POKEVIVOR
Master This
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I apologise for everyone who saw Misty get eliminated too early and apologise profusely.
This just in, hell has frozen over.
Not too surprisingly, I had a few comments about Misty's eviction being 'unfair'. Sorry, but I had that scenario planned out long ago, and one of the few of my original ideas I had stuck to when I first planned this.
However, it does make for an interesting situation. After all…Tom is coming back…
And thanks to D Marco for some hilarious Tom scenes…
* * * *
(Shot of Tom after recovering from Misty's ubermallet syndrome a couple of episodes back…)
Tom: I'm back, and I'm better than ever! O.K, let's see what happened in the graveyard…
(Tom looks at the graves, seeing Casey's first)
Tom: Ah, Master Ketchum finally showed that Pikachu rules over the Electabuzz. Sorry, but rookies are no match for masters…and who follow the captain's victim?
(Shot of the next gravestone, 'MISTY WATERFLOWER.')
(Cue Tom's jaw dropping…)
Tom: WHAT? Did she have a falling out with the captain? What the heck happened? (gets out a cell phone and dials) Hello…yes, I know I only phoned you a few minutes ago, but now I've just found out that Misty was voted off, what the heck happened?
(Listens on the phone to the whole situation, his face getting redder and redder…)
Tom: Giselle was…actually Duplica in that tirade?
(Another few moments on the phone and now we are into volcano territory…)
Tom: Grrrr….those traitors! Those dratted backstabbers! After all that Misty has done for them…Ash better roast their hides…(another muted conversation)…what? You accusing me of insensitive bias? I oughta…
(Tom's jaw drops again…)
Tom: You can't do that! You can't pull me out of the final four, you're not going to put him in instead of me…I dare you to!
(A few seconds later, Tom has put the phone down with anime tears down his face…)
Tom: Not fair…
* * * *
Tom: (forcably) I guess it's the final farewell. The game just turned for the worst as Misty was voted off, horribly, and misguidedly. Oh well, as long as Ash is in there it's still O.K…right? It had to happen sometimes, and I guess Misty is more useful on the Jury than in the final two…the emotional despair of having to face your best friend in desperate combat for a million and the championship…that's never happened here before right?
(Cricket chirps as somewhere, a blond male duelist sneezes back in Enil…)
Tom: Ho-oh, I hope Ash is O.K after being backstabbed…
MONSTER TRIBE
Ash Ketchum
James Femesse
Tracey Sketchit
Joy Mills
Richie Williams
Duplica Imite
(6 down, 4 to go…)
* * * *
AFTER TRIBAL COUNCIL
Ash: (to himself) 4 to 3…4 to 3…O.K, Misty calls me stupid all the time, but…I'm not that stupid. 2 of us must have changed their vote…but why?
(Ash has a look around. Joy and Tracey are pretty solemn, but for different reasons. Ash makes one quick conclusion at least which is right…)
Ash: I guess James voted for Misty…I'm not too surprised, but that means someone from Tracey or Joy voted for Misty as well...Joy has always got on with Misty, and unless she's more sneaky that I think, then she didn't vote for her…which means…
(Ash has a good look at Tracey. Tracey notices the stares and tries to avoid it, but it's like having a red hot poker aimed at his chest…)
Ash: Was it you Tracey? Why?
(And Ash isn't the only person asking that question…)
Joy: (whispering) You did it didn't you…you and James…
Tracey: (whispering and sighing) Yes.
Joy: Why?
Tracey: I can't tell you. A couple of reasons, one professional…and one personal.
Joy: Personal?
Tracey: It's just something had hit a cord in my heart during in that argument, something I had tried to forget…
(Tracey walks ahead, unspeaking, as Joy wonders what he meant…)
(That night was silent in the camp…)
* * * *
DAY 31
8.14am
Tom: It's a new day, and the trait…er, tribe, are getting up, quiet, silent…(rings phone)…Are you sure Misty went last night and it wasn't a misprint?
(Shot of Duplica getting up, looking over the ocean)
Duplica: I wore the target, walked the plank…and I still survived. The fact of the matter is I don't know how I survived, but I guess something must have hit them during that blitz…and I won.
(Duplica stretches out to the ocean, before shrugging and getting out the fishing equipment, realising she's the first up one up.)
(Actually, I should say 'in view' because Ash is up, and silently thinking…well, maybe not thinking, it is Ash, but is contemplating on his own as he walked to where the jungle is.)
Ash: I thought we'd be here together, myself, Misty and Brock. Instead, Brock gets cut off before the game could get started, and Misty is gone. The fact that I'm sure it was Tracey who backstabbed her doesn't help much, and it feels I'm on my own now…that's an unusual thought.
(Ash sighs)
Ash: (to himself) I've been so used to being with company, for friendship, help and support. Now, I'm on my own…no Misty, Brock or Pikachu.
(Ash gets up)
Ash: Better at least make the most of it…
(Meanwhile, Tracey and Richie are having a conversation, as Ash isn't the only one who has worked what happened last night…)
Richie: …I didn't know that.
Tracey: I know…besides that, Ash and Misty would get too powerful and yes, Joy and I were thinking of dismantling them before then, I guess Joy wasn't in this plan, but remind me to explain to her later.
Richie: Yeah…but thanks for everything.
Tracey: (smiles) Sure.
(James and Joy meanwhile are having a less than frank discussion)
Joy: So you harbor that much a grudge against those two?
James: Let me think…yep.
Joy: Considering how they've kept you on…
James: …because they know that they can win in the final. So what if I outsmarted them for once?
Joy: Well, we kept you on as well…
James: (smirks) …yeah, that reminds me. Why are you going on about how I voted for Misty last night…when you were going to do it eventually?
Joy: In the end maybe, but…
James: No, not then. When Minori had gone, the three of us were going to vote off Ash and Misty and then you two vote off me, isn't that right?
(Joy is shocked)
Joy: How did you..
James: And I thought I was a sneaky Rocket bad guy. Oh well, nice to see that it isn't just our plans that get screwed, right Joy?
