Pokemon
The Battle for a trainer's heart
Ash Ketchum couldn't believe it. He'd finally achieved his goal. He'd managed to collect all 8 Gym Badges for participation in the Johto League. Now, with his friends Misty, Brock and Pikachu, he was about to attempt to win the Johto trophy. But Ash is about to learn that there are more important things in life than just being the best.
Ash: Well, we're finally here. We've made it to the Johto League!
Brock: (reads book) It says here that you have to battle a rival trainer using 6 Pokemon. And you have to beat him or her before accepting the Johto trophy.
Misty: That trainer must be really good, huh Ash?
Ash: Maybe-but I'm just as good.
Pikachu: Pika! (Yeah!)
Misty: (sighs dreamily) Yeah…
Ash: You say something, Misty?
Misty: (blushes slightly) Huh? No. I-I was clearing my throat. That's all, Ash.
Ash: Oh. Let's find our cabin and train out back.
During most of the day, Ash trained with his six Pokemon-
Charizard, Chikorita, Totodile, Cyndaquil, Bulbasaur and Pikachu.
When they got burned, poisoned or paralyzed-whenever battling 2 Fire-types, 2 Grass-types and 1 Electric type, you'd see how. -Ash immediately took them to the local Pokemon center for treatment.
It was nighttime before Ash saw his friends-and Brock was already asleep.
Ash: Hey, Mist. You still up?
Misty: You missed lunch and dinner so I reheated it. Here you go.
Ash: Thanks! Awesome-cheese and ham!
Misty: Hm-hmm.
Ash: Is there a reason you're still up?
Misty: Yeah. Listen Ash-you know I'll support you tomorrow during the match, right?
Ash: Yeah…
Misty: Well, I need to know-(blushes)
Ash: Yeah?
Misty: Do you love me like I love you?
Ash dropped his fork in shock. Had he heard right? Did Misty love him-as in more than friendship?
Ash: Uh…do I have to answer this tonight?
Misty: Ash!! I've just poured my heart out to you and you want to wait a whole day to answer?!
Ash: Well, I-I don't know.
Misty: Don't know what?
Ash: (falls over anime style) Waaa!! You just asked me if I loved you like you love me and you don't know what I mean? I don't know if I can return your love, Misty.
As Ash got up to go to bed, he felt a part of his heart break in two.
"Welcome Pokemon fans to the first Johto battle of the season! The red trainer from Pallet Town is Ash Ketchum-winner of the Orange League Championship a year ago and 16th in the Indigo League. Ketchum's accompanied by his coaches as he faces a milestone in Pokemon League history."
Ash smiled as he remembered his earlier victories, but inwardly, he felt confused, pleased and worried at the same time.
Ash: "Could it be possible that I love Misty like she loves me?"
Ash remembered when he and Misty first met, three years ago…
Flashback
Misty: I got a bite! Oh, I think this could really be a big one!
Ash: WAAAAAAAA! (crash!)
Misty: Nah, it's just a kid! Oh, and a Pokemon! Ohh, are you OK?
Ash: (smiles) Yeah, I'm fine.
Misty: Not you! Look what you've done to that poor little thing! Is it breathing?
Ash: I think so.
Misty: Well, don't just sit there; it needs a doctor right away!
Ash: You mean a hospital?
Misty: Yes, for Pokemon.
Ash: Can you tell me-which way do I go?
Misty: That way. (points westward)
Ash: (sees flock of Spearows) THEY'RE COMING BACK! RUN!
(grabs bike; places Pikachu in basket)
Misty: Hey, what are you doing?
Ash: I'm borrowing this!
Misty: Hey, that's my bike!
Ash: I'll bring it back someday!
Misty: (slightly irritated) Ohh…you!
End flashback
Ash: "I didn't mean for Pikachu to destroy the bike. I probably would've returned it by now and it'd just be me and Brock."
"Opposing Ash, also from Pallet Town is"
Ash: Oh, no!
"Gary Oak!"
Gary: Well! I didn't think you'd make it this far, Ash. Good luck in the match-you'll need it more than me. (turns and leaves)
Brock: Ignore him, Ash. You've trained with your Pokemon inside and out. You're sure to win if you remember the bond you share with them.
Ash: Right.
Brock headed over to the sidelines. Misty stood there for a while, then leaned forward. For a minute, Ash figured she'd kiss him right in front of everyone. He wouldn't have pushed her away, but he'd be certain of his feelings. Sadly enough, she didn't.
