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COMPLETE: Pokemon Moonlight Silver (COMPLETE!!!)

@Charles Legend;

Episode 30: Gone Apricorn!

"Wow..." the group gasped as Maize opened the back door, allowing them to see rolling hills and a vast forest filled with trees bearing many colorful fruits. Every so often a Rattata would romp by or a Butterfree would land on a flower to indulge in its nectar, but otherwise, the groves were quiet and peaceful.

"It's beautiful..." Misty finally broke the silence some moments later.

Maizie smiled. "If you'll come with me, we'll go explore the groves. Just take a basket if you plan on picking any Apricorns."

"I'm gonna pick any and every Apricorn I can find!" Ash cried before dashing over to a tree with black ball shaped fruits near the grove's entrance.

"Whoa there, pardner--those black Apricorns aren't even ripe yet." Maizie cautioned as she and the others caught up to Ash.

"What about those blue ones?" Ash asked as the group started down the dirt path leading into the groves, pointing out a tree with blue Apricorns on the right side of the path.

"Those aren't ripe either." Maizie replied, making Ash sigh.

"What about these pink ones, then?" Ash asked as the group approached a tree with pink Apricorns.

"Those should be ripe--pink Apricorns make Love Balls." Maizie began.

"Love Balls--you think they would catch Officer Jenny or Nurse Joy?" Now Brock was excited.

A blast of water from Misty's Pokemon answered his question. "Nice try, loverboy, but I don't think Poke Balls work that way." Misty scolded as Maizie gave Brock a towel, giggling all the while. "Now, behave yourself, and be a good example for Maizie!"

Meanwhile, Ash looked up at the towering tree dotted in pink Apricorns. "Next question--how are we supposed to pick the Apricorns, bud?" he asked Tintri.

[Well, we could try shaking the tree...] Tintri suggested as the others arrived.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you--wild Pineco like nesting in Apricorn trees, so you could get an explosive surprise." Maizie cautioned.

Misty sighed as Ash started gently shaking the tree. "Too late..."

Brock panicked when he saw blue-green, pinecone-like Pokemon with red eyes falling to the ground alongside the pink Apricorns. "Ash!" he cried as he hurried to try and catch the falling Pinecos. "Watch out for the..."

This was as far as Brock got before tripping over a rock and landing face first into the tree, which caused all the Pineco to explode, leaving him to cough up the soot.

"You okay, Brock?" Ash asked as he hurried to help his friend, blissfully unaware of just how dangerously close he had been to the explosion.

Brock coughed up some more soot before replying "I'm fine, but when someone says not to shake a tree, they MEAN don't shake a tree!" Ash nodded to show he understood as Brock coughed up soot, then consulted his Pokedex for more information on the small explosive Pokemon:

"Pineco, the bagworm Pokemon. It hangs from a tree branch and patiently waits for prey to come along. If it is disturbed while eating by someone shaking its tree, it drops down to the ground and explodes with no warning."

"NOW you tell me..." Ash grumbled as he and the others continued following Maizie, Brock coughing up soot all the while.

---------

"Okay...this is a red Apricorn tree, which make Level Balls." Maizie explained as the group approached another tree. "To safely pick the Apricorns without disturbing the Pinecos, only take the Apricorns on the lowest branches."

"Lowest branches...got it!" Ash smiled before motioning for Misty and Brock to follow him to the tree.

He did not, however, expect the ground to give way and fall into a pit! "WAUUUUGH!"

"How nice of you to drop by, try not to cause any trouble!" he heard a familiar female voice say.

"And if you do try and escape, the pain will be double!" a male voice agreed.

Ash's vision came into focus, allowing him to see Jessie and James staring back down at him. "Team Rocket!"

"Who'd ya expect? The Elite Four?" Meowth smirked as he lassoed Tintri and pulled him out of the pit.

"While you're thinking of a way out of here, we're gonna use our Vacuumax 3000 to take every last Apricorn here, and your Pikachu too!" James announced as Jessie stuffed Tintri into a shock proof jar.

"Hey, Ash..." Brock whispered. "Mareep and its evolutions can use the Rock move Power Gem...maybe that can make stepping stones for us to climb out of here?"

"Good idea..." Ash then heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Luce, we need your help!"

[Looks to me you need a way out of this Diglett hole!] Luce smiled before creating a flurry of shining diamond-like projectiles, which embedded themselves in the pit walls to create a kind of stairwell.

"Thanks, Luce." Ash petted the tiny sheep Pokemon before recalling it. He then started up the stairway of Power Gems. Misty and Brock were not far behind, just in time to see Jessie, James, and Meowth go tumbling into a Diglett hole, making the shock-proof jar pop open and allowing Tintri to run into Ash's arms.

"You guys okay?" Maizie asked when she met the group.

"Yeah--wasn't our first Team Rocket pit trap, and probably won't be the last one." Misty assured Maizie as the reunited group continued down the path..

---------

"Here's a group of trees you can pick from, so help yourselves!" Maizie smiled as she led the group into a small clearing filled with Apricorn trees.

A low whir and a breeze got Brock's attention as he led the others to the tree. "Funny...was it supposed to be windy today?"

"That's no natural breeze, that's Team Rocket!" Misty screamed over the wind, pointing out Team Rocket laughing gleefully as a large fan-like device blew what they thought were Apricorns to them.

"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!"

"Should we tell the Rockets they're sucking up Pinecos instead of Apricorns?" Misty whispered, pointing out a flurry of Pinecos caught in the breeze.

Brock realized what would happen if the Pinecos did unleash their explosive power on Team Rocket, quickly took an arrow, and aimed into the airstream, being careful not to injure any of the Pinecos. "Brock? What are you--!" Misty wondered before Brock fired, neatly catching seven Pinecos on the arrow shaft before landing in the ground, leaving the Pinecos unharmed.

"I see--the arrows mimic tree branches, so the Pineco have something to hang from!" Ash smiled as Brock fired another shot into the wind to catch more Pinecos.

He turned to Tintri. "Okay bud, overload that fan with a Thunderbolt!"

[Okay, Rockets! This is payback for earlier!] Tintri defiantly called before sending a huge Thunderbolt at the large fan--shorting out its main power supply and hampering its ability to blow.

One Pineco saw an opportunity to attack. [I'm gonna save my friends and our tree from these hoodlums!]

"While that is a noble goal, it's also very dangerous." Brock explained as he fired another arrow into the breeze to rescue more Pinecos. Misty was already on the ground, helping Ash and Maizie pick up the Pineco filled arrows dotting the ground and carefully returning the Pinecos to the tree.

[Then, can I help you save my friends?] the Pineco replied as Brock set aside his archery gear to dig a Fast Ball from his bag--a gift from Kurt for rescuing him at the well a few days before.

"Just touch this, and you can come with me." Brock offered, holding the yellow and red striped ball out to the Pineco.

He smiled as the Pineco went inside with a flash of red light, moments before the fan exploded, sending Team Rocket flying into the air with a ping.

"Good riddance..." Misty smiled as she hung the last Pineco back on the tree. "Oh, did you capture a Pineco?" she asked.

Brock nodded as he gathered up his archery gear. "One of them decided it wanted to come with me."

He then let out his new Pineco for his friends to see. "I'm gonna name him Silver."

"That's a cool name!" Ash smiled.

"I like it too, but what matters is if the Pineco likes it." Misty reminded Brock.

"How bout it? You like Silver as your name?" Brock asked his new Pineco.

[I LOVE it!] Silver cried before unleashing an explosion of approval, making everyone laugh as Brock coughed up more soot.

"I'll take that as a yes..." Brock managed to whisper before coughing some more...

To Be Continued...
 
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@Charles Legend;

Episode 31: It's Tough to Beat a Bug! (part 1)

"You're watching 'Places and People' live on location on KNTO!" Misty announced into an old karaoke microphone with the batteries removed, much to Brock's amusement. "This week, we're reporting live from Azalea Town in Johto, where rising superstar Trainer Ash Ketchum seeks to take another step towards Johto League glory by taking on Azelea Gym."

"Remind me why Misty decided to play TV host again?" Ash asked Brock as the group made their way to the gym, aware of people curiously staring at them and wondering if a real TV broadcast was going on, or if the group was only pretending.

"She just found that old mic, took the batteries out, and proceeded to play TV host for her team and Maizie all night." Brock sighed. "I even had to play 'co-host' a few times..."

Ash was suddenly surprised by Misty shoving the mic in his face. "Tell us, Ash--how do you think your impending battle's going to go?"

"Uh...I think I can win..." Ash stammered. True, Misty was only pretending, but it didn't change the fact that he had gotten dragged into the game against his will.

"You sure? You haven't got your faithful Charizard Blaze with you this time, and he's come though for you many times before." Mistyy cautioned.

"I may not have Blaze, but I do have Cyndy--and she has plenty of fire power!" Ash confidently replied, never mind he wasn't on a real TV show.

"A fitting answer from an aspiring champion!" Misty announced as the group approached the gym. "When we come back, we'll watch Ash's epic match and see if his Cyndaquil will be enough to take down the Gym Leader!"

With that, she put the mic away. "How real TV hosts can be this loud constantly is beyond me...my voice is already tired."

"It's called 'projecting your voice'--it's also a big help in acting." Brock explained as he opened the door. "Ladies first."

Just then, a butterfly-like Pokemon with magnificently colored wings met them. [Hello there--which of you is challenging the Leader?] she asked.

"I am!" Ash replied.

The butterfly Pokemon nodded. [All right, this way.]

After following the butterfly Pokemon down a corridor and into a large open arena that resembled a forest clearing, Misty suddenly felt sick to her stomach. Oh great...a forest...

"Everything okay?" Brock asked, concerned over Misty's nauseated face.

"Why do I get the feeling something's going to jump out at us?" Misty stammered. "You do know I don't like most bugs?"

"I do, but keep in mind most bug Pokemon are more afraid of you than you are of them--although there are some that like getting up close and personal with humans." Brock reminded her.

About then, a Caterpie dangled on a leaf before Misty. [Hi!]

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!!" Misty's scream resounded all through the city.

"Not so hard, Misty..." Brock muttered as Misty clung to him in fear.

Giggling got Ash's attention, spurring him to look up in the treetops, where he noticed a dull lavender haired boy in safari gear watching the group from a tree. "Hey, calm down, none of the bugs here are gonna hurt you." he assured the group.

"W-who are you?" Misty stammered.

"I'm Bugsy! I never lose when it comes to Bug-type Pokémon." the boy replied as he jumped down from the tree with the grace of a Meowth. "You've already met Mariposa, my Beautifly hostess." he grinned as the butterfly Pokemon that had escorted them fluttered by his side. "But I've collected a lot more exotic bugs from other regions besides her--and it's been a big help to my research about them!"

He bowed before the group. "If you wish, I can demonstrate what I've learned from my studies."

"Uh, that's okay--I'll just watch from a distance." Misty stammered, all the while trying to keep her fear of biting and stinging bugs at bay.

"I'll gladly be your willing test subject!" Ash declared. "For I am Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, seeking Johto League glory!"

"All right..." Bugsy gestured to a spectator's area. "Mariposa, if you would show Ash's companions to the stands, please."

[Right away.] the Beautifly nodded.

---------

"Representing the Gold side, Gym Leader Bugsy and Charlotte!" a referee announced as Bugsy released a small green spider-like Pokemon. "And representing the Silver side, Ash Ketchum and Cyndy!"

[Bring it, webspinner!] Cyndy taunted.

[Does anyone need to make any preparations before the match?] Mariposa asked as she delivered a pair of flags to the referee.

"May I have a chance to size up my opponent?" Ash asked the referee.

"Pokedex usage is allowed provided it does not give you an unfair advantage." the referee reminded Ash.

Ash nodded, the consulted his Pokedex to read up on his opponent:

"Spinarak, the string spit Pokemon. It spins a web using fine, but durable, thread. It then waits patiently for prey to be trapped."

"Are both sides ready?" the referee asked, snapping Ash back to reality.

Cheers went up in reply from both Bugsy and Ash. "Okay! Three...two...one..."

The referee's whistle hardly had time to echo through the forested battlefield before Ash called to Cyndy "Open with a Flamethrower!"

"Charlotte, use String Shot!" Bugsy called at the same time.

The ball of fire Cyndy had been preparing to fire when she saw the strands of thread coming at her fizzled out. She jumped to the left to avoid one, right to avoid another, ducked under a third, and narrowly missed jumping over a fourth. [Missed me!] she taunted.

Bugsy grimaced that all the String Shots had missed. "Okay, Charlotte, switch gears to Poison Sting!"

[Ah!] Cyndy yelped as the Spinarak fired a stinger at her, which landed in her back. [Eep! Ow! Oof!]

Ash watched, wincing every time Cyndy cried in pain from the Poison Sting. The last straw came when Cyndy received a fifth Poison Sting, losing her balance. "Cyndy! Hang in there!"

Bugsy smiled. Now's my chance! Let's see how Ash fares without a fire type!

He called "Charlotte, use Poison Sting again!"

"Cyndy! Come back!" Ash gasped, quickly recalling Cyndy and heaving another Poke Ball skyward. "Let's go, River!"

[Aw, yeah!] River cried as she spun past the Poison Sting and landed in the arena. [Is that all you've got, eight-legs?]

Bugsy balked at the Marill before him--he had not counted on Ash to switch Pokemon! "You realize that neither of us have any clear advantage, sending a Water type against a bug?"

"It takes more than type advantage to win a Pokémon battle!" Ash grinned. River nodded in agreement.

TO BE CONTINUED...
 
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@Charles Legend;

Episode 32: It's Tough to Beat a Bug! (part 2)


"Charlotte, use String Shot!" Bugsy commanded, only to watch as the Marill twirled out of the way and prepared to heave a Water Gun at the Spinarak. "Charlotte, watch out!"

"River, heads up!" Ash called as the Spinarak fired a Poison Sting at River.

[You're think with this big game of keep away we're playing, we're gonna be fighting forever!] River complained as she jumped to avoid a String Shot.

"Then we need to step up our game a bit!" Ash grinned.

Bugsy's voice snapped him back to reality. "Charlotte, use Poison Sting!"

"River, time to evolve your Water Gun to Water Pulse, then shield yourself with Aqua Ring!" Ash commanded.

River nodded, formed a ball of water in her paws, then heaved the ball at the ground. [Take this, webspinner!] she taunted as the ball turned into a huge wave of water.

She grinned when she heard the splash of an impact moments later. [Bullseye.] she smiled before water droplets formed around her body, expanding to create three rings of water that surrounded River, protecting her from any further attacks.

"What?" Bugsy gasped--he had not expected River to go on the defensive. "And here I was thinking this would be a test of power and agility!"

"Sometimes the best offense is a good defense." Ash explained as River rammed into the Spinarak, making it faint.

"Charlotte is unable to battle--the round goes to Silver." the referee announced, to Misty and Brock's applause from the spectator's zone.

Bugsy just grinned. "Two can play at that game--let's see you try and penetrate my tank bug, Metapod!"

Misty, meanwhile, was confused. "What good will a Metapod do if all it can do is harden itself?" she wondered as a familiar green chrysalis Pokemon appeared in the Gold side of the arena.

"In the wild, Metapods are capable of defending themselves if threatened." Brock replied. "Especially if raised from a Caterpie."

Oh yeah--Ash once owned a Metapod! Misty remembered as she watched to see what her friend would do next.

He calls his Metapod a tank? I've owned a Metapod before, so how hard can this one be? Ash thought as he sized up the Pokemon before him.

He then called "River, slam into the Metapod with an Aqua Jet!"