(James steps away, as Joy looks on in shocked, disgust…and a bit embarrassed as well…)
* * * *
(Breakfast is a quiet affair, as it seemed that no-one wants to instigate things…well maybe they do, but are smart enough not to say anything…)
James: Miss your girlfriend Ash?
(…of course, James isn't smart enough…)
Ash: Shut up James, I don't need that from a person that double-crossed me…
James: Considering how many times you considered voting me off, I see that as revenge. Actually, I better thank ditto-girl over there for impersonating the witched witch of the Tech, cause that was when you was going to vote me off right?
Duplica: (sweatdrops) Thanks a lot…
Ash: Yeah, why did you do it anyway?
Duplica: I told you, I couldn't stand Giselle!
Ash: So, why did you backstab Misty?
Duplica: You were going to vote for me anyway, so why ask? Besides, I don't see you mentioning your own backstab against Casey…
(Ash shuts up for a second, but quickly returns)
Ash: That was the game, it was unfortunate…
Richie: (interrupting) …so her reasoning wasn't part of the game either?
Ash: Richie, you as well?
Richie: I'm sorry Ash, but she's right. It's fine when you guys are playing the game, but as soon as the ball drops in our court, it 'isn't fair'. Ash, stop being such a fool…
Ash: Hey Richie…I'm not a fool, it's just…(has problems trying to counter what Richie said)…anyway, (changing subject) what about you Tracey?
Tracey: Hey don't get me involved…
Ash: But you voted for Misty as well, why?
Joy: Yes, I still want to know that as well…
(Tracey is silent. He eats a bit of rice and then stands up and leaves.)
Joy: Tracey!!!
Ash: Damn it….
James: Can I finish off his share?
(Shot of Tracey walking away, sighing)
Tracey: I didn't really want my past to come back into play, but I guess I'd better confess to someone otherwise they'll never understand…
* * * *
11.00am
Richie: Reward challenge? It seems like these don't really matter now…
Duplica: I know. I just want this game to be over…
Richie: Why?
Duplica: Look at us. We've got Ashy-boy and Misty hating us…well, mostly me…and is it worth it for a million pounds?
Richie: You know as well as I do that is the reason why we're doing this…
Duplica: (sighs) Yes, but I don't want to look at Misty's eyes in the jury in a couple of days time…
Richie: I bet.
(The two walk off ahead of the others as Ash is still part fuming and part subdued…)
Ash: Are they right? Am I in the wrong? (sighs) Maybe I have been listening to Tom's praise way too long…
(The only person who seems focused on the reward challenge is James…)
James: Please be food, please be food, please be food…
(Meanwhile, Joy is still trying to talk to Tracey, who isn't saying anything. He finally gives up…)
Tracey: Meet me at Locus after the challenge and I'll explain everything.
(Tracey heads off to a reward challenge, as Joy is still in the dark…)
* * * *
REWARD CHALLENGE
(The 6 at the beach are surprised to see Tom on a phone, full recovered from Misty's mallet treatment…)
Tom: …I know she put me in the hospital, but isn't there some sort of re-count…hello? Hello? Damn it…(realises everyone is here, and begins a sort of interrogation)
(Tom reaches Ash and puts his hands on his shoulders)
Tom: Captain, I feel deeply gutted because of this mishap in your total domination of winning this, but every bump must be pulled through. I'm sure you'll get through this treachery and eliminate every one that had the foolhardy attitude to go against you…
Ash: Er, right.
(Tom makes glares at Richie, Duplica, James and especially Tracey, as Tom tries to remain at least semi-professional…)
Tom: I suppose we'd better get on with it…welcome to this times Reward Challenge, where the eye of the beholder is more important than the eye of truth. It's simple enough…
(Hands each of them 3 Pokeballs, empty. He does it with a bit of death glaring but nonetheless remains surprisingly calm…)
Tom: You throw the Pokeball from 10 metres away. Whoever gets it closest to the bullseye wins. O.K, now if you don't mind, I'm going to try and get Chromus to try and reverse the injustice…
(Shot of a baseball bat smashing the phone as a voice from across the sea shouts 'GET OVER IT!' Three guesses who threw it…)
Tom: Great, even the jury is against me. O.K, I'll let the traitors go first. Miss 'more devious that Giselle, Casualty and Jessie put together'…
Duplica: (smiling) Would that be me then?
Tom: Just get in there…
(Duplica gets three throws and curses…)
Duplica: Casey would have been ace at this…
(Sadly, the same can't be said for Duplica who doesn't have much experience with pokeballs (her dittos don't seem to have them…or not use them anyway) and only one shot hit the outer ring, which Tom has to smirk.)
Tom: Stick to acting, throwing not your forte…
Duplica: Remember who won the fighting challenge?
Tom: (sweats) And moving swiftly on, the person who I still don't know why he did it…
Tracey: Be patient twitty Tom.
Tom: Hey!
(Tracey is a darn sight better than Duplica and hits two in the inner ring, but the third one doesn't get much better.)
Tom: Tracey leads, feh. Joy next, and as she didn't vote for Misty, (gets the Joy flags out) go for it!
Joy: (sweatdrops) Right…
(Like Duplica however, Joy's experience with Pokeballs aren't good. However, her aim and strength are higher, and she does hit them with speed, but whilst all three hit the target, none are as good as Tracey's efforts.)
Tom: Nuts…O.K, the accomplice currently known as Richie, step forward…
(Richie ignores the barb and proceeds to aim. As a trainer, he's had more practice with his fast ball so to speak, and gets on par with Tracey's throws. On the third, he hits one slightly closer to the target and takes the lead…)
Tom: Come on, we don't want an Ash clone to win this…as much as I hate this, go for it James…even if you are a traitor…
James: Considering I never alligned myself with Misty in the first place, I don't know how you can call me a traitor?
(James fast ball pitches however are all blanks…hey, that's what you get when you haven't caught any pokemon in forever…)
Tom: And last and best, go captain! Gets the Ash flags out…)
(Ash's first pitch is close to Richies. His second isn't any better…it's all comes to the third…)
Tom: BULLLLLSSSSSSEEEEEEYYYYEEEEEE!!!!!!
(Dead on. Ash smiles, getting a small victory after the aftermath of last night. Tom, needless to say is ecstatic.)
