Epilogue

Sand-Cloud, Gelby, Luke and I headed out of the Pokémon League building. At long last, we were pokémon masters. We really had no idea where we were heading next, but it didn't matter. Walking down that mountain, all I could think about was the badge I was still holding in my hand. The sixteenth badge, the master badge, was finally mine. It seemed like a dream, to imagine that I was really a pokémon master.

'No . . . no . . . this can't be happening!'

The voice startled me, knocking my out of my thoughts, and I looked up. Coming towards us, heading up the steep mountain looking completely worn out, was a familiar-looking figure. I couldn't help but break into a smile. In the excitement of the Pokémon League, I hadn't even thought about where he'd be on his pokémon journey!

'Well, if it isn't our good friend Mitch,' I smiled.

'What do you think you're doing here?' Mitch demanded.

'Oh, we're on our way home,' I smiled. 'It was a pretty easy battle, really . . . but I guess you'll find it a challenge.'

Mitch narrowed his eyes. 'You're such a lier, Janet.'

'I'm not lying,' I said. 'You're looking at pokémon masters.'

I held out my master badge with a smile, and Mitch took a deep breath.

'Only 'cause you cheated,' he said.

'We don't cheat, Mitch,' I said. 'We're not like you. Just face it, we beat you here.'

'Oh yeah, so what!?' said Mitch angrily. 'I bet you can't beat me in a battle! Show me what you've got!'

He took out a pokéball.

'Don't be ridiculous,' I said. 'I'm not going to waste my time with a mere pokémon trainer like you. I've got better things to do with my time, like compete in the masters-only leagues.'

Mitch narrowed his eyes. I grinned. I knew I was being cocky, but I just didn't care anymore. It was so good to get back at Mitch after all this time!

'See you later Mitch,' I smiled. 'Good luck, you'll need it!'

I laughed, and began running down the mountainside, more eager than ever to get home and tell everyone what had happened. I was a pokémon master.

'Janet, wait up!' called Luke, as he, Sand-Cloud and Gelby ran after me.

'C'mon you three!' I laughed, turning back to them. 'We've got a long way to go. Our pokémon journey's not over yet - it's just started!'

~Janet~

THE END