Pokemon Moonlight Silver (COMPLETE!!!)

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 110: Better Eight Than Never

"Representing the Gold side, the Dragonborn Clair!" Kaburagi announced as he made a grand gesture on the gold colored floating platform that served as Clair's half of the huge lake that would serve as the battlefield.

As soon as Clair had arrived, Kaburagi gestured to Ash standing on the silver platform on the other end of the lake. "And representing the Silver side, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town!"

He then hurried over to the tree that served as the referee's post. "Now then...this will be a three-on-three match--whoever can knock out all three of the opponent's Pokemon first, wins. Any questions?"

"Not at all." Clair replied.

"No questions here." Ash replied.

Kaburagi then waved a red flag with a flourish. "Then let the match begin!"

"Keela, let's go!" Clair called, heaving the Poke Ball holding her Kingdra skyward.

"Luce, I choose you!" Ash did likewise.

Misty was surprised by Ash's choice. "Why Luce? I was expecting Tintri or River..."

"He may be saving Tintri for when it matters most." Brock explained. "That, and should he choose to induce Luce, it also gains the Dragon type."

"That makes sense!" Misty smiled as Luce fired a Charge Beam, only for Keela to power out of the way of the shining yellow beam with Agility.

On the field, Clair grimaced the Ampharos veered out of the way of Keela's charge. "Keela, use a Swift attack!"

Ash, meanwhile, only smiled as the shining yellow stars bounced off of Luce. "Okay, try to Body Slam Keela!"

He winced as Luce charged at the huge Kingdra, only for the Kingdra to dodge with Agility, then fire another volley of Swift.

"Okay, so my initial plan isn't working..." Clair mused before calling to her Kingdra "Keela, try Hydro Pump!"

"Look out!" Ash called, only to watch as Luce got splattered by the huge wave of water.

He gasped in horror when he saw Keela charging a familiar orange beam. "Uh oh..."

A splash got his attention, followed by the Hyper Beam skimming the water. "Luce? What did you do?" he asked as his Ampharos paddled to his side.

[Easy...I dove underwater to dodge the Hyper Beam.] Luce smiled.

"Good thinking, Luce...I dunno if I would've ever thought of that." Ash smiled as he petted his Ampharos.

He then turned business-like again. "Dive underwater and use a Body Slam!"

"Forgetting something?" Clair's voice snapped Ash to attention. "While I don't deny that Body Slam is a powerful attack on land, it won't do much underwater, because it weighs much less." Sure enough, Keela hardly looked fazed as Luce's attack bounced off her scaly stomach.

She smiled as Luce surfaced. "Keela, use Hydro Pump!"

In the stands, Misty swallowed hard as yet another wave of water went flying at the vulnerable Ampharos. "Luce's a sitting Psyduck!"

"Maybe not..." Brock grinned as Ash held the hand with his Mega Ring in the air, just as Luce jumped out of the water.

Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... Ash sang, his Heart Song engulfing Luce in a burst of red light and thunderbolts, which shielded her from Keela's attack!

Clair gasped--she had not counted on Ash to use Mega Evolution! "Keela, use Swift!"

[What do I do now?] Luce gasped, aware of the shining stars headed for her as she emerged from her Mega Evolution.

"Just take the attack--your added Dragon type should give you some defense." Ash assured Luce. Luce nodded, and braced herself as the Swift attack bounced off of her.

"Keela, try Hydro Pump again!" Clair called, but this too didn't faze the Mega Ampharos. I see...the Mega Evolution added defense to his Ampharos, which puts her on an equal level with Keela!

Brock noted Keela heaving with exhaustion. "Ash’s plan must be to just wear Keela out, as Luce, even when she is not Mega Evolved, has a lot of endurance."

"That, and now that Luce has the Dragon type too, she's got similar defenses to Keela." Misty agreed.

Both spectators watched as Luce dove underwater to avoid another Hyper Beam. "Okay, Luce, use Thunderpunch!" Ash called.

He grinned as Luce's electrified fist connected point blank with Keela, finally taking her down. "Don't think you can just go into cruise control yet, Ash...I still have two Pokemon left!" Clair cautioned.

---------

Ash watched as Clair summoned her Gyarados, Draco. "Luce, let's see you use Hyper Beam this time!"

"Draco, use Hydro Pump!" Clair commanded.

Neither combatant expected the orange beam and the wave of water to collide at the center of the lake, canceling out both attacks. [WAUUUGH!] Luce screamed as she was engulfed in a wave of greenish blue fire, sending her writhing to the Silver platform in pain.

Now's my chance to knock out the Mega Ampharos, since Draco's Dragonbreath paralyzed it! Clair smiled. "Draco, Hyper Beam!"

"Luce!" Ash cried in horror as Luce was engulfed in the orange beam, lighting up the lake in an orange sheen.

[I'm...sorry...] Luce wheezed. [Mega Evolution...wasn't enough...]

"You did well, okay?" Ash assured the Ampharos before recalling it. "Tintri, your turn!"

[Right!] Tintri bounded off Ash's shoulder and onto the Silver platform with an Agility boost, allowing him to veer out of the way of the Gyarados' razor sharp teeth.

"Tintri, use--!" Ash started, but gawked in horror as Draco sprayed another volley of Dragonbreath! Oh, no...not again...

"I told you not to go into cruise control." Clair reminded Ash when the blue-green flames cleared, revealing Tintri heaving in exhaustion. "Otherwise, it will cost you." Draco charging another Hydro Pump emphasized her point.

"Tintri, try to use Draco's attack to get close!" Ash called.

He watched as Tintri powered past the oncoming wave, his Agility allowing him to run on top of Draco's second Hydro Pump to reach the snake-dragon's face. It worked! he grinned as Tintri fired a massive Thunderbolt, knocking Draco out...

---------

"Minerva, I choose you!" Clair called, summoning a familiar Dragonair on the field. "Use a Hyper Beam from below!"

[What the--?] was all Tintri could say as Minerva dove beneath the water, then fired a Hyper Beam from below the surface, knocking out the Pikachu before Ash could react.

Tintri came floating back to Ash some seconds later. [S-sorry, Ash...I wasn't...expecting...that...]

"Me neither, bud." Ash sighed. "But you did do well, so go get some rest."

"Each side is down to one Pokemon apiece!" Kaburagi announced. "Make your final selection, Silver."

Ash nodded, then unleashed a loud whistle, prompting Blaze to soar into the arena. [I think it's fitting I get to bookend your Johto challenge...] Blaze purred. [Just as I got you your first badge, I'll be happy to get you your last one, too!]

"Minerva, use Twister!" Clair commanded.

Ash watched as a massive twister formed on the water. "Blaze, I have an idea..use Flamethrower to evaporate the lake before the Twister hits."

[Got it!] Blaze smiled before heaving a wave of fire at the water, causing the lake to dry up and the Twister to fizzle out. [Let's see how you fare on the land!] he taunted.

Clair was unfazed. "Minerva, use Iron Tail."

[Missed me!] Blaze taunted as he leaped away from Minerva's shining silver tail. landing behind the confused Dragonair.

"Grab Minerva from behind and use Seismic Toss!" Ash called.

[Round and round and round she goes, where she stops, no one knows!] Blaze taunted as he spun Minera around the lakebed.

He did not, however, expect Minerva to engulf him in purple fire! [GAH!!!] he yelped as the fire knocked him to the ground, dazed.

"Don't give up, Blaze!" Ash called as he watched his Charizard attempt to get up. "I believe in you!"

He smiled as Blaze eased himself up, and took off, soaring towards the Dragonair sitting in a puddle on the lakebed. Just as Minerva tried to impale the oncoming Charizard with an Iron Tail, Blaze looped behind her and grabbed her again!

[Round and round we go once more!] Blazed taunted as he again spun Minerva.

Ash noticed Minerva charging more purple fire. "Blaze, try to contain Minerva's attack in a Fire Spin!"

The world seemed to go silent as Minerva's Dragon Rage was engulfed in Blaze's red flames, creating a massive explosion that sent Minerva flying. "Is it over?" Misty asked as she watched the flames die down. "What happens if both Minerva and Blaze fainted because of that?"

Brock was about to answer when he saw Blaze fly from the flames with a triumphant roar. "He did it!"

"Gold is unable to battle...this match goes to Silver without question." Kaburagi smiled as Clair and Ash shook hands in the middle of the lakebed.

"Well done, Ash--you used some very clever strategies that I honestly thought wouldn't work." Clair began as Misty used a Revive on Tintri, allowing him to rejoin his master. "That faith and the ability to think fast will surely serve you well on your travels."

She offered Ash a black and red badge shaped like a dragon head. "I believe you have more than earned this.

"Thank you..." Ash smiled before holding the badge high. "I got a Rising Badge!"

---------

Liza, Ethan, and Lyra cheered and applauded when they saw Ash holding the Rising Badge "Congrats, Ash--we were cheering for you!" Ethan smiled as he embraced his friend.

"From here, you should all head to Mt. Silver, where you can prepare for the Johto League and all its events." Clair suggested.

"I will, Clair--thanks again." Ash smiled.

"I promise to give my all in the Grand Pokethlon for you, Clair." Misty agreed.

"And me in the Grand Lore Stage." Brock added.

Ash looked over at Blaze, who was nuzzling Charla. "Blaze...you be good for Liza and the tribe, okay?"

[You know I will, Ash--Pyroc and the warriors are great teachers.] Blaze smiled with a toothy grin. [Although I'm only a whistle away if you need me.]

