Pokemon Moonlight Silver (COMPLETE!!!)

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf;

Episode 29: Blame It on the Rain

As the group arrived in a small forested area, where a modest house stood, a brown haired girl ran to meet them. "Are you looking for someone?" she asked.

"We're looking for someone named Kurt...do you know where he is?" Misty asked.

The girl smiled. "Yeah--Kurt's my grandad! He came home in a hurry just a little while ago, but when I has him what was wrong, he said something terrible happened at Slowpoke Well, and was going there to find out what that something terrible was. I hope he's okay..."

"We'll go help your grandad, okay?" Ash offered.

"You will?" Thanks!" the girl smiled. She waved goodbye as the group departed.

After retracing their steps back to the well, Ash led the way underground, with Brock not far behind. "Remember, stay together, as appealing as splitting up may sound." Brock cautioned as the three friends carefully climbed below the ground into the crystalline cave.

"Is someone there?" a familiar voice groaned in the distance. "I need help..."

Misty recognized a prone pink form on the ground. "Our rescuer from before!"

Ash hurried over to the man's side. "Hey...as thanks for helping us before, we want to help you in return." he assured the man.

"Can you tell us what happened here?" Misty asked as Brock examined the costumed man for injuries.

"I saw two hoodlums in a tank-like machine chasing the Slowpoke, laughing with glee as the sharp points cut their tails." the man weakly explained. "I yelled at them to stop, but they fancied me a large Slowpoke, and chased after me. Try as I might to get away, I tripped on a rock and hurt my back...and here I am."

"You guys go on ahead, I'll take care of our friend here." Brock began as he retrieved some medicine from his bag.

"Got it!" Misty replied as she and Ash hurried off into the deeper reaches of the cave.

---------

Great--Team Rocket's followed me here to Johto to cause even more trouble! Ash grumbled to himself as he followed Misty through the glittering cave. They likely won't rest until they have Tintri, but they're not gonna get him! I would gladly give my life for him if I had to, but he doesn't deserve to be the pet of a gang of criminals!

When he and Misty arrived in the largest room of the gave, he balked when he saw Team Rocket capturing more Slowpoke with nets. "Okay, Team Rocket! If you're gonna cut the Slowpoke tails, you're gonna have to answer to me!"

[Yeah!] Tintri agreed.

"You realize that the floor of the cave is wet, twerp?" James shot back. "So any electric attacks will shock the Slowpoke too."

"Then I'll just fight water with water!" Ash retorted before heaving a Poke Ball skyward. "River, I choose you!"

[Leave it to me!] River smiled as she emerged in a flash of light. [I may not look it, but I can lift heavy things like this tank!]

With that, she nimbly hoisted the tank in her paws, and heaved it into the air, Team Rocket screaming all the while. [Whoa--you weren't kidding when you said you could lift heavy stuff!] Tintri gasped in amazement.

A hiss of an approaching missile snapped him to attention. [River! Watch out!]

[AUUUUUUUUUGH!!!!] River screamed as the missile sent her flying across the cave, landing at Ash's feet. [Ash...I'm sorry...] was all she could say before she fainted.

The whir of the tank moving got Misty's attention. "There! They're trying to escape by digging a tunnel into the floor!" she called, pointing out the tank attempting to drill through the floor.

Just then, Brock arrived. "I have our rescuer stabilized--did I miss anything?"

"Team Rocket knocked River out with a missile, and now they're digging a hole in the floor." Misty reported. "We have to hold them off somehow."

Ash watched, bemused, as the remaining Slowpoke all stood up and began to walk out of the cave. "Weird...where are the Slowpoke going?"

"Let's follow them and see!" Brock led the way outside, making sure not to lose the Slowpokes in the winding tunnels.

They emerged on the edge of the cliff that surrounded the well, where all the Slowpokes were gathering. Once all the Slowpokes had arrived, they started yawning, which made the sky cloud up!

"By Arceus...it's raining!" Misty gasped as sure enough, rain began falling.

"It's coming down hard--let's get up on the well's roof." Brock suggested before helping the man up first, then climbing up himself. Ash followed Brock, and Misty brought up the rear.

From their position atop the roof, the group watched as water poured into the cave and down into the tunnel that Team Rocket had attempted to dig. After a few tense moments, the tank was washed out of the tunnel, cracked in two.

Ash grinned as he saw Team Rocket crawl out of the wrecked tank. "Fire when ready, pardner."

[AI-YAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!] Tintri screeched as he unleashed a Thunder attack, which was made even more powerful by the rain.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off AGAIN!!!!" the Rockets cried as the tank and its occupants went flying into the stormy skies with a ping.

Brock smiled, relieved that all was well again. "I wonder if there's any truth to the tale of the Slowpoke making it rain..."

"I'd like to think so." Ash smiled. "You've said it before--there's a grain of truth to every story."

"Your friend's right--the world is full of mysteries indeed." the man agreed. "Let's get back to town."

