"Chapter 5: Round 2 - Random Challenge"
Ash stretched out in the Trainer's box, getting ready for his next match. Pikachu, now feeling much better, stretched along with him. Ash looked across the field to his next opponent. He mad met this boy, a few years younger than him, during his journey through Hoenn, and they had become friends. Ash was relieved to be facing off against a friend rather than another jerk like Dash. However, friend or not, he was still determined to win this match. A new sense of seriousness about this tournament had overtaken the previous carefree attitude he had come here with. Misty could see that in him as well, and wondered if Brock did too. After last night, she wasn't too surprised at his demeanor today. The events of the preceding night still played vividly in her mind...
(Flashback)
"Ash, come over here," Misty said, tapping her palm on his hotel bed, trying to get him to get off that PC and come over to her. Ash had spent most of the night so far in front of that PC monitor, studying up on his Round 2 opponent. After the match earlier today with Dash, Misty had noticed a sudden shift in his personality. Misty felt a little relaxation would help him get back to normal, especially since it had been so long since they had any time alone together.
"I'm kind of busy right now, Misty," Ash said, not even bothering to look away from the screen.
"I know you want to win this thing," said Misty, "but you don't want to spend all your time preparing, do you?"
"If I don't, I'm not going to make it much further," explained Ash. "You saw what happened today. That was a little too close for comfort, and I'm not even sure if Pikachu will be able to battle tomorrow. Dash was right. I need to be prepared."
"Okay, if you say so," Misty said, getting up from the bed and heading to the door to return to her room. "Just don't act so serious all of the time, Ash. Remember to try and have a little fun along the way."
Ash didn't reply, and Misty sighed as she left the room. She hoped this was only temporary, and Ash would snap out of it soon...
(End flashback)
"This Round 2 match between Ash from Pallet Town, Kanto, and Wally from Verdanturf Town, Hoenn, is just about to get underway," the announcer spoke. "Today's referee will now instruct the two trainers on today's challenge rules."
Ash and Wally walked up the referee and were handed belts containing three PokéBalls attached to them.
"Here are your Pokémon," the ref explained.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked. "I already have my own Pokémon."
"Yeah, me too," Wally chimed in.
"These are the Pokémon you will be using in today's match," the referee continued to explain. "You will not be allowed to use your own."
"What?!" Ash exclaimed.
"These are the Round 2 Challenge rules. Each Trainer is given three pre-trained Pokémon to use. Your team is chosen beforehand to determine that no Trainer has a definitive advantage over the other. You will each compete with these three Pokémon, using only one at a time. Switching will be allowed. Now, take your places and good luck to you both."
Ash walked back to his Trainer's box, still a little bit in shock over this sudden news.
"I can't use my own Pokémon," Ash explained to Misty and Brock. "I've got to use these three Pokémon, whatever they are."
"Well the handbook did say be prepared for anything," Brock said.
"Besides," Misty added, "this isn't the first time you've done something like this. Remember when you took that Pokémon test and had to battle with three random Pokémon?"
"Yeah, I lost," Ash pointed out.
"Well I've got a feeling this time will be different," she said, giving him a wink.
"I hope so," Ash said, taking his place at the front of the Trainer's box. "Sorry Pikachu, you'll have to sit this one out with Brock and Misty."
"Pikachu....," Pikachu said, obviously disappointed as it hopped up into Misty's lap to watch Ash battle.
"He can't use his own Pokémon?" Delia asked. "That doesn't seem fair."
"Well, look at it this way," Professor Oak said. "This will challenge both trainers to quickly master a Pokémon that they might never have used before. It's a good test of a trainer's skill."
"Well, if you put it that way, I guess so," said Delia. "I'm sure he'll win anyway."
"You bet he will!" May shouted. "Ash is the best!"
"Well," Ash said, grabbing one of the PokéBalls from his new belt, " I guess this one is as good as any." He chucked it onto the field, and it opened to reveal a Castform.
"Cool, a Castform!" Brock said.
.
"It sure is a really cutie," Misty said.
"Let's see what you got, Wally," Ash called to his opponent.
"Okay, here goes nothing Ash!" Wally said, tossing his PokéBall out onto the ground before him. A Shuckle appeared out of it.
"This looks like it's going to be a long, weird battle," Gary said after both Pokémon had been called out.
