, clear water, when from out a ravine near the sea appeared a horrible human head, with one eye, as large as a plate, in the center of the forehead, and a voice as loud as the roll of thunder shouted..."

"What do you want here, you insolent earthworm?" he roars in character, this time making Misty jump in surprise.

As himself, Brock continues "The head rose higher and higher, until a giant as high as a tower stood before Dolan, who with a sure aim sent an arrow into the eye of his adversary. The monster groped wildly about with his hands, in hopes to strangle his enemy, but he only grabbed an oak tree, which he tore up by the roots and threw it high into the air."

Keely swallows hard as Brock narrates "Now the victory was easy, for though the giant could no longer be hurt by cuts and thrusts, which slipped off from his body like water off a Ducklett's back, Dolan soon found other means. He taunted the blind giant, and by the sound of his voice drew him ever nearer to the sea, at the side where the cliff overhung the water. At last he sprang towards the edge of the precipice, and gave a loud, mocking cry, then hid behind a tree. The giant pursued him eagerly, lost his footing, and fell into the sea."

"Dolan one, giant zero." Ash smiles.

"Then Dolan went down into the ravine from which the monster had appeared." Brock continues, acknowledging Ash's comment with a nod. "Here lay a meadow full of beautiful flowers, in the midst of which rose a spacious mansion. Dolan entered the hall and saw a great sword, which had the following on its hilt: Who fires a beam from this holy sword will overcome the nightmare."

Brock pantomimes trying to draw a heavy sword as he narrates "He grabbed the sword, but it was too heavy for him to lift, and he wearily laid the mighty weapon back in the corner; at the same time he thought, since he had conquered three giants, he could surely overcome Darkrai himself without this sword."

"As the day drew to a close, he gathered his Maeep together and returned to the castle." he narrates as his peaceful melody turns ominous. "Once there, he was immediately summoned before the count, who asked him angrily where he had been. Dolan told his master all that had happened in the three valleys, and how he had that day slain the giant as tall as a tower."

"Woe to you and to me," he cries in a mimic of Flint in the role of the count. "I heard the giants' cries of rage, and hoped you were paying for your disobedience with your life. But it has happened otherwise, and now I and my daughter must suffer because you disobeyed my commands and entered the giants' territories; for it has been made known to me that tomorrow Darkrai, the Nightmare Pokemon, will appear, and demand my daughter or me as a sacrifice; but before that you, shall suffer all the agonies of torture, as punishment for bringing me into this mess."

"Just as the count was about to order Dolan to be seized, the Count's daughter Elena, who had heard the whole thing, threw herself on her knees and pleaded for mercy." Brock narrates as Misty runs to join him on stage in the role of the daughter.

"Dearest father," Misty pleads in character, "Wouldn't it be better for this young man to save us than to kill him? He has overcome three giants; surely he will be able to vanquish the Nightmare Pokemon."

"The count thought long and hard for a moment, and then acknowledged that his daughter's suggestion was both good and clever." Brock narrates over an adventurous theme. "He asked Dolan if he were willing to do battle with Darkrai in return for being forgiven, and Dolan, with a grateful look at his deliverer, immediately agreed."

Ash smiles--the best part is coming up next! "With the first dawn of morning he rose from his couch, for he now remembered the words about overcoming the Nightmare Pokemon, and hurried to the first valley, where in the castle stood the cup."

The audience watches as Brock drinks down the Kuran Berry juice inside a prop goblet before he narrates "He grabbed the cup and drank its contents down in one gulp. The magic potion of strength flowed through his veins like fire, and he felt enough courage and strength to singlehandedly fight a whole army. With sparkling eyes he hurried to the second valley, mounted Epona, who greeted him with a joyful whinny..."

Misty mimics a Ponyta whinny with her fiddle, to some laughter. "...and then galloped as if in flight to the third valley, in which stood the mighty sword." Brock continues over some harp-like chords to represent Epona running. "Yesterday he could hardly move it; today, with one hand, he held it high over his head, as if it had been a twig."

"BAH-DA-DA-DAAAAH!!!!" Ash sings the Zelda 'got item' stinger as Brock does this to his prop sword, making the audience burst out laughing.

Brock waits for the audience to calm down before continuing "By sunrise he was again at the count's castle, waiting eagerly for what would happen, but the day passed and no one appeared. Ho'oh had gone to roost, and Lugia had just risen in all his silvery splendor, when in the north of the heavens appeared what looked like a dark storm cloud. With the speed of lightning it approached the castle, and a voice, low and deep enough to make the ground shake, spoke."

"Where are my promised sacrifices?" he demands in a deep and guttural voice--his go to "Darkrai" voice.

As himself, he continues over an adventurous theme "At the same time a gigantic Braviary, with greenish-grey wings hovered high over the castle, ready to swoop down on his prey. Then Dolan spurred Epona, and shaking his sword high above his head, cried...

"There are no sacrifices here for you, you robber!" Brock nearly screams as Dolan to no one in particular. "Return to the abyss you came from, or you shall feel my arrows!"

"On hearing these words, the Braviary swooped down with a wild cry, before Dolan could nock his bow, and he would have died had it not been for his wits and Epona." he continues as himself. "A touch with the spur, and she flew swift as the wind under a very old and thickly leaved sycamore tree, whose branches hung down almost to the ground, so that the Braviary could only break in through the side. This killed the Braviary right there, for his outspread wings became entangled in the branches, and the brave rider, with one powerful blow of his sword, severed the head from the body. But instead of blood there came forth from the headless body of the Braviary a huge Arbok, who, with wide-open jaws, approached Dolan and tried to squeeze him in its coils. In one movement, it encircled the Ponyta and rider, and tried to suffocate them both but Epona pressed herself so close against the tree that the head of the Arbok came around on the other side of the trunk, preventing it from harming Dolan with its poisonous bite or breath."

He plays a hard chord to simulate an attack. "One stroke of Dolan's blade, and the body of the Arbok fell in two pieces to the ground; Epona immediately trampled on the head. But the lower part of the serpent swelled and swelled, the cut became a frightful mouth, which spurted out smoke and flames, while from the coils of the Arbok's body grew forth claws and wings, and at last a horrible monster in the form of Mega Charizard X threw itself on Dolan, whose strength had already begun to fail."

"No..." Keely gasps, fearful for Dolan's fate.

"But in his hour of greatest need a thought occurred to Dolan—he turned Epona around, and she broke through the branches of the sycamore tree into the open air, and sped with her rider to the nearest stream, in whose waters they both cooled themselves." Brock assures Keely over an excited melody. "The Mega Charizard X snorted after them, spitting forth fire and smoke. But as the head of the Arbok, from whose body the Mega Charizard X had grown, had been destroyed, there was no deadly poison in its breath, and the rider was safe from the flames through bathing in the stream. So he rode boldly towards the approaching Mega Charizard X with sword in hand, and tried to approach it from the side; but all his blows glanced off from its black scaly body like a suit of armor. Suddenly it occurred to him to thrust his sword down the monster's throat."

The audience is on the edge of their seats as Brock weaves in a number of musical sound effects into his song. "He turned Epona and spurred her straight towards the Mega Charizard X, and thrusting his sword through the smoke and flame, stuck it right into the creature's throat. He was forced to leave his sword, for Epona, singed by the fiery breath of the Mega Charizard X, bounded far to one side; but the monster did not attempt to follow them, the sword had stuck deep into its body. It struck wildly with its tail on the ground, until the earth burst, then it shivered and fell over, first on its side, then on its back, a stream of fire poured forth from its wide-open jaws, and with the flames its life faded away."

Everyone heaves a sigh of relief. "And so it was the battle ended, and Darkrai was defeated." Brock continues over a triumphant melody. "Joyfully Dolan rode back to the count and Elena, and told them everything that had happened. The count, embracing him, said..."

"You are our hero, to you I owe my life and all that I possess. Take half of what is mine, or choose from it whatever pleases you." he requests as the count.

"Dolan gazed earnestly into the eyes of the count's lovely daughter Elena, and replied..." he narrates as himself.

"I know of nothing, in the whole world which is dearer to me than your daughter Elena, milord." he replies as Dolan. "Give her to me for my bride, if she be willing."

"Are you willing, my child?" he asks Misty as the count.

"I love him more than words can say." Misty replies as she and Brock hug, to some "aw"s.

"The next day, the marriage was celebrated with great splendor, and when Arceus had blessed their union with children, Dolan, a shepherd no more, would say to his sons and daughters when telling them of his adventures..." Brock narrates.

"There are three things that can subdue giants and evil spirits--the fire of courage, the power to persevere, and the wisdom of heaven." he concludes as Dolan.

The castle resonated with the crowd's wild applause as Brock took a bow. "Wow! I've never seen anyone sword fight and shoot arrows live on stage before!" Alex raved as the judges arrived to pin an orange stripe to Brock's vest, a sign he had won the competition.

Keely, however, seemed unusually calm that she had lost. "You have to admit though, Brock has real talent..."

Just then, a white glow got the group's attention just as Brock received his orange stripe. [That epic tale...I want to be a hero too!] Hitomi squeaked as she transformed into a larger bat-creature with a wide mouth.

As Brock returned to where his friends were waiting, an ecstatic smile formed on his face. 'Hitomi...you evolved!" he cried as he hugged his new Golbat.

[I chose to change because I want to be just like the heroes in the tales you tell.] Hitomi explained. [But I'm equally happy to finally see my master's face.]

"Aw." Ash smiled before reading up on what Hitomi had become:

"Golbat, the bat Pokemon. Once it strikes, it will not stop draining energy from its victim even if it gets too heavy to fly."

Keely just smiled. "Congratulations, Brock--you're an inspiration to storytellers everywhere."

"Yeah, you must've honed your talent for way longer than Keely if you can make your Pokemon evolve due to your stories." Alex agreed.

"Whatever you do to learn all your tales, please keep doing it!" Keely requested, making everyone laugh happily...

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 63: Two Hits and a Miss

"You did great on your second Lore Stage!" Ash raved as the group made their way down the road. It had been three days since Brock had performed for his orange Color Stripe, earning the respect of a friendly rival and inspiring his Zubat, Hitomi, to evolve.

"Well, that is a favorite for Halloween shows, and we were in an old castle, after all." Brock smiled as he admired the two stripes on his vest. "That, and I didn't want to frighten the kids in the audience too much..."

He was about to say more when the ground began to rumble. "Oh no, not again..." Ash recognized the rumbling as an approaching Tauros. "Flashbacks of the Pokemon Swap Meet coming on..."

Just as the group dove into a bush to avoid the angry Tauros, they heard a boy call "Gangway! Runaway Tauros, comin' through!"

Ash looked at his right hand, which had long since healed since his ill advised attempt at touching a Tauros horn. "Wonder what got that Tauros mad?"

"A red cape?" Misty grinned as she led the boy from the brush, where they could still see the Tauros and the boy tearing down the road.

She gasped as she spotted an older man in a majestic robe right in the Tauros' path. "The Tauros is gonna gore that guy! We have to warn him!"

As the group raced to warn the old man about the imminent danger behind him, they stopped in their tracks when they saw the man stop, and take out a Poke Ball. "Is he intending to battle that Tauros?" Brock was curious.

"I don't know, but I have to do something before he gets seriously hurt!" With that, Ash heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Luce, I need your help!"

[You called?] the Flaaffy asked as it materialized on the road.

"See that Tauros headed this way?" Ash pointed out the Tauros heading for them, with its panicked master not far behind. "I want you to try and halt its progress before someone gets hurt!"

[Let's give him a real jewel of a headache!] Luce suggested before creating a topaz that cracked with thunderbolts. But she ended up making the Power Gem a bit too large, causing it to fall in the road with a crash, sending Thunderbolts into the sky.

Not what I was planning to have Luce do, but okay... Ash thought as the Tauros furiously tried to crush the Power Gem with its hooves and its horns, despite its trainer's desperate attempts to calm it. "All right, Luce, try to paralyze the Tauros!"

[One Thunder Wave, coming up!] Luce replied as she charged some shocking waves that wouldn't hurt the Tauros, but render it unable to move for a while.

About then, the boy caught up to his Tauros, which was lying on the ground, periodically mooing in discomfort from the small thunderbolts that criss-crossed his fur. "Toro? You okay, boy?"

"Ash had to do something so your Tauros wouldn't hurt anyone." Brock explained to the boy as he used a Paralyze Heal on the exhausted Tauros. "That was why he told his Flaaffy to create his Power Gem roadblock, and then immobilize Toro."

"I would never intentionally cause pain to any Pokemon, but we were all worried your Tauros would hurt someone." Ash agreed. "So no hard feelings, okay?"

"I see." the boy smiled as the Tauros shakily stood up, then trotted back to his side. "I will say that was a creative way to stop a rampaging Tauros..."

He turned to leave. "Thank you for corralling Toro for me--I don't know how I would live with myself if he hurt somebody."

"Anytime!" Ash replied as he waved goodbye.

The old man smiled. "Well done, Nincada, for saving me in my hour of need. You have obviously trained your Flaaffy well." he told Ash.

[Aw, it was nothin'!] Luce giggled.

The man went on "My name is Kenzo--I run the dojo not far from here. If any of you three are Pokethletes, I am hosting a competition today to test your stamina."

Misty proudly showed Kenzo her medal box. "I am a Pokethlete--where do I sign up?"

"If you follow the road until it passes by the hill, the dojo sits at the top." Kenzo explained. "Whether you compete on land, in water, or in the air, the competition is open to all."

---------

"All ready!" Misty grinned as she emerged from an empty prayer room that had been converted into a dressing room in her jersey. "Spritz, Michelle, and Pearl will be my competitors this time." she explained as she took the Poke Balls containing the Seadra, the Golduck, and the Starmie, then hurried off to check in to the competition.

"Good luck, Misty!" Ash called after his companion as she disappeared into the crowds of Pokethletes mingling, signing in, or choosing their competitors.

"So land competitors wear green, water competitors wear blue, and air competitors wear lavender." Brock mused as a group of air Pokethletes made their way outside for their first event of the day.

Ash, meanwhile, spotted a pink haired girl in a green jersey with a flat-headed Pokemon with long legs doing some last minute training, and decided to read up on the odd Pokemon as it performed a long spin kick:

"Hitmontop, the handstand Pokemon. It fights while spinning like a top. The centrifugal force boosts its destructive power by ten."

"Wow..." Ash gasped, moments before he saw the girl confront Misty near the hall leading to where another event was taking place.

"Don't even bother entering, miss pretty face--for I, the great Chigusa, will be the one to win the Pokethlon!" the girl smirked.

"Now wait a minute!" Misty shot back. "The Pokethlon isn't all about strength, but also includes the very stat we are competing in--stamina! Furthermore, what makes you so confident you will win?"

Ash winced as Misty and Chigusa argued. "And I thought Gary was bad..."

"Chigusa is actually my granddaughter." Kenzo began as he joined the boys, slightly embarrassed about Chigusa's behavior. "I have told her many a time that pride goes before a fall, but she will not listen to me--and how will she be a good dojomistress if she is not humble?"

"So you held this Pokethlon in an attempt to humble her?" Brock guessed. Kenzo nodded. "She looks pretty confident with that Hitmontop..."

"She has known Maru since he was a little Tyrogue." Kenzo replied. "They have never been apart for long--but I have long wrestled with how to teach her that she is not the strongest, and that there will always be someone stronger than her."

"I don't know how, but I have a feeling--whether it's Misty or someone else--that someone's going to humble Chigusa." Ash replied.

Kanzo smiled. "I hope you are correct, Ash--and that she remembers the lesson, once humbled."

---------

"Our first event today is the Ring Drop--a sumo-like event between four competitors instead of two." one of the instructors announced as he made a grand gesture to a large ring-like zone with four corners, where Misty and Michelle, Chigusa and her Hitmontop Maru, and two other competitors were standing. "The object of the event is to knock opponents out of the ring while staying in the ring yourself. The last Pokemon standing at the end of 60 seconds, wins."

He looked out upon the ring. "Competitors! Are you ready?"

Cheers filled the air in reply. "Okay! Ready...Set..."

No sooner had the whistle blown to start the event, did Misty watch in horror as Maru spun-kicked Michelle, a Lucario, and a Braixen out of the ring in one shot! "Stop the clock! We have a winner!" the instructor announced.

"That was fast..." Ash noted as the crowd gasped in surprise--only two seconds had passed!

"Almost a little TOO fast..." Brock agreed as the three judges debated what to do about the unexpected three way tie.

After what felt like an eternity, the judges' decision came. "The remaining competitors will share second place, since they were knocked out at nearly the same time!"

Misty came storming back into the stands some moments later. "Why award me second place for an event I had no chance of finishing, much less winning?" she grumbled as Michelle and the other competitors were whisked away to an on site Pokemon Center. "It almost feels like a participation trophy! I'm not a kid anymore, so why should I be subjected to this 'everyone's a winner, have a prize' jazz? I know how to lose gracefully!"

She sighed. "If I want to win something, I'd like to win it in a fair competition, not because I just participated...part of me thinks this Chigusa girl is cheating..."

"Remember when Kamon accused Ash of cheating earlier?" Brock asked Misty. "I get that you're feeling angry, frustrated, and humiliated right now, but accusing someone with no evidence is a bad idea--maybe Chigusa and her Hitmontop are just that good."

"They may be, and they may not--but there's still two more events to go." Misty admitted, now noticeably calmer. "A lot can change, so I just have to keep trying!"

---------

"Our next event is the Relay Run!" a second instructor announced as Misty, Chigusa, and two other competitors took their places on a track.

"You doing okay?" Misty asked as Michelle arrived. "That Hitmontop got you pretty hard..."

[I remember bracing myself to intercept the spin kick, and the next thing I know, I'm flying against the wall.] Michelle replied as she allowed Misty to climb aboard. [But I got checked out by Nurse Joy, so I should be fine.]

"Okay--you can run well both on land and in water." Misty smiled. "Let's give that Hitmontop what for!"

"Pokethletes ready?" the instructor called. "On your mark, get set..."

No sooner had the starting gun gone off, were the Golduck and the other competitors left behind in a cloud of dust! [Oh goodness...not even a Jolteon can keep up with Chigusa's Hitmontop!] Michelle noticed as she composed herself from her coughing fit. One of their other competition was a Jolteon, and even he was coughing up dust from the Hitmontop's rocket-like start.