[HAAAAAAAAAH!] River cried as her body was surrounded by water. As she streaked in to tackle her opponent, the Metapod turned silver, making it seem like River had impacted a solid wall. [Ow...]

"So much for a physical approach...River, try Water Pulse again!" Ash called.

[All right!] River smiled as she formed a ball of water in her paws, then heaved the ball at the ground. [Let's see if a tank can stand against this!] she taunted as the ball turned into a huge wave of water.

She watched in horror as the Metapod's body turned silver again, making the wateer run off of him. [Maybe a tank can stand against my Water Pulse....] she stammered as she looked to Ash for ideas of what to do next.

"Okay! Chrys, jump and use Tackle!" Bugsy commanded.

[Oh no...] was all River could say before the Metapod slammed into her, making her go flying across the arena, landing at her master's feet. [Ash...I'm sorry...] she wheezed before fainting.

"Both sides now have two Pokemon apiece--make your next selection, Silver." the referee instructed.

Ash whistled towards the bench, snapping Tintri to attention. [I'll avenge River for you!] he smiled as he ran into the arena.

"Chrys, Tackle the Pikachu!" Bugsy commanded.

Tintri sensed the Metapod charging, and nimbly jumped over his opponent, sending the Metapod into the Silver safety barrier with a crash and a cloud of dust. [Did it knock itself out?] he wondered as he waited for the dust to clear.

A droning hum got his attention, spurring him to jump out of the way as the Metapod charged again, stiring more dust up in the arena and making it hard for both human competitors, the spectators, and the other bugs to see what was going on.

"Tintri!" he heard Ash call. "When you can see anything, try listening for your target!"

[Got it!] Tintri called before coughing up a little dust.

He saw a dull green form in the dust and heard the low hum signalling the Metapod was charging, and leaped out of the way. After powering out of the way of another aerial Tackle, he charged a Thunderbolt. [HAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!]

"Gold has one Pokemon remaining." the referee announced. "This match goes to Silver."

"It's time for you to meet my ace, Kunai!" Bugsy smiled as he summoned a green winged mantis Pokemon. "Even though it's my last Pokémon, Bug Pokémon are tough!"

Ash, meanwhile, decided to refresh his memory on his opponent:

"Scyther, the mantis Pokemon. When it moves, it leaves only a blur. If it hides in grass, its protective colors make it invisible."

"Okay, Tintri, see if you can paralyze it with a Thunderbolt!" Ash suggested.

[HAH!] Tintri cried, but balked in horror as the Scyter created copies of itself, making the Thunderbolt hit a copy and fizzle to nothing.

"Kunai, Slash the Pikachu!" Bugsy commanded.

"Tintri, aim for the Scyther with a shadow!" Ash called.

[AIIIIII-YAH!] Tintri fired a second Thunderbolt, breaking all the Double Team copies--and seemingly the real Scyther. [Huh? Where'd my opponent go?]

He gasped as a green blur ambushed him, slamming him to the ground and repeatedly slashing him with its scythes. [That Scyther is too much...] he wheezed as he retreated to the sidelines to recover, battered and beaten.

"Both sides now have one Pokemon remaining." the referee announced.

Ash retrieved Cyndy's Poke Ball. "I know you're tired, Cyndy, but I hope you can come through for me!"

He heaved the Poke Ball skyward. "Welcome back, Cyndy!"

[It's good to be back...] Cyndy smiled.

"Think you have enough strength in you to take out a Scyther?" Ash asked.

[I can try...that Spinarak wore me down before.] Cyndy replied.

"Listen closely--Scyther is powerful and fast, but I need you to prove you're faster before we move in with Flamethrower--got it?" Ash asked.

[I'll do my best.] Cyndy replied.

With that, she jumped out of the way of a Fury Cutter. Frustrated over missing the tiny Cyndaquil, the Scyther used Double Team and Fury Cutter together to make it appear there were hundreds of attacks were coming at once! But Cyndy nimbly dodged every blade like a pro. If I had use my fire to dispel the illusions, I have a chance of hitting the real one!

She took a deep breath and heaved a stream of flames at the illusions, but she did not expect the real Scyther to deflect it by a ring of shining sword, one of which sent her flying to her end of the arena! [Waugh!!!!]

"Cyndy!" Ash gasped.

"Kunai has a special way of deflecting Fire-type attacks by using Swords Dance." Bugsy explained. "It could even take down a Charizard!"

He then called to his Scyther "Use Swords Dance and Fury Cutter together!"

"Cyndy! Jump above Scyther and use Flamethrower from the air!" Ash nearly screamed, hoping all the while his last desperate attempt at a victory would work.

His panicked face turned to joy as Cyndy's aerial attack sent the Scyther flying, a final Tackle sending it against the Gold safety barrier with a THUD.

"Gold is unable to battle--Silver wins the match!" the referee announced, to cheers from Misty and Brock in the spectator area.

Bugsy was stunned at Ash's comeback. "Whoa, amazing! You're an expert on Pokémon!"

"I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I have learned much on my travels." Ash replied as he and Bugsy shook hands.

"My research isn't complete yet....I still have a lot to learn." Bugsy smiled as Mariposa brought him a pillow with a small badge that resembled a Ledyba's markings. "As a memento of your incredible comeback and creative victory here today, take this Hive Badge."

"Thank you..." Ash replied, his eyes shining with joyful tears as he took the badge.

"Go on and hold it high for the world to see--it'll make a nice shot for the Winners' Wall." Bugsy assured Ash as he prepared to take a picture.

Ash nodded, and held his new Badge high. "We did it! We got a Hive Badge!"

---------

"We cannot express enough our gratitude for allowing us to stay with you, Kurt." Misty smiled as the group prepared to leave that evening.

"The pleasure's all mine--you three were wonderful houseguests." Kurt replied. "I wish you all many more adventures and safe travels."

"WAAAAAAAIIIIT!" Maizie called as she hurried out to meet the group, clutching a large box in her hands. "Here's a thank you gift from me and Grandad--Poke Balls from the Apricorns you gave us yesterday."

"Aw, thank you!" Misty smiled as she accepted the case, and looked inside. "Wow...there's Lure Balls, Fast Balls, Love Balls..."

"All kinds of Poke Balls!" Brock was equally impressed at the hundreds of Poke Balls inside the case.

"Thanks, both of you." Ash replied. "We promise we will use these well!"

To Be Continued...
 
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@Charles Legend;

Interlude: Focus Group in the Forest

"Well done on your second Badge." Misty smiled as the group rounded a corner and approached a large thick forest. "Even if it was bug related."

"You have to admit, Mariposa was a real sweetheart." Brock agreed before reaching for his guidebook and flipping to the chapter about the forest that loomed in the distance. "We are approaching the Ilex Forest--the forest's trees are so close together that all light is blocked out, and the forest seems to be in a perpetual night."

"That's very reassuring..." Ash stammered as the group entered the massive forest.

"There is a small shrine somewhere in the forest dedicated to the Legendary Pokemon Celebi, the Voice of the Forest." Brock went on. "Supposedly, if one makes an acceptable offering, Celebi will appear to you and take you through time, although stories of this occurring have not been documented, so many dismiss it as an urban legend."

He read a little farther on in the chapter. "The forest is also home to a special pair of Pichus--a female with a spiked ear, and a male who is colored like Pikachu--those that see them are said to have great luck. The spiked ear Pichu has been named Mimi, and her Pikachu colored companion is named Taji."

Just then, giggles got his attention as a spiked eared Pichu and a Pichu colored like Pikachu dashed before the group. "Speak of Darkrai..."

"Hi there, little guys!" Misty smiled as she knelt down to pet the two Pichus.

Ash realized that the group was in an open clearing, with plenty of room for a campfire. That, and his PokeNav said it was noon. "I have no qualms of stopping for lunch if you want to play with Mimi and Taji for a while."

"Then let's start a campfire--I'm getting a little hungry myself." Misty agreed.

[If you need wood for your fire, follow me!] Taji smiled, leading Ash and Misty over to a large pile of dead sticks and twigs.

Once the group had started a campfire and some meat was simmering over the flames, Mimi noticed the red stripe and clouds on Brock's vest. [Oh! Are you maybe a storyteller competing in something?]

"Yeah...I could use some practice for the next round..." Brock smiled.

"We'll be happy to rate your stories." Misty offered.

Ash proceeded to heave all his Poke Balls skyward. "Come on out, everyone!"

"You guys, as well!" Misty did likewise, creating a crowd of Pokemon around the campfire.

Brock smiled, flattered at the size of his test audience. "Once upon a time something happened--if it hadn't happened, it wouldn't be told." he began, signalling that his show was beginning.

With that, he began "There was once a wealthy farmer who had three sons. The oldest--whose name is not important--was a selfish and overbearing fellow. The second--his name is not important either--was a weak hearted young man who always did everything his brother suggested. The youngest, whose name was Jeran, was not as bright and clever as his brothers, but he was honest and, most importantly, he had a good heart."

He added as an aside "We all know that in this world a good heart is more likely to bring its owner happiness than evil thoughts."

"A wise lesson." Misty smiled...

---------

"...He was delighted, too, at having Princess Oriane in the house, and pleased when people came from far and near to see Epona, the miracle Leppa tree, and the Crystal Chalice." Brock continued. "He even began to hope that she might marry one of his sons before some prince came along and claimed her. He thought Princess Oriane would make a wonderful bride for the oldest. But Jeran told him what ingrates the two older sons were, as the older brothers themselves had led their father to believe that it was really they who had found the magic Grepa vine and rescued Princess Oriane. When his father learned the truth, they were cast out of the house, never to return again. Instead of being grateful to Jeran for having saved their necks from the angry farmers, they hated him more than ever. But they were powerless to do anything against Jeran, for he had Kitsune's and Arceus' favor upon him."

He smiles "What prince, I'd like to know, had a lovelier bride? None! Was there any prince in the world whose bride brought him greater riches than the miracle Leppa-tree, the Legendary shining steed, Epona, and the Crystal Chalice? Not one! In addition to all of this, the farmer promised that, when he died, he would leave him the magic Grepa vine."

He concluded "And so it was that Jeran lived happy and prosperous. After all, it all came about through his having a good honest heart."

Applause went up. "Okay...it's an interesting version of the Moltres story." Ash began.

"I felt it was a bit too long." Misty noted. "Remember you may have a time limit in a Lore Stage, so a really long story may not work."

"Pokemon? Any suggestions?" Brock asked the crowd of Pokemon.

[It was too long..] Mimi yawned.

[Yeah, there were several places you could've ended it.] Tintri agreed.

[Oh, it's over?] Ami yawned, [You lost me around Epona...]

"Okay, so save that one for my longer shows, when I don't have competition or possibly a time limit." Brock sighed in defeat.

He then decided to try another story. "There was once an old man and an old woman, and they had three sons; two of them were clever, but the third was not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed."

Giggles go up at this. "The old woman loved the first two, and spoiled them rotten, but the youngest, whose name was Jack, was always mistreated." Brock went on.

[Oh, but sometimes the fools turn out to be wiser than they get credit for.] Hinata grinned.

[That's true.] Spritz agreed.

"One day, rumors flew about a proclamation from the king, which said 'Whoever can build a ship that can fly, will receive my daughter the Princess Briana as his bride, and be named heir to the throne....'"

To Be Continued...
 
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Right I apologize once again I was really not in the mood to reply do to the fact that I was dealing with a bad toothache, however now that it has been removed I'm feeling almost back to normal.

Anyways while I do enjoy this story and think it's a nice twist on the Animé, it can however get a little boring at times when you rely on things already within cannon, try to spice things up a little more. for example don't be to have more non native pokémon for example showing up, indeed one of the flaws of the earlier gens is that there is not much in the way of biodiversity.
 
@Charles Legend;

Episode 33: Cutting to the Chase (part 1)

Meanwhile, Kamon trudged through the forest, moaning in pain as he clutched his stomach. Of all the times to run out of food, why did I pick now? he grumbled as his stomach growled. I guess that's what I get for forgetting to replenish my supplies back in town...

A light suddenly got his attention. Could that be Wonderboy and pals?

He thought about approaching the light, but decided against it. I'd better not...walking in on someone's campsite would be epically embarrassing. But I have to get food somewhere...

---------

"Thanks for being my focus group last night." Brock smiled as the group broke camp the next morning. "It really helped me see which stories would work under a time limit and which ones were too long."

"We're not saying you shouldn't use your longer stories in a Lore Stage or practice them, but have some shorter ones in case you are timed." Misty assured Brock.

"Did I mention I love your use of commentary and asides?" Ash grinned as the group got back on the forest path. "Keep doing that!"

He was about to give his friend more feedback when he noticed a black haired boy in a neatly buttoned teal outfit trying to get a brown duck-like Pokemon to cut a tree with a leek. Piqued, he decided to watch the struggle, just as the boy commanded "Okay, Dux--use Cutting!"

[What's 'Cutting'? I don't know of an attack by that name.] the duck Pokemon replied as it trotted away, its leek over its shoulder like a firearm.

Ash, meanwhile, decided to read up on the odd duck Pokemon before intervening:

"Farfetch'd, the wild duck Pokemon. The plant stalk it holds is its weapon. The stalk is used like a sword to cut all sorts of things."

Piqued, Ash approached the boy and the patrolling Farfetch'd. "If you're curious, Cut is the right name for cutting down trees and other things." he offered.

The boy turned a shade of ruby red. "Th-thanks..." he stammered before trying to give the Farfetch'd another command. "Dux, Cut the trees down!"

[Why should I? If you can't even get the move names right, I see no reason to do what you say!] the Farfetch'd replied before resuming its patrol, much to its master's annoyance.

"My name's Sylvester...and I've just started out in Pokemon training." the boy explained to Ash. "I want to make Charcoal like my father does, but I can never remember the attack names."

"Nice to meet you." Ash grinned as Brock and Misty arrived. "I'm Ash, and these are my companions, Misty, and Brock."

"Hi there!" Misty smiled.

"Pleased to meet you." Brock replied.

[Don't forget me!] Tintri smiled as he bounded aboard Ash's shoulder.

Ash giggled a little. "and my Pokemon partner, Tintri."

He explained to Misty and Brock "Sylvester is the son of a Charcoal maker, and is trying to get it to Cut trees down to make Charcoal."

"Really?" Misty was intrigued.

"In fact, the Ilex Forest is world-famous for its purified charcoal." Brock explained, showing Misty a picture of a Charcoal chunk in the guidebook. "So if you ever wondered what I've been using to light the campfire every night, now you know."

"No wonder everything you've made tasted so good!" Ash smiled.

Even Sylvester couldn't help smiling. "Yeah--Charcoal is good for cooking and heating. But for now, I need to teach Dux, my Farfetch'd, how to cut wood into perfect blocks--that's the first step in making Charcoal."

"It seems Dux doesn't want to listen to you..." Misty noted as she observed Dux's smug march as he paced back and forth through the grass.

"You would never believe it now, but Tintri and I started off on somewhat rough terms, too." Ash explained. "At first, he was a little leery around me, and seemed reluctant to do what I asked of him. But I persisted in trying to earn his trust, and eventually he warmed up to me. We've been close friends ever since."

Sylvester looked over at Dux for a moment. "Maybe I need to show Dux he can trust me..."

"Well, if you need any help or advice, we'll be in the local Pokemon Center." Ash assured Sylvester as he motioned for the group to follow him to a familiar red roofed building in a clearing.

---------

In the Pokemon Center, the group watched as the phone screen flashed "DIALING..." for a moment. After a few moments, the image of Prof. Oak in his lab flashed on the screen. "Hello?"