"Pokémon ready?" the referee asked. "Go!"
Castform floated over towards Shuckle and waited for its new trainer to give his command.
"If I remember correctly," Ash said, "Castform can transform with the weather. I think I'll try its Fire transformation. Castform, Sunny Day!"
Castform closed it eyes focussed. The sun suddenly began to shine brighter down upon the battlefield. Castform's body started to shift and change into its Fire form.
"Shuckle, Wrap it!" Wally shouted. His Shuckle extended its front legs forward, wrapping them around Ash's Castform. Castform tried to shake Shuckle off but its grip was too strong. It started to squeeze stronger, and Castform could start to feel the hurt of it.
"Keep it up!" Wally said, seeing the battle starting to shift his way.
"Use Weather Ball, Castform," Ash ordered. Castform began to glow and heat up, singing Shuckle's feet. It let go, yelping in pain. Castform launched its Fire-based Weather Ball at Shuckle, striking it directly.
"That's the way," Ash said. "Use it again!"
"Quick Shuckle, use Protect!" Wally shouted. Shuckle raised its protecting shields to block the incoming Weather Ball.
"Keep firing!" shouted Ash. Castform kept launching Weather Ball attacks at a remarkable rate. Shuckle's shields eventually began to wear down and broke, exposing Shuckle to the oncoming fire strikes. They struck numerous times, and finally Shuckle retreated into its shell, unable to continue to keep going.
"Shuckle can no longer battle," the referee said. "Castform is the winner!"
"Good job, Castform," Ash said as Wally recalled Shuckle. "Only two more to go."
"Wally has lost his first Pokémon as Ash's Castform is victorious," the announcer said. "Will the next Pokémon Wally sends out be able to counter it? We'll all know in a second."
Wally tossed another PokéBall out, hoping that this one would be a little luckier. A Machamp popped out of the ball.
"Uh oh," Ash said, looking at Castform. "I don't think it can handle something that big."
"You better call it back then, Ash," Brock suggested. "Try another Pokémon."
"Quick Machamp, Mega Punch!" Wally shouted to his Pokémon.
Machamp lunged to attack Castform, unleashing its furious barrage of attacks with its four fists. Castform floated from side to side, trying its best to avoid the insane punching spectacle. Ash could tell Castform wasn't going to be able to take this for much longer, and quickly pulled out its PokéBall and recalled it.
"What's the matter, Ash?" Wally asked. "Don't tell me you're afraid of a little Machamp?"
"You'll be the one who's going to be afraid," Ash said with a smile. "Let's see what this one holds for me!"
Ash threw his next PokéBall out, and a Machamp emerged from it.
"Another Machamp?!" Ash exclaimed.
"What are the odds of this!" the announcer shouted. "Both trainers have drawn Machamps in their random Pokémon challenge, and both are out there right now!"
"Use Mega Punch!" Wally commanded of his Machamp. Machamp rushed towards its fellow Pokémon and began to punch it vigorously with its four arms. Ash's Machamp used its arms to try and fend off the barrage of attacks.
"Try and grab it!" Ash commanded. His Machamp took hold of two of the arms of Wally's Machamp and bent them behind its back, stopping it from being able to initiate any further attacks.
"Good," Ash said. "Now pick it up and spin it!"
Ash's Machamp took a good hold on the other Machamp and began to spin around in a circle, hanging onto its foe as much as it could as it spun. Ash's Pokémon spun faster and faster, not letting go without an order from its trainer. Wally could only watch on helplessly.
"Let it fly!" Ash said, and his Machamp did just that as his opponent went flying into the wall of one of the stands. Wally's Machamp got back up slowly, rubbing its head.
"Give it a knock out blow!" Wally ordered. His Machamp shook off its cobwebs and ran at Ash's, preparing to launch a devastating blow at its fellow Fighting-type.
"Machamp, show it your own power!" Ash said. His Machamp pulled back one of its fists, ready to meet its oncoming enermy. Wally's Machamp leapt into the air and brought its fist forward, aiming right at the face of Ash's Machamp. Ash watched on as Machamp closed in. His Machamp began to bring its fist forward as well, and as Wally's Machamp arrived, they both let loose their powerful punches, striking each other in the head. Both Pokémon fell backward, reeling from the powerful blow. They hit the ground on their backs with a massive thud. They had KO'd each other.
