From: "Jonathan G. Garlejo" Get ready! Here's Chapter 3! Disclaimer: All characters and Pokémon are copyrighted by their respective owners. Arius (and any other new characters) are my property. Posted on November 12th, 1999. *********************************************************************************************** *********** Narrator: After a long journey through Route 6, Misty and Arius finally arrive in Vermillion City. Misty: Yes! Time to get that Thunder Badge! Arius: Um, Misty? Misty: What’s wrong, Arius? Arius coughs, as he shows to Misty that he’s referring to their unsightly smell. Misty: (blushing) Oops, I forgot that we haven’t taken a shower in at least two weeks. Arius: I guess we’d better find a place to stay first. And then a Pokémon Center to revitalize our Pokémon! Misty: (coughs) Ahem! Arius: Sorry. I got carried away. Misty: After that, it’s on to face Lt. Surge! *********************************************************************************************** *********** Misty’s Travels to the Pokémon League Episode 3: “A Quackingly Good Time” by The Freedom Fighter *********************************************************************************************** *********** Narrator: The Vermillion City Inn. The best hotel in the city, and the only that doesn’t look like it’s overrun with roaches and rodents, usually has plenty of rooms because of the high price that’s charged for one night’s stay. But for some reason, there aren’t many rooms available. In fact... Hotel Manager: There’s only one room available, a single bed. Bellboy: Seems perfect for a couple like you two. Misty: (getting angry) Arius is not my boyfriend! Arius: Look, we’re just looking for a place to stay, and this is the only hotel with a vacancy. Hotel Manager: That’s true. That’s because there’s a Pokémon League Tournament going on. Misty: (face changing from one of anger to one of surprise) A Pokémon League Tournament? I thought that all the tournaments took place at the Indigo Plateau? Bellboy: It’s not the Novice Tournament that’s occurring up at the Plateau in two weeks. This is the Expert Tournament, which happens every other month, but one tournament every year, usually the last one of the year, is held in a city that has a Pokémon gym. Arius: I didn’t know about that. Bellboy: In fact, only sixteen trainers among the League’s top one hundred are allowed to compete in each tournament, and by invitation by the League. Arius: We might check it out. By the way, how much for the room? Hotel Manager: One hundred and fifty dollars. Arius and Misty: (yelling together) One hundred and fifty dollars? Misty: (pulling on Arius’ right ear) Could you excuse us for a minute? Hotel Manager: Okay, but hurry up. There are several other people who are waiting for rooms themselves. Misty pulls Arius outside the hotel before letting go of his ear. Arius: Ow! What did you do that for? Misty: We can’t afford a one hundred and fifty dollar room! Arius: Yes we can! I’ve got five hundred and thirty-two dollars on me! Misty: Five hundred and thirty-two dollars? How can you have so much money? You certainly don’t have a job, you look about my age, so how do you have that amount of money on you? Arius: Trade secret. I guess it runs in the family. Misty: What could be so secret about having over five hundred dollars? Arius: I’ll tell you later. Now let’s get that room before someone else takes it. Misty: (waving her hand at Arius) You go ahead. I’ll just wait out here. Arius: You sure? Okay, Misty, if you say so. Arius goes back inside, only to find three other couples trying to get the room. Arius: Hey, that room’s still mine! Hotel Manager: No, it isn’t. You and your friend waited too long, and now the room is going to the highest bidder. Man #1: I’ve got one hundred and seventy five dollars! Man #2: I’m calling two hundred for the room! Man #3: I’ve gotcha beat there, two hundred thirty! Arius: Two hundred forty! Woman #1: Are you going to let them win? Keeping bidding! Woman #2: We’re not leaving unless we get that room, honey. Woman #3: I’m gonna beat you up if you don’t get that room! All Three Men: Yes, dear! The bidding for the room continues, but soon it’s down to Man #3 and Arius for the room. The other two couples have already