The Tournament Begins!
Part 9
Narrator: When we last left our heroes everyone was just about to find out who Ash will be battling in this exciting 6 on 6 pokemon battle.
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to thank all of you for coming to this special event today. We're just about to start the next match, so get set, because I can guarantee that it will be a great one. The red challenger is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and the green trainer is...Gary Oak, who is also from Pallet Town.
Brock/Misty: What?!
Ash and Gary both emerge from their sides, obviously stunned.
Announcer: Now gentlemen, would you please proceed to the middle of the arena for the traditional handshake.
Ash and Gary go, unwillingly.
Tracey: Uh, professor? Did you know that Ash and Gary would be battling?
Oak: Yes, I did. And I think its wonderful.
Misty: You think its what?!
Oak: This will give both of them a chance to see how the other battles, and maybe if their lucky, they can learn from each other.
Misty sighs and reverts her gaze back to the center of the arena. Ash and Gay finally meet in the center and shake hands.
Gary: Long time no see loser. Where's your girl? You know, the one who has to fight your battles for you.
Ash: You keep her out of this Gary! This is between you and me. Its time to finally settle the score.
Gary: (laughing) Ooh, I'm so scared. I'll try not to hurt your wimpy pokemon too much. You know just as well as I do that they wouldn't last 10 seconds in there.
Ash: That's enough Gary! You may talk big, but let's see you act.
Gary: I don't need to act. This is gonna be the toughest battle of your life Ash Ketchum.
Ask: We'll just see about that.
They both head back to their respective podiums.
Announcer: This match will be played on the rock field.
Tracey: This is gonna be a great match.
Brock: Yeah.
Nick: (yelling) Come on Ash! You can do it!
Misty: Let's go Ash! I know you can do it!
Ash smiles.
Announcer: This battle will begin now!
Gary; Okay. Go Nidoking!
Ash: In that case, I choose you, Totodile!
Nidoking comes out with a roar while Totodile dances around.
Announcer: Oak brings out his Nidoking while Ketchum brings out his Totodile.
Gary: Its too bad your Totodile doesn't stand a chance against my Nidoking.
Ash: Oh yeah.
Gary: Horn attack!
Totodile: Toto dile!
It dances around Nidoking's attack.
Ash: Great job Totodile. Now use your bubble attack!
Nidoking dodges it.
Gary: Your pokemon needs training. Nidoking, use thrash!
Nidoking starts to charge at Totodile.
Brock: This looks bad.
Tracey: He better think of something quick.
Ash: I got it! Totodile, use your surroundings as an advantage.
Totodile: Toto! (Right!)
It jumps out of the way just as Nidoking is about to strike. Nidoking keeps going and rams into a rock. Its horn gets stuck.
Gary: Oh no.
Ash: (smirking) Now Totodile, water gun!
Totodile: Dile! (Right!)
Totodile douses Nidoking and sends it flying back towards Gary's podium.
Ash: All right! Great job Totodile!
Pikachu: Pikachu! (Yes!)
Gary: Return Nidoking. Nice try.
Announcer: And Ketchum wins with Totodile! What will Oak send out next?
Ash: How was that Gary?
Gary: Ha! Beginners luck. Go Dodrio!
Misty: Come on Ash!
Oak: Hmm...it seems like Ash has been training.
Ash: Totodile return. You did great. I choose you, Noctowl!
The bird comes out, flapping its wings happily.
Announcer: The second match is between Dodrio and Noctowl, two very powerful bird types. But does Ketchum carry the advantage since his pokemon can fly?
Gary: I wouldn't bet on it. Dodrio, use your drill peck!
Ash: Fly up!
Gary: That won't work here Ash. After it!
It starts to fly.
Ash: What?!
Announcer: This is totally amazing folks. It seems like this young trainer has taught his Dodrio to fly, catching his opponent totally by surprise.
Misty: But how can it fly?
Mrs. K: I didn't think Dodrio could fly.
Tracey: Its not supposed to.
Oak: Gary has been training really hard lately. He told me that he was determined to teach it how to fly, so it would give him an extra edge in the competition.
Brock: Smart thinking.
Misty: I don't care if that thing can fly or not. Ash can still beat it.
