Pokemon Shine Diamond

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 26: Some Enchanted Sweetening

"Up next is Eterna City..." Brock began as the group made their way down a road some days later. "Nestled deep within a forest, it is known as 'the town that ties the past to the present.' This is due to the immense number of historical landmarks there."

"You could learn quite a lot of stories there." Dawn smiled as the group approached a signpost. "Eterna Forest, the place where time stands still--one mile.

"We're getting close..." Ash mused as he led the way into the forest. "I'm sure there's plenty of lore in here Brock could learn..."

"They say an old house that is supposedly haunted lies somewhere in the forest..." Dawn began. "That, and if you want to evolve your Eevees to Leafeon, several Moss Rocks lie here. But trying to get an Espeon or Umbreon here won't work. The forest does live up to its nickname."

"This must be a Moss Rock..." Ash grinned as the group passed by a large rock covered in moss.

He was snapped to attention by the noise of battle in the distance. After motioning for Dawn and Brock to follow him, he followed the sounds to a clearing. He peeked through the brush to see a woman in green battling what looked like a leafy Pokemon with a Chansey.

"Emina, use Attract!" he heard the woman say.

The odd bug Pokemon gained heart eyes, prompting the woman to cheer. "Don't you have to attack a Pokémon to make sure you catch it?" Dawn asked.

"I think that's how it works..." Ash replied.

Inspired, the woman called "Okay, Emina, use Doubleslap on the Burmy!"

Ash decided to read up on the woman's target as the battle raged on:

"Burmy, the bagworm Pokemon. To shelter itself from cold, wintry winds, it covers itself with a cloak made of twigs and leaves."

"Fascinating!" Dawn smiled as the woman heaved a Poke Ball at her target.

"They're also known to nest in people's beds. Once they infest a house, good luck getting them out." Brock cautioned. "This is why people do Burmy checks even at nice hotels."

He noticed the woman approaching them. "Thank you all for helping me get a male Burmy." she smiled. "I have three Wormadam already, and I needed a male."

"Can we see your Wormadams?" Dawn asked.

"Sure!" With that, the woman heaved three Poke Balls to the sky. "Jada, Sandra, Rosa, come on out!"

Dawn admired the three beautiful moth-like Pokemon. "I see...you named them based on what cloak they had when they evolved."

"So why did you need a boy?" Ash wondered.

"I wanted the end result to be a Mothim; since I have the three forms of Wormadam already." the woman replied.

"What's so wonderful about Mothim?" Now Ash was curious.

"Oh, listen to me blathering on without even introducing myself." the woman smiled. "My name is Cheryl, and I'm a treasure hunter by trade. My grandpa amassed a huge collection of treasures from across the world. One of the few he never could find was the Miele Dorato, or Golden Honey. It is said that the Miele Dorato is sweeter than any other honey in the world."

"We'll be happy to help!" Ash offered. Dawn and Brock nodded in agreement.

"Okay, Mr. Loremaster--what are some tales you know that involve food or treasure?" Dawn asked.

"Let's see here..." Brock thought for a moment. "Far away from here stood a town populated by living food. Mayor Mushroom looked after the town and its daily operations. Miss Tamato managed his mail and planned events. But all the food looked forward to visits from Cheddar the minstrel."

Cheryl giggled in bemusement as she pictured the whimsical town. "One spring, Mr. and Mrs. Eggplant welcomed their first child. The whole town turned out to give gifts and their well wishes." Brock explained. "Mayor Mushroom had asked everyone to bring a meal so Mrs. Eggplant would not need to cook."

"A smart idea." Cheryl smiled.

"Everyone had agreed, but Mr. Carrot panicked." Brock went on. "He didn't know how to make anything the Eggplants would like, and most of what he tried to cook was terrible. Mr. Tofu had gone into town to try and make something organic and all natural for the Eggplants. But not one of the stalls he checked sold organic ingredients. Mr. Cinnamon had been mobbed by girls because of his sweet smell. The list of problems--or excuses, depending on who you asked--grew longer..."

---------

"...The Talonflame flew away, and soon came back with Leviathan's heart." Brock wound down another tale some time later. "Destrian cut it in two with his magical sword. Then he went to the cave, still invisible. Leviathan was now vulnerable, for his heart had been found and killed. Destrian killed him with his sword."

Tintri and Kori cheered at Leviathan's demise. "Then he removed his magical coat and showed himself to the girls who sat in the cave." Brock explained. "He brought them all back to the palace and their husbands came and claimed them."

He went on "The king gave Destrian a large house close to his castle. There Destrian and his wife Princess Perla lived happily. Destrian also sent for his mother, and brought her to live with him and his wife."

Cheryl listened as Brock concluded "The years passed, and when the king died, he left all his money and possessions to Destrian. Destrian ascended to the throne, and was king of all the land. He lived to be very old, and he did many wonderful deeds with the sword, the shoes, and the cloak."

He smiled "But that is another story for another day!"

Cheryl's applause was the most enthusiastic. "Bravo! That was exciting! You have a nose for lore like I do treasure!"

Dawn gasped when she saw a white glow. "Is that..."

Ash noticed the male Burmy glowing. "It is!"

Brock smiled as the Burmy transformed into an orange and red moth Pokemon. "I think I inspired this Burmy to evolve..."

[Oh, you did!] the Mothim chittered. [I want to be a brave hero, like in the tales you tell!]

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 27a: The Grass-type is Always Greener! (part 1)

"Okay, Kaikoga...our destination is the Amber Castle, okay?" Cheryl assured her Mothim. She pointed out an orange-colored castle-like drawing on the map.

Kaikoga chittered in reply, and flew off to the north. "Hey, wait!" Dawn called as the group followed the orange and red moth-Pokemon through the brush.

When the group emerged in a clearing some moments later, Ash recognized the flowers and trees in the area. "This place looks familiar..."

Cheryl smiled at Kaikoga, a Caterpie, and a Ledyba licking a orange gold liquid that dripped down a tree trunk. "This was the tree I slathered honey on earlier."

Brock noticed the sunlight fading from the trees. "It's getting late, guys...what say we make camp here for tonight?"

"Good idea!" Dawn agreed as the group hurried to find their tents...

---------


When the group departed the next morning, Cheryl noticed Kaikoga was chattering with excitement. "What is it?" she asked the Mothim whirling through the air.

She gasped when she felt something wrapped around her foot. "Whoa!"

"Cheryl?" Dawn hurried up close to a tree, where Cheryl was hanging by a vine. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah...but unless you guys have a way to get me down, we'll be hanging out here for a while." Cheryl grumbled.

"Gaia, cut Cheryl free with Razor Leaf!" Ash heaved a Poke Ball skyward.

Cheryl heard her bindings snapping, then tumbled into Brock's arms. "Oof!"

"You were expecting the hard ground?" Brock smiled as he looked Cheryl over for injuries, unaware of the many Kakunas clattering to the forest floor.

"I'm okay..." Cheryl assured Brock. "I do thank you for catching me, though."

She heard Kaikoga squawking in the distance. "Okay, we're coming!" she assured her Mothim as the group hurried to catch up to the moth Pokemon...

---------

The group caught up to Kaikoga near a group of shrubs some time later. "What is it?" Cheryl asked the Mothim as it observed a brown haired woman observing a plant Pokemon Ash remembered as Gloom.

"You think she set that vine trap before?" Ash asked as he watched the woman write something.

"No...she looks friendlier than a Team Galactic goon." Dawn replied.

She gasped as the Gloom leaped over the group, spraying a sickly yellow gas as it ran. "Oh, ew!" Dawn gasped as she pulled her shirt over her face to block the nasty smell.

"Not a smell I'd prefer to remember!" Ash agreed before he too pulled his shirt over his face.

"Makes me wish I still had my AirPak from Houen!" Brock gasped as he too struggled to block the horrible smell.

The woman sighed in defeat. "Aw...I couldn't catch that Gloom..."

She gasped when she spotted Gaia by Ash's side. "Aw, what a cute Budew!"

"Thanks..." Ash smiled. "My friends found her wandering in Oreburgh City, and it didn't seem to have an owner, so I claimed her."

He offered his hand to the woman. "I'm Ash, and these are my companions Dawn and Brock; and our guide, Cheryl.

"Nice to meet you." the woman smiled she she shook hands with Ash. My name's Gardenia--I'm the Gym Leader of Eterna City."

Ash sighed as he heard a familiar guitar playing a reggae groove. "Of all the times for Brock to sing..."

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep... Brock sang, much to Gardenia's bemusement.

Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true
Saying', this is my message to you...

[Go deliver that message somewhere else!] Kage snapped, creating a discordant Eb chord as he dragged Brock off.

Gardenia just laughed at Brock's pained look. "Aw, I was kinda enjoying that!"

She turned business-like again. "Fancy a match out here in nature?"

"Sure!" Ash smiled. "It'll be great practice for our real match in the Gym!"

"But, what about--!" Dawn protested.

"Let them battle--I could use the break." Cheryl smiled as Brock hurried to draw a Poke Ball in the underbrush...

---------

"Ugh, where are they?" Mars sighed as she and Jupiter trudged through the brush. "Couldn't they have made a trail marker or something we could follow?"

"Like the boss always says, don't lose the trail once you find it." Jupiter began. "We're bound to find hat-boy's trail sooner or--!"

Mars gasped as Jupiter tripped on a Kakuna, falling into the brush. "You okay?"

"Ow..." Jupiter winced as she gingerly stood up. "I tripped on a Kakuna..."

Mars swallowed hard as the Kakuna Jupiter tripped on and some others on the ground all started to glow. "I have a bad feeling about this..."

"RUN!!!!" Jupiter called as the new Beedrill swarm took flight...

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 27b: The Grass-type is Always Greener! (part 2)


The sound of a referee's whistle rang through the forest, signalling that the match between Gardenia and Ash was underway. "Sakura, let's go!" Gardenia called as she revealed a cherry-like Pokemon before Ash and Diddy.

"Looks cute..." Dawn decided to read up on what Gardenia had summoned:

"Cherubi, the cherry Pokemon. The small ball holds the nutrients needed for evolution. Apparently, it is very sweet and tasty."

She looked up to see the Cherubi running to avoid Diddy's fiery charge. "Come on, Ash!" she called.

Gardenia watched for a moment, then called "Sakura, return."

"Huh?" Ash asked as Diddy's attack fizzled out. "What was that for?"

"Your Chimchar is very powerful." Gardenia explained. "He put his heart and soul into all he did, just like you. Your hearts burn with the brightest fire, to burn away the weeds of evil, sadness, and despair..."

I see..she was analyzing Diddy's abilities. Brock thought as Gardenia waxed poetic on Diddy for a moment.

He was about to tell Gardenia to hurry when Gardenia tossed another Poké Ball skyward. "Peony, here we go!"

Dawn recognized the small turtle-like Pokemon Gardenia had summoned. "A Turtwig!"

Ash was unfazed by his opponent's move. "Time to go full throttle into this match! Let's show off some speed with a Flame Charge!"

He balked as Peony dodged at the last second. "Okay...let's try that again. Flame Charge!"

Peony leaped away from the charging Chimchar, sending Diddy crashing into a tree. "Okay, Peony! Use Leech Seed!" Gardenia commanded.

All Ash could do was watch as the dull green seeds sprouted on his Chimchar, rendering him helpless. Peony next used a powerful Tackle, sending Diddy crashing against a tree. [Ash...she was too...strong...]

"Wow--Peony was faster than Diddy!" Dawn was impressed.

"She didn't move much, but when she did, Peony outpaced Diddy by a lot." Brock agreed.

He looked over at Ash. "Make your next selection, Diamond."

"Estrella, I choose you!" Ash called. The type advantage and flying speed should overcome Gardenia's Turtwig!