"Hi, Professor--I'm happy to report I've received my second badge!" Ash smiled as he proudly showed off the Hive Badge pinned next to his Zephyr Badge on the right side of his vest.

Prof. Oak smiled. "Well done--I'm sure the battle was hard fought."

"We also received a lot of Kurt's special Poke Balls too--as thanks for being great houseguests." Ash went on, showing off some of the Poke Balls the group had received.

"Oh goodness, that's a lot!" Professor Oak gasped at the sheer number of different balls inside the case. "If you don't mind sending some over for me to examine, I wouldn't mind borrowing some for research purposes."

"You got it!" Ash smiled as he placed one of each type of Poke Ball in the item transfer machine nearby the phone, then entered Prof. Oak's coordinates to complete the transfer.

The Poke Balls had hardly been sent on their way when Sylvester burst into the Pokemon Center. "Nurse Joy! Have you seen Dux anywhere? He ran off after I forgot some attack names again..."

"Try looking for Dux at your father's house, since he went there the last time he ran away." Nurse Joy calmly assured Sylvester before tending to a Growlithe.

Misty shot Brock a warning look as Ash completed his phone call. "The Poke Balls are on their way--you should be receiving them shortly."

The item transfer machine in Oak's lab glowed as the Poke Balls Ash had sent arrived. "They're here--good luck and safe travels!" Prof. Oak smiled before the call ended.

Ash located Sylvester slumped on a couch near the front desk. "I don't get it...why does Dux not want to listen to me?" he sighed. "Dad's gonna kill me if something happens to him..."

"Would you like us to help you find him?" Ash offered as he and the others approached.

"If he's not at your house, we'll comb the forest to make sure Dux is safe!" Misty smiled.

"And maybe show him you're not such a bad trainer after all." Brock agreed.

A smile formed on Sylvester's face. "Okay...I'll let you guys help me find Dux...I only hope he's not dinner for a Mightyena, or something!"

To Be Continued...
 
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Always nice to see an author use Farfetch'd in their stories, indeed this is a nice chapter, there is not too much to say at this point.
 
@Charles Legend;

Episode 34: Cutting to the Chase (part 2)

The group arrived at a simple wooden cabin some time later. Here we are...this is the house." Sylvester began as he led the group inside, where a man with similar features to Sylvester was watching as a Magmar heated up a furnace to begin the purifying process.

"Dad?" Sylvester began, his heart racing as he feared his father's reaction to the news that Dux was missing. "Dux has...run away again..."

"AGAIN???" the man gasped before the look of shock on his face turned angry. "That's the third time this week! If you presented yourself as a leader for Dux to follow, we wouldn't be having this problem! Do you know why Dux doesn't look up to you? You're afraid, and he can sense that!..."

"Is he implying that Sylvester's a coward?" Misty asked as the man continued to rant. Sylvester would try to defend himself, only to be rebuffed by the man, who would then rant and rave some more.

"I don't think he is, but he needs to have a chance to defend himself...and Dad's not letting that happen..." Brock noted.

Something metallic in his pocket got his attention. "Oh, I forgot I had my referee's whistle in my pocket!"

"Maybe if you blew it to get Dad's attention, Sylvester could defend himself, or we could defend him on his behalf!" Ash smiled.

"Go on, blow it!" Misty urged.

Brock nodded, then blew his whistle with a FWEEEEEEEET!!!!!, silencing the shouting match. "Okay! Clearly there is a problem that needs to be solved, but can't we work it out peacefully?" he asked, aware all the while of the father's angry look and the trembling Sylvester.

"Sylvester may struggle with knowing the attack names and terminology, but that doesn't mean he is stupid or a coward." Ash calmly explained. "It just takes a little longer for him to learn things, and he really is trying his hardest to learn."

The angry look on Sylvester's father's face softened. "Very well, if you believe my son to be a good trainer, you three can go with him into the forest to look for Dux."

"We'll leave no stone unturned in making sure Dux comes home safely!" Misty assured Sylvester's father.

"Yeah, we'll search the whole forest top to bottom!" Sylvester agreed as he led the others outside.

He smiled at Brock. "That was a clever idea to stop my father's ranting--sometimes when he's really angry, he'll rant for hours on end."

"Well, we had to step in before he said something he would likely regret later." Brock explained. "So I used my referee's whistle to call 'time out', if you will."

---------

Meanwhile, Kamon continued trudging through the brush. "So hungry..." he moaned as he clutched his stomach. "There's got to be some wild Berries somewhere...I'd even risk eating some wild mushrooms if it meant I could eat."

As he emerged into another clearing, he gasped as he discovered two rolls on a strange-looking pedestal. "Finally!" he smiled as he hurried up to the pedestal to take a bite. But before he could bite into one of them, he noticed a Weedle on each of the rolls! "Oh ew! Ew-ew-ew!" he yelped, throwing the rolls into the grass for the Weedles to eat. "I'm not eating after wild Pokemon!"

He grinned as Dux emerged into the clearing. "Well, well, well, what have we here? Farfetch'd are crazy rare...so I'm not letting you get away!"

Dux squawked as Kamon lunged at him, then scrambled into an alcove as Kamon approached, frantically looking for a way out. Where's Sylvester? He can rescue me from this red haired punk!

---------

"Here, Dux!" Misty called as the group patrolled the forest.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are!" Sylvester called.

"Where are you?" Ash called.

"We're never gonna find Dux at this rate..." Sylvester sighed as he slumped against a tree.

"Why don't we get our Pokemon to help?" Ash suggested. "They probably can see things human eyes can't!"

"Come on out, everyone!" Misty called, heaving her Poke Balls skyward.

"You guys too!" Ash heaved his Poke Balls skyward.

"And you g--!" Brock did likewise before noticing Silver was about to explode. "No! Silver, return!" he almost screamed as he recalled the Pineco.

"That was close..." Misty heaved a relieved sigh.

"Okay gang...we're here to find one of these..." Ash showed the crowd of Pokemon a picture of a Farfetch'd on his Pokedex. "Search everywhere!"

[I'll see what I can find from the air!] Mina offered before flying off.

[I'll take a team this way!] Tintri offered before leading Luce, Hinata, and Cyndy down a north path.

[I'll look to the west.] Argent reported as the other members of Brock's team climbed onto his back.

[We'll go with Misty's team.] River told Ash before she and Brenna joined Misty's team in searching the many ponds and streams in the area for any sigh of Dux.

Back in the brush, Kamon grimaced as Dux flew up to perch on a tree limb, cutting several branches with his leek and causing them to fall on Kamon's head. "Ow...ow...ow..."

He winced from the pain of the falling branches, then heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Nightwing, I choose you!"

A tiny blue bat-like Pokemon fluttered up to engage Dux up in the tree, but Dux easily bonked it on the head, sending it back down on top of Kamon. [I'm sorry boss...that Farfetch'd is too strong.] it sighed as it slid down to the ground with a plop.

"Okay...Helena and Spike, your turn!" Kamon called as he send out his Gastly and his new Quilava. Helena heaved a Shadow Ball at Dux, but Dux blocked Helena's Shadow Ball with his leek. Not one to be deterred, Helena lunged for the leek, but only ended up catching thin air.

Finally, Spike managed to grab the leek. [I got it!] he called to Kamon.

Panicked, Dux tried to run away, but Kamon lassoed it, causing the Farfetch'd to trip and fall.

Once sure Dux was secure in a netted bag, Kamon considered eating the leek, but decided not to. Maybe the Farfetch'd will be more willing to obey me if it has the leek. he thought, unaware of the Pidgeot that was flying back to report the whole debacle to its master.

---------

[I found Kamon with Farfetch'd!] Mina reported as she fluttered by Ash's side some time later. [He's not far from here!]

"Good job, Mina!" Ash hugged his Pidgeot, then motioned for the others to follow him and Mina.

Kamon winced as Ash and the others arrived in the clearing some moments later. "You've got a lot of nerve coming here, Wonder Boy..."

"Not has half as much nerve as your attempting to snatch another person's Pokemon in broad daylight!" Ash shot back.

Kamon was unfazed. "Tell me something, Wonderboy....is it true that Team Rocket has returned?"

"What does THAT have to do with anything?" Ash snapped. "Not only have they been found here, but we sent them packing after they tried to steal the Slowpoke of Azalea Town."

"What? You beat them?" Kamon gasped.

He laughed as Ash nodded yes. "Quit lying...you couldn't beat them in a million years!"

"Well, if I couldn't beat them in a million years, then how could I have beaten them a million times?" Ash countered, getting frustrated all the while with Kamon's taunts.

"So you're serious?" Kamon challenged. "Then let's see how good you are!"

With that, he raced off into the forest with the bag holding Dux inside over his shoulder. "After him!" Misty called, leading the boys after Kamon.

"River, Luce, use your strongest attacks to free that Farfetch'd!" Ash called as he heaved two Poke Balls, summoning the Marill and the Mareep.

[Hang on, Dux!] River called as she charged a Water Pulse.

[We'll save you!] Luce agreed as her body was surrounded by yellow sparks, allowing her to fire a massive blast of electricity at the bag. The bag fell apart in two charred pieces, freeing Dux. Before he could fly back to Sylvester, he felt himself being grabbed by Nightwing! [Whoa!] he gasped as he looked down on the long drop down below, and tried his hardest not to let go.

"Helena, use Hypnosis on Wonderboy and his Pokémon!" Kamon called.

[Right!] Helena sneered as she stared at Ash and his team, making their eyes swirl. [You are getting sleepy...]

"What's...going..." was all Ash could say before he slumped to the ground, asleep with his Pokemon around him.

Kamon sneered. I've got Wonderboy right where I want him!

He called to his Zubat "Nightwing, use Poison Sting!"

The Zubat screeched in reply as it dove down towards the dozing group, eager to bite them all and poison them. But he came to a screeching halt when he heard a voice sing Imultaos, ame no hao bakezo... making a green glow flash through the forest.

[What's happening?] the Zubat gasped as a giant Mega Steelix loomed over it, causing it to crash into its steel body.

"You induced Argent just in time!" Misty smiled at Brock before ordering her Seadra "Spritz, use Water Gun to wake Ash up!"

"AUGH!" Ash yelped as the cold water hit him and his team. "What was that for?"

"While you were snoozing, Kamon was trying to take Dux!" Misty explained, "So go get him!"

"Spike, use Smokescreen!" Kamon called, aware that Ash and his team were rallying.

"Brenna, clear the air with Hydro Pump!" Ash called at the same time.

Sylvester watched as the huge water blast cleared away the smoke cloud. "Wow...I wish I could work with Dux the way Ash works with his Pokémon." he told Brock as Ash called to his team to attack and defend.

"The reason why Ash works so well with his team is because they trust each other--they may be a boy and five Pokemon, but their hearts beat as one." Brock explained as he watched the carnage unfold.

"Oof!" Kamon gasped as River slammed him to the ground, sending the leek flying! Kamon and Sylvester both made a desperate dive for it, but Sylvester ultimately came up with the leek in hand!

[My leek!] Dux gasped. [You made that epic catch for my safe?]

"I did...I know how special your leek is to your kind, and couldn't bear to have you lose it." Sylvester smiled as he handed Dux the leek.

Dux thought for a moment. [You know...you're not so bad a master after all.] he smiled. [After you made that big dive to get my leek back, I realized you still love me, even after I've been a big jerk with you.]

"Of course...I forgive you for being a jerk." Sylvester replied as he gingerly hugged Dux. "Are we a team?"

[Yeah--let's give this red haired jerk what for!] Dux smiled.

Ash arrived not long afterward. "You okay, Sylvester?" he asked.

"Yeah..." Sylvester replied as he eased himself to his feet. "I think I know what it means to work as a team now."

[Then let's do this!] Dux called before pecking Nightwing hard enough for him to let go.

"Oh no, you don't!" Kamon made a mad dash effort to catch Farfetch'd, hoping his dive to catch the flying Farfetch'd would be enough.

"Dux, use use Fury Attack!" Sylvester called.

Misty grinned as Dux pummeled Kamon. "Dux, one, Kamon, zero." she grinned as Kamon tried to flee. But before he could run far, Dux used Cut to down two big trees in front of Kamon's path.

"You know what to do, bud." Ash smiled at Tintri as he approached Kamon, who was trembling in fear.

[HI-YAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!] Tintri sreamed as he unleashed a Thunderbolt at Kamon.

Kamon winced from the pain of Tintri's attack. "I hate the weak." he growled as he cleaned some of the char from his face. "Pokémon, Trainers. It doesn't matter who or what. I hate to see them hanging around."

Then he remembered something. "That goes for Team Rocket, too. They think they are big and tough as long as they are in a group. But get them alone, and they're weak. Jessie...James...their fast-talking Meowth, their other cronies...I hate them all."

He marched up to Ash. "You stay out of my way, Wonderboy. You won't be an exception if you get in my way."

Yet as he fled into the brush, a stomach growl reminded him that he still hadn't eaten! And on top of being shocked, I'm still hungry!

Ash, meanwhile, embraced Sylvester. "Great work on getting Farfetch'd to use Cut!"

"You did great with Dux!" Misty agreed.

"Keep this up, and you may rival Ash and Tintri in your skill with Dux." Brock added.

Just then, Sylvester spotted two trees that were the right size and thickness for charcoal. "Okay, Dux--Cut the trees down!"

[Hi-YAH!] Dux called as he executed a serious of slashes, creating many perfectly-shaped blocks of wood, but Sylvester's cheers were the loudest of all.

---------

"I heard about what happened from Nurse Joy." Sylvester's father began before he addressed Sylvester. "I owe you an apology, my son--I really believe you can be a great trainer, judging from how you worked with Dux and your new friends to drive that red haired hoodlum away."

"It was nothing, Dad--Ash showed me what you mean when you say that I have to be a leader for Dux to follow." Sylvester smiled.

Sylvester's father smiled. "Can you find it in your heart to forgive your father for my outburst before?"

"Of course!" With that, father and son embraced, lost in each other's love.

Sylvester's father then presented a charcoal box to the group. "Here--take some fresh charcoal as thanks for your heroic deeds here today....you've earned it!"

To Be Continued...
 
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@Charles Legend;

After a holiday hiatus, let's continue our remixed Johto adventure!

Episode 35: Tricks of the Trade (part 1)

"Finally glad to see something other than forest!" Ash smiled as he Misty, and Brock emerged from Ilex Forest onto a stretch of coastline.

"I'll say--beach views are beautiful!" Misty agreed.

She braced herself for Michelle to pop out of her Poke Ball, but when the Golduck didn't appear, she heaved a sigh of relief. "Thought Michelle was going to come out for a minute there--she's always loved the beach."

"Still comes out of her Poke Ball without being asked?" Brock grinned.

"Not so much anymore--mainly if she's excited or senses something interesting outside." Misty replied as the group rounded the corner to a picnic area, where a boy with dull green hair was enjoying a meal while a blue blob-like Pokemon stood guard.

Interesting Pokemon... Ash mused as he pulled out Dexter to read up on the blob Pokemon:

"Wobbufett, the patient Pokemon. It does nothing but endure attacks - it won't attack on its own." Dexter explained. "However, it won't endure an attack on its tail. When that happens, the Wobbufett will try to take the foe with it using Destiny Bond."

"Oh my..." Misty gasped. "What does that do?"

"Basically, f the user faints, the opponent will also faint." the boy explained as he dusted sandwich crumbs from his shirt. "I'm Benny, and this is Sahana, my Wobbufett." he explained, gesturing to the blob Pokemon.