He looked over at Brock. [I still wanna see you write a song about my exploits, Maestro--including a verse about what happened here.]

"I'll get to work writing 'The Ballad of Blaze the Dragon Flame' right away." Brock smiled. "And I'll be sure to play it when it's ready."

Everyone laughed at this. "Okay, everyone--it's time for us to go." Liza smiled as she collected herself.

Ash motioned to Liza as Ethan and Lyra climbed aboard Charla. "Take good care of Blaze--as much as I want him back, I also know the tribe is where he should be for now."

"Okay...but you can visit him and he can visit you as often as he likes." Liza assured Ash.

"After we get Blaze home, Lyra and I will meet you at Mt. Silver." Ethan explained.

Ash hugged Blaze one last time. "Have a safe flight back...and tell Chief Pyroc and the tribe we said hi!"

[You know I will--you have a safe trip yourself.] Blaze replied before following Charla and her passengers into the setting sun...

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 111: Why? Wynaut!

"WE DID IT!" Ash smiled as he, Misty, Brock, and Clair enjoyed a picnic by the river a few days later. "I've got my last Badge, Brock's completed his Lore Stage rainbow, and Misty can get one last medal on the way back to New Bark! Johto League, here we come!"

"Well, in order to do that, you'll have to return to New Bark." Clair explained. "But you should have plenty of time for your friend to earn her last Pokethlon medal and train--the League--officially called the Silver Conference, isn't due to begin for another three months."

"So, what's the Johto anthem named?" Brock was curious. "Kanto's is named 'Red, Blue and Yellow Bold', and retells a legend from the region's past--although what is actually sung before Leagues and other competitions is the last verse."

"It is called 'Golden Hearts and Silver Souls', and tells of Ho'oh's, Lugia's, and the Beasts' guidance and protection upon the region." Clair explained. "The song has verses for each of them in turn, but only the first verse, the chorus, the final verse, and another chorus are sung before competition--like Kanto's, it is very rare to hear the whole thing sung."

She smiled as she noticed a few of her attendants arriving to join the group "Although I can at least sing what is typically sung before competition, if you would like to hear it."

"Yes please!" Misty replied, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Need a note?" Brock asked as he fished the pitch pipe he often used to tune his guitar from his bag.

"Sure--an F, please." Clair replied.

"Okay..." Brock set the pitch pipe to sound an F, then blew the note in Clair's direction. Clair hummed it back to him, which also told her attendants what key she would be singing in.

With that, Clair sang Our golden hearts and our silver souls
Shining brightly on our homeland,
Sets the fire of our hope ablaze
And never will it falter!

Our courage flies across the land,
And we rise to meet the challenge;
So the sun will rise, and the moon will shine
Upon Johto forever...

May our golden hearts and silver souls
Shine on the land forever. Clair's attendants joined in, harmonizing with their leader as Brock kept the beat with a frame drum.
As the golden sun rises in the east
So will Johto endure.
Though darkness falls, the stars will shine
And the silver moon lights the way
The aurora shines across the sky
And our path never will be gray...

---------

"Just lookit 'em, being all patriotic..." Meowth smiled as he and his human companions watched the performance from the safety of a bush. "What a catastrophe it would be if da twerps got to da League Badge-less, medal-less, and stripe-less!"

"Imagine how much Badges, medals, and Lore Stripes go for! We would have our dues paid down for years to come, and still have plenty left over!" James smiled, his eyes turning into credit signs as he dreamed of the luxuries he would buy with the hypothetical money from Ash's Badges, Misty's medals, and Brock's Lore Stripes.

"Why sell them when we can use them to enter the League ourselves?" Jessie snapped her partner back to reality.

"Dat's anudder idear, but ya can't be in tree places at once." Meowth interjected. "So once we get da goods, we'll decide who's gonna compete in what from dere."

Excited cheers and applause snapped him to attention. "Looks like dey're done with da patriotics, so here's our chance." he whispered before he and James cast a fishing rod into the grass.

"I got the lady twerp's medals..." James reported as Meowth reeled in Ash's badge case.

"But what about Robin Hood twerp's stripes?" Meowth asked as he noticed the Badge case and the medal box.

"Those appear to be sewn on his clothing, and reeling him in would be a very bed idea indeed." Jessie cautioned. "So we'll make do with just hat twerp's badge's and lady twerp's medals."

As the Rockets raced through the brush with their ill-gotten prizes, they did not see a small blue blob Pokemon similar to Wobbufett take Ash's Badge case while James tried to untangle himself from a bush...

----------

"WHAT???" Ash gasped when he noticed his Badge case gone. "NOW how am I supposed to enter the League???"

"My medals are gone too!" Misty was just as panicked. "All our hard work, gone--my first one, earned with Casey looking on..."

"Zephyr Badge, when Blaze beat Falkner's Pidgeot Taka..." Ash sighed.

"Second one, putting a braggart Poliwrath trainer in his place." Misty sighed.

"Cyndy's comeback against Bugsy..." Ash replied as he remembered how he had gotten a Hive Badge. This call and response continued as they each remembered how they had won their prizes:

"Plain Badge for saving Whitney's farm and her Miltank..."

"Third one, against Koga's sister Aya...

"Fog Badge, Mina came through with a Dark move..."

"Fourth one was my favorite, with Koga and Janine looking on..."

"Storm Badge, showing Chuck the power of Mega Evolution..."

"Fifth one, against the Nurse Joy of the lake..."

"Mineral Badge, showing Jasmine big things come in small packages..."

"Sixth one defending your honor from Gary..."

"Glacier Badge from teaching Pryce to love again..."

"Seventh one, Ami proved herself..."

"Rising Badge, I earned a few days ago..."

"...and I still have one more medal left to earn!" Misty finally finished the long lament.

Suddenly, Ash remembered something. "Where's that year's supply of chocolate you won, Misty?"

"Here in the cooler...we haven't eaten any more since we ate a good chunk of the first tier." Brock replied.

"Think we could polish off that first tier to ease our sorrows?" Misty asked.

Brock nodded as he took the massive box out. "Besides, chocolate's even better cold."

He smiled. "I'm a little glad mine can't be swiped...so to inspire you guys, I can still remember how I earned them all."

"Okay, master storyteller, how did you earn them all?" Misty challenged as she bit into a dark chocolate diamond.

"Red, helping a Sunflora smile again..." Brock began, counting each color on his fingers as he named it. "Orange, earning a friendly rival's respect...Yellow, teaching a friend of Suzie's what inner beauty means...Green, telling an ancient story alongside the Kimono Girls...Blue, salvaging a TV star's show...Indigo, salvaging 'Oak's Pokemon Talk'...and Purple, earned with the Brains of the Battle Frontier looking on, and you guys helped me earn it!"

"Then what are we doing here having a pity party for?" Misty cried. "The thieves can't have gotten far, so let's go find them!"

---------

"You lost the hat twerp's badges???" Jessie gasped as Sahana glumly nodded yes. "Did you see who or what took them?"

Sahana waddled to a pad of white Post-it notes, and started drawing the smaller blue blob as best as he could remember. "Ooh! Ooh! I love dis game! I love dis game!" Meowth cried, believing Wobbufett was conveying his message in a game of "Win, Lose, or Draw". "It was a great big sapphire with legs!"

"No, it was my childhood nanny, Ms. Gorman!" James suggested.

"Since when do people have blue skin?" Jessie retorted. "It looks more like a Wooper to me!"

With the Rockets lost in their game, they did not see the Pidgeot and the Marill combing the forest for any sign of the small blue blob Pokemon. [I found it!] River reported as she spotted the small blue blob admiring one of Ash's Badges as it added the Badge case and the medal box to a basket full of Berries and other trinkets.

[Good work!] Mina circled down to join River in the brush. [Do you remember what Ash told you this little blob was?]

[It's a Wynaut, like we saw back at the Wobbufett festival!] River smiled before quoting the tiny Pokemon's Pokedex entry. [The young form of Wobbufett, they tend to move in a pack. Individuals squash against one another to toughen their spirits.]

[I see...] Mina smiled as she watched River emerge into the Wynaut's burrow, and emerge with both the Badge case and the medal box some moments later.

Just then, River gasped when she found Arbok and Weezing waiting for her in the brush! [Ambush!] she called as Weezing sprayed a cloud of Smog, forcing the Pidgeot and the Marill to cough while they made off with the Badges...

---------

"Did you find them?" Ash asked as he led Misty, Brock, Clair, and Minerva into the brush, near where Mina and River had found the Wynaut's burrow.

[I asked the Wynaut that lives here to give the Badges and medals back, but just before we could go back, the Rockets ambushed us.] River tearfully explained.

The hiss of a balloon in the distance snapped Clair to attention. "The rogues are about to take flight in Blackthorn Field! Quickly, to the north!"

As the group followed Clair through the grass and brush, Brock offered one of his arrows to Minerva. "So long as we're gonna shoot down Team Rocket, can you imbue this with a little dragon power?"

[Of course.] Minerva smiled, imbuing Brock's arrow with a tiny Dragonbreath, making the head gain a deep teal glow. [That should give your shot a little pizzazz.]

Clair smiled. "What a great idea! Are you sure it will be sharp enough to take the rogues down?"

"I'm sure--they are mainly for stage archery, but I've popped more than a few balloons this trip." Brock replied as he followed Minerva to a hill overlooking where the Rockets were preparing to take off.

Ash smiled as Brock aimed his shot, just as the Meowth balloon started to rise. "Team Rocket's gonna get a nice little surprise..."