"Chigusa was the one that set the record of twenty laps in two minutes, and a Pokethlete has yet to break it." the Jolteon's trainer explained as she wiped her Jolteon's watery eyes, watching the Hitmontop speed around the track all the while.

"Oh my..." was all Misty could say when she saw she had placed fourth in the competition a few moments later. I hope someone can best Chigusa, and teach her a little humility....

---------

"Our final event today is the Block Smash!" a third instructor announced, to the roar of the crowd. "In this event four Pokéthletes, one from each team, attempt to break a stack of ten cement blocks. The Pokémon must demonstrate its might by breaking through them as quickly as possible. Whoever can break the most in 60 seconds, or manages to break them all in that time frame, wins."

"Spritz, your turn!" Misty called, summoning the Seadra before a stack of blocks. "Use your strongest Water Gun to break as many of these as you can when the whistle blows, okay?"

[Got it!] Spriitz replied.

"Ready? Set?" the instructor called before blowing the whistle, making the exhibition room rumble as Spritz, the Hitmontop, the Tauros from earlier, and a Mienshao raced to break the bricks.

"Come on, Misty!" Ash cheered. "You can do it!" Brock whistled in agreement as he watched Spritz break five out of the ten bricks with the most powerful Water Gun she could muster.

But even the boys were surprised when they found that Chigusa's Hitmontop Maru had only broken six bricks! "I can't believe it..." Brock gasped as the Tauros from before easily charged through the bricks, breaking nine and starting to crack the tenth as time expired. "Someone bested Miss Hotshot!"

"Not just that, but our friend from before narrowly edged Chigusa for the win!" Ash was equally shocked when he saw the final standings--the boy from before had narrowly edged Chigusa by two points to clinch the overall win. Misty, meanwhile, was in a narrow fourth place, thanks to her consolation medal in the first event. "I hope Misty's not too mad about losing..."

---------

"Even though I didn't get a medal this time, I'm still happy for that boy and his come from behind win." Misty smiled as the group departed the dojo that evening. "From what I heard, Chigusa admitted he was stronger, and promised Kanzo she would be a bit nicer to people."

"You mean, you're not angry for not winning this Pokethlon? Is that why you wanted to skip the medal ceremony?" Ash wondered.

"No--I did all I could on land--if I had actually been in water for this competition, I would have stood a chance." Misty replied. "Remember that as exciting as it is to win, competing in anything is not about winning or losing, it's about the enjoyment of the experience--and I certainly had fun, even though I came up short this time. I only skipped the ceremony because it was getting late, and I wanted to find a place to camp before it got dark."

"That's fair." Ash replied as the group arrived in a clearing nearby the dojo on the hill. "Just remember to train harder for next time!"

"Oh I will!" Misty giggled. "Any braggart Pokethletes are gonna have to watch out, 'cause the Tsunami is coming!"

Even Brock couldn't resist laughing at Misty's show of confidence as the sun sank below the trees...

To Be Continued...
 
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Episode 64: Hook, Line, and Stinker


Laughter and splashes filled the air as the group made camp by a mountain stream. Tintri and Ami were racing each other back and forth to the bank while Michelle meditated in the water. Brock, meanwhile, stifled a giggle as River leaped into the water, splattering Michelle. "Did I get it?" he asked Hinata as he tossed away a clump of matted fur from the hairbrush.

[Yes, you did.] Hinata assured her master, bracing herself as Aina did a cannonball dive into the water. The resulting splash ended up dousing Luce, who giddily leaped into the water to join the fun.

"Okay...I only have your tails left to brush, and then we'll be done." Brock assured his Vulpix before carefully brushing each of Hinata's six tails.

Misty, meanwhile, was supervising the water games with Ash. "How's it feel in there?" she asked as Ami came paddling back to her.

[Refreshing!] Ami smiled. [Reminds me of the pool at home.]

[This is a piece of paradise...] Spritz agreed as she gently floated past the bank.

"Just be aware of your surroundings, Spritz, and try not to drift too far." Misty cautioned the relaxed Seadra.

[Got it!] Spritz waved a fin in reply.

Just then, Misty noticed a large muscular frog-like Pokemon approaching Spritz. "A Poliwrath...and that one looks pretty tough."

Brock looked up from brushing Hinata and spotted the Poliwrath. "Poliwraths are tough, but this one doesn't look friendly at all."

Just then, he gasped in horror as the Poliwrath smacked down Spritz and then delivered a massive uppercut. sending Spritz flying through the air. "Pokemon down!" he called to Ash, moments before Spritz landed by the bank, swirly eyed.

"What did Spritz pick a fight with to get this battered?" Ash wondered as he administered a Revive to Spritz.

"A rogue Poliwrath--it was nothing but a big bully, picking on a Pokemon that was just minding its own business!" Misty grumbled as she hurried to tend to Spritz.

"She was just an easy target--a sitting Psyduck." a blue haired boy smirked as he rejoined his Poliwrath on the shore.

"Is that Poliwrath yours?" Misty asked the boy. "Then why did he attack Spritz?"

"Oh, so the Seadra's name was Spritz, huh?" the boy sneered. "I think a better name would be Ditz--she was such a wimp!"

"YOU TAKE THAT BACK!!!" Misty screeched, startling Ash and Brock.

"Oh boy...Hurricane Misty is about to make landfall..." Brock shuddered--he knew all too well that things did not end well for anyone that angered Misty.

"Well, if Little Miss Spritz is so brave, then why is she hiding behind you?" the boy retorted as Spritz peeked out from behind Misty. "I don't expect much from a plain old Seadra...if it was any good, it would have evolved into Kingdra by now."

Piqued, Ash decided to read up on Kingdra, trying his best to tune out the argument nearby.

"Kingdra, the dragon Pokemon. It sleeps deep on the ocean floor to build its energy. It is said to cause tornadoes as it wakes."

"Well, evolution isn't always the way to go--there are lots of great Pokémon that aren't fully evolved, whether by choice or by circumstance--that, and Seadra is a great Pokémon." Brock explained.

The boy noticed Ami, Michelle, Pearl, and the Poke Ball containing Misty's Lapras, Aurora. "Miss Mousie's a real pushover..."

[WHAT???] Ami gasped. [Don't judge a book by it's cover, tough guy! I am stronger than you think I am!]

"If a sitting Psyduck is bad, a sitting Golduck is even worse!" the boy jeered.

[Care to repeat that little comment?] Michelle growled, the ruby on her forehead glowing in preparation to unleash a Psychic blast.

The boy was unfazed "Nice...a star Pokemon. What'cha gonna wish for?"

[For one thing, I wish you'd stop insulting us!] Pearl demanded, her core glowing bright red in anger.

The boy then noted the unused Poke Ball. "What's in here? Probably a Magikarp, you're so weak..."

This insult was the last straw for Misty. "FOR THE MILLIONTH TIME, I. AM. NOT. WEAK!!!!!" she roared. "In fact, I'm more than ready to duel you right now to defend my pride, which you've insulted multiple times!"

"Love to, but I've already got other plans." the boy replied before commanding "Arashi, return.", recalling his Poliwrath. "Work on your Seadra a bit, and I'll consider." he grinned as he departed down the hill.

---------

"He thinks he's so strong and so powerful..." Misty fumed as the group continued down the trail some moments later. "News flash, girls are not always delicate flowers with a fondess for cute things! I can go toe to toe with you!"

A large mass of people in water Pokethlon jerseys walking in the same direction got her attention. "That's odd...is there a Pokethlon Dome close by?"

Ash flagged down a boy. "What's going on?" he asked.

"There's a Skill type Pokethlon going on at a nearby lake today." the boy replied. "It's open to any registered Pokethlete on the water track--are any of you guys competing?"

Misty's eyes turned to stars. "A water Pokethlon--sign me up!" she cried as the group and the stream of people arrived at the lake. Both spectators and Pokethletes were present, with what Pokethletes that were not checking in or changing into jerseys were signing autographs for fans and posing for pictures.

"Welcome, one and all to today's Pokethlon on Lake Azul!" a man announced on a stage. "If this your first time, the rules of the competition are simple: competitors are allowed to use any three Pokemon they want for the competition, which consists of three tests of skill--the Crystal Throw; which is a water safe, warm weather variation of the Snow Throw, the Goal Roll, and Capture the Flag. The top three winners win a medal for their medal box and a year's supply of chocolate."

Now Ash was excited. "What would you do if you got a year's supply of chocolate?" he asked as Misty got in line to check in.

"Well, most of the dark chocolates would be mine, and you guys could have the caramels and the peanut butter cups." Misty replied. "But no touching the cordial Cheri Berries! Those are my favorite."

She gasped when she heard a familiar voice call "Come on out, Arashi!" There's that jerk again...I will do anything in my power to defend my honor, and show him that I can go toe to toe with any boy! she grumbled as the watched the boy check in.

The boy told the check-in person "The name's Andreas", causing the entire crowd to whisper excitedly to each other about his achievements:

"Andreas, he's so cool!"

"I hear he holds several records!"

"Rumor is he has won every Pokethlon that he has entered!"

"They say that no one can beat him!"

Andreas just smiled, savoring the crowd's praise. "My public must know a winner when they see one..."

"Ooooh...listen up, Mr. Cocky!" Misty snapped, getting the crowd's attention. "I'm entering this competition too, and I'm going to beat you at your own game!"

Gasps went up at this. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Brock asked. "Andreas looks like a tough opponent... "

"Relax--even though the Pokethlon is my first real competition, I've been competing in various ways with my sisters ever since I was little." Misty assured Brock as she started towards the women's dressing rooms. "Besides, I'm in my element this time, unlike the last Pokethlon."

A smile formed on Brock's face. "Okay...good luck."

---------

"Our first event today is the Crystal Roll--an all-out 'snowball' fight between the four Pokethletes." the referee explained, showing the crowds in the stands one of the crystals used in the competition. "Whoever scores the most hits in 60 seconds wins."

He then called "Pokethletes! Take your mark!"

Cheers went up from the lake as Misty spotted Andreas aboard Arashi. "There he is, Spritz..."

[Don't worry--we'll give him a pummeling he won't forget.] Spritz grumbled.

"Ready? Set..." As soon as the referee's whistle echoed across the lake, a flurry of crystals lit up the afternoon sky as the competing Pokethletes hurled the water-safe crystals at each other. Each athlete and Pokemon pair were then displayed on a scoreboard along with the clock, with each hit they scored counting as a point.

"Come on, Misty!" Ash called as the clock reached thirty seconds to go. "Give Andreas and his Poliwrath what for!"

"I think Misty's in good hands..." Brock assured Ash as Misty heaved crystal after crystal at Andreas. "After all, Spritz has an advantage her opponent's Poliwrath does not--speed!"

That's true... Ash noted as the clock expired with a buzz.

"110...Andreas finished third with 124 hits, 139..." Brock noted as the competitor's final scores appeared.

He smiled when Misty and Spritz's score appeared. "And Misty takes home a commanding victory with 156 hits."

"Maybe she does know what she's doing..." Ash agreed as the lake was cleaned for the next event.
---------

"The next event is the Goal Roll--a four on four aquatic soccer match between the four Pokethletes." the referee explained as he showed the crowd the soccer ball sized beach balls that would be used in the competition "Whoever scores the most goals in two minutes, wins."

"Ready, Pearl?" Misty smiled as she and the Starmie paddled to their goal, which was located near the stands where the boys were seated.

[You bet!] Pearl replied, her core turning blue to represent confidence.

A familiar song started playing over the speakers as the match got underway. "Hey, Brock...could you let me sing 'Glory in Our Story' to cheer on Misty and Pearl?" Ash asked as he watched Pearl defend Misty's goal from Andreas' Poliwrath.

"Sing it, Ash." Brock smiled. "If it worked for your team when I sang it, it'll work for Misty."

Ash waited for the introduction to finish, than sang over the music We all have a dream inside our hearts that we will follow to the end...
When you make a wish upon a star, the power flows, inside of you! At this line, Andreas' Poliwrath prepared to shoot a goal, only for Misty and Pearl to steal the ball!

Everybody listen to this song and sadness will just disappear!
My wishes, dreams and hopes go forth into the world...

On the water, Pearl recognized the familiar voice drifting from the stands. [Is that...Ash singing?]

"Yeah...he's singing to cheer us on!" Misty replied. "We still have a minute and ten seconds, so we can still score and win this!

Come with me and take my hand, come with me for the ride,
Together we will step through the door,
And see the light shining from our own heavenly land! At this line, Pearl shot the ball clear into Andreas' goal, scoring the first point of the game!

Come with me and we will see the wonders of the world!
All of the glory, is in our story! Ash sang, with Tintri and River dancing along with him. Tintri flashed some Japanese fans to the beat, and River shook some blue pom-poms.

As we make our way to heaven, take it step by step
And get the glory, upon the great stage! Try as Andreas' Poliwrath might to defend its goal, a Milotic distracted him, allowing Pearl to score another goal!

We can go anywhere, so long as we're together,
I truly believe it with all of my heart... Ash sang as the last ten seconds on the clock ticked away.

The cards here in my hand
Show you the way...

Brock smiled as the buzzer sounded. "This match's winner is Misty--no one else scored anything."

---------

"Okay...the last event is Capture the Flag." Misty explained to her team. "Pearl, you remember what happened when we tried this before?"

[Don't remind me...] Pearl's core turned light red with embarrassment. [It may be better to let someone else try this event--we don't want to give Andreas any more ammo!]

Michelle stepped forward. [May I try this event?]

"Sure!" Misty replied as she accepted some swim goggles from an attendant.

[Okay...what's the signal when you need to surface?] Michelle asked as she laid down in the water for Misty to mount her.

"I'll point up." Misty replied, Michelle nodded, and paddled to the start line.

"Pokethletes ready?" the referee called, to cheers. "On your mark...get set..."

As soon as the whistle blew, Michelle dove into the water, only to balk as Andreas and Arashi grabbed away the red flag inside an old diving helmet. Not one to be deterred, she surfaced and snatched a red flag from a buoy before diving again, grabbing an orange flag from a treasure chest seconds before Andreas and Arashi could gab it!

After retrieving a yellow flag from a coral bed and a green flag from some kelp leaves, Misty noticed that Andreas and his Poliwrath were lagging behind. "That's odd...Andreas and Poliwrath were a threat earlier." she noted as Michelle grabbed a blue flag from the center of a life preserver.

[I guess the competition took its toll on them.] Michelle replied as she retrieved an indigo flag from a prop Sharpedo's jaws. [We've got this in the bag!]

With that, she snatched the last flag from a Clamperl shell, and paddled across the line with minutes to spare!

---------

"I can't believe it..." Andreas sighed as the crowds departed the medal ceremony later that evening. "Maybe your Seadra is strong after all....can you find it in you to forgive me for all those nasty things I said before? I guess I got too overconfident in my own abilities, and that costed me."

"Well, as thrilling as it is to win, just be careful that you don't let your skill go to your head, like it did here." Misty replied, admiring her reflection in her gold medal. "Just keep getting stronger, as there will always be someone better than you."

"You're right...I guess it was a matter of time before I lost." Andreas mused.

"Well, when you do lose, even the losses have lessons." Ash agreed as he and Brock arrived with a massive chocolate box for Misty. "So evaluate what went wrong, practice what didn't go so well, and promise to do better the next time."

He waved goodbye as Andreas departed. "Well done on your second win." he smiled as Misty placed her medal in her medal box.

"I can only hope Andreas treats his opponents nicer now." Misty mused. "But you can be sure that if anyone tries to insult me or one of you guys, I will defend their honor to the very end."

She noticed the huge chocolate box. "Wow...all of that is a year's supply of chocolate?"

"It is...I'm gonna put most of it in the cooler for later, but I see no harm in having some now--as a celebration of your victory here today." Brock smiled before opening the huge box, allowing Ash and Misty to see the first tier of chocolate.

"Okay...I'll take the dark chocolate square, the two Cheri cordials, the coconut pyramid, and the white chocolate drop for now...the rest are yours." Misty smiled before giving the fifty page guide to the boys.

"Thanks...are there any more pieces you want us to save for you?" Ash asked.

"Yeah--save me one of the mint chocolate medallions and the cinnamon blushes." Misty replied. "You can have the ones on the first tier, though."

"All the other tiers have the same layout, so we'll remember their locations and save you one of each." Brock assured Misty.

"Let's see here...this macadamia nut diamond looks good..." Ash smiled as he bit into a diamond shaped chocolate.

"Mm...the cinnamon blush is not half bad!" Brock raved. The two boys continued exploring the first tier of their massive haul, commenting on and sampling the various chocolates as they started down the road:

"Oh, Misty would love these...dark chocolate shells with a mint pearl inside!"

"This has to be the medallion..."

"The Razz Star is a tad sour..."

"I like the mocha truffle!"

"The caramel bliss is nice..."

"Ooh, peanut butter cups!"

"They come in dark and milk..."

Misty, meanwhile, just savored one of her two Cheri cordials. Victory is sweet!

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 65: Beauty and the Breeder

You have 8 new messages, PewterSong. the computer blipped as Brock logged onto a computer in the Pokemon Center's tech lounge. With Ash busy healing his team and Misty napping on one of the couches near here, now's as good a time as any...although I bet a lot of them are MyTube comment notifications or spam...

After marking the comment notifications to read later and deleting the one spam email that made it through the filter, Brock was left with two e-mails--a music newsletter and an email with a screenname he recognized as Suzie, who had given him Hinata as a gift the year before:

Dear Brock,

It's been a while since we talked--I hope you and Hinata are doing well on your travels.

But the main reason I'm writing is to invite you and your friends to a Pokemon Beauty Contest I'm competing in--judging from how well you groom Hinata, you're welcome to give it a try. If that's not your thing, you'd be a shoo-in for the Lore Stage that will take place before the competition...

Piqued, Brock looked up the town of Bonitaville on MapNav, and saw that it was located not far from their current position. He smiled as he read the last line:

Whatever you choose to do, I'm hoping to see (and possibly hear) you again.

Love,
Suzie

"Anything in the old inbox?" Ash asked as he arrived in the tech lounge some moments later.

"A bunch of MyTube comment notifications, this week's installment of Acoustic Life--the music newsletter I get every week--and a letter from Suzie." Brock replied as he typed a reply to Suzie's e-mail. "Remember Suzie at all?"