Ash: Noctowl, use hypnosis!
Gary: Dodrio, you know what to do.
It lands and sticks its 3 heads into the ground.
Ash: Oh no.
Pikachu: Pikapi chu pika. (Ash is in trouble.)
Gary: Now Dodrio, use tri attack!
It pops its heads back out and attacks. It strikes its target.
Announcer: That was a brilliant move by Oak. And it seems as if Ketchum's pokemon is down for the count.
Gary: Yes! Good work Dodrio!
Ash: Noctowl return. Good job Noctowl. You earned a rest. (thinking) Five pokemon left huh? (aloud) Well then, I choose you, Cyndaquil!
Cyndaquil: Quil cyndaquil! (I'm ready!)
Gary: Keep at it Dodrio.
The bird nods in agreement.
Gary: Use peck!
Dodrio starts to peck at Cyndaquil, but it dodges it easily. Dodrio gets frustrated and continues the attack, which Cyndaquil dodges.
Ash: Good work Cyndaquil! Keep up the defense, wear it out.
Announcer: I don't think I've ever seen a faster Cyndaquil.
Brock: Smart, Ash knows Cyndaquil is good on defense. He saved it for a fast pokemon like Dodrio.
Tracey: Yeah, I think your right Brock.
By now Dodrio is totally worn out.
Gary: No! Come on, use your drill peck or something.
Dodrio just sits there and catches its breath.
Nick: Its over.
Ash: Now, use flame-thrower!
Cyndaquil obeys and sends a flame-thrower at Dodrio. The crowd cheers.
Announcer: It looks like its back to the pokeball for Dodrio.
Kris: Way to go!
Ash: Yes!
Pikachu: Pika pikachu! (Great job!)
Gary: Dodrio return. You earned a nice long rest. Go Eevee!
Eevee comes out and gets into a battle stance.
Announcer: The score is now Oak with 4 pokemon and Ketchum with 5 pokemon.
Gary: Well, we'll just have to change that now won't we?
Ash: Quick attack!
Gary: Counter it with your quick attack!
The 2 pokemon charge at each other and ram into each other's head. They look dazed but are still okay.
Ash: Now Cyndaquil, use firespin!
Cyndaquil: Quil! (Right!)
It let's loose a firespin attack which totally engulfs Eevee.
Announcer: Ooh, Eevee is burned to a crisp. It looks like this round is over.
Ash: Way to go Cyndaquil!
Gary: Return Eevee. Good job. Hmm...not bad Ash. Go Nidoqueen!
Ash: I'm sticking with you Cyndaquil.
Cyndaquil: Quil cyndaquil! (Bring em' on!)
Pikachu: Pikachu pi chu! (You can do it Cyndaquil!)
Ash: Cyndaquil, quick attack!
Cyndaquil rushes at Nidoqueen with amazing speed. It hits its mark, but unfortunately Nidoqueen's skin is too tough. Cyndaquil reels backwards.
Ash: Are you okay Cyndaquil?
Cyndaquil: Quil! (Yeah!)
Ash: That's the spirit. Try a flame-thrower attack!
Gary: Nidoqueen, use water gun!
Both of the attacks meet in the middle, causing a ball of steam.
Gary: Use fury swipes!
It obeys and advances on Cyndaquil. It starts to slash at it.
Gary: Now, use body slam!
It quickly slams the helpless pokemon into the ground.
Ash: No Cyndaquil. Return. You did a great job. You eliminated most of Gary's pokemon.
Gary: Great job Nidoqueen.
Ash: Hmm...that thing's gonna be tough to beat. Go Bulbasaur!
Misty: Bulbasaur should finish it.
Brock: I'm not too sure. That Nidoqueen's at a high level.
Meanwhile...
James: Is it time yet Jessie?
Jessie: No, not yet. I'll tell you when.
Meowth: I can't wait.
Jessie: We'll wait about halfway into the next battle.
They all laugh evilly.
Back at the battle...
Ash: Bulbasaur, use vine whip!
Bulbasaur: Bulba!
It wraps its vines around its victim.
Gary: Nidoqueen, use thunderbolt!
The electricity flows through the vines and hits Bulbasaur.