"Eh-streh-yah!" Brock correcting him snapped him from his thoughts.

"Start with Wing Attack!" Ash called.

But no matter how many attacks Estrella fired, Peony dodged every last one. [Got any better ideas? Wing Attack isn't working...] Estrella wheezed.

Ash growled in frustration. "Okay, Estrella, new plan. Let's try Aerial Ace--I know that attack is unavoidable!"

He watched in amazement as Peony jumped at the last moment. Estrella went crashing into the bushes some moments later. "Wha...how?" he gasped as Estrella recovered and circled around to try again.

But no one expected Peony to pummel Estrella with Leaf Storm, pinning Estrella to a tree. "Diamond is unable to battle--Pearl wins!" Brock announced.

Tintri nudged Ash as Cheryl and Gardenia talked for a moment. [Even I'm amazed at this Gardenia lady's Pokemon.] he explained. [I know, it hurts to lose.]

"Yeah--this hurts even more because I thought I had an advantage against her." Ash explained as he went to collect Estrella.

[We've beat hard opponents before, and we can do it again!] Tintri smiled. [With a little help from my Super Shocking Special Training!]

A smile formed on Ash's face. "Great idea, Tintri! Your special training hasn't failed me yet!"

---------

"...and so they agreed to help me search for the Miele Dorato." Cheryl finished explaining to Gardenia some time later. "My grandfather wanted so much to find this special honey, but could not. So I want to find it myself and complete what he could not." Brock finishing an intricate melody on his guitar punctuated her point.

"I see..." Gardenia smiled. "All the Combee colonies in the forest are connected. I know a spot where Combee gather to form a massive colony known as the Golden Wall."

She smiled at Brock. "There are actually a few folktales in this area about the Miele Dorato and the Golden Wall. Interested in learning a few?"

"I would be honored." Brock replied as he worked out an improvised melody in A major.

"Okay...two princes once went out in search of adventure. But they got so wrapped up in wine, women, and song, they never returned home." Gardenia began over the guitar. "The youngest--we'll call him Jake--set out to find his brothers..."

---------

"Ow..." Mars winced at the many wounds covered in Band-Aids all over her and Jupiter. "The sooner we find that special honey, the better!"

"They say honey has healing properties, so who am I to think this special honey is a powerful medicine?" Jupiter agreed.

Mars was about to answer when she spotted the group approaching where they were standing. "I see Hat-boy and pals! Let's ambush them!"

"Come on, Leona..." Mars motioned for her Purugly to join Jupiter and Noctis in the bushes.

Neither admin expected Gardenia to peek in the bushes some moments later. "Wow! What's a Skuntank doing here in the bushes?"

"Noctis was...looking to find some medicine for all these Beedrill stings my partner and I got yesterday." Jupiter lied as she and Mars emerged from the brush.

"Would you like to trade?" Gardenia smiled. "I have many fine Pokemon to offer!"

"N-no thanks..." Jupiter stammered, a little unnerved by Gardenia's enthusiasm. "I'm happy with Noctis."

"Gardenia, you realize you're talking with an admin of Team Galactic?" Ash hissed.

"Team Galactic member or not, someone that raises powerful Pokemon can't be all bad." Gardenia replied, causing everyone's mouths to drop open."

"Jupiter...come in Jupiter." Mars whispered, waving a hand in front of Jupiter's unnerved face.

She grimaced in annoyance. "Leona, use Bite!"

"Aw, a kitty-Pokemon!" Ash heard Gardenia cry.

"Gardenia, wait!" Brock leaped into Leona's path and pushed Gardenia away. Dawn crashed on top of him some moments later.

"Errrgh...Noctis, use Poison Fang!" Jupiter commanded, annoyed that Gardenia had stymied Mars' attempt at wounding the group.

"Peony, teach these Galactic goons a lesson!" Gardenia called as she summoned her Turtwig.

Jupiter watched in shock as Peony bit Noctis' tail, then threw him into the brush. "If her Turtwig's that strong, I'd hate to see what other powerful Pokemon she's got!"

"We'll deal with you later, Hat-boy!" Mars called before she and Jupiter fled into the forest.

---------

"Thanks, Gardenia...you saved our skins." Cheryl smiled. "Arceus hoping we don't find those Galactic goons again."

"Aw, it was nothin'!" Gardenia smiled. "I know a strong Pokemon when I see one."

She looked over at a Nuzleaf running to meet her. After reading over the note the leafy humanoid Pokemon carried, she turned to leave. "I'm gonna have to leave you--I'm needed back in the city."

"Thanks, Gardenia!" Ash waved as Gardenia departed. "I hope to battle you for a Badge soon!"

Dawn spotted a Combee flying around a flower patch Kaikoga was studying. "Follow that Combee! It could lead us to the Golden Wall!"

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 28: An Angry Combee-nation!


"Keep the Combee and Kaikoga in view!" Ash instructed as the group dashed after a Combee.

Dawn decided to read up on the tiny bee Pokemon, looking up at the Mothim all the while:

"Combee, the tiny bee Pokemon. This Pokémon is a set of three. When they sleep, they gather up and form a giant hive of 100 Combee or more."

"Neat." she smiled as the group arrived in a grove of large red flowers. "What are these?"

"Those are Pomeg Berry flowers." Cheryl explained. "Combee are said to love Pomeg nectar."

"We must be on the right track..." Ash mused as he looked around for any sign of the Combee. "But we've lost our Combee..."

"Easy way to find it again--follow the Pomeg flowers." Brock assured Ash.

He was about to rally the group when Kaikoga chittered to get the group's attention. "What is it, Kaikoga?" Dawn asked.

She gasped as a huge swarm of Combee emerged from a bush. "That has to be the Golden Wall! Come on!"

The group wound their way through the forest underbrush. They emerged near a waterfall with many Combee walls flying nearby. "Okay...which one of all these is the Golden Wall?" Ash wondered.

Tintri noticed Kaikoga flying off towards the waterfall. [Cardinal rule of RPGs--there's always good stuff behind a waterfall!] he smiled. With that, he hopped across some rocks to the bank.

"That's true." Ash smiled as he followed Tintri across the river. Dawn followed him, then Brock, and Cheryl brought up the rear.

Brock gasped when he spotted a cave behind the waterfall. "Speak of Darkrai...the Amber Castle has to be there."

"Failing that, there's a dungeon for us to explore!" Ash agreed as he followed Brock into the cave.

The group was unaware that Mars and Jupiter had followed them from a hidden tunnel. "You'll find a dungeon all right..." Jupiter grinned as she and Mars went inside the cave. "A Team Galactic dungeon!"

---------

As the group collected themselves in a passageway, Tintri sniffed the air. [Mm...something smells good...]

"Let's head that way, then." Ash suggested. "Lead the way, bud."

"How did Tintri know which way to go?" Dawn asked.

"Pikachu actually have very good noses for a rodent Pokemon. I wouldn't be surprised if Tintri smells the honey." Brock replied as the group followed Tintri and Kaikoga into a wide open room with many pathways.

"Now which way?" Dawn asked.

[You guys! This way!] Tintri called from a spiral walkway. [We need to reach the route all the way at the bottom of this room.]

As the group wound around the walkway, Kaikoga discovered a tunnel in the wall. [Hey, Kaikoga!] Tintri called, dashing after the Mothim.

Ash's first thought was to dash after Tintri, but Brock pulled him back. "Easy, Ash. I know you're worried about Tintri, but we need to stay together, okay?"

---------

I think we're the ones lost in the dungeon..." Mars sighed as she and Jupiter wandered around the cave. "What if all those video game cliches are true?"

"How a castle could be hidden down in the caves? That's what I wanna know..." Jupiter grumbled.

"You're the Loremistress, you should know that underground castles show up all the time in lore." Mars replied. "Let's think positive! Hat-boy and pals have to be around here somewhere!"

---------

"Have we been this way already?" Dawn asked as the group emerged in another pathway.

"This is worse than trying to figure out Demon in Zelda..." Ash sighed in frustration.

"It all looks the same to me..." Cheryl agreed.

[Hi!] Tintri waved from a fork in the path, getting the group's attention.

"Tintri!" Ash hurried to embrace his Pikachu. "I was worried sick about you!"

Tintri noticed some angry Combee flying down an eastern passage. [Something must've riled those Combee up...]

"I probably know what it is..." Dawn smiled as the group hurried down the passage.

---------

The group arrived in time to see a red eyed silhouette hiss. The hiss prompted the Combee to surround the admins. "Figured...their digging must have made the Combee angry." Brock mused as Mars and Jupiter desperately looked for a way out.

"Leona, I need you!" Mars called as she heaved a Poke Ball.

"You too, Noctis!" Jupiter replied.

The silhouette hissed again, and the Combee countered Leona and Noctis' attacks with glowing beams of light. "Kaikoga, use Supersonic!" Cheryl commanded.

Once sure the Combee were all confused, Dawn heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Kori, use Whirlpool!"

Ash smirked as the admins swirled down towards a large hole in the cave floor. "Team Galactic's goin' down the drain!"

---------

"Wow..." the group gasped as the group approached a giant Combee wall. "Is this the Golden Wall?" Dawn asked, intrigued in the thousands of Combee.

As if on cue, the Combee wall parted. The group gawked at a large orange-yellow castle nestled in a forested cavern. "By Arceus...we found the the Amber Castle!" Ash gasped.

"Let's go inside!" Cheryl lead the way towards the castle.

[Welcome, heroes.] a large bee Pokemon that appeared to be wearing a honeycomb-like "dress" smiled. [I am Beatrice, the keeper of the Amber Castle and the Miele Dorato. My guards knew you were trying to help us before, and so allowed you here.]

Dawn decided to read up on the majestic bee Pokemon:

"Vespiquen, the beehive Pokemon. When endangered, grubs from its six-cell honeycomb strike back. There is only one in a colony."

"Beatrice...as a reward for saving your colony, I wish to take a little of the Miele Dorato." Cheryl requested. "My dream was to find it, and complete what my grandfather could not."

[And you have found it.] Beatrice smiled. [I will allow you to take a little, as thanks for rescuing us.]

Cheryl accepted the bucket some Combee brought to her. But before she could take some of the shining gold honey, a huge crash got the group's attention. "Surprise!" Mars called as she and Jupiter slid in the room.

"We're gonna take all this honey and use its energy for Lord Cyrus' new world!" Jupiter explained before summoning Noctis. "Have fun!"

Ash growled as Mars summoned Leona. "Wait...if we battle here, we could destroy the castle." Brock cautioned.

Beatrice buzzed an angry command as she pointed her honeycomb scepter like a sword at the admins. The Combees rushed at the admins, but no one expected the castle walls to crack.

"Lola, use Ice Beam to seal the cracks in the walls!" Dawn heaved a Poke Ball skyward.

Brock watched as the honey was frozen solid. "I will commend you for the good idea, but it is only a temporary fix, as the ice will eventually melt."

He watched as the Combee flew down until they were above the honey. "Terra, Kage, help the Combee out!"

"Stormy, use Sweet Kiss to confuse Leona and Noctis!" Dawn heaved another Poke Ball.

Cheryl spotted Mars and Jupiter trying to flee as the ice melted. "Kaikoga, use Supersonic!"

The supersonic waves froze the admins in place, allowing the Combees to attack. Beatrice then created a large peridot, sending the admins flying through several floors of the cave.

"Goodbye, and good riddance, Team Galactic!" Ash grinned. Beatrice giggled in agreement.

---------

"Thanks for the help, you two." Brock smiled as he watched the Combees repair the damage from before.

Beatrice then presented Cheryl with a jar of the glowing honey. [As I was saying before those rogues rudely interrupted us...here is some Miele Dorato, as I promised.]