"The girl that gave you Hinata--how can I not forget after you two hit it off talking Pokemon care and music." Ash smiled at a memory.

"I think it's very sweet you two have kept in touch." Misty replied with a yawn as she woke up. "How's she doing?"

"She's invited us to a Pokemon beauty contest she is competing in in the city of Bonitaville, which is not far from here." Brock explained, showing his friends the map. "How bout it? Compete in the competition itself, or the Lore Stage beforehand?"

"Both, if you can!" Ash suggested.

"Hinata would easy take gold in the Fire-type division with your gentle and steady hand." Misty agreed. "But if you think you have a better shot at your yellow stripe and just want to do the Lore Stage, I won't try to stop you."

"Either way, Suzie would probably love having your support." Ash went on as he watched Brock send his reply, then log off.

---------

"Okay...where is Suzie in all of this?" Ash wondered as he scanned the Bonitaville Convention Center, where hundreds of the beauty contest's competitors were showing off their skills, and just as many vendors had arrived to sell and demonstrate the latest in Pokemon and human beauty products.

Just then, Brock spotted a familiar teal-haired girl arranging various Pokemon care products before a vanity. There she is... he smiled before mimicking a Fletchling whistle to get the girl's attention.

The girl looked over and gasped when she saw who had whistled. "Brock! You came!" she cried as she ran to embrace Brock.

"It's good to see you again too, Suzie..." Brock replied before looking the vanity over. "This your setup for the competition?"

"Not so much that, but to allow the competitors to showcase their skills before the competition." Suzie explained. "So if Hinata's with you, I'd be happy to wash her fur, brush it, and style it for you."

"Okay..." Brock paused to retrieve Hinata's Poke Ball. "Come on out, Hinata!"

The Vulpix materialized on the counter with a yawn. [Yes? I was trying to take a nap...]

She smiled when she saw Suzie before her. [Oh, hi! I have so much to tell you!]

"You can tell me all about your adventures with Brock while I wash you, okay?" Suzie smiled as she filled a washtub with hot water.

"Whoa!" Ash did his best to shield himself from the hot water as Hinata jumped in with a splish. "Excited, aren't we?"

"Hinata has always liked baths..." Brock explained as Hinata paddled up to Suzie, allowing her to start lathering shampoo onto her. "I've tried to follow your same order when I do it--wash, lather, rinse."

"Fire-types enjoy being immersed in hot water for baths, but don't get it so hot that it burns you too." Suzie cautioned as she carefully lathered Hinata's tails. "Unlike humans, Pokemon don't usually need conditioner, but it is a good idea for Pokemon like Vulpix, who have lots of fur."

Just then, Suzie noticed the two stripes on Brock's vest. "I know I told you this in my e-mail, but there is also a Lore Stage going on to coincide with the beauty contest--and appropriately enough, the theme is love, and inner beauty."

"I know the perfect story you could tell--'Beauty and the Beast'!" Ash suggested as he watched Suzie rinse Hinata's fur.

"I do have a version of that story in mind, actually...and it's not necessarily the Disney version!" Brock cautioned Ash.

Suzie just smiled as she dried Hinata off. "Maybe you could tell for the Lore Stage and try for a yellow stripe for your rainbow--if you've won two stripes already, you can easily win a third."

"I think I will--judging from the other setups around here, I may have a better shot of winning that than the beauty contest." Brock mused.

He then noticed Misty had disappeared. "Where'd Misty get to?"

"I'll go look for her!" Ash volunteered before he and Tintri dashed off into the crowd...

---------

If I were a girl, where would I most want to look first? Ash mused as he scanned the crowds for any sign of Misty. Misty's never been the makeup type--if she MUST wear makeup, it's just a little eyeliner and some blush on the cheeks. he thought as he passed a makeup booth.

As he rounded the corner to the perfume showcase, he caught a glimpse of a dull blonde haired man carefully hosing down a Ninetales' thick and glittery silver fur. <i>Wow!</i> he thought as he retrieved his Pokedex:

"Ninetales, the fox Pokemon. Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power."

Ash noted a "MORE..." notification blinking on the screen, so he tapped it, and balked at the near cloud-like appearance of a seemingly blue Ninetales. "In the far away Alola region, a unique subspecies of Ninetales was revered as a deity incarnate before it was identified as a regional variant." the Pokedex went on.

"Interesting..." Ash mused, getting the man's attention.

"I'm glad you think so..." the man smiled. "The name's Zane...wouldn't you agree that Rei's one of the most beautiful Pokemon here, with silvery fur that shines like the moon?"

"Well, yeah..." Ash stammered. "Every Pokemon here is beautiful...in their own way."

A bemused look formed on Zane's face. "You remind me of my childhood friend Suzie..."

"Y-you know Suzie?" Ash was just as surprised.

Zane nodded. "We've been best friends and friendly rivals for a long time. But one thing I've never really understood about her was why she keeps going on and on about inner beauty--how can you measure that when it's inside of you, when you can usually see and admire an outward appearance?"

"Maybe an outward appearance reflects the beauty on the inside?" Ash suggested before turning to leave.

"We'll go with that, then." Zane replied before returning to the Ninetales.

Ash, meanwhile, spotted Misty looking over nail polish bottles. "There you are! We were getting worried about you!"

"Oh, I just saw all the nail polish brands on offer, and wanted to look around." Misty explained. "I thought I let Brock know where I would be, but I do appreciate your kind concern."

She pointed out a large open area in another exhibit hall, where people were beginning to gather around a stage. "Brock's already backstage tuning up and getting ready, if you're curious."

"I'm intrigued as to what version of 'Beauty and the Beast' he's going to tell..." Ash mused as Suzie and Zane arrived...

---------

"Number K-93098, performing the tale 'The Singing Rose'." the emcee announced, to some applause.

"I've never heard of this one..." Suzie mused.

"It's a version of 'Beauty and the Beast' from at home in Kanto..." Zane replied. "I know, cause that's always been your favorite story..."

Onstage, the lights appeared on Brock, guitar in hand. "Once upon a time, there was a king who had three daughters--their names are not important to us just yet." he began, playing a relaxed melody to compose his thoughts as he spoke. "They were beautiful beyond compare, and each of them had passed her sixteenth year of life. The king thought long and hard about which of them would succeed him, but he did not know which one to choose. One day he summoned all three and said to them..."

"My dear children, I am now old and frail, and every day is a gift." he explains in a gentle older man voice for the king. "Before I die, I wish to bring everything in my realm into order and name one of you as the heir to my throne and my realm. Therefore, go forth into the wild world, and whoever can bring back a singing rose will inherit my throne, and she shall be queen of the land."

As himself, he continues over a "traveling" melody "When the three daughters had heard this, they tearfully took leave of their old father, then set forth for foreign lands, each taking a different path."

The guitar's song turned foreboding as Brock went on. "It happened that the youngest and most beautiful of the three--we'll call her Maya--had to go through a dark forest. But she had no fear, because all kinds of bird Pokemon were singing at the same time."

Some in the crowd--Suzie included--laughed as Brock proceeded to mimic a Fletchling song, still playing his guitar all the while. "But It began to get dark, the bird Pokemon flew to their nests, and after a while, you could've heard a pin drop, it was so still." he continues as his last note fades away.

He then plays a harmonic D note. "Then suddenly a bright, beautiful, loud tone rang through the forest--that came from neither bird Pokemon nor humans, and she immediately thought, 'That can only be the singing rose'." Brock went on.

The audience listens as Brock plays a few more harmonic notes and chords, to Zane's awe. "She hurried on in the direction that the marvelous sounds seemed to be coming from. She had not walked very far before she saw a large, old-fashioned castle on a cliff. She eagerly climbed up to the castle and knocked three times on the massive door."

"Nice touch..." Zane mused as Brock gently tapped his instrument three times to mimic a knock. "First the voices, and now his own sound effects?"

"He's only getting warmed up!" Ash smiled. Misty nodded in agreement.

"Finally the gate opened with a creaking sound..." Some laughter went up as Brock slowly moved his hand up the guitar neck, creating a sound that more or less sounded like a squeaking gate. "...and an old man with a long, white beard looked out."

"What is your wish?" he grumpily asks in an older version of himself for the old man.

"I would like a singing rose." he replies in a mimic of Suzie for Princess Maya. "Do you have such a thing in your garden?"

"Yes indeed."

"What will you take for it, if I could get it from you?"

"You need give me nothing for the singing rose. You can have it today, but as payment, I will come to you in seven years and bring you back with me to this, my castle."

"Just bring me the valuable flower!"

Now Zane was impressed as some people applauded Brock's vocal dexterity. "I can't think of too many guys that can realistically mimic a girl..."

He was snapped back to reality by Brock saying "You have to understand that Princess Maya was thinking only about the singing rose and the kingdom, but not about what would happen after seven years."

Brock continues "The old man went back into the castle, and returned soon with a full, glowing rose. It was singing so beautifully that Princess Maya's heart jumped for joy. She eagerly reached out her hand, and as soon as she had the flower in her hands she ran down the mountain like a Sawsbuck."

He started a relaxed melody as he went on "Princess Maya wandered the entire night through the dark forest with her rose. Her pleasure in the singing flower and the inherited kingdom caused her to forget all fear. The rose sang the entire way; and the louder and more beautifully it sang, the faster Princess Maya hurried on toward her homeland."

With that, he sang in Italian L'arcobaleno é la mia scia
che navigo in cerca di quella montagna di luce all'alba melodia
mi portano indietro ad un tempo passato,
colori immersi nella scia dell'arcobaleno
che giocano in cielo
il vento mi sospinge, eh via!
raggiungo le onde dei sette mari
gli uccelli che volano alti nel cielo d'oriente
la rotta è sicura quell'isola cela un tesoro
All'alba io vedrò le sette terre
che il destino vuole farmi trovare davvero
oh, dolce melodia sprigioni vita
e mi fai cantare forte un messaggio d'amore
per sempre tu sarai in fondo all'anima
così che neanche il tempo ci può separare
oh, dolce melodia sprigioni vita
e mi fai cantare forte un messaggio d'amore...

Dolce melodia...

When the applause for his song dies down, Brock continues "She arrived home and told her father everything that had happened, and the rose sang beautifully. Immeasurable joy ruled in the castle, and the king gave one celebration after another. Soon the two older sisters returned, empty handed. So Princess Maya became the heir, although the old father continued to rule. The royal family lived beautiful, joyful days. Day after day and year after year slipped by like seconds."

A foreboding melody quiets the "aw"s in the crowd. "Finally the seventh year came to an end, and on the first day of the eighth year the old man from the castle appeared before the king and demanded from him the daughter who had brought home the singing rose." Brock intones. "The king presented to him his oldest daughter, but the old man rejected her. When the king saw that he could not get away with deception, he turned over Maya, the youngest and dearest of his children, with a heavy heart."

"No..." Suzie gasped, choking back tears all the while.

"Princess Maya had to go with the grumbling old man to his castle." Brock went on over the sad melody he is playing. "She was understandably very sad, for she had no one there except for her old master. Day after day she thought about her father and her sisters. Of course, there were other pleasures in abundance, but they did not comfort her, for she did not have the company of her loved ones. Her thoughts were always in her homeland. Furthermore, all the doors and chests in the castle were locked, and the old man did not let her have access to even a single key."

Intrigued murmurs go up at this. "One day she learned--I don't know where-- that her oldest sister was to marry a neighboring prince, and that the wedding would take place in a few days. She went to the old man and asked him for permission to attend her sister's wedding." Brock continues.

"Just go!" he growls as the old man. "But I am telling you now, do not laugh even once during the entire wedding day. If you disobey my order, I will tear you into a thousand pieces. I myself will continually be by your side, and if you as much as open your mouth to laugh, it will be over with you. Pay heed!"

As himself, Brock continues "Princess Maya thought that this would be easy to follow, and on the appointed day, she appeared with the old man at her sister's wedding. Joy ruled in the king's castle when they saw the long missing queen returning. She was very happy and took advantage of the day, but she did not forget the old man's order, and she did not open her mouth to laugh even once. That evening. she had to part from her loved ones, and she sadly returned to the lonely castle with her companion, if you could call him that."

Ash softly growls in anger. What would possess someone to keep an innocent person prisoner?

Brock's voice snaps him from his thoughts. "Then the rumor flew that the other sister would marry soon. This excited her again, and she asked the old man if she could attend her second sister's wedding too. But this time, the old man warned her that she was not allowed to speak a single word the entire day."

The intrigued murmurs intensify as he continues "Princess Maya thought that this would be easy to follow, and on the appointed day she appeared with the old man at her sister's wedding. Joy ruled in the king's castle when they saw the long missing queen returning. Everyone ran out to meet her. They greeted her and welcomed her and asked her about everything. But she pretended that she had a sore throat, and did not allow a single sound to escape from her beautiful lips. But this time she did not keep up her courage as well as the last time, and that evening when everyone was talking together, a stray 'Oh' slipped out. The old man quickly jumped up, took her by the hand, and led her out of the hall and back to his lonely castle."

"All that for just a single word????" Misty gasps in horror.

The grin on Brock's face assures Misty and the crowd all hope isn't lost for Maya yet. "One day when she was sadly walking through the garden where the rose had previously blossomed and sung, the old man came to her and said...

"Your majesty, if tomorrow while it is noon you can kill me, then everything that you find in the castle will be yours, and you will be free from your vow!" he instructs as the old man.

As himself, he intones "Princess Maya took heart from the old man's speech and decided to attempt this dangerous deed."

The audience listens as Brock describes the harrowing scene. "The next day, the old man appeared a little before noon and uncovered his neck. She drew the sword that she had hung about her waist, and as the castle clock struck one..." He plays a soft harmonic C note to represent a clock chime. "...she swung the sword, running him through."

The crowd winces, and "ooh"s go up as Brock plays a hard chord to represent the old man's demise. "But then, something weird happened--instead of blood, a key fell from the gash before the body disappeared in a plume of smoke. It opened all the chests and doors in the entire castle. There Princess Maya found many, many precious things, and she was no longer bound by her rash promise."

He smiles as he looks out on the enthralled audience. "It goes without saying Princess Maya succeeded her father's throne, and ruled happily and well for a long time." he concludes as he plays a festive flourish to signal his tale's end.

The convention center roared with applause, but Suzie's and Zane's were the loudest. "You know...I think I finally understand what you mean by inner beauty." Zane began as the group watched the judges award Brock a yellow stripe.

"Oh?" Suzie asked.

"It's not something you can actively measure, but you can see it in other ways--the kindness of a friend, the courage of a Pokemon, the joy of someone who clearly loves to share their talents..." Zane explained, acknowledging Brock as he rejoined the group. "and of course...the beauty in nature."

Suzie just smiled. "I'm just glad we both got to watch a beautiful performance together...as friends."

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 66: Wobbu-palooza!

"Has it hit you that you've won two Color Stripes in a row yet?" Ash asked as he finished up a bowl of broccoli and cheese soup.

"It's starting to sink in." Brock replied as he admired the rainbow taking shape on his right vest flap. "But performing for Suzie was the best part--I finally kept my promise of performing for her."

He was about to say more when he saw a Wobbufett emerge from the brush and announce [A-a-all is well!] before waddling off.

"You're not gonna spoil our lunch today, Team Rocket!" Ash vowed as he set aside his dishes and angrily eyed the bush, as if expecting Jessie, James, and Meowth to appear at any moment.

Brock wasted no time in spritzing an arrow's head with a Max Repel. "If this Wobbufet is Team Rocket's, I'll just warn it away..."

He was just about to fire when he saw several more Wobbufetts emerge, all waddling to catch up with the first one. "Stand down, Brock--that first Wobbufett wasn't Team Rocket's at all." Misty replied as she watched more and more Wobbufetts parade by the campsite.

[So, where would they all be going?] Tintri was intrigued.

"Let's clean up and find out." Ash suggested before giving his dishes to River and Spritz to wash.

After cleaning up the remains of their lunch and breaking camp, the group followed the Wobbufetts down the winding road.

Eventually, the group discovered that the Wobbufetts had all been traveling to a festively decorated town. "Wow..." Misty gasped as she saw the line of Wobbufetts waddle to meet other Wobbufetts and people. "There must be a party or something going on to celebrate these Wobbufetts..."

"A party!" Ash gasped. "I'm always up for a good party!"

[Yeah!] Tintri agreed.

"Welcome, travelers, to Wobbufett Village." a man smiled as he met the group. "So named because, well, everyone owns either a Wobbufett, or its younger form Wynaut."

"I see..." Ash mused.

"In fact--you're just in time for the Wobbufett Festival." the man went on before gesturing to a large stage in the center of the town that overlooked a huge Wobbufett statue. "If any of you are musicians or storytellers, the Lore Stage that kicks off the first day is about to start."

"Really?" Brock gasped before motioning for Ash and Misty to follow him. "Where do I sign up?" he asked the man as they made their way into town...

---------

Meanwhile, Team Rocket heaved with exhaustion as they approached the hill leading into Wobbufett Village. "Finally, we've reached some form of civilization..." Jessie wheezed as she collapsed at the side of the road.

"Tell me about it--I feel like a hundred Growlithes have bitten my toes..." James groaned as he sat down to massage his aching feet.

[A-a-all is well!] Sahana announced as he emerged with pop, startling Jessie.

"Who asked you how everything was?" Jessie grumbled at the blue blob Pokemon. "Our feet are killing us!"

The endless stream of Wobbufetts streaming into the village piqued her interest. "Oh look, there's more Wobbufetts..." she mused, forgetting about her anger at Sahana completely.

"Oh, are you two travelers?" a brown haired woman in a Wynaut T-shirt and jeans smiled as she approached Jessie and James. "You have a fine Wobbufett, there."

"Thank you, ma'am." James replied with a little bow. "We indeed have traveled far, and could use the rest."

The woman smiled. "My name's Lulu...are you in town for the festival? If you and your Wobbufett need a place to stay, I have a spare bedroom in the house."

"Uh, sure." Jessie replied as she gingerly stood up. <i>Why people would want to celebrate Wobbufetts is beyond me...</i> she thought as Lulu led them into town, past the stage in the square where Brock was checking in for the Lore Stage, and Ash and Misty were tuning up to perform some pre-show music for the crowds that gathered.

"If you're hungry, I'll make you a roast Combusken with all the fixins'" Lulu offered, snapping Jessie and James back to reality.