left. Man #3: Four hundred and sixty! Arius: Four hundred and seventy! Man #3: Four hundred and eighty! Arius: Four hundred and ninety! Hotel Manager: (to the Bellboy) I can’t believe this! We’re gonna be rich! Bellboy: I know! Woman #3: Five hundred! Man #3: Honey, that’s all I have! Arius: Five hundred and twenty! Man #3: You win. You can have the room. Come on, honey. Woman #3: Oh no you don’t! We didn’t come here to sleep under the stars! Misty suddenly walks in, wondering what’s taking so long. Bellboy: (to Misty) The room is going to the highest bidder. Woman #3 empties out her purse, and the Hotel Manager begins to count the money. Meanwhile, Misty pulls next to Arius. Misty: How much have you bid? Arius: Five hundred and twenty. Misty: Five hundred and twenty! Not even a room of this caliber is worth that much! Hotel Manager: (finishing the count) I beg to differ, madam. (to Woman #3) The current bid is now five hundred and thirty-eight dollars and twenty-two cents. Arius: Oh no! I only have five hundred and thirty-two dollars! Woman #3: Yahoo! We get the room! Man #3: We do? Misty: Wait a minute! We might be able to get the room after all, Arius! Arius: Misty, what are you talking about? Misty reaches into her satchel and pulls out a little purse filled with coins. She empties it on the counter and begins to count. In fact, all six of them in the room are now counting the coins. Suddenly, Misty’s head lowers to the ground. Misty: (dejected) I’ve only got six dollars and twenty cents... Hotel Manager: Bellboy, show these two (pointing to the couple) to Room 204. Arius: Wait! Everyone looks at Arius strangely. Woman #3: What now? Can’t except the fact that you don’t have a room and we do? Arius: Actually... Arius searches through his pocket, and finds a nickel! Arius: A nickel! That puts us over the top! Man #3: Oh dear. Looks like we’d better find a place to rest. Woman #3: No! I paid for this room fair and square! The woman tries to strangle Arius, but she’s stopped by the hotel’s security guards. The man walks up to Arius and Misty. Man #3: I’m sorry about my wife. The man takes his and his wife’s money, bows to Arius and Misty, then follows the security guards, still restraining his wife, out the door. Hotel Manager: Bellboy, show these two to Room 204. Bellboy: Right this way. The Bellboy, Arius, and Misty take the elevator to the second floor. He then takes them to a door, with the number 204 on the door, takes out a key, and opens the door. Arius and Misty follow the Bellboy in. Bellboy: This is your room. Arius: Thanks...I don’t have any money left for a tip. Misty: Don’t worry, I’ll cover it Arius. Misty takes a five dollar bill out of her satchel and hands it to the Bellboy. Bellboy: (overjoyed) Thank you very much! I’ve never received such a gratuitous tip before! He leans over and gives Misty a kiss on her cheek, which she responds to by pulling out...well, you know, the thing that gives people headaches. Bellboy: (head in pain, but still happy) Here are your keys. Good night! The Bellboy hands Arius and Misty a key each, then he staggers out the door, closing it behind him. Arius: Where did you get five dollars from? Misty: You thought that I’d spend all my money to get a room? I didn’t want to risk giving it all up, just in case we needed some later. Arius: Oh. Misty puts her satchel on the bed, grabs a few things from it, and heads for the bathroom. Misty: I’m going to take a shower. Arius: Yeah, go ahead, I have to call somebody real quick. Inset to a strange house on the newly built Route 26 (it’s so new, it’s not even on a map yet!). A young girl, about 11 years old, is at a computer. She looks similar to Suzie, the trainer who gave Brock his Vulpix, only much younger. On the screen is a list of names of trainers scheduled to compete in the Pokémon League Novice Tournament. One name seems to stick out on the screen. The name “Ash Ketchum.” Suddenly, the videophone begins to ring. She walks over and answers it. Arius appears on the screen. Arius: Cassie! It’s me, Arius! Cassie: Oh, thank goodness you’re all right. Arius: I’m fine, though me and the girl I’m following, we got jumped by Team Rocket soon after we met. Cassie: Team Rocket? Arius: Yeah. Seems like they keep hiring new