Ash: Bulbasaur, are you okay?
Bulbasaur: (weakly) Bul-ba.
Ash: Try a razor leaf attack.
Gary: Counter it with poison sting.
The poison sting shoots right through the razor leaf. Bulbasaur is knocked out.
Ash: Bulbasaur return. You deserve a nice long rest.
Pikachu: Pi pikapi? (Now Ash?)
Ash: Not yet buddy.
Gary: Ya might as well quit now Ash.
Ash: Yeah right. Go Chikorita!
Chikorita: Chiko!
Announcer: The score is now tied wit each trainer having 3 pokemon.
Gary: Nidoqueen, use your tackle attack.
Chikorita dodges it.
Ash: Good work Chikorita. Now use sweet scent.
Chikorita: Chikori!
Nidoqueen relaxes.
Ash: Now use razor leaf!
The attack hits and Nidoqueen falls backwards.
Gary: Use scratch!
It hits Chikorita.
Ash: Use body slam!
It hits Nidoqueen.
Gary: Use double edge!
Ash: Tackle it!
Both Pokemon are panting heavily.
Announcer: And it looks as if this match could go to anyone, but...huh? What's that?
Everyone looks up to see a Meowth shaped balloon.
Jessie: (on megaphone) Prepare for trouble...
James: (on megaphone) And make it double...
Jessie: To protect the world from devastation...
James: To unite all peoples within our nation...
Ash: Do ya mind? I'm in the middle of a battle here!
Jessie: (clearing her throat) To denounce the evils of truth and love...
James: To extend our reach to the stars above...
Jessie: Jessie!
James: James!
Jessie: Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!
James: Surrender now or prepare to fight!
Meowth: Meowth, that's right!
Brock: Team Rocket!
Misty: Oh no, what are they doing here?
Jessie: Listen up! Hand over all your pokemon right now or else!
Ash: Or else what?
James: Or else we blow up this old shack twerp!
Ash: Yeah right. Forget it! We're not giving you anything.
Gary: Yeah. You'll have to battle us first.
Meowth: You must be kiddin'. We've been beaten by you so many times we've resorted to more effective techniques.
Jessie: Now hand over your pokemon!
Ash: Forget it!
James: Fine then. You leave us no choice. Hit it Meowth.
Meowth: You got it!
Meowth presses a button and it causes a massive explosion. The whole building starts to shake.
Ash: Ahh! Chikorita, try and stop TR with a razor leaf and hurry!
Chikorita: Chiko!
It uses razor leaf but TR's balloon is too high up.
Jessie: Not this time twerp.
Brock: The building's gonna collapse!
Misty: (gasps) Oh no...not again.
Misty has a flashback. She remembers the night of the explosion at her sister's restaurant and how Ash had almost died. It was happening again.
Brock: Hey Misty! We gotta get outta here!
She runs over to the railing and looks down at Ash. They make eye contact.
Ash: (mouthing his words/smiling) I'll be fine.
Misty nods, then leaves with the rest of her group. Misty, Brock, Tracey, Professor Oak, Mrs. Ketchum, Kris, and Nick all make it out safely.
Tracey: Is everybody okay?
Misty: (worried) Yeah, but where's Ash?
Just then Ash runs out of the burning building followed by Chikorita, Pikachu, Gary, and his Nidoqueen. Ash runs over to his friends.
Mrs. K: (hugging him) Oh Ash, are you okay?
Ash: (choking) Yeah...mom...I'm...fine...really.
Misty walks up to him.
Misty: Are you okay?
Ash: (smiling) Yeah, you?
Misty nods.
Misty: I thought it was gonna be a repeat of last time.
Ash smiles.
Pikachu: Pikapi! (Ash!)
Chikorita: Chiko! (Help!)
Ash: Huh?
He turns around to see that his pokemon, as well as Nidoqueen, are caught in a net.
Gary: Nidoqueen!
James: And its TR: 3, twerps nothing.
Ash: Pikachu! Chikorita!
Oak: This is terrible.
Ash: Pikachu, use thunderbolt!
Pika.: Pikachu!!!
The net simply absorbs its attack.
Meowth: That net is 100% pikaproof.
Jessie: Try to get out of that one!