"FOOD!!!" the three Rockets gasped, starry eyed as they pictured the spread their host would presumably make for them--the roast Combusken, the mashed potatoes, the casseroles, the baked vegetables, and of course, a dizzying array of cakes and pies for dessert.

"Forget da big meal we're about ta get--if dat's good, den dere has ta be more food where our big spread came from!" Meowth sighed dreamily as he pictured an array of meat and seafood for him, with Nanab Berries for dessert.

After tying on a yellow souvenir headband to Sahana, Lulu pointed out a large stone statue of a Wobbufett in the distance. "If you look to your right, you'll see our festival symbol, a statue made by a local artist named 'Enduring Hope'..."

Neither the Rockets or Lulu were aware of three hoodlums looking down on the village. "Look at'em, blissfully unaware of our yearly visit..."

"Let's do this!"

"Leelee, Chika, Fury, let's go."

---------

The crowd applauded as Ash and Misty took a bow as thanks for the two tunes they had just finished. Granted, they had no time to practice, but despite a few minor mistakes, their Pokeflute and fiddle duo act had gone over very well. "Now that we're done, it's time to watch Brock kick off the competition." Misty smiled, giddy over what Brock would tell for this Lore Stage.

"It may be no competition--Brock's a pro!" Ash smiled as he put his Pokeflute case away and invited Tintri aboard his shoulder.

"Number K-93098, telling 'Golden Jack'." the emcee announced as Brock arrived on the stage to some applause.

"Thank you." Brock acknowledged the applause before beginning his tale. "Once upon a time--as all good stories are supposed to begin--!"

A girl crying got his attention. "Mama! Someone hurt Kibou!" a teal haired girl sobbed as her mother consoled her, then tended to her wounded Wynaut.

"Some hoodlums did a number on my Wobbufett too!" a brown haired man reported as he did his best to ease a wound on his Wobbufett's head.

"First someone made Annie cry, and then wounded Yahichi's Wobbufett...could any of our Pokemon be next?" another man worried.

"Should I try and continue?" Brock asked the emcee.

"Not while everyone's on edge like this...if you want to help, you can find who's injuring our Pokemon." the emcee replied.

Brock nodded, and reunited with Ash and Misty near stage right. "I didn't expect my performance to be ruined by festival crashers..."

"Let's go find out who made that little girl cry and hurt that guy's Wobbufett!" Ash suggested.

"No one makes a sweet little girl cry and gets away with it on my watch!" Misty agreed as the group hurried down a street.

They discovered Team Rocket--in disguise as maintenance workers--near the festival midway. "Ah-ha!" Ash cried. "I never thought you'd stoop so low as to make little girls cry..."

"But we were nowhere near the stage at the time!" Jessie protested.

"Yeah, we were fixing up the games on the midway and performing any needed repairs!" James lied to keep up their ruse.

"I wouldn't judge a book by its cover, young man--these two and their Meowth have shown considerable character." Lulu added as she joined the disguised Team Rocket.

Ash was about to protest when he heard more and more of the townsfolk gasping and crying over their Wobbufetts and Wynauts--so many that the commotion grew unintelligible. "Okay...so maybe Team Rocket didn't hurt all the Wobbufetts and Wynauts..."

"Well, if they didn't, who did?" Misty asked. "Let's go find out!"

Meowth heaved a sigh of relief as the group hurried off around a corner. "Dat was close..."

"You three go on back to your work, I'll help keep the crowds calm." Lulu assured Team Rocket before hurrying to console a boy.

Jessie smiled. "Your ruse was perfect, James--now to keep looking for the food storage!"

---------

After making a circle around the village, Ash spotted the young men in leather jackets, old T-shirts, and ripped black jeans near the Enduring Hope statue. "So! You guys must be the one that crashed the festival!"

"Yeah, we did...what are you gonna do about it?" one of the punks smirked as another Wobbufett limped away in pain.

He noticed Brock aiming an arrow at his Hitmonlee. "I wouldn't be shooting if I were you, Robin Hood--Leelee's so quick, she could snatch your arrow right outta the sky!"

"Really? Try me..." Brock shot back.

"Brock, don't!" Misty gasped. "What if the guy's claim is true, and his Hitmonlee can catch arrows?"

"I wouldn't recommend engaging with these three..." a woman cautioned, prompting Brock to stand down. "They attacked the village a year ago. Rather than training their Fighting-type Pokémon normally, they instructed them to attack the village in order to build up their strength."

"So that's why they've been beating up all the Wobbufetts and Wynauts..." Misty mused.

"When they reached Lulu's house, however, her Wobbuffet Taemasu's skillful use of Counter and Mirror Coat proved to be their undoing, and they fled the village, vowing revenge." the woman explained.

An idea occurred to her. "Wait there, you three--let me see if I can find Lulu and Officer Jenny. They should know what to do to chase those hoodlums away!"

The hoodlums laughed as the woman dashed off. "Our Pokémon are much stronger than they were last year, and we intend to beat up every Wobbuffet and Wynaut in the village to prove it!" the second punk sneered.

---------

"Dere...dat's da last box." Meowth smiled as team Rocket finished moving every last box of food into the brush.

He noticed Lulu, Officer Jenny and Lulu's Wobbuffet Taemasu hurrying to the festival grounds. "Funny, what's all the ruckus about?"

"Let's just stay put for now. " James suggested as he watched the group run to engage the hoodlums. "We'll make our move when the time is right."

"Luce, I choose you!" Ash called, heaving a Poke Ball skyward to reveal his Flaaffy before the owner of the Hitmonlee.

"Spritz, I need your help!" Misty called, summoning the Seadra before the Machoke's owner.

"Hitomi, showtime!" Brock heaved a Poke Ball of his own skyward. "You have an advantage, so make that Primeape and its cohorts pay for bothering the townsfolk and ruining my performance!" he called to the Golbat.

A whistle interrupted the impending clash. "I understand how angry you three are right now, but Pokémon battles are forbidden during the festival, in honor of Wobbuffet's characteristic of never attacking first." Officer Jenny explained.

"Okay...come on, Luce." Ash sighed as Luce trudged along behind him.

"Sorry, Spritz..we'll have to find another way of helping the town." Misty was equally dejected.

[But how are we going to teach those hoodlums a lesson if we can't fight? Singing a song isn't gonna help...] Hitomi sighed as she fluttered beside Brock.

"As much as I wish that playing my guitar and singing a song would help, I don't think it's going to here." Brock agreed. "These guys don't look like the kind to just gather 'round and sing 'Kumbaya' along with an acoustic guitar..."

The hoodlums, meanwhile laughed as the group trudged away. "See? You three are a bunch of wimps!" the third punk called. "You won't even lift a finger to stop us!"

"So we're gonna make ya watch as we tear down your precious statue brick by brick!" the second punk went on.

---------

"Why are da twerps not fightin' back?" Meowth watched, dumbfounded, as the group trudged away.

"Or the rest of the village, for that matter?" Jessie was equally confused.

James thought for a moment. "I think I know where the villagers are coming from, here...they are truly dedicated to their Wobbufetts and Wynauts to the point where they will wait to attack second alongside them."

The lightbulb went off in Meowth's head. "Dat makes poifect sense!"

"So we should do something to help the villagers--exactly what, I don't know." James went on.

"Do we have to?" Jessie asked.

"Rememba how well the villagers have treated us so far?" Meowth asked Jessie. "It's only fair we help dem in retoin."

"Hm...you do have a point, Meowth." Jessie sighed. "If it means that much to you two, let's help out our hosts."

---------

Ash watched in horror as the Hitmonlee, the Machoke, and the Primeape did everything they could to try and put a dent in the Wobbufett statue. "We have to do something to stop those jerks!"

He turned his cap back. "I'll go give them a piece of my mind!"

"Hold your Ponytas, young man." Lulu gently scolded as she pulled Ash back. "Remember the way of the Wobbufett--do not attack unless you have been attacked first."

Ash was about to protest when he saw a familiar Meowth balloon. "Team Rocket!"

"Did I actually hear a note of joy in Ash's voice?" Brock wondered. Ash had seemed almost ecstatic that Team Rocket had arrived.

"Well, what have we here? Three punks causing trouble..." Jessie smirked as she looked down on the frightened punks and their Pokemon.

"If you don't stop this right now, your pain will be double!" James warned as he joined Jessie in looking down on the punks.

"To protect the world from devastation..." Jessie began.

"And unite all peoples within our nation..." James smiled, twirling a rose in his hand. Ash just watched and growled in annoyance at the familiar motto he, Misty, and Brock had heard a million times before:

"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! Dat's right!"

"Bring it, Team Rocket goons!" the Hitmonlee's owner challenged.

"But, battles are not allowed in town!" Officer Jenny protested as Meowth balloon landed and the Rockets climbed from the balloon's basket.

"So? Rules were made to be broken!" Jessie retorted as she summoned Arbok.

Meowth watched James summon Victreebel, but gasped as the large pitcher plant Pokemon came for him. "Hey! I'm ya pal, not dinner!" he screamed.

Misty watched as the Hitmonlee used Rolling Kick against Arbok. "I can't believe it...Team Rocket's actually helping people..." she mused as Arbok responded with a Tackle.

"Maybe some of them have a shred of honor, at least." Brock agreed as in the distance, the Machoke uses Karate Chop on Victreebel. Victreebel, however, tried to counter with Razor Leaf, although this was blocked by the Primeape.

Ash watched as Arbok tried to use Wrap against Hitmonlee, but was knocked out by a Hi Jump Kick. "That had to hurt..."

Jessie growled as she watched the Machoke finish off Victreebel with a Seismic Toss at the same time. "Okay, let's see what you can do, Sahana!" she called as she heaved the Poke Ball with her Wobbufett inside to the sky.

"He looks stupid in that headband..." the first punk chucked as Sahana materialized before them, making his companions chuckle.

He then called to his Hitmonlee "Leelee, use Jump Kick!"

"Chika, use Seismic Toss!" the second punk called.

"Fury, use Fury Swipes!" the third punk called.

But neither the punks, the group, Team Rocket, or the onlookers knew what was going to happen next. "Wow..." Ash gasped as Sahana Countered the Hitmonlee's Jump Kick, followed by the Machoke's Seismic Toss, and then the Primeape's Fury Swipes.

In a last desperate move, the punks tried to combine their Pokémon's attacks in order to beat Sahana, but only went flying off into the sky with a ping.

---------

"I can't even begin to thank you..." Lulu smiled as the townsfolk cheered for Team Rocket.

"While you did save the town, that does not excuse the fact that you still broke the festival rules, and so I must ask you three to leave." Officer Jenny reminded the Rockets.

Ash, meanwhile, noticed that the Meowth balloon was carrying a very large cargo. "Wait a second...Team Rocket's making off with all the food for the festival!"

"Let's follow them!" Officer Jenny led the way out of town and up to a nearby hill. "Unless one of you has a sharp object, we're not getting the food back..."

Misty grinned. "We DO, in fact, have some sharp objects!"

She looked over at Brock. "You've got a clear shot from here, so show us your archery skill!"

"I'm on it, Misty!" With that, the others watched Brock aim at the balloon as it drifted by the hill, then fired, a POW! confirming that Brock's shot had hit.

Ash was the first to arrive near the punctured balloon. "You have nowhere to go now!" he called as Team Rocket sent out Arbok and Weezing.

"Ah, but remember that you can't battle us, as battling is forbidden during the festival." James sneered.

"Actually, now that you guys are outside the village, battling is okay." Officer Jenny smiled.

Ash looked over at Tintri. "You know what to do, bud?"

[Yeah!] Tinri smiled before firing a Thunderbolt, sending Team Rocket flying off into the sky with another ping.

---------

"Due to all the chaos, the Lore Stage is cancelled--all other first day events will still go on as planned." the emcee announced, to some "aw"s from the crowd as many of the competing storytellers chose to leave.

Misty noticed Brock was unusually calm. "You're not mad about not getting to try for a green stripe?"

"Not really." Brock confessed. "How were we to know those punks were going to crash everything?"

"That is true..." Misty mused as the group returned to the Enduring Hope statue, which was miraculously unscathed, despite the chaos a few hours before.

"Besides, if it hadn't been for Team Rocket, the mess could've been much worse." Brock went on.

"Yeah, and at least they still have their Wobbufett!" Ash smiled. Misty and Brock couldn't help laughing in agreement as the sun sank below the trees...

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 67: Ariados, Amigos

"If you don't mind, I'm gonna take Ami into the forest for a while." Misty told the boys as she led Ami towards a forest entrance. "She found a flower grove, and wants to pick some."

"I'm sure she'll look pretty in a flower crown." Ash smiled as he watched Tintri splash in the lake with the other Pokemon.

"If you need anything, just call." Brock replied as he cast a fishing line into the water, away from where the Pokemon were swimming.

"Come on, Ami...show me where the flowers are." Misty coaxed her Marill as she led the way into the forest.

[Okay...they should be over the log...] Ami explained as she and her human master climbed over a log that created a natural bridge for a small stream. [...and off to the right, in a clearing near some mushrooms.]

Misty nodded, and followed Ami down a pathway to a small clearing filled with flowers, complete with some mushrooms growing near the entrance. "Oh my...there must be hundreds of different kinds!" she gasped.

After spending a few minutes helping her master pick flowers, Ami noticed what looked like an odd red bush with flecks of yellow and purple. [That's weird...I've never seen a bush--!]

She gasped when she saw the bush appear to move on eight spindly legs! [Spider Pokemon!]

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKK!!!" Misty's scream echoed through the forest and all the way back to the camp.

"That was Misty! Let's go help!" Ash called as Tintri bounded out of the water and onto his shoulder.

"Believe me, I'd know Misty's scream anywhere..." Brock agreed as he put away his rod and tackle and retrieved his archery gear. I hope Misty didn't run into an Ursaring in the forest!

The boys followed Tintri to the clearing, where they spotted Misty shuddering in fear as the giant spider Pokemon approached her. As Brock readied a Repel-laced arrow, Ash decided to read up on the creepy Pokemon:

"Ariados, the long leg Pokemon. Wherever it goes, it spins a thread that always leads back to its web."

"Stand down, ite--Kumo did not mean to frighten your companion." a female voice commanded.

"Ite?" Ash was confused as he watched Brock stand down. "Can you at least come into the light, so we can see you?" he asked in the direction the voice had come from.

The Ariados forgot about Misty and scuttled to meet its master, a deep green haired girl in ninja's garb. "Here I am...my name is Aya. You may have met my brother Koga before, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town."

Ash was stunned. "H-how do you know my name?"

"Koga told me about the day he battled you for a Soul Badge--he remembers you and your companions fondly." Aya explained.

The lightbulb went off in Ash's head. "Oh! So you must be the sister he told me about that day!"

"How is Koga doing?" Misty asked, nervous and at the same time relieved the Ariados was not going to hurt her.

"He is doing well, and is now training a daughter of his own in our clan's ancient arts." Aya explained. "Her name is Janine, if you're curious--her favorite technique so far is the Disguise jutsu."

"I hope I get a chance to battle her one day!" Ash smiled, happy to know one of the Gym Leaders he had met was doing well.

"So, what are you doing all the way out here, Aya-san?" Brock asked Aya as he put away his gear, giving Aya a respectful bow.

"I'm training with Kumo to learn the special art of Pokémon Jujitsu--which is a form of martial arts." Aya smiled, flattered at Brock's respectful demeanor. "If you wish, my master is hosting a Pokethlon at the dojo today--competitors on all tracks are welcome."

"I would be honored, Miss Aya." Misty replied, forgetting about the Ariados. "I have two medals already, and wish to try for a third."

---------

"All right--today's Pokethlon is a Jump type competition." the student handling check in explained to Misty as she emerged from a dressing room in her jersey. "The three events are the Lamp Jump, the Disc Catch, and the Hurdle Dash, so bring your best Pokemon that can reach for the stars!"

I haven't seen the Lamp Jump and the Disc Catch before, but the Hurdle Dash I remember doing on water before, and now have to do on land. Misty thought as she contemplated which of her team to use.

"So, who are you going to use for this competition?" Ash asked as Misty approached the stands.

[I wanna try a Pokethlon! Please?] Ami begged

Misty just grinned at her Marill's enthusiasm. "Okay, Ami, you can compete this time. Pearl and Michelle will be your backups."

"You sure? A Marill's Jump stat isn't that good..." Brock cautioned as he looked at the stat guide Casey had given Misty.

"Ami really wants to try, so I'm letting her try." Misty assured Brock. "Besides, stats aren't everything--terrible Jump stat or no, I'm proud of her for trying."

She was about to say more when the lineup of competitors appeared on a screen--in addition to her and her three Pokemon, Aya and her Ariados were also displayed! "Oh no...how am I going to handle competing against a bug?"

"Just focus on doing your best to win--pretend the Ariados is not even there." Brock assured Misty. "Besides, Ash and me will be here cheering you on all the way."

A relieved smile formed on Misty's face. "Thanks...I'll try to remember that. I can't let my fear of bugs get in the way of my goal."

"That's the spirit!" Ash smiled as the doors opened to admit the audience to the event hall. "Go get'em!"

---------

"Our first event is the Lamp Jump." the referee announced to the crowd as a spotlight appeared on a massive pachinko-like board large enough to hold all manner of Pokemon. "Each Pokethlete must leap into the air towards our grid of lamps, touching as many as possible to score points. Each Pokethlete gets three tries, and the highest score wins."

That board is perfect for Ami! Misty thought. "Ami, you'd be perfect for this event!"

[I'll do my best!] Ami smiled as she followed an attendant to the launch pad leading into the board.

"First try!" the referee announced as Ami's information appeared on the scoreboard. After springing off the launchpad up the top of the board, she curled up into a ball shape as she bounced and bumped her way down to the bottom, with any lights she touched showing the judges and the audience her path through the course.

"Number 7's score--4800 points!" the referee announced when Ami finally arrived at the bottom some moments later.

"How do they come up with the score?" Ash asked, curious, as a Riolu made the jump into the course for its first attempt.

"Look closer--some of the lights are colored." Brock explained as the Riolu bounced off a red light. "Colored ones have higher values."

"I see..." Ash smiled, applauding the Riolu as it finished its run.

"Aya's next." Brock pointed out Kumo making his way to the launch pad.