"Thank you, Beatrice." Cheryl smiled as she accepted the jar. "Is it okay if my companions have a taste?"

[Of course--they had a role in guiding you here and saving the castle, too.] Beatrice smiled.

"Mm...this is way better than the stuff at the store!" Ash raved as he licked a little off his finger, then got another finger full for Tintri to taste.

[Good stuff, coach--talk about a sweet payment for our hard work!] Kage agreed.

A guitar chord got Dawn's attention. "A song for the queen bee?" Brock asked the Vespiquen as he finished tuning up.

[Of course, minstrel--we await your sweet song.] Beatrice buzzed happily. Some Combee gathered around to listen with the group.

"I call this song 'The Ballad of the Miele Dorato'." Brock explained before starting a lighthearted melody...

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 29: The Beautifly's Return

"Today in Eterna City, dancers will converge on the Starlight Stage. There, they will showcase their best moves and smoothest grooves." Rhonda began as she watched people stream inside an auditorium. "But only one of them will walk away with an Explorer's Kit! All this and more on Shinou News Now!"

After the theme song concluded, Rhonda began the next part of her script. "From its humble beginnings in 1958, the Eternal Dance Contest has grown into a competition worthy of its name. Thousands of amateur and pro dancers alike have grooved their way to superstardom on the Starlight Stage..."

Elsewhere, group watched as people filed into the stands. "Remind me how a dance contest can benefit us?" Ash asked as he found a seat.

"Well, the object of the contest is to create the most beautiful and creative dance." Dawn explained. "It doesn't matter if a human or Pokemon dances. All genres and skill levels of dancers are welcome. Like Rhonda says, many great dancers got their start here."

"Sixty years is a long running show..." Brock agreed as he thumbed to a page about the contest from a guidebook. "It is the highlight of the summer for many people in Shinou. Many people come from all over to compete, as well."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Ash cried as he motioned for the group to follow him backstage, where hundreds of people were in line signing up. "I'm told a massive underground network lies beneath this place..."

Dawn nodded. "You need an Explorer's Kit to reach the caves. Some people even build elaborate secret bases down there."

"I've heard tales of treasure untold down in the caves." Brock explained. "I wanna see if that's true or not."

"We can all enter, but there is a line for a reason." Dawn reminded the group as they reached the signup tables.

After filling out his personal info and receiving an ID number, Ash took a song selector and perused the available songs. "Let's see here..."

"This is the Bailatron in Contests, multiplied by about 10..." Dawn mused as she located a certain song.

"I'm gonna pick this one." Ash smiled as he selected the song he would perform to.

"I've got my choice picked too." Dawn agreed as she too selected a song.

Brock perused the list for a moment, but smiled when he spotted a familiar name and face in the entrant list. "How bout it? Show off some real kung fu moves?" he grinned at Kage.

[Go for it, coach!] Kage grinned. [Give'em a taste of some real kung fu fighting!]

---------

"Okay, so that guy that danced to that rock inspired techno beat got a 7, which is decent..." Dawn mused as she looked over the current standings in the wings some time later. "That girl that did the teenybopper song was okay, as well."

"You liked that acoustic power ballad..." Ash grinned at Brock. "I think that one should've scored higher..."

"Me too, but the judges have the last word." Brock replied. "Then there was that guy that did that powerful Latin routine..."

"That blew Stormy's version of 'Conga' out of the water!" Dawn agreed. She turned her attention to the scoreboard again. "And that hip hop beat a few minutes ago only got a 6."

Ash balked as a familiar brown haired girl wearing a green bandanna stepped onto the stage. No way...that's May! he thought as the girl struck a reverent pose.

Brock recognized the melody that started playing over the speakers. "This is different from the version of 'Beautifly' I remember in the arcades..."

"I didn't know a slow version of 'Beautifly' existed..." Ash was equally impressed by May twirling and swaying to the song...

I've been searching for a man,
All across Japan,
Just to find, to find my samurai...

Someone who is strong,
But still a little shy,
Yes I need, I need my samurai...

Ai-yai-yai, I'm your little Beautifly...
Green, black and blue,
Make the colors in the sky...

Ai-yai-yai, I'm your little Beautifly...
Green, black and blue
Make the colors in the sky...

"Who is that girl?" Dawn wondered. "Is she a friend of yours?"

"That's May--she is a fellow coordinator from Houen." Ash explained.

"She went with Ash and I on our previous trip." Brock added as he got up to leave, just as the crowd applauded May's routine.

---------

After a few tense moments, some gasps went up as a familiar Oriental riff played. May turned to look at where the Japanese war cry and the sounding of a gong had come from. But it wasn't until the familiar Oh... of "Kung Fu Fighting" started that the audience started cheering.

"Y'all ready?" the rapper asked over the speakers as Brock struck a fighting pose in time to the music."Aw yeah...let's go!"

The crowd roared as Brock strolled onstage in time to the music, spinning and jumping all the while. After he walked up to May, he kissed her hand, as if he was her "samurai". She giggled in embarrassment as Brock strolled out to center stage and struck a fighting pose.

"Now here it is, one to make you move..." the rapper began as Brock spun in place twice. "A song with a funky kung fu groove. Something that'll make you shout, make you play to the crowd and make you want to turn it out." The crowd roared as I landed a Thundering Drum move on the word "out". "So ladies, gather round, I'll pick you up and take you on; go pound for pound. Cause I'm the only man who'll please ya; I got a little something that'll tease ya." The crowd roared at Brock's display of the Raikou Claw.

"So throw those hands up high..." At this, Brock jumped, performing a Rising Raikou Claw on the way up. "Shake your body, move from side to side." Brock complied with the rapper's command, making him look like an Ekans about to strike. "'Cause we've just begun, party people in the place; yeah, we're having fun. Oh yeah, I'm gonna be a big star..." Brock nodded at this, as if agreeing with the rapper. "I'm gonna lay it on and go 'woo-ha'" Brock did two quick strikes with the "woo-ha" part, to some applause. "'Cause when the move gets excited, when everybody's kung fu fighting."

Everybody was kung fu fighting, came the sung chorus.
Brock performed the move Hidden Thunder Strike on the Huh!.
Those kids were fast as lightning... Brock did Raikou Tail Kick on the Hah!.
In fact, it was a little bit frightening... Brock next did Eternal Palm.
But they fought with expert timing... Brock concluded the first chorus with a very fast spin kick named Raikou Tornado.

The rapper joined back in with the next verse. "Dance, bright lights, Orinoco flow; kung fu fighter's in the disco." Brock did a cheesy disco dance move as a disco ball descended on the stage, to some laughter and cheers. "He's on the floor, he's got a black suit on. Five past one and the night's just begun. Cause when he lays it on with style, a ladies man with a nice smile."

Half the girls in the audience screamed when Brock flashed them a grin in response to the rapper. "And right before his eyes, sees a pretty young thing looking real fly..." Brock noticed May still watching him dance by stage left, so he strolled over to her. "He wants to make the score, so he takes her hand and leads her to the dance floor..." Brock offered his hand to May, and she accepted it, following Brock to center stage. "He's giving her line after line..." Brock pantomimed speaking to May. "She tell him that he looks real fine..." May nodded, as if interested in Brock's imagined conversation. "'Cause he's the man of expert timing, just like when he's kung fu fighting..." The crowd roared when both Brock and May struck fighting poses. Brock was in the Raikou "ready" pose, while May assumed the Swanna "ready" pose.

Everybody was kung fu fighting, Brock did Clever Submission on his side, May did Swanna Diamond Peck.

Those kids were fast as lightning... Brock followed with Rising Raikou Claw again. May "covered" him with Goddess' Pose.

In fact, it was a little bit frightening... Brock did Hidden Thunder Strike on his imagined opponent. May did Swanna Beak.

But they fought with expert timing... Brock next did Flying Taiilows. May delivered a Cheri Blossom Punch to her imagined opponent.

The crowd ate up the performance of moves as the Oh... continued. "Wow--they look great together." Dawn raved.

"Oh, Brock taught May a few martial arts moves as self defense on our Houen trip." Ash explained. He smiled as he applauded Brock and May's final back to back pose.

---------

Backstage, Mars and Jupiter fumed as they watched Dawn weave and whirl to the beat of 'Golden Sky'. "I'm sick of people taking bows for our talent! What do Hat-boy and pals have that we don't?"

"Stage presence, for one thing." Jupiter sighed as Dawn took a bow for the crowd. But just because we're out of the competition doesn't mean we can't stir up some mayhem..."

Mars noticed a shot of the Explorer's Kit on the holding room's TV screen. "Wait...that's an Explorer's Kit! If we were to swipe that, think of what kinds of treasures we could find! We could create our new world!"

"Exactly." Jupiter smiled as the screen displayed Ash stepping aboard the machine. "Let's go find where it is while everyone's watching Hat-boy."

---------

Back out on the stage, the crowd quieted as the lights went down, save for a spotlight on Ash.

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh... a young female voice sang as Ash struck a heroic pose. Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh...

Ash started twirling and spinning across the platform as the music picked up. Sweet little bumble bee, I know what you want from me,
Dup-i-dup-i-do da da
Dup-i-dup-i-do da da
Sweet little bumble bee, more than just a fantasy
Dup-i-dup-i-do da da
Dup-i-dup-i-do da da...

After striking another pose, Ash starting lightly skipping and jumping across the stage as the singer went on My heart skips a beat
When you walk in the room
I go boom boom boom... Ash stomped three times in time to the singer's words, to some giggles.
You go zoom zoom zoom... Ash timed three steps in time to the singer's words for effect.

You're my playboy, playtoy
Lover, my friend... the singer went on as Ash spun across the stage.
I wanna be with you until the end...

I give my heart and my soul to you,
To make you see its true...
I'm so confused, baby, cant you see?
Please come rescue me!

The crowd roared as the machine triggered a disco ball to appear as Ash continued his performance. Sweet little bumble bee, I know what you want from me,
Dup-i-dup-i-do da da
Dup-i-dup-i-do da da
Sweet little bumble bee, more than just a fantasy,
Dup-i-dup-i-do da da
Dup-i-dup-i-do da da

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh...

Dup-i-dup-i-do da da
Dup-i-dup-i-do da da

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh...

Dup-i-dup-i-do da da
Dup-i-dup-i-do da da...

Ash capped his performance by striking a triumphant pose, to cheers and applause. "Way to go, Ash!" Dawn cheered as the judges gave him three perfect 10s. "If Pokemon training doesn't work out, you can always look into becoming a dancer!"

---------

[Wow! I'm amazed you made it to the finals!] Kori smiled as Dawn joined May, Ash, Brock, and a blonde haired girl near the stage.

"As well as we did to make it this far, don't get your hopes up about winning the Explorer's Kit." Dawn replied.

"I'm amazed I even got into the finals, especially on my first try dancing competitively." Brock mused as the champion took her place on the stage.

May smiled as a pounding 80's beat began. "It helps that we still make a great team."

The group didn't see Mars and Jupiter sneaking up to the pedestal holding the Explorer's Kit. After making sure the crowd was occupied watching the champion, Jupiter signaled Mars. Mars nodded, and carefully reached out to take the large leather bag...

As the applause died down, Kage spotted the admins. [Hey, coach! Bogeys tryin' ta make off with the prize!]

Brock fumbled for his referee's whistle and blew it, startling the admins and the crowd. "Hey! You've already had a chance to strut your stuff, and it wasn't even prize worthy!"

"You want this?" Jupiter smirked as she and Mars threw off their alter ego costumes. "Come and get it!"

Gasps and screams filled the air as Jupiter led Mars to a balloon near the auditorium. "Are you sure you want to escape this way?" Mars asked. "Minstrel-Boy has a bow, remember?"