"A double knockout," Gary said.
"That was quite an impressive display of power," said Professor Oak.
"Both Machamps can no longer fight," the ref said.
"Wow, what a turn of events!" the announcer said. "Both Pokémon KO'd each other! Now both trainers will have to send out new Pokémon, as Wally now trails 2-to-1!"
"Now what are you going to do, Ash?" Misty asked.
"Might as well use the last PokéBall on my belt," Ash said. "I think Castform is too tired to battle again right now, so we might as well see what's inside this one."
He tossed it out and it landed on the ground before opening. Materializing from the ball was a Pokémon Ash had never seen before.
"What in the world is that?" he wondered.
"Check your new Pokédex," Brock advised.
"Oh, right," Ash said, pulling the upgraded Pokédex out his jacket pocket. He pointed it at the silver-colored Pokémon he had just called forth that stood ready to battle, it's metal-plated back shining in the sunlight.
"Metalleon," the Pokédex said. "The Steel evolution of Eevee. This newly discovered Pokémon has large wheels located on its hind legs and smaller ones on its front legs. It has the ability to use these wheels in battle to move itself around like a vehicle for quick escapes."
"Metalleon, huh?" Ash wondered. "This could be interesting."
Wally called forth his last Pokémon, his one chance at getting back into this match.
"Please be the one," he said as he threw the PokéBall. A Houndoom emerged from it.
"This is not good," Ash said, realizing his Pokémon would have the odds stacked against it in this battle.
"Ash's Metalleon is at a severe disadvantage here," the announcer said. "Let's see how his Steel-type handles Wally's Fire-type.
"Flamethrower, now!" Wally shouted. Houndoom fired its fire attack at Metalleon, who quickly engaged its wheels and speed out of the way of the burning flame. Houndoom started to rapidly fire more flame attacks at Metalleon, but Ash's Pokémon was too fast, zooming in and out around the battlefield to avoid the blasts.
"It's fast, but you're going to have to attack sometime," Brock said.
"I know," said Ash, before realizing something. "Uh, would either of you happen to know any of Metalleon's attacks?"
"Of course not Ash!" Misty shouted. "Check your Pokédex again!"
"Oh yeah, I keep forgetting," Ash said, pulling out his new Pokédex once again.
"Metalleon attack's are speed based," it said. "Some of them include Quick Attack, Swift, and Wheel Crash."
"Wheel Crash?" Ash wondered. "Never heard of that one, but it couldn't hurt to try. Metalleon, Wheel Crash!"
Metalleon turned and raced straight towards Houndoom, dodging more Flamethrowers as it went. It hopped into the air and smashed its back wheels into Wally's Pokémon, sending it to the ground. Houndoom got back up and started to jump at Metalleon, snapping with its teeth and trying to use its Crunch attack. Metalleon began to drive circles around Houndoom so that the Dark and Fire-type couldn't hit its intended target. Metalleon Wheel Crashed Houndoom again, then once more. Houndoom was beginning to grow weaker from the repeated attacks and it own attacks were now becoming more desperate.
"Finish it off!" Ash shouted.
Metalleon raced full-speed at Houndoom and connected with one last Wheel Crash. Houndoom fell to the ground on its side, defeated.
"Houndoom has been defeated," the referee said. "Ash wins the match!"
"And it's all over here in Round 2!" the announcer shouted. "Ash Ketchum scores another victory against another young and up-and-coming trainer. This young man could go a long way here if he keeps this up!"
"Aw man!" Wally said, stamping his foot on the ground. "I should have won, I had the advantage! Oh well, maybe next time."
Wally and Ash, who was followed by Misty, Brock, and Pikachu, walked to the center of the arena as the crowed continued to cheer wildly for Ash's victory. Both trainers shook hands for a hard-fought battle.
"Nice job, Ash," Wally said. "You're a really good trainer. That was a tough battle."
"It wasn't really that challenging," Ash said. Misty gave him a quick elbow to the back for that comment.
"I mean," Ash continued, "good job Wally. You've come a long way. I'm sure you'll win one of these eventually."
"I hope so too," Wally said, as both trainers turned and walked back towards their respective tunnels to leave the stadium.
"What was that about?" Misty wondered to herself as she walked next to Ash. "It's not like Ash to say stuff like that after a match. What's gotten into him?"