"But neither the crowd nor Misty expected the Ariados to curl into a shuriken-like shape, allowing Kumo to hit nearly every light in the course. There's no way Ami would be able to beat that... she mused as she saw Aya's score of 9980. Oh well...there's still two more events to go!

---------

[I'm sorry...I did my best in the Lamp Jump, but that Ariados was too much!] Ami sobbed as Misty and the other Pokethletes made their way to the pool where the second event would take place.

"I'm not mad, okay?" Misty assured the crying Marill. "You did your best, and that's all that matters to me."

[Thanks...] Ami smiled, her tears shining with hope as the Pokethletes and the spectators arrived in a room with a large pool, where a large pier was floating in the center. Aya and the Riolu's trainer were already present on the pier. which had a walkway for the competitors to reach it without swimming.

"May I try this event?" Michelle asked. [You'll likely need power and precision, and I can do that.]

[Sure...] Misty stammered as she carefully walked to the platform reserved for third place, acutely aware of the Ariados a few feet away on the first place platform.

Remember what Brock said... she reminded herself as she took a deep breath and let it go. Kumo is not even there...you can do this.

Once all the competitors were on the pier, the referee addressed the crowd in the stands. "Our second event today is the Disc Catch. As you can see, our four Pokethletes are lined up on a small pier in the middle of the water based on how they finished in the previous event. They must catch discs that are thrown through the air without falling in the water. Should they fall, they will lose what discs they collected, and have to start again. Whoever catches the most discs in 60 seconds, wins."

He then addressed the four Pokethletes. "Pokethletes? Are you ready?"

Cheers went up in reply as a timer set for 60 seconds appeared on the scoreboard. "Okay...Ready? Set..." the referee called before blowing his whistle, triggering a volley of discs from launchers hidden in the walls.

Michelle made the first strike by grabbing a disc coming from the right. She next reached for one coming from a launcher on the left wall, but Kumo grabbed it away.

"Michelle! Focus on the discs coming straight at you and from the right!" Misty suggested over the yells of the other Pokethletes encouraging their jumping Pokemon and the cheers of the crowd.

[Got it!] Michelle replied before leaping to grab a disc from the center launcher.

In the stands, the boys cheered their hardest as Michelle and Kumo raced neck and neck. "Come on, Michelle!" Ash called as the Golduck effortlessly grabbed another disc.

Brock winced as Michelle and Kumo both jumped for the same disc with twenty seconds to go, only for Kumo to splash down into the water, resetting his score. "Good thing Michelle had the power and distance to get that one..."

"She has psychic power, and strength, so maybe she used a flutter jump to give her the boost to get it.' Ash grinned as the clock expired.

"Okay...Kumo managed to make up some ground to come in third with five..." Brock noted as the event results blipped on the screen. "and Misty and Michelle take the gold with eight!"

"I think your advice about focusing is helping..." Ash smiled.

[There's still one more event to go...] Tintri reminded him. [So she still has to focus!]

---------

"Well done on the Disc Catch..." Misty smiled as she and Michelle arrived on the track for the Hurdle Dash. "Since this Hurdle Dash is on land, would you like to run it?"

[Of course...I still have plenty of strength left.] Michelle assured her mistress. [You know that I'm equally fit on land or in water.]

She knelt down to allow Misty to climb on her back. [Just climb aboard!]

Once Misty was safely on her Golduck's back, Michelle jogged to the second lane. "Pokethletes ready?" the referee called.

The track roared with cheers. "Ready? Set..." the referee called before the starting gun fired.

Aya and Kumo charged ahead to start, but Misty and Michelle were not far behind in second place. After landing on the ground from the first hurdle, Misty noticed she and Michelle had overtaken Aya and Kumo. "I see...eight legs is great for a sprint or straight running, but not so good if you also have to jump."

[Exactly!] Michelle smiled as she nimbly leaped over the second hurdle. [Now, let's give this webspinner what for!]

With that, she powered over the third hurdle, crossing the line with ten seconds to spare!

---------

"Well...I am quite impressed at how well you did in today's competition." Aya smiled as the crowds departed the medal ceremony that evening. "Clearly Kumo and I have a lot to learn."

"Aw, I just focused on doing the best I could." Misty smiled as she admired her reflection in the silver medal she had won. "Win or lose, all we can do is our best."

"You speak with wisdom beyond your years, Misty." Aya smiled. "Know that Koga, Janine, and I will be cheering you on to the Grand Pokethlon and beyond."

"I wish you luck, as well--Kumo really gave my crew a challenge!" Misty smiled as the boys ran to meet her.

"Will you tell Koga I said hi?" Ash asked Aya.

"I will tell him you send your regards." Aya replied before turning to leave. "That, and that you wish to battle Janine the next time you come to Fuchsia."

"Thanks!" Ash waved goodbye to Aya, then addressed Misty. "Nice job on that second place finish...you were very brave for facing a bug as your competition."

"I was surprised too, but I have to hand it to Brock--his advice on focus was what helped the most." Misty assured Ash as the three travelers walked off into the setting sun...

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 68: Wings n' Things

"...a one on one tea ceremony is very special--a sign of friendship between the host and the guest." Brock read from the guidebook's chapter on the traditional tea ceremony to Ash and Misty. "Before entering the place where the ceremony is being held, the guests have to wait for the sound of the vina, an ancient harp said to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The vina playing means that the host is ready to receive the guests."

"How pretty!" Misty gasped, starry eyed as she pictured her and Ash receiving tea from a kimono-clad lady as Brock, as the harpist, played a peaceful melody on a bow shaped harp.

"I wonder if we can participate in a tea ceremony when we get to Ecruteak?" Ash smiled. "I still have my kimono from last year's summer festival!"

With that, he skipped down the road with Tintri, singing the bon odori song from the festival at Maiden's Peak the year before. Haa, hanabi agareba...Ha-a, kansei agaru...

A buzzing in the distance jolted him from his song as a tiny dragonfly-like Pokemon emerged from the tall grass at the side of the road. Interesting Pokemon... he thought as he reached for his Pokedex:

"Yanma, the clear wing Pokemon. If it flaps its wings really fast, it can generate shock waves that will shatter windows in the area."

Just as Ash pocketed Dexter, he gasped as the Yanma flew over and snatched his cap! "Hey!" he cried as he and Tintri followed the Yanma into the grass. "That cap's special to me!"

After fruitlessly chasing the Yanma around in circles for a minute or two, Ash heaved a relieved sigh when he heard a boy's voice call "Sparx, give that hat back!"

The Yanma looked over at Ash, then its deep blue haired owner, then back at Ash again before dropping the cap at Ash's feet and flying off. "Has your Yanma always been that difficult..." Ash started, before realizing he had not asked the Yanma's owner his name.

"My name's Zachary--but you can call me Zach for short." the boy replied as Ash dusted off his cap and put it back on. "I'm so sorry about Sparx swiping your cap--no matter what I do to teach Sparx anything, he doesn't want to obey me..."

"Is everything okay?" Misty and Brock arrived a few moments later. "We heard this buzzing and then you screaming..." Misty began.

"Yeah--I got my cap back. A mischievous Yanma took it." Ash assured his companions. "This is Zach, the Yanma's owner. Zach, this are my traveling companions, Misty and Brock.

"Nice to meet you both." Zach replied. "My dad makes windows in town...and Sparx has always been a troublemaker for them.

"Then we'd better get to town before Sparx causes any more trouble." Misty led the way down the road, making sure to keep Zach in view.

---------

Screams and cries filled the air as the group reached the town some moments later. "Hide your glasswares!" Ash heard a woman call.

"Sparx is back!" a man cried, spurring many of the townsfolk to take what glasswares they could find and hide them in secure locations as the Yanma flew down the main street.

"Seems Sparx has already built quite the bad reputation..." Brock mused as he watched Sparx fly to one particular shop, tap one finished window pane, then flap his wings enough to create that same tone, shattering hundreds of windowpanes and glass sheets.

"I guess that old urban legend about glass shattering at a certain frequency is true..." Misty gasped, both awed and afraid at how powerful Sparx was.

"Zachary Evans! I thought I told you that that stupid Yanma wasn't allowed within a hundred feet of here!" a man yelled as Zach arrived to corral Sparx. "That's another 200 credits worth of glass you'll have to pay down!"

"It seems like Sparx has done this before..." Ash mused as he watched the man berate Zach.

"But Zach doesn't seem like a bad trainer..." Misty noted as she watched the man lead Zachary before a man with similar features to Zach at a nearby house.

"In most troublesome Pokemon, it usually is the trainer that's the problem, but in this case, it looks like a combination of the Pokemon being rebellious by nature, and the trainer not knowing how to control it." Brock explained as he motioned for the group to follow him to the house, where the two men were talking. "We just need to stick up for Zach and prove he can be a good trainer for Sparx."

---------

"I'm sorry, Mr. Strussel..." Zach told the angry man as the group looked on. "I've tried to keep Sparx under control, but he never wants to listen to me..."

"Well, if you're clearly putting up an effort and he still breaks everyone's glass, then the only thing to do is return Sparx to the wild." Mr. Strussel replied, a note of anger still in his voice.

"But--!" Zach protested.

"As much as I hate to say this, I have to agree, son." Mr. Evans sighed. "I know you've done a lot for Sparx, but if he doesn't want to listen to you, then he may be happy back in the wild."

Misty watched Zach trudge away towards a park. "Poor Zach...he must really love Sparx to keep training him when Sparx won't even listen to him..."

"Let's go see if we can cheer him up!" Ash suggested.

Brock located Zach sitting on a bench overlooking a playground. "Got room for a few more?" he asked as he sat down by Zach.

"Sure." Zach replied, the awkward discussion from earlier still weighing on his heart.

"If you don't mind my asking, how did you and Sparx meet?" Ash wondered.

"Well...it all started a few months ago." Zach began. "A big storm came through the area, and at the time, Dad and I were on the way back from delivering glass to another town. Just as we contemplated finding shelter, Dad spotted a Yanma lying on the ground, battered by the wind and rain. Not being one to just leave an injured Pokemon behind, we took it home and took care of it, and I named it Sparx. However, as soon as he got better, Sparx broke all the glass in Dad's workshop. I decided to train Sparx, but to no avail."

He sighed. "And that's where you guys came in. Maybe Mr. Strussel is right...Sparx should be back in the wild."

"WHAAAAAAAT???" the group gasped.

"How can you say that when you've done so much for Sparx?" Misty gasped.

"Maybe a window maker's son wasn't meant to be a Yanma trainer..." Zach sighed before tearfully getting up from the bench.

---------

"Good bye, Sparx..." Zach began as he released the Yanma in the forest some time later. "I'll...I'll..."

Finally, pure emotion overwhelmed Zach as he dashed back down the forest path, only to trip on a rock and fall right at Ash's feet! "I did it...I released Sparx. But it doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye..." he whispered before bursting into tears.

After dusting himself off, he led the group to a ring of rocks. "I wanted to raise Sparx to be a hero--a Pokemon would could help people, not cause trouble for them..." he explained.

"The townsfolk may have seen him as trouble, but did YOU ever see Sparx as a troublemaker?" Brock asked as he wiped away Zach's tears.

"No..." Zach replied. "I saw him as a friend, and my hero-in-training. But how could something that small do much of anything besides cause trouble?"

Brock thought for a moment. "You know, there are millions of stories in the world that tell of tiny beings that did big things, including Yanmas."

"Really?" Zach asked, intrigued by the three stripes on Brock's vest. "If you're a storyteller, do you know any stories about a heroic Yanma?"

"Yes, actually...I learned one from a book once." Brock replied. "It's called 'How the Yanmas Defeated the Pansages'."

With that, he began "One day, a Yanma just like Sparx was traveling from a beautiful tropical island down to another island to the south. The air was steamy, and the sun was high in the sky. After many hours, the poor Yanma was exhausted, but she still had a long way to go. She decided to rest for a while, and spotting a grove of palm trees, she flew down to rest on one. She did not notice the family of Pansages in the tree."

"Uh oh..." Zach stifled a giggle--the first time he had laughed at all that day.

"As she was fanning herself with her wings, resting and catching her breath, she suddenly heard a rustling sound beside her." Brock went on, complete with Ash rustling some grass for sound effects.

"Who's there?" Misty jumps in the role of the Yanma.

"...and a moment later a Pansage--a green monkey Pokemon native to the far away Unova region-- stood beside her." Brock went on.

"What are you doing? You're trespassing! You'll have to leave right now." he scolded Misty in a mimic of Team Rocket's Meowth, to Zach's delight.

"The Pansage looked enormous to the Yanma, and his voice was harsh. She began to tremble with fear." Brock went on as himself. "Still, she was tired. Her desire for rest inspired her courage, so she looked up at the Pansage and said..."

"Please, sir, I would like to rest here until sunset. I've been flying so long, my wings won't carry me much farther." Misty fills in the dialogue as the Yanma.

"Poor, tired wings!" Brock jeered as the Pansage. "We don't allow weak creatures to stay in our tree. Go away, now!"

As himself, he went on "With that, he snapped a twig from the tree and brandished it as if it were a sword. Try as the Yanma might to beg for mercy, the Pansage threw the stick at her."

"That's not very nice!" Zach cried, appalled.

"Now, the Yanma was tired, but as we know, Yanmas are quick, and before the stick was out of the Pansage's hand, she was flying away, flying towards her homeland." Brock went on. "When at long last she reached home, she went to tell King Yanmega--what Yanma ultimately becomes--the story of the Pansages in the palm tree."

"So what did King Yanmega do?" Zach asked as Ash showed him a Yanmega's picture in the Pokedex.

"When King Yanmega heard the story, he was furious. He decided the Yanmas had to confront the Pansages, and he sent three of his best warriors to speak to King Simisage--what Pansage ultimately becomes." Brock went on. "The Yanma warriors flew to the palm tree, and asked to see King Simisage."

"Your Pansages treated one of our own cruelly. Our king has decided you must make amends or we will declare war on you." Ash jumps in the role of a Yanma.

"War, you say?" Brock shoots back as King Simisage. "Tell your king to come back here, and we shall see who wins this war!"

Brock then interjects as himself "The Yanma warriors understood that winning a war against the Pansages would be difficult, and so they said..."

"Sir, you never know how these things might end. Perhaps you wish to reconsider? An apology would be fine." Ash suggests as the Yanma.

"Go now and tell your king my answer! War it shall be!" Brock vows as King Simisage, to Zach's delight at how the group played off of each other.

Brock continued the story as himself "And so, the Yanma warriors flew back to their king and told him what King Simisage had said, so King Yanmega ordered his whole army to fly to the palm tree for battle. The Yanmas carried no weapons but their wings, and they flew as fast as they could, in strict formation, all the way to the palm tree. As they approached the tree, they saw an army of Pansages wielding branches and sticks."

"And then?" Zach was interested now.

"When King Simisage saw the Yanmas approaching, he gave the word to attack." Brock intoned As the Pansages began to scatter down their tree, waving their sticks in the air, the Yanmas flew directly at them. Just as their king had commanded, they landed on the Pansages' foreheads. The Pansages quickly raised their weapons and struck, but the Yanmas were so quick, they flew away, and so the Pansages struck their own foreheads. One by one, the Pansages fell from the tree."

Zach giggled as he pictured the comical scene. "And so it was that the Yanmas won the war." Brock concluded. "All the Pokemon--and the people, too--learned to admire and respect speed, agility and wit."

"That was pretty good!" Zach smiled as he applauded. "Maybe I was wrong about releasing Sparx...let's go take him back!"

The group eagerly made their way back to the clearing, but were crestfallen when they saw Sparx was gone.

---------

"Now where could the twerps have gotten to?" Jessie wondered as Team Rocket climbed through the forest underbrush.

Just then, she saw Sparx lands by a river to get a drink. "Well well, what have we here? They say a Yanma's wings can produce a tone that shatters glass."

"Jus' tink of all da havoc we could cause!" Now Meowth was excited. "We could have da Yanma break all da windows somewhere, den we could charge da townsfolk for glass at super-high prices!"

"Then what are we waiting for?" James asked before taking a net, tiptoeing up to the unsuspecting Yanma, and dropping the net on it!

[Let me go, you hoodlums!] Sparx demanded, taking advantage James inspecting the next to fly away.

"Not so fast!" Jessie heaved a rope in the direction the Yanma was flying, which wrapped around Sparx's body.

"Nice lasso, Jessie." Meowth grinned as Jessie pulled back the struggling Yanma. "Now for part 1 of our plan--go find some windows ta smash!"

[Get me out of here!] Sparx screeched before flapping his wings, creating a ringing Eb note that rang through the forest, shattering the windows in a nearby empty cabin.

"Looks like that story about the Yanma's wings is true..." James mused. "Let's go bilk the townsfolk!"

---------

"Mr. Strussel? Have you seen Sparx anywhere?" Zach asked some time later.

"Course I have--you've allowed him to break almost all the windows in town so those glass hawkers can sell us overpriced glass!" Mr. Strussel grumbled, pointing out Jessie, James, and Meowth--in disguise as glass merchants--in the town square. "I can't believe you'd fall in with hucksters like that--if you try anything funny, I'm onto you!"

Moments before Mr. Strussel could take Zach by the arm to his father, the others arrived. "HOLD EVERYTHING!" Brock called. "First of all, why are you accusing Zach of something he didn't even do? Those glass merchants were actually Team Rocket!"

Jessie happened to overhear Brock trying to defend Zach. "How nice of you to say that, it sure saves us the trouble!" With that, the Rockets threw off their disguises, to the gasps of the townsfolk.

"And because of your generosity, we'll make your pain double!" James agrees, just as Meowth and Sparx arrived back by his side.

"To protect the world from devastation..." Jessie began.

"And unite all peoples within our nation..." James smiled, twirling a rose in his hand. Ash just watched and growled in annoyance at the familiar motto he, Misty, and Brock had heard a million times before:

"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! Dat's right!"

Ash growled in anger as he picked up one of his Poke Balls. "Luce, I choose you!"

"Spritz, go give those Rockets what for!" Misty was not far behind in summoning one of her own Pokemon.

"Wait!" Mr. Evans cried. "If you all must battle, can we do so in a different place? Sparx would destroy the stained glass. I've worked hard on these windows, and I don't want them ruined!"

"Is that so?" James smirked before telling the group "Listen up, twerps--if you even so much as attempt to attack, our little friend Sparx will destroy all the windows here."