recruits. They must be on to me, or they know what we know about Misty Waterflower. Cassie: Well, better keep your eyes open. Where are you now? Arius: At an inn in Vermillion City. She’s going to challenge Lt. Surge, the gym leader here. Cassie: Good. But how will you sneak away to complete the mission? Arius: The Pokémon League Expert Tournament is going on here. I’ll just tell her that I’m going to watch the matches. Cassie: Okay. Don’t let anyone, not even Misty, know of your intentions. If anyone finds out, all of us are in danger. Meanwhile, I’ll follow up on this Ash Ketchum boy. He’s going to the Novice Tournament at the Indigo Plateau. Arius: What about the Pokémon breeder that used to travel with them? Cassie: I’ve already sent someone to Pewter City to take care of that. Arius: What about Team Rocket? These new recruits overpowered us. We didn’t stand a chance against them. Cassie: Just lay low. Hopefully, they won’t trouble us again. Arius: Gotta go. Sounds like my friend has finished her shower. Cassie: Now, don’t you go doing something that I wouldn’t like. Arius: Cassie, you know I love you. Cassie: I love you too, Arius. Please be careful. Arius: I will. Arius out. The videophone turns off, and Cassie goes back to work at the computer, highlighting two other trainers, “Gary Oak” and “TJ Smith.” About half an hour later, back in Vermillion City, Arius comes out of the bathroom, dressed in just a towel, and finds a note on the dresser. Arius, I’ve gone to the Pokémon Center to get my Pokémon healed, then I’m heading on to the gym to face Lt. Surge. I’ll meet you at the tournament around five o’ clock. Wish me luck! Misty Arius: Good. I didn’t have to tell her anything. The less she knows, the better. Arius opened his backpack, and emptied it onto the bed. He put on a blue t-shirt and some blue jeans, but then he put on a belt that had a built-in camera in the buckle. Next, he pulled out a white hat, with the words “Pokémon Rule!,” in yellow letters, on it. He then placed a cell phone in his right pants pocket, returned everything else to the backpack, put it back on, then went out the door, locking it before heading outside. Meanwhile, a figure in a trench coat steps out into a clearing. The figure was dressed so that no part of his/her body was visible. The figure ran down a dirt path and into a city. It seemed like any normal city, busy as normal during a working day of the week. After walking for about twenty minutes, and nearly bringing up a hint of suspicion from about a dozen passersby, the figure finally arrived at the place he/she was looking for. It was a Pokémon gym. Without drawing attention from a group of old women resting in the nearby park, the figure quickly pulled out a belt with six Pokéballs on it. He/she wrapped it around the waist, visible to all, then walked inside, looking for a challenge... Back in Vermillion City, Arius watched as a Golem and a Parasect fought in a ring. People all around him were screaming, some for the rock Pokémon, others for the grass Pokémon, and a third group just wanting one Pokémon to finish the other one. Suddenly, a strange figure quickly runs by, and snatches a Pokéball out of Arius’ backpack. This act of theft doesn’t go unnoticed, though. Arius: (yelling at the figure) Hey! Come back here with my Golbat! That was my very first Pokémon! The figure kept running down the street, and Arius gave chase. The figure tried to lose Arius in an alley full of merchants, but when he looked back, Arius was still behind him, and closing. Arius pulled another Pokéball from his backpack, and threw it so that it landed in front of the thief. Arius: Butterfree, come out and play! The butterfly Pokémon came out and flapped its wings in front of the thief. Arius: Butterfree, stun spore! Butterfree: Bree! The spun spore attack worked, as the thief was unable to move. Arius walked up to the thief and took the Pokéball with Golbat in it. Arius: That’ll teach you not to mess with Arius McFly of Cobalt Town! The thief suddenly unfroze, pushed Arius out of the way, and started running away. A few seconds later, he was gone. Arius dusted himself off, then pulled out Butterfree’s Pokéball. Arius: Butterfree, return! Arius returned both Pokéballs to his backpack, then