---------

Back in town, cheers filled the air as the river rushed by and the crops recovered. "...this young man and his friends have shown great character, and meant no harm to the Slowpokes before--they were travelers, and unaware of the rule against harming them." the man explained to the townsfolk. "Can you find it in your hearts to forgive an accident?"

"If they saved our town, we forgive them wholeheartedly!" the woman from before replied, to cheers from the crowd..

"How would you three like a tour of Azalea Town?" the man offered. "As thanks for your help."

"We'd love to, but we have to find Kurt--Ash was interested in seeing some of his handmade Poke Balls." Misty explained.

The group balked as the man removed his costume to reveal a dull teal kimono-like outfit. "I am Kurt, and he is me."

He smiled. "At the very least, I can give you some lodging at the house--I hope Maizie's all right..."

"She was worried about you--but at least now we can tell her you're okay!" Ash smiled, relieved that at least for now, all was well in the world.

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

Interlude: Plans and Dreams


"I can't even begin to thank you after what you did for me back there..." Kurt smiled. It had been a few days since the drought in the Azalea Town had ended, and no one was more relieved than Ash. "But considering how i saved you from the angry townsfolk, I guess we're even."

He noticed Maizie looking up at him. "Would you mind telling me why the three of you travel?"

"I'm hoping to win the Johto League!" Ash confidently replied.

Kurt just smiled. "And I believe you will, with your brave Pokemon--I'm sure Bugsy would be happy to battle you."

"Bugsy?" Misty swallowed hard at the prospect of seeing bugs.

"Misty's a little leery around some kinds of bugs." Brock explained. "Pretty bugs, like Butterfree and Ledyba are okay, but anything that bites or stings and she will use you as a shield." Misty blushed a little at this.

Kurt just chuckled. "I'm sure she would be fine around Mariposa, Bugsy's Beautifly companion--he got her on an expedition to the Houen region."

"I see..." Ash mused before reading up on the exotic Pokemon:

"Beautifly, the butterfly Pokemon. Vibrantly patterned wings are its most prominent feature. It sucks sweet flower nectar with its long mouth."

"Wow!" Misty gasped, awed by the exotic Pokemon's colorful wings. "So pretty!"

"Remember 'Legendary Idol Kochou'? Brock reminded Misty. "And Niji the Beautifly?"

"One of my favorite TV shows!" Maizie raved before singing There's a melody playin', on the radio, there's a melody playin', soft and sweet and low, there's a melody playin', I don't know what to do....

There's a melody playin', and it makes me think of you! Ash joined in, to some laughter.

"Can't you do Kochou's voice?" Misty asked Ash.

"Yeah--but I have to warm up first, or else I'll crack." Ash confessed.

Misty decided to turn the conversation back to its initial topic. "I'm hoping to compete in a water Pokethlon."

"And I'm competing in the Pokemon Lore Stage." Brock explained, proudly showing off his cloud patches and red stripe.

"Where's all the other colors?" Maizie asked.

"I have to earn the other six by telling some good stories." Brock explains. "If you make a rainbow, you get to tell for the Pokemon League."

Maizie smiled. "I hope you all achieve your goals! I want you to win the League..." she told Ash. "...and I want you to be the best water Pokethlete..." she told Misty.

She looked over at Brock. "But I hope you make your rainbow, and tell your stories for the best trainers in the world!" Brock just blushed a little, flattered he had a fan.

"If you need to call anyone and update them on your progress, the phone is over there." Kurt began, pointing out a phone by the PC.

"Thanks!" Ash hurried to the phone and wasted no time in dialing Prof. Oak's number.

Misty and Brock joined Ash around the phone as it flashed "DIALING" on the screen. After a few tense moments, the image of Oak in his lab appeared on the screen. "Hello?"

"Hi, professor--we made it to Azalea Town." Ash began. "We're staying with this guy named Kurt."

"Really?" Prof. Oak was interested. "You picked a good person to stay with--Kurt makes a living making special Poké Balls using Apricorns."

"Apricorns?" Ash was interested.

Prof. Oak nodded. "Apricorns are special fruits that are native to the Johto region. They appear to be related to Berries, although more research is needed."

He smiled. "Maybe if you ask very nicely, he might make some for you all."

He then noticed the clock on the wall. "Oh my, look at the time! This week I'll find out if Kelly confesses her feelings to Nicholas or not! Gotta go!" With that, the call ended.

Misty sighed. "The professor loves his soap operas..."

"And woe betide the person that makes him miss a week." Brock agreed. "Never mind it's the same old plot recycled a million times over."

Ash meanwhile, found Kurt at his workbench. "Would you please make me and my friends some Poké Balls?"

"Sure!" Kurt replied. "You bring me some Apricorns from the groves, and I'll make you all the Poke Balls you want."

"I'll take our guests to see the Apricorn trees back behind the house, Grandad!" Maizie volunteered before motioning for the group to follow her to a forested area that was accessible from the back yard...

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf;

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...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf;

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...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf;

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...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf;

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..." Bock 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...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf;

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...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf;

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 explains. "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 decides 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 replay 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...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf;

@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, If 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 Squritle.

"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...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf;

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...