"And just to make sure you won't attack, I'll bind you both!" Jessie added before summoning Arbok, who wasted no time Binding the Flaaffy and the Seadra.

[We...have to do something...] Luce gasped as Arbok's coils squeezed both Pokemon tighter and tighter.

[I know...but the windows...] Spritz wheezed.

Just then, Misty got an idea. "Zach...can you try to return Sparx to you? That way you can show Team Rocket you are Sparx's rightful owner."

"Okay..." Zack then held out a Poke Ball. "Sparx, return."

Everyone gasped as Sparx was returned to the ball. "He did it!" Ash cried.

He paused to turn his cap back. "Luce, use Shockwave!"

"Spritz, use Water Gun to make the Shockwave even stronger!" Misty commanded.

Zach watched as the massive lightning bolt sliced through the water and shocked the Arbok, forcing it to let go of the Flaaffy and the Seadra. "Sparx, I need your help!" he called, moments before Victreebel used Razor Leaf to wound Luce and Spritz.

"You want to try battling with Sparx?" Ash paused to retrieve Dexter. "Here, this should help..."

"Yanma's Known Attacks--number one, Sonic Boom..." Dexter reported.

"Sparx, use Sonic Boom!" Zach commanded.

The group watched as Sparx began flapping at a very high speed, creating a loud boom that knocked out Arbok. "Razor Leaf incoming!" Brock warned, pointing out the flurry of sharp leaves headed for Sparx.

"Yanma's Known Attacks--number two, Double Team..." Dexter continued.

"Okay Sparx, use Double Team to dodge!" Zach commanded.

Misty watched as the Razor Leaves went straight through the copies of Sparx, leaving the real Sparx unharmed. "Spritz!"

"Luce!" Ash called.

"Sparx!" Zach called.

"Yanma's Known Attacks--number three, Tackle..." Dexter reported.

"USE TACKLE!" all three trainers chorused.

[HAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!] Luce, Spritz, and Sparx barreled at Team Rocket, the resulting impact sending them flying off into the sky with a <i>ping</i>.

"I don't believe it...Zach and Sparx saved the town!" Mr. Strussel gasped.

He looked over at Zach. "Look, I jumped to conclusions before, and I'm sorry I accused you of something you had no part of...will you ever forgive me?"

"Sure..." Zach replied. "It's always better to forgive and forget, right Dad?"

"Yes, that's right." Mr. Evans grinned.

He gestured to a window that he had finished moments before, depicting Ash, Misty and Brock as fantasy heroes with a Yanma flying overhead. "As thanks for all you've done, we're hanging this window in the Pokemon Center to remember you three by."

"I told Dad to make your fantasy self a minstrel, as thanks for the story you told me." Zach explained to Brock. "I think it inspired Sparx too."

[Oh, it did!] Sparx buzzed. [I want to do all I can to be the greatest Yanma the world has ever known!]

"Know that you three are always welcome here any time." Mr. Evans smiled. "And you're welcome to come share your stories, too." he smiled at Brock.

"Aw, it was nothing!" Misty smiled.

"Yeah--we'll try and come back sometime." Ash agreed. He waved goodbye to the cheering townsfolk as he, Misty, and Brock set off into the setting sun...

To Be Continued...
 
Episode 69: The Grass Route

The sun was high overhead as the group rounded a bend in the road to see an array of Grass type Pokemon romping around what Ash assumed were fairgrounds. "Hey guys...check out all the Grass Pokemon!"

"I see..." Brock looked up from the guidebook and smiled when he saw a Sunflora, savoring a memory of his first Lore Stage. "I see Sunflora, Oddish, Bellsprout..."

"Is that a Gloom?" Misty asked, pointing out a Gloom in the crowd of Grass Pokemon. "Reminds me of your battle with Erika..."

"Don't remind me..." Ash shuddered. Being disguised as a girl to enter the Gym was bad enough, but he had at least rescued Erika's Gloom when Team Rocket had attempted to burn the Gym down--so it was worth the humiliation.

He was snapped from his memories by Brock's voice. "If Saria was here, she would love getting to know all these exotic Grass types."

Ash smiled at a memory of his beloved Bulbasaur as he read up on a small pink deer Pokemon playing with an Oddish:

Deerling, the season Pokemon. An exotic Pokemon from the Unova region, the turning of the seasons changes the color and scent of this Pok?mon's fur. People use it to mark the seasons.

"Cool..." Ash smiled before scanning a small bud-like Pokemon dozing near a desk:

"Budew, the bud Pokemon. An exotic Pokemon from the Shinou region, the bud is said to bloom when it feels the sun's warm touch."

"I'm sure that must be pretty..." Ash mused to himself as he looked for another exotic Grass Pokemon to scan.

"What's this cute little owl Pokemon here?" Misty asked as she joined Ash in the field.

Ash located the brown and green owl Pokemon sunning itself in a tree and scanned it with the Pokedex:

Rowlet, the grass quill Pokemon. An exotic Pokemon from the Alola region, this wary Pok?mon uses photosynthesis to store up energy during the day, while becoming active at night.

"Interesting..." Ash mused as Brock joined him and Misty, just in time to see a small green Pokemon with a yellow flower on its head. "Huh?"

As the group followed the little Pokemon, Ash looked it up on the Pokedex:

"Skiploom, the cottonweed Pokemon. It spreads its petals to absorb sunlight. It also floats in the air to get closer to the sun.

"How pretty!" Misty gasped as they followed the Skiploom down the path to where a line was forming at a food booth.

"There you are!" a dull blue haired boy smiled as he hugged the Skiploom, then looked at the group. "Oh, hi! I haven't seen you guys around before...I'm Ephraim, and this is Skippy, my Skiploom."

[Hi!] the Skiploom smiled.

"Nice to meet you...I'm Ash, and these are my companions, Misty and Brock." Ash replied, making a grand gesture to his companions, who waved hello upon being introduced. "We're traveling through the region, and couldn't resist stopping by when we saw all the Grass Pokemon."

"Are any of you guys trainers at all?" Ephraim wondered.

Ash revealed his three badges, neatly sewn to his right vest flap. "I am, at least--here are the three badges I have so far."

"Wow...three badges?" Ephraim was impressed. "Is it okay if I can have Skippy battle one of your Pokemon?"

"Sure!" Ash replied as he watched Brock draw the shape of a Poke Ball in the grass.

---------

"Okay, Ephraim...which side of the Poke Ball do you want to take?" Brock asked.

"Gold--in honor of the bud on Skippy's head!" Ephraim smiled as he dashed to the left side of the Poke Ball, with Skippy close behind him.

"Then I'll take Silver." Ash replied before taking the Poke Ball with Aina inside. "I'm not sure how strong Skippy is, so I'll use one of my weaker Pokemon, okay?"

"That's fair." Ephraim smiled.

Ash then heaved his Poke Ball skyward. "Aina, time to make your debut!"

"Since this is just a friendly match, I'm not going to go through the whole introductions, like a referee would do at a real tournament." Brock explained as he hung his referee's whistle around his neck. "So, are both sides ready?"

Cheers rang across the grounds in reply. "Okay! And three...two...one..."

As soon as the whistle blew, Ephraim called "Okay, Skippy! Start with Double Team to confuse the Machop!"

Aina balked as what seemed like hundreds of Skiplooms appeared before her. [Oh my...which one's the real one?]

"Try Brick Break, and hope it's the right one!" Ash suggested.

[HAIIIIIIIIII-YAH!] Aina cried as her left hand glowed, allowing her to chop through the duplicates and hit the real Skippy, sending the Skiploom flying backwards several feet.

Both trainers watched in awe and surprise as the whistle blew again. "Game Set! This match goes to Silver!" Brock announced, to some light applause from some onlookers.

Ash realized what Aina had just done. "No way...Aina won...her first battle?"

A euphoric smile formed on his face. "YA-HOOOO!!!!!!" AINA WON A BATTLE! AINA WON--!"

"ASH!!!" Misty's angry voice brought Ash back to reality. "I'm surprised at you--steamrolling a kid's Pokemon like that, and then celebrating over it?" she snapped. "You should be ashamed of yourself for battering that poor Skiploom--you have higher standards than this!"

Ephraim, however, was unusually calm about losing. "It's okay...Skippy's taken bigger beatings than that before." he assured Misty as Skippy came to.

As Skippy flew into his arms, he went on "If you're needing a place to stay, I can ask my mom and dad about using the guest bedrooms at the house. It's not far from here."

---------

"Mom, Dad, I met some new friends at the fairgrounds today!" Ephraim called to a man and a woman with similar features to him having coffee at the kitchen table. "Meet Ash, Misty, and Brock." he smiled, making a grand gesture to the group as they came inside.

"Nice to meet you three...are you in town for the Grass Tournament?" Ephraim's mom asked.

"Grass Tournament?" Ash was confused.

"This was why I wanted to battle before--I'm training Skippy for the tournament." Ephraim explained. "The Grass Tournament is a special competition for Grass-type Pok?mon only, with a large collection of Leaf Stones as the prize."

"Wow!" Misty was impressed.

"I bet Ethan and Lyra will be here for the tournament--maybe after we settle in for the night, we can head back to the fairgrounds and see." Brock suggested.

"Explore all you want--the fairgrounds have plenty to do even if you're not competing." Ethan's father smiled. "The guest bedrooms are upstairs on the left."

---------

"Wow..." the group gasped as they returned to the fairgrounds that evening. Carnival rides, a midway, and food stands had been set up as even more people converged on the fairgrounds for the tournament. What trainers were signing up for the tournament were checking in near a large dome, while everyone else rode the rides or tried their luck at winning Pokemon dolls or other prizes.

"Aw, what's this Pokemon?" Misty asked as she admired a doll of a small blue duck-like Pokemon with a lilly pad on its head as one of the prizes for the pyramid game.

"Here..." Ash invited Misty to look as he scanned the doll with his Pokedex:

Lotad, the waterweed Pokemon. An exotic Pokemon of the Houen region, it looks like an aquatic plant and serves as a ferry to Pok?mon that can't swim."

"Fascinating!" Misty smiled as Brock set down a hundred credit bill in an attempt to win one of the Lotad dolls for Misty.

Both Ash and Misty held their breaths as Brock heaved the ball with all his might...and sent the milk bottle pyramid crashing down some seconds later. "Easy as pie." he smiled as the barker gave him a small Lotad doll.

"How did you do that? I thought the game was rigged!" Ash gasped, amazed that Brock had won a prize on the first try at a carnival game.

"Actually, the milk bottle pyramid is in fact winnable if you know what you're doing." Brock explained. "You want to aim for the middle of the bottom row, and throw as hard as you can, like I did."

"Ah..." Misty smiled as she hugged her new Lotad doll.

"That's actually fascinating!" a voice called. "Any other tips you can share, guru of the midway?"

Brock whirled around to find Ethan and Lyra approaching them from the other direction. "Oh, hi! Are you guys just here for the carnival, or are you gonna compete in the tournament tomorrow?" he asked.

"I'm competing with Hana." Lyra replied. "Just for fun, and see how she'd do in a tournament setting."

"Having seen Hana battle before, I do you're gonna do great!" Ash smiled.

"We'll be there to cheer you on, even if you don't win it all." Misty smiled.

"And for the record, if there's any midway game you DON'T want to play, steer clear of the plastic tubs, and the swinger game is all but impossible thanks to basic physics." Brock replied.

"Point duly noted." Ethan smiled as the new group of five continued down the midway...

---------

Elsewhere, Kamon and a small lizard Pokemon with a leafy tail made their way down the road. "Huh?" Kamon mused as he found a dropped flyer advertising the tournament and the carnival. "Grass tournament...all ages and skill levels welcome...500 Leaf Stones as the prize..."

He smiled at the little lizard Pokemon. "Well, Donna...tomorrow's the day of your big debut. Maybe Wonder Boy and pals will be there--this kind of thing is just up their alley..."

---------

"Gold side ready?" the referee announced.

Lyra and Hana cheered in reply. "Silver side ready?" the referee asked, prompting a boy and his Gloom to cheer. "And three...two...one..."

Lyra struck first as the whistle blew. "Hana, use Razor Leaf!"

Ash and the others gawked as Hana landed a critical blow, taking out the Gloom in one hit! "Wow...Hana's gotten way stronger since I saw her last..." Ash gasped.

"Remember that Hana's been through a lot of major battles, so it makes sense that she be this strong by now..." Brock reminded Ash as the group watched Lyra shake hands with her opponent.

"I don't know...a lot of these trainers look pretty tough." Ethan mused as the arena was cleared off for the next match.

"Our next match, Ephraim and Skippy vs. Sterling and Donna." the announcer reported as Ephraim arrived on the Silver side with Skippy.

Misty, however, balked at Ephraim's opponent. "Is that who I think it is?"

"Even if it's not Kamon, it sure looks a lot like him." Ethan muttered as a familiar red haired boy approached the Gold side with the small lizard Pokemon.

Ash fumbled for his Pokedex to read up on the strange lizard Pokemon:

"Treecko, the wood gecko Pokemon. An exotic Pokemon from the Houen region, the soles of its feet are covered by countless tiny spikes, enabling it to walk on walls and ceilings."

In the arena, Ephraim shuddered as "Sterling" approached. "I know you're scared, Skippy, but I know you can be brave!"

[Yes I can!] Skippy charged at the Treecko, knocking it backwards.

"Donna, counter with Agility!" Kamon called.

As Kamon's Treecko raced around Skippy, Ephraim "Try to get Leech Seed on him, and then use Double Team!"

"Yes!" Misty smiled as Skippy paralyzed the Treecko by firing hundreds of life draining seeds from its bud, then flummoxed the lizard Pokemon even more by creating multiple copies of himself.

"Didn't Lyra try something like that before?" Ash asked Ethan.

"Yeah--Kamon believes in raw power above all else, so the best way to stymie him is put up defense." Ethan replied as the whistle blew to signal that Ephraim had won.

The group did not expect Ephraim's parents to hurry down to the arena. "My little boy--great job on your victory!" Ephraim's mother gushed.

"You're getting better with Skippy every day!" Ephraim's father agreed as he pulled out a camera to take a picture.

"Mom, Dad, you're embarrassing me!" Ephraim protested as he did his best to shield his eyes from the camera flash.

---------

"Lyra and Hana vs. Sterling and Donna." the announcer began as Lyra and Hana made their way to the arena to kick off the second round some time later.

[Funny...this Sterling guy looks a tad familiar...] Hana grumbled as she stared down the Treecko.

"Don't worry...I have a plan for exposing you-know-who's little charade." Lyra smiled as the referee counted down.

As soon as the whistle blew, Lyra called "Hana, use Razor Leaf!"

[Got it!] Hana replied as she fired a flurry of Razor Leaves over the confused Treecko and onto "Sterling" and shredding his silver suit, exposing him as Kamon, to the gasps of the crowd.

Even Ethan was surprised. "No way! That Sterling character WAS Kamon!"

"You have to give Lyra credit for a clever idea though." Misty grinned as the crowd waited to see how Kamon would react.

"Okay, I admit it--I solely entered this competition thinking Wonder Boy would be there." Kamon smirked. "And I see him right..."

He smiled when he found the section Ash and the others were sitting in. "...there..."

Gasps and screams filled the air as Kamon leaped into the stands and dashed to the row Ash and the others were watching from. "I found you, Wonder Boy...and today, we're gonna battle, right here, right now!"

"But I don't even--!" Ash protested before some screams and a cry of "Stop!" from a security guard clued him in that Kamon had forgotten about him and was heading for the door with the box holding the 500 Leaf Stones.

He motioned for Lyra to join him in the stands. "Brock, Lyra, I have an idea...Lyra, tell Hana to charge a Solarbeam..."

[Right!] Hana smiled as she started absorbing the sunlight from a window.

"You declared your archery gear before?" Ash asked Brock.

"Of course." Brock smiled as he retrieved an arrow and nocked it.

"When I give the signal, fire your shot through Hana's Solarbeam--the resulting bright light should blind Kamon long enough for him to drop the Leaf Stones." Ash explained, noting that Hana had finished charging the bright yellow beam, and was patiently waiting for him to give the signal.

He waited for Kamon to approach a white line in the arena, then called "NOW!!!"

The crowd watched in awe as the arrow flew through the Solarbeam, enchanting it with a bright flash of earth energy that caused Kamon to trip, making him drop the box of Leaf Stones.

"Good riddance...that guy was using his Pokemon like a tool, not a living being." Ephraim grumbled as Kamon was led away by security.

"Don't worry, Ephraim...he will get his just desserts, and learn that Pokemon are to be loved and cherished, sooner or later." Lyra smiled. "I believe you're the next match..."

Ethan smiled as a familiar song started over the PA system to pump up the crowd. "Shall we?"

"Yeah--let's inspire both Ephraim and Lyra with 'Glory in Our Story'." Misty suggested.

Ash led the singing as Ephraim and Skippy faced a trainer with a Turtwig. We all have a dream inside our hearts that we will follow to the end...

When you make a wish upon a star, the power flows, inside of you! Misty sang as Lyra faced off against a trainer with a Servine.

Everybody listen to this song and sadness will just disappear! Brock sang as Ephraim won his match, only to receive more pictures and kisses.

My wishes, dreams and hopes go forth into the world... Ethan sang as Hana sent her opponent flying, winning her the match.

Come along and take my hand, come with me for the ride,
Together we will step through the door
And see the light shining from our own heavenly land! the four friends sang as both Ephraim and Lyra plowed through the field, easily winning against every opponent they were pitted against.

Come with me and we will see the wonders of the world!
All of the glory, is in our story!

As we make our way to heaven, take it step by step
And get the glory, upon the great stage!

We can go anywhere, so long as we're together
I truly believe it with all of my heart...
The cards here in my hand,
Show you the way...

---------

"Our final match--Ephraim and Skippy vs. Lyra and Hana." the announcer called, to the roar of the crowd as Ephraim and Lyra met in the arena.

"Here we go--Ephraim has proved himself a great opponent...." Brock mused as Ephraim struck first with a Double Team, confusing Hana.

"Now do you feel bad for beating him down with Aina earlier?" Misty asked Ash as Lyra told Hana to use Razor Leaf, only to hit all the copies and not the real Skippy.

"I've felt horrible ever since that match." Ash sighed. "It didn't help you had to yell at me about it..."