"I know that, but if we get a head start, we'll be long gone before Minstrel-Boy has a chance to shoot!" Jupiter assured Mars as the two of them took off.

---------

Ash and others hurried to keep the balloon in sight as the Shinou News Now team chased the balloon in a helicopter. "Tintri, use--!" Ash started.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you..." Brock cautioned. "A Thunderbolt could damage the Explorer's Kit."

[HAAAAAAAAAHHHH!] Estrella screeched as she charged forward to perform a Wing Attack.

Noctis growled back in reply, knocking Estrella back with Poison Sting.

Dawn looked over at May. "You can tell me what Houen Contests are like later. For now, let's coordinate some power!"

She then called "Kori, use Bubblebeam!"

"Niji, I need you!" May heaved a Poke Ball skyward, revealing a beautiful butterfly-like Pokemon. "Help my new friend out with Silver Wind!"

Brock watched as Kori's attack gained a silvery sheen from the Silver Wing. "Kage...think you can knock back those two?"

[With pleasure, coach!] Kage smirked before delivering a Poison Jab to Mars.

May smiled as Kage's attack connected. "Niji, use Sunny Day!"

"Gah, bright!" Mars screamed, knocking over the Explorer's Kit as she bumped and banged around the small gondola.

Dawn spotted the falling Explorer's Kit and heaved another Poke Ball. "Lola, catch the Explorer's Kit."

Ash watched as Lola made a huge jump, catching the Explorer's Kit before it hit the pavement. "Now it's time to shoot Team Galactic down--again!"

"Just like old times!" May smiled as Brock retrieved his archery gear and aimed at the balloon.

He fired a few moments later, a POW!!! confirming a hit as the admins went flying...

---------

"And the winner of this year's Eternal Dance Contest is..." the judge announced.

A drum roll played as the spotlights swirled around for a moment. They converged on Brock, to everyone's surprise and the crowd's cheers.

"No way!" Dawn gasped. "Brock won?"

"If he did the best of all, I respect the judge's decision." Ash smiled as Brock accepted the Explorer's Kit from the chief judge.

"Thanks for your help before." Dawn said to May. "If you're here on your own Contest Challenge, I look forward to seeing you in the Contest Hall."

"I would be honored to take part." May replied before hugging Ash and Brock. "It's good to see you both again--maybe we can get together sometime and chat."

"My pleasure." Ash replied as he hugged May.

[So, when are we gonna go treasure huntin', coach?] Kage asked as Brock rejoined the group. [I'm eager to dig up some treasure.]

Brock chuckled a little at Kage's enthusiasm. "Be patient, Kage. There will be plenty of time for that as our journey continues."

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 30: Buizel Your Way Out of This!

"You've won an Explorer's Kit...what are you gonna do next?" Dawn grinned as Brock admired the Explorer's Kit he had won a few days before.

"Well, I can hardly wait to show it to Tarina." Brock replied after stashing the kit in his bag. "She'd love digging for treasure."

Dawn smiled "Besides, the best part is the mystery of what kind of treasure you find."

Ash noticed that every person they had passed was carrying a battered or fainted Pokemon. "Something up ahead must be powerful to knock out this many Pokemon..."

He flagged down a man carrying a Zigzagoon. "Pardon me, sir, but what was it that battered your Zigzagoon?"

"A powerful Buizel attacked him while we were fishing earlier today." the man replied as he petted the beaten raccoon Pokemon in his arms. "If you plan to go fishing at all, pick a different lake besides Sapphire Cove."

"Sapphire Cove, huh..." Ash mused as the man disappeared down the road. "Maybe Tintri could take down something that strong!"

"I don't know--this Buizel could even be too powerful even for Tintri." Brock cautioned.

"The only way to find out is to find this Buizel." Dawn mused as the group passed a signpost that read "SAPPHIRE COVE--ONE MILE".

---------

"Mini-Misty DX, don't fail me now!" Ash announced as he cast his line.

Dawn noticed the lure that resembled a familiar orange haired girl as a superhero. "Interesting lure...where'd you get it?"

"One of my good friends is Misty, who runs the Cerulean Gym back at home." Ash explained. "She went with Brock and me on our first trip around Kanto and our Johto trip."

"She hand makes lures like that one, and sells them at outdoor fairs." Brock added as Ash reeled in his line. "Not too shabby a fiddler herself, either."

"Is it okay if I can try out your lure?" Dawn asked.

"Okay, but be careful with it." Ash replied as he gave Dawn the lure. "Misty made this one just for me."

In the brush overlooking the lake, Misty watched as Ash hooked his own Mini-Misty DX onto Dawn's rod. "Good to see Ash is making some new friends this trip...and that he's finally learned to share the Mini-Misty DX I made him."

---------

"Hey, gang..." Dawn looked up to see Zoey approaching the bank. "How's everything been?" she asked as Sylvie jumped in her lap.

"Well, I got my first ribbon in Floaroma Town..." Dawn showed Zoey the orange ribbon.

"I got my first Gym Badge at the Oreburgh Gym." Ash went on, showing Zoey the Badge in his case.

"What about you? How've you been?" Dawn asked.

"Well, I have two ribbons already, and narrowly missed getting a third." Zoey replied. "Some girl with a Shinx edged me with a clever combo during the last contest. So I'm taking a little break for now."

After checking her PokeNav, she asked Dawn "Are you going to enter the Hearthome Contest?"

"There's a Contest in Hearthome City?" Dawn gasped. "I didn't even know about it until you said something."

She smiled. "Of course I plan to enter--maybe we'll even see Fantina there!"

Zoey grinned as she petted Sylvie. "We might--her Drifblim is a bit of a legend on the Contest scene."

Sylvie mewed with excitement as Zoey put some bait on her own rod. "But for now, I guess I'll do a little fishing. Sylvie deserves a roast Magikarp or Goldeen for her hard work."

Brock watched as Zoey cast her line. "We're out here because we heard rumors that a powerful Buizel was in the lake."

Zoey was about to answer when she saw Dawn's line jerking. "Hey, you've got something!"

Excited, Dawn pulled at the line as she reeled in a small otter-like Pokemon. "No need to worry--I've got this!"

Ash looked at the dazed otter Pokemon on the grass. "That's the Pokemon that's been causing so much trouble out here?"

Dawn, meanwhile, read up on her catch:

"Buizel, the sea weasel Pokemon. It spins its two tails like a screw to propel itself through water. The tails also slice clinging seaweed."

Ash grinned at the Pokedex's description as Dawn summoned Kori. "Sounds a lot like a game character I know..."

"Since Kori and Buizel are both Water types, it should be a very close battle." Brock commented as he watched the Buizel weave away from Kori's attempt at pecking him.

Both boys gasped as the Buizel used Water Gun, sending Kori into the air." "Whoa...all those people weren't kidding." Ash mused as Kori landed on the grass, then collected herself.

Kori then heaved a Bubblebeam at the Buizel. The Buizel countered by slamming into Kori from the water! "That's Aqua Jet!" Zoey recognized the move as the Buizel slammed into Kori two more times.

The group watched as the Buizel leaped into the air, then slammed into Kori again, knocking her out. [Is that all you've got? Come at me!]

"Showtime, Sylvie." Zoey smiled as she watched her Glameow run to engage the Buizel. "Start with Shadow Claw."

Even she gasped as the Buizel weaved through the shadowy claws. It then leaped into the air and creating a loud boom, knocking Sylvie backwards.

[All right, who's next?] the Buizel challenged as Zoey hurried to collect Sylvie.

"I will!" Ash challenged before whistling for Tintri.

"Using Tintri here is a good idea." Brock explained as Tintri darted onto the bank. "An Electric type should give you the advantage in the battle. But you should still be careful, since this Buizel is very strong."

[HAAAAAAAAAHHH!] Tintri screeched as he unleashed a Thunderbolt. The Buizel ran out of the way of the rain of lightning, then unleashed another loud boom. "Sonic Boom!" Ash recognized the attack.

He heaved a relieved sigh as Tintri darted away with a Quick Attack. "Try hitting him with Iron Tail next!" he called as the Buizel jumped into the air.

A smile formed on his face as Tintri smacked the Buizel to the ground. But his confident grin turned to horror as the Buizel got up.

"Watch out, Tintri!" he called as the Buizel leaped into the air and used Sonic Boom again. The loud boom showered sparks out of the water and sent Tintri flying into a try.

Ash growled in frustration as the Buizel swiped the group's rods and tackle, giggling all the while. "Don't think you've won yet, Buizel!" he vowed. "I'm not backing down that easily!"

"Yeah, we're not backing down!" Dawn yelled in agreement.

"Follow that Buizel!" Brock led the way into the brush.

---------

The group emerged from the underbrush near a waterfall some time later. "I found our stuff!" Zoey reported, pointing out the group's gear lying on the ground by some rocks.

Ash hurried over to examine the rods. Let's see...they're in one piece...

He smiled when he saw a familiar lure dangling from Dawn's rod. And the Mini-Misty DX is all right too! he thought as he carefully detached the lure.

Some splashing in the distance got his attention. He found the Buizel smashing rocks with Water Gun attack, before it spotted him. [Hey, Hat-boy! You and your Pikachu back for more?]

[You bet we're back for more!] Tintri shot back as he fired a Thunderbolt.

Brock watched as the Buizel fired a Water Gun as a counterattack. "Thunderbolt should have the edge, if our knowledge of the type chart is correct..."

The group balked as the Buizel's Water Gun overpowered the Thunderbolt; knocking Tintri down. "Don't give up!" Ash called.

"Slippery as always..." Zoey grinned as the Buizel weaved away from a Quick Attack.

The group braced themselves as the Buizel used Sonic Boom. "I'd say Tintri's just as slippery!" Brock smiled as Tintri rolled away from the shockwave.

Everyone watched in awe as the Buizel tried to use Aqua Jet to pin Tintri to the ground. Tintri fired off a Thunderbolt in midair, while Buizel dodged and countered with Water Gun. Tintri dodged one Water Gun, only to be hit with another as Buizel flipped upside down.

"Ash, c'mere..." Zoey whispered. "I know you are a trainer, but sometimes it pays to think like a coordinator."

"What do you mean?" Ash asked.

"In a Contest, a coordinator's job is to use their Pokemon's moves in creative ways." Zoey explained. "But this can also help you as a battler--so try using Tintri's moves in creative ways."

"Okay...Tintri, create a thunder tornado!" Ash called.

Dawn watched as Tintri charged a Thunderbolt, then spun in the air to create an electric tornado. "Oh my! That is so cool!"

"The Buizel doesn't have a clue!" Ash gasped in amazement.

"This Buizel is great when dealing with raw power, but it hasn't seen moves used in creative ways." Brock explained. "So Zoey has a point--sometimes it pays to think outside the box in battle."

He let that hang as Tintri dove in the water while using Shockwave. The Buizel countered with Aqua Jet, but both attacks hit at the same time, dazing both Pokemon.

With the Buizel dazed, Ash saw his chance. "Poke Ball, go!"

"One...two...three..." Brock counted the wiggles before the center of the ball dimmed. "You got him, Ash."

"I did it!!!" Ash cried as he held the Poke Ball to the sky. "I caught a Buizel!"

[The only thing I wanna catch is some Z's...] Tintri groaned in exhaustion.

---------

"The Buizel had a whole bunch of other fishing stuff in its little hideout." Zoe explained as the group returned to the lake that evening. "I'll make sure they get back to their rightful owners."

She noticed Tintri heaving in exhaustion. "You may wanna find a Pokemon Center--that took a heroic effort today."

"What about you? What are your plans, Zoey?" Dawn asked.