he went back to the ring, only to find it empty. The match had already ended. Arius: Man, that was the semifinals! Now I’m going to have to wait until tonight before I can see these trainers in action. Arius walked off to find a place to eat lunch. His stomach was rumbling pretty bad after that battle. Meanwhile, at the Vermillion City Pokémon Gym, the lights have just turned on in the arena. Lt. Surge stood at one end, with his Raichu poised ready to fight. Misty had apparently chosen Psyduck, who was out of its Pokéball. Whether or not she wanted Psyduck, who knows. Announcer: This is an official Pokémon League Gym Battle. The gym leader, Lt. Surge, will use Raichu. Misty Waterflower, the challenger, has chosen Psyduck. It’s a one-on-one match, with no time limit. Let the battle begin! The bell rings once to signify the start of the match. *********************************************************************************************** *********** Tensions in the arena were very high, as the two trainers sent their Pokémon into the ring. Lt. Surge: All right, Raichu, this should be a piece of cake. Misty: Let’s show them how easy we can be, Psyduck. Tail whip attack! Lt. Surge: Tail whip? Let me show you a real move. Raichu, body slam! Raichu: Rai-chu! Raichu’s huge body comes down on Psyduck hard. Really hard! Psyduck: (in pain) Psy-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi! Lt. Surge: Enough with the jokes. Raichu, give it a thunder bolt! Raichu: Rai-chuuuuuuuu! The thunder bolt strikes Psyduck directly, causing it to faint. Misty: Psyduck! Lt. Surge: That was too easy! The bell rings to signify the end of the match. Without a word, Misty bows her head, picks up Psyduck, and rushes over to the Pokémon Center. Misty: Nurse Joy, my Psyduck’s been injured in battle. Joy: Don’t worry, Misty, I’ll take good care of Psyduck. (typing on the computer) I need a stretcher for a Psyduck, stat! Two Chanseys come from the back with a stretcher. Misty places Psyduck on the stretcher, and then the Chanseys take it back to the emergency room. Nurse Joy puts on a pair of gloves and prepares to join them. Joy: Don’t worry, Misty, Psyduck will be back to normal in no time. Joy and the Chanseys push the stretcher into the ER, and the light above the door changes from green to red. Misty sits in a chair, and begins to cry her heart out. Misty: Oh, Psyduck, why did I pick you to go into battle? Flashback to ten minutes ago. Misty opened the door to the gym, and Lt. Surge was already on his way out when she bumped into him. Lt. Surge: Sorry, miss, I didn’t mean to bump into you. If you’re looking for a gym battle, it’ll have to wait until tomorrow. I’m on my way to watch the championship match. Misty: Oh, I didn’t know. Lt. Surge: (perking up at the sight of Misty) Wait a min ute! Aren’t you the girl that was traveling with Ash last year. Misty: Yeah, that’s me. Can I challenge you for a Thunder Badge? Lt. Surge: Well, it’s still another hour until the match...okay, come on in. Misty walks in to the gym, and Lt. Surge closes the door. He turns on the lights, and Misty now sees the arena in front of her. She remembers Ash’s battle with Lt. Surge from last year. The great battle that ensued, as Pikachu showed its true power. As a result, the friendship between the two became even stronger. Misty: (to herself) But at least Ash had a Pokémon that stood at least a chance of winning. All I have is water Pokémon, and Raichu can use that to its advantage. Lt. Surge: So, which Pokémon are you going to use for the battle? Misty: (with regret, but also determination) I choose Psyduck. Lt. Surge: Okay, but I’ll warn you now, you don’t stand a chance. Misty: (sarcastically) Thanks for the vote of confidence. Lt. Surge walks to his end of the arena, Raichu following right behind him. Misty pulls out Psyduck’s Pokéball and throws it on the ground. Misty: Psyduck, go! Psyduck: (confused) Psy? Misty: (quietly) Psyduck, I know I haven’t been nice to you in the past, but do you see that Raichu on the other side? Psyduck: (looking over towards Raichu) Psy? Misty: I want you to beat that Raichu in battle. Do you think that you can do it? Psyduck: Psyduck! Psy! Misty: (overjoyed) All right, time to get that Thunder Badge! Then the