"It's okay to want to celebrate when your Pokemon wins their first match, but it shouldn't come at the expense of another trainer that is way overmatched." Misty explained as she watched Hana put up a Reflect aura, then heal herself with Synthesis from the battering Skippy was giving her. "Think about all the times you went up against trainers you were overmatched against--how did you feel when you eventually lost?"

"Angry...and saddened that I lost despite giving my all." Ash replied. "If anything, I want to tell Ephraim I'm sorry for giving Skippy a beatdown yesterday..."

"You'll get your chance in a minute." Misty assured her friend as she turned her attention back to the match.

In the arena, Lyra noticed Skippy was starting to tire, and signaled time out to the referee. "Ephraim...you're doing very well, but I don't want to hurt Skippy any more than necessary. If that means you have to concede the match, I'll understand."

Ephraim looked down at Skippy, who was wheezing with exhaustion. "Skippy, do you have the strength to keep fighting, or do you want to stop?"

[I didn't come this far just to give up...] Skippy replied. [I want to see this match through to the end, win or lose.]

Ephraim nodded. "Okay...do whatever it takes to win!"

[HAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!] Skippy cried as he unleashed a Solarbeam, much to the group's and the crowd's shock. The bright yellow-white beam hit Hana head on, sending her flying.

No sooner did Hana hit the Gold safety barrier, did Skippy knock her down with a Tackle. "Game Set! This match's winner is...GOLD!!!" the referee announced, to the cheers of the crowd...

---------

"I'm impressed...Ephraim was named one of the youngest winners in the tournament's history..." Ethan smiled as Ephraim received the winner's cup, to cheers.

"Remember this, Ash--pride and power aren't the only things a trainer needs to win a battle." Lyra reminded Ash. "If that's all you rely on, it will cost you dearly in the end."

"I know--that's why I want to apologize to Ephraim for what happened yesterday." Ash assured Lyra before locating Ephraim and his parents in the crowd. "Hey...I just wanted to say congrats on your big win--you and Skippy make a great team, almost like me and Tintri."

"Thanks..." Ephraim smiled as Tintri bounded on Ash's shoulder.

"But I mainly came to apologize for yesterday...I felt horrible about beating Skippy down like I did, and I'm sorry..." Ash explained. "I let my pride and honor get the better of me--so can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"Of course I forgive you--if that Machop was your weakest Pokemon, i can't wait to see what your strongest ones are like!" Ephraim cried.

"You did well yourself." Ash went on as he rejoined the others and Lyra. "Hana could very well be League material, if not tournament worthy.

"Thanks." Lyra smiled. "I had a great time here.

[Yeah--I look forward to the next time!] Hana smiled as she admired her reflection in Lyra's silver medal.

"Bye, you three! Until we meet again!" Ethan called as the group parted ways...

To Be Continued...
 
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Episode 70: The Apple Corp

"Lyra did great in that Grass Tournament--I think she and Hana could go all the way to the Pokemon League if she wanted to." Misty smiled as the group continued down the road. It had been a few days since they had cheered Lyra and Hana on in a tournament for Grass Pokemon, but a young trainer and his Skiploom winning it all and Lyra's gracious reaction to coming in second had also taught Ash a lesson in humility, as well

"Last I checked, she and Ethan are just exploring the region--there's no rule that says you have to compete in anything while on a Pokemon journey." Brock explained as he pocketed the guidebook. "Although winning things certainly does make it more exciting, there are some trainers that just want to explore the world and see all it has to offer without the pressure of having to win a certain number of trinkets, knick knacks, and whachamacallits."

Ash was about to respond when a sweet smell got his attention. "Hm...does anyone else smell something nice?"

"I do too...it's coming from that huge apple orchard over there." Misty pointed out what looked like hundreds of apple trees in the distance as the group rounded the bend.

"Let's go take a look!" Ash suggested. "Maybe if we asked very nicely, the owner would let us have some!"

"Ooh, and then maybe Brock could bake us an apple pie!" Now Misty was excited as she followed her friend to the orchard.

"I do have an apple pie recipe, actually." Brock smiled as he followed his companions and Tintri. "Plus, I have ice cream in case you like it a la mode."

Tintri, meanwhile, noticed that some of the apples at his eye level had tiny bite marks in them. [Funny...something seems to be eating the apples...]

He gasped as some apple cores came crashing to the ground. "Tintri, did you eat those?" Ash sternly asked as he, Misty, and Brock caught up to him, noticing the pile of cores on the ground.

[Uh-uh--they came from up there!] Tintri pleaded, pointing up in the direction where the cores had fallen from.

"I don't see anything..." Brock noted as he looked up into the trees.

"Me neither." Misty agreed. "Are you SURE, Tintri?"

Tintri was about to answer when another apple fell into his paws, triggering a net hidden in the soil! [Gah!] he gasped, dropping the apple.

"Ah-ha!" a girl with neatly braided purple hair cried as she hurried to inspect the net. "I've gotcha, you little apple thief!"

"But how could Tintri be the thief when he was nowhere near the scene of the crime?" Ash asked, all the while trying oh-so-hard to not explode in anger on the girl.

"Because the apple was nearby when my trap went off, and it had bite marks that matched many of the others that had been stolen." the girl explained as she undid the net.

"Tintri, could you open your mouth for a second?" Ash asked. "I have an idea that could prove you innocent."

[Ah...] Tintri complied, allowing the girl and the group to see his teeth.

"Notice how large Tintri's teeth are compared to the apple bite marks..." Ash explained as he showed the girl the apple Tintri had dropped. "Tintri couldn't have made the bite marks on the apple, as they're too small to be a Pikachu."

"Hm...you're right!" the girl smiled before pulling the net off Tintri. "I owe you an apology, then, Tintri--your master's brilliant observation proved you were nowhere near the apple trees at the time of the crime."

It then dawned on the girl she had not introduced herself. "Oh, look at me rambling on without introducing myself! My name's Charmaine--allow me to formally welcome you three to Wildflower Grove."

"Wow..." the group gasped as Charmaine made a grand gesture to the orchard, the surrounding forest, and a large farmhouse that overlooked the orchard. "It's beautiful..." Misty gasped as she glanced around the elegantly trimmed apple trees, as well as a processing facility to make juice and butter from the apples.

She noticed Brock thinking hard as they approached the large farmhouse. "What's the matter, Brock?"

"Tintri being innocent begs the question...if Tintri didn't take the apples, who did?" Brock wondered as the group followed the girl inside the house.

"We can talk more about the mystery of the missing apples over lunch, okay?" Charmaine offered. "No guest ever leaves hungry when they visit!"

---------

"Wow...you look after all this by yourself?" Ash gasped as he set down his silverware. "Wouldn't that be hard to do without any help?" he asked as Charmaine cleared away what remained of the roast Combusken and vegetables they had just enjoyed, and set out dessert plates and clean silverware.

"Yeah--this land has been in the family for years, so I don't mind doing all the work myself." Charmaine smiled as she arrived with a tray of freshly baked apple turnovers.

"We can help out for the day, as thanks for the food." Misty offered before biting into a warm turnover.

"That's okay--I made you lunch expecting nothing in return." Charmaine replied. "I've got the means to do things on my own, so I've never thought of hiring help."

"Since you went to the trouble of cooking all that for us, we want to help you in return for your efforts--I'm sure it gets hard doing everything by yourself." Brock smiled.

A smile formed on Charmaine's face. "All right--since you've asked so nicely, I'll let you help me out for today in exchange for a little pocket money for your travels."

---------

"Okay...you'll notice I've rigged some of the trees with alarms to try and capture the apple thieves." Charmaine explained as she pointed out an array of wind chimes in several trees. "When something takes one of the apples off the trees, the chimes will ring, letting me know that something's been there."

"That's pretty clever." Misty smiled as she arrived to harvest the apples from a particular tree.

"But this has only complicated the mystery even more--I never see what is taking the apples, even when the chimes ring..." Charmaine sighed.

Just then, Ash heard ringing chimes not far from the tree Misty was harvesting from. "I think you've caught something!" he called as he saw three tiny yellow mouse Pokemon he remembered as Pichu dash away into the brush.

He picked up the apple the Pichus had dropped, and saw the same kind of bite marks in it as the one that landed in Tintri's arms before. "I think we found our apple thieves..."

[Let me go find them, and try to teach them that stealing's not right.] Tintri offered as he bounded off Ash's shoulder and into the nearby forest, making sure to follow the route the Pichu had taken.

---------

There they are... Tintri smiled when he found the three Pichu huddled by a bush. [Why are you taking those apples?] he sternly asked the Pichus. [The lady that runs the orchard needs them for her own livelihood.]

[But, the berry trees in the forest didn't produce enough berries this year, and we had to get food somewhere.] one Pichu explained. [Otherwise, we would starve!]

[That still is no excuse for stealing.] Tintri began, before a high-pitched cry interrupted him. He whirled around to see hundreds of Pichus huddled in the bush--and that a large brown bird Pokemon with large wings was trying its hardest to try and capture one of the Pichus in its long beak!

[Ash! I could use some help over here!] he called as Ash, Misty, Brock, and Charmaine arrived in the clearing.

"First rule of battling, bud--know thy enemy." Ash assured Tintri as he showed Tintri the Pokedex:

"Fearow, the beak Pokemon. It uses its long beak to attack. It has a surprisingly long reach, so it must be treated with caution."

"Tell that to the Pichus..." Misty mused as she watched three of the Pichu jump onto a nearby tree and combine their power to zap the Fearow.

Ash noticed the three Pichu fall to the ground with a plop, exhausted. "I get it--most Pichus faint after attacking due to their lack of skill in storing electricity."

"Key word here--most Pichu." Brock reminded Ash. "Some Pichu do manage their power well on their own, but it's fairly rare in the wild. Most Pichu than can often have an owner."

The Fearow coming to snapped the group to attention. "On top of that, that Pichus' attack only had enough power to stun the Fearow!"

Tintri growled as he heard the Pichu's frightened squeals. I have to do something to help these little guys...but what?

Seeing Brock's bow gave him an idea. [Hey, Brock...can I electrify an arrow for you, so we can scare this Fearow away?]

"Sure...come on." Brock retrieved an arrow from the quiver on his back and set it down on the ground, allowing Tintri to send sparks into the arrowhead.

The group watched as Brock aimed the sparking green arrow at the Fearow, then fired it into a tree, making a large electrical explosion that engulfed the Fearow in thunderbolts.

"That's actually a clever idea--enchanting a projectile to frighten away intruders." Charmaine was impressed.

[According to the Pichus, this year was a bad year for wild Berries, so they had to find food somewhere, so they wouldn't starve.] Tintri explained to Charmaine.

"Then that explains everything--the hungry Pichus had no other choice but to come to the orchard." Charmaine gasped. "Maybe now I know their side of the story, I can help them out a little."

---------

The group groaned when they returned to the orchard to find Pidgeys helping themselves to the fruit. "First we dispatch one bird Pokemon, only to find another bird Pokemon problem?" Misty sighed.

[Okay, you guys! This is your chance to show the lady of the orchard that you can help her out in return for food.] Tintri explained to the Pichu. [So go protect the orchard!]

[YEAAHHHHH!!!] The Pichu cheered as they hurried to attack the Pidgeys. What Pidgeys were not dispatched immediately, the Pichus jumped on to shock.

Misty smiled as the zaps of tiny Thundershocks and Pidgey cries filled the air. "It's working--you had a clever idea, Tintri." she smiled as the Pichus continued their electrical assault. When one Pichu fainted, another one would take its place.

After a while, Charmaine watched as the remaining Pidgeys flew away in panic. "Well done, little guys! I'm impressed you managed to protect the apples instead of taking them..."

[You're not mad we took any?] a Pichu asked.

"If you guys are willing to pitch in around the orchard, I'm sure Charmaine will forgive you for taking the apples." Ash offered as he motioned for a group of Pichus to follow him.

---------

"Okay, guys...this is what a ripe apple is supposed to look like." Ash explained to the group of Pichus as he showed them a picture of what Charmaine's apple cultivar looked like when ripe. "What I want you to do is look for as many apples that look like that as you can, and put them in these baskets. If it has any bruises, blemishes or bite marks, leave it alone--another group's taking care of the bad apples."

[Okay!] the Pichus chorused as Charmaine brought over some baskets.

Misty joined Ash and Charmaine some moments later. "I taught another group to find the reject apples and prune the trees..."

"...and I've got a few groups working on turning the good ones into juice, butter, and other treats." Brock reported as he glanced over at his team of Pichus happily operating the juicer in the processing facility.

"You guys are amazing--maybe I don't have to do everything by myself." Charmaine smiled. "I have all the help I could want right here in the Pichus."

"They make quite the happy worker if you treat them well--and this way they're earning their share of the apples." Ash agreed.

"Divide them up into teams, let each of them have a turn with each job if they want to, and they will have more than earned what they took." Brock explained. "Although there will be some that prefer certain jobs."

Charmaine then got an idea. "Okay, Pichus! Which teams need a break right now?"

[MEEEEEEEEEE!!!!] the Pichus cried as they rushed onto the house's spacious front porch, where Charmaine had prepared hundreds of trays of apple slices for them.

"Here you go, little guys--as thanks for your hard work, you've more than made up for all the apples you took." Charmaine explained as she gave each Pichu a tray. "So here's some of your earnings for today--fresh apples with a selection of three dips--honey, chocolate, and peanut butter."

---------

...Just as the retinue arrived, and Orla was in place,
As the sacrificial Mareep, even then with a peaceful face... Brock sang to the Pichus as Ash and Misty played accompaniment to his guitar.

A shout went up from all the crowd as a knight came into view,
Twas Brian and Epona! They had come to her rescue!

We'll go no more a roving, a roving in the night, Even Charmaine couldn't help joining in on the ballad's chorus.
We'll go no more a roving, let the moon shine so bright
We'll go no more a roving...

The earth began to rumble as a dragon did appear, Brock started the next verse.
But though he roared and rumbled there, our hero showed no fear!
Through all the fire and the smoke, the crowd looked on in awe
As Prince Brian and Epona fought the dragon to a draw!

A crash got the three performers' attention, making Ash and Misty stumble over wrong notes. "What in the world...?" Charmaine gasped as a large humanoid mecha lumbered towards the house.

"Team Rocket!" Ash growled, pocketing his whistle as sure enough, Jessie, James, and Meowth emerged from a compartment near the mecha's head.

As Misty and Brock looked on dumbfounded, Ash called "You know what to do, Tintri!"

"Not today, hat-twerp!" Meowth purred as he triggered one of the mecha's arms to grab Tintri. "We're gonna borrow ya Pikachu for a bit, if ya don't mind..."

Ash growled as the arm holding Tintri began to glow yellow, and Tintri grew weaker with every passing moment. I see---that mecha arm is leeching Tintri's electricity to power their battery.

Moments after he watched Tintri close his eyes in exhaustion, the mecha stomped off, stomped to uproot a tree, deposited all the apples into a storage compartment, carefully put back the tree, then stomped off to the next tree.

One Pichu, who had on a red cloak and a matching red hat with a white plume, rallied the other Pichu to her side. [Okay, guys--we have to save our Pikachu friend.] she explained. [So shock that mecha as hard as you can so we can recharge him and scare those hoodlums away!]

[Yeah--we need some good fight music too!] another Pichu agreed as he looked back at Ash, Misty, and Brock. [Every good fight scene in a movie has to have cool music!]

"One round of fight scene music, coming up." Brock grinned before counting Ash and Misty off into a frenetic reel-like melody.

With the guitar, the fiddle, and the whistle playing them into battle, the Pichus charged for the mecha, with the red mage Pichu leading the way.

"What good could you little rats do anyway?" Jessie called down to the horde of Pichu.

[We can do anything if we all work together!] the red mage Pichu shot back. [Right, guys?]

[YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!] the other Pichus cheered as they began unleashing volleys of Thundershocks on the balloon.

Meowth, meanwhile, engaged a large fan on the mecha. "So, ya wanna play rough, do ya? Two can play at dis game!"

[WAUUUGGGGHHHH!!!!] the Pichu screamed as many of them went flying into the grass and against the tree trunks, just as the group finished their fight song.

"I think the fight song's helping!" Misty smiled as she watched the battered and beaten Pichus gather their strength and charge back into the fray.

"The one that looks like a red mage is acting like their leader!" Ash agreed as he watched the red mage Pichu give a jolt to a Pichu, giving him more strength to fight. "She's making sure every Pichu does their part to defend the orchard."

"Let's keep playing then--to let them all know we believe in them." Brock smiled before counting his companions off into another rendition of the song.

As the frentic fight song echoed across the "battlefield" again, the red mage Pichu located Tintri in the mecha's arms and called to the other Pichus [I see him, you guys! Let's all form a chain so we can revive our friend!]

Though many of them were exhausted, each Pichu grabbed onto the tail or ears of another one, creating a chain of Pichus that amazingly managed to reach up to the mecha. When the last Pichu was in place, the red mage Pichu skittered up the Pichu chain and grabbed onto Tintri's foot. [Okay, everyone--send up the biggest shock you can!]

[HAAAAHHHH!!!!!] the Pichus screamed as an arc of electricity streaked up the Pichu chain and into Tintri, jolting him awake!

[mm-what?] Trinri sputtered as he woke up and saw the red mage Pichu. [You really...rallied all your friends to save me?] he smiled as he slid down the Pichu chain to safety.

[Of course--you did so much for us, we can to do something good for you in return.] the red mage Pichu replied as the Pichu chain disassembled itself. [So let's give these hooligans what for!]

[HIII-YAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!] With that, Tintri and the Pichus combined their power to send Team Rocket and the mecha flying into the sky with a ping...

---------

"Well done, you guys...and thank you for saving Tintri." Ash smiled as he petted the red mage Pichu.

Charmaine smiled. "It's decided--the Pichus and I will be partners from now on."

She addressed the red mage Pichu. "In exchange for helping me and protecting the orchard, you guys can have all the fruit you want. You've more than made up for all the apples you took."

As the Pichus cheered, Charmaine approached the group with three thousand credit bills and a small basket of apple products. "And here's your wages for your help today--you're always welcome back any time."

"Thanks." Ash replied. "We enjoyed ourselves too, even if it did get hairy for a minute or two."

As the group waved goodbye to Charmaine and the Pichus, the red mage Pichu watched as Ash, Misty, and Brock disappeared down the road and into the setting sun. One day, Mr. Story-singer...I will adventure by your side!