"I'm gonna stay here for a while, and catch some Pokémon." Zoey replied before addressing Ash. "So? What are we naming our new Buizel?"

"His name will be Tails--after Sonic the Zoroark's sidekick." Ash replied as he admired the Poke Ball holding his new Buizel.

"A very fitting name." Zoey smiled. "I'll see you guys in Hearthome, okay?"

"Bye, Zoey!" Dawn waved back as the group departed. "See you soon!"

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 31: An Elite Meet and Greet

"Okay, everyone...meet Tails!" Ash called as he heaved the Poke Ball containing his Buizel skyward.

[Hi, I'm Tintri!] Tintri smiled.

[I'm Diddy--nice to meet you!] Diddy grinned.

[I'm Gaia--welcome!] Gaia smiled.

[And I'm Estrella--welcome aboard!] Estrella chirped.

[Nice to meet you guys.] Tails grinned. [I look forward to making some waves with you all.]

Ash seemed pleased that Tails and the other Pokemon would get along. "If there's any problem or disagreement, you guys can always come to me, okay?"

[Gotcha.] Tails smiled.

"Hey, Ash, come check this out!" Ash heard Brock call from a TV lounge. Piqued, he hurried over to the lounge near the front desk. Brock and Dawn were on a couch, watching a TV tuned to a tournament.

"Brock happened to find highlights from past Champion Leagues. This guy Lucian, is powerful!" Dawn explained.

She invited Ash to have a seat on the couch. "I've even made popcorn."

"Don't mind if I do." Ash smiled, taking some popcorn as he watched the raging battle on the TV. Onscreen, a dark haired girl was battling a dull blue haired boy in an elegant red suit.

He noticed Tails had followed him to the lounge. "Come on--there's plenty of room." he assured Tails as Tails scrambled onto the couch.

[Wow...] Tails gasped. He watched as a yellow and black giraffe-like Pokemon slammed the girl's Scizor against a boulder. [Who is that guy?] he asked as the giraffe-Pokemon wove around the Scizor's desperate Slashes.

The group watched in awe as the giraffe-Pokemon jumped, making the Scizor's claw get embedded in a rock. It then leaped to the top and fired a Psybeam, knocking the Scizor out. "Whoa..." Even Brock was impressed.

"How do you even begin to face someone that skilled?" Ash wondered.

"Lots of preparation, and faith in your Pokemon." a male voice replied.

Dawn whirled around and gasped to find the same dull blue haired boy approaching them. "No way...it's Lucian!"

"I am humbled and amazed a real Elite Four member would be so kind to join us here." Brock began.

Lucian stifled a giggle as Brock bowed before him. "We do publicity as much as other regions' League members' do. Tell me...what brings you three here?"

"I am Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, in Kanto." Ash began. "I'm here to challenge the Shinou League."

"I am Dawn Solberg of Twinleaf, and I wish to follow in my mother's footsteps as a Grand Coordinator." Dawn replied.

"I am Brock Harrison of Pewter City, in Kanto." Brock began. "I aim to make my mark on the Fantasy Stage, and jump start a career as a singer and storyteller."

"A pleasure to meet you all." Lucian smiled. "Let's go outside and visit--it is a nice day, after all."

"Good idea!" Dawn led the way outside, unaware that Mars and Jupiter were watching them through the bushes.

---------

"So, how do I get a chance to face you or your fellow Elites in battle?" Ash wondered as the group gathered around a picnic table. "You looked so calm battling that girl!"

"Well, trainers that win a Pokémon League Conference earn the right to enter the Champion League." Lucian explained. "There, they battle the Elite Four and the Pokémon League Champion. "In order, you must face Aaron, the bug tamer. Bertha, the mistress of the ground. Flint, the brave flame. Then me, the Psychic sage. Once you defeat me, you earn the right to face our Champion, Cynthia."

[Wow!] Tails gasped. [I wanna battle you, right now!]

"Tails!" Ash hissed. "Asking someone to battle right away is rude!"

He sighed. "My apologies, Lucian--I just got my Buizel Tails yesterday..."

"No need to apologize--I can sense his energy and resolve." Lucian assured Ash. "I have no qualms about Tails battling me here in a friendly match."

"I'll referee, if you'd like." Brock offered as Dawn found some chalk and started drawing a Poke Ball on a nearby blacktop...

---------

A whistle echoed through the park as Lucian summoned a bell-shaped humanoid Pokemon. "Brund, let's go!"

Ash made a T sign at Brock, then fumbled for his Pokedex to read up on his opponent:

"Bronzong, the bronze bell Pokemon. It can summon rain clouds. People long ago revered it as the bringer of plentiful harvests."

He waited for the whistle blast that signaled his time out had expired. "Okay, start with Water Gun!"

Tails heaved a familiar stream of water. But the Bronzong's body turned silver, nullifying the attack.

That was Iron Defense...let's try something a little stronger. Ash thought. "Tails, use Aqua Jet!"

[Hah!!!!] Tails cried as he sped towards the Bronzong; only to crash into a shining silver barrier. [No go, Ash--this guy's way too strong!]

"Brund, use Gyro Ball!" Lucian called.

Ash gasped when he saw a massive silver ball headed for his Buizel. "Tails, watch out!"

[AUGGGHHH!] Tails cried as the large ball sent him flying into a tree. [Ow...]

"Game Set! This match goes to Pearl." Brock announced as Ash hurried to assess Tails.

"Ash...I'm so sorry..." Lucian began. "I let my excitement get the better of me, and I got carried away. Will you ever forgive me?"

"Sure." Ash replied. "I know you didn't mean to hurt anyone..."

"All I ask is your Buizel gets medical care and rest." Lucian replied.

Dawn gawked in amazement as Lucian left. "Lucian really is the psychic sage...Tails couldn't even make a dent in his Pokemon at all."

"This wasn't Lucian's fault--Tails got in over his head, simple as that." Ash assured Dawn. "Once he recovers, I'll teach him how to handle opponents at his level."

---------

"Okay...your Buizel took quite a beating, but he pulled through." Nurse Joy reported as she returned with Tails on a gurney.

Tails sighed as Dawn and Brock arrived. "Do you think Tails is depressed, Nurse Joy?" she asked. "When we first encountered him, he seemed unbeatable. This was his first real loss."

"It's possible, but depression is much more serious than a bout of low morale." Nurse Joy reminded Dawn. "For now, keep an eye on him. If his sleep patterns, mood, or eating habits change, let me know."

[Tails...you did your best, okay?] Tintri began. [That Bronzong may be too strong for you now, but if you keep training and getting stronger, you can beat him.]

Tails sighed again as Ash rubbed his back. "There's a pool nearby--want to go swimming?" Ash offered.

Tails grunted in reply as Lucian arrived in the room. "Is your Buizel okay?" he asked.

"Physically, yes, but he's taking losing to you hard." Ash explained. "Before, he had never lost to anyone..."

"Defeat is never a pleasant thing, but every Pokemon--even the great ones--have to face it at some point." Lucian explained. "I will agree that it hurts the most when you have never lost before, or came within a narrow margin of loss."

A guitar chord got the group's attention. "Maybe I could inspire Tails with a tale of a hero who bounced back from defeat?" Brock offered.

"What a great idea!" Lucian smiled. "Please, sing your songs, and tell your tales, and we will listen."

Brock played a few uncertain notes as he thought of a suitable story. "Okay...this is called 'The Hero's Sword'. It's a type of hero tale from Johto."

With that, he began. "There was a man who had a son, who lived with him. The man was a hunter, but as the years went by and he grew older, he got weaker and weaker. Eventually he had to tell his son--we'll call him Greg--that soon he would no longer be able to hunt for him. Greg tried to comfort him, and assured him he would recover; but his father said no. If his time to die was close, he had nothing to leave him. What money they had would be enough for his own funeral. Yet he had one thing of value to pass on to his son. It was a sword, and rusty at that, but it would cut down any foe that dared harm its wielder..."

---------

"...The three deceivers were put to death right then. The true hero received Princess Alyssa's hand and the third part of the kingdom." Brock concluded his tale in the park some time later. "He had a long and prosperous reign, and went on many more adventures with the Beasts. But that is another story for another day!"

"Bravo!" Lucian led the applause as Brock took a bow. "You are as skilled as you say!"

Suddenly, a steel cage clamped on top of Tails! [Gah!]

"I knew you'd show up sooner or later, Team Galactic..." Dawn muttered as Mars and Jupiter arrived to take the cage.

"Why do you want Tails?" Ash demanded. "Give him back, now!"

"Wait!" Lucian called. "Maybe a situation like this will allow Tails to renew his fighting spirit."

[Trying to cage me and take to the zoo, are you?] Tails growled. [I am NOT some wild Pokemon to be locked away and gawked at! I have a master that loves me, and friends that care! And you lot will NOT take them away from me!] he vowed as he banged against the cage.

With that, he fired a Sonic Boom at the bars, but it only made the cage swing in the air. "Come on, Tails!" Dawn called in encouragement. "Try it again! Sonic Boom! Sonic Boom! Sonic Boom!"

Say... Ash grinned. After bringing up MyTube on his PokeNav, he typed in something in the search bar. Tails, meanwhile, battered the cage again and again.

Ash then tapped the PLAY button and turned the volume all the way up, blasting a familiar driving pop beat in Tails' direction. If you're strong, you can fly,
You can reach the other side of the rainbow... some female singers sang as Tails kept attacking.

It's all right, take a chance!
Cause there is no circumstance that you can't handle.
When you use your mind! the singers continued, spurring Tails to finally break the cage.

He landed by Ash's side some moments later. [Keep blastin' that tune...it's reminded me why I fight.] he purred as Mars and Jupiter ran towards them. [I want to protect this world from people like those ladies!]

"If it's okay, Ash, may I take control of Tails?" Lucian asked as Mars and Jupiter summoned Leona and Noctis. "I have an idea..."

"Sure." Ash replied. "I think the looping version of 'Sonic Boom' from Super Smash Bros. Brawl is helping!"

Lucian shepherded Tails by his side, aware of the Pokemon trying to attack Tails. "Tails, knock both Pokémon back with Water Gun!"

"I can't believe Tails is listening to Lucian!" Dawn gasped as Leona and Noctis went flying back with a wave of water.

"This should amplify Ash's musical motivation!" Brock smiled as he plugged in two wireless speakers, making the song even louder.

Tails launched his own Sonic Boom, knocking out Leona as the singers sang Sonic Boom, Sonic Boom, Sonic Boom (Trouble keeps you running faster).

He then slammed into Noctis with Aqua Jet as the song continued Sonic Boom, Sonic Boom, Sonic Boom (Save the planet from disaster).

Lucian watched as the admins fled. "Well done. Remember that Tails has a unique battle style. If you can adapt to it, you two will be unstoppable."

"Point noted." Ash smiled as he stopped the music.

---------

"You did great, Tails." Ash smiled as he petted his Buizel.

[That tune reminded me that I want to be a hero.] Tails explained. [It's like you were telling me one loss is not the end of the world.]

"Well, we did make a great team." Lucian smiled. "I have faith that you two will continue to grow ever stronger in your quest."

"I look forward to facing you for real!" Ash smiled. "Not just with Tails, but my whole team!"

"And you will, with a spirit and resolve like that." Lucian replied. He waved goodbye as the group set off towards the setting sun...

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 32: A Secret Sphere of Influence


"Welcome to Eterna City--the town that ties the past to the present." Brock smiled as he made a grand gesture to the city.

"Wow..." Ash was impressed. "So, what is there to do here? Besides the Gym, of course."

"Well, there's a name rater that lives here..." Dawn began. "She has her own segment on 'Shinou News Now'. She'll pick a postcard from a random person, go into a little history and origins about the Pokemon's name, and then rate it. It's quite interesting, and very well researched."