battle began, as it did before, as Psyduck fell easily to Raichu. Now back in the present time, Misty continues to cry. Misty: (crying) Oh, Psyduck, I shouldn’t have sent you in, but you didn’t have as many water attacks as the rest of my Pokémon. Misty continues to cry softly. She was too sad to notice the time on the clock. Meanwhile, Arius waited at the stadium entrance, where the championship match was scheduled to start at half past five. He was to meet Misty at five, but obviously she wasn’t there. Arius: Misty, where are you? You should have finished your match by now. Suddenly, Lt. Surge comes walking towards the stadium. Arius recognizes him and taps him on the shoulder. Lt. Surge: What do you want, kid? Arius: I was just wondering if you’ve seen Misty. She went to your gym to battle for a Thunder Badge. Lt. Surge: Yeah, she was there. But she’s at the Pokémon Center now. Nice girl, but she still has a lot to learn about raising a Pokémon. Lt. Surge then continues to walk to the stadium. Arius: (under his breath) Jerk. Doesn’t he even care about Misty? Arius runs towards the Pokémon Center. Lt. Surge, hearing Arius’ footprints, watches the young boy run. He continues to watch until Arius is out of sight, then turns around, gives his ticket to the attendant, and looks for his seat. Back at the Pokémon Center, Misty has managed to dry her tears, and move over to the videophone. She dialed a number, and a familiar face appeared on the screen. Prof. Oak: Hello? Oh, hello, Misty. How are you? Misty: Fine. Prof. Oak: That’s good. How’s...why are you crying? Misty: (sniffles) I didn’t stand a chance against Lt. Surge, and my Psyduck’s in the emergency room! Prof. Oak: Now calm down, Misty. There’s nothing to cry about. Misty: But he beat Psyduck before he could even do a single move! Misty’s sniffles change to a waterfall of tears. Professor Oak does his best to calm her down. Prof. Oak: Misty, please stop crying. Misty: (stops crying) Okay. But it doesn’t help. How am I going to beat Lt. Surge? Prof. Oak: Just do some extra training. A little conditioning before challenging Lt. Surge again could help. Misty: But who could I use to help Psyduck out? Prof. Oak: You’re a smart girl. There ought to be someone around there that will help you. Misty: Thanks, professor! Prof. Oak: Don’t mention it! I’ve gotta go, I’ve still got a lot of work to do. Professor Oak hangs up the phone, and Misty puts the receiver back in its place. She walks over to the waiting lounge and sits down for a minute, thinking. Misty: (surprised) Oh no! I forgot to ask Professor Oak something. She ran back to the videophone and dialed Professor Oak’s number again. Prof. Oak: Hello, Professor Oak speaking. Misty? Misty: Yes, Professor Oak, it’s me. I kind of forgot to ask you something. Prof. Oak: What is it? Misty: Do you know how I can reach Ash? Prof. Oak: Ash? Oh, yes, that reminds me. Prof. Oak goes off screen to search in a container for something. He returns with... Misty: (seeing the object) A circuit board for a computer? How is that going to help me reach Ash? Prof. Oak: This is the Poké-Com 2.0! It’s designed to allow trainers to communicate with each other. Misty: So? What does that have to do with me reaching Ash? Prof. Oak: Allow me to explain. When working properly, it allows trainers to talk to each other from up to a five hundred mile radius. Misty: Five hundred miles? That’s incredible! Prof. Oak: It sure is. Misty: Unfortunately, I don’t see how one little circuit board is responsible for providing communication. Prof. Oak: It’s simple. Just put your Pokédex into the slot below the screen on the videophone. Misty: Why? Prof. Oak: I’m going to install the circuit into your Pokédex for free. Misty: Wow! For free? Prof. Oak: Only because you’re friends with Ash. And because this is the greatest invention since the walkie talkie! Misty: (sweatdrops) Yeah, go on and believe that, professor. Misty takes her blue Pokédex out of her satchel and puts it into the slot. A blue screen with the words “Processing Transmission” appear on the screen. After a few seconds, the Pokédex pops out. Misty takes it and examines it. Misty: Funny, it doesn’t look any different. Prof. Oak: It doesn’t? That’s good, it’s not supposed to. Misty: So how does it work? Prof. Oak: Well, you can start by putting the start-up disk into the Pokédex. Misty: What disk? Prof. Oak: The one I’m sending you right now. A disk pops out of the slot on the videophone. Prof. Oak: Now insert in into the slot on your Pokédex. Misty: Okay, done. Now what? Prof. Oak: The installation program should start up immediately. Follow the instructions on the screen, and let me know when you’re done. It should only take a minute or two. Misty began pushing buttons on her Pokédex, and after a short wait, she finishes. On the screen of her Pokédex is a message stating that installation was complete and a four digit number and her password. Misty: Done. But what’s this four digit number doing here? Prof. Oak: That’s your call number. Sort of a user name. It’s what other trainers will dial to reach you. Misty: So how do I get to talk to Ash? Prof. Oak: All right, first call up the program. Then, a menu with a list of options should appear. Select option one, since you want to contact another trainer. A new menu comes up, and so press one again, since you don’t know Ash’s call number. It’ll then give you a list of cities. Since Ash received his Pokédex here in Pallet, you need to find Pallet on the listings, then enter the three digit code listed next to it. It’ll then bring up a list of all the trainers who have the chip and can be reached through the system. Just click on the name, and it’ll give you the trainer’s call number. It’ll ask if it should automatically dial it, and press one to accept. That’s all there is to it! Misty: Okay, I think I got it all. Thanks, Professor Oak! Prof. Oak: You’re welcome, Misty. Good luck! The professor hangs up the phone, and Misty places the receiver back on the videophone. Then, following the professor’s instructors, attempts to call Ash. A screen is projected from the Pokédex, as Misty hears a dial tone, as the Pokédex attempts to connect. Somewhere on Route 22. Ash, TJ, and Pikachu have stopped for the night, and have set up camp by a lake. The two young boys were in the lake, taking a bath and playing around at the same time. Pikachu stayed out of the water, for risk of electrocuting them both, but watched by the edge to make sure they weren’t in any danger. Unknown to any of them, a blue light begins to flash on Ash’s Pokédex, which is located in Ash’s jacket. After blinking eight times, though, the blinking stops. Back in Vermillion City... Misty: Oh, Ash must not have his Pokédex with him. I hope he’s not in trouble? Arius: Misty, there you are! Misty turns around to see Arius running in, tired. Arius: According to the note you left, we were supposed to meet at five o’ clock at the stadium. Misty: (putting her Pokédex back in her satchel) Sorry. I was waiting for Psyduck to get healed. The light above the emergency room turns from red to green, but the only figure that steps out when the door opens is Nurse Joy. Misty runs up to her, worried. Misty: Where’s Psyduck? Joy: Don’t worry, Psyduck’s been placed in room number five, around the corner. It’ll be fine, but to be on the safe side, I’d like to request that it stay the night for observation. Misty: Sure. Arius: Hey, Misty! If we hurry, we might still be able to get a seat in the upper deck. Misty: No thanks. Arius: Are you sure? Misty: (waves Arius off) Yeah. I just want to make sure that Psyduck’s okay. Arius: All right, then. I’ll see you in the hotel later. Misty: (head bowed) Yeah, I’ll be there. Arius shrugs his shoulders and leaves. Nurse Joy begins to stare at Misty in a strange way, and it’s not until Misty looks up that she notices it. Misty: What are you staring at, Nurse Joy? Joy: Well, I’m guessing you didn’t like the boy you brought here last time, so you dumped him and got this new guy as your boyfriend. Misty: I didn’t dump Ash! Joy: So, you’re in love with Ash and this new guy! Misty: Look, I’m not in love with either of them! Misty stomps off to Psyduck’s room. Nurse Joy was about to chase after her to apologize, but was sidetracked when another trainer came in with an injured Pokémon. Meanwhile, Misty had calmed down by the time she reached Psyduck. She entered the room and saw her Pokémon resting peacefully on the bed. She walks up to the side of the bed and stares