[All-l-l-l is-well!] the Wobbufett announced in reply.

"Nice to meet you...I'm Ash, and these are my friends Misty...." Misty waved hello. "...and Brock." Brock waved hello before finding an empty table close to Benny so the two groups could easily visit.

"Pleased to meet you guys." Benny smiled. "We're going to the Pokémon Swap Meet--hopefully I can find someone to trade Sahana to while I'm there."

"In fact, the Pokemon Swap Meet is one of the largest gatherings for Pokemon trading in the world." Brock explained as he showed the group a picture of two people trading in the guidebook's chapter on the Swap Meet. "People come from all over the world to trade, not just Johto."

"But I don't get why you would want to trade your Wobbufett if you clearly love him..." Misty mused as Benny hugged his Wobbufett.

"Don't get me wrong, I love Sahana, and I've trained him hard." Benny assured Misty as he cleaned up the remains of his picnic. "But now I'd like a different Pokémon to train."

"That's fair, I guess." Misty smiled. "We'll go with you two into town, if you'd like."

"Sure--I'd love the company." Benny replied as he motioned for the Wobbufett to follow him.

---------

Singin' in the rain...we're singin' in the rain... James sang as he hosed down a massive pitcher-plant like Pokemon, who seemed to be enjoying the water spray.

"I don't think Shita would enjoy water..." Jessie mused as she groomed a pink mammalian Pokemon with a long tongue. "He has his tongue to bathe himself, but I am more than capable of defending his dignity if you get him wet!" She brandished a massive water gun to prove her point.

"Really?" James pointed the hose at the Lickitung. "Shall we test that hypothesis?"

"Guys!" Meowth called, defusing the impending water fight. "Check out dis poster here!"

Both Jessie and James forgot about their water fight and hurried over to the light pole Meowth was pointing out, where a poster advertising the Pokemon Swap Meet was displayed. "Today--Pokemon Swap Meet..." James read.

"Come trade for Pokemon from around the seven regions and beyond...games for the kids, and prizes..." Jessie read.

"How bout it? Wanna try and swipe some exotic Pokemon?" Meowth offered. "We may have an opportunity to swipe sometin' even rarer and more valuable dan Hat-boy's Pikachu!"

"Then what are we waiting for?" James eagerly led the charge into town, excited about stealing an exotic Pokemon.

---------

Meanwhile, as the group and Benny rounded the corner leading into town, Brock suddenly felt the ground start to rumble. "Are we anywhere close to a fault line?"

"That's no earthquake, that's a Tauros stampede!" Benny called before shepherding the Trio and Sahana to the side of the road, moments before a herd of Tauros and people came thundering down the road, to the roar of the crowd.

"What's going on?" Ash wondered as he watched the hundreds of Tauros pass by.

"This is one of the events that happen every year at the Swap Meet." a man explained. "Anyone who touches one of the Tauros's horns gets a trophy from the mayor."

"Wow!" Ash gasped before reaching out his hand into the thundering herd in an attempt to touch one of the Tauros. "If I can just...reach...."

A THWAP! and a cry of pain alerted the others that Ash had been unsuccessful in touching a Tauros horn. "I'll do my best to ease the bleeding, one of you should find a Pokemon Center." Brock instructed the others as he removed Ash's right glove and examined the bleeding gash on Ash's right hand.

"Ow...it hurts..." Ash winced as Brock studied the gaping scratch on his hand.

"You're lucky this wasn't worse..." Brock explained as he carefully wrapped Ash's hand in gauze. "You could've gotten your hand ripped off, if not permanently damaged."

Just then, Misty returned. "I've got Benny checking in for trading, and located the Pokemon Center." she reported. "Judging from that gash, it may need an expert to look at it."

"Come on--let's go get this wound treated." Brock assured Ash as he followed Misty towards the Pokemon Center.

---------

"The good news is, your wound did not break the skin too deeply." Nurse Joy explained as she gently massaged some anti bacterial gel on Ash's scratch. "It would still be a good idea to put some silver gauze on it to speed up the healing process."

"Silver?" Misty wondered as Nurse Joy carefully bandaged Ash's wound with some shiny silver gauze.

"Silver has been shown to help the treatment of infected wounds and wounds with a risk of infection." Nurse Joy explained before addressing Ash. "Next time, I would not recommend reaching out to touch a Tauros horn." she warned as she made sure the shiny bandage was on securely and Ash's glove could fit over it.

"Point duly noted." Ash replied as he admired how his silver bandage glittered in the light.

"Although if you want, a safer alternative would be entering your Tauros in the Charger Cup." Nurse Joy went on. "There's still time to enter--the Tauros stampede you saw before was headed for the Seaside Stadium, at the north part of town."

"Maybe I'll try that while my wound heals." Ash smiled. "Thanks, Nurse Joy!"

Misty was just as glad, although for a different reason. That's a first, Brock didn't attempt to serenade Nurse Joy with a stupid love song. she smiled as Ash located a phone and started dialing Prof. Oak's number.

"Hello?" the image of Prof. Oak began. "You caught me just as I was about to give one of the Squirtles a bath..." he explained as he filled a small washtub for a waiting Squirtle.

"Hi, Professor--we're in a little seaside town where there's a Tauros competition--so could you send over one of my herd so I can try it?" Ash explained. "I also learned the hard way not to touch their horns..." he explained as he showed Prof. Oak his silver bandage.

"Oh my..." Prof. Oak gasped when he saw the silver bandage. "I've never seen a bandage like that before...."

"They say silver infused bandages prevent infection." Ash replied. "As to which of the herd I want, Venti's my best one for battle."

"All right, let me get this Squirtle settled, and I'll send Venti over." Prof. Oak replied before the call ended.

"Have I told you that naming your herd 'one' to 'thirty' in Italian was a clever idea?" Brock grinned as the Poke Ball containing the Tauros materialized in the nearby transfer machine.

"Yes, you have--multiple times." Ash smiled as he went to retrieve his Tauros.

---------

"Is there no one among you who would challenge our champion Fernando and earn the Charger Cup?" the emcee announced as a dull purple haired boy and his Tauros looked out into the crowd for any challengers. "This will separate the men from the boys, the women from the girls, if one of you would step forward and challenge Dusty."

"I am Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, and I will challenge Dusty!" Ash announced as he made a heroic jump into the arena, gracefully landing on the Silver sideline as Venti trotted into the arena.

"A new challenger has arrived!" the emcee announced, to thunderous cheers...

To Be Continued...
 
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@Charles Legend

Episode 36: Tricks of the Trade (part 2)


[HAAAAAAAH!!!] Venti bellowed as he rammed into Dusty, knocking him backwards into the Gold safety barrier with a crash.

"Gold is unable to battle." the referee announced. "Silver wins!"

"The winner! Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town!" the emcee announced, making a grand gesture to Ash and Venti as the crowd roared with applause and cameras flashed.

Misty was equally enthusiastic. "Way to go, Ash!" she called from the stands. Brock whistled in agreement.

As the crowds departed the stadium, Benny met the group by the entrance. "What an amazing match! Would you be willing to take Sahana in exchange for your Tauros?" he asked.

Ash was about to answer when hundreds of other trainers gathered around him, many of them offering rare and exotic Pokemon for his Tauros:

"I'd offer my Sentret for that Tauros!"

"Would you be interested in an Ivysaur?"

"Want an Azurill for your Tauros?"

"I'll offer my Garbodor!"

"Would you like a Gorebyss for your Tauros?"

"My Poliwrath could take on your Tauros and win!"

"I'd give you my Haunter for your Tauros!"

Ash looked over at Brock. "Know a way to stop all the offers?" he tensely asked.

"Sure..." With that, Brock reached for his referee's whistle and blew it, quieting the chaos.

"Everyone...while I am honored and flattered you all would like Venti, he is special to me, and I would never separate him from his friends in the herd." Ash explained. "So I must decline any offers to trade him."

Luckily, the crowd understood as they departed. "Wow...you love your Tauros that much?" Benny gasped, impressed.

"Yeah--he's part of a herd of thirty, and I wouldn't dream of giving him to anyone else, I love him that much." Ash explained as he began entering the coordinates to send Venti back to Oak's Lab.

Wow...a love for your Pokemon so deep, you can't bear seeing them with anyone else? Benny thought.

He looked over at the Wobbufett hopping by his side. Whatever I get for Sahana, I'm gonna try and love them like Ash loves his Pokemon.

---------

"How goes the search for offers?" Ash asked as Benny met the group near the town square.

"Not so hot...this girl from the Alola region had a pretty Lurantis on offer, but she deemed Sahana ugly and rejected my offer." Benny sighed. "Then I saw somebody with a Lickilicky, but he wanted something crazy rare in return. Next, someone offered me a Rapidash, but it looked too wild, so I politely declined that offer. When I tried offering for a Corphish, it pinched me..."

"Ouch..." Ash winced.

"If you're looking to trade that Wobbufett, I have a female Stantler I'd be willing to offer." a man offered as he approached Benny.

"Sure!" Benny replied, elated someone had finally offered something for his Wobbufett.

---------

"How's that fake trading machine doing?" James--in disguise as an average trainer along with Jessie.--asked as he returned to load some empty Poke Balls into a machine that looked like an exact replica of an official trading machine, save for the lack of an official Pokemon League logo on the top.

"People are linin' up in droves!" Meowth giddily replied. "Jessie's woikin' da crowd at da moment, sayin' we've gotta bunch of rare Pokemon, and no reasonable offa will be refused. But when dey try ta summon dere big score, only den will dey see dat da Poke Ball is empty!"

The two Rockets giggled for a moment before James spotted a familiar man hawking Magikarps nearby. "Hey, that guy looks familiar! He's the one that duped me of my last 500 credits for a Magikarp!"

With that, he dashed off after the salesman. "Give me back the money you took from me! I didn't WANT one of your Magikarps, nor ASK for one, and yet you stole my money anyway!"

"James? What's going--!" Jessie started before her foot was caught in a loop of rope, causing her to be sent flying towards the real trading machine Benny was about to use, with the group looking on.

"You know, I'm gonna keep looking around for offers." the man with the Stantler told Benny as he prepared to lead his Stantler away. "I'll keep your Wobbufett in mind, though."

"Okay...." Benny sighed before a crash got his attention, followed by the bleeps and whirs of the trade machine performing a trade. "What was that?"

"I don't know, but whatever crashed into the machine must've dropped a Poke Ball onto it, and traded whatever Pokemon was in it to you." Misty smiled as she gave Benny the new Poke Ball.

Benny smiled as he caught a glimpse of Jessie getting up and hurrying off. Maybe that lady gave this to me...I'll have to thank her later.

---------

"Jessie! Am I glad to see ya!" Meowth gasped as his two human companions returned, battered and beaten. "People've been catchin' on to our plot!" He gestured to the near riot of angry trainers inching closer and closer to the table.

Jessie just smiled. "Then I guess it's time we make our getaway!"

With that, the two human Rockets threw off their disguises, making the crowd gasp. "Thanks for your patience, and we're sorry for your trouble!' she jeered, making the crowd even angrier.

"And thanks to you suckers, we've been able to make ourselves double!" James agreed.

"To protect the world from devastation..." Jessie began the familiar motto as Ash and the others arrived.

"And unite all peoples within our nation..." James smiled.

"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!"

"Hold it!" Ash called. "Give all those Poke Balls you stole back, NOW!"

Jessie smirked at Ash. "You want them so badly? Come and get them!"

With that, the crowd gasped as the Rockets dashed off to a hill, where the Meowth balloon was waiting for takeoff.

"NOW what do we do?" Ash grumbled as the balloon started to rise.

"We have to stop those hoodlums before they escape with all our Pokemon!" a girl pleaded as the Meowth balloon rose higher and higher into the sky.

"If only we had a way to pop their balloon..." a boy mused.

"Everyone, please!" Brock stepped forward to address the crowd. "I have archery expertise, so I can probably pop Team Rocket's balloon with an arrow..."

This inspired the crowd. "Come on! Let's imbue the arrow with the power of all our Pokemon!" a man called, spurring the crowd to cheer as they released their Pokemon and they in turn lined up to imbue an arrow Brock had laid on the ground with their power.

Misty watched as one by one, the crowd's Pokemon contributed an imbuement to the arrow. A Basculin sprayed the arrowhead with a Water Gun, a Gabite contributed a wave of Dragon Rage, and a Gigalith contributed some sand with a tiny Sandstorm. "Let's try and keep an orderly line, okay?" she assured two children whose Pichus were eager to contribute.

Ash, meanwhile, kept an eye on the Meowth balloon to make sure it didn't get too high for Brock to hit. "How high up do you think you can make the shot from?" he wondered.

"So long as I can still see it, I can hit it." Brock assured his friend as he watched more Pokemon add power.

"You must've had years of practice to be that confident in a one in a million shot." Benny smiled.

"I have had plenty of practice." Brock replied as he pulled on his bracers in preparation to make the critical shot.

After a Vivillion contributed some Powder, and a Zubat had added an Air Cutter, Misty called to the crowd with a megaphone. "Okay! Has everyone had a chance to imbue the arrow with something?"

Cheers came back in reply as Ash delivered the arrow--now imbued with the rainbow glow of hundreds of Pokemon powers--to Brock. "Okay--this is a very difficult and critical shot, so we need quiet so Brock can aim." Misty instructed the crowd.

The sound of the bow being drawn made the crowd fall silent as Brock trained his eye on the slowly rising Meowth balloon. Here goes...for the sake of everyone...

After a few tense seconds, he fired, and all present held their breaths as the rainbow arrow streaked towards the Meowth balloon.

A huge POW! and the Meowth balloon flying off with a ping confirmed to the crowd that the shot had hit, before a large bag landed on the ground with a thunk.

"Sai, Cut that bag open!" a boy commanded to his Scyther. "Maybe all the stolen Pokemon are in there!"

Misty watched the Scyther slice open the bag and the crowd hurried to reclaim their stolen Pokemon. Aw...and we didn't have to even battle Team Rocket this time! she thought as she looked out on the millions of overjoyed trainers reuniting with their Pokemon.

Benny found the group moments later. "There you are! First of all, I have to commend you for that nice shot." he smiled at Brock. "You really are as skilled as you said you were."

"All in a day's work." Brock replied.

"But I'm really glad Sahana went to this long haired lady that gave me this Lickitung...I've been trying to find her so I can thank her, but I can't find her anywhere." Benny explained as he petted a familiar Lickitung. "The trade machine said its name was Shita, I think?"

"Should we tell Benny he traded with Team Rocket?" Ash discretely whispered to Misty.

"Nah, let him be happy--Team Rocket will figure out they have Sahana soon enough." Misty whispered back.

"I think she must have gone home for the day." Ash replied as he noticed the sun beginning to set. "It is getting late, after all."

He nearly jumped as Benny called "Whoever gave me this Lickitung, thank you! Please take care of Sahana for me!"

To Be Continued...
 
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@Charles Legend;

Episode 37: Hearts of Fire (part 1)

"Hello?" the image of Prof. Oak asked as it blipped on the phone's screen.

"Hi, Professor...we're on our way to Goldenrod City now, but not without a few adventures..." Ash smiled.

"I heard about Venti's victory in the Pokemon Swap Meet--well done." Prof. Oak smiled. "Of course, then Cinque and Otto had to argue over who would beat Venti in a fight. Thankfully, Sette broke it up, but Venti assured his herd-mates that he was proud to represent the herd in the match."