Tom: Yay! Go Ash! Go Ash! And with that victory, I hereby hope you cast all fury, hell, fire and brimstone towards the majority of these traitors when we get to Tribal Council…
Ash: Er, wasn't this the reward challenge?
Tom: It was? Aw crap…oh well, gets me warped up for when you win the immunity challenge.
(Somewhere on another island, someone asks 'And they excuse me of being biased?' Fortunately for this island, something stop Tom going too far…)
(Like a flaming arrow landing 5mm away from his leg…)
Tom: Er…er…
????: I was going to keep quiet, but considering you're more annoying that Usagi, I better shut you up.
(Shot of Rei Hino (Sailor Moon) jumping from a raft, in her Sailor Mars outfit, just shooting a Flame Sniper Arrow at Tom, as the guy faints.)
Rei: You the guy that won the challenge? (points to Ash)
(Ash nods…and Tracey avoids trying to drool at Rei as Joy elbows him in the gut…)
Rei: O.K, come on, I've got to get to another island, so we're going to a health spa athletics ground for the day…come on!
(Ash is confused, but he follows the scout on a raft (which has a motor) as the other looks confused at Tom…)
James: Leave him there, he'll be up in a few minutes…if not, we'll bury him tonight.
All: Got it.
* * * *
Ash: An athletics ground as a reward?
Rei: Hey don't complain…you'll see what I mean…
(Shot of a set up arena where it's not quite as Ash thought…it's actually a health spar for rejunivation, where there are self-boomers made into vending machines for health drinks, one spar and one boomer based sauna, all tested for safety (thank god) as Ash gives a small smile…)
Ash: Thanks.
Rei: Well, I better be off, you've got 2 hours here and then they pick you up, now I gotta get back, odango head is waiting, and if she's left alone for more than 5 minutes, she'll get herself in trouble of some form, so ja ne!
(Rei leaves as Ash push a button on one of the machines, fortunately they are free, as an orange drink comes out as Ash smiles…)
Ash: Just what I needed…
* * * *
Richie: As hard as it seems, Ash going maybe just what we needed…
(Shot of Richie and Duplica on a quiet walk down the beach path of Tsunami…)
Duplica: Is it me or is it quiet?
Richie: Well, James have vacated to the sun, and I have no idea where Tracey and Joy are…
(Duplica looks west…)
Duplica: I think I know…
* * * *
Joy: So, you're going to explain now?
(Joy picking a piece of fruit from a tree as Tracey sits down…)
Tracey: I guess…
Joy: Spill it, what's the problem?
Tracey: It's simple. What was said last night had an effect on me…
Joy: So, you went against Misty just because of what she had become, when it seems that her opposite number was much worse?
Tracey: Not that.
Joy: Huh?
Tracey: What she said made me think of my past, about my own childhood…(quietly)…about my own life…as an orphan.
(Joy's mouth is in the 'O' position but no sound is coming out of it…)
Joy: Holy…
Tracey: (smiles) Didn't expect that. But then again, neither did I. The fact, I was adopted into a family of the west coast in the Orange Islands, Ariwi. My parents…(sighs)…weren't the best of people. Blackmailing were second nature to them, presumingly Team Rocket. The pregnancy came as a surprise and I was surprised they didn't abort me. When I born, they just dumped me and left me on a park stool one day. My adoptive mother found me and kept an eye on me for two weeks and finally adopted me. She had been diagnosed with just a 4% chance of getting pregnant at age 20, hence the adoption. My current father was an artist, which inspired me into the same work…eventually.
Joy: I come from the Islands as well…born in Shamatu, but yes, I've visited Ariwi many times in my work…I never expected anything like that happening…and to you as well…
Tracey: I've kept this from anyone else…not even Ash or Misty knew about this. I've always felt envious of them because they do have families at least…that's why what Duplica said last night cut me deep. It reminded that she was also the same, depraved of an unknown life. True, it may have been worse because her folks died…but it still felt that she deserved it more than Misty…
Joy: Really?
Tracey: Either that, or she's doing another good acting job.
(Joy facefaults, but smiles…)
Joy: I guess there is still so much I need to know about you…want to tell me more? (grabs Tracey's hand gently, and the sketching boy smiles…)
Tracey: Sure. (Joy gives Tracey a quick peck before they walk up to the jungle, hand in hand…)
* * * *
James: Ah…the gorgeous sun overhead, the peace and quiet of the island, what more could I need? Apart from the million pounds of course…
(James is simply indulging in his life, as the sun glistens over the young Rocket, his stoic form upon the ground…)
James: OWWIE! That burns!
(Maybe not…)
* * * *
Ash: Ah, this is the life…
(Ash, after enjoying a few drinks and slimming deserts…yeah right…enjoying the spas water like a hot spring, as he prepares for a sauna before cooling off as he will head off back to the camp…)
Ash: With all this, I know I can win immunity. Just watch me Misty, alone or not, I will still be the master of this island…
* * * *
3.30pm
Tom: The captain returns to his deflated troops, knowing he has to lead these treacherous curs to miracles if he is going to survive. However, old Ash will do himself and his lady friend on the bench proud…
Ash: Ahhh…phew, it's boiling around here…
Tracey: Well, it is 90 degrees here Ash…
Ash: (sweatdrops) My mood just turned sour all of a sudden…I guess Joy has understood why you voted Misty off, yet I still don't…
Joy: I do Ash, but trust me, it's a personal thing.
Ash: A personal thing?
Tracey: I had trouble explaining it to Joy, I'm not going to explain twice…
(Ash watches them leave…)
Ash: Compared to Brock, I guess there are so many things I don't know about Tracey…maybe I should be people watching rather than Pokemon watching…
* * * *
5.30pm
Tom: A late lunch by the only person who didn't backstab Ash (Joy) is a welcome treat for the Monster Trai…er, Tribe. Heck, the fact James is getting more conversation time than Ash kinda says it all…
(Shot of the 6, as James is talking to Richie)
James: …I still don't understand it myself…
Richie: James, I'm not a pokemon master, and I've never seen it myself so how can I see what is wrong with your Victrebell?