Misty: (whispers) Win this battle-not only for yourself, not only for your Pokemon and not only for your mom-but win it for me.
Ash: I'll do my best.
Referee: Trainers-choose your Pokemon and good luck.
Gary: Go…ELECTABUZZ!
Ash: I choose you-CHARIZARD!
"Gary's first Pokemon is Electabuzz, while Ash counters with Charizard. This may prove to be either a real eye shocker or a hot start in the field."
Gary: Electabuzz-Thundershock now!
Ash: Charizard-fly, and use Flamethrower!
Charizard: Char! (Got it!)
"Whoa! Charizard's Flamethrower connects against Electabuzz and sends it hurtling skyward."
Ash: Nice, Charizard. Now-Seismic Toss!
Charizard: Char! (Right, Ash!)
"Charizard's got Electabuzz in a clinch, and is winding up for a super Seismic Toss."
Charizard: CHAR! (We did it!)
Referee: Electabuzz is unable to battle. Charizard's the winner!
"And Ash has defeated one of Gary's six Pokemon. Things are really heating up for one of these two Pokemon trainers from Pallet."
Misty: Yay, Ash!
Brock: So far, Ash is doing pretty well. Now all he has to do is defeat five more Pokemon.
Gary: Not bad, Ash. This next Pokemon's gonna wash away my competition! I choose you-GYARADOS!
"The tide's turned as Gyarados surfs its way into the field. Will Ash keep Charizard out or retrieve it and send in another Pokemon?"
Ash: Hmm. Charizard-return! Go for it, Pikachu!
Pikachu: Pika! (Got it!)
Ash: Pikachu-THUNDER ATTACK!
Pikachu: Pikaaaaaaa…CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
Misty/Brock: Whoa!
Gary: Ahh!
Ash: Ha!
"Pikachu's Thunder Attack is electrifying, as the entire field lights up with electrical energy! Can Gyarados survive this energetic onslaught, or is it too much for the Water-type?"
WHAM!!
Referee: Gyarados is unable to battle. Pikachu's the winner!
Ash: That's two down, four to go.
Brock: Hmm. Maybe Gary didn't train like Ash did last night.
Misty: Maybe.
Gary: Return, Gyarados! All right, Ash. I've been goin' too soft on you. Now-witness the true power of Pokemon training! GO!
(out pops Ditto)
Gary: Ditto-Transform!
Ditto: Ditto! (Right!)
"Either I'm seeing double, or Ditto just transformed into Pikachu!
This promises to be a very interesting match."
Ash: "Pikachu looks pretty tired. I don't want it to have to struggle. That way, it won't force out an attack." Return, Pikachu!
Pikachu: Pikapi? (You sure, Ash?)
Ash: Positive.
Misty: Ash just recalled Pikachu.
Brock: Pikachu looked tired after generating that one Thunder Attack on Gyarados.
Ash: I choose-CHIKORITA!
"The atmosphere has turned grassy, as Ash chooses Chikorita to battle against Ditto. Will Ash have the advantage in this match?"
Ash: All right, Chikorita-Razor Leaf, now!
Chikorita: Chikori! (Got it, Ash!)
Gary: Ditto, counter with Thunder Wave. Paralyze it!
Ditto: Pika! (Wham!) Chuuuuuu!
Ash: Yeah! Now, Chikorita! Use Sweet Scent!
"The action's sweetened up as Chikorita's Sweet Scent attack has this crowd buzzing!"
Ash: Chikorita-finish it off with a Tackle attack!
Chikorita: Chiko! (Wham!!)
Referee: Ditto is unable to battle. Chikorita's the winner!
Ash: WE DID IT!
Chikorita: Chikori! (We won, Ash!)
Misty/Brock: WAY TO GO, ASH!
Gary: I'm impressed, Ash. You've beaten 3 of my Pokemon and haven't even broken a sweat.
Ash: Thanks, Gary.
Gary: Don't think I'm out, yet. Go…SCIZOR!
"Chikorita could have some trouble as it is facing Scizor, the evolved form of Scyther. Does Ash have the tools to beat this Steel-type?"
What a twist of fate! Can Ash defeat Gary and win the Johto trophy? And what about his feelings towards Misty? Will he discover that love can win out over all obstacles? Find out next time!