"That's Sette for you--ever the peacemaker." Ash smiled. "What are some sights we can see in Goldenrod City and the surrounding areas?

"Well, there's the National Park, where a bug catching contest is held..." Prof. Oak began as Misty and Brock arrived, with Nurse Joy not far behind. "You may want to leave Misty at the mall if you plan to do that."

"Actually, professor, I've signed up to participate in the Pokethlon." Misty assured Prof. Oak.

"In that case, the stadium where that kicks off is by the park." Prof. Oak explained. "Then there's the Radio Tower, where many shows of both an informative and entertaining nature are broadcast across the region--the main station's call letters here are WJTO."

"I've always wanted to sing and tell stories on the radio!" Brock gasped. "I can see the show now: 'Live from the Fireside'...

Prof. Oak chuckled. "With your talent for storytelling and music, I believe you would make a fine radio star, Brock."

He looked at the clock out of the frame. "Speaking of radio shows, I have to prepare for this week's edition of 'Pokemon Talk'--so I must be going. Take care, and be safe!"

"We will." Ash smiled before the call ended.

"I must know what you do to keep your Pokemon so happy and healthy, Ash...they're all in tip top shape!" Nurse Joy smiled before allowing Ash to see his team on the gurney.

Before Ash could answer, Brock slipped before Nurse Joy, guitar in hand. "Maybe you could give me a little TLC and listen to this song I wrote telling of your kindness and beauty..."

"Uh, that's okay--I just remembered I have to inspect the competitors for the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix. Thank you, and see you!" Nurse Joy stammered before hurrying off back behind the counter, to Brock's shock.

"Sorry, Mr. Balladeer..." Misty smirked as she heard the DOING of Brock's G string breaking.

"That's okay--the song was a little rough around the edges, anyway." Brock assured his companions as he went to work fixing the broken string.

"If you're curious, the Grand Prix is a firefighting and rescue competition for Pokemon and their trainers." a girl explained as she settled on a couch, gesturing to a poster advertising the Grand Prix on a window.

"Sounds fun!" Ash gasped. "Where do I sign up?

"Tiny problem, hero--the only Water types you have are Brenna and River--are you sure a team of two would be enough?" Misty asked.

"One step ahead of you--I'll just borrow Michelle and Pearl to round out the team." Ash grinned confidently.

"Now wait a minute! When did I say you could use Michelle or Pearl for ANYTHING?" Misty demanded. "If you wanted to use them, you could've ASKED first!"

A pop of a Poke Ball got Misty's attention. [Actually, Misty, I wouldn't mind competing in this fire and rescue competition.] Michelle assured her master. [It actually sounds like fun!]

Misty sighed. "Okay...you can use Michelle and Pearl in the competition, but in return, I expect you to take extra good care of them." she told Ash.

"Got it!" Ash replied.

Just then, both Ash and Misty perked up at a familiar male voice calling them. "Is that..." Misty gasped as she saw a familiar man with tanned skin and orange work clothes leading a team of Wartortles in their direction.

"Captain Aidan!" Ash cried as he ran to embrace the man.

"It's good to see you and Misty again." Aidan smiled. "And who might your singer friend be?" he asked, noticing Brock putting the finishing touches on the repaired guitar string.

"That's Brock, the aspiring musician and storyteller and master archer we told you about." Misty replied. "Brock, this is Captain Aidan of Ascorbia Island--while Ash and I were with Tracey in the Orange Islands, we saw firsthand why he and his Wartortles are known as the best firefighters in the area!"

"Really?" Brock was intrigued.

"Not just that, he gave Brenna some training, and in return, she helped them put out a major fire!" Ash went on. "It'd be a perfect song!"

"You can tell me about it later--I'd call it 'The Ballad of Captain Aidan'". Brock grinned.

Aidan just chuckled. "Here's another idea for a verse in 'The Ballad of Captain Aidan'--the Wartortles and I defending our title in the Grand Prix."

"I can see why you've won a title--every one of your Wartortles looks championship worthy!" Brock raved as he observed the team of Wartortles.

"Thank you..." Aidan smiled before addressing the team. "All right, team! Report!"

[Captain Mist, standing by!] the lead Wartortle announced. One by one, the other Wartortle introduced themselves:

[Engineer Sleet, standing by!]

[First Lieutenant Rima, standing by!]

[Second Lieutenant Haley, standing by!]

[Third Lieutenant Dew, standing by!]

[We are Team Wartortle! No fire can stand against our big wave!] the five Wartortles chorused.

[You guys!] Brenna dashed out to meet the Wartortles. [I missed you!]

[We missed you too, Honorary Lieutenant Brenna.] Mist smiled as she and Brenna shook claws for the first time in a long time. [No one in the islands ever forgets what you did to help us.]

"Now I'm REALLY interested in hearing just what Brenna did..." Brock mused as Ash lead the way out of the Pokemon Center...

---------

"I've talked to the Grand Prix coordinators, and they have allowed Ash to compete even though he did not submit an entry form." Aidan explained as the group walked down a hallway and into the main practice room of the competition's workout center.

"Wow..." Ash gasped as a team of Azumarill practiced hosing down a replica of a burning house. A Greninja ordered its Froagie charges to rescue a Clefairy doll, and a team of Piplups hurried into position for their attempt at dousing the burning house.

"You were lucky to be entered because a good word from a friend--all these teams look like seasoned pros." Brock cautioned. "So bring your A game."

"I'll bring more than that--I'll bring my S game!" Ash grinned, unfazed at his competition.

Just then, Brenna spotted Officer Jenny and four familiar Squirtles. [Officer! It's me, Brenna!] she called, waving a claw in their direction.

"Hello there, Brenna..." Jenny knelt down and hugged Brenna. "Think you can spray some sense into your old squadmates?" she asked, gesturing to the four Squirtles, who were visibly shaking in fear at the other teams present.

Brenna stepped before the four Squirtles. [Eddy...Chill...Mellow...Tear...you guys still remember me, right?]

[Of course we do, Brenna.] Eddy replied. [We're just worried about what good us Squirtles can do against all these big and tough Pokemon.]

[We can do anything if we all work together as a team, gang.] Brenna replied. [As all the Sorin stories say, the small can overcome the big and tough not by strength, but by wits!]

[You've got a point there, Brenna...] Chill smiled as he woke up from a nap with a yawn.]

"It's always nice to see you, Officer." Misty smiled as she and Ash watched Brenna converse with the other Squirtles, all the while watching and hoping Brock would not attempt to sing Jenny a sappy love song.

"Brenna seems happy to see her squad mates again." Ash agreed.

"It seems like only yesterday they were little rascals bringing terror on Vermilion City...and look at them now--the city's most famous, reliable, and cutest firefighters." Jenny smiled. "And I have you to thank for that, Ash."

"Aw, it was nothin.'" Ash smiled. "I bet they could even take down Team Wartortle, the returning champions!"

Brenna rolled her eyes as the other Squirtles gasped at the mention of Team Wartortle. Oh brother...I'm gonna have to remind them what it means to be a hero again...

To Be Continued...
 
Last edited:
@Charles Legend;

Episode 38: Hearts of Fire (part 2)


"Is it okay if the Squirtle Squad can have a joint practice session with Team Wartortle?" Jenny asked, smiling a little as Brenna and the other four Squirtles chatted.

"Sure." Aidan agreed. "Let's start with the target test."

Jenny whistled to get the Squad's attention. "Come on, guys--with me." The Squirtles nodded, and followed Brenna and Jenny over to a row of round targets that could be ignited at any time.

"Okay, team! The key to a good score on a target test is to focus on each target, communicate with Mist and each other, and work as a team." Aidan instructed his team. "Got it?"

[Yes sir!] the Wartortles chorused before looking to Brock for their instructions.

"All right--before you is a row of flaming targets." Brock explained, gesturing to the burning targets that a technician had ignited for them. "As the sound of the whistle, work as quickly as you can to put them out--the team that puts out all five targets the fastest, wins. Any questions?"

[Do we have to put them out one at a time, or what?] Mellow asked.

"You can use any strategy you want, so long as the targets are put out." Brock explained.

When he saw that none of the other Squirtles had questions, he announced "Okay! Ready...set..." before blowing his whistle.

The Wartortles wasted no time in hurrying to a target and firing the most powerful Water Gun they could at the raging fire balls. But over on the other range, Ash winced as the Squirtle Squad's attacks went in five different directions. "Come on, guys! Focus!" he called.

[Chill's trying to put two out!] Eddy protested. [He has his own!]

"Chill, focus on your own target first, then help Eddy if he needs it." Jenny gently coaxed.

"Hey!" Ash gasped as Mellow sprayed Tear. "This is not the time to play, focus on the targets!"

Misty winced at how terribly the Squirtles were doing. "I'm not so sure they're ready for a competition at all..."

"They're probably nervous being next to such a high-rated team." Brock mused as he toyed with his whistle, waiting for either Jenny or Mist to signal that one team's targets were all out.

Brenna, meanwhile, grimaced at her teammates. Fine, if they want to goof off and play rather than win the competition, I'm taking matters into my own claws!

Ash suddenly heard cries of [Ow!] [Eep!] [Yipe!] [Oof!], followed by a single uniform spray. "I don't believe it...the Squirtles finally managed to learn to work together!" he gasped as he watched the Squirtles work on dousing their targets.

[Oh, I just gave them a step in that direction.] Brenna smiled. [A step on their tails, that is.]

She then addressed her squad-mates. [Okay, Squad! Take down each target! And quickly, since we need to make up for lost time!]

[Yeah!] the other Squirtles replied before intensifying their sprays.

Misty watched as both teams raced neck and neck, but when she saw Mist and Brenna signal Brock at the same time, she smiled as Brock blew his whistle again to signal that the target test had ended in a tie. "Well! The Squirtle Squad seem much more confident with their leader back."

"That may be true, but the Squad does not seem to function without Brenna." Ash cautioned as the extinguished targets were rolled out of the room. "I can only hope they'll survive the competition proper."

---------

"Our next event is the Flaming Target Test!" the emcee announced some time later.

"Okay, our competition is Team Quack Attack." Jenny explained to the Squirtles, showing them a picture of a group of Golducks. "Let's not have a repeat of the Flame-Off event and the disaster with the Muks."

"I know Team Quack Attack is very skilled--they came in second place in last year's Grand Prix." Aidan told Ash and Jenny. "I fear that the pressure of the competition may be breaking the Squirtles' concentration...."

"You may be right...the Squad looks even more nervous than it did during the practice session." Ash agreed as the siren to start the event blared into the stadium. He watched as the five Golducks raced to the blazing target range, but the Squirtle Squad stayed put on the starting line, intimidated by the size of the Golducks.

"Come on, guys! Go! Go! Go!" Ash called to the Squirtles, but the four Squirtles refused to budge.

He noticed Brock's whistle hanging from his bag. "Mind if I borrow your whistle for a second?" he asked.

"Sure--give it a good, hard blow to get the Squirtle Squad going." Brock smiled.

Ash nodded, took the deepest breath he could muster, and blew the whistle, startling the Squirtles, making Eddy trip, which brought all four Squirtles into a struggling heap.

Brenna winced as she watched the Squad aim a haphazard Water Gun assault at their targets. [You're gonna need a lot more than a referee's whistle to help the Squad...] she sighed as Ash handed Brock the whistle.

Inspired, Ash called "Tintri, use a static bolt on the Squirtle Squad!"

[Got it!] Tintri replied as he fired a static bolt at the Squirtles, making them yelp.

[What was THAT for?] Mellow demanded, rubbing his shell in pain from the static bolt.

"Now that I have your attention, you guys really should listen to your leader." Ash explained, gesturing to Brenna.

[What?] Brenna gasped. [Me, the leader? I've always been a teammate, and you've been the leader.]

"I know that, but the Squirtles seem to listen to you better than they do any of us--and you have a lot of qualities a good leader should have." Ash assured Brenna. "The Squad needs you now...so will you go help them?"

Brenna nodded, and called to the Squad. [Okay, Squirtle Squad! We can still win this if we all work together!]

[YEAH!!!!] the Squirtles cheered as they each hurried to a target, easily making up for the time they had lost, and defeating Team Quack Attack by one target.

---------

"Brenna? Can we talk for a minute?" Ash asked as he found Brenna and the Squad resting as the arena was prepped for the next event.

[What about? Am I in trouble?] Brenna asked.

"Oh, no, no one's in trouble." Ash assured Brenna. "I know that the Squirtle Squad is very strong, but without you, their leader, the Squirtle Squad are lost. I understand that it is a big change for you, since you're so used to having me lead you to battle, but can you be me to your squadmates? If that means leaving me and the others and going with the Squad, I'll respect that decision. But the ultimate choice is yours."

Brenna contemplated what her master had said for a moment. [While I love you, Ash, and would do anything for you, I love my squadmates too, and I want them to succeed like I have.]

She ran to Chill's side. [It's decided...I will lead the Squirtle Squad!]

---------

"Okay..the final event is Team Wartortle against the Squirtle Squad in the Great Clefairy Rescue." Brock explained to the Pokemon. "The challenge is to rescue a Clefairy doll from a smoky building the fastest."

"I'm kinda glad the Pokemon are doing that and not the people." Misty sighed. "The rope climb wore me out!"

"I'll say...Captain Aidan has getting into a fire suit down to an art." Ash mused. "But at least the Squad did well with the moving targets and the distance event."

The emcee then announced "Our two final teams that will compete in the Great Clefairy Rescue are Team Wartortle and the Squirtle Squad!", snapping the group to attention.

"Come on, Squirtle Squad! You can do it!" Ash shouted encouragement to the Squad on the left start line as a familiar song of encouragement started playing over the stadium PA system.

"Good luck to both teams!" Misty called, waving at the Wartortle.

She was jolted from her excitement by Brock singing along with the PA system. 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!
Everybody listen to this song and sadness will just disappear!
My wishes, dreams and hopes go forth into the world...


"Brock! This is not a karaoke contest!" Misty hissed.

"I know, I'm just singing a little fight song for the Squirtle Squad." Brock explained.

With that, he picked up the chorus without missing a beat. 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!...


Ash sighed over Brock's enthusiastic rendition of "Glory in our Story"--he hadn't counted on his friend to do something potentially embarrassing in public. "Personally, I don't know if Brock is singing that for the Squirtle Squad or Officer Jenny." Misty discreetly whispered.

"Let him sing--it appears to be helping the Squad." Ash replied as both teams raced into their smoky houses, Brock singing all the while.

---------

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!


[Okay squad! listen up!] Brenna called as she adjusted the mini camera that would allow her to see where she was going in the thick smoke. [This is meant to simulate a smoky house--our objective is to find a Clefairy doll hidden somewhere in the house, and bring it outside as quick as we can!]

[But how are we supposed to see in this smoke?] Tear asked.

[I have a camera on my shell wired to vision goggles that will allow me to see clearly.] Brenna explained. [So when in doubt, follow me.]

With that, she pulled down the vision goggles. [Okay, Squirtle Squad! Move out!]

Everybody listen to this song and sadness will just disappear!
My wishes, dreams and hopes go forth into the world...


Seconds seemed to tick by like hours as the five Squirtles hurried through the simulated house, checking the drawers in the prop furniture, behind the appliances, and other places they felt a Clefairy would conceivably get trapped.

Every so often, one of the Squirtles would be sprayed with a warning spritz as a gentle reminder to stay focused and not worry about the smoke or the props.

Come and take my hand right now, come with me for the ride,
Together we will step through the door,
And see the light shining from our own heavenly land!