Everyone watched as Brock fired some seconds later, a POW confirming he had hit his shot. "Bullseye!" Misty smiled as she hurried to catch her falling medal box. "I am SO glad to get my medals back!"

Ash dove to catch his Badge case, then decided to check and see if all the badges were present. "One...two...three...four...five...six...seven...w here's the Rising Badge?"

[Here...] River replied, offering the Rising Badge to Ash. [The Wynaut told me to give you this.]

"If you see him again, will you tell him thank you?" Ash smiled as he put the Rising Badge with the other Badges.

"Now, as I was saying before we were rudely interrupted..." Clair began. "To quickly reach New Bark from here, the Blackthorn Hills are a well known route..."

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 112: Just Add Water

"I am so glad you got Team Rocket off our backs for a good long while." Misty smiled. "Now they won't try to cause any more trouble!"

"And if they do, you can always pop their balloon." Ash grinned. "I'm just glad my Badges are okay."

Brock looked up from the guidebook when he heard waves in the distance. "Well! We've made it back to the eastern coast, not far from where we disembarked." he smiled as the group emerged from the brush to find a few sand dunes and a beach.

"I am so ready for a day at the beach!" Misty dashed down onto the sandy shore and heaved all of her Poke Balls skyward. "Come on out, everyone! You guys deserve a vacation after all we've been through!"

[Surf's up!] Michelle made a flying leap into the water, making the resulting wave splatter onto her giggling master.

[Bury me in the sand, please?] Ami begged Brock.

After making a Marill sized hole in the sand with his fist, Brock waited for Ami to climb in the hole before covering her with sand. "There we are."

Sango rolled through the sand, waiting for Michelle to pick the jewels and pieces off her branches, while Pearl and Aurora kept watch from the water. "If I knew where the locker rooms were, I'd be in my trunks surfing right now." Ash smiled as he watched the waves lap the shore.

[I know...] Tintri sighed before he remembered something. [Did we even pack the surfboards?]

Ash was about to answer when a sign on a noticeboard got his attention. "Hey, Misty...check this out!"

Misty hurried over to look at the sign. "Speed Pokethlon today at the Wave Aquatics Center--all tracks and skill levels welcome..."

"Don't forget you have one medal left to earn!" Brock smiled as he also looked over the sign. "This would explain why no one's here on the beach right now--they're all signing up for the Pokethlon!" He made a grand gesture to the path leading into the city, where a crowd of Pokethletes were rushing inside a majestic blue building near the town's main drag.

Misty nodded. "It's only fitting I end my Pokethlon experience the way I started it--so let's go!"

---------

"Okay..." Misty began as she emerged from the women's dressing room in her jersey, and made her way to the stands, where she spotted the boys in the front. "I've picked Pearl, Ami, and Sango for the competition."

"Great choices--according to the program, the first event of the day is the Hurdle Dash." Ash reported.

"I'll be using Pearl for that." Misty replied as she watched her faithful Starmie fly over to the pool's second lane.

"You sure? Remember that you still have the Relay Run later on..." Brock cautioned. "You don't want your fastest Pokemon to wear out early."

"Relax--I plan to use Sango in that event." Misty assured her companion before hurrying off to meet Pearl.

Once all the Pokethletes were in position, the referee called. "Ready?" before the whistle blew. A mass of waves flew up from the pool as the Pokethletes and their Pokemon dove in but a Primarina and her rider emerged from the waves in the lead, with Misty and Pearl not far behind.

Pearl, however, felt her core turn pink with awe and adoration over the beautiful seal-like Pokemon as it sailed over the first hurdle in its lane. [She's beautiful!]

"I'm glad you think so, but we need to focus on our lane, not the competition." Misty warned.

[Right!] Pearl replied as she dove under the first hurdle, allowing her to build up enough speed to fly over the second one when she surfaced.

In the stands, the boys watched as the Primarina and the Starmie leapt over the third hurdle at nearly the same time. "Good thing Pearl pulled herself together when she did..." Ash commented as the two Pokemon and their riders made a last sprint to the end of the pool.

"Game, set, and match." Brock smiled as Misty and Pearl edged the Primarina for a narrow win.

---------

"Okay...this Capture the Flag event is a little different." Misty explained to her Pokemon as the pool was cleared. "It's more like Capture the Coins instead--whoever can find a rainbow of coins hidden in the coins at the bottom of the pool, wins."

[May I try?] Ami asked.

"Well..." Misty hesitated a moment. A Marill was obviously too small to carry a person.

She flagged down a referee making his way to the pool. "Excuse me, but does a Pokethlete have to compete on a rideable Pokemon for Capture the Flag?"

"No--you do not necessarily have to ride a Pokemon in Capture the Flag." the referee replied. "If your Marill wishes to attempt the event, she is welcome to try."

[YAY!] Ami cheered before hurrying off to a starting block, with Misty not far behind.

"Good luck, Ami!" Ash called from the stands. Brock whistled in agreement as the four Pokemon dove into the water with a collective splash, the water becoming a frenzy as the competitors scoured the depths of the pool to find a rainbow of coins.

Underneath the surface, Ami was initially jostled in the waves the Primarina and a Dewott generated as they hurried to the pool bottom. But once her field of view cleared and she could see the coins on the pool's bottom, she raced ahead of the Dewott to find a red coin. An orange coin was nearby, and she rushed to beat the Primarina to a yellow coin. I wish there were props or guides rather than this mass of coins... she thought as she dug through the mass of coins to find a green coin.

She smiled when she snatched away a green coin from the Primarina some moments later, finding the last three remaining colors before beating the Dewott to the surface to take a narrow second place.

"Well done!" Misty met her Marill on the pool deck some moments later. "I was a bit worried when the Primarina surfaced first..."

[Took a little while to find a green coin..] Ami wheezed as Misty dried her off with a towel.

"Second place isn't so bad--you did your best, and I'm proud of you for that." Misty assured Ami as the pool was prepped for the final event...

---------

[Go, Sango!] Tintri cheered as the whistle blew to signal the Relay Run was underway. [Go, Sango!]

"Misty and Sango got off to their fastest start yet..." Ash was impressed as Misty and Sango rocketed out to an early lead.

Brock consulted the stat list as Misty streaked by to begin another lap. "Corsola has pretty high speed, but is only decent in everything else..."

[Whoa!] Tintri gasped as Misty surpassed her old record of 14 laps. [Misty just broke her old record of 14 laps!]

"Is this it? The moment where the 20 laps in two minutes finally falls?" Brock asked as the final seconds on the clock ticked away, the four Pokethletes all desperately tried to finish another lap or two before time expired.

Ash grinned when he saw Misty had finished with 16 laps. "Not yet, Brock--beating her old record and the overall win is accomplishment enough!"

---------

"Well done, Misty...you've finally earned eight medals." Bock smiled as the group departed the medal ceremony later that evening. "What are you gonna do next?"

"I just want to focus on the Grand Pokethlon for now." Misty replied as she admired the glint of her gold medal in the setting sun. "Once I win a medal in that, then we can start planning the trip to Worlds of Wonder."

"Fair enough." Ash replied. "It's already safe to assume the Grand Pokethlon will be a little of everything you've seen on this journey, but I've noticed you never used Aurora--is she not Pokethlon material?"

"Part of that reason was her size and the space I had to compete in." Misty explained as the group started down the beach to make camp for the night. "But if I have a nice wide open space to compete in in the Pokemon League..."

She snatched away the stat guide from Brock and located Lapras' entry. "Aurora would be a best fit in a Power, Skill, or Stamina event."

The three friends then laid their hands on top of each other. "Let's make a splash in the Pokemon League together!"

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

Episode 113a: Entei at Your Own Risk! (part 1)

"...A messenger was sent to Kalos, to invite the king to come to his daughter's marriage, and to bring his sons and his great lords with him." Brock continued the tale he wove as the group wound around the paths leading to Mt. Silver. "Another messenger delivered the magic net and a third of the Great Treasures to Eire, and invited the king of Eire and all his court to come to the wedding, as well."

He concluded "A hundred kings and queens in all sat down to the wedding feast. The wedding lasted ninety-nine days and ninety-nine nights in all, and every night was better than the one before."

"That was great!" Misty raved as she applauded. "I was wondering if Daniel would ever make it back to his beloved!"

"Don't get me wrong, the story was cool, but it was a bit long..." Ash interjected.

"Yeah--and you may have a time limit in the Grand Lore Stage, so keep some shorter stories on hand, too." Misty agreed. "Just in case."

She froze in terror at a growl coming from a bush. "Oh no, not again..."

"Ursaring!" Ash gasped as a familiar bear Pokemon emerged from the brush, seemingly angry about the humans in its territory.

"We need to go!" Brock agreed as the group dashed down the road, weaving and jumping around Hyper Beams all the while.

---------

"Did we lose it?" Ash wheezed as the group caught their breaths on a side trail some time later.

"I think so..." Misty reported before parting some brush to reveal a large pool, where a number of Pokemon were relaxing. "Well, what do you know? A hot spring."

"The Pokemon resting and the steam wafting from the water kinda gave it away." Brock agreed as the group approached the hot spring, being careful not to disturb the relaxing Pokemon.

"Let me see just how warm this water is..." Ash volunteered as he hurried down to the shore.

He gasped, however, when he heard a blaring Wee-oo! Wee-oo! Wee-oo! ring through the air! Panicked, he looked down at the ground, where he found his shoe had inadvertently tripped a laser trap.