Just then, Staryu rips through the air and cuts the ropes that the net is hanging from. A Poliwhirl waits underneath it to catch the pokemon.
Ash: Huh? Staryu? Poliwhirl?
Misty: Good work you two. Now, both of you send TR flying with a water gun attack!
They obey and pop TR's balloon.
James: I knew this would happen.
Jessie: We never seem to catch a break.
Meowth: Oh well, maybe next time, but right now...
TR: We're blasting off again!
A star twinkles in the distance. Ash runs up to the net to release his pokemon.
Ash: Are you guys okay?
Pikachu: Pika! (Yeah!)
Chikorita: (weakly) Chiko. (Yup.)
Gary comes running to free his Nidoqueen.
Gary: Are you okay Nidoqueen?
It roars weakly. Misty comes up from behind Ash. He turns around.
Ash: (hugging her) Thanks Mist.
Misty: Don't thank me. Thank Staryu and Poliwhirl.
Ash: Thanks guys.
Staryu: Hiya! (No problem!)
Poliwhirl: Poli poliwhirl poli! (Anything for our trainer's best friend!)
Gary stares at them from the corner of his eye.
Ash: Ya know, the least you could do is thank her. She didn't have to save your pokemon, but she did.
Gary: Hmph...well, I guess that scrawny brat was good for something.
Ash is about to yell at him, but is stopped by Misty.
Misty: What is wrong with you? You could be at least a little grateful. It wouldn't hurt to say 'thank you'. I could never understand you Gary. You insult Ash and me, and yet, we haven't done anything wrong to you. I give up.
Gary: Huh?
Misty: Your so self-absorbed that you forget what it really means to be a trainer. I don't know what else to tell you.
Gary just sits there and lets Misty's words sink in.
Announcer: Are the trainers and pokemon all okay?
Ash: Yeah, we're okay.
Announcer: Okay then, let's finish this match.
Ash: But where are we going to battle?
Announcer: Well, once the fire engines clear out, you'll battle right here. Prepare your pokemon. Just to be fair, I think you should both start off with fresh pokemon, those two look tired.
Ash/Gary: Okay.
Ash: Chikorita, return. You did great.
Gary: Nidoqueen return. Good job.
Announcer: The next round will begin now.
Gary: Go Arcanine!
Ash: Go Totodile! Use water gun!
Gary: Agility!
Totodile obeys, but the attack misses. Arcanine runs circles around it.
Totodile: (confused) Toto-dile?
Gary: Now Arcanine, fireblast!
Arcanine: Arc arc!
Arcanine releases a devastating fireblast which knocks Totodile out.
Ash: Totodile return. Good try. Your up buddy.
Announcer: And Ketchum is down to his last pokemon. Will his Pikachu be able to pull it off?
Gary: Arcanine, agility!
Ash: Match it up with your agility!
Both pokemon start to run at full speed.
Gary: Now, double team!
Ten Arcanines surround Pikachu.
Pikachu: (confused) Pika...pikachu.
Gary: Use take down!
It starts to charge at Pikachu but at the last second Pikachu manages to hurtle itself into the air and land on top of the real Arcanine.
Ash: Thunder!
Pikache: Pikachu!!!
It hits Arcanine with a massive thunder attack.
Ash: Yes! We did it!
Arcanine slowly gets up.
Misty: What?!
Brock: I can't believe it.
Gary: Good work Arcanine. Use another take down.
Arcanine hits Pikachu and sends it flying.
Ash: Pikachu!
Pikachu: (weakly) Pi-ka.
Ash: Are you okay Pikachu?
Pikachu: Pikachu! (Yeah!)
Ash: Try a thunderbolt!
Pikachu: Pika pi. Pikachu!!! (You got it.)
It hits Arcanine and its finally taken down.
Gary: Good try Arcanine, return.
Announcer: Its now a one on one match. Who will win it? Oak still has one fresh pokemon, but Ketchum's Pikachu looks beat.
Ash: (thinking) He's right. Pikachu doesn't have much energy left. Maybe Gary was right, maybe he is better than me.
Just then, Ash looks up to see Misty's warm smile.
Misty: (mouthing her words) You can do it.
He smiles back.