at Psyduck’s seemingly lifeless body. Misty: Psyduck, I shouldn’t have let you battle in your condition. It wouldn’t have happened this way if I would have been a better trainer. I promise to make it up to you, if you’ll help me win that Thunder Badge tomorrow. Misty kisses Psyduck on the cheek, which instantly wakes the Pokémon up. Psyduck screams its head off, causing Misty to do the same because of the shock! Psyduck: Psyduck! Psyduck! Psy-yi-duck? Misty: (picking up a chair) You stupid Pokémon! Don’t ever do that again! Psyduck instantly fell back asleep. Misty put the chair back down, and calmly and quietly began to leave the room. Misty: (while closing the door) Don’t worry, Psyduck, I’ll make it up to you tomorrow. Misty left the Pokémon Center without seeing Nurse Joy. Tired, she went back to the inn... That night, Misty was wide awake in bed, thinking about Psyduck. Arius was sleeping on the floor, in his sleeping bag (Misty refused to share the bed with Arius, and he didn’t dare to try and persuade her otherwise. Unable to sleep, she got out of bed, wearing a long blue nightgown, and she stared out the window at the stars. Misty: (sighs) I miss the old gang. Traveling on the road isn’t the same without Ash, Pikachu, or Brock. Even I wouldn’t have imagined how exciting that year on the road was. Short, but I wouldn’t mind going through it all again. If only they were here... Misty continues to stare at the stars. The song “My Best Friends” begins to play in the background. Several groups of images become apparent in the sky. The first group consisted of how it all began, how Ash and Pikachu met, their wild run-in with Misty, their battle with Brock, and all the other memories that kept the quartet the best of friends. The second group consisted of all of the people they met on their journey, including A.J. and his Sandshrew, Suzie, the Pokémon breeder, Mikey and his brothers in Stone Town, and others. The third and final group consisted of the moments that tested the group’s friendship, including the parting of Butterfree, how Pikachu almost left to be with his own type, the discovery of the Mysterious Garden, where Bulbasaurs evolve into Ivysaurs, and other memories. The final two lines of the song implanted in Misty’s brain as she snuck back into bed and off to sleep... All the times that we have been through, You will always be my best friends. The following morning, Misty and Psyduck were in an open meadow just outside the city. Following a training program that Misty had seen in a magazine once, the duo began running, conversing, practicing, eating, and becoming best of friends. When Misty accidentally captured Psyduck, Psyduck had tried to please Misty, but to no avail. But now that the two were working together, they managed to get past one big obstacle. Unfortunately, another waited at the Pokémon Gym that afternoon... Misty: (opening the door) Lt. Surge, I’m here for a rematch! Lt. Surge: Well, if you say so, but if you’re planning to use that Psyduck again, then you’re wasting my time. Misty: Oh yeah? My Psyduck’s gone under some special training, and this time, it’s ready to battle! Lt. Surge: If you say so. Raichu, time for another match! Raichu ran out of nowhere, and followed Lt. Surge to their end of the stadium. Misty and Psyduck lined up on the end closest to them, as they began to work out their strategy. Announcer: This is an official Pokémon League Gym Battle. The gym leader, Lt. Surge, has chosen Raichu. The challenger, Misty Waterflower, has chosen Psyduck. This will be a one-on-one match, with no time limit. Let the battle begin! The bell rings, and the match is underway. Lt. Surge: Raichu, thunder shock! Raichu: Raichu! Misty: Psyduck, just dodge until you get enough power to use your psychic attacks! Psyduck: Psyduck! Psyduck dodged Raichu’s thunder attack. Frustrated, Raichu continues to try and hit Psyduck, but to no avail. Lt. Surge: How can that Psyduck avoid Raichu’s attacks? Well, it won’t avoid this one. (to Raichu) Raichu, thunder! Raichu: (charging up) Raiiiiiicccchhhhhuuuuu! Misty: Psyduck, look out! Psyduck was hit hard by the explosive thunder. It falls to the ground, singed. Misty: Psyduck! Lt. Surge: Looks like I win again! Good work, Raichu. I’ll make sure