"Okay, Entei! I have you now!" a voice called as the alarm shut off. "You're not getting away this time!"

Ash sighed as a navy haired boy approached him. "Do I LOOK like a Legendary Beast to you?" he protested as the boy disarmed the trap long enough for him to step out, just as Misty and Brock arrived. "All I wanted to do was test the water so we and our Pokemon could enjoy the hot spring--nothing more, and nothing less."

"My apologies, then." the boy replied as he readjusted his glasses. "I guess I was so excited about capturing Entei, I didn't think to consider any other people or Pokemon that came here." he explained as he began moving away his traps and re-arming them in locations where a stray human or Pokemon foot would not set them off.

Then something occurred to him. "Oh, listen to me just rambling on without even introducing myself! My name's Nelson, by the way."

I'm Ash..." Ash began. "...and my companions Misty..." Misty waved hello. "...and Brock." Brock waved hello.

Just then, the Ursaring from before emerged from the brush, going right past the group before diving into the spring a with huge splash, surfacing with a purr of happiness some moments later. "Look at that--moments ago he wanted to tear us limb from limb, and now he looks like he wouldn't even hurt a Venonat." Misty smiled.

"It is said that the springs have relaxation and even healing powers on both people and Pokémon." Nelson replied. "Well, I'm gonna make sure all my Entei traps are set--let me know if you need anything!"

"First Eusine and Suicune, and now Nelson and Entei?" Brock asked as soon as Nelson was out of earshot. "Who am I to think that someone is after Raikou too?"

"According to Ethan, he, Lyra, and a few friends of theirs had to rescue Raikou from Team Rocket." Ash explained as he brought up an e-mail from Ethan on his PokeNav detailing the adventure.

"I don't know, this Nelson character seems different from both Eusine and Team Rocket." Misty replied. "Eusine and Team Rocket only wanted the Beasts for their own glory. Nelson seems like he wants to study or observe Entei."

"We'll see..." Ash mused before heaving all his Poke Balls skyward. "Come on out, everyone!"

[A hot spring!] River gasped as she materialized on the ground. [I've always wanted to--oof!] Her excitement was tempered when she tripped on a rock, landing face first in the sand on the shore.

---------

"Ah...this feels great." Brock smiled as he relaxed on a chair overlooking the spring, where the group's Pokemon--save for Argent and Raquel--relaxed and played in the warm water.

Argent sighed. [As much as I'm afraid I'll rust in the water, I kinda want to join in with everyone...]

[Me too...] Raquel sighed. [Even us Rock-types want to enjoy the water too...]

Inspired, Brock got up from his chair and walked down to the shore, where some of the warm water spilled onto the sand. After discovering that it was pleasantly warm, he called to Argent and Raquel "Okay, you two...at least the sand is safe."

As Argent and Raquel made their way to the shore, Michelle scrambled from the water to meet the Steelix. [Argent, what a surprise! Will you bury me in the sand? Please?]

[Sure!] Argent smiled before digging out a Golduck-sized hole for Michelle to lie in.

[Surprise!] Cyndy cried as she landed behind River, the impact shoving the Marill head first into the sand.

[Hey!] River cried, a little annoyed that her solitude in exploring the shoreline had been rudely interrupted by the Cyndaquil. [Say...] she mused, piqued in the wet sand she had landed in. [Water...and dirt...make mud!]

She formed a ball of muddy sand and heaved it at Cyndy. [Take that!]

[MUD FIGHT!] Cyndy giggled as she heave another ball of mud, which flew past River and landed on Ash with a split!

Ash's first thought was to yell at his Pokemon, but after feeling another splot on his back, he whirled around to find Misty had heaved a mud ball at him! "Sorry...Cyndy and River looked like they were having fun." she giggled.

"Look at it this way...if you can't beat'em, join'em!" Brock agreed as he fired a mud ball of his own at Mina...

---------

"That was fun!" Ash grinned as Michelle hosed him off. "And worth the mess!"

He was snapped from his thoughts by a small gray spirit Pokemon that appeared to be wearing a red necklace floating by. "Who's this?" he mused as he found his Pokedex and read up on the tiny spirit:

"Misdreavus, the screech Pokemon. It loves to sneak up on people late at night, then startle them with its shrieklike cry." Dexter reported.

He jumped as the Misdreavus cried, then giggled at Ash's shocked reaction. "I see you've met Ruby..." Nelson began as he reunited with the spirit Pokemon. "She's my companion out here on my Entei hunt..."

"Nice to meet you, Miss Ruby." Brock smiled. "Perhaps you'd like to hear a spine tingling tale of terror?"

[That would be lovely!] the Misdreavus smiled. [The scarier, the better!]

"Oh, you don't look scary, Ruby...you're actually pretty for a ghost." Misty agreed as she petted the Misdreavus.

"If you like, I can pit Ruby against one of yours, so you can see the move I plan to use to catch Entei." Nelson offered.

Ash noticed the sun beginning to sink below the rocks. "I'd love to battle, but it's getting late--okay if we battle in the morning?"

"That's fine." Nelson agreed. "Besides, I think Ruby wants to hear your storyteller friend work his magic..."

Once everyone had gathered around a campfire near the spring, Brock started his promised scary tale. "Many years ago, it was said that a fearsome monster--the onimori--haunted Viridian Forest. Many told tales of how it ate unsuspecting travelers, and would often transform itself into many forms to lure victims to its lair..."

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 113b: Entei at Your Own Risk! (part 2)

A referee's whistle echoed through the canyon as Ash and Nelson faced off the next morning. "Aina, use Foresight so you have a chance at hitting Ruby!" Ash called as he heaved the Poke Ball holding his Machop into the makeshift arena that Brock had drawn in the dust.

Aina's eyes glowed red for a moment. [Okay...I see Ruby now. What would you like me to do first, now that she is vulnerable to Fighting moves?]

"Ruby, use Headbutt!" Nelson's call snapped Ash to reality.

"Intercept Ruby with Take Down!" Ash called to Aina.

He watched as the two attacks clashed, then noticed a flurry of stars headed towards Aina. "Okay, now intercept that Swift attack with Defense Curl!"

Nelson, meanwhile, grimaced as Ruby's attack bounced off of the grey ball Aina had become. "Ruby, use Psybeam!"

"Aina, try to Detect Ruby's attack!" Ash counted.

He gasped in horror as Aina was engulfed in a rainbow beam and slammed against the canyon wall. [Look Ash...FIVE Torchics!] she called as she stumbled about, Torchics spinning around her head all the while.

Nelson grinned as he observed the stumbling Machop. "Okay Ruby...use Mean Look!"

Ash was unfazed as Ruby's eyes glowed a light purple for a moment. "What does THAT do?"

He sighed as he retrieved Aina's Poke Ball. "Aina, return!"

But when the Poke Ball's beam was deflected by a light purple shield, all Ash could do was say "Wha...how?"

"Mean Look prevents substitutions in battle, or wild Pokémon from fleeing." Nelson explained. "That's how I plan to capture Entei."

Just then, some laughter filled the air as three boys in grungy clothes emerged from the canyon rocks. "Cool idea, bro, but I think your battle's goin' down the drain now!" one punk sneered as he caught Ruby in a net.

"Ruby!" Nelson gasped as the two other punks nudged away a rock at the bottom of the hot spring, causing the water to rapidly drain.

"It's just like water draining out of the bathtub..." Misty noted as the water swirled out of the spring and back beneath the ground. "If we don't hurry, all the Pokemon are gonna get washed down the drain too!"

[Everyone! Follow me!] Argent called as the Pokemon in the spring raced to safety on the shoreline.

[That was close...] Pearl heaved a relieved sigh as she joined Argent by the shore to help with the headcount of Pokemon. [Had you not called when you did, I would've gone down the drain!]

[HEEEEEELP!] Brock froze when he heard the cry of his Pineco as he circled closer and closer to the hole in the spring's center. [Master, save me!]

"I'm coming, Silver!" Brock set his referee's whistle on a rock, then dove into the swirling water, scooping Silver in his arms seconds before he could be sucked into the hole. "There...I gotcha, so let's get you to safety on the--!"

This was as far as he got before the Ursaring crashed into him, sending him flying against a rocky wall."

[Rough landing...] Silver smiled before his eyes turned angry. [You're gonna pay for hurting my master!] he cried as he began to glow white...

"I don't believe it...Silver evolved to protect Brock!" Misty smiled.

Ash's first thought was to read up on the metallic orb-creature Silver had become, but noticed waves of flames coming from the white light. "Hit the dirt!"

He and Misty dove for cover behind the rocks with their gear as Silver unleashed a massive explosion, reversing the water flow and sending him, Brock, and the wild Pokémon into the water with a splash.

[HI-YA!] Aina cried as she broke open the net holding Ruby, which the punks had hung on an outcropping. [There we are...it's safe.] she smiled as Nelson ran to reunite with Ruby...

---------

"Forretress, the bagworm Pokemon. It keeps itself inside its steel shell. The shell is opened when it is catching prey, but it is so quick that the shell's inside cannot be seen." Dexter reported as Silver helped the group roll a new rock to plug the spring, aware all the while of the three punks floating nearby the shore.

[There...that should do it.] Silver smiled as he watched the punks drift towards the new "stopper".

A rumble followed by a massive spurt of water and cries for help snapped Ash to attention. "The water was still unstable from Silver's evolution, so it shot through the stopper and took the punks with it!" he explained, pointing out the punks swirling inside a huge typhoon in the spring's center.