Ash: (thinking) She's right. I can do it. (aloud) Are ya up for another one Pikachu?
Pikachu: Pikachu! (Always!)
Ash: That's the spirit.
Gary: Go Rhydon!
Tracey: No. This is the worse possible thing that can happen to him.
Kris: This isn't good.
Nick: I dunno about this.
Misty: Come on you guys. He can do it.
Brock: Yeah, Misty's right.
Gary: Rhydon, horn attack!
Ash: Pikachu agility!
Rhydon barely misses Pikachu.
Misty: Now where have I seen this before?
Rhydon continues to attack.
Tracey: I don't know how much longer Pikachu can keep it up.
Ash: (thinking) Oh no. Now what do I do? Electric attacks won't work.
Misty: That's it!
Brock: What?
Misty: Hey Ash!
He looks up at her.
Misty: Cinnabar Island!
Ash: (thinking) Cinnabar Island? What is she talking about? Let's see, Rhydon...Rhydon...Oh! I remember now! (aloud) Pikachu, the horn!
Pikachu: Pikachu pika! (Of course!)
It uses thunder on its horn and its finally knocked out.
Announcer: And Ketchum wins it!
The crowd goes crazy.
Brock: Yes!
Misty: Way to go!
Kris: All right!
Nick: Yeah Ash!
Tracey: Great job!
Ash: We...won. We won! Yes! We finally beat him.
Ash runs over and picks up an exhausted Pikachu.
Ash: You did great Pikachu!
Pikachu: Pika! (Thanks!)
Gary: How...could I lose?
Ash walks over to Gary.
Ash: Good match Gary.
He extends his hand to Gary, expecting to be taunted. Gary accepts Ash's hand.
Gary: Thanks Ash, you too. I never knew how much I could learn from one battle. I guess that just goes to show ya how much I still have to learn about pokemon...and people. I owe a lot to your girlfriend Ash. Thank her for me. She showed me what kind of a person I really am. And I'm willing to change. I'm just sorry it took me this long to realize it. You have the right girl for you Ash, she really cares about you. Take care of her.
Ash: Thanks, I will.
Gary then recalls his pokemon and walks off.
Brock: Hey Ash!
Ash: Huh? Oh, hey guys!
Mrs. K: Oh Ash, I'm so proud of you.
Oak: That was a great match Ash.
Tracey: Yeah, great job.
Kris: Not bad squirt. Your not quite as good as me though.
Ash: (laughing) That's quite a compliment coming from you.
Misty comes up and hugs him.
Misty: You did it. I'm so proud of you.
Ash: Thanks, but I couldn't have done it without your help in the last round.
Misty: (kisses him) My pleasure.
Nick: I've never seen anyone battle that well before. I have to hand it to ya.
Ash: Thanks, but uh...what are you doing here?
Nick: I decided to come for a little visit.
Announcer: Ash, I now am pleased to present you with the PTT trophy. (pallet town tournament) Congratulations!
Mrs. K: I say we all go out to celebrate.
Everyone: Yeah!
They all start to head off, leaving Ash and Misty.
Ash: Gary wanted me to thank you.
Misty: Thank me?
Ash: Yeah, he said that you made him realize what a jerk he was.
Misty: Oh, I see.
Ash: (smirking) Of all people to help Gary, you did.
Misty: And what is that supposed to mean?
Ash: Nothing.
Misty: Ya know, you showed everyone today that you do have the qualities to become a master someday.
Ash: Yeah, someday. And you'll be right there with me, right?
Misty: Of course.
Ash: So, where's my celebration kiss?
Misty: You wanna kiss?
Ash nods.
Misty: Well, I guess you earned one.
Ash: Now I have to earn them?
Misty smiles then leans in towards Ash. Misty wraps her arms around Ash's neck, as Ash wraps his arms around Misty's waist. They release.
Misty: Happy?
Ash: Uh-huh.
Misty: Good. Now let's catch up with the others.
They walk away, hand in hand.
Narrator: Well, today has been quite a long day for our heroes. Ash has won the PTT trophy, Misty miraculously changed Gary, and another one of TR's evil plans have been thwarted. More adventures and more excitement await our heroes in the days to come...