"How do you think she would rate Kori?" Brock asked as the group arrived on the city's main street.

"I'm not sure..." Dawn replied. "Maybe I should send in a postcard to her and find out!"

"Does she rate names from outside of Shinou?" Ash asked.

"Yes! She has rated names from elsewhere." Dawn smiled. "Usually as part of International Week or if the featured topic is from elsewhere."

She then pointed out a bike shop on the left end of the street. "That's Rad Rickshaw's Cycle Shop. I got my bike from there."

"Best not to go in there with Tintri." Brock grinned.

"Yeah..." Ash giggled before telling Dawn "Whatever you do, never leave a bike unattended around an Electric type. Trust me."

"I'll watch Stormy like a Braviary around my bike, then." Dawn smiled back.

As the group approached another corner leading into the historic district, a ringing got Dawn's attention. "The museum's security alarm!"

"Looks like the cops are already there." Brock noticed as several police cars sped down the street to join the officers already at the scene.

Ash located Officer Jenny and a small purple skunk Pokemon putting up police tape around the museum entrance. "What happened here, Officer?"

"One of the museum's prized artifacts, the Adamant Orb has been stolen." Jenny explained. "I'll give you three guesses about the prime suspects, and the first two don't count."

Dawn spotted Mars and Jupiter running for the street. "Team Galactic!"

"After them!" Brock called as the group ran as fast as they could to catch up with the fleeing admins.

"Noctis, use Haze!" Dawn heard Jupiter say before the group was lost in a grayish mist.

Ash coughed a little as the haze cleared. "That's one way to give us the slip..."

---------

"Is everyone okay?" Gardenia asked as she met the group in the square overlooking the museum. "I heard all these sirens this morning, and then saw the news report of the robbery..."

Kage noticed Brock had a dreamy smile on his face. [Don't even think about singin', coach.] he warned. [Save the singin' for after we catch the crooks.]

"Do we know anything about how Team Galactic took the orb?" Dawn asked.

"According to the cops I talked to, the crooks used a Grass type to steal the orb." Gardenia replied. "That's why they're questioning every Grass type owner that was in the area at the time."

"That explains why Nando is here..." Brock mused as the group approached a sidewalk. Officer Jenny was nearby, taking a statement from Nando.

"I fully maintain my innocence." Nando replied to Jenny's question. "I came to the museum simply to study the history of the Shinou region; and nothing more."

"I can vouch for this young man--he gave me a wonderful match at the Gym this morning." Gardenia agreed. "Doesn't look like the thieving type at all."

"All right, but that still doesn't explain this photo of a Sunflora stealing the orb." Jenny mused as she showed the group the picture in question.

"It is true I had my Sunflora, Soleil, with me. She was looking at one of the nature exhibits when you arrived to question me." Nando explained.

Jenny thought for a moment. "One of the cornerstones of the justice system is 'innocent until proven guilty'". she explained to Nando. You seem to be a man of fine character, but I still have some unanswered questions about this photo. Would you be willing to talk more at the station?"

"I will gladly answer any question you have." Nando replied.

---------

Ash smiled as a familiar Jenny with an Earth Badge pin on her hat arrived in one of the conference rooms at the police station. "Hi! I didn't know Kanto was pitching in with this investigation."

"It's great to see you too, Ash." Earth Jenny replied. "My sister asked for help with this morning's robbery, so I decided to use my day off to help out."

She then addressed Forest Jenny. "We could start by questioning every trainer with Sunflora..."

"That would spread the force out too thin." Forest Jenny explained. "There's likely hundreds, if not thousands of people with Sunflora here. With something so powerful as the Adamant Orb stolen, time is of the essence."

She addressed the group. "Here is what we know so far...as soon as we got the report of the robbery, we surrounded the museum. Assuming Galactic Admins Mars and Jupiter were the perps, there wasn't a way for them to get out with police everywhere. So they decided to fight their way out."

"That was where we came in." Ash added.

"If you don't mind my asking, why is the Adamant Orb so valuable?" Brock wondered.

"The orb Is somehow linked with the Legendary dragons, Dialga and Palkia." Gardenia replied. "That's why we need to find it, and fast!"

"It's also why we need to prove Mars and Jupiter did it, and tried to frame Nando." Ash agreed.

He looked over at Forest Jenny. "If it would help the investigation, we'd like to search the museum ourselves for the perps or evidence."

"I'll let the force know you're coming, and to let you guys inside." Forest Jenny replied. "The more we question your friend here, the more we realize his alibi is airtight. So we need that crucial evidence that he is innocent."

She gave the group some radios. "If you need to report to me, my codename is Forest Angel."

"PokeMaster01, standing by." Ash replied.

"SunrisePearl standing by." Dawn replied as she flipped on her radio.

"PewterSong, standing by." Brock replied. "Let's go."

---------

"Okay, everyone..." Ash began as he addressed his team in the museum foyer. "If you see anything interesting or suspicious, call me."

[PokeMaster01--got it!] Tails smiled before leading Tintri, Esrella, and Diddy into the art wing.

"You guys can start in the nature wing." Dawn addressed her team. "If you see something, call me. My codename is SunrisePearl."

[Leave it to us!] Kori smiled as she lead Stormy and Lola down another hall towards the nature wing.

"I have my team investigating the history wing." Brock replied. "Kage's leading Terra and Hinata."

"Now all we have to do is wait on our teams to report." Ash smiled.

---------

[The easiest way to prove Nando is innocent would be to find his Sunflora.] Tails mused as he admired a painting.

Diddy spotted a gold flower-like Pokemon near a statue. [There she is!]

Neither Pokemon expected the Sunflora to fire a volley of glowing green seeds. The force of the attack sent them tumbling to the ground in pain. [ShockingYellow64 calling PokeMaster01--Li'l Kong and Sonic Twintail are down, over!] Tintri reported over the radio.

He noticed the Sunflora ducking into the air vent. [Goldieflower is headed for the air vent!]

"Stay put, ShockingYellow--I'm on my way." Ash's voice crackled back. Tintri nodded.

As Ash and the others arrived to tend to Tails and Diddy, they did not see Mars and Jupiter hiding on the ceiling. "Okay, we're clear." Mars reported before elegantly jumping to the ground.

"Hat-boy and pals are busy tendng to their Pokemon, so let's go back to the room and plan our next steps there." Jupiter agreed as she saw Ash tell Tintri something.

Once sure no one was watching or following them, the admins disappeared into the vent.

---------

[Ah ha!] Kori cried as she and Tintri spotted a Sunflora wandering the nature wing.

[Are you Soleil?] Tintri asked.

[That's me--is my master okay?] the Sunflora asked. [He ran outside when the alarm went off, but he has yet to return.]

[He's helping the police figure out who caused all the chaos] Kori explained. [Did you see who took the Adamant Orb?]

[I did...] Soleil explained. [I saw two suspicious women set down an automaton that looked like a Sunflora. It then walked off towards the rarities wing.]

[Were they wearing Team Galactic garb?] Tintri asked.

Soleil nodded. [One had short red hair, and the other had purple hair in a high bun.]

[Could that Sunflora in Officer Jenny's picture have been a robot?] Kori wondered.

Tintri spotted what appeared to be a Sunflora walking towards them, and fumbled for his radio. [ShockingYellow64 calling PokeMaster01, we have a breakthrough in the case! The Sunflora Officer Jenny saw was really a robot, over.]

[The admins are here in this area!] Kori added.

"Copy that, Rainguin--we're coming." Ash's voice replied.

---------

"So, where did you see Mars and Jupiter?" Ash asked as the group meat Tintri, Kori, and Soleil in the nature wing.

[I see them...right here!] Soleil growled as she Cut the two cloaks Mars and Jupiter had been using to disguise themselves.

"I knew you guys were the real perps all along!" Ash growled.

"Yeah, we confess, we did it." Jupiter sighed. "But we were ordered to steal the Adamant Orb by someone.

"Give back the orb--NOW!" Dawn demanded as the group's Pokemon surrounded Mars and Jupiter.

"Venom, spray the perps!" Brock heard a voice call.

"Officer Jenny!" Ash smiled before pulling up his shirt to block the sickening smell.

Gardenia gasped as Jupiter dropped the orb. "Peony, protect the Adamant Orb!"

"That was close..." Dawn wheezed as Gardenia's Turtwig created a bed of leaves for the orb to land on.

"Yeah, but it seems our perps have escaped..." Brock noticed Mars and Jupiter were gone.

"Your friend's story checked out, so there was no way he would've been involved." Forest Jenny agreed. "At least the Adamant Orb is safe."

---------

"I'm glad the Adamant Orb was found safe. " Nando smiled as the group met in the police station parking lot that evening.

"You were actually a big help to the investigation." Forest Jenny smiled. We were only doing our due diligence when we asked you to come.

"Nando...while we were in the museum, I saw these interesting dragon Pokemon statues in the art wing." Ash began. "Are they the creation trio that local lore talks about?"

Nando retrieved his harp, and started a mysterious melody. "They say that in the beginning was Arceus, the Original One. He helped shape the world by creating Dialga to rule over time, and Palkia to rule over space. This done, he created three other Pokémon to act as the world's spirit. Azelf gave the world the gift of will. Mesprit gave the world the gift of emotion. Uxie gave the world the gift of knowledge. From their gifts came all that is good and pure."

He smiled as he concluded his song. "Of course, this is but one version of the tale. There are many more across Shinou and elsewhere."

"Here's another question for you..." Earth Jenny mused. "Who told the admins to steal the Adamant Orb?"

"Team Rocket!" Ash suggested.

"It's not impossible, as they do like rare and valuable things." Earth Jenny replied. "But I have heard no chatter from them since they were defeated in Johto."

"What about J?" Dawn suggested. "She could have her sights on Dialga, Palkia, or even Arceus!"

"The most likely suspect is the head of Team Galactic, but we don't know for sure who is responsible." Forest Jenny sighed. "But whoever they are, we won't rest until they are brought to justice."

Brock sighed. "We'll know the answer to this mystery soon enough."

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 33: The Grass Menagerie

"You're here...good." Gardenia smiled as the group arrived in a large spacious arena that resembled a forest. "Here's how this will work--three Pokemon a side, single match. Is that okay?"

"Fine by me." Ash replied as he hurried to the Diamond side of the arena.

He nudged Tintri. "You're not mad for sitting this match out?"

[Not at all.] Tintri smiled. [I wouldn't be able to do much against Grass-types anyway.]

With that, he hurried to join Dawn and Brock in the stands. [Good luck!]

---------

"Sakura, let's go!" Gardenia heaved a Poke Ball into the arena.

"Diddy, I choose you!" Ash heaved a Poke Ball skyward, revealing the Chimchar on the Diamond side of the arena. "Start with an Ember!"

He grimaced as the Cherubi twirled away from the small fireball. "Okay, let's heat things up with a Flame Wheel!"

Brock watched as Sakura flew over the large flaming wheel and landed behind Diddy. "Wait a minute...Sakura's going so fast because of her ability."

"Oh?" Dawn asked.

"Cherubi has the ability Chlorophyll, which relies on sunlight to double speed." Brock explained.

[Whoa!] Diddy gasped as Sakura fired a Solar Beam, jumping away from the massive yellow beam.

"Focus, Diddy! Try Flame Wheel again if you can!" Ash called.

He gasped as the Cherubi fired another Solar Beam, hitting Diddy and knocking him down. "H-how?"

"You forget that Solar Beam needs no time to charge in sunshine." Gardenia reminded Ash. Combined with the double speed, Sakura can get off two attacks in one turn."

Ash shuddered as the Cherubi created a wave of shining leaves. I'm not leaving Diddy to be a sitting Psyduck! he thought as he called his Chimchar back.