Inspired, he heaved all his Poke Balls skyward. "Everyone! Let's tame that tornado!"

"You guys too!" Misty did likewise.

"And you guys!" Brock followed suit.

[Come on, everybody!] Silver called as the group's Pokemon launched a massive assault on the watery tornado. [We need you too!]

Cheers filled the air as the wild Pokemon hurried to assist. In addition to the group's attacks, there were Hyper Beams from the Ursaring and some Houndooms, Flamethrowers from the Houndour, and Swifts from the Aipom.

"We're throwing everything we have at that whirlpool, but nothing we try is working." Misty mused as the whirlpool continued to swirl.

Gatrandis favel, secret, edena.... a regal male voice sang, snapping Misty from her thoughts.
Emusto ronzen fine el balaziis...
Katoradis favel siicletu edena... The worried look on Misty's face turned to joy as a whorl of sparkling gold fire appeared in the sky, tripping Nelson's sensors.
Emusto koron zen fine, si...

Ash gasped as the gold fire went flying, dispelling the whirlpool and sending the punks hurtling through the air. "Entei! That voice singing the Swanna Song was Entei!" he explained as he followed Nelson up the hill to meet the beautiful red lion Pokemon.

"Ruby, use Mean Look!" Nelson called.

Entei, however, seemed unfazed by the Misdreavus' glowing eyes, and unleashed a mighty roar that echoed through the canyon. The Roar startled Ruby, making her retreat inside her Poke Ball.

You're going to need more than that if you wish to use my power in battle, young one. Entei replied before bounding off into the canyon, much to Nelson's shock.

"Unbelievable...how could Entei be unaffected by Mean Look?" Nelson sighed as he slumped to the ground.

"Look at it this way...Entei can't be caught like any old Pokemon." Brock explained. "But Entei did have a point--it will take more than a move to prevent fleeing to convince him you are worthy for him to pledge his loyalty to."

Nelson nodded. "Maybe I'm going about this the wrong way...my desire to meet Entei has only gotten stronger."

He smiled as the group turned to leave. "One day, I will somehow battle by Entei's side!"

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 114a: Pop Goes the Sneasel! (part 1)

"I really do hope Nelson meets Entei one day..." Ash mused as the group continued along the path to Mt. Silver. "Not as something to be caught and tamed, but as an ally, and a friend."

He was snapped from his thoughts when he saw a large crowd of people gathered at a large closed gate. "Is the Johto League so popular that lines form the day of?"

"Doesn't look like that kind of line to me..." Brock replied.

Ash flagged down a man in the crowd. "Excuse me, sir...why are all these people here?"

"There's some kind of commotion going on on the other side." the man explained. "The bad thing is, this gate leads to Mt. Silver, so everyone's stuck!"

Ami took advantage of the gate opening to dash through the crowd. [Yay! It's open!] she cried, which went unheard over the attendant explaining to the crowd what was going on.

[Ami, wait! Not yet!] Tintri cried, racing to grab Ami moments before she could walk through the gate.

Ash and Misty retrieved both Tintri and Ami seconds later. "I am so sorry, sir...Ami can be curious, but she usually doesn't mean to cause any trouble..." Misty explained to the guard in the watchpost.

"My Pikachu was only trying to corral my friend's Marill before she got into trouble, sir." Ash agreed.

"It's probably perfect timing anyway, since I didn't know how else to say this." the attendant sighed.

But before he could finish, two angry trainers ran down a set of stone steps in the distance. "Looks like those guys were in the heat of battle..." Misty mused as one of the trainers angrily yelled something at the attendant.

"I could only hear 'lost' and 'fire'..." Ash replied. "So what was that all about?"

"We have a huge problem on our hands--nobody's been able to get to the Sacred Fire." the attendant explained with a sigh. "That's what we were trying to tell everyone."

"What is the Sacred Fire?" Ash asked, intrigued.

The attendant was about to answer when a male voice interjected "If I may, I can answer this young man's question, sir."

Ash whirled around to see a young man with dull brown hair wearing a purple and coral shirt and tan pants approaching the group. "Who are you?"

"My name is Harrison." the young man replied. "I came here all the way from from Littleroot Town, in the Houen region."

"I've heard of Houen, actually." Brock smiled. "It's supposed to be to the south of Kanto."

"I've done some research about this place, and if any of you are storytellers, what I discovered would be perfect to tell before an audience as a historical tale." Harrison offered.

Brock eagerly retrieved his story notebook and a pen. "Fire away."

"The story goes that long ago, this area was a place known for many fierce battles and wars." Harrison explained. "People ravaged the place so badly that the Pokémon suffered because of it and the vegetation was wiped out. But one day, Ho'oh appeared after a battle and sang her Swanna Song, unleashing a rose colored flame that stopped the battles and "burned" the area back to life. Eventually the forest that stands today was restored. But a bit of a tree was left burning for a long time. This fire was placed in the shrine nearby."

Recently there have been reports of a Sneasel, a Machop, and a Machoke preventing people from getting near the shrine." the attendant explained. "Every trainer who volunteered to try to stop the rogue Pokémon ended up coming back with injured Pokémon, broken bones, and other serious injuries--it's a miracle no one's been killed. We're deeply concerned about the matter, because without the Sacred Fire, the Silver Tournament can't start, and there would be no Johto League!"

Ash nodded to show he understood. "I'll make sure we can recover the Sacred Fire from the Sneasel, mainly because I wants to compete!"

"Actually, I've always wanted a Sneasel as a souvenir from Johto, so I'll help you out if you can get your hands on it." Harrison offered.

"Thanks." Ash smiled before asking the attendant "Where is the shrine?"

"North of here--once you get halfway up the stone steps, you'll reach a path that branches to the left--the shrine is at the end of that path." the attendant replied.

"Let's do this!" Misty cried.

"Come on! We have a League to save!" Ash led the way up the stairs as the crowd looked on...

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

Episode 114b: Pop Goes the Sneasel! (part 2)

Previously, on "Pokemon Moonlight Silver"...

Ash nodded to show he understood. "I'll make sure we can recover the Sacred Fire from the Sneasel, mainly because I want to compete!"

"Actually, I've always wanted a Sneasel as a souvenir from Johto, so I'll help you out if you can get your hands on it." Harrison offered.

"Thanks." Ash smiled before asking the attendant "Where is the shrine?"

"North of here--once you get halfway up the stone steps, you'll reach a path that branches to the left--the shrine is at the end of that path." the attendant replied.

"Let's do this!" Misty cried.

"Come on! We have a League to save!" Ash led the way up the stairs as the crowd looked on...

"Almost there." Brock reported as the group neared the midpoint of the stone steps, where they hoped to find the path leading to the Shrine of the Sacred Fire.

"About time--my feet are killing me!" Misty complained as her feet throbbed in pain.

Ash, meanwhile, spotted a dusty pathway leading to an alcove just as he approached the midpoint step. "There it is! That has to be where the--WHOA!"

Misty froze as she heard the BWONG! of Ash colliding with a clothesline. "Ash!" she cried as she dashed to catch Ash, seconds before he went tumbling back down the stairs. Instead, he landed in his friends' arms--Brock supporting his head and body, and Misty steadying his legs. "There--you okay?" Misty asked as soon as Ash was stable on his own two feet again.

"I think so--didn't expect to run into that wire." Ash replied as he dusted himself off. "Nothing hurts or anything."

"That's good to hear." Harrison smiled. "Although...why would the path to the shrine be blocked like that? According to my Johto guidebook, the Shrine of the Sacred Fire is the start of the torch relay to the League."

When the group approached the path to the shrine again, Ash noticed a Machop and a Machoke inspecting the wire he had hit. "Its those Pokemon the attendant told us about!"

"So what do you suggest we do?" Harrison asked.

"Let's distract them and sneak past--that way we can all save our Pokemon for the League." Misty suggested.

She then heaved a Poke Ball skyward. "Sango, I need you!"

"Anubis, I need you!" Harrison called as he too heaved a Poke Ball, summoning what looked like a larger version of Houndour with large horns and a pointed tail.

Piqued, Ash decided to read up on the black dog-like Pokemon as it supported Sango's Spike Cannon with a Flamethrower:

Houndoom, the dark Pokemon. Upon hearing its eerie howls, other Pokemon get the shivers, and head straight back to their nests.

He noticed a MORE... icon blinking at the bottom of the screen, so he tapped it. "Houndoom is capable of Mega Evolution should the trainer have an awakened Heart Song."

"I have Anubis engaging the Machoke, and your friend's got the Machop, so here's your chance!" Harrison called to Ash as his Houndoom heaved another Flamethrower.

Ash nodded, and hurried to the shrine. But moments before he could open the doors, a high pitched cry got his attention, nearly avoiding a claw as he jumped away.

He growled when he saw a small black Pokemon with long claws giggling at him. That is the Sneasel...

He grabbed the first Poke Ball he could reach and heaved it skyward. "River, I need you!"

[How do you propose we beat Mr. Ninja-mon over there?] River asked as she materialized on the grass, aware of the Sneasel taunting them both.

"I want you to use Water Gun, but be careful not to hit the Sacred Fire." Ash replied, gesturing to the open shrine doors. If the water ricochets off the trees, it could put the Sacred Fire out!

[HAH!] River unleashed a Water Gun attack, but did not expect the Sneasel to pounce on her and Slash her with his claws, knocking her to the ground.

[Ow...any more bright ideas?] River groaned as she eased herself to her feet, rubbing her Slash wound all the while.