Ash stretched out in the Trainer's box, getting ready for his next match. Pikachu, now feeling much better, stretched along with him. Ash looked across the field to his next opponent. He mad met this boy, a few years younger than him, during his journey through Hoenn, and they had become friends. Ash was relieved to be facing off against a friend rather than another jerk like Dash. However, friend or not, he was still determined to win this match. A new sense of seriousness about this tournament had overtaken the previous carefree attitude he had come here with. Misty could see that in him as well, and wondered if Brock did too. After last night, she wasn't too surprised at his demeanor today. The events of the preceding night still played vividly in her mind...
(Flashback)
"Ash, come over here," Misty said, tapping her palm on his hotel bed, trying to get him to get off that PC and come over to her. Ash had spent most of the night so far in front of that PC monitor, studying up on his Round 2 opponent. After the match earlier today with Dash, Misty had noticed a sudden shift in his personality. Misty felt a little relaxation would help him get back to normal, especially since it had been so long since they had any time alone together.
"I'm kind of busy right now, Misty," Ash said, not even bothering to look away from the screen.
"I know you want to win this thing," said Misty, "but you don't want to spend all your time preparing, do you?"
"If I don't, I'm not going to make it much further," explained Ash. "You saw what happened today. That was a little too close for comfort, and I'm not even sure if Pikachu will be able to battle tomorrow. Dash was right. I need to be prepared."
"Okay, if you say so," Misty said, getting up from the bed and heading to the door to return to her room. "Just don't act so serious all of the time, Ash. Remember to try and have a little fun along the way."
Ash didn't reply, and Misty sighed as she left the room. She hoped this was only temporary, and Ash would snap out of it soon...
(End flashback)
"This Round 2 match between Ash from Pallet Town, Kanto, and Wally from Verdanturf Town, Hoenn, is just about to get underway," the announcer spoke. "Today's referee will now instruct the two trainers on today's challenge rules."
Ash and Wally walked up the referee and were handed belts containing three PokéBalls attached to them.
"Here are your Pokémon," the ref explained.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked. "I already have my own Pokémon."
"Yeah, me too," Wally chimed in.
"These are the Pokémon you will be using in today's match," the referee continued to explain. "You will not be allowed to use your own."
"What?!" Ash exclaimed.
"These are the Round 2 Challenge rules. Each Trainer is given three pre-trained Pokémon to use. Your team is chosen beforehand to determine that no Trainer has a definitive advantage over the other. You will each compete with these three Pokémon, using only one at a time. Switching will be allowed. Now, take your places and good luck to you both."
Ash walked back to his Trainer's box, still a little bit in shock over this sudden news.
"I can't use my own Pokémon," Ash explained to Misty and Brock. "I've got to use these three Pokémon, whatever they are."
"Well the handbook did say be prepared for anything," Brock said.
"Besides," Misty added, "this isn't the first time you've done something like this. Remember when you took that Pokémon test and had to battle with three random Pokémon?"
"Yeah, I lost," Ash pointed out.
"Well I've got a feeling this time will be different," she said, giving him a wink.
"I hope so," Ash said, taking his place at the front of the Trainer's box. "Sorry Pikachu, you'll have to sit this one out with Brock and Misty."
"Pikachu....," Pikachu said, obviously disappointed as it hopped up into Misty's lap to watch Ash battle.
"He can't use his own Pokémon?" Delia asked. "That doesn't seem fair."
"Well, look at it this way," Professor Oak said. "This will challenge both trainers to quickly master a Pokémon that they might never have used before. It's a good test of a trainer's skill."
"Well, if you put it that way, I guess so," said Delia. "I'm sure he'll win anyway."
"You bet he will!" May shouted. "Ash is the best!"
"Well," Ash said, grabbing one of the PokéBalls from his new belt, " I guess this one is as good as any." He chucked it onto the field, and it opened to reveal a Castform.
"Cool, a Castform!" Brock said.
.
"It sure is a really cutie," Misty said.
"Let's see what you got, Wally," Ash called to his opponent.
"Okay, here goes nothing Ash!" Wally said, tossing his PokéBall out onto the ground before him. A Shuckle appeared out of it.
"This looks like it's going to be a long, weird battle," Gary said after both Pokémon had been called out.