"Good call. Luckily for you, Sakura's Solar Beam only clipped Diddy." Gardenia assured Ash. "Remember that sometimes the better part of valor is discretion."

"Point taken." Ash replied before finding his next Poke Ball. "Estrella, let's take flight!"

"Eh-streh-yah!" Brock corrected Ash, making Gardenia giggle as the Staravia materialized in the arena.

Ash watched Gardenia's Cherubi launch another Solar Beam. "Watch out, Estrella! Get close and use Wing Attack!"

He growled in frustration as the Cherubi leaped away from the oncoming bird Pokemon. It fired a Solar Beam, trying as best it could to hit the black and white bird. But the shining ball fizzled out as clouds obscured the sun. Thank you, Arceus! Ash grinned.

He noticed Gardenia's Cherubi conjuring another Magical Leaf. "Estrella, take flight!"

Both competitors and the audience watched in awe as Estrella raced straight up, away from the Magical Leaf. She waited for a moment for the sun to return, watching it force the Cherubi to shield its eyes.

She folded her wings and raced back to earth, striking the Cherubi with Aerial Ace to knock it out.

---------

"Sakura, come back." Gardenia commanded as she recalled the fainted Cherubi. "I will commend you for turning Sakura's strength to your advantage. Thinking outside the box will take you far."

"Thanks." Ash smiled. "Who's next?"

"Peony, I choose you!" Gardenia next summoned her Turtwig.

Estrella let out a disgusted squawk as the small turtle-like Pokemon appeared. [I have a bone to pick with Sprout-turtle there...]

"If you have a score to settle, this is your chance." Ash told Estrella. "See if you can get in a hit on Peony."

[HAAAAAHHH!!!] Estrella screeched as she streaked at Peony. But Peony jumped away, forcing Estrella to loop back around.

"Circle around and try to use Wing Attack again!" Ash called.

Gardenia grimaced as she watched Peony leap back to avoid Estrella. Estrella would then loop around and dive at Peony again. What's Ash doing? Why is he not changing tactics?

Ash, meanwhile, grinned as Peony ended up getting wedged into a tree. There was a method to my madness. If your Turtwig dodged enough times, it would get stuck in the tree, leaving her vulnerable!

He smiled as Estrella slammed into the Turtwig. "Game over, Peony."

"Not so fast!" Gardenia countered. She watched Peony fire a volley of glowing green seeds, draining Estrella's strength.

[Ash...I'm...sorry...] Estrella wheezed before fainting due to the Leech Seed.

"It's okay...you did your best." Ash assured the Staravia before recalling it. "Diddy, welcome back!"

[HAH!] Diddy leaped to scratch Peony, only to be smothered in leaves.

As the Leaf Storm swirled around him, he noticed a tree near the arena's edge. [Leaf-turtle can't get me there!]

He scrambled up to one of the middle branches as the Leaf Storm slammed onto the safety barrier. [Missed me!]

[Oh yeah?] Peony countered before firing more Leech Seeds up into the tree, seeding Diddy.

Ash made a T signal to the referee, then motioned for Diddy to come down and receive a Potion. "You okay?"

[I did NOT expect Leaf-turtle there to shoot Leech Seeds up here.] Diddy grumbled.

"You've almost got Peony, so hang in there for a little longer." Ash assured Diddy as his time out expired. "Now, go get her!"

"Peony, use Leaf Storm!" Gardenia called.

Diddy leaped away from the swirling leaves and into the sun; slamming down on top of Peony with a massive THUD. "Peony is STILL standing after such a massive attack?" Dawn gasped as both the Chimchar and Turtwig charged at each other.

Gardenia watched as both Pokemon collapsed in exhaustion just before impact. "Well done." she smiled as she recalled Peony. "I have to commend your courage and your love with each of your Pokemon."

"That's how I got this." Ash smiled, showing Gardenia his Mega Ring. "Be glad I don't have any Pokemon I can Mega Evolve yet!"

"Mega Evolution or not, your final opponent is a Pokemon of mine you've never met before. But you will eventually receive one." Gardenia replied before heaving another Poke Ball skyward. "Tsubaki, here we go!"

"A Roserade?" Dawn recognized the flower-being Pokemon Gardenia had summoned. "Ash's two advantaged Pokemon are down, and Tintri won't help."

Brock smiled as Ash summoned Tails, Tails emerging with a heroic backflip. "Ash may stand a chance with Tails, as the Buizel family has some Ice attacks open to them. But using Tails is also a double-edged sword, as he does have a type disadvantage."

"I will admit that Tails does know how to put on a show when he appears." Dawn smiled. "If he ever wants to try out a contest, I can do that!"

---------

"Tails, try Double Team!" Ash called.

He balked as Gardenia's Roserade heaved a giant vine, destroying all the duplicates! "Look out!"

[Relax, I've got this.] Tails assured Ash. With that, he leaped over the massive knot and fired an Ice Beam.

The Roserade heaved a flurry of Magical Leaves, but Tails wove through all the shining leaves. "Tsubaki, blind the Buizel with Flash!" Gardenia called.

Even Ash shielded his eyes. "Tails, try another Ice Beam if you can!"

[No go--I can't see a thing!] Tails called back as he groped about the arena.

"Tails, listen up." Ash began. "While we wait for your eyes to recover, you can rely on your other senses to sense what's happening."

Tails nodded. [Okay...I'm hearing a humming, crackling noise...]

"That's Weather Ball!" Ash gasped when he saw the Roserade charging a flaming ball. "Try using Ice Beam as a shield!"

He grinned as Tails created an icy shield, blasting the Roserade by its own Weather Ball. "Eyes doing okay?"

[Yeah...things are coming back into view...] Tails reported as he rubbed his eyes.

He noticed a wave of familiar shining leaves, and counter with a Swift attack. The shining stars managed to surround the Roserade. [I think it's time to chill!] Tail taunted as he fired an Ice Beam.

"That was so cool, if you'll forgive the pun." Dawn raved. "It would look great as an appeal."

"I'll say." Brock smiled.

Tails fired another Ice Beam, slamming the Roserade into a tree. "Pearl is unable to battle." the ref announced. "The winner is Diamond."

Ash ran to hug Tails. "You did it! Even though we had the disadvantage, you managed to come through for me."

[Aw, it was nothin'.] Tails smiled.

---------

"Ash...in recognition of your creative tactics, and your courageous heart; I award you the Forest Badge ." Gardenia smiled as she offered Ash a green badge that resembled a group of trees.

"Thank you." Ash smiled as he accepted the badge, admiring its yellowish glow in the fading sun.

"Go on, show the world what you did." Gardenia smiled. "Shout it from the treetops!"

Ash smiled, and held the Badge high as his friends and Pokemon surrounded him. "I got a Forest Badge!"

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 34: Chu Times Two


"Woo-hoo!" Ash's excited cry rang through the air as he led Dawn and Brock down a bike trail. "This is just like the Cycling Road at home!"

"I know, right?" Brock called back.

[Whee!] Tintri squeaked as Ash weaved around a corner, enthralled by the trees and forest racing by.

[This is fun!] Kori agreed as the group broke single file formation long enough to discuss their next move.

"Doing okay, Hinata?" Brock asked the Vulpix peeking out of the basket on his bike.

[Very much.] Hinata smiled as she stretched, then fanned out her six tails. [This Cycling Road is more a scenic trail than the long drop at home.]

Brock smiled in agreement, then retrieved his guidebook. "Okay...now that Ash has the Forest Badge, Dawn can compete in her next Contest. As Zoey told us before, that's in Hearthome City."

"You think Cycling Road goes all the way there?" Ash asked. "The views here are awesome!"

"Actually, this Cycling Road ends at the town before Hearthome, so we can't ride all the way there." Brock replied.

"Besides, these bikes are rental bikes anyway." Dawn added as she took a moment to readjust the metallic blue bike helmet she was wearing.

A rumble in the distance got her attention. "That sounded like thunder..."

"Is it okay if I can lead for a while?" Brock asked. "There should be a Pokémon Center up ahead, so let's get back in single file and be on our way before a storm hits."

"Lead the way, Brock." Ash smiled as the group set off again.

---------

"There it is..." Brock pointed out a familiar red roofed building by the trail.

Ash noticed that the lights in the building were off. "You sure this Pokemon Center is open?" he asked as he chained his bike to a bike rack.

"I'm sure." Brock replied. "It's very rare for one to close down, and rarer still if it happens without notice."

"Okay..." Ash replied as the group made their way up the path.

As the door whirred open, Ash called "Hello, anyone here?" into the lobby, wincing at all the boxes, paper, trash, and other junk cluttering the floor.

[You'd think they'd do a better job keeping clean...] Tintri agreed.

Ash spotted a Chansey arriving with a bucket and mop. "Hey..do you know where Nurse Joy is?"

The Chansey sighed. [She's outside, in the yard. But good luck getting through to her...]

"That's odd, normally Nurse Joy is a happy and pleasant person to be around..." Dawn mused as she led the way out a back door into a yard. Nurse Joy was sitting against a tree, sighing as she looked out on the trail and the ominous clouds.

"Is everything okay?" Dawn asked as the group approached. "I'm Dawn, and these two are my companions, Ash and Brock."

Nurse Joy sighed again. "I hope you'll forgive the state of the Pokemon Center. Ever since the Cycling Road opened, people zoom right past it. I've wondered if I should even keep it open at all..."

"So, no one ever wants to stop here because they're too excited to see the entire Cycling Road in one trip?" Brock asked to make sure he heard Nurse Joy correctly.

Nurse Joy nodded to confirm Brock's suspicions, tears shining in her eyes. "I've worked so hard to build this Pokémon Center, but why do I continue maintaining a place no one ever stops at? All my hard work's been forgotten. Maybe this place is better off forgotten...forgotten by the whole world."

"That's not true." Brock assured Nurse Joy as he started off towards his guitar case. "Maybe a song will cheer you up?"

Ash noticed that a mysterious blob was moving around in Brock's bag. "Is there something in there that should be moving?"

Piqued, Brock found the pocket the bulge was located in and unzipped it. He balked when a Pichu wearing an elegant red hat with a white plume and matching red cape emerged. [Hi!]

"Tarina?" Brock gasped when he recognized the Pichu. "How did you get here?"

[Simple--you left that pocket open, so I climbed inside.] Tarina replied.

Brock weighed the pros and the cons of punishing Tarina. On the one hand, I was expecting her to stay home. But I did leave that pocket open for her to climb inside, so I share some of the blame too...

A smile formed on his face. Since he had left the pocket open to begin with, Tarina's journey wasn't worth punishing. "Okay...you can come with us, but the next journey I go on, you can come if you ask first, okay?"

[Yay!] Tarina cheered as she hurried to hug Tintri.

Dawn, meanwhile, read up on the tiny mouse Pokemon as she watched Tarina and Tintri embrace:

"Pichu, the tiny mouse Pokemon. Despite its small size, it can zap even adult humans. However, if it does so, it also surprises itself."

"Thankfully, Tarina's getting better at holding her power, thanks to training and effort." Brock grinned.

Dawn felt a wet spot on her arm as more thunder rumbled. "We need to get inside, it's starting to rain."

"Let's go inside, Tarina--then we'll look you over and clean you up." Brock assured Tarina as Ash led the way inside.

---------

"Okay, Tarina...let's get you a bath. You probably have gunk all over you from being in Brock's bag for so long." Ash smiled at the Pichu patiently sitting on the exam table.

He looked through the cabinets in the exam room for something to use as a Pichu sized tub. "This okay?" he asked, showing Brock a large bowl.

"That works fine." Brock replied. "Next we need some warm water and plenty of clean towels."