James: I know…but it annoys me when it uses it's stun spores on me occasionally…it makes my hair look bad!
Richie: (sweatdrops) Should have known…
James: Hey, as I said Team Rocket puts beauty…
Duplica: (finishing it) …before duty…the problem is you've never succeeded in the duty part either…
James: Hey! (anime tears) You didn't have to tell it like it is…
Tracey: You know, after the month we've been here, and the fact that he has failed at every chance he has to do anything remotely bad as a member of Team Rocket, you forget how evil he is…
Joy: Actually, I think some of my nurses are more evil than he is…
Tracey: Your sisters?
Joy: True, you should see some of them trying to teach some of the in-trainers how to swim…
James: That doesn't sound so bad…
Joy: …in a field of untamed Chinchou and Quilfish?
James: That's bad.
(A few chuckles are mad as Ash is desperately trying to avoid listening to conversation. He realises he can't and decides to finish his meal elsewhere. Dupliac and Richie look on…)
Duplica: I feel a little…
Richie: Yeah, I know.
Duplica: (shakes her head) Sorry it had to be like this Ashy-boy…
* * * *
9.00pm
Tom: Despite the sunset of Duelist Kingdom gone, one star still shines above his treacherous others, and thinks what to do before tomorrow…
(Shot of Ash, the only one sleeping outside, looking at the stars and then back at the camp)
Ash: (to himself) I'm not sure, but this island has some sort of motto, like the 'heart of the cards' or something…
(He makes one final look at the camp)
Ash: When did your heart go out of the game?
(We're unsure who he's referring to, but it doesn't matter as Ash simply settles on trying to sleep, a hard night and day coming up for Ash tomorrow…)
* * * *
DAY 32
Tom: Today is the day where divine punishment will befall our evil people still playing this game, leaving the captain to rise, and rise he shall…
(Shot of Ash still asleep, even at 9.15am.)
Tom: HEY, RISE!
9.15am
James: I guess the twerp has a lot on his mind…
Tracey: Can you blame him, we basically stuck a knife through his heart…
James: (eyeing Tracey warily) Yes, but then again, you'd know about that right?
(James leaves as Tracey looks confused…)
Tracey: Huh? What was that about?
Joy: (approaching) Oh yes, I forgot about that. I think we'd better have another talk, this time, I better teach you something…
Tracey: Yes, I think so…
(Shot of Duplica and Richie making the breakfast, although they are being extra careful with the rationing…)
Duplica: He'd better wake up soon, otherwise you're eating his share…
Richie: (smiles) Despite everything, his problems, he is predictable about one thing…
Ash: I…smell…food…
Richie: …food, and within a 100 metre radius, he's there.
Duplica: (sweatdrops) And therein lines the hidden talent of Ash Ketchum…
* * * *
10.00am
(A finished breakfast, and Ash washing up, just an excuse to avoid them…)
Ash: (to himself) I have to win today, just for the smile Misty will have to know that I can't go here and one of them will go…but I'm not bitter, oh no…
(As Ash' half-witted attempts to wash up continue, Joy is discussing James' slight understanding of the words 'brain' and 'intelligence' yesterday…)
Tracey: He knows?
Joy: That was the jist of it. Listen, even if you go ahead with your plan, it won't matter, James will still see it, no matter how stupid he is.
Tracey: I see…well, he knows he isn't going to win so he can last as long as wants, he's not a threat, even if by some miracle he makes it to the final two…
Joy: True, but he's probably the second fittest around here overall, apart from me of course…
Tracey: My, modest aren't we…
Joy: No…honest.
Tracey: Ah…
(Meanwhile…)
Richie: Are you sure you want to do this?
Duplica: We have to…
Richie: Right…
(The two low-five as they begin to set off on their duties…)
(At 11.00am there is the unusual sight of Ash on his own, James talking with Joy and Tracey, and Duplica and Richie slowly behind them. Not the expected sight we thought we'd get at this stage…)
* * * *
IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
Penalty shoot out, best out of ten, vs. a male and female goalkeeper…
(Shot of Tom awaiting the 6, of course, he only really cares for one of them…)
Tom: So, here we are, an immunity challenge…which Ash will win and then cast one of his traitorous vermin to the graveyard…
????: (male voice) You know, graves were named after Robert Graves, a british poet who wrote about the Second World War, his studies of mythology exceeded beyond expetation and in honour of his bloody battles…
????: (female voice) Stop it, that's not true, if it was, how are they named after the graves of the 1900s and then one, what about before?
????: (male) I guess I can't through someone off from the year 4999.
????: (female) That and I don't like scary stories…
????: (male) Sounds like a friend of mine…
(Tom facefaults as the arguing pair are two very different characters. First, from Card Captor Sakura, is Takashi Yamazaki, the Takeshi eyed boy with a Xelloss always smiling face…actually, he tells the truth about as much as Xelloss does as well…)
(…the girl on the other hand, is an older girl with blue hair, bright blue eyes, and is wearing a University Satellite outfit on. She is Anna Reispigi from Battle Athletes, basically a cute teenage blue girl not too disimilar with Shinobu or Ami fans. (and yes, for those who have seen both the series AND the OVA, this is definitely the series Anna-chan, not the OVA's Anna-kun…^_^)
Tom: So much for my degrading speech…(has a look at the 6 contestants, intrigued by the challenge which Tom hasn't explained yet)…man, things look bad for the captain. But…I have read that Ash has outlasted Misty only twice before. Once, he was eliminated immediately after Misty. The other time, he went all the way. (to himself) Please be like Anime Survivor 2, Please be like Anime Survivor 2…
Ash: Er, Tom?
Tom: (bright eyed) Yes captain?
Ash: Can you explain what the challenge is about? I think James is scaring Anna a bit…
Tom: Huh? Oh yes…and why would James be scaring Anna?
(Shot of Anna and James…)
James: Wow, so cute! And dignified, unless two other certain girls I know…
Anna: Ummm…(sweating)…help?
Tom: Back it up James, besides, I thought you were gay.
James: Who in the heck told you that?