"Pokémon ready?" the referee asked. "Go!"
Castform floated over towards Shuckle and waited for its new trainer to give his command.
"If I remember correctly," Ash said, "Castform can transform with the weather. I think I'll try its Fire transformation. Castform, Sunny Day!"
Castform closed it eyes focussed. The sun suddenly began to shine brighter down upon the battlefield. Castform's body started to shift and change into its Fire form.
"Shuckle, Wrap it!" Wally shouted. His Shuckle extended its front legs forward, wrapping them around Ash's Castform. Castform tried to shake Shuckle off but its grip was too strong. It started to squeeze stronger, and Castform could start to feel the hurt of it.
"Keep it up!" Wally said, seeing the battle starting to shift his way.
"Use Weather Ball, Castform," Ash ordered. Castform began to glow and heat up, singing Shuckle's feet. It let go, yelping in pain. Castform launched its Fire-based Weather Ball at Shuckle, striking it directly.
"That's the way," Ash said. "Use it again!"
"Quick Shuckle, use Protect!" Wally shouted. Shuckle raised its protecting shields to block the incoming Weather Ball.
"Keep firing!" shouted Ash. Castform kept launching Weather Ball attacks at a remarkable rate. Shuckle's shields eventually began to wear down and broke, exposing Shuckle to the oncoming fire strikes. They struck numerous times, and finally Shuckle retreated into its shell, unable to continue to keep going.
"Shuckle can no longer battle," the referee said. "Castform is the winner!"
"Good job, Castform," Ash said as Wally recalled Shuckle. "Only two more to go."
"Wally has lost his first Pokémon as Ash's Castform is victorious," the announcer said. "Will the next Pokémon Wally sends out be able to counter it? We'll all know in a second."
Wally tossed another PokéBall out, hoping that this one would be a little luckier. A Machamp popped out of the ball.
"Uh oh," Ash said, looking at Castform. "I don't think it can handle something that big."
"You better call it back then, Ash," Brock suggested. "Try another Pokémon."
"Quick Machamp, Mega Punch!" Wally shouted to his Pokémon.
Machamp lunged to attack Castform, unleashing its furious barrage of attacks with its four fists. Castform floated from side to side, trying its best to avoid the insane punching spectacle. Ash could tell Castform wasn't going to be able to take this for much longer, and quickly pulled out its PokéBall and recalled it.
"What's the matter, Ash?" Wally asked. "Don't tell me you're afraid of a little Machamp?"
"You'll be the one who's going to be afraid," Ash said with a smile. "Let's see what this one holds for me!"
Ash threw his next PokéBall out, and a Machamp emerged from it.
"Another Machamp?!" Ash exclaimed.
"What are the odds of this!" the announcer shouted. "Both trainers have drawn Machamps in their random Pokémon challenge, and both are out there right now!"
"Use Mega Punch!" Wally commanded of his Machamp. Machamp rushed towards its fellow Pokémon and began to punch it vigorously with its four arms. Ash's Machamp used its arms to try and fend off the barrage of attacks.
"Try and grab it!" Ash commanded. His Machamp took hold of two of the arms of Wally's Machamp and bent them behind its back, stopping it from being able to initiate any further attacks.
"Good," Ash said. "Now pick it up and spin it!"
Ash's Machamp took a good hold on the other Machamp and began to spin around in a circle, hanging onto its foe as much as it could as it spun. Ash's Pokémon spun faster and faster, not letting go without an order from its trainer. Wally could only watch on helplessly.
"Let it fly!" Ash said, and his Machamp did just that as his opponent went flying into the wall of one of the stands. Wally's Machamp got back up slowly, rubbing its head.
"Give it a knock out blow!" Wally ordered. His Machamp shook off its cobwebs and ran at Ash's, preparing to launch a devastating blow at its fellow Fighting-type.
"Machamp, show it your own power!" Ash said. His Machamp pulled back one of its fists, ready to meet its oncoming enermy. Wally's Machamp leapt into the air and brought its fist forward, aiming right at the face of Ash's Machamp. Ash watched on as Machamp closed in. His Machamp began to bring its fist forward as well, and as Wally's Machamp arrived, they both let loose their powerful punches, striking each other in the head. Both Pokémon fell backward, reeling from the powerful blow. They hit the ground on their backs with a massive thud. They had KO'd each other.