Ash gasped when he saw the Sneasel charging a Shadow Ball! "Hit the dirt!"

He gasped as River went flying into his chest, sending them both tumbling back down the hill, only to crash into a tree.

"Ash!" Misty led the others near the tree where Ash and River were collecting themselves. "Are you okay?"

"Just a little pain where I caught River, and some scratches, but I think we'll be okay." Ash groaned.

"Let's go plan out a strategy--going at them head on is obviously not working." Brock suggested as he led the way to an alcove near the shrine.

---------

"Okay..." Brock began as he led the way back towards the shrine. "Here's the plan--Ash, I want you to pick someone that can be Mega Evolved..."

"I chose Luce." Ash replied.

"Then when we meet the three rogues, I want you to induce Luce, and have her support Anubis." Brock explained.

"You have the power of Mega Evolution?" Harrison gasped, excited. "I know Anubis and Apollo have that ability, but I have yet to find a place where I can awaken my Heart Song..."

"That's what this is..." Ash showed Harrison his Mega Ring. "They say Mega Evolution is the ultimate sign of love between trainer and Pokemon, in those Pokemon that can do it."

He noticed the Machop, the Machoke, and the Sneasel waiting for the group at the path. "There they are..."

He heaved a Poke Ball skyward, followed by holding his right hand, which had his Mega Ring, to the sky. Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul...

Harrison watched in awe as a whorl of red thunderbolts emerged from Ash's Poke Ball, revealing Luce as Mega Ampharos! "Anubis, help my friend's Mega Ampharos!"

[HI-YA!!!] Luce ran to engage the Machop, paralyzing it with a Charge Beam. Anubis then charged at the Machoke with a Headbutt.

Anubis noticed the two Fighting Pokemon charging to engage him and Luce. [Hey, Luce...think you can pick up the Machop while I toss the Machoke?]

[Sure!] Luce replied before snagging the Machop and tying it up with a Charge Beam as Anubis picked up the Machoke.

Ash watched as both Fighting Pokemon went flying down the hill, landing at the attendant's feet with swirly eyes. "Two down, and one to go...can you handle the Sneasel by yourself, Harrison?" he asked as Luce's Mega Evolution wore off.

"I think so." Harrison replied as he recalled Anubis. "But I know I can ask you to help if I need it."

He then heaved a second Poke Ball skyward. "Apollo, I choose you!"

Ash gasped at the large red bird Pokemon with long muscular legs that materialized before the Sneasel. "What IS that?" he asked as he consulted his Pokedex.

"Blaziken, the blaze Pokemon. An exotic Pokemon from the Houen region, it can clear a 30-story building in a single bound.

Ash noticed another MORE... icon blinking at the bottom, so he tapped it. Blaziken is capable of Mega Evolution should the trainer have an awakened Heart Song."

"I don't know why Harrison hasn't awakened his Heart Song yet..." Brock mused as he watched Apollo use Quick Attack, which the Sneasel had no chance of dodging. "Based on what little I've read on the Houen region, there is a place he could've awakened it, but where it is escapes me now..."

"It's ultimately a mutual decision between Pokemon and trainer." Ash reminded him as he watched the Sneasel attempt to counter with a Shadow Ball, only for Apollo to dodge and counter with Flamethrower. "What else do you remember from your Houen readings?"

"I remember that the area has twin evil teams with opposing goals." Brock replied. "One wants to expand the land, and the other wants to expand the sea. But all they ever seem to do is fight against each other" He let that hang as they watched Harrison heaved a Poké Ball at the Sneasel...

---------

"I'm impressed...I never dreamed Apollo was so powerful." Ash smiled as he met Harrison in the crowd near the shrine later that evening, where a crowd had turned out to watch the start of the torch relay.

"He may be my best partner and friend, but I never dreamed I'd see Mega Evolution for myself." Harrison smiled. "But whether I decide to induce Apollo or Anubis will be their choice."

"What are you going to name your new Sneasel?" Ash asked.

"Not sure yet--I'll think of something to continue the mythology and legend theme I have going with my team." Harrison replied. "I will say Luce is a pretty name for an Ampharos."

Some cheers snapped the group to attention as the first torchbearer received the Sacred Fire to begin the relay. "I plan to be at the tournament, and I hope to see you there, too."

"Don't worry, I'll be there." Ash assured Harrison. "Not just that, but I will do my best to win!"

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 115: A Claim to Flame!


"Here you are." Ash smiled as he handed the receptionist at the Silver Stadium the paperwork to enter the Silver Conference.

"All right--be sure and report to the athlete's village at noon for the screening rounds." the receptionist smiled as she filed Ash's paperwork away in a cabinet. "You are free to do whatever you wish until then, including partaking in the other events."

"Thanks." Ash smiled before starting back towards the lounge where Misty and Brock were waiting.

"Well, look who's here!" a familiar voice said, snapping both Ash and Tintri to attention.

"Gary?" Ash gasped as he spotted Gary arriving with paperwork of his own to turn in.

"Who else would it be?" Gary smirked as he approached the reception desk. "You've got a couple of hours to kill before the big show, so what are you gonna do?"

"Probably explore the area." Ash replied. "I'd hate to get lost trying to find my way around this place."

"Good luck with that." Gary replied as he got in line to deliver the paperwork.

"Was Gary implying what I think he was implying?" Brock asks as the group departed the reception building, and into Silver City's bustling streets.

"Look, my sense of direction isn't THAT bad..." Ash explained. "Although I will admit it still needs some work."

"The more familiar you are with a place, the easier it is to find your way." Misty reminded Ash. "So it's a good idea to learn where all the arenas are, so you're not late to any matches."

As the group rounded a corner, they spotted Lance handing out balloons to kids. "Lance, hi!" Ash waved.

"It's good to see you three again..." Lance smiled as he gave a girl an electric blue balloon decorated with the Water icon for the Pokemon Trading Card Game. "As Champion of the Pokémon League, part of the job is greeting all the fans, and the best way to do that is through handing out balloons."

After finding a yellow Lightning icon balloon for Ash, a second Water icon balloon for Misty, and a Rock icon balloon for Brock, he told the group "Here, these are good luck gifts from me."

"Thanks, Lance!" Ash smiled as the group continued on their way, Misty tying the yellow balloon's string to Ash's hand so it wouldn't float away.

---------

"Wow..." the group gasped as they arrived at the Athlete's Village Pokémon Center later that afternoon. "Who knew we'd get a luxury suite?" Ash gawked as he tied the group's balloons into a small bundle in a corner, away from sharp implements.

"They thought of everything--we've got a lakeside view, a big screen TV with a Nintendo Switch, and a top of the line PC for both work and play." Misty smiled as she admired the sun sparkling off the lake to the west.

"Nice, I'm gonna play Super Mario Odyssey right now!" Ash made a beeline for the TV and the Switch.

"You can game all you want later, after we're all done with the screening rounds." Brock reminded Ash before giving him a brief rundown of what to expect. "Basically, the screening rounds are designed to trim the field of 200 competitors in each event--be they trainer, Pokethlete, or Loremaster--down to 48."

He paused to turn off the lights before continuing "In your case, the screening rounds are a series of one-on-one battles, with match-ups entirely randomized, with no trainer having to battle more than three times."

"Sounds easy enough." Ash grinned as Misty and Brock went their separate ways to their own events. "Good luck to you too, Brock."

---------

"...It turned out my strategy of a pure speed offensive was a bad idea, and Tintri ended up being subjected to repeated Digs and Headbutts." Ash recapped his victory to Misty and Brock later that night, exploring a desert ruin in Super Mario Odyssey all the while. "However, Tintri latched onto the Furret, who tried to get into the holes in order to shake Tintri off. This allowed Tintri to Thunderbolt it, and a final Quick Attack got me the match!"

"Well done." Misty smiled as she checked the results of the events on the PC. "We've all made it through to the next round of our respective events--I got a gold to advance to the next round..."

"...and I told 'The Swanna's Song' to advance to the next round." Brock added. "I think the audience participation element in my tale really helped."

Misty clicked back to the Pokemon battle recaps. "Let's see...Gary and Harrison have also passed the screening round too."

"If I can beat a guy with a Furret, I can beat 47 other trainers." Ash smiled as he prepared to face off against a boss.

"It won't be that easy, Ash..." Lance cautioned as he arrived with the group's dinner for the night. "The 48 trainers are grouped into groups of three in the semifinals, where only one trainer from each group will advance to the League itself."

"Bring it on!" Ash smiled as he battled a huge statue boss on the TV screen. "I think I can do this!"

---------

That night, Ash laid awake in bed as he contemplated his upcoming matches. I can't sleep...maybe a stroll by the lake will clear my head. he thought as he climbed out of bed, being careful not to wake up Misty or Brock as he got dressed.

[Ash, what's the matter?] Tintri asked as Ash started for the door. [It's not like you to be up at 11 PM...]

"I know, Tintri, but with all that's going to be going on tomorrow, I can't sleep." Ash explained as he motioned for Tintri to climb on his shoulder. "So I thought maybe a walk around the lake would clear my head."

After writing a note explaining where he was in case Misty or Brock woke up, Ash started out the door, and down the hall. After taking the elevator down to the main hall, he followed the paved pathway to the lake. "I've got so many conflicting emotions right now..."

[Like what?] Tintri asked.

"Excitement by being here, my pride as a trainer, fear that Team Rocket will somehow find a way to crash everything like what happened back at home..." Ash began

[Relax--I blasted them a long, long way off.] Tintri smiled. [So they're not coming back to bother us here.]