Tom: No-one, I thought it was something that everyone knew…
James: Remind me to hurt the producers one of these days…
Tom: You won't mind if you win the million…(chuckles under his breath)…anyway, I suppose you need me to explain the challenge?
Richie: Not really, we saw the soccer nets behind you.
(Tom does a 180 and spins, realising that they were behind him. He facefaults again…before recovering…)
Tom: O.K Mr smartass, the gist of the game is yes, these two people are helping you, or should I say, helping Ash, to win this game. Basically, you take penalty shots a la football for the Europeans and soccer for the Americans. 5 for each. I'm told that Anna is in fact the better goalkeeper so Yamazaki…weird, I thought it was Zachary…oh well, never mind….he will be defending the first 5 shots, and then Ana will be defending the next 5. Now, if traitor 1…I mean Tracey step up first…
Tracey: Thanks a lot…
(A table shows up a la Battle Athletes)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TRACEY
JOY
JAMES
RICHIE
DUPLICA
ASH
Tom: Jinx! Jinx!
Tracey: (sweatdrops) Someone kill him…or me, whichever comes first…
(Tracey takes the first spot kick, which is far and left to Yamazaki's goal. It hits the post and in as he dives to his left, Tracey with good eye co-ordination.)
Tom: Nuts…oh well…
(The next 5 kicks come one at a time (Tom cheering when Ash comes up, and booing anyone else but Joy.)
(The first kicks show that everyone has scored except Richie. The challenge continues as Yamazaki, does some saves on a few occassions, as his session ends…)
O – Score
X – Failed to Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TRACEY O O O X O
JOY O O X O X
JAMES O O O O O
RICHIE X X O O X
DUPLICA O X O X O
ASH O O O O O
Tom: Yoo-hoo! Ash is in the lead…(a bit quieter)…although tied with James…
Anna: I wonder if he knows that Osakan announcer who is not in the least bit biased…oh no…
Tom: …however, Anna-chan gets her chance to shine. The scores are 5 each to James and kanjou, 4 for Tracey, 3 for Joy and Duplica and just 2 for the Ash wannabe…
Richie: Where Zippo when I need him?
Duplica: Roast Chestnuts on an open head?
Richie: Got it in one.
Tom: (nervous) In any case, now we have Anna to take the place. Anna, if you will?
(Anna nods and takes the place in the goal. Immediately, when Tracey takes his first kick, the difference is noticable…and I'm not talking about simply how Anna is obviously a cuter sight…)
(…Anna's jump skills and overall athletism are very high. Maybe not as high as fellow stablemates Kris and Akari, but as a member of the University Satellite and into the Great Competition, she is supremely fit. Her jump is perfect as she simply catches the ball from Tracey shot who did it in the same place as his first shot.)
(Then, one by one, they all miss their first shots, 4 saved, 1 hit the post (Ash) and 1 complete miss (Richie). )
(As the challenge continues, Anna is also using her extremely useful observing skills and is judging the patterns of the shots. However, this explains why Ash and James are leading, their shots are more unpredictable. When we come to the final shot for Ash, the scores are like this…)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TRACEY O O O X O X X X O X
JOY O O X O X X X O X O
JAMES O O O O O X O X O X
RICHIE X X O O X X X X X X
DUPLICA O X O X O X O X X X
ASH O O O O O X O O X X
Tom: Captain, that was yours! However, you are tied at the end with 7 goals with James, so we are now into sudden death. The rules for this are simple. Whoever is the first person who gets a goal ahead of the opponent, wins. To ensure fairness, Yamazaki and Anna will take turns in keeping goal with Yamazaki first. James, you're up.
(Yamazaki is ready and James takes the first sudden death penalty…and hits it low to the right of the goal, Yamazaki diving to the left…)
Tom: What you doing you Brock wannabe? You want Ash to lose? Uggh…captain, please score…(crosses his fingers)
(The other four are watching this with real interest…)
Tom: GO!
(Ash aims for power, and it's straight at the goal as Tom closes his eyes….)
(…fortunately, Yamazaki dived out of the way of it, and Ash equalizes. A sigh of relief from Tom.)
Tom: Phew. Anna next, vs. the only and only Team Loser, James.
James: Thanks for the lack of pressure…
Tom: (lamely) Go.
(James shoots, but Anna makes a fantasic diving save to the top left as Tom goes insane.)
Tom: YES! I'VE LOVE YOU ANNA!
Anna: Now he's creeping me out…
Duplica: Don't worry, he does that with everyone…
Anna: What, loves everyone?
Duplica: No, creeps everyone out.
(sweatdrop)
Tom: (oblivious to that conversation) O.K, Captain, score this, and then you can take your revenge against those who were foolish to go against you…go Ash!
(Ash nods, looks at Anna, runs up…and shoots…)
Tom: GOOOOOAAAAALLL…NO!
(Shot of a smiling Anna as the ball ended up in her arms, she didn't even have to move, Ash was focused on power, not direction, an easy save for the athlete. Tom sobs in a corner…)
Tom: Anna, you were supposed to let him score…James, you were lucky. Little Brock, do some good and save this…
(For Yamazaki, the pressure is…well, actually it isn't, he wants to get back to Chiharu and prep her up for Pokemole 2. Anyway, James shoots, and it is a perfect shot, Yamazaki motionless at the bottom left hand corner where the ball is now slotted in…)
Tom: (sigh) O.K, Ash, smash it…
(Ash nods and positions the ball. Yamazaki gets ready, as Ash smashes the ball to the bottom right…)
(…and to Tom's horror, Yamazaki drops down to that area, and holds the ball. Ash stops in shock as James pumps his fist in the air and does a V-Sign.)
James: V!
(Shot of Tom, kicking some sand…)
Tom: MAN! This is so aggravating! I need a punching bag right now. And I can't use James because he's just earned immunity. Probably from some trick, but anyway…
* * * *
Tom: Well, by luck, skill, and Yamazaki takes a dive…
Yamazaki: I was the keeper, I'm supposed to dive…
Tom: Yes…the other way from where Ash was shooting! And because of that, I've got to give the immunity chalice to that Rocket slime over there…
James: (smug) I'm a slime that melted away the last resistance…
Tom: (gnashes his teeth) Just take it and go…(takes one last look at Ash, who isn't looking like anything, just upset…)..just go!