Just then, Chill found a pink form on the charred remains of a bed. [Brenna! I found the Clefairy!] he called, waving the Clefairy doll for his squadmates to see.

[Good! Let's hurry and bring it outside!] Brenna called as the other Squirtles rallied to the bedroom where the Clefairy was--the next part was retracing their steps back outside.

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!


Back outside, Ash watched the two smoky houses intently. "You think Brenna and the others are okay in there?" he asked as he listened to Brock continue "Glory in Our Story"

"I think so." Misty replied. "Although this is, what, the fourth or fifth time we've had to hear Brock sing that?"

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...
Brock concluded the song yet again, seconds before both Team Wartortle and the Squirtle Squad emerged from the smoky houses at the same time, causing the song to end and the officials to review the replays.

Murmurs wafted through the crowd before cheers went up at the appearance of Team Wartortle's time on the scoreboard: 3:54:02. "Not bad..." Misty smiled as the crowd applauded.

"Now to see how the Squirtle Squad did..." Brock mused.

The tense look on Ash's face turned to joy when he saw the Squirtle Squad's time: 3:53:00! "YA-HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" he screamed as he tossed his cap into the air in celebration.

"They did it!" Misty cried before motioning for the others to follow her down to the stadium, where the Squirtles and Officer Jenny were laughing and hugging each other over their narrow victory.

"Looks like my fight song worked!" Brock grinned as Brenna embraced Ash.

"I don't think it was a fight song--they came together as a team when it mattered most." Captain Aidan explained. "So even though we lost, I just want to congratulate these little guys for a job well done."

[If you ever visit the island again, you're always welcome to come help us put out some fires, Honorary Lieutenant Brenna.] Mist smiled as she and her fellow Wartortles saluted the Squirtle Squad.

[I'll remember that, but right now, we've got the fires at home to put out.] Brenna replied as Officer Jenny gave each Squirtle a gold star symbolizing their victory.

---------

"Well done, Brenna. " Ash smiled as the other four Squirtles piled into the basket in the back of Jenny's police cycle. "You proved yourself a real leader today."

[Aw, it was nothin'!] Brenna smiled.

"I just want to thank you for for letting Brenna leave your party and continue leading the Squirtle Squad." Jenny began. "I know she'll do very well in that capacity."

[Tintri...write me a letter every so often, okay?] Brenna asked.

[Sure!] Tintri replied. [I'll send you a gazillion letters!]

[Misty...thanks for all the pool time.] Brenna went on as she hugged Misty. [I'm gonna miss ice surfing in the Gym's main pool.]

"I'll tell my sisters to have the pool ready for you any time you want to do some water rescue training." Misty smiled.

[Brock...I'm really gonna miss your stories and your songs.] Brenna went on, choking back tears as she hugged Brock.

"I'm always on MyTube, so you can watch my latest performances--and share old favorites with the Squad--anytime you want." Brock assured Brenna. "You know the channel name, right?"

[PewterSong.] Brenna smiled before looking over at River, Luce, Mina and Cyndy.

[Keep that fire in your heart burning.] Cyndy smiled.

[Even though we've only been together a short time, I'll never forget that shockingly powerful spirit of yours.] Luce smiled as Brenna hugged her.

[Be safe, Brenna...] Mina wrapped Brenna in her wings for a moment as Brenna tearfully hugged her.

[Ash, I wanna give my friend a farewell hug.] River smiled before hugging Brenna. [Relax, Brenna--Ash is in good hands with me.]

[Okay.] Brenna smiled before hugging Ash. [And Ash...thank you for teaching me how to be a leader, and how to be a good friend.]

"Anytime!" Ash smiled. "You're always welcome back, no matter where in the world I am."

"All right, that's everyone." Jenny smiled as Brenna climbed in the basket. "Let's move out, Squirtle Squad!"

[Bye, everyone!] Brenna screamed over the motorcycle's throaty rumble. [I'll miss you all!]

"Bye, Brenna!" Ash nearly screamed through his tears as the police cycle sped off into the sunset. "I'll always love you, no matter what!"

A familiar guitar playing a soft melody in G got his attention. So long, old friend... he heard Brock sing,
I wish that I could see you once again...
I never knew, the time would come when I'd be losing you,
I hope you know, in times when things went badly,
I always knew just what a friend like you is for...


Ash brushed away another tear as he reflected on all the times when Brenna had come through for him--Gym battles, rescuing Tintri, the Indigo League, and even what had transpired just a few hours before.

I never thought that things would end so sadly...
And you'd be walking through that door...
Brock continued playing his song, smiling a little at Ash's remaining Pokemon gathering around him.

So long, old friend,
I wish that I could see you once again...
I never knew, the time would come when I'd be losing you,
I always thought our grand adventure would go on and on...


Just then, Ash choked out one final goodbye to the setting sun. "So long....Brenna..."

Misty rushed to hold Ash close as Brock sang the last line of his farewell song. I never knew I'd have to say,
So long....


To Be Continued...
 
Last edited:
@Charles Legend

Episode 39: Hour of the Houndour (part 1)


"Ash doing okay?" Misty asked as she sliced a block of Cheddar cheese in preparation for lunch. It had been a few days since Brenna, Ash's Squirtle, had left the party to return to Kanto with the Squirtle Squad. She wondered if he was still grieving losing two of his greatest Pokemon--first Blaze, and now Brenna. Judging from how she had to hold him close as he cried in her arms, he had taken this parting very hard.

"He's his usual energetic and happy self today, thankfully." Brock replied as he finished laying out some ham, turkey, and roast beef by the different cheeses Misty had already sliced. "He should be back with some berries to go with our sandwich bar any moment now...think we have enough cheese options, or do you want to slice some more?"

"Mozzarella would go very nicely with the roast beef, actually--just like a pizza." Misty suggested. Brock just set a sphere of fresh mozzarella cheese before Misty, allowing her to create another cheese option for the sandwich bar as she sliced the ball of cheese into circles just large enough to fit on a piece of bread.

"I'm back!" Ash smiled as he and Tintri returned with basketfuls of wild Berries, oblivious to the many red eyes watching them. "We found Bluk Berries, Kuran Berries, Razz Berries, Belue Berries, Rawst Berries, and mint leaves..."

He was about to say more when he noticed the baskets were gone. "Funny..our berries and mint were just here a minute ago..."

"What about the bread for our sandwiches?" Misty asked as she and Brock cleaned up what food they did not prepare.

"It was in my bag...which appears to be gone as well!" Ash gasped when he saw that his bag was no longer on his back.

[That's what you get for not paying attention...] Tintri scolded.

"I was watching my stuff like a Braviary!" Ash protested. "Looking in the camp won't help, since I remember having it with me when we left!"

[That's true...] Tintri mused.

Brock, however, noticed some vaguely canine footprints on the ground. "Hey, look! Pawprints!" he called as he slung his bow and the quiver of thirty arrows on his back.

"Maybe if we follow them, we can find my stuff!" Ash lead the way through the brush.

---------

Meanwhile, in town, Nurse Joy and one of her Chanseys departed the grocery store and started the short walk back to the Pokemon Center. "As soon as we get these home, Merri, we'll start by making some food for the less fortunate families in town." she smiled at the Chansey as she approached the crosswalk.

[Ham and au gratin potatoes sounds wonderful!] Merri agreed.

Just then, a familiar joyful melody caught her attention as an ice cream truck arrived in the town square. [Look! The ice cream man's here!] she called as hundreds of children, Pokemon, and adults hurried to get in line.

"We've eaten mostly healthy all this week, so there's no harm in the occasional treat." Nurse Joy agreed as she led Merri to the end of the line, within eyesight of their groceries. "What would you like to have?" she asked Meri, unaware that the ham they had bought was vanishing into the brush.

[I can't decide between Kalosian vanilla or Oran sorbet...] Merri mused. [Every flavor's so good!]

"I'm getting a sundae cone..." Nurse Joy smiled before it was her and Merri's turn in line.

[I'll get Oran sorbet, then.] Merri smiled.

As the two of them returned to their waiting groceries, Nurse Joy noticed the ham had disappeared. "How strange...our ham is gone, but none of the other groceries were taken." she mused, getting the group's attention as they rounded the corner.

"Is everything okay, Nurse Joy?" Ash asked, noticing the nurse's perplexed look.

"Well...Merri and I had bought a ham to feed the less fortunate of the city, and as we stopped to get something from the ice cream truck, it disappeared." Nurse Joy explained.

[Even weirder, we had our groceries where we could see them the whole time we were in line.] Merri added.

"So your food and my bag, which also had food in it, are gone..." Ash mused. "But who would be stealing food, and why?"

"I have a sneaking suspicion that it is a certain guy, girl, and talking Meowth..." Misty suggested.

"But why would Team Rocket want to steal food?" Ash wondered.

"As much as I want to confirm or deny your suspicions, I didn't see the thief--or thieves--at all." Nurse Joy sighed.

Brock, meanwhile, noticed more pawprints leading into a forested area near the park. "Hey guys! Here's some more pawprints like what we found by our campsite!"

"Maybe if we keep following them, they'll lead us to whoever--or whatever--is taking our food!" Misty smiled as she followed Brock into the brush, with Ash not far behind her.

"Good luck, you three...and thanks!" Nurse Joy waved goodbye as the group continued on their way.

---------

"Food thefts on da rise in da city..." Meowth read from a newspaper before seeing a glimpse of the group from the alleyway Team Rocket was hiding in.

"Well, we'd never stoop so low as to steal food." Jessie mused as she petted Sahana. "Never mind this Wobbufett I somehow received at the Swap Meet barely eats anything..."

"Maybe, if we followed where the twerps went, we can outthieve whatever's taking all the food!" James suggested as he watched Ash disappear into the brush.

"Den what're we waitin' for?" Meowth asked as he folded up the newspaper. "Let's go!"

---------

After following the trail to the end, the group arrived in a clearing dotted with flowers. "There's no more tracks..." Misty wheezed.

Brock noticed the sun was going down. "We may be close to the thief's hideout--but it's getting late, so let's just make camp here for tonight."

"Good idea!" Misty suggested as she retrieved her camp gear. "I have a spare tent you can use until we can get your bag back." she assured Ash.

Ash, meanwhile, noticed Brock adding some meat flavored Pokemon attractant on a stick roughly the size of a hot dog. "Uh, Brock? Why are you cooking a stick?" he asked as he helped Misty pitch the spare tent.

"It's an idea to lure what's taking the food over here." Brock explained as he placed the wooden hot dog on a plate. "The idea being that once the culprit finds out it has a fake, it will return for the real thing if it is actually hungry."

"Oh..." Misty mused. "That is a clever idea!"

"I'd keep an arrow ready if the culprit is dangerous..." Ash wasn't so sure if Brock's plan would work.

Minutes seemed to tick by like hours as the group waited patiently but fearfully for the culprit's return. After about fifteen agonizing minutes had passed, Ash spotted some familiar scary red eyes in the bushes. "Something's here!"

He waited for Brock to nock an arrow, then called into the bushes "Okay, thief! I'm not scared of you, and want to know why you're taking our stuff!"

A growl thundered through the brush in reply as several black and red dog Pokemon with bone-like appendages emerged from the brush. "On second thought, maybe planting a decoy was a bad idea..." Brock stammered when he noticed one of the dog Pokemon had his decoy in its jaws.

Ash, meanwhile, decided to read up on the dog-Pokemon as Brock prepared to fire a warning shot at them:

"Houndour, the dark Pokemon. It uses different kinds of cries for communicating with others of its kind and for pursuing its prey."

"That's both fascinating and frightening..." Misty mused as she reached for two of her Poke Balls. "Michelle, Pearl, I need your help!"

"Get ready for a fight, bud." Ash warned Tintri.

[You got it.] Tintri replied.

[Let me soak some of those for you...] Michelle offered, spritzing the arrow Brock was about to fire.

A howl snapped the group to attention, prompting Brock to fire his shot, making some of the Houndours rear back in fear from the watery spray as Tintri, Michelle, and Pearl ran to engage the pack....

To Be Continued...
 
@Charles Legend

Episode 40: Hour of the Houndour (part 2)

"Let's go, Tintri!" Ash called as the pack of Houndours charged at the trio.

Tintri balked as a watery arrow splashed him as it landed in the ground. [Brock, you're not supposed to hurt the Houndour!] he protested as he threw off an attacking Houndour with a Seismic Toss.

"I'm not--I'm only firing into the ground, in hopes that the watery arrows will frighten off the Houndour." Brock assured Tintri as he readied another shot. "You know that I would never intentionally harm a Pokemon with my arrows."

With that, he fired at a patch of dry ground, catching a Houndour off guard as it ran to attack Michelle.

[Trying to attack me as prey? You forget I can put you out!] Michelle warned as she blasted away the Houndours with a Water Pulse.

"Good call, Michelle." Misty smiled a her faithful Golduck before hurrying to assist Pearl.

[Incoming!] Pearl called as she Rapid Spinned her way through the crowd of snarling Houndours, knocking the pack to the ground.

"Pearl, try Power Gem while they are down!" Misty called.

[HAH!!!] Pearl heaved a watery sapphire at the pack, dousing all four Houndours just as another watery arrow landed on the ground.

[Back off, everyone!] a fifth Houndour with shiny blue fur barked as he nimbly jumped down from a cliff. [Clearly the boy and his Pikachu are strong--I wish to challenge them myself.]

[Okay, chief!] the other Houndours replied as they darted away, allowing their shiny leader to face Tintri.

A few tense minutes passed, with neither Pokemon moving a muscle. "Why are they just staring each other down?" Misty wondered.

"I guess it's a test of wills..." Brock suggested.

He reared back as the shiny Houndour attacked first with an Ember, but heaved a relieved sigh as Tintri darted around it with a Quick Attack. As the Shiny Houndour looked for Tintri, Tintri heaved the strongest thunderbolt he could muster at his opponent. [HI-YAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!]

[Retreat! Retreat!] the Shiny Houndour barked before heaving a cloud of smoke at the group, making the three humans, the Pikachu, the Golduck, and the Starmie cough as the Houndours disappeared into the brush.

"Everyone okay?" Misty asked when she had recovered.

"I think so." Ash replied before coughing up the last of the smoke. "Follow those Houndour!"

---------

Meanwhile, the group arrived at a small cave at he end of the path. "This must be those Houndours' den..." Misty noted before noticing all the stolen belongings cluttered around a wounded Houndour. "I get it...the Houndours were taking things to help one of their own!"

Brock froze when he heard a familiar roar-like cry. "Golem!" he gasped, pointing out a massive round reptilian Pokemon approaching the den, intent on harming the wounded Houndour. His first thought was to nock an arrow, but watched as the other Houndours and their shining leader arrived. [Go away! Leave Noir alone!] the leader demanded before the other Houndours heaved a collective Flamethrower at the massive Pokemon.

"That's not gonna help..." Misty mused as the flames fizzled to nothing. "Rock can withstand fire..."

Just then, she noticed the Golem about to heave a rock at the Shiny Houndour. "Oh no!"

"I got this!" Ash made a flying jump towards the shiny leader, his body forming a shield around him as the rock hit his back.

[You...saved me?] the Shiny Houndour gasped as Ash weakly stood up, his back lightly throbbing in pain from the rock. [Even though we were mortal enemies moments before?]

"I did it because your pack needs you." Ash explained. "Without a leader, any group of Pokemon is helpless."

The Shiny Houndour nodded. [You are wise beyond your years, human boy--my name is Duin, chief of the Blackpaws]

He motioned to the wounded Houndour. [This is Noir, a young pup--he slipped and broke his paw playing in the crags one day, and though we do what we can, we fear the worst, as he grows sicker by the day.]