"I'm also nervous, especially since Gary's here..." Ash went on, before he spotted Gary looking out at the stars. "Speak of Darkrai..."

"You couldn't sleep either, huh?" Gary invited Ash to join him by the south shore of the lake. "Up for having a heart-to-heart? I've gotta get a few things off my chest..."

"Go on and vent--I'll still listen." Ash assured Gary as he settled down in the grass.

Gary sighed. "The moon tonight...it reminds me of my first night as a Pokémon trainer - the same day that I bilked you out of an Eevee, and leaving you to get Tintri as your first Pokémon. I wonder...are you still mad at me for taking that Eevee Gramps promised you away from you?"

"Not anymore--Tintri's been the best partner anyone could ask for." Ash replied, petting Tintri as he spoke.

"Sometimes I wonder what could have been..." Gary went on. "What if you had gotten the Eevee like Gramps had planned? What would you have evolved it into? What would've happened if I had not seen the full moon?"

He turned business-like again. "But all the woulda-coulda-shouldas and why the toast lands butter side down is for the future."

"Yeah--today is about the rivalry, and our pride as trainers!" Ash agreed.

Both boys then proclaimed to the still waters "We will defeat anyone who gets our their way to the top--and that includes each other!"

---------

"Whoa, this place is packed!" Ethan gasped as he and Lyra struggled to find a seat in the crowded stadium the next morning.

"I'll say...when's Ash gonna be on?" Lyra wondered as she and Ethan found two vacant seats near the front.

"Depends on how he was seeded in the prelims." Ethan replied as he took a seat.

In Oak's Lab, Tracey arrived with popcorn. "Any word on how Gary was seeded?" he asked.

"They showed the bracket just now." Prof. Oak explained as the CGI bracket on the TV screen flew away to reveal the majestic stadium. "Prof. Elm's having a watch party in his lab to cheer both Ash and Gary on."

In the Ketchum house, Taran arrived with a large bowl of popcorn and bags of chips. "So, where's Ash seeded, dear?"

"He is the 32nd seed in the final 48." Delia reported as she watched a shot of Ash waving to the crowd on the TV screen. "By comparison, Gary is seed 30."

She brushed away a tear of pride. Ash, my baby...good luck out there!

---------

The rumble of motorcycles startled the crowd. "What in the world?" Gary asked as the walk of the competitors was interrupted by a gang of delinquents zigzagging across the track and the infield as if it were an extreme sports park.

Ash caught a glimpse of the torch runner in one of the entrance tunnels, blissfully unaware of the punks and their motorcycles. "He doesn't see them!"

He watched in horror as a motorcycle cut the runner off, causing him to drop the torch in surprise. "I got it!" Gary dove to catch the torch, moments before League security arrived to deal with the punks.

As the punks were led away, bikes and all, Gary examined the wounded runner as he moaned in pain. "It looks like the punks' bikes did a number on his ankle...but the torch is okay, at least."

He offered Ash the torch. "Ash...will you make the final leg of the torch relay while I take care of the runner?"

"Sure!" Ash replied.

---------

Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and remove your hats, as we honor our League with the regional anthem. the announcer instructed as Ash arrived with the torch, to thunderous cheers.

A familiar voice started singing "Golden Hearts and Silver Souls" as Ash started up the steps towards the flame cauldron:

[i]Our golden hearts and our silver souls
Shining brightly on our homeland,
Sets the fire of our hope ablaze
And never will it falter!

Our courage flies across the land,
And we rise to meet the challenge;
So the sun will rise, and the moon will shine
Upon Johto forever...</i>

Maybe I'll see the Starwings fly over me again, like at home! he thought as he passed the performer's platform, where Clair and a few of her attendants were singing the song:

May our golden hearts and silver souls
Shine on the land forever.
As the golden sun rises in the east
So will Johto endure.
Though darkness falls, the stars will shine
And the silver moon lights the way
The aurora shines across the sky
And our path never will be gray...

So the golden sun will rule the day
And the night has the silvery moon... Clair started the final verse as Ash arrived at the platform with the fuse for the torch.
And the crystal's sparkle in the dark
Promises that the light comes soon....

Ash gently touched the flame to ignite the fuse as the song went on:

Though we may come from every land
And in every tongue and color,
The ideals of love, hope, and peace
Remain in our hearts forever...

He heard a loud whoosh and thunderous cheers as three gliders decorated to look like Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres came flying over the stadium. There they are! The Starwings! Ash smiled as the Moltres glider soared over him, just as the torch flared to life, and Clair and her attendants sang the final chorus:

May our golden hearts and silver souls
Shine on the land forever.
As the golden sun rises in the east
So will Johto endure.
Though darkness falls, the stars will shine
And the silver moon lights the way
The aurora shines across the sky
And our path never will be gray...

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 116a: Love, Pokemon Style (part 1)

"Okay, Master bracket..." Ash mused as he brought up the massive tournament bracket on the Johto League Web site the next morning.

After scrolling down past hundreds of names and faces he didn't recognize, he found his picture in one group. "There I am..." he grinned.

"So, where are you in this massive bracket?" Brock asked as he arrived in the room, intrigued in the millions of names and faces on the computer screen.

"I am right here, in Group H." Ash replied, proudly pointing at his picture in the bracket. "Any advice on what I can expect?"

"Well, I did a little research on the competition last night..." Brock began as he pulled up a chair to the desk. "Click on 'Competition Rules', please."

Once Ash had clicked over to the requested page in a new tab, Brock went on "The semifinal round is a round-robin tournament, where each trainer battles against each other once—with two points for a win, one for a tie, and nothing for a loss. The trainer with the most points in the group stage will move on to the Victory Tournament."

"That makes a lot more sense than this legalese and weird diagrams..." Ash smiled as he clicked back to the tab with the master bracket. "I think I get what I am supposed to do, but I hope to win anyway."

After getting up from the desk, he invited Tintri aboard his shoulder. "This is it, bud--what we came all this way to do!"

---------

Ash shielded his eyes as he stepped out of the Pokemon Center and into the sunshine. It's bright today...

He glanced at the printout of his group he had printed before departing. "Let's see, my first opponent is someone named Macy..."

"Oh, a Pikachu!" a brown haired girl smiled as she approached Ash, with a Vulpix trotting beside her. "You must be my first opponent if you've got a Pikachu on your shoulder...I'm Macy, by the way."

"Nice to meet you...I'm Ash, and this is Tintri." Ash replied, petting Tintri all the while.

"Why does Tintri sit on your shoulder all the time? Shouldn't he be in a Poke Ball?" Macy wondered.

"Tintri just never really liked being in a Poke Ball--so I let him sit with me and walk with me." Ash explained.

"That's so sweet!" Macy smiled. "But not half as sweet as Ember!" she grinned, making a grand gesture to the Vulpix that walked beside her.

"In a battle of toughness, who would win?" Ash challenged.

"Ember is both sweet and tough!" Macy shot back. The two of them continued exchanging challenges, each one getting louder and louder by the moment:

"Then I hope you're ready for the shock of your life!"

"And I hope you're ready to feel the burn!"

"Oh yeah? I will come at you with the fury of a storm!"

"And I'll meet you right back with a powerful wildfire!"

A referee's whistle brought the escalating conversation to a screeching halt before it could turn into an actual battle. "All right, break it up!" Brock called as he pulled Ash and Macy apart. "I love that both of you are fired up and excited, but you need to keep your Pokemon strong for the tournament." he explained.

Ash did not, however, expect Macy to approach him with heart eyes. "Wow...so courageous, confident, and powerful! Just as a raging volcano creates lightning, so does my love and passion burn for you!"

"Wait, what?" Ash started to back away, afraid that Macy would tackle him in the throes of love.

"How would you like to--!" Macy started before spotting Misty approaching them. "Oh, you mean you already have a girlfriend?"

"What?" Misty gasped. "Let's get one thing perfectly straight here...there is a BIG difference between a girl that is a friend, and a girlfriend, okay? Boys and girls CAN in fact be friends with no romantic implications."

She went on "Besides, I'm competing in something totally different from you two...my friendship with Ash is just that--a friendship. No more, and no less."

"Good luck in the Pokethlon." Ash whispered to Misty before hurrying off to to a training arena for last minute preparations. What makes her think I'm boyfriend material? he thought. I've never even met her before today--so I don't know her background, I don't know her interests and tastes...and she probably doesn't even know my background, interests, and tastes!

"You have to take me out on a date after the match if I win!" he heard Macy call after him, which spurred him to run even faster.

Misty sighed as Macy hurried off. "What makes her think she and Ash are romantic partners? Ash doesn't look to me like the romantic type."

She sighed as she started towards the majestic Pokethlon dome near the training arena. "No matter...I have my own competition to prepare for. We'll worry about this later."

---------

"Ready?" the announcer called as a group of Pokethletes braced themselves for the start of the Relay Run. Unlike Misty's previous Pokethlons, Misty now had seven other competitors instead of three in the circular pool.

[Here we go!] Michelle cried before diving in at the starting gun, allowing her to surface ahead of a Dewgong and an Empoleon. [Speed is better than size!] she taunted as she powered down the backstretch rapids, passing a Milotic on the way to complete her first lap.

The crowd in the stands watched as the field of eight water Pokemon jockey for position in the pool. They cheered as another one passed the line, and sighed when a Pokemon had to finally stop before the two minute timer was up.

By the time Misty emerged from the water with fifteen laps some time later, she smiuled when she saw she had come in a solid third place. "Not bad for our Grand Pokethlon debut..."