"A double knockout," Gary said.
"That was quite an impressive display of power," said Professor Oak.
"Both Machamps can no longer fight," the ref said.
"Wow, what a turn of events!" the announcer said. "Both Pokémon KO'd each other! Now both trainers will have to send out new Pokémon, as Wally now trails 2-to-1!"
"Now what are you going to do, Ash?" Misty asked.
"Might as well use the last PokéBall on my belt," Ash said. "I think Castform is too tired to battle again right now, so we might as well see what's inside this one."
He tossed it out and it landed on the ground before opening. Materializing from the ball was a Pokémon Ash had never seen before.
"What in the world is that?" he wondered.
"Check your new Pokédex," Brock advised.
"Oh, right," Ash said, pulling the upgraded Pokédex out his jacket pocket. He pointed it at the silver-colored Pokémon he had just called forth that stood ready to battle, it's metal-plated back shining in the sunlight.
"Metalleon," the Pokédex said. "The Steel evolution of Eevee. This newly discovered Pokémon has large wheels located on its hind legs and smaller ones on its front legs. It has the ability to use these wheels in battle to move itself around like a vehicle for quick escapes."
"Metalleon, huh?" Ash wondered. "This could be interesting."
Wally called forth his last Pokémon, his one chance at getting back into this match.
"Please be the one," he said as he threw the PokéBall. A Houndoom emerged from it.
"This is not good," Ash said, realizing his Pokémon would have the odds stacked against it in this battle.
"Ash's Metalleon is at a severe disadvantage here," the announcer said. "Let's see how his Steel-type handles Wally's Fire-type.
"Flamethrower, now!" Wally shouted. Houndoom fired its fire attack at Metalleon, who quickly engaged its wheels and speed out of the way of the burning flame. Houndoom started to rapidly fire more flame attacks at Metalleon, but Ash's Pokémon was too fast, zooming in and out around the battlefield to avoid the blasts.
"It's fast, but you're going to have to attack sometime," Brock said.
"I know," said Ash, before realizing something. "Uh, would either of you happen to know any of Metalleon's attacks?"
"Of course not Ash!" Misty shouted. "Check your Pokédex again!"
"Oh yeah, I keep forgetting," Ash said, pulling out his new Pokédex once again.
"Metalleon attack's are speed based," it said. "Some of them include Quick Attack, Swift, and Wheel Crash."
"Wheel Crash?" Ash wondered. "Never heard of that one, but it couldn't hurt to try. Metalleon, Wheel Crash!"
Metalleon turned and raced straight towards Houndoom, dodging more Flamethrowers as it went. It hopped into the air and smashed its back wheels into Wally's Pokémon, sending it to the ground. Houndoom got back up and started to jump at Metalleon, snapping with its teeth and trying to use its Crunch attack. Metalleon began to drive circles around Houndoom so that the Dark and Fire-type couldn't hit its intended target. Metalleon Wheel Crashed Houndoom again, then once more. Houndoom was beginning to grow weaker from the repeated attacks and it own attacks were now becoming more desperate.
"Finish it off!" Ash shouted.
Metalleon raced full-speed at Houndoom and connected with one last Wheel Crash. Houndoom fell to the ground on its side, defeated.
"Houndoom has been defeated," the referee said. "Ash wins the match!"
"And it's all over here in Round 2!" the announcer shouted. "Ash Ketchum scores another victory against another young and up-and-coming trainer. This young man could go a long way here if he keeps this up!"
"Aw man!" Wally said, stamping his foot on the ground. "I should have won, I had the advantage! Oh well, maybe next time."
Wally and Ash, who was followed by Misty, Brock, and Pikachu, walked to the center of the arena as the crowed continued to cheer wildly for Ash's victory. Both trainers shook hands for a hard-fought battle.
"Nice job, Ash," Wally said. "You're a really good trainer. That was a tough battle."
"It wasn't really that challenging," Ash said. Misty gave him a quick elbow to the back for that comment.
"I mean," Ash continued, "good job Wally. You've come a long way. I'm sure you'll win one of these eventually."
"I hope so too," Wally said, as both trainers turned and walked back towards their respective tunnels to leave the stadium.
"What was that about?" Misty wondered to herself as she walked next to Ash. "It's not like Ash to say stuff like that after a match. What's gotten into him?"