"An infection..." Misty realized. "We have to get Noir to a Pokemon Center, and fast!"

"Duin...we know where a healer is that may be able to help Noir." Ash explained. "Do you trust me enough to allow me to take him there?"

"Ash! You realize we're in the middle of nowhere, and we'd have to walk a long way in order to get Noir to town?" Misty gasped.

Duin nodded. [If this healer is as skilled as you say, we entrust Noir to your care, and allow you to take your belongings.]

"Thanks!" Ash replied as he located his bag in the clutter, slung it on his back, and gently picked up the wounded Houndour.

He turned to address Misty and Brock. "I can see the city lights in the brush, so I know I can carry Noir to the Pokemon Center."

"All right...but we'll come with you just in case." Brock replied.

Just then, Ash heard rustling in the bushes and gasped as Team Rocket climbed through the brush, covered in burs and thorns. "Team Rocket! You're not laying a finger on this Houndour!"

"We'll take anything, walking through the brush was a lot of trouble..." Jessie groaned as she picked thorns from her shirt.

"And with all the roots and spines everywhere, it makes our pain double..." James agreed as he pulled off a bur on his leg.

The Houndours, meanwhile, ignited a few arrowheads with an Ember. "Thanks, guys..." Brock smiled as he aimed one of the fiery arrows at the Rockets, while each Houndour readied a Flamethrower.

"To protect the--WAUUUUUUUUUUUGH!!!!" the Rockets screamed as the Houndours and Brock unleashed their flaming assault, buying Ash and Misty time to run towards the city lights...

---------

"We...made...it..." Misty wheezed as she and Ash arrived at the Pokemon Center, locating Brock on a couch in the main lounge.

"About time--I was hoping working with the Houndours to give the Rockets hot feet would give you enough time to get here." Brock wheezed. "After we scared them off, the pack was willing to give back what they stole--and so that's why I'm tired."

Just then, Nurse Joy spotted the Houndour Ash carried. "Oh my! That Houndour's paw looks severely infected!"

"I had to brave the brush in order to get it here." Ash explained as he gently gave Noir to Nurse Joy.

"It's fortunate you brought it here--it would've died if you'd waited too much longer." Nurse Joy explained as a Chansey rushed Noir off to the emergency bay.

---------

Nurse Joy returned a few hours later. "All right...I have an update on your Houndour. He is responding well to medicine, and he will recover, but we will keep him overnight before returning him to the wild."

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. "It turned out the wild Houndours in this area were taking food in an attempt to help their own." Ash explained.

"I've already returned most of the stolen food to their owners...but here's one last thing that needs to return." Brock explained, offering Nurse Joy the ham.

"My ham! Thank you!" Nurse Joy cried, hugging Brock joyfully.

"Aw, it was nothin'" Ash smiled, but he noticed Brock's dreamy look from being embraced by one of his "two perfect girls". "We just did what we had to do."

"It's too late to travel tonight, so we'll rest here before we leave in the morning." Misty suggested.

"Good idea--I could use it after the long walk here." Ash agreed, to laughter from his companions as he sprawled out on a couch to doze...

---------

"Remind me not to try and steal that Pikachu when the Robin Hood twerp is there..." James shuddered, ever aware of the flaming arrows that blanketed the ground around the tree they had climbed.

"I'll say...I didn't count on hangin' out here tonight." Meowth grumbled as he tried to climb up to the branch Jessie was clinging to.

Some growls snapped him to attention. "But I'll take da flamin' arrows over wild Houndour any day!" he screamed as he scrambled up the tree...

To Be Continued...
 
Last edited:
@Charles Legend

Episode 41: The Totodile Duel

The whizzing of a fishing line filled the air as the three companions camped by a river. "Boy, fishing sure is boring..." Ash sighed as he watched his lure bob in the water.

"I know, fishing can be boring, but they always say patience is a virtue." Misty assured her friend.

"Virtue or not, it feels like we've been waiting for hours for a bite..." Ash was unimpressed.

Brock, meanwhile, was baiting his own line with a Wurmple lure. "It could be the wrong time of day for fish to be out, or maybe we're all using the wrong kind of bait..." He let that hang as he cast his line.

Misty was annoyed at Ash's constant complaining. "Well, maybe if you'd be quiet, you wouldn't scare all the fish away!"

"Look who's talking!" Ash shot back.

"I am NOT yelling! Misty retorted. "You are!"

"Yes you are!"

"No I'm not!

"Oh, yes you are!

"Am not!

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

[And here they go again...] Ami smiled as she invited Tintri onto a large rock with some popcorn.

[This is way better than TV...] Tintri agreed.

Just then, Ash and Misty were jolted from their fight by Misty's line jerking. "I think you've got something!" Ash smiled.

"Really?" Misty gasped, excited as she ran to her jerking rod and pulled it.

But after a few minutes of pulling and tugging, the three trainers looked crestfallen at what Misty had actually caught. "I just caught a tea kettle..."

"It put up a good fight, though..." Ash mused as he studied the old white teapot with faded purple flowers on it.

"Maybe you can throw it back and try for a coffee maker?" Brock jokingly smiled.

"I CAME HERE FOR POKEMON, NOT APPLIANCES!" Misty roared.

She smiled as she took out a lure that looked like a miniature version of her in superhero's garb. "I guess it's time for me to bring out my secret weapon--the Mini-Misty DX!"

The boys sighed as Misty cast her line into the water again, the lure's tiny cape fluttering is it flew towards the water. "I grew up around Water types, so I want to train as many as I can." Misty went on as she settled beneath a tree with Ami.

Suddenly Ash spotted a familiar Totodile dancing on a rock in the stream. Of all the Totodiles I've seen here, I've never thought to look them up in the Pokedex... he thought as he opened Dexter:

"Totodile, the big jaw Pokemon. Despite its small body, its jaws are very powerful. While it may think it is just playfully nipping, its bite has enough strength to cause serious injury."

"Wow!" Misty was impressed. "I don't know if I'd want to have one of those!"

Ash then recognized the Totodile dancing before the group. "Besides, this Totodile has an owner! This is Dundee!"

"Dundee?" Misty asked before the name clicked. "Oh! Ethan's Totodile!"

"I was wondering where he got to..." Ethan smiled as he and Lyra emerged from the brush. "He seems to love to dance..."

"Maybe he could dance a little while we play?" Brock asked.

"Yeah--you need to play 'The Ballad of Brian and Epona' for Ethan and Lyra." Misty suggested.

"Brock's quite the songwriter as well as a storyteller, and has set a number of folktales and memorable events from our own travels to music." Ash explained. "My favorite one so far is 'The Ballad of Brian and Epona'"

Lyra smiled. "We'd love to hear that song...after we parted ways last, Ethan and I have been exploring caves and ruins before we got back on this road."

"Come prepared with Repels if you go to Azalea Town via Union Cave." Ethan cautioned.

"Wasn't there a drought in that area?" Lyra wondered as she watched Hana and Dundee converse with Tintri.

"Yeah--but we found out Team Rocket was harassing the Slowpoke, and we gave them what for!" Ash replied. "Brock's also put his archery skills to good use against them!"

"Fire arrows are a good idea to scare them off, and an easy way to pop their Meowth balloon." Brock grinned as he joined Ash and Misty on the hill.

"I see you have gotten some new Pokemon..." Lyra noted when she saw several new Poke Balls at Ash's side.

"I have gotten some new team members...come on out, everyone!" Ash called as he heaved his four Poke Balls skyward.

He then proceeded to introduce his newer Pokemon to his friends. "You've met River before, and this is Luce..." He gestured to the Mareep. "...and Cyndy." He gestured to the Cyndaquil.

"Where did Blaze and Brenna get to?" Lyra wondered.

"Blaze is honing his skills with the Charizards of the Charific Valley, and Brenna's returned to Kanto with her old Squirtle Squad." Ash replied, brushing away a tear at the thought of his old companions. "I miss them both, but I also know they're happy where they are--and they can always come back if they want."

"That's very sweet of you, and probably not an easy decision for you to let them go." Lyra smiled. "You and River seem to get along well, and I'm sure you and Luce and Cyndy will be great teammates."

"Would you be willing to have a friendly match?" Ethan offered. "Two of yours against my two--a Phanpy I caught and named Ellie, and Dundee?"

"It's a deal!" Ash replied. "I choose River and Tintri for the match."

---------

"Representing the Gold side, Ethan and Ellie!" Brock announced, making a grand gesture to Ethan and a small blue elephant-like Pokemon.

[Bring it on!] the elephant Pokemon cried.

"...and representing the Silver side, Ash and River!" Brock announced, making another gesture to Ash and River.

[This'll be too easy!] River taunted.

"Are both sides ready?" Brock asked.

Both boys cheered in reply. "Good luck, Ash!" Misty called from a log.

"Okay...and three...two...one..." With that, the referee's whistle echoed across the lake.

"River, open with an Aqua Jet!" Ash commanded.

"Ellie, use Protect!" Ethan called.

[Hah!] River cried as she streaked at the Phanpy, only to find herself hitting a teal barrier. [What the...]

"You forget Protect can deflect any and all attacks." Ethan smiled.

Piqued, Ash dug out Dexter to read up on his opponent as River tried to attack from another angle:

"Phanpy, the long nose Pokemon. It swings its long snout around playfully, but because it is so strong, that can be dangerous."

A [WAUUUUGH!] got his attention, just in time to see the Phanpy whack River across their makeshift battlefield and land at his feet. "You okay?" he asked.

[I think so...when they say a Phanpy's snout is strong, they aren't kidding!] River wheezed as she weakly stood up.

"Ellie, use Rollout!" Ethan ordered, noticing the Marill was weakened.

"River, try and use Superpower!" Ash commanded.

Misty winced as both attacks landed at the same time. But when the dust cleared a few moments later, both Pokemon were heaving with exhaustion. [That had to hurt...] Ami noted.

"I'm sure it did." Misty agreed as she watched Ethan and Ash recall their tired Pokemon.

"Both sides have one Pokemon apiece!" Brock announced as Ethan sent out Dundee and Ash whistled for Tintri.

"This should be easy, bud--you have an advantage." Ash smiled as Tintri stared down the Totodile before him.

He balked as Dundee heaved a Water Gun at Tintri, making Tintri stumble backwards. "Tintri!"

[I'm fine...] Tintri replied. [I can--!]

This was far as he got before Dundee pounced on him with a Crunch attack, making him cry in pain from Dundee's powerful jaws!

"Good work!" Ethan called. "Now, freeze him with Ice Fang!"

[I can't give up...] Tintri growled as he weakly stood up to face the charging Totodile. [I WON'T GIVE UP!] he cried, unleashing a ball of electricity at the same time Dundee attacked.

[Did Ash come through?] Ami wondered as the icy electric explosion started to clear.

A familiar whistle pierced the air some seconds later. "Neither side has any Pokemon that can battle--this match is a tie!" Brock announced.

"A tie...both boys must've been evenly matched." Lyra mused as she used a Revive on Tintri.

"Thanks, Lyra." Ash replied as Tintri jumped aboard his shoulder again.

"You did great in that match." Lyra smiled. "I hope I can battle you sometime."

"Nice job, even if it did come out a tie." Misty agreed.

Ethan turned to Ash. "Good match--I have to commend your heroic effort."

"You did great yourself, even though you haven't been trained Pokemon for very long." Ash replied as the two friends shook hands. "We'll have to battle again when we both get stronger."

"I'll hold you to that." Ethan smiled as he and Ash embraced.

Lyra, meanwhile, told Brock "I'd really like to hear your ballad of 'Brian and Epona'." as she spread out a blanket and set out some food for the group to enjoy.

"I don't see why not." Brock replied as he hurried to retrieve his guitar from the campsite.

Once everyone was settled in and Brock was tuned, he started a brisk introduction before singing It's of a jolly beggarman came tripping o'er the plain,
He came unto a castle fair, a lodging for to gain
His Royal Highness, he came down and viewed him cheek and chin
He said, 'You are a handsome man, of course I'll take you in...'


We'll go no more a roving, a roving in the night, Ash and Misty eagerly joined in.
We'll go no more a roving, let the moon shine so bright
We'll go no more a roving...

The beggar that the king took in, was not poor as he claimed,
Brock started the next verse alone, trying not to laugh at Dundee dancing along on a rock.
He really was a handsome prince, and Brian he was named
He'd traveled far on a holy steed in search of fortune fine
And bringing honor and great fame upon his royal line...


"Everybody now!" Ash called before leading the chorus. We'll go no more a roving, a roving in the night
We'll go no more a roving, let the moon shine so bright
We'll go no more a roving...


To Be Continued...
 
@Charles Legend;

Episode 42: Hot Matches! (part 1)

"I'm glad to know Ethan and Lyra are doing okay." Misty smiled as Ask received his Pokemon from the front desk. It had been a few days since Ash had had a friendly match against Ethan and his enthusiastic Totodile, Dundee. Though the match had ended in a tie, both he and Ethan had promised to keep getting stronger.

"They said they'd meet us on the main road after we're done here." Ash assured Misty as the group started for the Pokemon Center entrance.

"According to the map, we should get back on the main road in a day or two." Brock reported, pointing out the group's current location and the point on the main road where Ethan and Lyra had promised to meet them.

"Well, whatever you do, you may want to find another way to the main road." a navy haired boy cautioned as his Growlithe was rolled away into the intensive care bay. "Some red haired punk is challenging anyone that passes the bridge leading to the main road. He really did a number on Cameron, my Growlithe."

"We'll be careful, okay?" Misty assured the boy as the group stepped out into the sunshine.

"If this red haired punk is who I think it is, I have a bone to pick with him..." Ash muttered as he stepped over a tree root. "The roadside Pokemon Center stood at the end of a forested path, not far from the main road.

"But what if it's not Kamon?" Brock suggested.

"Then I'll show him--or her--that bullying people's not nice." Ash replied as the group rounded a corner that led towards the bridge.

Misty gasped when she saw Kamon in the distance tending to a large steel bird Pokemon. "Speak of Darkrai...it is Kamon!"

Ash growled when he saw Kamon, but Brock's hand on his shoulder calmed him. "Before you do something you'll regret later, will you let me try and talk to him?"

"Okay..." Ash sighed as he did his best to calm himself--although Kamon had done many things that bothered him, he also knew that anger wasn't the best way to solve a problem.

Kamon, however, smiled as Brock approached him. "Oh look, it's the bow wielding mage...what kind of spell are you gonna cast this time with your holy arrows?"

"I'm not here to fight." Brock replied as he met Kamon on the bridge. "You've done some things that concern me and my friends, and I want to know if there is a way we can resolve things peacefully."

"What's there to talk about? I'm on a Pokemon journey as much as you are." Kamon replied. "You guys keep trying to take the Pokemon I wanted to have."

"For one thing, you were explicitly told you weren't supposed to go on a journey." Brock explained. "Then you tried taking a Totodile that was meant for another trainer, a young Pokemon that was in no way ready to leave the wild, and then you tried taking a Farfetch'd that very clearly belonged to another. All three times were stealing a Pokemon, and all we were doing was getting them back where they really belonged."

"Okay, if it makes you feel any better, I got myself a Pokemon fair and square." Kamon replied, gesturing to the steel bird. "His name is Talavar--which means 'sword' in some language. If you're so confident, try and beat him! Send out your best Fire type!"

\"Why?" Brock asked as he took the Poke Ball containing his Vulpix, Hinata. "You know that since Steel types are weak to Fire, you're effectively asking for me to beat you?"