(They do, as Tom realises that may have been Ash' last chance to get any sort of revenge…)
* * * *
Richie: Last time Ash, Misty and I tried to get me to vote for my girlfriend…
Ash: Yes, and now I'm asking you again.
Richie: Why?
Ash: Er…well…
(Time: 2.00pm. Place: Duelist Kingdom. Situation: Ash basically going old school, i.e. gym leaders pitying him, this time trying to get Richie to do the same thing…)
Richie: Because we voted for your girlfriend?
Ash: Yeah, that'll work.
Richie: Sorry Ash, but it doesn't work that way…it was our decision, just like it was yours to try and vote off Duplica. For once, our plan worked.
Ash: Richie…we're friends, why?
(Richie turns his back on Ash…)
Richie: Same reason as you…I want to win…or does 'keeping Giselle on as long as you can so you can win 7-0 make any sense?'
Ash: Oh crap…
Richie: (smiles) Duplica's trick did more than just get Giselle off, she overheard your strategy, which gave us another motive to do what she did. Ash, in our hearts, you are a very good friend, but here…you're just another contestant, and like last time…you'll be defeated.
(Richie leaves, as Ash realises for the first time…he has no one to turn to…)
Ash: Mom…Professor Oak…Brock…Misty…
* * * *
3.30pm
Richie: …I still feel lousy…
Duplica: You think I don't? But it had to happen, one way or another, it just ended up messier than I hoped…
James: I guess Tom's creepiness didn't help much…
(Shot of the threesome cooking. James, on the thrilling of being safe for another three days, volunteered to do…some work (faint)…and testament to his luck, he's got three fish to boot…)
Richie: Well, looks like Team Rocket isn't blasting off so easily this time…
James: (smiles) Kid, it's becoming to the fact that being Team Rocket may not be an option soon…
Duplica: You think you can win?
James: Why not…despite the obvious problem, how many times have I annoyed the residents of the jury…I let Giselle and Misty do that…no offence Miss Imite.
Duplica: None taken.
James: Although considering…
Richie: Considering what?
James: Nothing…let's get this done, better not burn it…
Duplica: Yes, heaven forbid if we burn this fish, Misty might crack our skulls…(smiles evilly) oh wait, she isn't here anymore?
James: Wow, some evil does rub on you.
Duplica: Thank you.
(The two high five as Richie sweatdrops)
Richie: I'm scared…
Duplica: Well, I have dressed up as a Team Rocket member before…
James: Yes, that was so stupid…
Duplica: Really? I remember you and Jessie dressing up as me and Ash…
James: (sweatdrops) That was Jessie's idea…mind you, it took her half an hour to calm down to get her hair into pig-tails…
Richie: Now I'm really scared…
* * * *
Joy: Well…
Tracey: Well what?
Joy: Are you going to do it?
(Tracey sighs, then nods…)
Tracey: A bit of luck, and it's time. It's only a slight change of our plans…
Joy: …I feel a bit bad for this.
Tracey: You know as well as I do you want to win this. Then you have to take a few chances…
(Joy nods, and smiles)
Joy: I guess. Anyway, if I do get into the final with you, I know who Misty is voting for…
Tracey: (groans) Thanks a lot.
Joy: (giggles) Come on, I can see the smoke cloud a yonder. You coming cowboy?
Tracey: O.K, let's go.
(Joy and Tracey planning for the future? Of the island…or for themselves?)
* * * *
5.00pm
James: Urgghhh…that felt a bit rough…
Tracey: I'm not surprised, you burnt your tongue and drank a whole lot of water…
James: So?
Joy: When it's from the sea, salt water, it might have an effect or six…
James: Excuse me a moment…
(Shot of him heading to the bushes, we don't see what is happening…but from the retching sounds, we can hazard a guess…)
Tracey: Do you want to tell him of the change of plans?
Joy: We'll wait a bit…
(Shot of James emerging, with a smile…)
James: I'm not that fooled. First, I have immunity, so pulling favors with me may or may not help. Both set have been doing it…except for twerp Ketchum of course. However, this may lead to a plan…I've just got to think of it. Oh, and my stomach hurts…
(Shot of Ash, not bothering to do anything, just in the camp and maybe trying to sleep…)
Ash: I just can't be bothered. I'm as good as gone, giving up has never been an option for me in the past…now, it seems appropriate. The game has indeed brought out the worst of everything and everyone…I guess I'm glad that I'm doomed in a small way.
(Duplica and Richie sitting in a tree…well, under one…)
Duplica: He's given up.
Richie: I guess even he realises when time is up…
Duplica: I would feel bad, but I still never forgave when they changed their Casey vote…
Richie: He used tactics Ditzy. And so did we…
Duplica: I guess…
(Duplica leans on his shoulder as the sun shines in their eyes. It's a cosy moment between the two, a rare one in the time of hostility.)
* * * *
7.00pm
Tom: With the captain without his shipmates, it's pretty much a sinking ship for the kanjou of Monster tribe. Hmm…I better get back in my own body sooner or later, this Japanese language stuff in my head is getting tiresome…
James: (to himself) You know, I've never realised how quiet it is now…Jessie, Giselle, Misty, all gone, and the bickering seems to have vanished…
(Looks at Tracey and Joy on one side, Joy with her feet dangled into the sea, Tracey watching (and sketching) the picturesque scene…)
James: Tracey and Joy have been a firm item since Brock left. They won't betray each other…even if they betray me. They are strong.
(James then looks at the other side, where Richie has hoisted Duplica on his shoulder, in the sea, playing a game and having a riot…)
James: Richie and Duplica have been strong way before they got here, I think if the Electabuzz prep student was here, they would have been invincible.
(James then smiles as Ash drinks from a gourd of water, before sighing and heading off for a walk to Locus…)
James: And poor Ketchum is all alone. Makes you wonder if it is poetic justice?
James: This game is harsh. It's turning best friends into bitter enemies and the most moralistic and downtrodden into backstabbing fiends…I may win that million yet!