you...what? Psyduck gets up, slightly singed, but pretty angry. Misty: Ha! You shouldn’t have done that! Lt. Surge: Well this time, that Psyduck won’t come back. Thunder, Raichu! Raichu: (charging up as before) Raaaaaiiiiiiiccccchhhuuuuuu! Misty: Psyduck, disable attack! Psyduck: Psyyyyyyyyy-duck! Raichu is unable to perform its attack. Lt. Surge gasps in surprise. Misty flashes a quick smile before focusing her attention back on the battle. Misty: Okay, Psyduck, give it your confusion attack! Raichu is psychically thrown from one side to the other. It’s weakened by the attack, but it still has a lot of fight in it, until... Misty: Time to get that Thunder Badge! Psyduck, fury swipes! Psyduck: Psy-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi! Psyduck slashes at Raichu, who tries to get off one last thunder bolt. A smoke screen forms as a results. When the dust finally settled, both Pokémon were on the ground, barely hanging on. Lt. Surge: Raichu! Hang in there! Misty: Psyduck, get up! The two Pokémon struggle to get to their feet. Raichu is the first to try, and it falls flat on its face, knocking it out. Psyduck was struggling to get up. Misty: Come on, Psyduck, if you can get on your two webfeet, then we win! Psyduck places its paws on the ground, as it tries to right itself. First, the left side, then the right side. After about three long minutes of watching Psyduck’s struggling, the duck Pokémon finally gets up, exhausted, but at least still conscious. Misty: (running up and hugging Psyduck) Psyduck! You did it! Psyduck: Psy-duck? Lt. Surge tends to Raichu. Using a revive, the electric Pokémon gets up, licks its wounds, then goes over to Psyduck and starts cheering it on. Of course, this confuses Psyduck. Raichu: Rai-rai-rai-rai-chu! Psyduck: Psyduck? Psy-duck! Lt. Surge heads over to Misty, and pulls out a Thunder Badge from his vest. Lt. Surge: Congratulations on your victory, Misty! And here’s a Thunder Badge to prove that you successfully defeated me and my Raichu in battle. Misty: Thanks, Lt. Surge! But I couldn’t have done it without Psyduck! Lt. Surge: That must be some Psyduck. I’ve never seen one battle so well before. Misty: Well, it took a lot of training on both our parts. Lt. Surge: Well, I’ve always wanted a second Pokémon around to help out in battles, since Raichu is getting a little old. How about it, Misty? Can I have your Psyduck? Misty: Sorry, Lt. Surge, but Psyduck and I are inseparable. Psyduck: Psy-duck. Lt. Surge: Okay, then. Tell your friend Ash that I’ll be watching him on the tube at the tournament! Misty: (waving goodbye) I will! Thanks! Outside, Arius was waiting for Misty. She recalled Psyduck before stepping out of the gym. Arius: So, Misty, how did it go? Misty: Well, it was a tough battle, but I finally got my own Thunder Badge! Arius: Nice to see you so happy after all that hard work. (grabbing Misty’s hand) Now let’s go! Misty: Go? Go where? Arius: Misty, you’re not going to believe what happened to me this morning! Narrator: And so, Arius leads Misty onward, but to where? And with Misty and Psyduck now the best of friends, does that mean that she’ll use Psyduck more in battle? Only time will tell... To be continued... *********************************************************************************************** *********** What did you think about this chapter? Any ideas on what to add to this story? E-mail me! *********************************************************************************************** *********** Upcoming Stories: “Three Short Stories” - Just exactly what it says. Three short stories featuring Brock, Team Rocket, and a new female character that I’m creating for my fanfics. (Coming in November) Pokémon League Bound - Episode 2: “The Sly Butterfree” - Ash is almost at the Indigo Plateau, but then he meets up with the female trainer that Professor Oak told him about earlier. Who’s the better trainer? Stick around for the answer...(Coming in November) Misty’s Travels to the Pokémon League - Episode 4: “Misty’s Great Catch” - Misty and Arius head for Puerta Vista, where Misty looks to find some water Pokémon to catch. But then she finds an abandoned Pokémon egg, and decides to keep it. What kind of Pokémon is inside? (Coming in November)