"I wouldn't be so sure, Robin Hood...I want Talavar to be able to beat any type of Pokémon; even Fire types." Kamon smirked

He turned to see Ash approaching. "So, are you gonna battle, or what?"

Brock sighed, opened his bag, and dropped the chain holding his referee's whistle into Ash's hands. "Would you mind reffing for us, Ash?"

"Sure!" Ash complied as he put the whistle around his neck.

---------

"Representing the Gold side, Kamon and Talavar!" Ash announced, making the steel bird Pokemon cry in reply. "And representing the Silver side, Brock and Hinata!"

[Bring it on, steel beak!] Hinata taunted, swishing her six tails in an attack display.

"Are both sides ready?" Ash asked, to cheers from both ends of the bridge. "And three...two...one..."

No sooner had the whistle blown did Talavar flap a dust cloud into Hinata's face. [GAH!] Hinata gasped as she made out Talavar swooping back into the air through her watering eyes.

As Brock and Hinata watched for an opportunity to attack the massive steel bird Pokemon, Ash decided to read up on Brock's opponent:

"Skarmory, the armor bird Pokemon. The feathers that it sheds are very sharp. It is said that people once used the feathers as swords."

Wow...I hope Brock knows what he's doing... Ash thought as he turned his attention back to the battle.

Just then, Brock noticed Talavar diving down towards Hinata! "Hinata, intercept the Skarmory with Flamethrower!"

[HAH!] Hinata heaved a stream of fire at the diving Skarmory, only for it to power past the flames with Agility! Hinata would fire again, and Talavar would dive past it.

After a few more Flamethrower attempts, Hinata grimaced. [Catch me if you can!] she taunted and dashed away thanks to her own Agility!

"Come on, Brock! You can do it!" Misty called from behind a rock, where she and Ami watched Talavar and Hinata chase each other, desperately attempting to make the other fall in the water.

Finally, Kamon noticed that Hinata was tiring. "Talavar, let's finish this with Steel Wing!"

"NOOOOOOOOOO!!!" Brock cried as the Skarmory whacked Hinata with a glowing wing, sincing her flying across the bridge and landing at his feet.

Tears formed in his eyes as the whistle confirmed his worst fear. "Silver is unable to battle--Gold wins!" Ash announced.

"Hinata...you okay?" Brock asked as he got a Revive from his bag to wake his Vulpix.

[Ow...that's gonna hurt in the morning.] Hinata grimaced as she shook her tails in a huff.

"Is that all you've got?" Kamon asked Brock.

Brock was about to answer when Ash replied "I've got a Fire type, but she might just be too hot for your Skarmory to battle against!"

"Really? Try me, Wonder Boy." Kamon smirked.

"You're better than me at reffing, actually." Ash told Brock as he returned the whistle.

"You did pretty good for your first try, actually." Brock assured his friend as he ran to the middle of the bridge, where Ash had reffed moments before.

---------

"And three...two...one..." Brock counted before blowing his whistle again, prompting Ash to send out Cyndy.

"Talavar, open with a Fury Attack!" Kamon commanded, prompting the Skarmory to sind out a barrage of steel spikes. But Cyndy nimbly dodged every spike, and prepared to fire a Flamethrower of her own at the massive steel bird.

[WAUGH!] Some Swift stars sent her rolling backwards, but she recovered enough to jump away from another wave of Fury Attack once, twice, three times...

[OW!] she yelped as a fourth Fury Attack spike jabbed her in the stomach. Angered, Cyndy heaved a Flamethrower at her opponent, only for it to veer off to the right as the Skarmory flew away.

"Cyndy! You try and intercept it!" Ash called.

[Got it!] With that, Cyndy heaved another Flamethrower, only for it to miss the swooping and diving Skarmory again.

Kamon threw up his hands in frustration. "Okay, I give...we'll call a truce, since we'll be here all day at this rate."

"Okay, I concede as well." Ash replied.

Brock just blew his whistle again to end the match. "Game Set! This match is a tie!"

To Be Continued...
 
@Charles Legend

Episode 43: Hot Matches! (part 2)

"I am so glad to be back on the main road!" Ash smiled as he charged ahead of Misty and Brock. He figured Kamon had left after battling him to a draw, so they wouldn't have to risk resting at the Pokemon Center, and then their teams being thrashed again.

"I'll say..." Brock mused. "Luckily, Hinata should be okay until we get to a town proper, provided we don't run into Team Rocket or something."

"I'm in no mood to see those goons at the moment." Misty muttered. "It was bad enough seeing you guys get hammered by Kamon's new Skarmory, and who am I to think that Team Rocket could ambush us while we are weakened?"

Ash shuddered as Brock consulted his guidebook. "Ethan did tell us before we parted ways that some Pokemon Daycares allow trainers to stop and rest for the night...so if we can't reach a town, we could try finding one of those to rest for the night, if you don't want to risk camping."

"Like that one?" Ash pointed out a small house with a large field in the distance that resembled an identical picture in Brock's guidebook.

"Speak of Darkrai..." Misty gasped. "Just what we need--provided the family is one of those that welcomes travelers."

"Only one way to find out!" Ash grinned before hurrying to the house's front stoop and knocking.

A dark brown haired man answered the door. "Oh, travelers! How can I be of service?" he asked as an auburn haired woman and a red haired girl joined him at the door.

"We're not sure how far away a town is from here, so will you please grant the three of us shelter for the night?" Ash asked.

"Of course--the house has some spare rooms just for this reason." the man replied. "Come on in and make yourselves at home."

"You came at a good time--I was about to start dinner." the woman smiled. "Roast Combusken with all the trimmings--Miki's favorite." The red haired girl smiled, pleased that the group would be sharing her favorite meal with her family.

"If you need a helping hand in the kitchen, I'd be happy to pitch in." Brock offered. "As well as some post dinner entertainment."

As Brock and the woman departed into the kitchen, Miki noticed Tintri perched on Ash's shoulder. "How come your Pikachu isn't in his Poke Ball?" she asked.

"Well, Tintri is one of those Pokemon that doesn't like being in a Poke Ball, so my solution is to leave him out--and my right shoulder is his preferred spot." Ash explained, bending down to Miki could pet Tintri. "We do almost everything together."

"Kinda like that deep red haired guy and the Skarmory I've seen near the field lately..." Miki mused. "Maybe he does almost everything with his Skarmory too?"

Kamon... Ash grimaced--the memory of his draw with Kamon was still fresh in his memory.

"Something wrong, Ash?" Misty asked as she came downstairs.

"Miki says she's been seeing Kamon a lot in this area with his Skarmory, and thinks they do almost everything together, like Tintri and I do." Ash explained.

"Maybe Kamon isn't as bad or as evil as we think he is..." Misty suggested. "He may love his own Pokemon as much as we do ours."

"That may be true, but he told us, in his exact words, that he is a 'punk with standards'." Ash reminded Misty. "This devotion to his Skarmory Talavar may be one of those standards."

"We'll go with that, then." Misty smiled as she went to help Miki set the table.

Ash, meanwhile, located Brock tending to some mashed potatoes in the kitchen. "I'm gonna take Cyndy outside and train for a bit, so I'd love if you'd keep my share of dinner warm."

"You got it." Brock replied. "It should be ready here in a few minutes."

"I'll try not to stay out too late!" Ash called back as he motioned for Cyndy to follow him out into the grassy hills that surrounded a forest.

---------

"Come and get me!" Ash called in encouragement to the Cyndaquil running up the hill after him, giggling all the while.

After the two of them reached the top of the hill, Ash instructed Cyndy. "Okay, now hit me with the hardest Tackle you can muster!"

[HIIIIIIIII-YA!] Cyndy cried as she rammed into Ash, making him tumble down the hill. She noticed that even though he had fallen, he was still laughing as he eased himself to his feet and rejoined her at the top of the hill. This hardly seems like training at all--it's more like a game!

"Okay...that was very good!" Ash wheezed as he composed himself. "Next, let's work on your Flamethrower!"

Cyndy nodded, and unleashed a stream of flames into the sky. After firing the Flamethrower straight up, Ash watched as she made several more fire streams in several different directions, being careful not to set anything ablaze all the while.

Ash applauded as Cyndy finished her Flamethrower display. "You're getting so good at controlling the flames--before they seemed to fizzle out if you turned your head or changed direction."

[Thank you--your advice about focusing on a target was a big help.] Cyndy smiled. [What should we practice next?]

Okay, we've gone over Tackle, we've gone over Flamethrower... Ash thought before an idea came to him. "Let's work on Agility next--try to catch me if you can!" he smiled before taking off down the hill.

[I'm gonna getcha!] Cyndy called as she powered down the hill with Agility, eager to catch her running master in this glorified game of chase...

To Be Continued...
 
@Charles Legend

Episode 44: Hot Matches! (part 3)

Back at the house, Miki noticed that Ash's place at the table was empty. "Where did Ash get to? I hope he's okay..."

"He's fine--he just took his Cyndaquil Cyndy out to train for a while." Misty assured Miki as she passed Miki's mother the mashed potatoes.

"If you're worried that he'll go hungry, relax, I gave Ash a share--it's being kept warm in the oven." Brock added as he refilled his glass with Leppa Berry juice. "Hopefully he'll be back in time for the sing-along after dinner."

"I'm sure he will be--we won't start without him." Misty smiled as she fed Tintri a Leppa Berry.

"Good--if you guys are as talented as you say, I wouldn't miss a sing-along for the world!" Miki smiled as she returned to her own meal.

---------

Back on the hill, a growl got Ash's and Cyndy's attention. "Wow...have we really been out that late?" Ash wondered as he watched the sky begin to turn pink and orange as the sun sank below the trees. "I'm starved!"

[Maybe we could go back...] Cyndy suggested. [I'm sure the others are worried about us.]

"Okay...but before we do, do one more Tackle on me!" Ash asked.

[All right, I'm coming at'cha!] Cyndy replied before barreling into Ash, sending him stumbling backwards and landing against a Leppa Berry tree.

Moments after Ash examined himself and saw he was none the worse for wear, he was showered in Leppa Berries that had been dislodged by the force of Cyndy's attack. "Well, at least one of these should hold us until we get back to the house." he smiled before finding a suitable Leppa Berry in the pile.

He balked when he saw an angry Beedrill looking back at him. "WAUGH!" he yelped as he dropped the Leppa Berry and took off down the hill.

[Run for it!] Cyndy called as more Beedrills emerged from the tree.

Ash nodded, and did his best to keep up with the Cyndaquil, periodically looking back to see if the Beedrills were gaining on them. We have to get back to the house, no matter what!

He did not, however, expect to trip over a rock buried in the grass. [ASH!] Cyndy screamed as she watched Ash tumble head over heels into a heap, his arms dotted with various scratches and nicks.

She gritted her teeth as she heard the low hum of the Beedrills approaching--she was not about to have her master be stung by thousands of Beedrills! [Beedrills! Don't you dare sting my master!] she warned before unleashing a Flamethrower into the approaching swarm, burning many of the Beedrills.

Ash came to in time to see the remainder of the swarm flying away. "Ungh...Cyndy...did you just--ow--rescue me?"

[I sure did!] Cyndy smiled as she gently rubbed some of Ash's wounds with her quills, creating a soothing warmth that eased the pain. [We didn't even need Brock to come out here and shoot an arrow at them!]

Ash smiled. "Thank you--if we get to battle Kamon and his Skarmory in the morning, remember how you rescued me and fought off those Beedrills, okay?"

[If I can take on those buzzers, I can take on a Skarmory easy!" Cyndy smiled as she led Ash back to the house.

---------

"Ash! You made it!" Misty smiled as Ash and Cyndy returned some moments later. "Although...what happened to you?" she asked as Brock hurried to assess the many bites and wounds on Ash's arms.

"We were training on the hill near the house, and I asked Cyndy to Tackle me." Ash explained. "She did, and I landed against a Leppa Berry tree. Just as I found one that was ripe enough to eat, I saw a Beedrill on it, which angered a whole swarm!"

"So, what did you do?" Brock was interested.

"We tried to run away, but as we ran, I tripped on a rock." Ash went on. "That explains all the bites and scratches. Just when it looked like the end, Cyndy ran in front of the swarm and used Flamethower. She managed to burn almost the whole swarm!"

"Wow!" Miki gasped.

"Maybe she might be ready to try taking on Kamon and Talavar again." Brock smiled. "But he's probably gone to bed by now, so we'll try to find him in the morning."

As soon as he was happy with all the swirls of medicine on Ash, he saw Miki waiting with hopeful eyes. "All right--gather 'round and we'll have our sing-along and storytime."

[YAAAAAAAAY!!!!] Cyndy was just as excited as Miki was as she followed Ash into the living room, where the others had gathered.

Once the group had settled in and their instruments were tuned, Brock kicked off the first story of the night. "Once upon a time, in a place far from here, and in a time far from now, there was a queen who had three beautiful daughters, who were renowned far and wide for their beauty, wisdom, and kindness to all. They were courted by kings and princes, and many others of high degree, but hadn't yet chosen any of them. One day a great prince, that no one knew, and who had never been seen in that land before, came, like the others, looking for the hand of one of these beautiful ladies. But the queen approved of him, in case he was able to succeed in winning the willing hand of either of her daughters...."

---------

The next morning, the group and Kamon met near the same hill Ash and Cyndy had trained by the night before. "You realize that you're asking to be beaten?" Kamon smirked as Talavar eyed the tiny Cyndaquil.

"Bring it on!" Ash snapped back. "Cyndy's a lot stronger than yesterday!"

"All right, but don't come crying to me when your Cyndaquil has to be rushed to the emergency bay." Kamon grinned as he motioned for Brock to give the count.

"Okay! Three...two...one..." Brock counted before blowing his whistle to start the match.

As if the whistle was its cue, Talavar took flight, circling around the makeshift battlefield once before diving in with a Steel Wing. But when Cyndy didn't appear to be any the worse for wear, the huge armored bird grimaced and soared skyward again.

Ash just calmly observed the circling Skarmory from the Silver side of the arena. "Remember how you saved me from the Beedrills last night." he reminded Cyndy.

[Don't worry...] Cyndy growled before bracing herself for a second Steel Wing. Although the second attack sent her sliding backwards, she shook off the pain and bounded forward, waiting for an opportunity to counter her huge opponent.

I see...it's vulnerable right after it delivers Steel Wing! Ash thought as he watched the Skarmory fly away again. Maybe if Cyndy has enough strength to attack after it attacks again...

He called "Cyndy, use Flamethrower if you can!" as soon as he heard the THWANG! of a Steel Wing impacting.

[HAAAAH!!!] Cyndy cried as she unleashed a stream of flames, sending the armored bird crashing to the ground, writhing in pain from the fire.

"Gold is unable to battle--the match goes to Silver." Brock announced as Cyndy cheered.

Kamon seemed surprisingly calm at his loss. "So you managed to find the fatal flaw in my strategy--well played." he smirked. "That just means I have to train even more until I can be invincible--and you won't have a lucky shot to save you when that happens!" With that, he stormed off in a huff.

"Great job, Ash..." Miki smiled. "I want to learn to be a great hero like you--and like the heroes in the stories your friend tells. So I'm going on a journey of my own."

"Oh Miki..." Miki's mother hugged her daughter. "Whatever path you take in your Pokemon journey, we'll support you all the way."

"I believe you could be a hero like Ash, sweetie." Miki's father agreed.

Miki, meanwhile, hugged Ash one last time. "Be safe on your own travels, Ash--and I hope you and I can meet again!"
To Be Continued...
 
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