* * * *
11.30pm
(Late that night, two people are up to…well, define 'no good…')
(A woman's voice, too dark to see, but it's obvious who the male is…)
Tracey: (nervous) Hey, is it O.K?
Joy: Come on Tracey, live a little…besides, we already decided not to go…that far…
Tracey: I know, but st…mmmmmmm….
(There is silence, only punctured by breaths of air and movement on the ground…)
* * * *
DAY 33
Tom: Well, well, looks like the mice played last night. So, Miss Mills and Mr Sketchit, care to explain?
(Shot of Tracey and Joy happy as bluebirds, despite Richie taking out the laundry, and noticing Joy's uniform has plenty of wet sand last night…)
Richie: Something tells me something went on which you're not telling us about.
Joy: I don't you kids should know about these things anyway…
Duplica: You do realise by saying that we REALLY need to know…
Tracey: (embarrassed) It's..it's…it's not what you think!
Tracey: Joy asked last night if to go on a late night walk. I accepted, and before long, she kissed me. She told me we hadn't really had a chance to do anything…mildly daring…so it turned out to be a whole…make out session. And no, we didn't…go that far…HONEST!
James: Uh huh…and how much do we believe in you?
(6 thumbs down from the jury…well, not THE jury, but Tracey and Joy sweatdrop…)
Tracey: No more please, the subject is closed…the subject is closed…
James: Mmm…oh well, if Tracey or Joy wins, then I've got possible blackmail material…
Duplica: Don't do that…then who will I blackmail off?
Richie: Hey, you guys…
Duplica: Sorry…
Richie: …don't steal my ideas.
(all collapse…)
Ash: Did I miss something?
(Ash has finally got up, not really caring, just realising there isn't any food down…)
Joy: (sigh) I guess I forget about breakfast…
Duplica: Maybe Richie and I can do it, after all…you may be too exhausted…
(Joy blushes but doesn't say anything. Ash looks on dimly (as usual) before sighing and decides to start a fire anyway…)
James: Guess he must be hungry…(own stomach rumbles)…makes two of us…
(Even Ash can stop being defeated…when he's hungry. But it is a hunger for defeat which is the biggest problem today for younger master Ketchum?)
* * * *
12.00pm
Ash: I don't see why I had to ration my share if you're going to vote me off…
Joy: Ash, I hate to say this, but don't act like a spoilt child. You're whining like a baby…
Ash: Who cares? It's not like anything I do matters anymore…
(Ash walks as Joy sighs..)
Joy: I think when Misty, so did his chances…and his heart…I thought he'd be defiant to the last, instead he's basically given up…
Joy: I didn't Ash would be like this, which is why it makes it harder tonight. However, I guess it needs to be done, especially with James winning immunity…
* * * *
2.00pm
Richie: Things are rough…and the seas are getting rougher…
(The ocean's current is indeed getting stronger, perhaps reflecting on the mood perhaps of the contestants. In this case, Richie decides to do a bit of working out…)
Richie: Let's see, currently the jury is Giselle, Casey and Misty. Now, I have no idea who Giselle will vote for out of who is remaining, probably James just to spite us. Casey will vote for whoever is left on Minori as long as one of us is still here, and Misty…(shudders), the less I think about that the better. It will be Joy I guess, if Ash is gone…
Richie: I want to win. I'm going to win.
Richie: Strategy, Strategy…and more strategy…
(Shot of James, fumbling with the homemade washing line, and grumbling to go along with it…)
James: The crème of Team Rocket, reduced to doing manual labour…although I have been doing it for the past month or so…
James: At the moment, it's best to not be noticed. Next time, I've got the free vote, and will either get voted off…or be the one everyone comes to…I can't believe I'm getting this far, and hopefully, I'll get even further, say, 1 million stretches further?
(Shot of James, acting giddy and goofy thinking about the money, and the clothes fall to the floor…)
James: Maybe no-one noticed…
Duplica: (out of shot) I heard that! You know the rules, if it falls, you wash!
James: (grumbles) Damn Marge Simpson impressions…
* * * *
4.00pm
Duplica: (humming a little tune as she cooks a small bit of rice with one fish, the song is actually 7 O' Clock News from Kodomo No Omocha.)
Duplica: I'm trying not to let any pressure get to me, but getting this far, you are always thinking ahead. And in my line of business, thinking ahead rather than thinking behind leads you to the end of the rainbow. And I need to see those colours…
Duplica: Another last meal…(looks around and sees Ash, sulking under a tree)…I do feel sorry for him, really…but…
(Simmers a bit of rice)
Duplica: …it's a game, no matter how much it sucks…
* * * *
5.00pm
(After the last meal, Tracey volunteered for cleaning up. He goes to the sea, and lets the fish get fat with the few scraps of rice stuck to the pans and wooden bowls…)
Tracey: I think being here has brought out the true working side I have.
Tracey: I've been using my island skills from the Orange Islands to full use, which is probably why Joy and myself have been such a good team. And as long as she's on my side, we should cruise into the final two.
Tracey: …now, the only problem is how the convince the jury how to vote for me instead of Joy…
(Tracey smiles as he continues working…)
* * * *
7.00pm
Ash: Let's just get this over with…
(Ash heads off alone to Tribal Council, maybe to have a sympathetic ear with Tom…or at least get someone to praise him once again. Either way, has he accepted the inevitable or is it just Ash being Ash, assuming too much…)
Richie: (following) Forgive us…
Duplica: …Ashy-boy.
(Following them are Tracey and Joy, shaking their heads…)
Tracey: I guess I did the first part…
Joy: …this time, together we'll finish it. A bit earlier than expected but…
(The two nod and head out.)
James: Hey, wait up!
* * * *
TRIBAL COUNCIL
(Indeed Ash has pulled ahead and by the time the other five make it to the graveyard, Tom is indeed talking with Ash…)
Tom: …just screw them. It's not your fault they can't see the invincible Pokemon Master that I can see…
Ash: (smiles) It's nice to hear that in such a long time.
Tom: Oh well, don't worry Ash, you're still the true winner here. (notices the others have come) Oh, better pretend I've got a job to do…
(Tom turns as Ash goes on his seat as Tom turns to the secret six…)
Tom: Well, looky here, on one side we have the incredibly talented Ash Ketchum, and on the other side…everyone else.