"Ow!" Ash yelped as Dawn arrived with some towels. "I need to cool that down a bit." he admitted as he added some cold water. "Brock would never forgive me if I burned Tarina."

Nurse Joy, meanwhile, examined Tarina's ears to finish a general exam. "Okay...both of them are clean and healthy."

She reported to Brock. "Whatever you do to care for Tarina, keep doing it. Her vitals are great, energy levels are perfect, and she's none the worse for wear."

"Your bath's ready, Tarina!" Dawn called.

[Coming!] After hanging up her cloak and hat on the hooks by the exam table, Tarina jumped in the tub with a splish.

"Come here, sweetie..." Brock coaxed as Tarina paddled up to him.

[Who's the girl with you guys?] Tarina asked.

"That is Dawn--she is a coordinator like May." Brock replied as he started lathering soap in Tarina's fur.

Inspired, Dawn heaved all her Poke Balls skyward. "You guys, I have someone for you to meet!"

"And you guys!" Ash also heaved his other Poke Balls skyward.

Brock noticed the crowd of Pokemon in the room. "Most of my team you know already, but I have a newcomer too."

He then heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Kage, I have someone for you to meet!"

[You called?] Kage asked as he materialized near the tub. [Who's this?]

"This is Tarina--I adopted her after a gig back at home." Brock told Kage as he lathered Tarina's fur a little more.

[You always did have a heart for the little ones, coach.] Kage smiled as Brock rinsed Tarina off.

[Why does Kage call you 'coach'?] Tarina wondered.

"He knows very well he is a part of a team, and the leader of a team is called a coach." Brock replied.

He looked out at the crowd of Pokemon before the tub as Tarina shook off the excess water from her fur. "Why don't you guys introduce yourselves?" he told Dawn's Pokemon.

[Hi, I'm Kori!] Kori chirped.

[My name's Lola.] Lola smiled. [Nice to meet you!]

[I'm Stormy!] Stormy chittered.

[Kori...Lola...Stormy....and Dawn.] Tarina mused. [Did I get everyone right?]

"You did." Dawn replied.

Tarina giggled a little as Brock scritched her left ear. "Now it's time to meet the newcomers on Ash's team."

[I'm Estrella.] Estrella began.

[My name's Gaia.] Gaia smiled.

[Hey there! I'm Diddy!] Diddy grinned.

[I'm Tails--pleased to meet ya, little girl.] Tails smiled.

"And you know me and Tintri." Ash smiled as Tarina hopped out of the tub.

[Gaia...Tails...Diddy...Estre-yah?] Tarina asked. She looked up to Brock to make sure she had pronounced Estrella correctly.

"That's right." Brock replied as he dried Tarina off. "Two L's are pronounced like a Y in Spanish, remember?"

"Something Ash tends to forget." Dawn smiled.

Ash took Dawn's comment in stride. "You got everyone--and of course, you know me and Tintri!"

"Here you go..." Brock gave Tarina her hat and cloak, then addressed Nurse Joy. "Because of you, Tarina was found safe."

Nurse Joy blushed a little. "Oh no, I should be thanking you..."

[It's lunchtime--I'm sure our guests are hungry.] the Chansey smiled as she rubbed Nurse Joy's back.

[Yay! I'm starved!] Tarina led the way down the hall to the dining area.

"You don't have to worry about Tarina--she has no known food allergies, and is very open to trying new things." Brock assured Nurse Joy.

---------

"Here we are--what I like to call the Kindergartener's Charcuterie." Brock smiled as he set a plate before Tarina. "It's ham, turkey, and roast beef slices, some cheese cubes, and some Berries. Tarina prefers to call it the 'everything plate'."

"So far, I've got two Badges, Dawn has a ribbon, and Brock earned a jewel in the Fantasy Stage." Ash explained. "They're not real jewels--just plastic trinkets."

[What's a Fantasy Stage?] Tarina asked as she bit into a Leppa Berry.

"A Fantasy Stage is a competition for musicians and storytellers, only you also get to dress up." Dawn explained.

"Yeah--all the competitors wear beautiful minstrel costumes, in keeping with the 'fantasy' part." Brock explained. "I'll show you my costume later."

"Speaking of costumes..." Nurse Joy smiled as she delivered plates of meatloaf to the others. "Tarina resembles a red mage from 'Final Fantasy' in her hat and cloak."

"Well, Tarina sees herself as a hero, so not long after I adopted her, I bought her those at a summer festival." Brock explained. "She apparently had had a hat and cloak like it, but they had been lost somewhere. She almost never takes them off, except for bath time and bedtime."

"She looks very much like a hero." Dawn smiled before offering Tarina a bite of her meatloaf.

[Mm...] Tarina smiled before returning to her half finished "everything plate".

She looked outside to see that the skies had cleared. [The rain stopped! Can we go play outside?]

"We'll go play after we finish lunch, okay?" Brock assured Tarina between bites of his own food.

---------

[So, what kinds of games do you like, Tarina?] Tails asked as the group's Pokemon huddled outside some time later.

[I do like a good game of hide and seek...] Tarina replied. [That okay with everyone?]

[YEAH!!!] the other Pokemon cheered.

[What's the highest number you can count to?] Gaia asked.

[A hundred should be plenty of time for everyone to hide, but I can go higher, if you like.] Tarina replied.

[A hundred's fine by me.] Kage grinned. Diddy nodded in agreement.

All the Pokemon scrambled to find a hiding place as Tarina started counting. [One...two...three...]

---------

[...ninety-seven...ninety-eight...ninety-nine...a hundred! Ready or not, here I come!] tarina's tiny voice rang across the yard some time later.

She grinned when she saw Tintri's tail peeking from a bush. [Ah-ha!]

[Okay, you found me.] Tintri smiled as he emerged from the bush.

Tarina next spotted Kori in a flower pot. [Found you!]

[You're good at this.] Kori giggled.

Neither Tintri or Kori expected a mechanical arm to grab Tarina! [What in the...?] Kori gasped.

Ash hurried into the yard and gasped when he found Mars and Jupiter looking back at him from a hovercraft. "Where is Tarina?" he demanded.

"Oh, this little red mage rat?" Mars smirked as she held Tarina up for Ash to see, Tarina wailing in fear all the while.

"We plan to use her energy to bring about Team Galactic's new world, thank you." Jupiter explained.

Ash growled as the other Pokemon emerged from their hiding places. "Tintri, use Thunderbolt!"

"Noctis, use Poison Sting!" Jupiter called, sending both the humans and the Pokemon scrambling for cover from the poisonous barbs as they flew away...

---------

"...I told Tintri to use Thunderbolt, but Jupiter told Noctis to use Poison Sting. That bought them time to get away." Ash finished explaining what had happened to Brock some time later.

He whistled for Estrella. "Estrella, think you can find Tarina?"

[The admins went to the north, so I'll start there.] Estrella replied as she soared away.

Nurse Joy burst into tears. "I am so sorry your little one was taken from you! This is all my fault...admit it, I'm a failure, aren't I?" she asked Brock between sobs.

"No, you're not." Brock replied as he watched several wounded and sick Pokemon emerge from the brush. "Even if no one ever comes here, the forest Pokémon need you too. You play an important role in making sure they survive."

A weak smile formed on Nurse Joy's face. "You're right. I could ask any of the Pokemon rescues in the area if I could help provide medical care free of charge."

"That's the spirit!" Brock smiled as he administered an Antidote to a sick Bidoof. "All Pokémon need you to take care of them."

"Really?" Nurse Joy smiled. "You're right--I've been so hung up on the lack of human traffic, I forgot that my main service is to the Pokemon."

She hugged Brock. "Thanks you...for helping me rediscover why I became a nurse to start with."

Brock was about to answer when he spotted Estrella. "Where's Tarina?" he asked.

[Follow me--their hideout's to the northwest, in the forest!] Estrella called.

"I'm coming, Tarina!" Brock called as the group hurried after Estrella.

---------

"Come on, give Auntie Jupiter a smile!" Jupiter pleaded as the admins struggled through the brush with Tarina.

Her look of feigned happiness turned to anger as Tarina stuck out her tongue at her. "Ooh...didn't your master teach you to respect your elders?" she snapped as she found a rock. "I oughta--!"

"Jupiter!" Mars pleaded. "We may be crooks, but even crooks have to have standards. "What would Lord Cyrus say if he found out we had hurt an innocent Pokemon? Red mage rat is only bait for Hat-boy and pals..."

Tarina snapped to attention when she saw Ash and the others burst into the clearing. [I knew you guys would come save me!]

"Your're not getting away with a Pichu found in my Pokémon Center!" Nurse Joy demanded. "Give her back to her rightful owner! NOW!"

Jupiter sneered, and summoned Noctis. "Noctis, use Fury Swipes!"

"Chiyu, use Egg Bomb!" Nurse Joy commanded her Chansey.

Mars winced at the exploding eggs that sent Noctis flying backwards. "Leona, Bite the little rat!" she commanded as she summoned Leona.

"Be brave, Tarina!" Brock called, aware of the Purugly running for Tarina. "Here's your chance to be the hero you've always wanted to be!"

Tarina nodded, took a deep breath, and sang Imultaos, ame no hao bakezo.... The attack knocked Leona to the ground with a flurry of leaves and green sound waves.

"A different Disarming Voice!" Dawn mused as Noctis charged at Tarina, his claws glowing with dark energy.

"Since Tarina belongs to Brock, his Heart Song is her Disarming Voice." Ash explained as Tarina used Iron Tail to batter Leona even more.

Imultaos, ame no hao bakezo... Tarina sang again. Noctis went stumbling back from more leaves and soundwaves.

"Noctis, try Venoshock!" Jupiter called. "Let's finish this!"

[Not today, Space-meanie!] Tarina grinned. With that, she charged a huge yellow beam, sending the admins and their Pokemon flying.

Brock arrived soon afterwards. "Nicely done, Tarina. You're not hurt or tired, are you?"

[Nope!] Tarina smiled. [I could've gone a few more rounds if I wanted to.]

"I'm impressed. How is Tarina so powerful for a Pokemon her size?" Dawn asked as Brock and Tarina embraced.

"Great things sometimes come in small packages." Brock replied as Tarina climbed onto his shoulder. "And Tarina's quite the package."

He smiled when he saw Tarina had climbed on his shoulder, as if mimicking Tintri. "Okay, you can ride on my shoulder too."

[I'm so ready to see what this place has to offer!] Tarina smiled.

"Let's go back to the Pokemon Center and rest first--it's getting late." Dawn assured Tarina, pointing out the setting sun as the group returned to the Pokemon Center.

---------

"Windows are done!" Dawn reported as she and the Chansey cleaned up the foyer and the windows the next morning.

"I could use a little more soap over here." Brock requested from the other end of the room. "I'm letting Tarina wash the very bottom, since she can reach it."

"Floor's done!" Ash smiled as Nurse Joy arrived in the now clean foyer. He wrung out the mop one last time, then went to dispose of his used water.

"The good news is, the Pokémon you guys left with me are feeling much better." Nurse Joy reported. "There are a few that need another day of care, but most of them are ready to return to the wild."

"Remember, even if there aren't many people coming, someone still needs a Pokémon Center to go to." Brock reminded Nurse Joy as he watched Tarina scrub a smudge on the last window.

"Thank you..." Nurse Joy smiled. "You've all been a big help, but you also helped me remember that my skill is needed somewhere."

"Anytime." Ash replied as he inspected Tarina's work. "We'll drop by any time we are in the area."

Tarina whispered something to Brock, making him smile. "Okay...I think a sing-along is a great reward for a job well done."

Once Brock had settled in and tuned up, the others gathered around as he started a hopeful melody. I'll walk in the rain by your side...
I'll cling to the warmth of your hand...

To Be Continued...