[I could've easily broken the 20 lap record with a little more time.] Michele smiled as she shook herself dry.

"You have to remember that in the Grand Pokethlon, we will participate in all ten events, so you need to save her strength." Misty reminded Michelle as they started towards the locker rooms to prepare for the next event.

[What was all that with Ash and that girl before?] Michelle wondered. [Ash doesn't look like a ladies' man to me...]

"He's not...this seems like Temacu 2.0, with Ash as the target for the lovesick lady." Misty replied. "Besides, Macy may lose interest in Ash sooner or later, and go after some other boy."

---------

"Well done on finishing in the top three in the Relay Run." Ash smiled as Misty met him and Brock in the room later that evening.

"Thanks...did you ever get that Macy girl off your back?" Misty asked.

"Haven't seen her since our awkward trash talk." Ash replied. "I'm still trying to figure out what makes her think I'm her boyfriend..."

He turned business-like again. "For now, I'm not gonna worry about that--I'm gonna make up my team for tomorrow's match!"

"Whoa there, cowboy..." Brock pulled Ash back from the desk. "First rule of battling: Know thy enemy."

"Yeah--before you throw together a rag tag team that has no chance on this big a stage, it's a good idea to read up on your opponent first." Misty agreed as Brock led Ash to the desk.

After typing "www.globalpkmnleague.net/johto" into the browser's address bar and bringing up the master bracket from the Johto League homepage, Ash scrolled a little before finding Macy's picture in the Group H block, and opened her profile in a new tab. "Here she is...she has Vulpix, Slugma, and Quilava—all Fire Pokémon."

"Then you need as many Water types as you can find." Misty replied.

"But I only have two—River and Brenna." Ash sighed. "I asked Officer Jenny to send over Brenna and have one of my active team sit the match out so Brenna can compete, but where am I gonna get a third Water type?"

"I'll lend you one of mine that's not competing in a Pokethlon event." Misty replied.

Brock, meanwhile, motioned for Ash and Misty to look at the computer screen. "You may not want a full water team...I found out that she has something to counter that."

"I know I'm using River and Brenna, no matter what, but if she may have a counter for that, who should I pick?" Ash wondered.

With Ash and Misty occupied discussing strategy, Brock clicked over to another tab displaying Ash's team entry form. River and Brenna were already confirmed, but the third Poke Ball was blank. I know just the one for the job... he smiled as he found Aina in the drop down list of Ash's registered Pokemon, selected her, and clicked CONFIRM.

To Be Continued...

[EmeraldSky]

@Scytherwolf; @Soups;

Episode 116b: Love, Pokemon Style (part 2)


Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride!
Nobody gonna slow me down, oh no!
I've got to keep on movin'! Ash enthusiastically sang along to the 80's pop song on the radio as he got dressed the next morning. Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride!
I'm runnin' and I won't touch ground, oh no!
I've got to keep on movin'!

"Seems someone's excited for their first match..." Misty smiled as she came in the room, giggling a little as Ash continued swaying to the beat of the song.

"Remember when I competed in the League back home?" Ash explained as he turned down the radio. "Mom sent me a CD of motivational music to pump me up, and that was the first song on there--I consider it my good luck song for major tournaments."

"It got you to the Sweet Sixteen on Indigo Plateau, and won you the Orange League--here's hoping it will take you farther here." Brock smiled as he arrived with a bag of food. "Breakfast for the aspiring League Champion?"

"Don't mind if I do..." Ash smiled as he unwrapped the sausage, egg, and cheddar sandwich Brock had given him. "Thanks." he replied in between bites as Misty led the way out the door.

---------

We're underway at the Silver Conference group matches! the stadium announcer called as Ash summoned River to face Macy's Slugma. Do these challengers have what it takes to overcome the other trainers in their group, and make it to the Victory Tournament?

"River, open with Water Gun!" Ash called.

Macy just grinned at the oncoming spray of water. "Lava, use Double Team!"

River balked as what looked like many different Slugmas materialized before her. [Um, which one's the real one?]

"Look for the one with a shadow!" Ash suggested.

Woosh! Flamethrower! the announcer commented as River scrambled to avoid a stream of fire.

She winced from her singed fur as she got up. Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... she sang, creating a watery wave of sound that battered the Slugma.

Macy gasped at the Disarming Voice. "Lava, come back!" she called as she recalled the Sugma. "Livewire, let's go!"

Here comes a Pokemon switch. the announcer commented as an Electabuzz materialized before Ash and River.

Ash just smiled as he recalled River. "Trying to catch me off guard with a surprise? You forget I have a surprise too!"

He heaved another Poke Ball skyward. "Aina, I choose you!"

Oh, it's Machop! the announcer commented as Aina materialized on the field.

"Good thinking on including Aina on Ash's team..." Misty smiled as Aina easily shook off a Thunderbolt.

"Had Ash gone with a pure Water team like you suggested, he would've been knocked out by now." Brock explained. "I know Aina has some Ground moves as well as her innate Fighting moves, so she would be perfect for an Electric type."

It's a revolving door of Pokemon! the announcer commented as Macy swapped Pokemon again, returning her Slugma to the field.

"You know what to do, Aina?" Ash smiled as he saw the Slugma appear.

[Of course!] Aina grinned before stomping the ground hard, creating an Earthquake that rattled the stadium.

Hang on, Earthquake! the announcer cried as the fire slug Pokemon was battered by the shifting ground. It managed to hang in there!

"Lava, try Flamethrower again!" Macy called.

"Aina, try to detect Lava's attack!" Ash countered.

He smiled as Lava's attack hit a shining blue shield, before Aina countered with a Cross Chop, knocking the Slugma out.

---------

Back in the stands, Misty smiled as Macy summoned her Quilava. "Any of Ash's entries will have the advantage against Quilava..."

"I think you spoke too soon..." Brock mused as Aina's attempt at a Karate Chop was met with another Flame Wheel, knocking her out.

"What? I thought Aina could have swept Macy." Masty gasped as Macy welcomed back her Electabuzz Livewire to face River.

In the arena, River heaved a Water Gun at Livewire, only for the spray of water to bounce off a shining wall she recognized as Light Screen. [Okay, since the physical approach won't work, let's try the magical approach...]

She took a deep breath and sang Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul...

"Yes!" Ash cried as the wave of watery sound managed to break through, but he didn't see an electrified fist coming for River! "Oh no!"

The remaining Pokemon count is 2 to 1. the announcer commented.

Ash's final Poke Ball at his side made him smile. I may be against the wall, but I'm bringing back a familiar face to try and make a comeback!

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

"Brenna?" Misty gasped as the Squirtle materialized. "How'd she get here?"

"I was surprised to find her on the entry form last night myself." Brock was equally surprised. "But she is one of Ash's most reliable Pokemon besides Tintri, so maybe he let one of his active ones sit this match out so Brenna could compete."

"I hope Ash knows what he's doing..." Misty worried as she watched the Electabuzz charge a Thunderbolt.

Her worried look turned to joy as a familiar Water Gun hit Livewire before he could fire. "What?" Macy gasped in shock as she watched Brenna evade a volley of electric fists.

"I see what Ash wants to do!" Misty smiled as Brenna's next attack was deflected with an Iron Tail. He's countering raw power with a speedy offense!"

The crowd murmured as a second Iron Tail sent Brenna flying. "Livewire, finish the Squirtle off with a Thunderpunch!" Macy called.

She watched in horror as Brenna heaved another Water Gun from the air, interrupting the Thunderpunch and knocking the Electabuzz out! "How?" she asked, shocked that her ace Pokemon had been bested by a Water type.

There's only one Pokemon aside--this match has come down to the wire. the announcer called as Macy welcomed back her Quilava.

"Okay, Brenna, we can come back and win this!" Ash smiled. "Start with Water Gun!"

"Counter with a Flamethrower!" Macy shot back.

The crowd roared as Brenna evaded the fire, then countered a Swift attack with a stream of bubbles. The projectiles managed to collide, creating a smoky cover for a Water Gun to hit the Quilava!"

Yes! Brenna smiled before heaving another Bubble spray. However, she did not see a Quick Attack, which ended up flipping her on her back, to the crowd's horror.

"Brenna!" Ash gasped as he hurried to help his Squirtle, aware all the while of the ring of fire headed for her.

He stopped in his tracks as Brenna unleashed a huge Hydro Pump, using the massive attack to not only hit Quilava with the water, but also with her own body!

When the mist and smoke cleared some minutes later, the crowd roared when they saw the Quilava swirly eyed! And there goes the battle! the announcer cried. This match's winner is...SILVER!

---------

"Well done, Ash." Brock smiled as the group checked the bracket later that evening. "You now have firm control of Group H with that come from behind win."

He allowed Ash before the computer screen to see the bracket. "Depending on the outcome of the second match, it's possible that you may only need a tie to advance. Macy, on the other hand, can't advance unless she wins her second match and you lose the next one to force a three-way tie."

A knock at the door snapped Brock from his lecture. "I wonder who that could be?" Ash asked as he started towards the door, only to find Macy and a Magcargo framed in the doorway. "Macy? What are you doing here?"

"I came to tell you that was a great match, even though I lost." Macy explained. "Thanks to you, Lava evolved into a Magcargo after the match!"

She hugged the Magcargo. "No matter what happens, this miracle evolution will always be a reminder of my love for you!"

"Thanks?" Ash nervously chuckled. "Good luck in your next match too!" he called after Macy as she departed.

To Be Continued...