(No-one reacts, as Tom is a bit annoyed that they didn't bite into his barb.)
Tom: Well, let's bring in the three witches of Eastwick, or as we call them, Giselle, Casey and the poor unfortunate defeated Misty.
Tracey: I thought you'd be angry at her, it was her mallet shot that took you out…
Tom: Irrelevant details Sketcher-boy!
(Shot as the jury comes in, Giselle AND Misty making a cold look towards the 6 remaining, Giselle towards Duplica and Misty towards Tracey. Tom gives a satisfied smile…)
Tom: Never thought I'd be supporting Giselle…but now the obligatory question session. Shall I start with Mr. Interruption over there? Why in the heck did you vote off Misty?
Tracey: (sarcastic) Gee, I don't know Tom. Maybe it's something called strategy, or maybe it's something called a heart, something your biased brains may not seem to be able to use…
Tom: Shut up!
Tracey: You asked the question, I simply gave my answer.
Tom: Grrr…Joy, you have my permission to smite anyone you wish as you were the only person that didn't backstab Misty…well, I guess James had wanted to do that for a long time as well…
Joy: Tom, can you please be quiet and can we get this over with as soon as possible?
Tom: ….
(Tom looks at Ash, who nods, not really wanting to be there any longer…)
Tom: Very well. James, take us off…
(Shot of James doing the writing bit, and we see his vote, 'ASH')
James: You have no idea how long I've been wanting to do this, me, James, getting one up on the twerps. Last time, it was a hope and a prayer, this time, the prayers have been answered.
(Next vote is Tracey, we don't see it. Then Joy, who votes 'ASH')
Joy: Forgive me, but we were going to do it one day.
(Next is Ash himself, who votes 'DUPLICA')
Ash: Just a parting gift.
(Richie votes, unseen. Finally, Duplica votes 'ASHY-BOY')
Duplica: Why did it come to this Ashy-boy? I'm afraid the answer is simple. Winning. You guys went to the depths to take us out…and now it's our turn. All I can say is I'm sorry, yet I'm not sorry y'know?
(Duplica vote is taken by Tom, as he mixes the jar up. The jury keep a firm eye on preceedings…)
(Tom takes the first vote)
Tom: First vote: Miss "the ends justify the means" Imite.
(Everyone sweatdrops)
Tom: Second vote: (looks at it, 'ASH') Argh! I should've expected this, but MAN! It still shocks me.
(The third vote is revealed, 'ASH' Ash simply shakes his head)
Tom: Ash again. Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this?
(The fourth vote, 'ASH' yet again, shot of Misty, her head down. Tom however is near ballistic.)
Tom: No, no, NO! His THIRD vote should come at vote five. (to himself, although everyone can here) Please let the last two be for Duplica, please let the last two…
(He draws the fifth vote with nervousness, afraid to look…)
Tom: (peeks at it) NOOOOOOO!!!!
(He jumps back like he's been shot, drops the vote, but it's clear as night, 'ASHY-BOY, a.k.a, ASH.)
Tom: Oh Captain, my Captain…I'm sorry. I couldn't save you…in the end, I was the only crewmate to stand by you…I don't want you to walk the plank, especially with the sharks surrounding you…
Ash: Please…
Tom: Oh sorry.
(Tom crosses himself as Ash approaches him. The 11th tombstone flashes as the name 'ASH KETCHUM' appears on it.)
Tom: Don't say anything, sir. Just go. Say hi to Misty for me.
(Ash nods and leaves silently, leaving with just a harsh glance at the others. However, Tom hasn't finished yet, as there is still one more vote unread…)
Tom: Just to satisfy my curiosity…(Looks at the last vote, then turns to the others…) YOU ARE ALL A BUNCH OF ^%$^%$^%$^%$ TRAITORS!!! Well…maybe not you James, you're against Ash often enough that this is a dream come true for you. Dream sweetly while you can, your repayment will come soon enough. Or perhaps reflect on your treachery. It may save you…
(Shot of the final five already leaving, ignoring Tom's war of words. Tom in the background still raging, unaware of no-one, not even the jury listening…)
* * * *
Ash' confessional;
In the end, it was something I never saw coming, and I paid for it. Is it my punishment for trying to take out Casey? What happened to the guys…was I too greedy? In the end, I'm on the jury and I've got to vote for one of those five, and it's hard to do that at this time of being. For now, I'll take my leave and hope Tom doesn't go insane…well…more insane than he already is…
Other votes;
Tracey: Sorry, sticking with a strategy, and with Misty gone, it's the easiest choice. Sorry Ash, I hope Professor Oak forgives me…
Richie: What can I say? Ash, you're a friend and a brother to me, but in the end, it's a game. And with a game, comes strategies. You pulled one on us, and since Misty went, it's our turn. It may not be fair in your eyes, but in ours, it's a way to win. And as you of all people should know Ash, I play to win.
ASH' TIME ON THE ISLAND (33 DAYS)
Ash, always a favourite in these competitions looks set to breeze through this. No problems in the early Majori tribe, and swept into the merge without a problem. With help from old friends from Minori (in more ways than one), Rudi and Giselle were taken out and it seemed that Ash was ready to help his comrades. However, voting off Casey made something snap in former Minori, and may have been the mistake that Ash made which cost him. After Misty's surprise elimination, Ash had no-one to go to, and to end his suffering, was voted off on Day 33.
Votes;
Ash (5) – Tracey, Joy, James, Duplica, Richie
Duplica (1) – Ash
Next time;
James has a choice, a tale of two pairings. Who will he side with?
The final reward challenge, fancy cruising on the St. Anne? A ticket is ready and waiting for you if you win…
Immunity has never been so important…well, it will be for the final three, but for now, immunity in the Suzaku Summon game could be the start of something.
The next council, who are this season's final four?
* * * *
And thus, the two twerps are eliminated hand in hand…
Well, it's nearly over. 3 episodes left, the next one, the final four/three/two and then the reunion and result.
It's been a long ride…and I can't wait to get off it.
R & R please, the finale is coming! Ja ne!