To Be Continued...
 
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Episode 71a: A Ghost of a Chance! (part 1)

"Welcome to Ecruteak City...a historical city where the past meets the present." Brock read the signpost as the group rounded a bend in the road, with the city in the distance.

"I can see why!" Misty gasped as she admired the Oriental-esque buildings in the distance. "I've always wanted to see a live Gekijou theater performance!"

"I've always wanted to learn to play the ancient harp that was usually used by the narrator in a Gekijou play, the vina." Brock smiled. "Or any kind of harp, really--I've felt it would add a bit of a fantastic feel to my performances."

"You definitely wouldn't be a spoony bard by any stretch!" Misty smiled, giggling as she imagined Brock, as a minstrel, serenading her, as a princess, in a fantasy land.

"What's the name of that instrument that's always playing all these high trills and runs in traditional Kanto and Johto music?" Ash wondered as the group made their way into the city. "I know it's some kind of flute..."

"That's because it is." Brock explained before turning to the chapter on traditional music and the theater in the guidebook, specifically the section on the ancient instruments used in the Gekijou orchestra. "There were actually two different flutes used in the Gekijou orchestra--the end blown kidi which has a darker and more mysterious sound, and the instrument you're thinking of, the side blown bansi."

Ash looked over at the picture of an ornately decorated side blown flute in the guidebook. "Wow! I wanna learn to play one of those!"

"You sure?" Misty asked. "Not only would it take a ton of practice, you'd have to learn a new way to blow and new fingerings."

Ash just smiled. "I really want to learn...almost as much as I wanna battle for my next badge!"

Brock noticed that during their conversation, they had managed to discover what looked like one of several majestic towers that loomed over the city. "This must be the Gym..."

"Let's go!" Ash led the way inside.

---------


"This Gym isn't like any of the others we've seen before...." Misty mused as the group looked around the inside of the tower. It had clearly seen better days, if not outright damaged somehow, judging from the chaired doorframes and dusty tapestry on the walls.

"Maybe it's not a gym, but something else entirely?" Brock suggested.

"Or maybe we've walked into a dungeon straight out of Zelda?" Ash shuddered. "Maybe there's something you can hit with an arrow to show us the way!"

"If there is a switch I can shoot, where do you think it is?" Brock asked his companion. "I can't shoot at a target that's not there..."

Ash was about to suggest potential locations for a target when suddenly, a small blue flame flared up before him. 'WAUGH!"

"I think the dungeon guardians know we're here!" Misty agreed as more ethereal flames appeared around them. "They're obviously blue, so we need something hot to douse them..."

She looked over to see a gaggle of ethereal cloud Pokemon laughing at the group's fear. "Okay, so those flames were a bunch of Gastlies..."

Inspired, Ash heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Aina, show us where all those Gastly are!"

The Machop materialized on the cracked wooden floor seconds later. [Doing a little Ghost Pokemon busting? Let me help you find them.]

The lightbulb went off in Misty's head as Aina's eyes glowed red, revealing many more Gastly in the room. "Oh, Machop can learn Foresight too, just like those Hoothoots we met before!"

"In some cases, Pidgeys--and by extension Pidgeottos and Pidgeots--can learn it too, but I'm not going into a long discussion about genetics here." Brock explained.

"Yes, let's have science class later." Misty nervously stammered, aware of the Gastly approaching them.

"Aina, now that you've revealed the Gastlies, start Tackling them!" Ash almost screamed as he jumped to avoid a blob of purplish black energy a Gastly had fired at him.

[You got it!] Aina called before ramming a Gastly, sending it tumbling backwards.

"Who knew that a Fighting type could do anything against ghosts?" Misty mused as she watched Aina ram Gastly after Gastly, making them disappear.

"Foresight must expose them, allowing physical moves to hit them!" Ash proposed as some of the remaining Gastlies flew off in terror.

The group swallowed hard when they saw the Gastlies return a few moments later with larger purple phantasms Ash remembered as Haunters. "They just left to get reinforcements..." Brock broke the uneasy silence some moments later.

Ash looked over at Tintri. "Get ready for a big fight, bud..."

[Which of these ghosts do I need to bust first?] Tintri asked as he charged a Thunderbolt.

Moments before Ash could command Tintri to fire his attack, he saw a large ghost that somewhat resembled a Clefable walk out onto the floor. [The boss! The boss is here!] he heard some Gastly say.

[Ah, the Gengar must be who all these other ghosts report to!] Tintri recognized the large ghost Pokemon floating in their direction.

"Then maybe if we defeat the boss, all the others will leave us alone!" Ash suggested.

"Stop." he heard a voice call. He whirled around to see a blond haired young man in a kimono-like outfit on a catwalk above them "You should understand that the Pok?mon here were not trying to harm you guys, but merely trying to protect their home, because they felt threatened by your appearance." he explained as the ghosts, including the Gengar, circled around him.

"W-who are you?" Ash called up to the man, a note of fear in his voice.

After shooing away the Gastlies and Haunters, but shepherding the Gengar close to him, the man replied "My name is Morty, Leader of the Ecruteak City Gym. You seem to have met Rocko, my Gengar partner, already--the other ghosts here consider him the leader."

"No wonder the Gastlies and Haunters were calling him 'the boss' before..." Misty smiled, a little relieved that the ghost Pokemon meant them no harm.

After taking a minute or two to collect himself, Ash motioned for Tintri to climb back on his shoulder. "I am Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town...I come to challenge you for the badge you hold."

Morty just smiled, bemused in Ash's politeness. "As much as I would love to battle you in an official Gym battle, we can't do that here. This place was and has been confused as the Ecruteak City Gym by many different trainers that pass through the city."

"So, just what exactly IS this place?" Brock was intrigued.

"It used to be a place of brightness and hope; now it's a place of darkness." Morty replied as he came down to the ground floor to meet the group. "That's why so many Ghost Pok?mon have come to live here."

A sick feeling welled up in Ash's stomach. "Now I feel bad for attacking them..."

"Poor ghosts..." Misty agreed.

A faded plaque on a nearby wall depicting a familiar phoenix-like bird piqued Ash's attention. "What's this?" Ash asked as he hurried over to get a better look at the bird on the plaque.

"The Pokemon depicted on that plaque before you is Ho'oh, one of many ancient legendary Pok?mon." Morty replied.

Ash balked at this. "It may be legendary, but I saw one!"

He proceeded to tell Morty all about how he had met Ho'oh some years before--in an attempt to outrun some Spearows, he had lost Misty in an attempt to get away, and had made the decision to sacrifice himself for both him and Tintri. Tintri, however, did not wish to see his trainer die, and had unleashed a huge Thundershock to save them both. When they had some to moments later, Ho'oh flew overhead as a rainbow appeared in the sky.

Morty raised an eyebrow at Ash's story. "Are you SURE that it was Ho'oh you saw? She has not been seen for three centuries, when a great hero used the Swanna Song to call her directly."

"Are you saying you don't believe me?" Ash gasped.

"No, but I'm going to need more evidence to back up your claim than just one account." Morty assured Ash. "There's a tower that was rebuilt not too far away from the burned out building we're in right now. The tower is a copy of this one."

"Well, what happened to the original tower?" Ash asked.

"To answer your question, we need to go back many years ago..." Morty began as Rocko conjured a series of paintings that told the story of the burned tower.

---------

"Long ago, this tower was built to promote understanding between humans and Pok?mon, and allowing people to unlock the legendary power of Mega Evolution." Morty explained, referring to a painting depicting a female trainer receiving a ring, then her singing some gibberish runes, inducing a Venusaur to Mega Evolve. "My ancestors protected it for generations." he smiled, showing the group a portrait of who Ash assumed was either Morty's father or grandfather.

Morty then showed Ash the next painting, depicting Ho'oh and the tower. "Over the decades, the Tin Tower became a special place for another reason. It was the only place in the world where, as well as learning the secrets of Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves, Ho'oh, the rainbow phoenix, made contact with humans. Ho'oh's visits were a sign of peace, but she would only appear to a select few--only those guarding the tower and those proven worthy to see her."

"Oh..." the group replied as Morty showed them the next painting, depicting a ninja ambush.

"Then, one day, invaders came who sought to use Ho'oh's power for evil!" Morty announced, displaying the next painting of the tower ablaze. "In the ensuing battle, the Tin Tower was set ablaze! Ho'oh fled... she stopped visiting humans... and she has never returned."

He showed the next painting of a crowd of people around the charred remains of the tower. "Some wanted to rebuild the tower, but my ancestors insisted that it be left as a witness for future generations of man's brutality -- but they also decided to build a new Tin Tower."

Morty then displayed the last painting of the current Tin Tower. "Their hope was that Ho'oh might return, to a new place of peace, and the people of Johto could once again have a place to learn to master Mega Evolution and the mysterious Z Moves. So far, these hopes have been in vain....we've waited so long that some people say that Ho'oh was a legend that never really existed."

Ash contemplated Morty's tale for a moment. "I know I saw Ho'oh that day... it isn't just a legend."

---------

With Ash occupied defending himself, Tintri spotted Ami heading for a hole he noticed only small Pok?mon like Marill would be able to fit through. Uh oh...I've known Ami is very curious, and loves to explore, but this isn't a good place to do it--I'd better do something before she gets hurt!

He jumped from Ash's shoulder and bounded over to stop the curious Marill. [Ami! I know you like exploring, but--!] he started before he ended up accidentally pushing Ami and squeezing himself through the hole at the same time!

Misty noticed Tintri and Ami had squeezed through the hole. "Uh oh...where did Tintri and Ami get to?"

"They went through a hole that leads to the upper part of a room in the basement." Morty assured the group. "The room in question is not far from where you first enter the basement."

Ash swallowed hard as he followed Morty to a stairwell. Tintri...I hope you and Ami don't get into too much trouble!

To Be Continued...
 
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Episode 71b: A Ghost of a Chance! (part 2)

Previously, on "Pokemon Moonlight Silver"...

Misty noticed Tintri and Ami had squeezed through the hole. "Uh oh...where did Tintri and Ami get to?

"They went through a hole that leads to the upper part of a room in the basement." Morty assured the group. "The room in question is not far from where you first enter the basement."

Ash swallowed hard as he followed Morty to a stairwell. Tintri...I hope you and Ami don't get into too much trouble!

"Wow...this place is like a maze..." Ash mused as Misty, Brock, and Morty wound through the old tower's many rooms in an attempt to find Tintri and Ami, who had both disappeared into a hole in the wall.

"Well, you have to remember that because of the fire, a lot of the support beams weakened and fell, making it so that venturing further than where we are now would be too dangerous." Morty explained.

"But what about Tintri and Ami?" Misty worried. "What if they are too far for us to safely explore?"

"There are other ways to find your friend's Pikachu and your Marill that don't require human skill." Morty assured Misty before addressing his Gengar. "Rocko...rally the other Ghost Pokémon here and help us find a missing Pikachu and Marill...the Pikachu's name is Tintri, and the Marill's name is Ami."

[Got it, boss..those should be easy names to remember.] the Gengar smiled before disappearing into the darkness.

---------

Back outside, Team Rocket followed the beeping of a radar-like device to the steps of the tower. "I thing we found something!" James cried as the radar-like device he carried beeped frantically.

"Personally, that fire breather that gave you this Itemfinder was a fraud..." Jessie sighed as James hurried onto the tower's rotted porch to claim another bottlecap. "We've been finding nothing but bottle caps."

"Yeah, all dat ting eva finds is junk!" Meowth was equally frustrated.

"Call it junk if you wish, but there is a collector's market for bottle caps, particularly for brands of soda, water, and juice that don't exist anymore." James explained. "Sometimes these caps sell for millions upon billions of credits.

He was about to say more when he spotted Ami emerging from a pile of rocks. "Well, well, well, look what we have here..."

Jessie gasped as Tintri emerged from the rocks moments later. "It must be our lucky day if the little electric rat comes to us for a change!"

"And with no twerps in sight!" Meowth was equally excited. He wasted no time snatching Ami, making her cry in fear and surprise.

[Let Ami go!] Tintri arrived moments later, sparking with anger as he charged a Thunderbolt. [Or I'll--!]

"Forgittin' somtin'?" Meowth warned Tintri. "If ya zap us dis time, you'll hoit Ami too, as she's a watta-type!"

Angry tears welled up in Tintri's eyes as he stayed his attack. Ami...I WILL rescue you! he vowed as Team Rocket dashed away, laughing gleefully all the while.

[Cry not, little one...I will go inform Sir Morty and your master what happened here.] a Gastly assured Tintri before warping away.

[Thanks...] Tintri mustered a weak smile as his tears shone with hope.

---------

[I have found the Pikachu and the Marill] the Gastly reported to the group. [However, before I could lead them back, two hoodlums with a Meowth had Poke-napped the Marill.]

"What?" Misty gasped.

"You did well, Tsuki, but this is indeed troubling." Morty replied. "Is the Pikachu still where you found him?"

[He is...this way.] the Gastly replied before motioning for the group to follow it.

"How can you understand what the ghost Pokemon are saying?" Ash wondered as he followed Morty and the Gastly through the ruined and cluttered rooms of the tower.

"Practice." Morty smiled back.

---------

Meanwhile, Team Rocket laughed joyfully as they made a break for the city entrance, with Meowth carrying Tintri and Ami. "At last, we have the electric rat!" Jessie was the most excited. "Imagine how the boss will handsomely reward us!"

Just then, all three Rockets tripped on something in the road, and went tumbling to the ground. 'did you trip me?" Jessie asked Meowth as she eased herself to her feet and dusted herself off.

"Nuh-uh...I tripped too, rememba?" Meowth replied.

"Well, I don't see anything we could've tripped on..." James mused as he examined the road for a moment.

About then, Rocko materialized before the Rockets, making them gasp in fear. [It was me dat tripped you lot...] he growled as Morty and the others arrived. [Ya got some 'splainin ta do, see?]

"Team Rocket!" Ash gasped.

[Give back dat Pikachu and dat Marill, and nobody gets hurt,'kay?] Rocko warned.

"You? Making threats? That's just asking for trouble..." Jessie warned.

"Even though you're a ghost, we'll still make the pain double!" James agreed.

"To protect the world from devastation..." Jessie began.

"And unite all peoples within our nation..." James smiled, twirling a rose in his hand. Ash just watched and growled in annoyance at the familiar motto he, Misty, and Brock had heard a million times before:

"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! Dat's right!"

"You heard the Gengar, just give back Tintri and Ami!" Ash was unfazed from hearing the Rocket motto for the umpteenth time.

"I'll give ya sometin' ta tink about!" Meowth retorted before leaping onto Ash, making him stumble backwards into the grass by the road. Before Ash could attempt to get up, Meowth leapt onto him, delivering a volley of Fury Swipes.

Jessie smiled as Ash's cries of pain echoed into the air. "Nice work, Meowth..."

"We kin make a break for it while the twerps play docta!" Meowth smiled as Brock arrived to clean and dress the many scratch wounds on Ash's arms and face.

"Rrrgh...I demand a duel to pay you guys back for hurting me!" Ash roared, mostly out of anger, but also out of pain from Meowth's attack. "You'll pay for taking Tintri!"

Jessie was about to answer before Meowth interjected "Yanno--every time we try ta battle da twerps, we end up losin' badly ta them. I tink runnin' for it's a better idear."

"Good point! Let's go!" James agreed before the Rockets made a mad dash for the city entrance.

"Come back here! No one takes our Pokemon and gets away with it!" Ash and the others were not far behind.

---------

"Rocko! Rescue the Pikachu and the Marill!" Morty commanded as the group hurried to try and catch Team Rocket.

[Okay, boss!] Rocko replied. But he stopped in his tracks when he found that Jessie and James had summoned Arbok and Weezing to block the grop from catching up. But Rocko just grinned and warped away.

"Where'd Rocko go?" Misty wondered as Arbok and Weezing looked around, confused. She smiled as Rocko appeared behind them, and knocked them into a nearby thicket.

[Now that the hoodlum's Pokemon are taken care of, now ta deal with dere masters!] Rocko assured Misty before warping before the human Rockets and Meowth [Hold it!]

"How can people who are Pokémon trainers steal other peoples' Pokémon?" Morty asked as he joined Rocko and the others. "Answer me that."

Minutes seemed to tick by like hours, but when Morty figured that Team Rocket was not going to talk, he told Rocko "Use Night Shade to free the Pokemon."

[Comin' up!] Rocko smiled before firing two black beams at the packs holding Tintri and Ami, breaking them free!

A Haunter and a Gastly caught both Pokemon and brought them to Ash and Misty. [Here you go...] the Haunter grinned as he gave Tintri to Ash.

[She's a little banged up, but okay.] the Gastly assured Misty as she delivered Ami to Misty.

[You okay, Ash?] Tintri asked, concerned by the many bandages all over Ash.

"Yeah...Meowth got me good back there." Ash replied as he gently hugged his companion.

"Ami...thank Arceus you're okay!" Misty was equally happy to see her Marill again.

The group watched as Arbok and Weezing dove for Rocko, only to crash into the ground as Rocko warped away.

"Arbok, try to Wrap up that Gengar!" Jessie commanded as Rocko reappeared in the sky...only to balk as Arbok only wrapped thin air!

[Missed me!] Rocko taunted as he reappeared by Morty's side.

"Let's end this, Rocko...show them your Shadow Ball." Morty commanded.

[HAAAAAAAAAH!!!!] Rocko growled as he formed a massive ball of dark energy and hurled it at Team Rocket, sending them flying into the sky with a ping.

---------

"Wow...Shadow Ball's pretty powerful!" Ash gasped when he saw the crater that the Shadow Ball had created.

"I hope that crater spurs you to be careful during your match, now that you know what your opponent is capable of." Brock warned.

Morty just smiled. "We could have our match right now, but I imagine that you three and your Pokemon must be tired from a long and adventurous day."

"You're right...resting up will make it a better battle." Ash agreed. "Since we both will bring our A game!"

"All right...I will see you in the morning." Morty replied before departing.

"Ash...you sure you know what you're getting into?" Misty asked as the group started towards the Pokemon Center.

"How do you plan to handle someone powerful enough to make a crater in the path?" Brock was equally concerned.

Ash, however, was unusually calm as the three travelers made their way into the Pokemon Center. "I do have a plan to beat Morty...but as to what it is, you'll just have to see tomorrow!"

To Be Continued...
 
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